The WWE has been a staple of American culture for decades, and has produced some of the most iconic sports and pop stars in the world. From larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant to modern-day fan favorites like Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch, there is no shortage of legend in WWE history. It’s hard to pinpoint the “best” of anything in subjective field such as pro wrestling, but I think we can all agree that these five wrestlers are among the most iconic and influential of all time.
One of the most important factors in determining a wrestler’s legacy is their impact on the business. Hogan helped to make the WWE mainstream in the 1980s, and his larger-than-life persona became synonymous with professional wrestling. Andre the Giant was a true giant in the ring, and his feud with Hogan is still one of the most iconic in WWE history. Austin was the face of the WWE in the 1990s, and his “Stone Cold” persona helped to make the company more edgy and popular than ever before. Cena was the top star of the WWE in the 2000s, and his record-setting 16 world championships is a testament to his longevity and popularity.
It’s difficult to compare wrestlers from different eras, but there’s no shortage of talent showcasing these days. Roman Reigns is the current face of the WWE, and he has been one of the most popular wrestlers in the company for years. Becky Lynch is the reigning Raw Women’s Champion, and she is one of the most successful female wrestlers in WWE history. Seth Rollins is a former WWE Champion, and he is one of the most popular wrestlers in the company among young fans. Braun Strowman is a former Universal Champion, and he is one of the most powerful wrestlers in the WWE. These are just a few of the many talented wrestlers who are currently showcasing in the WWE.
The Triumphant Reign of Roman Reigns
The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has ascended to the pinnacle of sports entertainment with his unparalleled dominance in the WWE. Since capturing the Universal Championship in 2020, Reigns has embarked on a remarkable title reign that has shattered records and captivated the wrestling world.
Reigns’ reign has been characterized by an aura of invincibility. He has defended his title successfully against countless challengers, including the likes of John Cena, Daniel Bryan, and Brock Lesnar. His iconic “Superman punch” and “spear” have become synonymous with his devastating power and dominance.
Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Reigns has also established himself as a magnetic personality on the microphone. His promos are often filled with charismatic intensity and unwavering confidence, leaving the WWE Universe both captivated and intimidated.
The table below highlights some of the key statistics and milestones of Roman Reigns’ record-breaking title reign:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Days as Universal Champion | 840+ |
| Successful Title Defenses | 30+ |
| Wins over Former World Champions | 10+ |
The Aerial Prowess of Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is widely recognized as one of the most agile and athletic performers in WWE history. His ability to soar through the air with ease has earned him the nickname “The Aerialist.”
Signature Moves
Rollins’ signature aerial maneuver is the Curb Stomp, a devastating double underhook powerbomb that he often delivers from the top rope. He also utilizes the Phoenix Splash, a high-flying splash from the top rope, and the Frog Splash, a 450 splash that he popularized in WWE.
Unveiling the “Frog Splash”
Rollins’ Frog Splash is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The move involves him leaping from the top rope, executing a backflip, and landing feet-first on his opponent. It requires incredible timing, coordination, and core strength. Rollins first unveiled the Frog Splash in 2015 against John Cena, cementing himself as a true aerial phenomenon.
Here’s a table summarizing Seth Rollins’ aerial maneuvers:
| Move | Description |
|---|---|
| Curb Stomp | Double underhook powerbomb from the top rope |
| Phoenix Splash | High-flying splash from the top rope |
| Frog Splash | 450 splash with a backflip |
The Phenomenal Superstar: AJ Styles
AJ Styles is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Styles is a two-time WWE Champion, a four-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, and a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He has also won numerous other championships in other promotions throughout his career.
TNA Wrestling
Styles debuted in TNA in 2002, and quickly became one of the company’s top stars. He won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in 2003, and held it for over 200 days. Styles also won the X Division Championship twice, and was a member of the Fourtune stable. He left TNA in 2013 to join WWE.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Styles debuted in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2014, and quickly established himself as one of the top wrestlers in the company. He won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time in 2014, and held it for over 300 days. Styles also won the IWGP Intercontinental Championship twice. He left NJPW in 2016 to return to WWE.
Bullet Club
Styles was a leader of the Bullet Club stable during his time in NJPW. The Bullet Club is a group of rebellious wrestlers who often antagonize the fans. Styles was a key member of the Bullet Club, and helped lead them to several championships. He left the stable in 2016 to return to WWE.
| Championship | Reigns | Days Held |
|---|---|---|
| WWE Championship | 2 | 411 |
| TNA World Heavyweight Championship | 4 | 1162 |
| IWGP Heavyweight Championship | 3 | 838 |
| IWGP Intercontinental Championship | 2 | 393 |
| X Division Championship | 2 | 283 |
The Blueprint: John Cena
John Cena is undoubtedly one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. With an unprecedented 17 world championship reigns, Cena has cemented his legacy as a legend in the wrestling industry. Known for his unwavering determination and infectious enthusiasm, he has become a beloved figure among fans worldwide.
Early Career
Cena’s journey to stardom began in 2002 with his debut in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). He quickly rose through the ranks, winning the OVW Heavyweight Championship twice. In 2004, he made his WWE debut on the SmackDown brand, where he soon became a fan favorite.
Hustle, Loyalty, Respect
Cena’s signature catchphrase, “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,” perfectly encapsulates his unwavering commitment to the sport. His relentless work ethic, unwavering loyalty to his fans, and unwavering respect for his opponents have earned him immense admiration.
Prolific Championship Reign
Cena’s championship reign is truly unparalleled in WWE history. He has held the WWE Championship 13 times, the World Heavyweight Championship 3 times, and the United States Championship 5 times. His ability to consistently deliver captivating performances and connect with the audience has made him a true champion in every sense of the word.
Iconic Rivalries
Cena’s career has been marked by numerous iconic rivalries that have cemented his status as a legendary performer. His feuds with the likes of Triple H, Edge, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns have produced some of the most unforgettable matches in WWE history.
One of Cena’s most memorable rivalries was with AJ Styles. The two Superstars engaged in a series of intense and highly acclaimed matches, including their classic encounter at SummerSlam 2016. Their rivalry was not only a battle of skill and athleticism but also a testament to Cena’s ability to elevate his opponents to new heights.
Another iconic feud was with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Their rivalry began in 2011 and culminated in the main event of WrestleMania XXVIII, where Cena defeated The Rock to win his first WWE Championship. The match was a historic moment for WWE and solidified Cena’s status as the face of the company.
Cena’s rivalry with Brock Lesnar also deserves mention. Their feud began in 2014 and produced some of the most brutal and physically demanding matches in recent memory. Cena’s ability to withstand Lesnar’s relentless attacks and ultimately defeat him at SummerSlam 2014 is a testament to his incredible resilience and determination.
| Title | Date | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| WWE Championship | June 29, 2005 | JBL |
| World Heavyweight Championship | April 3, 2011 | The Miz |
| United States Championship | July 5, 2014 | Alberto Del Rio |
The Beastslayer and Tribal Chief: Brock Lesnar
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Brock Lesnar was born in Webster, South Dakota, in 1977. He excelled in amateur wrestling, winning the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2000. Lesnar made his professional wrestling debut in 2002 and quickly gained recognition for his raw power and intimidating presence.
WWE Debut and Rise to Stardom
Lesnar joined WWE in 2002 and quickly established himself as a dominant force. He won the WWE Championship in 2003, becoming the youngest man to hold the title at age 25. Lesnar continued to dominate WWE, winning the Royal Rumble in 2004 and headlining WrestleMania XX.
NFL Stint and Return to WWE
In 2004, Lesnar briefly left WWE to pursue a career in the NFL. He played for the Minnesota Vikings for one season before returning to WWE in 2005. Lesnar continued to be a top star in WWE, winning the WWE Championship again in 2006.
End of WWE Run and UFC Career
Lesnar left WWE in 2008 and embarked on a successful mixed martial arts (MMA) career. He fought in the UFC from 2008 to 2011, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2009. Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012.
Recent Success and Tribal Chief
Since his return to WWE, Lesnar has continued to be a dominant force. He won the Universal Championship in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2020, Lesnar became the Tribal Chief of the Anoa’i family and aligned himself with Paul Heyman. Lesnar has continued to dominate WWE, winning the WWE Championship again in 2021.
| Accomplishments |
|---|
| WWE Championship (5 times) |
| Universal Championship (3 times) |
| Royal Rumble Winner (2004) |
| UFC Heavyweight Champion (2009) |
The Empress of Tomorrow: Asuka
Asuka, born Kanako Urai, is a renowned Japanese professional wrestler who has captivated the WWE Universe with her exceptional skills and enigmatic presence. Known as “The Empress of Tomorrow,” she is widely regarded as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.
Early Career and Dominance in NXT
Asuka made her WWE debut in 2015 and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the NXT brand. She embarked on an impressive undefeated streak that lasted over two years, capturing the NXT Women’s Championship and becoming a beloved fan favorite.
Debut and Success on the Main Roster
In 2017, Asuka was promoted to the WWE main roster and made her highly anticipated debut at the Royal Rumble. She dominated the match and eliminated multiple competitors before ultimately winning. This victory set the stage for her successful main roster career, where she held the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships multiple times.
Signature Moves and Style
Asuka’s remarkable in-ring abilities are characterized by her signature moves, including the Asuka Lock, a devastating submission hold, and the Green Mist, a blinding spray that disorients her opponents. Her distinctive style combines high-flying maneuvers with technical prowess, making her a thrilling and unpredictable competitor.
Table of Victories
| Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III | Nia Jax | Victory |
| Royal Rumble 2018 | Multiple Opponents | Victory |
| SummerSlam 2020 | Sasha Banks | Victory |
Accolades and Legacy
Throughout her illustrious career, Asuka has amassed numerous accolades, including the NXT Women’s Championship (twice), the Raw Women’s Championship (twice), and the SmackDown Women’s Championship (once). She has also been recognized as the WWE Female Superstar of the Year (2017) and the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Woman of the Year (2018). Asuka’s legacy as a pioneering female wrestler and one of the most dominant performers in WWE history is firmly cemented.
The Queen of Harts: Natalya Neidhart
Natalya Neidhart, also known as Nattie, is a third-generation wrestler who has made a name for herself in the WWE. She is the daughter of legendary wrestler Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and the niece of Bret “The Hitman” Hart.
Natalya’s journey to the WWE began in her youth when she trained under her father and uncle. She made her WWE debut in 2007 and quickly rose through the ranks, winning the Divas Championship in 2010 and the SmackDown Women’s Championship in 2017.
Nattie’s Legacy
Natalya is widely regarded as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time. She has held numerous championships and has faced some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Ronda Rousey.
Nattie’s Signature Moves
- Sharpshooter
- Discus Clothesline
- Natalya Snap
- Cat’s Cradle Suplex
- German Suplex
- Electric Chair Drop
- Running Bulldog
Nattie’s Championships
| Championship | Times Held |
|---|---|
| WWE Divas Championship | 1 |
| WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship | 1 |
| NXT Women’s Championship | 1 |
The Cerebral Assassin: Triple H
Triple H is a 14-time world champion, making him one of the most successful wrestlers in WWE history. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame and has headlined multiple WrestleMania events. Triple H has been a major force in WWE for over two decades and is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Early Life and Career
Triple H, born Paul Michael Levesque, began his wrestling career in 1992. He wrestled in various independent promotions before joining WCW in 1994. In WCW, he was known as Terra Ryzing and later Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 1999 and held the title for almost a year.
WWE Career
Triple H joined WWE in 2000 and quickly became one of the company’s top stars. He formed the faction D-Generation X (DX) with Shawn Michaels and was involved in some of WWE’s most memorable storylines.
World Heavyweight Championship Reigns
Triple H has won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship a record 14 times. He first won the title in 2002 and has held it on multiple occasions since. Triple H is one of the most dominant world champions in WWE history.
Evolution
In 2003, Triple H formed the faction Evolution with Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista. Evolution was one of the most successful factions in WWE history and helped Triple H maintain his status as a top star.
Triple H’s Legacy
Triple H is one of the most decorated wrestlers in WWE history. He is a 14-time world champion, a member of the Hall of Fame, and has headlined multiple WrestleMania events. Triple H has been a major force in WWE for over two decades and is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Number 8: His Relationship with Stephanie McMahon
Triple H’s marriage to Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of WWE CEO Vince McMahon, has been a major part of his storyline in recent years. The couple has been married since 2003 and has three daughters together. Triple H’s relationship with Stephanie has given him a lot of power and influence within WWE.
| Year | Spouse | Children |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Stephanie McMahon | 3 |
The Viper and Dead Man: Randy Orton and The Undertaker
Early Careers
Randy Orton debuted in 2002, quickly rising through the ranks, while The Undertaker debuted in 1990, becoming a legend in the industry.
Signature Moves
Orton’s signature move is the RKO, a devastating finisher. The Undertaker’s signature move is the Tombstone Piledriver, a powerful finishing maneuver.
Titles and Accomplishments
Both Orton and The Undertaker have won multiple world championships and other major titles throughout their careers.
Feuds and Rivalries
Orton and The Undertaker have engaged in several memorable feuds, including their iconic match at WrestleMania 31.
Character and Persona
Orton portrays a cunning and ruthless viper, while The Undertaker embodies the supernatural and mystical “Dead Man.”
Longevity
Orton and The Undertaker have consistently performed at a high level for over 20 years.
Legacy
Both Orton and The Undertaker are considered two of the greatest wrestlers of all time and have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Memorable Moments
Orton’s 2003 cash-in of the Money in the Bank contract is an iconic moment, while The Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania is legendary.
Number 9: The Streak
The Undertaker’s 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania is one of the most iconic feats in wrestling history. It began in 1991 and was finally broken by Brock Lesnar in 2014. The streak cemented The Undertaker’s status as a living legend and added to the mystique of his character.
| Wrestler | Win | Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Randy Orton | 1 | 2 |
| The Undertaker | 2 | 1 |
The Architect of the Shield: Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose, also known as Jon Moxley, is a former WWE wrestler who gained prominence as a member of The Shield, alongside Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
Early Life and Career
Ambrose was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and began wrestling in his teens. He wrestled for several independent promotions before joining WWE’s developmental system in 2011.
The Shield
In 2012, Ambrose debuted on WWE television as a member of The Shield, a rebellious trio that targeted authority figures. The Shield quickly became one of the most popular factions in the company’s history.
Solo Career
After The Shield disbanded in 2014, Ambrose embarked on a successful solo career. He won the Intercontinental Championship three times and the Hardcore Championship once.
Lunatic Fringe
Ambrose’s unhinged personality earned him the nickname “Lunatic Fringe.” He was known for his unpredictable and fearless style, often engaging in brutal brawls.
Rivals
Throughout his WWE career, Ambrose feuded with numerous top stars, including Triple H, The Miz, and Brock Lesnar.
Departures and Returns
Ambrose left WWE in 2019 but returned in 2021 as Jon Moxley, his former name from the independent circuit.
Signature Moves
Ambrose’s signature moves included the DDT, Dirty Deeds (Double Underhook DDT), and Suicide Dive.
Impact on WWE
Ambrose played a significant role in the popularity of The Shield and helped elevate the Intercontinental Championship. His unique personality and in-ring style made him a fan favorite.
Legacy
Dean Ambrose will be remembered as one of the most influential and charismatic wrestlers of the modern era. His contributions to WWE will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
Accomplishments
| Championship | Times Won |
|---|---|
| WWE Intercontinental Championship | 3 |
| WWE Hardcore Championship | 1 |
The Best of the WWE
WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is a global entertainment company that has been captivating audiences for decades with its larger-than-life characters, gripping storylines, and high-flying action. While personal preferences may vary, there are several wrestlers, matches, and moments that stand out as the best that the WWE has to offer.
One of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history is Stone Cold Steve Austin. With his signature “glass break” entrance music and rebellious attitude, Austin became a fan favorite throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His rivalry with The Rock is considered one of the greatest in WWE history.
Another legendary WWE superstar is The Undertaker. Known for his dark and mysterious persona, The Undertaker has been a mainstay in the company for over three decades. His undefeated streak at WrestleMania, which lasted from 1991 to 2014, is one of the most impressive feats in wrestling history.
In terms of matches, the Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26 is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. The brutality and intensity of the match, coupled with the gripping storyline behind it, made it a truly unforgettable spectacle.
People Also Ask
Who is the most popular WWE wrestler?
This is a subjective question, but some of the most popular WWE wrestlers over the years include Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, and The Undertaker.
What is the best WWE match ever?
Again, this is a matter of personal opinion, but some of the matches that are frequently cited as the best of all time include the Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, the Iron Man match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XII, and the Royal Rumble match from 1992.
Who has the most WWE championships?
John Cena holds the record for the most WWE championships with 16 reigns. Other wrestlers who have won the title multiple times include Hulk Hogan (6 reigns), The Rock (8 reigns), and Bruno Sammartino (7 reigns).
