20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time

Sid Pullar III | Oct 13, 2024

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WWE has been the home of some of the greatest wrestlers to ever grace a professional wrestling ring. From legendary in-ring competitors to extremely charismatic characters, the company has showcased some of the most engaging personalities that have made the business a success over the course of the past five decades. These wrestlers have sold out arenas and stadiums, while entertaining millions that make them remembered for years afterwards. Here are the 10 greatest WWE wrestlers of all time.

20. Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch celebrates after her historic win in the main event of WrestleMania 35 / wwe.com

The only woman to make this list and well deserving of it is Becky Lynch. One of the Four Horsewomen, Becky was part of the quartet that truly shaped how women’s wrestling would be presented and showcased in the future. Lynch wasn’t supposed to be the breakout star of the four and was often brushed aside in favor of the likes of Charlotte Flair or Sasha Banks. However, her dedication, determination and persistence allowed her to break the glass ceiling and become the biggest female star of her generation. “The Man” showcased amazing character work, microphone work and in-ring ability that made her an indisputable megastar. The first woman to win a WrestleMania main event put on some of the finest and lauded bouts and feuds that fans have seen from the women’s division. From Ronda Rousey to Bianca Belair, Lynch is a bonafide needle mover who has connected with fans and created magic with a wide variety of performers. Becky deserves to be on this list and could rise up even further in the years to come, if she chooses.

19. Mick Foley

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Mick Foley was a Hardcore Legend before he ever stepped into the WWE. Thanks to wild brawls with Terry Funk in Japan and Vader in WCW as Cactus Jack, Foley could have retired before 1996 and still been considered an all-time great. However, Foley transformed himself into a new character in Mankind and rose the ranks. His historic feud with The Undertaker allowed him to make a mark instantly. With “The Three Faces of Foley,” Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love displayed the extraordinary character work of the WWE Hall of Famer. His incredible Hell In A Cell war with Taker in 1998 is often discussed among the most famous matches in the history of the company. Foley put his body on the line that helped make an indelible connection with the fans. The three-time WWE World Champion achieved more in six years with the company that others could not in two decades.

18. Chris Jericho

Feb 22, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chris Jericho appears during AEW Dynamite at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Chris Jericho came into WWE after an up-and-down run in WCW back in 1999. His debut in the promotion is still remembered as one of the best Monday Night Raw moments in the show’s history. Jericho’s talking ability made him an instant hit, but it took patience and dedication for his rise up the card. Eventually becoming the first Undisputed WWE Champion, Jericho still lives off the credibility of being the man to beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night. After hiatuses from the company, Jericho was able to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer by putting on superb rivalries with Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit and more. From his brilliant character work to excellent in-ring skills, “Y2J” has a lasting presence on fans’ memories due to fantastic moments and matches over the years.

17. CM Punk

CM Punk was never supposed to be a top star in the land of giants that was WWE. The grudge aesthetic and straight-edge lifestyle didn’t scream breakout main eventer to the powers that be. However, Punk had a great deal of heart and worked tirelessly to prove himself night in and night out. “The Second City Saint” went from one of the earliest indie darlings to WWE Champion. Becoming a respected in-ring performer and a marvelous talker on the mic, Punk was simply undeniable. The five-time WWE World Champion rose to prominence by being a masterful storyteller who crafted first-rate feuds and matches. From his classics with John Cena and Daniel Bryan to magnificent feuds with Jeff Hardy and The Rock, Punk was a certified needle mover. Punk left the company on top after disputes with Vince McMahon, but his return to the company after nearly a decade away at Survivor Series 2023 will stand the test of time as one of the greatest comebacks in WWE history.

16. Andre The Giant

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In many cases, Andre The Giant was pro wrestling’s first special attraction. At 7 foot 4 inches and 520 lbs, Andre instantly made himself a hit in the wrestling world. One of the first stars that Vince McMahon built his expansion of the business around in the 1980's, The Giant was unbelievable for fans to witness in person, which allowed him to pack arenas and stadiums. Staying away from the main title scene for many years, Andre was able to become a top star without holding the top prize. Crossing over into Hollywood, Andre became one of the first wrestlers to star in a movie with “The Princess Bride.” Andre The Giant was also part of the legendary WrestleMania III main event alongside Hulk Hogan. His rivalry with “The Hulkster” was able to sell out arenas all around the world and led to his first WWE Championship win. Andre continues to have a lasting memory in the industry as the first giant and mainstream breakout star.

15. Randy Orton

Only the second third-generation star to come into WWE after The Rock, Randy Orton had a lot to live up to when he started wrestling. Despite hardships and his own personal demons, Orton was able to achieve new heights throughout two decades with the promotion. Becoming “The Legend Killer” as a member of Evolution, Orton made his name at the expense of some all-time greats. Slowly but surely, “The Viper” became exactly that in his own right. The 14-time WWE World Champion put on classic matches and rivalries with a who’s who of the business from John Cena and Mick Foley to Triple H and Daniel Bryan. Orton’s legacy is still being cemented as he continues to be at the top of his game to this day.

14. Edge

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Edge came into WWF/WWE with a unique character that made him standout from the get-go. However, he was not pegged for the overwhelming amount of success he would gain throughout the next two decades of his career. Edge rose the ranks alongside Christian and would become one of the most memorable tandems of the Attitude Era. Winning tag team gold on seven occasions and being one third of the celebrated TLC matches, Edge revolutionized tag team wrestling and the business overall with his best friend, The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boys. From there, “The Rated R Superstar” became a main event level star, winning every singles title available to him. Becoming a top heel and first Money In The Bank winner, Edge put on famous feuds with the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton and more. The 11-time WWE World Champion left his mark on the industry that made his early retirement heartbreaking and his eventual return renowned.

13. Rowdy Roddy Piper

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Rowdy Roddy Piper was the top heel who helped WWE in the 1980's expand into the mainstream conversation. With a tremendous ability to garner heat from the fans, Piper was the perfect foil for top babyface and WWF Champion Hulk Hogan during this period. Without Piper, WWF would not have experienced the pro wrestling boom of the 80's. “The Hot Rod” was able to gain the respect of the fans and become an extremely popular babyface into the 1990's as well. Putting on critically acclaimed bouts and rivalries against Bret Hart and Ric Flair, Piper’s importance to what WWF was able to become cannot be quantified or underestimated. 

12. Kurt Angle

One of the most decorated athletes to ever step foot in a WWE ring, Kurt Angle is often mentioned among the greatest in-ring performers in pro wrestling history. The Olympic Gold Medalist walked into the business as a legend due to his amateur wrestling background, but he did not rest on his past accomplishments and achieved every accolade available to him. He is a former six-time WWE World Champion and a Grand Slam Champion. With all his ability inside the squared circle, Angle was also able to become an entertaining character and talker on the microphone as well. From sensational bouts with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit to legendary rivalries with Brock Lesnar and The Rock, Angle left fans memories that still live on to this day.

11. Macho Man Randy Savage

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Macho Man Randy Savage became one of pro wrestling’s first stars to cross over into the mainstream. Getting a sponsorship for Slim Jim’s and becoming the face of that product helped WWF garner more attention and elevated the profile of the business overall. Savage is considered an exceptional in-ring performer who also had an abundance of charisma. His character work and distinct promo style made him an unforgettable personality in the history of the business. Savage is considered one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time who put on an instant classic with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat at WrestleMania III. The two-time WWE Champion was also part of one of the most important angles of the 1980's with his Mega Powers partnership and implosion with Hulk Hogan. Macho Man is undeniably iconic in every way.

10. Bruno Sammartino

IMAGO / MediaPunch

The longest reigning WWE Champion of all time, Bruno Sammartino was the first industry-defining star that helped build the company to what it is today. Holding the top prize in the promotion for over 4,000+ days across two reigns, Sammartino made Madison Square Garden the Mecca of the industry with memorable matches and rivalries. Bruno should be spoken about more as a forefather for what WWE would become and will always be.

9. Bret Hart

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Bret Hart may be remembered for "The Montreal Screwjob" by newer fans, but his legacy is that of WWE's consummate workhorse. Rising through the ranks from tag team specialist to the best all around in-ring competitor of his generation, Hart's technical ability was second to none. "The Hitman" was able to stand out thanks to all-time rivalries with Shawn Michaels and Owen Hart. He also helped the company rebound from "The Steroid Trial" and carried The New Generation Era into the Attitude Era.

8. Shawn Michaels

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Alongside Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels pushed in-ring excellence above enormous muscles in the 1990s. "The Showstopper" became the stalwart of the promotion through exceptional encounters with Hart, Diesel and Razor Ramon. From ladder matches to the first-ever Hell In A Cell, HBK was counted on to deliver in big matches. Earning the moniker of "Mr. WrestleMania," Michaels elevated his game in two separate runs with the company, while winning every title available to him at the time. Today, he continues to influence the future of WWE by heading up the NXT brand.

7. Triple H

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While Triple H may have played the antagonist to Attitude Era megastars above him on this list, "The Game" became "Mr. Reliable" for WWE in more ways than one throughout the Ruthless Aggression Era into the PG Era. He was a 14-time WWE World Champion and is regarded as one of the best villains in the promotion's history. "The King of Kings" put on excellent feuds that helped drive the company's programming for 20 years. Triple H further elevated his legacy by transitioning to management where he is now the head of creative for the latest boom period for the company.

6. The Undertaker

The Undertaker was considered the heart and soul of WWE for over two decades. Taker built a reputation as a locker room leader and one of the greatest big men to ever grace the squared circle. His vaunted WrestleMania undefeated streak became the stuff of legend and was the hallmark of the company's biggest box office shows in the event's history. "The Deadman" is often mentioned among the greatest characters ever created and will still garner a huge reaction whenever the bell toils to signal his arrival.

5. Roman Reigns

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Roman Reigns may surprise some fans being this high on the list, but he really shouldn't considering how much he has accomplished in the modern era of WWE. Holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for a record-breaking 1,316 days, Reigns was the face of the company in what has become their most profitable period in their history. He is called "the biggest box office draw" for a reason. "The OTC" will further propel his legacy to greater heights in the years to come, but he has already established himself among the all-time greats.

4. John Cena

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John Cena has become a Hollywood megastar on the back of one of the best runs that any WWE star has ever put together. A record-tying 16-time WWE World Champion, Cena has put on some of the best matches and feuds ever witnessed with a who's who of competitors like The Rock, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Edge and more. "The Doctor of Thuganomics" guided the company from The Ruthless Aggression Era to the PG Era seamlessly and has maintained himself as a legend since then. As he embarks on his retirement tour in 2025, Cena will only further use his immense star power to help the promotion more than anyone ever has before or after him.

3. The Rock

The Rock may have the greatest crossover to the mainstream than any other wrestlers in the business. A Hollywood megastar and mogul, "The People's Champion" finds himself being one of the most powerful men in TV, movies and pro wrestling. Now on the TKO Board of Directors, he is among the voices that will guide WWE into the future. The Rock earned this spot with a pro wrestling career that accomplished more in a decade of service than many others could get done in four. 10-time WWE World Champion, box office draw and one of the greatest talkers ever, "The Great One" has defined the industry since the 1990's as one of the cornerstones of the Attitude Era and beyond.

2. Hulk Hogan

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Hulk Hogan is to pro wrestling what Babe Ruth was to baseball. He is a godfather and pioneer of what the business has become and will be known as. WWE's first megastar helped take the business from small arenas to stadiums. The face of WrestleMania for its first nine iterations, Hogan pushed the industry to new levels and created the multi-billion dollar business it is today. Hogan has been known as the biggest babyface and heel to ever drop a legdrop in the ring. Without "The Hulkster," wrestling wouldn't be where it is in the modern era.

1. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin was the face of the biggest and most memorable professional wrestling boom period, The Attitude Era. Austin brought the realism and rawness that the business needed in the mid 1990's. Helping WWE push past WCW and win the Monday Night Wars, "The Rattlesnake" and his era-defining feud with Vince McMahon became the greatest feud in the history of the business. His other fantastic feuds with The Rock and Triple H left an unforgettable mark on the company that is often talked about to this day. Austin tops this list because without him, there might not be a WWE at the top of the industry today. His legacy is untouchable and worthy of being the greatest WWE wrestler of all time.

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