The 25 Best WWE Wrestlers of All Time, Ranked

Throughout its history, WWE has been defined by incredible champions, skilled wrestlers, and stars who transcended the sport. This list ranks wrestlers based on their championship wins, memorable moments, consistent presence in main events, ability to attract fans, and performance in major matches – considering different eras of wrestling. It highlights those who truly transformed WWE, both within the ring and in popular culture, and whose influence is still felt today.

Bob Backlund

Bob Backlund was WWF Champion for almost six years during his initial run, bringing a background in amateur wrestling to a wider audience. He wrestled constantly across the country, performing in major arenas, especially in the Northeast. His feuds with stars like Superstar Billy Graham and Don Muraco helped establish the WWF throughout the late 70s and early 80s. Years later, a second unexpected championship win proved he could still compete and appeal to a new generation of fans.

AJ Styles

AJ Styles joined WWE in 2016 and quickly became one of the company’s biggest stars, delivering memorable matches on both weekly TV and at major events. He won the WWE Championship twice, holding the title for a significant period. Despite a more demanding schedule, Styles maintained the accuracy and excitement of his signature high-flying style. His rivalries with John Cena and Roman Reigns consistently produced captivating main event matches.

Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus started as a manager but quickly became a top performer, playing a key role in elevating the women’s division and making it more competitive. She was a seven-time Women’s Champion and consistently put on great performances at major events. Her memorable feuds with Lita, Victoria, and Mickie James raised the bar for both the quality of matches and the storylines. Ultimately, Trish paved the way for future generations of women wrestlers to achieve greater success.

Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch was key to WWE giving women more prominent roles and opportunities. She became champion on both Raw and SmackDown, even leaving WrestleMania 35 with both titles. Her popular ‘The Man’ character boosted merchandise sales, increased fan attendance, and attracted attention from mainstream media. Lynch consistently delivered compelling performances and developed engaging, long-term feuds that resonated with a wide range of viewers.

Eddie Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero was a hugely popular wrestler who excelled both technically and with his personality. He was a key figure for the SmackDown brand in the mid-2000s, even winning the WWE Championship. He had memorable matches against top stars like Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, and Rey Mysterio, and his engaging segments – known as ‘Latino Heat’ – and compelling in-ring storytelling appealed to fans of all ages. His impact on wrestling lives on through tributes, his famous moves, and the success of his family members who also became wrestlers.

Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio defied expectations by becoming a world champion and major attraction despite his smaller size. He popularized exciting, high-flying moves in WWE and motivated a new generation of athletes. His mask and dramatic entrance became instantly recognizable at wrestling events globally. His continued success over many years proves his style has always connected with fans.

Randy Orton

As a fan, I’ve always been impressed by Randy Orton. He’s won so many championships, and it’s clear he just knows when to strike – his timing and ring awareness are incredible, especially when the stakes are highest. He’s a multiple-time Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank winner, and he always manages to turn those opportunities into major title reigns. Plus, his feuds with legends like John Cena, Triple H, and The Undertaker have been epic and have headlined so many huge events. And let’s be real, the RKO is just one of the most iconic moves in wrestling today – you know it’s coming, but you still jump out of your seat!

CM Punk

CM Punk’s 434-day run as WWE Champion changed expectations for championship reigns in today’s wrestling world. He became known for his unscripted, live promos, which created exciting moments and kept fans engaged in weekly shows. While champion, Punk had popular rivalries with top stars like John Cena, The Rock, and The Undertaker, consistently attracting viewers. His eventual return to WWE proved he still had a strong connection with fans and could draw a crowd.

Edge

Edge began as a popular tag team wrestler before becoming a reliable and exciting world champion, known for his unpredictable championship wins. He famously set the standard for the Money in the Bank concept, using it to kickstart his initial rise to the top. His intense feuds with stars like John Cena, The Undertaker, and Randy Orton consistently headlined major pay-per-view events. Even after being forced to retire, he made a triumphant return, adding another impressive layer to an already remarkable career.

Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins became a major star after The Shield’s breakup, holding championships for extended periods and appearing frequently on TV. He created a memorable WrestleMania moment by unexpectedly winning the WWE Championship in the main event. Rollins consistently delivered exciting matches and helped lead the Raw brand with open challenges. His feuds with Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, and Drew McIntyre consistently delivered strong, must-see events.

Chris Jericho

Okay, let me tell you about Chris Jericho. This guy is a true legend. He made history by becoming the first Undisputed WWF Champion, defeating both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in one incredible night! But what really sets Jericho apart is his adaptability. He constantly reinvented his character over the years, staying relevant and exciting no matter what WWE threw at him. Whether it was a high-flying ladder match, a fast-paced cruiserweight bout, or a heavyweight main event, he always delivered. And he had this amazing knack for making everyone he worked with look better – a real team player who thrived even during the brand split era. He’s just a phenomenal performer.

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan’s journey reached its peak at WrestleMania 30 when he won the world title, marking the end of a remarkably authentic career. He combined skillful wrestling with a relatable underdog story that resonated with fans. The enthusiastic ‘Yes Movement’ energized crowds and became a signature part of his success. Even after overcoming injuries, he continued to win championships and proved his versatility by playing a compelling villain.

Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Sammartino was the biggest star in the WWWF for over eleven years across two championship reigns. He consistently packed Madison Square Garden, breaking attendance records along the way. His legendary feuds with opponents like Ivan Koloff, Stan Hansen, and Larry Zbyszko were hallmarks of wrestling at that time. Bruno’s consistent drawing power and popularity were essential in building the company into a national success.

Randy Savage

Randy Savage was a phenomenal performer, both in his wrestling matches and his captivating interviews, attracting fans beyond just wrestling enthusiasts. He became champion at key moments for the WWF, winning both the top WWF Championship and the Intercontinental Championship. His match against Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania is still remembered as a groundbreaking example of exciting, well-structured wrestling. Throughout his career, Savage stayed popular through memorable partnerships and rivalries with stars like Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior.

Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar quickly became a WWE Champion after joining the company and soon became a major draw for fans. He famously ended The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania and held the Universal Championship for a long time. His matches, often featuring many suplexes – earning the nickname ‘Suplex City’ – consistently drew large crowds to stadium events. His background in other sports added to his mystique and made his appearances feel special.

Triple H

Triple H achieved significant championship success and was known for his long-running, iconic feuds that spanned different periods in wrestling. He led the popular groups D-Generation X and Evolution, both of which launched the careers of several future champions. His matches against legendary opponents like Mick Foley, The Rock, and Shawn Michaels were major events that drew huge audiences. Beyond wrestling, he also played a key role in developing and showcasing new talent on television as an executive.

Bret Hart

Bret Hart was the main champion in the early 1990s, known for his skilled wrestling and consistently defending his title. He held the WWF Championship several times and frequently finished wrestling events as the headliner against a variety of opponents. His famous feuds with Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and his brother Owen Hart still resonate with fans today. Hart played a key role in transitioning professional wrestling from its over-the-top, character-driven style to the more realistic approach that became popular later on.

Ric Flair

Ric Flair made a huge impact on WWE, winning the WWF Championship twice in 1992 and famously lasting the distance to win the Royal Rumble. He continued to be a prominent figure through mentorships and tag team partnerships, keeping him on TV for years. Flair’s charismatic interviews and overall presentation consistently elevated the excitement of Raw and SmackDown segments. His eventual retirement match within WWE was a memorable event, showcasing just how much he influenced the world of professional wrestling.

The Rock

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson became a champion during the exciting ‘Attitude Era’ of wrestling and later became a huge star, headlining major WrestleManias. His appearances consistently drew large audiences, and many of his lines became popular phrases people still use today. His rivalries with wrestlers like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and John Cena were incredibly popular, boosting pay-per-view sales and social media buzz. Despite a busy acting career, he continued to perform at major wrestling events when called upon.

Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns brought all the major championships together and held them for a remarkably long time, breaking records in the process. His rivalry with The Bloodline was a major draw, consistently bringing in high TV ratings. He became the focal point of large-scale stadium events, facing popular opponents like Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar. Ultimately, he redefined how WWE presents its biggest matches and stars.

Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels created a remarkable collection of memorable matches at WrestleMania and other pay-per-view events throughout wrestling history. He was a multiple-time world champion and famously won consecutive Royal Rumble matches early in his career. After recovering from an injury, he continued to perform in top-level main event matches for many years. His rivalries and matches with The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, and Triple H are considered benchmarks for compelling storytelling and in-ring performance.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin was the biggest star of the Attitude Era, driving record sales for merchandise and huge TV ratings. He was a multiple-time world champion and won three Royal Rumble matches – more than anyone else. His famous feuds with Mr. McMahon, The Rock, and Triple H were key to the success of wrestling pay-per-view events. Austin’s peak popularity happened at the same time as the company’s biggest growth in viewership.

John Cena

John Cena equaled the company record for most world championships and was the face of WWE for over ten years. He headlined WrestleMania several times and consistently attracted large crowds to live events around the globe. His open challenges on Raw helped elevate lesser-known performers by giving them exposure. Even while pursuing other opportunities, Cena continued to appear in major WWE matches and maintained the company’s public profile.

Hulk Hogan

I grew up watching Hulk Hogan, and it’s clear he was the reason WWE became a national phenomenon. He wasn’t just a champion; he was everywhere – on TV, in movies, you name it. I remember the very first WrestleMania being built around him, and he really drove the growth of pay-per-view wrestling throughout the eighties and early nineties. Even just seeing him walk to the ring in those red and yellow colors was an event! And even when he came back later in his career, people still bought his merchandise and got excited just remembering the good old days. He was a huge deal.

The Undertaker

The Undertaker was famous for creating an aura of excitement around his WrestleMania matches, achieving an incredible twenty-one consecutive wins before finally losing. He was a main event performer for thirty years, consistently delivering memorable matches against many different opponents. His Hell in a Cell and casket matches became staples of major wrestling events. His dedication to his character, his long career, and his consistent performance on big nights established a standard that still influences WWE’s main event planning today.

Share your own top picks and swaps in the comments.

2025-10-22 11:48