Top 10 Wrestlers

Sting’s one-man war against the New World Order propelled World Championship Wrestling to a period of ratings dominance in the ‘90s. Not only were he and his signature Scorpion Deathlock finisher big draws in WCW, his high profile in TNA also made him one of the most famous wrestlers never to join the WWE. Plus, the man knows how to make an entrance.

It takes a guy this gruff and colorful to shine in the World Wrestling Federation: the Macho Man, with his Flying Elbow Drops and famous feuds, was a top attraction of the ‘80s’ Golden Era. With style in the ring and on the mic, Savage was among the sport’s greatest icons. He was also part of one of the sport’s few great love stories with his manager, Miss Elizabeth.

“Intense” is this guy’s middle name. Following his victory against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI, the Ultimate Warrior was touted as the future of wrestling. Quick on his feet, acrobatic and jacked beyond anyone in wrestling at the time, the Warrior also had a huge fanbase despite minimal talent between the ropes. However, contract disputes derailed his career in just two years, and he never reached his full potential.

With his signature kilt, bagpipes and sleeper hold, he was perhaps the biggest name never to win the title in the WWF, as it was called at the time. Not as muscle-bound as some, not as athletic as others, “Hot Rod” was pure personality. Thanks to his quick wit and big mouth, it’s no wonder that among Golden Era wrestlers, Piper had the most respectable movie career.

The truest showman in all professional wrestling, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair was the entitled, self-aggrandizing prick all fans love to hate. And he loved that they hated him. Though his skills followed him to many companies, Flair never achieved the same success as Hogan or Savage; but, he parlayed his athletic prowess and gift for gab into a 40-year career full of legendary rivalries and world championships.

“Excellence in Execution.” Coming from a wrestling dynasty, Bret “The Hitman” Hart was credited with bringing technical skill back to the sport. He rose to prominence as a member of the Hart Foundation, becoming one of the top baddies in the WWF. But, it’s his doublecross by WWE boss Vince McMahon during his final match for the promoter, popularly called the Montreal Screwjob, that’s the stuff of wrestling legend.

Like Hart, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was born into a wrestling family – in fact, he was the WWF’s first third-generation wrestler. He was ahead of the game, but his catchphrases, elbow drops, eyebrow raises and legendary microphone antics made him the People’s Champion. Even in his short career, The Great One became one of the sport’s most successful figures. Oh, and he’s a legit movie star to boot!

That “Sweet Chin Music” sings. Universally respected within the world of wrestling, the Heartbreak Kid possessed several key qualities that made him a “showstopper:” he was agile, credibly powerful, an electrifying entertainer, and a world-class villain. As part of the Attitude Era’s Degeneration-X, Michaels showed skill as both a storyteller and technical master. And once he made his comeback after retiring due to a back injury, well fuggetaboutit.

Watching WCW in the early-‘90s, who woulda predicted that “Stunning” Steve Austin would transform himself and become one of the most profitable figures in WWE history? Austin’s beer-guzzling redneck identity, signature stunner and unforgettable catchphrase drew in both casual and hardcore fans. In fact, the “Stone Cold” persona showed the drawing power of the anti-hero during the Attitude Era, and changed the tone of wrestling for the decade to follow.

Before the reality show and sex tape, there was Hulkamania. One of the most identifiable professional wrestlers ever, the Hulkster reigned over the sport for roughly two decades and transformed it into a mainstream endeavor, despite his just-adequate in-ring skills. This real-life all-American superhero, with his tanned skin, bleach-blond hair and never-ending charisma, was the role model all children needed – and he had the merchandise to prove it.

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