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Professional wrestling, especially the WWE, has entertained audiences of all ages for decades. The sport blends athleticism and storytelling to create a form of entertainment like none other. All this requires a ton of commitment and work from the people behind the scenes but it’s actually the WWE superstars who leave indelible marks on the industry. The legends of the wrestling world continue to inspire generations of fans and upcoming athletes thanks to their undying passion, innovation, and unique skillsets.
We can all comment on whether WWE is a real sport and “Why is professional wrestling fake?”, but we can’t deny the impact it has on the entertainment industry. You can even find WWE-branded slot machines at various online casinos. Reading a review of Verde Casino at https://faircasinos.hu/verde-casino/, for example, will show you how many slots are designed after popular events and icons. That is why it’s important to highlight the best wrestling legends that have left a lasting mark on the sport, perhaps forever.
Choosing the most influential wrestlers goes beyond asking questions like, “Who has the most wins in WWE history?” and “Who has the most losses in WWE history?”. For our selection, here are the factors that were considered:
Ability: The unique skills that redefined wrestling styles and gave rise to new standards.
Popularity: The ability to connect with fans and become more than just wrestlers.
Longevity: Their impact on the wrestling industry over a long time period.
Legacy: Their influence on the sport, fans, and future wrestlers after their prime.
Hulk Hogan might not be the answer to, “Who is the strongest wrestler in WWE history?” but he sure is one of the most popular names in the sport. The main aspect of Hogan’s personality that truly propelled his career was his charisma. His fights against Andre the Giant and Randy Savage are still remembered by fans.
Ric Flair’s name has to come up when we talk flamboyance in professional wrestling. Known as “The Nature Boy”, Flair was a 16-time world champion in his time. His technical mastery and how he controlled wrestling matches from the get-go made him a household name.
Stone Cold Steve Austin became the face of WWE’s Attitude Era in the late 1990s. He was the perfect anti-hero that the sport needed at the time. His rivalry with Vince McMahon drew unprecedented viewership and turned WWE around from cartoonish gimmicks to reality-based storytelling.
Dwane “The Rock” Johnson is easily among the very top wrestlers in WWE history. His connection with the crowd and his showmanship is still unmatched in many ways. His success in Hollywood after retiring from competitive wrestling still inspired wrestlers to look for career opportunities beyond the ring.
She may not have the most wrestling championships under her belt but Lita is a hugely influential female wrestler. With her fast-paced style and aggressive performances, Lita had to leave professional wrestling a little too soon but her legacy still inspires other women to join this highly competitive industry.
When it comes to storytelling and character development, there aren’t many who can challenge The Undertaker. His Deadman persona captivated fans and his sheer skill inside the ring made him a legend. And if you’re wondering, “Who has the longest undefeated streak in WWE history?”, The Undertaker’s 21 consecutive Wrestlemania wins contributed to his inclusion in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Just like The Rock, there aren’t many people not familiar with John Cena. His hard work and dedication made him the face of the WWE for a very long time. His “Never Give Up” mantra resonated with fans of all ages and helped take the WWE into a more PG-friendly world. Cena became so popular that it even led to fans wanting to stay fitter at young ages.
When we talk of the Wrestling Hall of Fame, images of big and bulky wrestlers come to mind. Rey Mysterio was quite the opposite and became one of the most popular wrestling superstars despite being considerably smaller than his opponents. His lucha libre style of fighting brought an international flavor to the sport and inspires wrestlers to this day.
Jericho’s ability to constantly reinvent himself to stay relevant and interesting has kept him among the leading wrestling legends for decades. After making his name in the WWE, he also did groundbreaking work for the AEW and made it a credible alternative to the WWE. This is enough to show just how influential his legacy has been in the wrestling world.
Asking, “Who is the tallest wrestler in WWE history?” will prompt people to name Andre the Giant. At over 7 feet tall, Andre was a force to be reckoned with. He drew audiences from around the world like few others, which is why the moment when Hulk Hogan bodyslammed him at Wrestlemania III still remains one of the most iconic and rewatched wrestling moments.
Each of the wrestlers named above has left a mark on the sport in one way or another.
Hogan helped take the sport to a global level at a time when people commonly wouldn’t know “How long are wrestling matches?”.
Steve Austin, The Rock, and John Cena became larger-than-life characters who transcended the sport and made their way into mainstream media.
Lita and Rey Mysterio showed the world that anyone with a passion for wrestling can make it big, without worrying about their gender or size.
The Undertaker influences wrestlers to focus on storytelling and character development to this day.
There have been a number of wrestling stars who have revolutionized the sport over the years, including many WWE superstars who died in 2024. Our list of the top 10 focuses on those who have influenced wrestling as a form of entertainment and taken it to a whole new level. As the sport evolves, the legacies of these personalities will serve as a reminder of the creativity, passion, and athleticism that define this industry.
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