The 1980s were a time of great change for pro wrestling, and the most influential wrestlers of the '80s led that change. WWE’s attempt to become a national promotion paid off, with the company soaring to new heights of popularity and exposure, kicking off a major boom for pro wrestling in the United States.

The results included the rise of pay-per-view events like WrestleMania and Starrcade, and phenomena like the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection and Hulkamania. The decade also saw several legends come into prominence, many of whom have become major pop culture icons. But who were the most influential wrestlers of the '80s?

UPDATE: 2024/05/08 18:30 EST BY ANDREW KELLY

The 1980s was such a hugely important year for professional wrestling. WWE's conquest on wrestling territories changed the landscape of professional wrestling in the US, and elsewhere around the world the business continued to grow and change, with the rise of NJPW and the further success of AJPW being notable in Japan. The list is likely endless when it comes to important and influential figures in this era, and even though several names are not mentioned here, that is no disrespect to their talents and importance - it is simply due to the sea of names who were pivotal for wrestling in this decade.

28 Harley Race Competed In Several Different Promotions In The 1980s

Years Active: 1962-1990

Harley Race’s prime might have come in the decade prior, but in the 1980s he still had a big role to play in the professional wrestling world. Race competed in the likes of the NWA, WWE, and AJPW, helping to deliver great matches and ensuring quality every time.

In the 1980s, Race’s most notable exploits saw him win the King Of The Ring tournament, helping to establish the concept as one of the most beloved tournaments in the entire business.

27 Bob Backlund’s Legendary Reign Began The 1980s

Years Active: 1974-2018

Bob Backlund’s several year reign as WWE Champion began in 1978 and ran all the way to 1983. For three years of the 1980s, Backlund was the number one champion in the company, leading the line as the new man to beat. In the 80s alone he crossed paths with Hulk Hogan, Antonio Inoki, Harley Race, Ken Patera, and more.

Backlund took the big prize to NJPW, where he did battle with the very best they had to offer too. He might have been less active in the latter part of the decade, but he did enough in the first half to warrant a mention.

26 Antonio Inoki Grew NJPW In The 1980s

Years Active: 1960-2001

By the time the 1980s had rolled around, Antonio Inoki’s New Japan Pro Wrestling had already been around for a few years, but the 1980s was a decade where the promotion really began to grow and grow to the point where it was the dominant force in Japan, attracting legendary talent.

Inoki was not only the man behind it, but he was also still competing against the absolute best both in and outside of NJPW.

25 Nick Bockwinkel Was The Thinking Man's Champion

Years Active: 1954-1993

Nick Bockwinkel became a star in the 1970s, but he defined what AWA was all about in the 1980s. Bockwinkel was like Ric Flair if Flair had more control over his emotions. He presented himself as a star and names like Tully Blanchard and Gino Hernandez only tried to follow in his footsteps. Bockwinkel held the AWA World Championship three times in the 80s, presenting himself as a man who truly deserved to carry a company on his shoulders.

Even with a manager, Bockwinkel was at the top of the game on the mic, and anyone who wanted to be the arrogant, confident world champion used Bockwinkel as the prototype.

24 Kerry Von Erich Was The Modern Day Warrior

Years Active: 1978-1993