The Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time

Blake Edwards
Updated April 16, 2024 847.4K views
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1.4M votes
72.5K voters
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Vote on the greatest professional wrestlers of all time from WWF, WWE, TNA, Impact, and WCW.

The greatest pro wrestlers of all-time include WrestleMania winners, WWF and WWE champions, and TNA favorites. The entertainment of professional wrestling may be staged but all of these professional wrestlers are easily some of the toughest professional fighters inside of the ring or out. This list of all pro wrestlers can be ordered according to their popularity. Just vote for your favorites.

Combining Greco-Roman wrestling with boxing, freestyle wrestling and theater, professional wrestling dates back nearly a century. At first, professional wrestling was more about the actual competition rather than the script. In the past, it was Lou Thesz who was the most-feared wrestler around. Thesz, who had no trouble going off-script to win a match and keep his title, is considered the first true wrestling superstar, an innovator of the business, and the original pro wrestler. 

So who is the greatest pro wrestler ever? How about the best WWE wrestlers? This list will answer these questions—and your vote matters. From old school legendary wrestlers to famous wrestlers right now, this list of the biggest pro wrestlers includes former superstars, cool characters, and stars of current circuits. 

Thesz continued to dominate until the next era of wrestlers entered in the 1950s and 1960s. Top contenders like Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers helped the sport of professional wrestling grow with their flashy and flamboyant performance styles as well as more often than not came out on top of their matches.

Moving into the '70s, 1980s, and 1990s, wrestling evolved into a performance. The uniforms the wrestlers wore became flashier and the scripted aspects began to increase, as did the fan following. Some of the best wrestlers of all time came from that golden era such as Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, and Bret Hart. With business booming, professional wrestling only continued to grow in recent years with big names like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock using their WWE fame to launch their careers. Many of these big names are considered to be classic legends in the wrestling world. 

Professional wrestling may not be for everyone but with a long history of success and a wildly popular following, the likes of WWE and TNA are not going away anytime soon. Any one of the current wrestlers competing today could become the next GOAT professional wrestler but until then, we can only enjoy watching them compete to become that.

This list is more than just the 100 greatest wrestlers of all time - we've got 'em all! Add any that might be missing and be sure to vote for all your favorites! And if you're having trouble keeping up with all the wrestling jargon, check out a list of all the pro wrestling terms you need to know to sound like an expert.

Most divisive: CM Punk
Over 72.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The All-Time Best Pro Wrestlers
  • The Undertaker
    1
    32,998 votes

    Few wrestlers evoke the same sense of awe, fear, and respect as The Undertaker has throughout his illustrious career. With an unparalleled and generational career spanning over three decades, Mark Calaway has crafted a legacy that will forever be remembered in the annals of professional wrestling history. As a seven-time world champion, The Deadman has left an indelible mark in WWE, competing in some of the most iconic matches and forging legendary feuds with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Mankind, and Triple H, just to name a few. His jaw-dropping 21-0 undefeated WrestleMania streak remains a testament to the enduring mystique of The Phenom, an achievement that may never be surpassed.

  • Austin 3:16 says it all – Stone Cold Steve Austin is without a doubt one of the most influential and captivating wrestlers to ever step foot inside a ring. A six-time WWE Champion, The Texas Rattlesnake revolutionized the industry with his anti-authority persona, beer-drinking antics, and unforgettable catchphrases that made him a scene-stealing showstopper the second crowds heard that iconic glass shatter. From his game-changing victory at King of the Ring 1996 to his legendary rivalry with Vince McMahon, there's no denying that Stone Cold played a pivotal role in the success of the WWE during the Attitude Era, and his legacy still resonates with fans today.

  • Before he became the global icon we know today, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was electrifying audiences around the world as one of the most charismatic and talented professional wrestlers in history. Bursting onto the scene in the late 90s, The Great One held numerous championship titles and was instrumental in propelling WWE to new heights during the Attitude Era with his combination of charm, gravitas, and technical ability. With his gift for entertaining both in-ring and on the mic, The Rock's signature moves and catchphrases have become ingrained in pop culture, solidifying his status as an all-time great and paving the way for a successful Hollywood career.

  • Ric Flair
    4
    26,043 votes

    To be the man, you've got to beat the man, and few have ever come close to beating the legendary career of generation professional wrestler Ric Flair. A record 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, "The Nature Boy" is synonymous with excellence in professional wrestling, having built his storied legacy through unmatched charisma, iconic battles, and trademark "Woo!" catchphrase. As a founding member of the influential Four Horsemen stable and a cornerstone of legendary promotions like NWA, WCW, and WWE, Flair's lasting impact on the sport is indisputable, and his importance to the sport is undeniable. 

  • Shawn Michaels
    5
    26,590 votes

    Lovingly given the nickname “The Heartbreak Kid” thanks to his devilishly good looks and swaggering attitude, Shawn Michaels possesses the rare ability to captivate audiences with his unmatched athleticism, charisma, and penchant for show-stealing performances. A four-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and member of the legendary faction D-Generation X, The Showstopper has left an indelible mark on the wrestling world with anti-authority antics and memorable feuds against the likes of Bret Hart, Triple H, and The Undertaker. Perhaps best known for his role in the infamous Montreal Screwjob, Michaels will forever be remembered not only for his incredible in-ring accomplishments but also for being a key player in some of the most controversial and unforgettable moments in wrestling history.

  • Bret Hart
    6
    27,942 votes

    Hailing from the legendary Hart wrestling family, Bret " The Hitman" Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots. A five-time WWE Champion and two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, The Excellence of Execution combined unparalleled in-ring ability with raw charisma to become a dominant force in the industry throughout the 90s. With classic battles against the likes of Mr. Perfect, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels, Bret showcased his jaw-dropping abilities on a night-in, night-out basis, always providing fans with a stellar show and often being the scene stealer of the night.

  • "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
    7

    As one of the most controversial and charismatic figures to ever grace a wrestling ring, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's impact on the world of professional wrestling and the ability to play a remarkable heel is immeasurable. Piper embodied the essence of a true heel and consistently delivered captivating performances throughout his storied career, and although he was often the “bad guy,” audiences just couldn’t get enough of the kilt-wearing phenom. Best known for his legendary rivalries with Hulk Hogan and his outrageous interview segment "Piper's Pit," the Hot Rod changed what villains in the world of sports entertainment could do.

  • Mick Foley
    8
    18,995 votes

    In a career defined by brutal matches and blood-stained memories, Mick Foley will forever be remembered as one of the toughest and most beloved wrestlers of all time. Whether as the deranged Mankind, the hardcore Cactus Jack, or the groovy Dude Love, Foley's unparalleled passion and dedication to his craft endeared him to fans worldwide. As a three-time WWE Champion and author of multiple best-selling books, The Hardcore Legend's influence can still be felt, both inside and outside the ring.

  • Triple H
    9
    18,806 votes

    Paul Levesque, better known as Triple H, has been a pillar of the wrestling world for decades, both in front of, and behind the camera. A 14-time World Champion with devastating power and strength and founding member of the revolutionary stable D-Generation X, The Game has been involved in some of the most memorable feuds and storylines in WWE history, and always managed to elevate the talent around him, often times lifting them above even himself. Although he may be retired today, Triple H continues to influence the WWE, this time from the seat of Head of Creative, running the show.

  • André the Giant
    10
    21,626 votes

    To call André the Giant a legend would be an understatement as few wrestlers have had the same impact on the industry as the Eighth Wonder of the World. With his towering, 7'4" stature and unprecedented strength, André captivated audiences and competitors alike, becoming one of the biggest draws in wrestling history. From his iconic rivalry with Hulk Hogan to his lasting influence on future giants of the industry like The Big Show and Braun Strowman, André's legacy will continue to loom large over the sport for generations to come.

  • Kurt Angle
    11
    18,519 votes

    As an Olympic gold medalist turned pro wrestler, few wrestlers have had a more decorated career than Kurt Angle. Throughout his illustrious and magnificent career, Angle brought unrivaled technical skill and passion to the ring. A six-time world champion in WWE, Angle's feuds with Brock Lesnar, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H are the stuff of legend, they are regarded as some of the best feuds in wrestling history. With his ever-present "You Suck" chant echoing in arenas worldwide, the Olympic Hero managed to stoke the fire and quiet audiences on a nightly basis with magnificent heel work and blood-curdling submissions.

  • Chris Jericho
    12
    18,284 votes

    Throughout his illustrious career, Chris Jericho has consistently reinvented himself, staying relevant and captivating fans across multiple generations both as a face and as a heel. A six-time world champion and the first-ever WWE Undisputed Champion, Jericho's list of accomplishments is as long as his famed "list of a thousand holds," and although he may not be the first name that pops up when people think of professional wrestling, he is undoubtedly a nostalgic blast from the past for many casual fans. From his unforgettable WWE debut to his current work in AEW, Y2J proves that he is truly the "Ayatollah of Rock n' Rolla" and one of the best and longest-lasting stars the sport has ever seen.

  • Hulk Hogan
    13
    26,745 votes

    Say the words "professional wrestling," and Hulk Hogan's name instantly comes to mind. One of the most iconic, influential, and important performers in wrestling history, Hogan's legendary rivalries with the likes of André the Giant, The Ultimate Warrior, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage defined an era, and helped start the glorious path the industry is currently on. With his unrivaled charisma, "Hulkamania" swept the nation throughout the 80s and made not only Hulk Hogan a household name, but professional wrestling one of the biggest sports in the world.

  • John Cena
    14
    20,856 votes

    You can't see him, but you can't deny his impact, as John Cena is arguably one of the most successful, influential, and polarizing wrestlers in history. As a 16-time world champion, Cena's unmatched work ethic and unwavering commitment to the WWE has earned him both adoration and disdain from fans worldwide. Although he may have started out his career as a bad boy, Cena eventually morphed into the ultimate baby face and helped usher in a new generation of fans from around the globe. While his work in the ring is outstanding, it is his work behind the scenes, including record-breaking Make-A-Wish contributions, that showcase Cena's influence on and off the wrestling mat.

  • Oozing with charisma and explosive energy, "Macho Man" Randy Savage had an undeniable presence that captivated wrestling fans around the world. As a two-time WWE Champion and four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Savage's legendary battles with Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat remain etched in wrestling history. Known for his flashy ring attire, iconic catchphrases, and unforgettable flying elbow drop, the "Macho Madness" legacy continues to be celebrated and revered by wrestling enthusiasts of all generations.

  • Eddie Guerrero
    16
    16,904 votes

    Few wrestlers have connected with fans on such an emotional level as Eddie Guerrero. As a consummate performer, Guerrero combined technical expertise with boundless charisma, capturing numerous championships across WWE, WCW, and ECW. With his "Lie, Cheat, and Steal" mantra, beloved entrance theme, and iconic battles against Rey Mysterio and Brock Lesnar, Latino Heat's helped usher in a new era and fandom within the world of professional wrestling. Although he was taken too soon, Guerrero remains a shining star and beloved figure not just in professional wrestling, but in the world at large.

  • As one of the most gifted technicians to ever step foot in the ring, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat consistently delivered captivating and generational performances throughout his storied career. A former NWA World Heavyweight and WWE Intercontinental Champion, Steamboat's iconic matches against Randy Savage and Ric Flair remain timeless classics, as his smooth-as-silk style and unrelenting passion helped elevate not only himself, but his opponents as well. 

  • The Road Warriors
    18
    12,818 votes

    As the dominant tag team of the 80s and 90s, The Road Warriors struck fear into the hearts of their opponents with their imposing physical presence and unmatched intensity as a tag team. Together, they captured numerous titles across WWE, NWA, AWA, and WCW, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest and most influential tag teams of all time. With their signature face paint and spiked shoulder pads, The Road Warriors set the standard for powerful, hard-hitting tag team wrestling.

  • Randy Orton
    19
    13,969 votes

    As a third-generation wrestler, Randy Orton was seemingly destined for greatness, and throughout his long and illustrious career, he hasn’t disappointed. A 14-time world champion, "The Viper" has consistently been at the top of his game, striking fear into the hearts of his opponents with his signature RKO. With memorable feuds against legends like Triple H, John Cena, and The Undertaker and even more important stewardship and mentorship behind the scenes, Randy Orton's unwavering dominance and importance to the wrestling world is unmatched.

  • "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes embodied the heart and spirit of the working-class wrestling fan, making him a beloved figure throughout his career. A three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Rhodes' charismatic promos and unrelenting passion endeared him to fans worldwide. From his iconic battles against Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen to his contributions as a booker and promoter, The American Dream's impact on the squared circle is as important as anyone in the business.

  • The Ultimate Warrior
    21

    Few wrestlers have ever been able to match the intensity, charisma, and mystique of The Ultimate Warrior. A two-time WWE Champion and one-time Intercontinental Champion, The Warrior's iconic clashes with Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and "Ravishing" Rick Rude captivated audiences worldwide and helped fans feel like they could run through a wall. With a style all his own, from his unmistakable face paint to his frenetic and manic energy, The Ultimate Warrior will forever be remembered as a legend in the business, and a man who gave this world everything he had and more.

  • With his undeniable charisma and in-ring skill, Scott Hall became an iconic figure in both WWE and WCW. As Razor Ramon in WWE, Hall captured four Intercontinental Championships and had memorable feuds with Shawn Michaels and Diesel. In WCW, he was a founding member of the legendary nWo stable, changing the landscape of professional wrestling forever. With two equally stupendous careers in one lifetime, Hall is the rare professional wrestler who was able to completely reinvent himself, and have it be a success multiple times.

  • Kane
    23
    12,327 votes

    As the monstrous half-brother of The Undertaker, Kane made his presence felt in WWE with a fiery debut in 1997. A two-time world champion and 12-time tag team champion, "The Devil's Favorite Demon" has been a dominant force in WWE for more than two decades. With signature matches like the Inferno Match and memorable rivalries against The Undertaker, Triple H, and Edge, Kane's legacy as one of the most iconic and beloved big men in the WWE is all but solidified.

  • Known as "Mr. Perfect," Curt Hennig lived up to his moniker by delivering flawless performances throughout his career. A two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and one-time WCW United States Champion, Hennig's technical prowess and unmatched charisma earned him legions of devoted fans. With iconic feuds against Bret Hart, Ric Flair, and Lex Luger, Mr. Perfect's influence on future generations of wrestlers cannot be overstated.

  • Owen Hart
    25
    10,452 votes

    The "King of Harts" was not only one of the most gifted in-ring performers but also one of its most beloved personalities. A two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and four-time Tag Team Champion, Owen Hart's match against his brother Bret at WrestleMania X remains one of the greatest and most revered matches of all time. Though his tragic and heartbreaking passing in 1999 cut his generational career short, the wrestling world continues to celebrate Owen's immeasurable talent and enduring legacy.

  • Rob Van Dam
    26
    10,896 votes

    As a high-flying innovator, Rob Van Dam brought a unique style and energy to the ring that audiences couldn't help but be drawn to as they had simply never seen it before in the squared circle. A two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and six-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, RVD's matches often tailed off into awe-inspiring aerial displays and would steal the show on any given night. With memorable stints in ECW, WWE, and TNA, "The Whole F'n Show" showed the wrestling world that it didn’t matter where he was, RVD was always going to put on a show.

  • Few wrestlers have had as long and storied a career as the 7-foot-tall, 400-pound behemoth known as Big Show. A seven-time world champion across WWE, WCW, and ECW, the World's Largest Athlete was a dominant force in the industry for more than two decades, and while he may never have been the face of the company, the attitude era would never have been the same without him. With legendary battles against Hulk Hogan, Brock Lesnar, and Braun Strowman, Big Show's helped usher in multiple generations, and was always a steady force both in ring and behind the scenes.

  • Jeff Hardy
    28
    10,913 votes

    Known as the "Charismatic Enigma," Jeff Hardy brought a unique blend of high-flying athleticism and risk-taking to the wrestling world. As a six-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and nine-time WWE Tag Team Champion alongside his brother Matt, Hardy's extreme style captivated fans and left a lasting impact on the sport. With iconic ladder matches and daring leaps of faith, Jeff Hardy's heart-stopping performances have earned him a place among the pantheon of one of the biggest and best fan favorites of all time.

  • Trish Stratus
    29
    8,571 votes

    As a trailblazer for women's wrestling, Trish Stratus shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of female talent. A seven-time WWE Women's Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, Stratus combined sex appeal with hard-hitting athleticism to captivate audiences worldwide. From her unforgettable feud with Lita to her iconic WrestleMania match against Mickie James, Trish Stratus' impact and importance on the wrestling world, in particular with how she redefined the women’s division, is truly legendary.

  • Chris Benoit
    30
    13,046 votes

    Despite the dark cloud that surrounds his tragic end, there is no denying the in-ring talent and accomplishments of Chris Benoit. As a two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and numerous championships in WCW and ECW, "The Rabid Wolverine" was renowned for his intensity and unmatched technical prowess. Benoit's legendary battles against the likes of Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, and Triple H showcased his unrelenting dedication to his craft, making a remarkably respected performer, albeit one who simply doesn’t get talked about anymore.