My Top 10 WWE Superstars of All Time: A Pro Wrestling Fan’s Perspective

As a child, I would eagerly plant myself in front of the television, brimming with anticipation and wonder, as I watched the larger-than-life WWE superstars command the ring. WWE wasn’t just a show to me; it was an exhilarating journey that ignited my imagination and filled me with boundless excitement. The pulsating music, the roar of the crowd – they all wove together to create a magical tapestry of memories that defined my childhood.

These legendary wrestlers became more than just athletes; they became my heroes, inspiring me with their incredible feats and captivating performances. Now, join me as I embark on a journey to recount my top 10 WWE superstars, each one leaving an indelible mark on my heart and mind.

HHH – The Game

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Triple H, known as ‘The Game,’ holds a significant presence in the professional wrestling realm, primarily due to his profound influence within WWE. While his marriage to Stephanie McMahon has stirred varied sentiments among fans, some speculating it may have restricted opportunities for other talents, it’s essential to differentiate between his on-screen persona and his real-life character. Despite criticisms over his decisions, Triple H’s prowess in the ring commands respect.

His in-ring storytelling and ability to stay true to his character have led to memorable encounters with wrestling icons such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Mick Foley, along with his involvement in D-Generation X. Among these, his WrestleMania 20 bout against Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels stands out, showcasing his technical skills.

Triple H’s physical conditioning during his championship reigns remains remarkable, complemented by his iconic entrance, which includes the trademark spitting of water into the spotlight. Furthermore, his marriage to Stephanie McMahon adds an intriguing layer to his persona.

When I was young, I used to hate HHH because he was a bad guy and a heel, and because he was married to Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie McMahon was my first celebrity crush. I used to think he was not a good guy for her and to rescue her from this evil man I wanted to challenge Triple H for a match, with the victor claiming Stephanie. Yeah, I know it’s stupid and funny.

Rey Mysterio – The Ultimate Underdog

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Rey Mysterio, known as the “Ultimate Underdog,” has held a special place in my heart from a young age. As a fellow smaller individual, I connected with Rey, particularly admiring his gravity-defying maneuvers, notably the 619 – a move I yearned to replicate.

One match that stands out as my absolute favorite featuring Rey Mysterio is his remarkable victory in the Royal Rumble, an electrifying moment that showcased his incredible talent and tenacity. His recent match alongside his son, Dominic, against the formidable Brock Lesnar was nothing short of amazing, proving Rey Mysterio’s legendary status.

And let’s not forget his entrance song – “Booyaka, Booyaka 619.” It’s more than just an entrance theme; it’s an anthem that resonates with fans and adds an extra layer of excitement to his appearances.

Since he wasn’t the biggest or most muscular wrestler, every wrestling fan could relate to him and always wanted to see him win. He achieved this by winning the Royal Rumble and later claiming championship belts.

Sabu – The Hardcore Legend

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In my eyes, Sabu epitomizes hardcore wrestling. Every time I watched one of his matches, I couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to stand, let alone return for another round of wrestling the following week. Sabu’s matches defined the spirit of ECW, pushing the limits of what the human body could endure.

One of my most vivid memories of Sabu is his ECW Television Championship defense against Taz at Barely Legal ’97, marking an unforgettable moment that defined an entire era of wrestling. Despite not being the most talkative or skilled promo-cutter, Sabu’s matches spoke volumes, delivering a unique intensity and excitement that often surpassed charismatic talkers.

Even his entrance theme added to the anticipation, sending goosebumps down my spine as I eagerly tuned in to witness his daredevil feats. Sabu’s in-ring style, fearless leaps onto tables, and other wild stunts he performed secured his spot on my top 10 list. He is one of the best high risk-taking wrestlers of all time I think.

Kurt Angle – The Olympic Hero

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Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist, made an incredible transition from being an amateur wrestling medalist to a WWE superstar. He admitted that he and Lesnar had a real wrestling match in which he beat him, and that is insane. This transition was nothing short of remarkable. His unique blend of technical prowess and undeniable charisma set him apart.

One of his matches that particularly stands out for me is his encounter with Shane McMahon at King of the Ring 2001, which left not only me but fans, in general, shocked and awestruck. Additionally, his Ironman match with Brock Lesnar is another one of my personal favorites.

Angle’s ability to entertain extended beyond the ring. I found great enjoyment in his segments, such as the one where he humorously poked fun at John Cena. His backstage moments with Brock Lesnar, including a memorable push-up contest, showcased his charismatic side. The “milk truck” segment is a true gem that I hold dear as well.

Let’s not overlook his classic theme song and the audience enthusiastically chanting “You Suck.” These elements combined to make Kurt Angle one of my all-time favorite wrestlers.

AJ Styles – The Phenomenal One

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My introduction to AJ Styles was during his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble. It was simply amazing, and the moment I heard his theme song for the first time, I was instantly intrigued. I had heard about this “TNA guy” on the internet who might join WWE, and that first impression in Royal Rumble worked its magic on me. From that point on, I became a fan of AJ Styles.

I couldn’t help but find it amusing that his name included “AJ,” the same as CM Punk’s wife’s in-ring name. His arrival in WWE brought a breath of fresh air, and I quickly became a fan of his incredible wrestling abilities.

His matches with Brock Lesnar and John Cena were some of my personal favorites. It’s truly remarkable to see him continue to perform at such a high level at his age. I can’t help but wonder how much more he could have achieved if he had been with WWE from the beginning and they had recognized his full potential.

In terms of entrance, promo, looks, in-ring abilities, and understanding of fan psyche, he possesses all the necessary attributes to be a great wrestler. The only thing I think was missing is that tall build like Brock or Cena. In a short period, he won the hearts of many WWE fans, including mine, which is why he is on my list.

Kane – The Big Red Machine

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The mystery surrounding Kane and his supernatural persona greatly contributed to my admiration for the Big Red Monster. I was an ardent fan of Kane’s unique style. I can still vividly recall creating a mask out of cardboard, crayons, and cassette tape for Kane’s iconic hair, proudly showing it off to my friends in the neighborhood.

Kane’s imposing size, distinctive wrestling style, intriguing relationship with The Undertaker, and his signature finishing move, the Chokeslam, all added to his appeal.

His entrance, complete with pyrotechnics, his mask, costume – all of these elements came together to make him a remarkable and unforgettable professional wrestler. His match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania is my second favorite moment of his; my first favorite is his debut. I think his old mask, theme song, and monster image made a huge impact on me as a wrestling fan, and that is why he is in my top ten wrestler list.

Bray Wyatt – The Master of Mind Games

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I don’t know why Bray Wyatt changed his gimmick so many times, but everything he did was truly amazing, except for his last wrestling gimmick, which I didn’t like as much. However, his emotional promos were genuinely fantastic. I absolutely love his entrance music; all of his entrance themes were remarkable.

His match with John Cena was incredible, and his brief feud with Lesnar was nice. His unique style and incredible promo skills were just amazing. They say the more talented you are, the tougher life becomes, and I think that’s exactly what happened to him.

He’s got the whole world in his hand, he’s got the whole wide world in his hand.

Rest in peace, Bray Wyatt. Wrestling fans love you, and you will stay in our hearts forever.

Rob Van Dam (RVD) – The Whole Damn Show

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In my opinion, RVD is as close to being a perfect wrestler as it gets. He has the looks, a fantastic voice, is excellent on the mic, and his power and high-flying moves are simply astonishing. In ECW, he wasn’t just a wrestler; he was the heart and soul of the promotion, single-handedly carrying it on his shoulders. I’ve never watched an RVD match that bored me; he’s always been incredible in the ring. Plus, his theme songs have always pumped me up. ‘Rob Van Dam, the Whole F Show!’

And, oh my gosh, whenever he does his signature RVD taunt before executing his finishing move or attempting a risky maneuver, or even when he steps into the ring, it’s electrifying. To be honest, it’s hard to pick just one favorite match, but I’d say his match against John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006 was a wrestling clinic and a testament to his skills.

Despite his struggles with vices and the politics of WWE, I believe that if he had better control over these aspects, every WWE fan would place him in their top three wrestlers of all time.

The Undertaker – The Phenom

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When I was a kid, I used to believe that many WWE wrestlers, like Kane and Randy Orton, had ‘killed’ The Undertaker during their matches. My classmates who also followed WWE shared this belief, and we’d gossip about how The Undertaker managed to come back to life.

Those were good old silly days. Undertaker is one wrestler whom I prefer to watch with the lights off because, in my book, it’s an unwritten rule that when he makes his entrance or is about to wrestle, the lights should be turned off. I adore his wrestling moves, his in-ring mannerisms, and the videos that play as proof that he’s alive, not dead.

His matches with Brock Lesnar, especially during Brock’s original WWE run, have left a lasting impression on me. I often imagine how a match between the prime Deadman and the young Lesnar would have looked. I believe that every wrestling fan would do anything to witness such a spectacle. The Undertaker truly was a phenom. I love The Undertaker’s WrestleMania entrances, and my favorite is his WrestleMania 20 entry. That’s why I added the image from that match.

Brock Lesnar – The Beast Incarnate

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I won’t delve into too much detail about why Brock Lesnar tops my list, as I believe that could overcomplicate things and take away from the enjoyment of reading. When I first saw him in WWE, with his imposing back tattoo, unique attire, and near-perfect physique, I thought, ‘This is the epitome of a perfect male physique.

While he may not have been known for his mic skills, his recent run has proven me and many WWE fans wrong. His partnership with Paul Heyman is one of the most perfect combinations you’ll find in WWE – they’re like Yin and Yang. Paul talks the talk, and Lesnar walks the walk. His backstage segments with legends like The Undertaker and Kurt Angle were truly amazing, and I find all of his brawl segments to be nothing short of spectacular.

His match against Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XIX showcased his incredible athleticism, and his more recent rivalry with Roman Reigns has become a modern classic. In WWE, he truly personifies the term ‘tough.’

We witnessed Lesnar’s remarkable journey from UFC 100 to UFC 200, where he emerged victorious in both fights, a truly amazing feat. However, his departure from WWE after WrestleMania 20, particularly his lackluster match against the overrated Goldberg, left a bitter taste in many wrestling fans’ mouths. Now, twenty years later, Wrestlemania XL, rumors circulate that WWE is attempting to erase him from their history, evident in his removal from games and discounted merchandise at the WWE shop.

WWE Controversy

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The recent controversy surrounding Vince and Brock caught me off guard, especially since I was eagerly anticipating Brock’s return to WWE at the Royal Rumble. Amidst the uproar, it’s common to see people solely blaming Vince for his actions, but I don’t share that perspective. I believe that every situation has two sides, and we should not give the tag of evil and angels to people.

Let me clarify: I’m not condoning sexual exploitation in any way because it’s fundamentally wrong. However, I believe it’s crucial to recognize that in this case, the dynamics are different. The woman who accused Vince and Brock was essentially employed to fulfill certain demands, pleasing Vince by any means necessary, in exchange for a substantial salary and lavish gifts. This is a classic example of opportunism and gold-digging.

Closing thoughts

In closing, these are my ultimate top 10 WWE superstars of all time, each holding a special place in my heart for their unique contributions to the world of professional wrestling. They have made me laugh, cry, and jump out of my seat with excitement over the years.

While some may have faced controversies or undergone gimmick changes, their impact on the industry is undeniable. The magic of WWE lies in its ability to evolve, surprise, and entertain, and these wrestlers have been at the forefront of this ever-changing spectacle.

Wrestling isn’t just a sport; it’s a tapestry of stories, characters, and unforgettable moments that become a part of our lives. As a fan, I’ve had the privilege of growing up with WWE, from those days of wide-eyed wonder to the more casual observer I am today. But the love for these superstars remains unwavering.

I hope you enjoyed this journey through my personal favorites and the reasons they hold a special place in my wrestling-loving heart. While many more incredible WWE superstars could have made this list, these 10 are the ones who left an indelible mark on me.

Remember, in the world of wrestling, opinions on the best are as diverse as the moves in the ring, and that’s what makes being a WWE fan so exciting. Thank you for joining me on this trip down memory lane, celebrating the legends and icons that have shaped WWE and made it the cultural phenomenon it is today.

WrestleMania XL or 40 is coming soon. Are you excited about the matches?

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