Ranking the 20 greatest WWE wrestlers of all time

For decades, WWE (WWF until 2002) has set the standard for greatness in professional wrestling, and today we look at who we think are the 20 greatest wrestlers to grace Vince McMahon’s sports entertainment empire.

Professional wrestling is a unique discipline in the sporting world, merging athleticism, charisma, and storytelling. So to do this, we're looking at in ring skill and the ability to sell moves, mic work and legacy in the industry.

Few wrestlers have reinvented themselves as successfully as Chris Jericho. From his "Y2J" days to "The List" and AEW stardom, Jericho’s versatility and charisma have made him a global icon.

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The ultimate underdog, Rey Mysterio brought lucha libre to the WWE mainstream. With incredible high-flying moves and memorable storylines, he's a giant in wrestling despite his smaller stature.

The Beast Incarnate redefined dominance in WWE, steamrolling opponents and winning multiple world titles. His real-life athletic credentials and imposing presence make him one of the most credible performers ever. While he's not actually one we feel particularly inspired by, his legacy in the industry cannot be overlooked.

"The Phenomenal One" didn’t join WWE until later in his career, but he quickly established himself as one of the best wrestlers of his generation. His matches are a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism – the ultimate worker.

With her high-flying moves and punk-rock attitude, Lita broke barriers in WWE’s Women’s Division, bringing a new level of technicality to the women’s division that had not been seen before and has been a huge influence on the women, such as Becky Lynch, who have defined the modern era of WWE.

Daniel Bryan's rise from indie darling to WWE champion is one of wrestling’s greatest underdog stories. His technical brilliance and "Yes!" movement cemented his place among the greats.

"The Man" broke barriers as one of the first women to headline WrestleMania and redefined WWE’s women’s division. Her charisma and in-ring talent make her one of WWE’s all-time greats.

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An Olympic gold medalist turned wrestling superstar, Kurt Angle’s blend of technical skill and comedic timing made him a unique force in WWE. His feuds with Brock Lesnar and The Rock are unforgettable.

"Ooooh yeah!" Randy Savage brought unmatched intensity to his promos and matches. With flamboyant outfits and unforgettable bouts, like his WrestleMania III match against Ricky Steamboat, Savage remains an icon almost 30 years after his prime run.

Piper’s fiery promos and villainous antics made him one of wrestling’s most captivating performers. Though he never won the WWE Championship, and only had stints as the US Champion and Intercontinental champ, his legacy as one of the greatest heels remains untouchable.

The Game dominated the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras, becoming a cornerstone of WWE. Whether as a member of D-Generation X or a main-event heel, Triple H’s influence – especially as a heel – is undeniable. Not to mention he had what was, in our opinion, the best entrance of all time.

A daredevil like no other, Jeff Hardy’s high-flying style and jaw-dropping Swanton Bombs made him a fan favorite. From iconic TLC matches with The Hardy Boyz to a decorated singles career, Jeff’s risk-taking redefined WWE and was responsible for some of the most heart-stopping moments we've ever seen in the ring.

"The Champ" carried WWE on his back for over a decade, winning 16 world titles, tying with Ric Flair for the most WWE world title reigns, and transcending wrestling to become a pop culture phenomenon. Cena’s work ethic and connection with fans are second to none.

"The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be" was more than a catchphrase for Bret Hart – it was a way of life. His technical excellence and storytelling set a new standard in WWE that changed the course of the company.

Although much of Ric Flair’s legacy lies outside WWE and easily has a stake at being the greatest WCW ever saw, his tenure at Vince McMahon's company was incredible in its own right. The 16-time world champion had out of this world charisma and changed the game when it came to in-ring psychology.

The face of wrestling in the 1980s, Hogan’s charisma and catchphrases helped WWE explode in popularity. Not only that, he has enjoyed multiple runs at the top across different eras, with a remarkable comeback in the early 2000s. While his legacy has been complicated, Hogan remains a cornerstone of wrestling history.

The ultimate anti-hero, "Stone Cold" was the face of the Attitude Era and brought WWE to its highest ratings. A captivating performer in every sense, his beer-drinking, stunner-hitting antics made him a cultural icon that extended past the walls of WWE.

But there is one wrestler who crossed over in a bigger way than anybody else. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s charisma and mic skills made him a crossover superstar. His WWE career is filled with unforgettable matches, memeable moments and catchphrases that still get held up in wrestling crowds to this day.

"The Heartbreak Kid" is widely regarded as the best in-ring performer in WWE history. From his WrestleMania classics to his role in revolutionizing the industry over the course of 25 years, Shawn Michaels’ influence and legacy are virtually unparalleled.

But when it comes to legacy and influence on the WWE, there is one man that stands above them all. The Deadman’s 30-year career is a testament to longevity and reinvention. From his 21-match undefeated WrestleMania streak to his eerie presence that completely transformed the energy of the arena, The Undertaker is the greatest the WWE ever saw.

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