For WWE, the 1990s were a crucial decade. It signaled the conclusion of The Golden Era, the new generation’s rise and fall, and the Attitude Era’s beginning. Many superstars came and went during this time, leaving a legacy of great matches and moments. Some rose to legendary status, while others vanished and reinvented themselves. This blog article will examine 50 1990s performers who had an impact on WWE history and delighted countless fans across the world.
1. Yokozuna
| Yokozuna | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yokozuna |
| Birth Name | Agatupu Rodney Anoa’i |
| Birthdate | October 2, 1966 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Death | October 23, 2000 |
| Cause of Death | Pulmonary edema |
| Children | 2 |
| Family | Anoaʻi |
| Ring Names | Great Kokina, Kokina Maximus, Wild Samoan Kokina |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 589 lb (267 kg) |
| Billed From | Land of the Rising Sun, Polynesia |
| Trained by | Afa Anoaʻi |
| Debut | 1984 |
| Championships | WWF World Heavyweight Champion (2 times) |
| Royal Rumble Winner | 1993 |
| WrestleMania Main Events | WrestleMania IX, WrestleMania X |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Posthumously inducted in 2012 |
| Notable Feuds | Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Lex Luger, The Undertaker |
| Unique Gimmick | Sumo wrestler despite being of Samoan descent |
| Samoan Wrestling Family | Nephew of The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) |
Yokozuna was a legendary wrestler who dominated the World Wrestling Federation in the early 1990s. He was not a real sumo wrestler, but he adopted the name and appearance of one. He used his massive size and strength to crush and injure his rivals. He had a signature move called the Banzai Drop, where he would sit on his opponent’s chest from the second rope.
Yokozuna achieved many honors in his wrestling career. He later regained the title from Hogan at King of the Ring in 1993. He also won the WWF Tag Team Championship twice with Owen Hart. He had memorable feuds with The Undertaker, Lex Luger, and Bret Hart, among others.
2. Bret Hart
| Bret Hart | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Birthdate | July 2, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Amateur Background | Wrestled at Ernest Manning High School and Mount Royal College |
| Professional Wrestling | Revolutionized mainstream North-American professional wrestling in the early 1990s |
| Legacy | Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time |
| Nickname | “The Hitman” |
| Promotion History | Competed in Stampede Wrestling, WWF (now WWE), and WCW |
| Championships | Held a total of 32 championships throughout his career, including 5-time WWF Champion |
| Retirement | Officially retired in October 2000, with sporadic in-ring appearances from 2010 to 2011 |
| WrestleMania Headlines | Headlined WrestleMania IX, X, and XII |
| Accolades | Inducted into Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame; WWE Hall of Fame class of 2006 |
| Outside of Wrestling | Appeared in films and television shows; involved in philanthropic efforts |
A pro wrestling legend, Bret Hart transformed the sport with his charisma and technical abilities. He rose to prominence in the WWE after founding The Hart Foundation with his brother–in–law Jim Neidhart. They became well–known by twice taking home the tag team crowns.
After that, Bret went solo and dominated the singles division, winning the WWE Championship five times, the Intercontinental Championship twice, and going on to become the only person to win the King of the Ring competition twice and share the 1994 Royal Rumble victory. The Excellence of Execution, The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be were used to describe him.
3. Kane
| Kane | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Glenn Thomas Jacobs |
| Ring Name | Kane |
| Birthdate | April 26, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain |
| Citizenship | American |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Crystal Goins |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Northeast Missouri State University |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2021 |
| Current Position | Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee |
| Assumed Office | September 1, 2018 |
| Professional Career | Debut in 1992 |
| Promotions | Smoky Mountain Wrestling, USWA, WWF/WWE |
| Notable Characters | Kane, Isaac Yankem, DDS |
| Championships | 3-time World Champion, 12-time Tag Team Champion |
| Other Accomplishments | 2-time Intercontinental Champion, Money in the Bank winner |
| Record | Most Royal Rumble appearances, highest total eliminations |
| Film and Television | Lead role in “See No Evil” and its sequel, numerous guest appearances |
| Additional Career | Republican Mayor of Knox County since 2018 |
Initially, Kane was The Undertaker’s younger, disfigured sibling, enraged with him for destroying their childhood home. But with time, he developed his personality, objectives, and triumphs.
The Undertaker and Kane were rivals when they first entered the WWE, but they eventually teamed together as The Brothers of Destruction. “Kane is a monstrous abomination that seems to have been extracted directly from your childhood nightmares,” reads his official bio. “At 7 feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds.” He is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, a three–time world champion, and a 12–time tag team champion.
4. Hulk Hogan
| Hulk Hogan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hulk Hogan |
| Birthdate | August 11, 1953 |
| Birthplace | Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupations | Professional wrestler (retired), television personality, actor |
| Years active | 1977–2012 (wrestler), 1982–present (actor) |
| Spouses | Linda Claridge (m. 1983; div. 2009), Jennifer McDaniel (m. 2010; div. 2021) |
| Children | Brooke Hogan, Nick Hogan |
| Relatives | Horace Hogan (nephew) |
| Ring name(s) | Hollywood Hogan, Hulk Hogan, Mr. America, Sterling Golden, Terry Boulder, The Super Destroyer |
| Billed height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) |
| Billed weight | 302 lb (137 kg) |
| Billed from | Hollywood, California (as Hollywood Hogan), Venice Beach, California (as Hulk Hogan), Washington, D.C. (as Mr. America) |
| Trained by | Hiro Matsuda |
| Debut | August 9, 1977 |
| Retired | January 27, 2012 |
| Recognitions | Widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time |
| Major Achievements | – Headlined a record eight editions of WrestleMania |
Hulk Hogan peaked in the 1980s when he ruled the wrestling world with his charisma and strength. Even if he was less dominant than before, he was still a huge star in the 1990s. He established his credibility by defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin to win the Royal Rumble in 1990 and 1991, which no one else has ever done.
Before departing the organization in 1993, he also won the WWF Championship three more times, albeit his reigns were significantly shorter than his first one, which lasted more than four years. His heyday had passed, but he was still a legend.
5. Triple H
| Triple H | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Michael Levesque |
| Birthdate | July 27, 1969 |
| Age | 53 |
| Birthplace | Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Occupation | Business executive, actor, retired professional wrestler |
| Current Role | Chief Content Officer, Head of Creative (WWE) |
| Wrestling Debut | 1992 |
| Retirement | April 2022 |
| Promotions | International Wrestling Federation (IWF), WCW, WWF/WWE |
| Ring Names | Terra Ryzing, Jean-Paul Lévesque, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Triple H |
| Championships | 14-time World Champion |
| Tag Team Championships | 3-time World Tag Team Champion, 1-time Unified WWE Tag Team Champion |
| Other Titles | 5-time Intercontinental Champion, 2-time European Champion |
| Royal Rumble Wins | 2 |
| Notable Stables | The Kliq, D-Generation X (DX) |
| WrestleMania Main Events | Headlined WrestleMania on multiple occasions |
| Contributions | Created NXT, praised for business acumen in professional wrestling |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 (as part of D-Generation X) |
| Personal Life | Married to Stephanie McMahon, has 3 children |
| Retirement Reason | Major heart attack in September 2021, officially retired in April 2022 |
| Training | Trained by Killer Kowalski |
Triple H is one of the most accomplished and important wrestlers in WWE history. In 1992, he debuted as Terra Ryzing before switching to the French–Canadian aristocrat Jean–Paul Lévesque during his time in WCW. He rapidly joined Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman’s well–known backstage gang, The Kliq.
He rose to fame as a co–founder of D–Generation X, a rebellious and polarizing group that helped define the Attitude Era. He won his first WWF Championship in 1999. Two times in the King of the Ring, twice in the Royal Rumble, five times with the Intercontinental Championship, three times with the World Tag Team Championship, twice with the World Championship, and fourteen times overall.
6. Owen Hart
| Owen Hart | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Owen James Hart |
| Birthdate | May 7, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian, American |
| Promotions | Stampede Wrestling, NJPW, WCW, WWF |
| Achievements | – USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion – WWF Intercontinental Champion – WWF European Champion – WWF World Tag Team Champion – 1994 WWF King of the Ring |
| Notable Gimmicks | The Blue Blazer |
| Wrestling Family | Member of the Hart wrestling family |
| In-Ring Style | High-flying, technical abilities |
| Trained By | Stu Hart |
| Debut | 1983 |
| Death | May 23, 1999 (aged 34) |
| Cause of Death | Internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma sustained from a high fall |
| Feuds | Jerry Lawler, Bret Hart |
| Personal Life | – Married Martha Hart – Two children – Youngest of twelve children of Stu and Helen Hart |
| Education | Wrestled in high school and University of Calgary |
| Additional Wrestling | Worked in Max Crabtree’s Joint Promotions in England – Competed in NJPW – Participated in Germany’s CWA |
| Wrestling Alter Egos | The Blue Angel, Bronco Owen Hart |
| Notable Matches | – WrestleMania X: Defeated Bret Hart – King of the Ring 1994: Defeated Razor Ramon in the finals |
| Legacy | Remembered as a talented wrestler – Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (Hart Foundation, 2009) |
The younger brother of Bret Hart, Owen Hart, was more than just that. He was an incredible wrestler who could awe the crowd with his aerial and intricate maneuvers. Additionally, he was a charming performer skilled at winning over both the audience and his adversaries.
His stint in the WWF was fruitful; he won the King of the Ring championship in 1994 and repeatedly held the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles. His life was tragically cut short in a 1999 accident that stunned the wrestling community, even though he could become a World Champion.
7. Shawn Michaels
| Shawn Michaels | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shawn Michaels |
| Birth Name | Michael Shawn Hickenbottom |
| Nicknames | The Heartbreak Kid, The Showstopper, Mr. WrestleMania |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Chandler, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Retired Professional Wrestler |
| Organization | WWE |
| Role | Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative |
| Notable Achievements | Regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time |
| Championships | Four-time world champion |
| Hall of Fame | Two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee |
| Wrestling Debut | October 10, 1984 |
| Retirement | March 28, 2010 |
| Spouse(s) | Theresa Wood, Rebecca Curci |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Matt Bentley (cousin) |
Shawn Michaels is one of the most legendary professional wrestlers of all time. Shawn Michaels began his career as a tag team wrestler with Marty Jannetty, forming The Rockers. They were a popular and dynamic duo until Michaels turned on his partner in 1991 and threw him through a window with a Super Kick. It started his solo career as a heel or a villainous character.
As a singles competitor, Shawn Michaels achieved great success and fame. He won three Intercontinental Championships, two Royal Rumble matches, and his first WWF Championship in 1996 after an epic Iron Man match against Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII. He also had memorable feuds with stars like Razor Ramon, Diesel, The Undertaker, and Triple H.
8. Sting
| Sting | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sting |
| Birthdate | March 20, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Sue Borden (m. 1986; div. 2010) |
| Children | 3 |
| Ring Name(s) | Sting |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Billed from | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Trained by | Red Bastien |
| Debut | November 25, 1985 |
| Organization | All Elite Wrestling (AEW) |
| Role | Mentor of Darby Allin |
| World Championships | 15 championships won |
| Promotions | World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling) |
| WCW Career | Held 15 championships, headlined highest-grossing WCW PPV event, faced Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan |
| TNA Career | Won NWA World Heavyweight Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, inaugural TNA Hall of Fame |
| WWE Career | Joined WWE in 2014, appeared at Survivor Series and WrestleMania, WWE Hall of Fame inductee |
| AEW Career | Signed with AEW in 2020, came out of retirement, had matches at Revolution and Double or Nothing |
| Total Championships | Held 26 championships throughout career, including 21 between WCW and TNA |
| Accolades | Named “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” four times, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame |
| Early Life | Born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised in Southern California, career in bodybuilding |
The late 1980s saw the rise of a new star in the world of professional wrestling: Sting. The charismatic and energetic wrestler, who sported scorpion–themed attire and face paint, quickly became a fan favorite and a top contender for the NWA and WCW championships. He had memorable feuds and matches with legends like Ric Flair, Cactus Jack, and Vader and established himself as “The Franchise of WCW.”
However, as the wrestling landscape changed in the late 1990s, Sting underwent a radical transformation. He adopted a darker and more mysterious persona, with black and white face paint and clothing, and became a silent vigilante who stalked the nWo from the rafters. He finally faced and defeated Hulk Hogan at Starrcade 1997, in one of the most anticipated matches in WCW history.
9. Roddy Pipper
| Roddy Pipper | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roderick George Toombs |
| Birthdate | April 17, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Death | July 31, 2015 (aged 61) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac arrest caused by hypertension |
| Spouse(s) | Kitty Jo Dittrich (m. 1982) |
| Children | 4, including Teal Piper |
| Ring Name(s) | The Masked Canadian, Piper Machine, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Billed from | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Trained by | Gene LeBell, Leo Garibaldi, Tony Condello, Joe Fiorino, Stu Hart |
| Debut | 1969 |
| Retired | 2011 |
| Championships | Accumulated 34 championships |
| PPV Headliner | Headlined multiple PPV events, including WrestleMania and Starrcade |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2005 by Ric Flair |
| Films and TV Shows | Acted in dozens of films and TV shows, including “They Live” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” |
| Other Names | “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Hot Rod |
| Wrestling Nicknames | “Rowdy” and “Hot Rod” |
In the 1980s, Canadian actor and professional wrestler Roddy Piper – Roderick George Toombs – became well–known. His fiery demeanor, Scottish ancestry, and kilt and bagpipe entrance music made him well–known. He was one of the best–known antagonists in the annals of wrestling, regularly engaging in conflict with Hulk Hogan and other luminaries.
Additionally, he hosted the divisive interview program “Piper’s Pit,” where he frequently provoked and assaulted his guests. Later, he developed a loyal following and captured the WWF Intercontinental Championship in 1992. In addition, he made several film and television appearances, including They Live and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. At 61, he passed away from a heart attack in 2015.
10. Ax
| Ax | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
| Initial release | November 1, 2016 |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| License | Proprietary software |
| Product Line | Microsoft Dynamics 365 |
| Components | Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, Dynamics SL, and Dynamics AX |
| Target Market | Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to large organizations |
| Market Segments | Retail, services, manufacturing, financial services, and the public sector |
| Integration | Easily connected with Office 365 and PowerBI |
| Localization | Available with 24 official localizations and additional 47 localizations by local partners |
| Licensing Model | Per-seat license model with a 3x concurrent seat multiplier |
| Formerly Known As | Microsoft Dynamics NAV |
| Deployment Options | Software-as-a-service (SaaS) and on-premises |
| Compliance | GDPR, IAS/IFRS, and SOX |
| Editions | Essentials (Finance, Sales, Marketing, etc.), Premium (Includes Service Management and Manufacturing features) |
| Developer | Great Plains Software (Dynamics GP) |
| Developer | Navision Software A/S (Dynamics NAV) |
| Developer | Solomon Software (Dynamics SL) |
| Developer | Microsoft (Dynamics AX) |
| Roots | TLB, Inc. (The Lord’s Business) – Solomon Software (Dynamics SL) |
| Location | Findlay, Ohio (Solomon Software) |
| Origin | Denmark (Navision Software A/S – Dynamics NAV) |
| Integration | SharePoint, Yammer, Office 365, Azure, and Outlook (Dynamics 365 Sales) |
| Accounting Package | One of the first accounting packages in the United States (Dynamics GP) |
A former high school teacher and coach in Ohio, William Reid “Bill” Eadie had a successful career as a professional wrestler under various aliases.
He is best known for his role as Ax, one half of the tag team Demolition, which dominated the WWF in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also wrestled as The Masked Superstar, a mysterious and powerful grappler who wore a distinctive white mask and challenged many top stars in different promotions. Eadie retired from wrestling in 2010.
11. Chris Jericho
| Chris Jericho | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chris Jericho |
| Birthdate | November 9, 1970 |
| Nationality | American, Canadian |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler, rock musician, podcaster, actor, author |
| Affiliation | All Elite Wrestling (AEW) |
| Notable Achievements | Named one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time Six-time world champion First Undisputed WWF Champion |
| Wrestling Career | Competed in ECW, WCW, WWF/WWE, NJPW 35 championships won Headlined WrestleMania X8, TLC, and Elimination Chamber matches |
| Music Career | Lead vocalist of heavy metal band Fozzy |
| Television Appearances | Hosted game shows and award ceremonies |
| Education | Red River College, Creative Communications graduate |
| Family Background | Son of Canadian ice hockey player Ted Irvine |
| Dual Citizenship | American and Canadian |
Chris Jericho is a legend in the wrestling world, with a career that spans over three decades and multiple promotions. He has proven himself as a master of the craft through his technical skills and charisma. He can play any role, from a heroic fan favorite to a despicable villain, and always deliver a memorable performance.
One of his most remarkable achievements was becoming the first Undisputed WWF Champion in 2001, after defeating two of the biggest stars in the industry, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, in one night. He also held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship simultaneously, making him the last person to do so. Jericho has headlined many major events in his WWF/WWE tenure, such as WrestleMania X8 and the first TLC and Elimination Chamber matches.
12. Bill Goldberg
| Bill Goldberg | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Goldberg |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Occupations | Professional Wrestler, Actor, Former American Football Defensive Tackle |
| Wrestling Career | – Tenures in WCW and WWE |
| Football Career | – Played for Los Angeles Rams, Sacramento Gold Miners, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers |
| Personal Life | – Born into a Reform Jewish family |
| Acting Career | – Acted in various films and television shows |
One of the most recognizable and powerful wrestlers in history is Goldberg. He began his career in World Championship Wrestling, where his astounding 173–0 undefeated streak made him famous.
The WCW World Heavyweight Championship, the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, and the WCW World Tag Team Championship were all won by Goldberg after he overcame luminaries like Hulk Hogan, Big Show, and Bret Hart. He is also renowned for his trademark moves, the Spear and the Jackhammer, which he employed to swiftly and brutally dispatch his opponents. Later, Goldberg joined WWE whereas a World Heavyweight Champion and a Universal Champion, and he continued to have an influence.
13. Shane McMahon
| Shane McMahon | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shane Brandon McMahon |
| Birthdate | January 15, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businessman, Professional Wrestler |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Alma Mater | Boston University |
| Spouse | Marissa Mazzola |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon |
| Family | McMahon |
| Wrestling Promoter | Fourth-generation wrestling promoter (McMahon family) |
| Accomplishments | – European Championship |
| Executive Positions | – WWE’s Executive Vice President of Global Media |
| Notable Appearances | WrestleMania (2018-2023) |
Shane Brandon McMahon is an American businessman and professional wrestler. He is currently signed with WWE. He is the founder and executive chairman of Ideanomics, formerly Seven Stars Cloud Group. He is a fourth–generation wrestling promoter; his father is Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE.
He started working for WWE when he was 15 years old, doing various jobs such as filling merchandise orders, refereeing, producing, announcing, and wrestling. He resigned from WWE in 2010 and became CEO of YOU On Demand, an entertainment service company. He stepped down as CEO in 2013 but remained the principal executive officer and Vice Chairman of the Board until 2021 when he became Executive Chairman. He returned to WWE in 2016 and has been appearing and wrestling part–time since 2020.
14. Lex Luger
| Lex Luger | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lex Luger |
| Birthdate | June 2, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Profession | Retired professional wrestler, bodybuilder, and football player |
| Known For | Work with Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, and WWF/WWE |
| Championships | 2-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, 1-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion, 5-time NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Achievements | Co-winner of the 1994 Royal Rumble with Bret Hart, voted Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Popular Wrestler of the Year in 1993 |
| Alma Mater | Pennsylvania State University, University of Miami |
| Spouse | Peggy Fulbright (married 1979, divorced 2003) |
| Partner | Miss Elizabeth (1999; deceased 2003) |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Trained by | Barry Windham, Bob Roop, Hiro Matsuda |
| Debut | October 31, 1985 |
| Retirement | 2006 |
| College | Miami |
| Football Teams | Montreal Alouettes, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Bandits, Memphis Showboats, Jacksonville Bulls |
| Football Position | Offensive lineman |
Lex Luger was one of the most popular stars in WWE history. He rose to fame in 1993, becoming the patriotic hero who challenged the monstrous Yokozuna for the WWE Championship. On Independence Day, Lex Luger shocked the world by lifting and slamming the 600–pound champion on the USS Intrepid, a feat that no one else could accomplish.
He then embarked on a nationwide tour in a “Lex–Express bus,” waving the American flag and rallying the fans behind him. He was the ultimate symbol of hope and courage for the WWE Universe. However, despite his immense popularity and charisma, he never captured the WWE Championship. His closest chance was at the 1994 Royal Rumble, where he tied with Bret Hart as the co–winner of the match.
15. Jeff Hardy
| Jeff Hardy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeff Hardy |
| Born | August 31, 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
| Tag Team | The Hardy Boyz |
| Wrestling Style | High-flying, risk-taking |
| Championships | 6-time World Champion, Intercontinental Champion, Hardcore Champion, Tag Team Champion |
| Notable Matches | TLC Matches, WrestleMania main events |
| Musical Career | Member of the band PeroxWhy?Gen, released albums and extended plays |
| Other Interests | Motocross, music, painting, artistic endeavors |
| Literary Achievement | Co-authored the autobiographical book “The Hardy Boyz” |
| Popular Recognition | Named “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” by Pro Wrestling Illustrated |
Jeff Hardy is one of America’s most famous professional wrestlers and musicians. He and his brother Matt Hardy created one of WWE’s most exciting doubles teams. In the 90s, the two brothers created a wrestling style full of adventure and flight, making the audience’s hearts flutter every time they watched.
Attacks like the Swanton bomb and “Twist of Fate” often signify back count. Doubles didn’t last forever, but the qualities that made the brothers successful were carried over to Jeff and Matt’s singles matches.
16. Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart
| Jim Neidhart Who | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart |
| Birth Name | James Henry Neidhart |
| Birthdate | February 8, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Montebello, California, U.S. |
| Death | August 13, 2018 (aged 63) |
| Place of Death | Wesley Chapel, Florida, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Head injury caused by a seizure resulting in a fall |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth “Ellie” Hart (m. 1979; div. 2001), Elizabeth “Ellie” Hart (m. 2010) |
| Children | 3, including Natalie |
| Family | Hart |
| Ring Name(s) | Jim Neidhart, Who (as Who Knows Where) |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 281 lb (127 kg) |
| Billed From | Reno, Nevada, U.S. and “Who Knows Where” (as Who) |
| Trained by | Stu Hart |
| Debut | 1978 |
| Retirement | 2016 |
| Notable Achievements | – Two-time WWF Tag Team Champion with Bret Hart in The Hart Foundation |
| Athletic Accolades | – Set a California high school record in shot put |
| Wrestling Career | – Trained with Stu Hart and worked for various promotions |
James Henry Neidhart, also known as Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, was a prominent American professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 1980s and 1990s. He formed The Hart Foundation with his real–life brother–in–law Bret Hart, and together they won the WWF Tag Team Championship twice.
James Neidhart also had a successful career in other wrestling promotions, such as Stampede Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, Mid–South Wrestling, Memphis Championship Wrestling, and the Mid–Eastern Wrestling Federation, where James Neidhart captured various titles.
17. Randy Savage
| Randy Savage | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Randy Mario Poffo |
| Ring Name | “Macho Man” Randy Savage |
| Birthdate | November 15, 1952 |
| Birthplace | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Death | May 20, 2011 (aged 58) |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack brought on by atherosclerosis |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler |
| Promotions | World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW) |
| Spouse | Miss Elizabeth (m. 1984; div. 1992) |
| Family | Angelo Poffo (father), Lanny Poffo (brother) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 237 lb (108 kg) |
| Nickname | “The Macho Man” |
| Notable Championships | – 2-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Feuds | – Tito Santana |
| Accomplishments | – Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Inductee |
As one of the industry’s veterans, Randy Savage had already achieved legendary status with the WWE, but he was not done yet. In 1992, he claimed the WWF Championship by defeating Ric Flair at WrestleMania VIII, and he reigned as the champion for 149 days.
Before he departed from the WWE in 1994, Savage gave the fans many memorable moments, such as his marriage at Summer Slam 1991 and the snake attack he endured in a rivalry with Jake Roberts.
18. Andre The Giant
| Andre The Giant | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andre The Giant |
| Birth Name | Andre René Roussimoff |
| Nickname | The Eighth Wonder of the World |
| Birthdate | 19 May 1946 |
| Birthplace | Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, France |
| Death | 28 January 1993, Paris, France |
| Age at Death | 46 |
| Children | 1 |
| Professional Wrestling Career | World Wrestling Federation (WWF), New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| Notable Ring Names | Andre the Giant, The Ultimate Giant, Giant Machine, Monster Roussimoff, The Polish Giant, Géant Ferré |
| Accomplishments | WWF Champion, Inaugural inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame |
| Acting Career | Notable role as Fezzik in the 1987 film The Princess Bride |
| Height | 7 ft 4 in (224 cm) |
| Weight | 520 lb (236 kg) |
| Billed from | Grenoble in the French Alps |
| Trained by | Michel Saulnier |
| Debut | 25 January 1966 |
| Gigantism Condition | Resulted in excess growth hormones, causing his great size |
| Cultural Impact | Recognizable figure in both professional wrestling and pop culture |
André René Roussimoff, a French actor and professional wrestler, went by the stage name André the Giant. During the 1980s wrestling boom, Roussimoff solidified himself as a cornerstone of the WWWF (then known as the World Wrestling Federation).
On The Main Event’s debut broadcast in 1988, he competed against Hogan to capture the WWF Championship, his only title as a world heavyweight. After WrestleMania VI in 1990, Roussimoff’s career with the WWF was essentially over. Therefore he largely competed for All Japan Pro–Wrestling until his tragic passing. On rare occasions, he battled Giant Baba.
19. Smash
| Smash | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barry Allen Darsow |
| Birth Name | Barry Allen Darsow |
| Born | October 6, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Spouse(s) | Theresa Darsow |
| Children | Dakota Darsow |
| Ring Name(s) | Smash |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 290 lb (132 kg) |
| Trained by | Eddie Sharkey, Karl Gotch |
| Debut | 1983 |
| Retired | 2017 |
| Tag Team Name | Demolition |
| Championship Wins | 3-time WWF World Tag Team Champion |
| Notable Feuds | Ken Patera and Billy Jack Haynes |
American professional wrestler Barry Allen Darsow competed as Smash, one half of the tag team Demolition. He worked for Jim Crockett Promotions throughout his career, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and many regional promotions in the 1980s and 1990s.
He was a member of Demolition, which won three WWF World Tag Team Championships, one NWA World Tag Team Championship (although the NWA no longer recognizes any former tag team champions before 1992, Darsow’s championship is considered part of the WCW World tag team championship lineage), and one NWA United States Tag Team Championship. He is also a four–time former world tag team champion.
20. Ultimate Warrior
| Ultimate Warrior | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ultimate Warrior |
| Birth Name | James Brian Hellwig |
| Born | June 16, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Crawfordsville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 8, 2014 |
| Place of Death | Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Spouse(s) | Shari Tyree, Dana Viale |
| Children | 2 |
| Ring Name(s) | The Ultimate Warrior, The Warrior |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 280 lb (127 kg) |
| Trained by | Bill Anderson, Rick Bassman, Red Bastien |
| Debut | November 23, 1985 |
| Retired | June 25, 2008 |
| World Wrestling Federation (WWF) | 1987-1992, 1996 |
| World Championship Wrestling (WCW) | 1998 |
| WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship | 2 times |
| WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship | 1 time |
| WWF Championship | 1 time |
| Public Speaking Career | Embarked on a public speaking career after retirement from wrestling |
When The Ultimate Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI in April 1990, he won the WWF Championship for the first and only time. He assumed the role of the WWF’s new face and kept it for about 300 days. He may have had a better working connection with WWF owner Vince McMahon, as a result of which he quickly lost his position as the main eventer.
In 1992, he still enjoyed enormous popularity among the crowd and engaged The Undertaker in intense competition. However, he was let go later that year and didn’t return until 1996. Because he and McMahon could not agree, so his second tenure in the WWF was brief.
21. Ted DiBiase
| Ted DiBiase | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ted DiBiase |
| Birth Name | Theodore Marvin Willis |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Melanie DiBiase (m. 1981) |
| Children | Mike DiBiase II, Ted DiBiase Jr., Brett DiBiase |
| Family | Mike DiBiase (adoptive father), Helen Hild (mother) |
| Ring Name(s) | Ted DiBiase, The Million Dollar Man |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 260 lb (118 kg) |
| Billed From | Omaha, Nebraska, Seasonal residences (WWF) |
| Trained by | Dory Funk Jr., Terry Funk |
| Debut | 1974 |
| Retired | 1993 |
| Notable Achievements | – First WWF North American Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Matches | – Headlined WrestleMania IV |
| Halls of Fame | – Inducted into Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame |
| Current Role | Signed to WWE as of 2023, working in their Legends program |
| Recognition | – Regarded as one of the best technical wrestlers in pro wrestling history |
Ted DiBiase is a manager, professional wrestler, color analyst, and an ordained minister in the United States. He works for WWE, where he takes part in their Legends program. DiBiase won thirty championships in different wrestling promotions throughout his professional wrestling career. Most people in the general public remember him for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he performed under the ring name “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase.
DiBiase was the inaugural WWF North American Heavyweight Champion in addition to his prior successes in the WWF/E, winning the 1988 King of the Ring match. In addition, he and Irwin R. Schyster won three times as a WWF Tag Team.
22. Bam Bam Bigelow
| Bam Bam Bigelow | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bam Bam Bigelow |
| Birth Name | Scott Charles Bigelow |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Mount Laurel, New Jersey, United States |
| Date of Death | January 19, 2007 |
| Cause of Death | Drug overdose |
| Spouse(s) | Dana Fisher (m. 1987; div. 2000) |
| Children | 3 |
| Nationality | American |
| Wrestling Promotions | New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WWF, WCW, ECW |
| Championships Held | ECW World Heavyweight Championship, ECW World Television Championship, IWGP Tag Team Championship, WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship, WCW World Tag Team Championship |
| Notable Pay-Per-View Headlines | Survivor Series, Beach Brawl, King of the Ring, WrestleMania, November to Remember |
| Wrestling Debut | August 23, 1985 |
| Trained by | Larry Sharpe |
Scott Charles Bigelow was an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name Bam Bam Bigelow. As intimidating as a jailhouse thug with tattoos of flames carved into his bald skull, Bigelow’s distinct look and considerable talents made him a serious threat in WCW, ECW, and WWE.
The big man was heavily touted upon his WWE debut in 1987, and managers like Bobby Heenan, Slick, and Mr. Fuji fought to acquire his services. Bam Bam ultimately sided with the flamboyant Oliver Humperdink and shook things up at Survivor Series 1987 by pinning King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang in the same match.
23. Big Van Vader
| Big Van Vader | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Big Van Vader |
| Birthdate | May 14, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Lynwood, California, U.S. |
| Promotions | New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), WCW, WWF, AJPW, NOAH |
| Nicknames | Vader, Baby Bull, Bull Power |
| Championships | – IWGP Heavyweight Championship (3 times) |
| Notable Achievements | – Voted “Best Wrestling Maneuver” of 1993 |
| Education | University of Colorado |
| Football Career | Los Angeles Rams (NFL) |
| Position | Center |
| Wrestling Debut | 1985 |
| Retirement | August 26, 2017 |
American football player and professional wrestler Leon Allen White used the ring name, Big Van Vader or Vader. One of the finest super–heavyweight wrestlers in history, according to many. White was a skilled aerial performer and a tough wrestler. He won the 1993 “Best Wrestling Maneuver” award from Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) subscribers.
The 1993 Battlebowl battle royal, two Triple Crown Heavyweight titles, three IWGP Heavyweight titles, three WCW World Heavyweight titles, one UWA World Heavyweight title, and three WCW World Heavyweight titles are just a few of the titles he also won in WCW, Mexico, and Japan. He main–listed multiple PPV events for the WWF and WCW. Vader was elected into the WON Hall of Fame in 1996 and the WWE Hall of Fame in 2022.
24. Rick Rude
| Rick Rude | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rick Rude |
| Birthdate | December 7, 1958 |
| Birthplace | St. Peter, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Death | April 20, 1999 |
| Cause of Death | Accidental overdose |
| Alma Mater | Anoka-Ramsey Community College |
| Spouse(s) | Cheryl Holler (m. 1980; div. 1982) |
| Children | 3 |
| Ring Name(s) | Rick Rude |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Billed Weight | 252 lb |
| Billed From | Robbinsdale, Minnesota, United States |
| Trained by | Eddie Sharkey |
| Debut | 1982 |
| Retirement | 1994 |
| Promotions | WCW, WWF, ECW |
| Championships/Accolades | Four-time World Champion |
| Notable Feuds | Jerry Lawler |
| Manager | Jimmy Hart |
| Stable | D-Generation X (founded in late 1997) |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2017 |
Rude joined WWE in 1987 after having great runs in World Class Championship Wrestling and WCW. Ravishing Rick won the Intercontinental Championship from Ultimate Warrior during his time in WWE before returning to WCW in 1991.
He rejoined WWE in 1997, donning a suit and tie instead of the colorful attire. Rude was the “insurance policy” for Shawn Michaels and Triple H in the newly formed D–Generation X while also managing “The Franchise” Shane Douglas in ECW. Rude left the WWE’s DX and ECW a few months later and joined WCW’s New World Order.
25. Razor Ramon
| Razor Ramon | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Bognar |
| Birthdate | January 16, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Surrey, British Columbia, Canada |
| Death | September 20, 2019 |
| Professional Career | Razor Ramon |
| Ring Names | Big Titan, Mega Mask, Razor Ramon, Razor Rick, Rick Titan, Ti Do |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 272 lb (123 kg) |
| Trained by | Mr. Hito, Tokyo Joe Daigo |
| Debut | 1988 |
| Retirement | September 29, 2012 |
| Notable Work | “Fake” Razor Ramon in WWF, FMW World Strongest Tag Team Champion |
| Achievements | World Martial Arts Heavyweight Champion (FMW) |
| Wrestling Stables | Team Canada (FMW), nWo Japan (NJPW) |
| Wrestling Territories | WWF, FMW, ECW, NJPW, USWA, WWC, Stampede Wrestling |
| Television Appearance | Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show |
| Post-Retirement Career | Motivational Speaker |
Razor Ramon was a legend in the WWF as one of the most successful Intercontinental Champions ever. He held the title four times and accumulated 438 days as the champion. However, he never reached the pinnacle of the WWF, and he never won the World Championship.
Other stars always overshadowed him, and he never got the opportunity to prove himself as the best in the business. Razor Ramon was a phenomenal wrestler who deserved more recognition and respect for his achievements. He was one of the finest Intercontinental Champions ever and should have been a World Champion too.
26. Alundra Blayze
| Alundra Blayze | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alundra Blayze |
| Birth Name | Debrah Ann Miceli |
| Nickname | Madusa |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1963 |
| Age | 60 years old |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Monster truck driver, professional wrestler, producer |
| Spouse(s) | Eddie Gilbert, Ken Blackman, Alan Jonason |
| Wrestling Ring Names | Alundra Blayze, Madusa, Madusa Miceli |
| Billed Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Billed Weight | 150 lb (68 kg) |
| Trained by | Brad Rheingans, Eddie Sharkey |
| Wrestling Debut | 1984 |
| Retirement | 2000 |
| Promotions | AWA, AJW, WCW, WWF |
| Championships | – AWA World Women’s Championship |
| Hall of Fame | WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2015) |
| Notable Achievements | – First foreign wrestler to sign with All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling |
Alundra Blayze was the most prominent female wrestler in the mid–1990s and the only woman in the WWE Hall of Fame. She faced Bull Nakano, her only worthy rival, who used that name in Japan. She dominated the women’s division so much that she had no other challengers.
She shocked the wrestling world when she left WWE for WCW in late 1995 while still holding the Women’s Championship. She appeared on a live WCW show and threw the belt in a trash can, disrespecting her former employer. This event caused WWE to cancel the women’s division and the title until 1998, leaving a gap in women’s wrestling history.
27. Tatanka
| Tatanka | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tatanka |
| Birth Name | Chris Chavis |
| Date of Birth | June 8, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Pembroke, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Tribal Affiliation | Lumbee tribe |
| Spouse(s) | Dawn Doyle (m. 1989; div. 1994), Michelle Chavis (m. 1997) |
| Children | 4 |
| Ring Name(s) | American War Eagle, The Legend, Tatanka, War Eagle, Red Blade, The Undefeated Native American Tatanka |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 285 lb (129 kg) |
| Trained by | Larry Sharpe |
| Debut | January 13, 1990 |
| Promotions | WWE (1991-1996, 2005-2007) |
| Accomplishments | South Atlantic Heavyweight Champion, Winner of the Bashed in the USA Battle Royal, UCW Heavyweight Champion, Stampede Wrestling North American Heavyweight Champion |
Chris Chavis is a former professional wrestler under a legendary contract with WWE. He belongs to the Lumbee tribe of Native Americans and is best known for his ring name Tatanka, which means “bison” in Lakota.
He had a successful career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE, from 1991 to 1996 and from 2005 to 2007. He also competed in promotions such as South Atlantic Pro Wrestling, Lucha Libre USA, and TNA. He started his athletic career as a powerlifter and bodybuilder and was once offered a spot on the Miami Dolphins football team, but he declined. He was trained by Larry Sharpe and Buddy Rogers and debuted as a wrestler in 1990.
28. Edge
| Edge | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adam Joseph Copeland (known as Edge) |
| Birthdate | October 30, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Orangeville, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler, actor |
| Years Active | 1992–2011, 2020–present (wrestler); 2011–present (actor) |
| Spouses | Alannah Morley, Lisa Ortiz, Beth Phoenix |
| Children | 2 |
| Championships | 7-time World Heavyweight Champion, 4-time WWE Champion, 5-time Intercontinental Champion, |
| Notable Achievements | Winner of the 2001 King of the Ring tournament, winner of the first-ever Money in the Bank ladder match (2005), |
| Wrestling Style | Known for high-risk maneuvers and innovative use of steel chairs, tables, and ladders |
| Notable Matches | Headlined WrestleMania XXIV and WrestleMania 37 |
| Retirement | Retired in 2011 due to neck injuries, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012 |
| Return to Wrestling | Made a surprise return in the 2020 Royal Rumble match and won the 2021 Royal Rumble match |
| Acting Career | Appeared in films such as Highlander: Endgame and Bending the Rules, made guest appearances on television shows including The Flash and Vikings |
| Upcoming Project | Scheduled to appear as Ares in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians |
Edge was the breakout star for The Brood, a group of wrestlers with a gothic image that included Christian and Gangrel. The Brood made their WWF debut in 1998 during the Attitude Era, and they quickly gained notoriety for their vampire–like gimmick and blood–spouting entrance. Edge began wrestling as a lone competitor but ultimately joined forces with Christian, his kayfabe brother, Gangrel, and other wrestlers to form The Brood.
However, Edge quickly eclipsed his stablemates because of his charisma and talent, and he started getting more fan support and opportunities. He started a conflict with Gangrel in 1999 as the latter attempted to turn Christian against him. When Edge won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Jeff Jarrett at a house event, it resulted in Edge winning his first singles championship in the WWF.
29. The Undertaker
| The Undertaker | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Undertaker |
| Birth Name | Mark William Calaway |
| Birthdate | March 24, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Jodi Lynn (m. 1989; div. 1999) Sara Frank (m. 2000; div. 2007) Michelle McCool (m. 2010) |
| Children | 5 |
| Ring Names | The Undertaker |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 10 in |
| Billed Weight | 309 lb |
| Billed From | Death Valley, Houston, Texas |
| Trained By | Buzz Sawyer |
| Debut | June 26, 1987 |
| Retired | November 22, 2020 |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2022 |
| Championships | – WWF/E Championship: 4 times – World Heavyweight Championship: 3 times – Hardcore Championship: 1 time – World Tag Team Championship: 6 times – Royal Rumble Winner: 2007 |
| WrestleMania Streak | 21 straight victories |
| Tag Team | Brothers of Destruction with Kane (1997-2020) |
| Gimmicks | “Deadman” persona, “The American Badass” |
Even when he was not the center of attention, The Undertaker was a cornerstone of WWE in the 1990s. Despite having many spectacular matches, he only captured the WWE Championship three times throughout that time. He only required a few titles to leave a lasting legacy.
In 1991, a year after his debut, he defeated Hulk Hogan and established himself as a celebrity. He invented various match types, including the Hell in a Cell Match and the Casket Match. Because he overcame many obstacles and developed a distinctive character that enthralled followers for decades, The Deadman is regarded as a legend.
30. Ric Flair
| Ric Flair | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Morgan Fliehr |
| Birthdate | February 25, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Nature Boy |
| Career Span | Over 50 years |
| Promotions | Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, WWF/WWE, TNA |
| Championships | 16-time world champion (NWA, WCW, WWF/WWE) |
| Notable Events | Headlined Starrcade 10 times, Co-headlined WrestleMania 1992 |
| Accolades | 6-time Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestler of the Year, 8-time Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler of the Year |
| Training | Trained by Verne Gagne |
| Debut | December 10, 1972 |
The legendary Ric Flair dazzled WWE fans for a year and a half with his charisma and skills. He arrived in 1991 and became the most hated villain of the era, proclaiming himself the “real” World Champion and challenging Hulk Hogan indirectly. He achieved his claim by winning the Royal Rumble in 1992 and becoming the new WWF Champion after the title was vacated.
He then engaged in a classic rivalry with Randy Savage, who took the title from him at WrestleMania VIII. Flair got revenge in September of that year by defeating Savage and regaining the title. Even though he was past his prime, Flair was still a major attraction, and he left a lasting impression during his brief run with the company in the early ’90s.
31. Billy Gunn
| Billy Gunn | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Billy Gunn |
| Birthdate | November 1, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Current Affiliation | All Elite Wrestling (AEW) |
| Other Ring Names | Billy G, Cute Kip, Daddy Ass, KIP, Kip Gunn, Kip James, and more |
| Promotions | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) |
| Tag Team Championships | 11-time champion with various partners |
| Intercontinental Championship | 1-time champion |
| Hardcore Championship | 2-time champion |
| King of the Ring Winner | 1999 |
| WWE Hall of Fame Induction | 2019 as a member of D-Generation X |
| Training | Jerry Gray, Independent circuit, World Wrestling Federation (WWF) |
| Debut | 1993 |
| Notable Feuds | The Honky Tonk Man, The Rock, Jeff Jarrett, Eddie Guerrero, and more |
Billy Gunn‘s WWE career spanned over two decades and saw him succeed in both tag team and singles competition. He debuted in 1993 as one half of The Smoking Gunns, a cowboy–themed team with his kayfabe brother Bart. They captured the Tag Team Titles three times before splitting up in 1997.
Gunn then formed a new tag team with Jesse James, previously known as The Roadie. They called themselves The New Age Outlaws and quickly became one of the most popular and dominant teams in WWE history. They won five Tag Team Championships and joined forces with Shawn Michaels and Triple H to form the second incarnation of DX.
32. IRS
| IRS | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Formed | July 1, 1862 (though the name originates from 1918) |
| Type | Revenue service |
| Jurisdiction | Federal government of the United States |
| Headquarters | Internal Revenue Service Building, Washington, D.C., United States |
| Employees | 93,654 (2022) |
| Annual Budget | $14.3 billion (2022) |
| Agency Executive | Daniel Werfel, Commissioner |
| Parent Agency | Department of the Treasury |
| Role | Responsible for collecting U.S. federal taxes and administering the tax laws |
| Key Functions | Tax administration, taxpayer assistance, tax enforcement |
| Services | Processing tax returns, issuing refunds, conducting audits |
| Major Programs | Voluntary Disclosure Program, Taxpayer Advocate Service, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) |
| Impact | Critical source of revenue for the functioning of the federal government |
| Notable Events | Implementation of tax reform legislation, COVID-19 relief measures |
| Challenges | Addressing tax evasion, managing the complexity of the tax code, efficient resource allocation |
| Historical Highlights | Originated in 1862 to fund the American Civil War, renamed to IRS in 1953 |
| Recent Developments | Budget cuts, workforce reduction, increased emphasis on electronic filing, tax reform in 2017 |
| Technology Advancements | Adoption of computer systems for income tax processing, implementation of e-filing |
For five years, IRS was a consistent performer in the mid–card division, playing one of the most despised villains in WWE history as a tax collector. He had memorable rivalries with Bret Hart and The Undertaker, who gained popularity from their matches with him.
IRS achieved his greatest success when he joined forces with Ted DiBiase to form Money Inc., a tag team that captured the Tag Team Championship three times and ruled the division for almost a year.
33. Vince McMahon
| Vince McMahon | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vince McMahon |
| Birthdate | August 24, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Pinehurst, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Other Names | Vinnie Lupton, Vince McMahon Jr. |
| Education | East Carolina University (Business Degree) |
| Occupation | Businessman, media proprietor, and professional wrestling executive |
| Title | Executive Chairman of WWE |
| Spouse | Linda Edwards (married in 1966) |
| Children | Shane and Stephanie McMahon |
| Relatives | McMahon family |
| Ring Names | Mr. McMahon, Vince McMahon |
| Debut | 1969 (as a ring announcer), 1971 (as a commentator), 1998 (as a wrestler) |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in |
| Billed Weight | 248 lb |
| Billed From | Greenwich, Connecticut |
Vince McMahon is an American businessman and professional wrestling promoter who has been the executive chairman of WWE since 1982. He inherited the company from his father, who founded it as WWWF in 1952. McMahon transformed wrestling from a regional sport into a global phenomenon by introducing innovative marketing and entertainment strategies, such as WrestleMania, which became one of the most successful events in wrestling history.
He also created his on–screen persona, Mr. McMahon, a ruthless and arrogant boss who often fired his employees and clashed with wrestlers. He won several championships and headlined many pay–per–view events as Mr. McMahon. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful figures in wrestling history.
34. Ahmed Johnson
| Ahmed Johnson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ahmed Johnson |
| Birth Name | Anthony Norris |
| Born | June 6, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Kokomo, Indiana, U.S. |
| Education | University of Tennessee |
| Professional Wrestling Career | World Wrestling Federation (WWF) |
| Prominence | Early Attitude Era |
| Championships | WWF Intercontinental Championship |
| Notable Pay-Per-View Event | In Your House 9: International Incident |
| Wrestling Ring Names | Ahmed Johnson |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 305 lb (138 kg) |
| Billed From | Pearl River, Mississippi |
| Trained by | Skandor Akbar |
| Debut | 1989 |
| Retired | 2003 |
| Other Wrestling Promotions | Global Wrestling Federation (GWF) |
| Notable Feuds | Jeff Jarrett |
| Notable Matches | King of the Ring (Intercontinental Championship) |
| Notable Accomplishments | First African American Intercontinental Champion |
| Post-Wrestling Career | Pro Wrestling Alliance wrestling school |
| Legal Involvement | Class action lawsuit against WWE |
Anthony Norris, also known by his ring name Ahmed Johnson, is a former professional wrestler and football player from the United States. He had a successful career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1995 to 1998, where he was one of the main attractions of the early Attitude Era.
He won the WWF Intercontinental Championship and became the first African American to hold that title. He also hosted the In Your House 9: International Incident pay–per–view in 1996, where he teamed up with Shawn Michaels and Sycho Sid against Camp Cornette. He retired from wrestling in 2003 due to injuries and health issues.
35. Big Boss Man
| Big Boss Man | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ray Washington Traylor Jr. |
| Birthdate | May 2, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Marietta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Death | September 22, 2004 (aged 41) |
| Spouse(s) | Angela Traylor (m. 1989) |
| Children | 2 |
| Ring name(s) | Big Boss Man, Boss Man, Big Bubba, Big Bubba Rogers, The Boss, The Guardian Angel, Ray Traylor, War Machine |
| Billed height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) |
| Billed weight | 330 lb (150 kg) |
| Billed from | Cobb County, Georgia |
| Trained by | Ted Allen |
| Debut | 1985 |
| Notable Achievements | – WWF World Tag Team Championship (1 time) |
| WWE Hall of Fame | Inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016 |
| Previous Careers | Former corrections officer in Cobb County, Georgia |
| Feuds | – Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Demolition |
| Notable Moments | – Part of the top storyline of Savage turning on Hogan |
| Retirement | Left WWF in March 1993 but returned shortly after |
Ray Washington Traylor Jr., a wrestler who performed under the ring titles Big Boss, The Boss, The Man, The Guardian Angel, and Big Bubba Rogers, is one of the most recognizable and well–respected in WWE history. He has a prosperous career in the WWF and WCW, taking home four times both the WWF Hardcore Championship and the WWF World Tag Team Championship. He gained notoriety for his intimidating build, distinctive nightstick, and rivalry with The Undertaker.
WWE said that Traylor would be posthumously inducted into the 2016 class of the WWE Hall of Fame on March 7, 2016. After a moving tribute in his honor by his old manager Slick, his wife Angela and daughters Lacy and Megan collected the prize on his behalf.
36. Stone Cold Steve Austin
| The Ringmaster Stone | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| Birthdate | December 18, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupations | Media personality, actor, retired professional wrestler |
| Years Active | 1989–2003 (wrestling), 1999–present (media) |
| Spouses | Kathryn Burrhus, Jeanie Clarke, Debra Marshall, Kristin Feres |
| Children | 2 |
| Ring Names | The Ringmaster, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, “Stunning” Steve Austin, “Superstar” Steve Austin, The Texas Rattle Snake |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 2 in |
| Billed Weight | 252 lb |
| Billed From | Victoria, Texas, U.S. |
| Trained By | Chris Adams |
| Debut | September 30, 1989 |
| Retired | March 30, 2003 |
| Accomplishments | 6-time WWF Champion, 2-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, Million Dollar Champion, 4-time WWF Tag Team Champion |
| Notable Achievements | Headlined multiple WrestleMania events, feuded with Mr. McMahon during the Attitude Era |
Steve Austin, also known as “Stone Cold,” was a legendary wrestler who revolutionized WWE in the 1990s. He was the main star of the Attitude Era, a period of unprecedented popularity and creativity for the company.
He challenged authority figures like Mr. McMahon and captivated fans with his rebellious attitude and charisma. He won several championships, including six WWE titles, and headlined four WrestleMania. He retired from wrestling in 2003 due to injuries but remains one of the industry’s most influential and respected figures.
37. Mr. Perfect
| Mr Perfect | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mr. Perfect (Curtis Michael Hennig) |
| Birthdate | March 28, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Robbinsdale, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | February 10, 2003 |
| Cause of Death | Combined drug intoxication |
| Spouse | Leonice Leonard (m. 1978) |
| Children | 4, including Joe Hennig |
| Family | Larry Hennig (father) |
| Promotions | American Wrestling Association (AWA), World Wrestling Federation (WWF; now WWE), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), NWA Total Nonstop Action |
| Ring Names | Curt Hennig, Mr. Perfect |
| Debut | January 30, 1980 |
| Championships | AWA World Heavyweight Championship, WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship (2-time winner) |
| Notable Feuds | Hulk Hogan, Demolition, The Warriors |
| Accomplishments | Seventh-longest reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion, Longest-reigning WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of the 1990s |
| Legacy | Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (2007) |
| Known For | Raising the standard of technical wrestling in WWE, Versatility in various sports, Impressive athletic abilities |
Mr. Perfect was a wrestler with the skills and charisma to be a World Champion, but he never got the opportunity in the WWF. He dominated the Intercontinental Championship scene in the early ’90s, holding the belt twice for 406 days. He was one of the best technical wrestlers in the industry, with a flawless style and a cocky attitude.
He retired from wrestling in 1993 due to a back injury and became a manager and commentator. He attempted some comebacks in the ring but only had a few matches before he left the WWF in 1996.
38. Matt Hardy
| Matt Hardy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Moore Hardy |
| Birthdate | September 23, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Cameron, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Other Names | Broken Matt, Woken Matt |
| Alma Mater | University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
| Spouse(s) | Rebecca Reyes (m. 2013) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Jeff Hardy (brother) |
| Wrestling Career | All Elite Wrestling (AEW), WWE, Impact Wrestling |
| Tag Team Championships | 14-time world tag team champion |
| Notable Gimmicks | “Version 1” “Broken” or “Woken” Matt |
| World Championships | ECW Championship TNA World Heavyweight Championships |
| Cruiserweight Championship | Won under WWF/WWE banner |
Because of his experience with WWE, Matthew Moore Hardy is the best–known. In addition to twice holding the TNA World Tag Team Championships, he has also twice won the WWE World Tag Team Championship, once each of the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship, WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, ROH World Tag Team Championship, and WCW Tag Team Championships. He has taken home a total of 14 world tag team titles.
In 2002, Hardy began a solo career in WWE. As a singles wrestler, Hardy has won three world championships. Hardy is one of only three men, along with Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Rey Mysterio, to have won the Cruiserweight Championship under the WWF/ WWE header and a WWE world championship.
39. Rob Van Dam
| Rob Van Dam | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rob Van Dam |
| Birth Name | Robert Alexander Szatkowski |
| Ring Name | Rob Van Dam (RVD) |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Spouse(s) | Sonia Delbeck (m. 1998; div. 2018), Katie Forbes (m. 2021) |
| Promotions | Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)/Impact Wrestling |
| Notable Achievements | ECW Television Championship (700-day reign), Money in the Bank winner, WWE and ECW World Heavyweight Champion |
| Championships Held | 21 total championships (including 3 world championships) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | WWE Hall of Fame (2021), Hardcore Hall of Fame (2022) |
| Acting Career | TV shows: “The X-Files”; Movies: “Wrong Side of Town,” “3-Headed Shark Attack” |
| Education | Graduated from Pennfield Senior High School |
| Trained by | The Sheik |
| Debut | 1990 |
One of the most remarkable stars that emerged from Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) before its acquisition by WWE was Rob Van Dam, also known as RVD.
He had a long and successful career that spanned over three decades, from the 1990s to the 2010s, and headlined many pay–per–view events, including the 1998 edition of November to Remember, the flagship event of ECW. RVD was a charismatic performer and a gifted athlete who could execute a full split in mid–air, reminiscent of another famous martial artist who shared his surname.
40. Christian
| Christian | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Jason Reso |
| Ring Names | Christian Cage, Captain Charisma |
| Birthdate | November 30, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Kitchener, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Spouse | Denise Hartmann |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 212 lb (96 kg) |
| Promotions | WWE, Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) |
| Championships | – WWF Light Heavyweight Championship |
| Achievements | – Triple Crown Champion in WWE |
| Notable Matches | Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches with Edge |
| Notable Feuds | The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz |
| Retirement | 2014 (due to concussion issues) |
| Return to Wrestling | 2021 (signed with AEW) |
| Impact Wrestling Return | 2023 (won Impact World Championship) |
Christian, also known as Christian Cage, is a Canadian professional wrestler and actor. He won his first title in WWE by defeating Taka Michinoku for the Light Heavyweight Championship. He later formed a successful tag team with his childhood friend Edge. He won the World Tag Team Championship seven times and participated in the first–ever Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at WrestleMania 2000. He also won several singles titles in WWE, including the Intercontinental Championship, the European Championship, the Hardcore Championship, and the World Heavyweight Championship.
He retired from wrestling in 2014 due to concussion issues but made a surprise comeback in 2021 at the Royal Rumble match. He then signed with AEW and resumed his wrestling career as Christian Cage. He also won the Impact World Championship at AEW Rampage in 2021, returning to Impact Wrestling after nine years.
41. The British Bulldog
| The British Bulldog | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The British Bulldog |
| Other Names | Davey Boy Smith, Dynamite Kid |
| Tag Team | The British Bulldogs |
| Members | David Smith, Tom Billington, Matilda (bulldog), Winston (bulldog) |
| Billed Heights | Smith: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), Billington: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Combined Billed Weight | 218 kg (481 lb) |
| Billed From | Wigan, England |
| Debut | 1983 |
| Disbanded | 1990 |
| Career Highlights | Consistently ranked among the top tag teams in history |
| Feuds | Hart Foundation, The Dream Team, The Rougeau Brothers, The Islanders, Johnny Smith |
| Championships | Stampede International Tag Team Championship (2 times) |
| Notable Achievements | Won the WWF World Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 2 |
| Last Appearance | 1988 Survivor Series |
| Death | Davey Boy Smith: May 18, 2002 |
| Action Figures | Highly sought after by collectors |
In the 1980s, The British Bulldog was a tag team superstar, but he destroyed his career. In a memorable encounter at Summerslam 1992, he defeated Bret Hart to win the Intercontinental Title, but shortly after that, he was sacked for smuggling human growth hormone.
He resurfaced in 1994 but has yet to succeed as a singles wrestler despite having a sizable fan base. He had a strong vertical suplex and a running power slam, but he only received a push when he turned heel. In the “new” Hart Foundation, he worked with Owen Hart for 245 days to capture the Tag Team Championship. Additionally, he double–won the European and Hardcore championships. But the powerhouse has yet to win a significant championship.
42. Diesel
| Diesel | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diesel |
| Genre | Sports entertainment, Professional wrestling |
| Created by | Vince McMahon |
| Opening theme | “New Day Coming” by CFO$ feat. Pilot Speed |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 8 |
| No. of episodes | 398 |
| Camera setup | Multicamera setup |
| Running time | 60 minutes (inc. commercials) |
| Original network | WGN America, WWE.com, Hulu Plus, WWE Network |
| Original release | April 16, 2009 – November 25, 2016 |
| Related shows | WWE Raw, WWE SmackDown, WWE ECW, WWE Heat, WWE Velocity, WWE Main Event, WWE 205 Live |
| Real Name | Kevin Nash |
| Ring Name(s) | Diesel |
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Other Names | Big Daddy Cool, Big Sexy, Vinnie Vegas, Oz, Master Blaster Steel, Steel, Great and Powerful Oz, The Super Shredder, Big Daddy Cool Diesel |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (208 cm) |
| Weight | 317 lb (144 kg) |
| Debut | 1990 |
| Retirement | 2011 |
| Alma Mater | University of Tennessee |
| Championships | WWE Championship (1 time), WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time), WCW World Heavyweight Championship (5 times), TNA Legends Championship (1 time), TNA World Tag Team Championship (1 time), PWI Match of the Year (1996), PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1995), WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2015) |
Diesel was a powerhouse in the WWE from 1993 to 1996. He won the WWF World, Intercontinental, and Tag Team Championships in less than a year, becoming the third Triple Crown Champion. He beat Bob Backlund in just eight seconds to win the WWF Championship and defended it against challengers like Shawn Michaels, Sycho Sid, and King Mabel. He also headlined WrestleMania XI with HBK.
Diesel left WWE in 1996 and joined WCW as Kevin Nash. He formed the Outsiders with Scott Hall and the New World Order with Hulk Hogan. He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship five times, ending Goldberg’s undefeated streak. He also won the WCW World Tag Team Championship nine times with various partners.
43. Sid
| Sid | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sid |
| Birth Name | Sidney Raymond Eudy |
| Born | December 16, 1960 |
| Spouse(s) | Sabrina Paige |
| Children | 2 |
| Ring Name(s) | Sid Justice, Sid Vicious, Sycho Sid |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 9 in |
| Billed Weight | 317 lb |
| Billed From | Marion, Arkansas; West Memphis, Arkansas, “Wherever he damn well pleases!” |
| Debut | 1987 |
| Retired | August 5, 2017 |
| Championship Accomplishments | 2-time WWF Champion, 2-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, 2-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion, 1-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion |
| Headlined Pay-per-views | WrestleMania VIII, WrestleMania 13, Starrcade 2000 |
| Notable Feuds | Randy Savage, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior |
Throughout his two stays with the WWF, Sid Vicious was a well–known figure. He consistently played a significant part in the main event scene, primarily as an offensive force. He turned against Hulk Hogan and began a feud with him in his first stint, which lasted from 1991 to 1992. Despite no titles, he competed in notable matches, including the WrestleMania VIII championship battle.
In 1995, he rejoined the WWF and became Shawn Michaels’ bodyguard. He soon turned on Michaels and defeated Bret Hart and Michaels himself to win the WWF Championship twice. After losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 13 in 1997, he quit the organization
44. Sean Waltman
| Sean Waltman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sean Michael Waltman |
| Born | July 13, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Terry Waltman |
| Children | 2 |
| Professional Wrestling | Career |
| Ring Name(s) | The 1–2–3 Kid, X-Pac, Syxx |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 212 lb (96 kg) |
| Billed from | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Trained by | Eddie Sharkey, Boris Malenko, Joe Malenko, Masami Soronaka |
| Debut | 1989 |
| Promotions | WWE, WCW, NWA Total Nonstop Action (NWA-TNA) |
| Championships | WWF Tag Team Championship, WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, WCW Cruiserweight Championship |
| Notable Groups | The Kliq, D-Generation X (DX), New World Order (nWo) |
| Retirement | Announced retirement in 2019, returned to the ring in 2022 |
| Accolades | Two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee (2019, 2020) |
Sean Michael Waltman is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE under a Legends contract. During the Monday Night Wars, Waltman left the WWF in 1996 to join Kliq members Kevin Nash and Scott Hall as Syxx in WCW and held the WCW World Tag Team Championship with them as part of the New World Order, as well as becoming a one–time WCW Cruiserweight Champion. He returned to the ring in 2022.
Waltman has won a dozen championships between WWE, WCW, and TNA, the majority being cruiserweight and tag team titles.
45. Jerry Lawler
| Jerry Lawler | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jerry O’Neil Lawler |
| Birthdate | November 29, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Kay Lawler, Paula Lawler, Stacy Carter |
| Children | 2 (including Brian Christopher) |
| Relatives | Cousin: The Honky Tonk Man |
| Ring Name(s) | Jerry “The King” Lawler |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 0 in |
| Billed Weight | 243 lb |
| Billed From | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Trained by | Jackie Fargo |
| Debut | 1970 |
| Career Highlights | AWA World Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Feuds | Andy Kaufman, Bret Hart, Vince McMahon |
Jerry O’Neil Lawler, better known by his ring name Jerry “The King” Lawler, is a professional wrestler and color commentator from the United States. He competed in many territories until joining the World Wrestling Federation in 1992, capturing numerous championships throughout his career, including multiple World Heavyweight Championships.
Lawler has won the USWA United World Heavyweight Championship 28 times. Lawler has won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship once and the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship three times. Lawler has held more renowned championships than any other professional wrestler in history.
46. Goldust
| Goldust | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dustin Patrick Runnels |
| Ring Names | Goldust, Dustin Rhodes |
| Birthdate | April 11, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Current Wrestling Promotion | All Elite Wrestling (AEW) |
| Spouse(s) | Terri Runnels, Milena Martelloni, Ta-rel Roche |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent(s) | Dusty Rhodes (father) |
| Half-Brother | Cody Rhodes |
| Debut | September 13, 1988 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Trained by | Dusty Rhodes, Steve Keirn, Harley Race |
With his bizarre style and twisted mind games, Goldust terrorized the WWE rings from 1995 to 1999. He was The Bizarre One, a master of psychological warfare who could unsettle his foes with his strange antics.
He had the skills to back up his words in the ring, but he was more known for his disturbing promos and vignettes that showcased his dark side. He won the Intercontinental Championship three times and engaged in memorable rivalries with The Undertaker and Razor Ramon during his four–year run.
47. Ken Shamrock
| Ken Shamrock | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Wayne Shamrock (né Kilpatrick) |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1964 |
| Age | 59 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known As | The World’s Most Dangerous Man |
| Residence | Reno, Nevada, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 212 lb (96 kg; 15 st 2 lb) |
| Division | Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight |
| Reach | 73 in (185 cm) |
| Style | Shootfighting, Kickboxing, Wrestling |
| Fighting out of | Reno, Nevada, United States |
| Team | Lion’s Den |
| Teacher(s) | Masakatsu Funaki |
| Years Active | 1993–1996; 2000–2010; 2015–2016 (MMA), 1994 (Kickboxing), 1989–1993; 1997–2004; 2009; 2018–present (Professional wrestling) |
| Kickboxing Record | Wins: 0, Losses: 1, By knockout: 1 |
| Mixed Martial Arts Record | Wins: 28, By knockout: 3, By submission: 22, By decision: 3, Losses: 17, By knockout: 11, By submission: 4, Draws: 2 |
| Spouse | Tina Ramirez (m. 1985; div. 2004), Tonya Shamrock (m. 2005) |
| Children | 7, including 3 step-children |
| Notable Relatives | Frank Shamrock (adopted brother) |
| Ring Names | Ken Shamrock, Shamrock, Vince Torelli, Wayne Shamrock |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 243 lb (110 kg) |
| Billed From | Sacramento, California, San Diego, California |
| Trained by | Nelson Royal, Bob Sawyer, Buzz Sawyer, Bret Hart, Leo Burke, Gene Anderson |
| Debut | 1989 (Professional wrestling), 1993 (MMA) |
| Achievements | UFC Hall of Fame, UFC Superfight Champion, King of Pancrase Openweight Champion, NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion, World Tag Team Champion, 1998 King of the Ring |
Ken Shamrock‘s ankle lock and mixed martial arts technique transformed WWE in 1997. He was a former UFC fighter and a master of submission grips, which made him a well–liked attraction. At WrestleMania XIV, he defeated Rocky Maivia to win the Intercontinental Title, but he was disqualified because he held onto the ankle lock after the match.
He recovered by winning the 1998 King of the Ring competition and appeared prepared for the main event. Nevertheless, he only successfully defended the Intercontinental and Tag Team Titles before switching from WWE to UFC in 1999.
48. Mick Foley
| Mick Foley | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mick Foley |
| Birthdate | June 7, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Bloomington, Indiana, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, author, color commentator, retired professional wrestler |
| Current Affiliation | WWE (Legends program), company ambassador |
| Wrestling Promotions | WWF/WWE, WCW, ECW, TNA/Impact Wrestling, NWA, and others |
| Notable Era | Attitude Era superstar |
| Championships | 4-time world champion (3x WWF, 1x TNA) |
| Tag Team Success | 11-time world tag team champion (8x WWF, 2x ECW, 1x WCW) |
| Hall of Fame | WWE Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2013) |
| Iconic Matches | Memorable Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker |
| Wrestling Personas | Cactus Jack, Mankind, Dude Love |
| Physical Style | Known for participating in violent and brutal matches |
| Personal Life | Irish descent, attended Ward Melville High School, inspired by “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka to pursue wrestling career |
| Training | Trained at Dominic DeNucci’s wrestling school |
| Professional Debut | June 23, 1986 |
Mick Foley, also known as The King Of Hardcore, debuted in 1996 and challenged The Undertaker with his brutal fighting style and high pain tolerance. He also used other personas, such as Cactus Jack and Dude Love, to become a key figure of the Attitude Era. He won four Tag Team Titles and three WWF Championships in 1998–99.
Before retiring in 2000 for four years, he won four more Tag Team Titles. But more than his titles, Foley sacrificed his body for the fans’ enjoyment like no one else.
49. Rikishi
| Rikishi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Solofa Fatu Jr. |
| Ring Names | Rikishi, Fatu, Alofa the Polynesian Prince, Hustle Rikishi, J.R. Smooth, Junior Fatu, Kishi, Riki-Shi, Solofa Fatu Jr., The Sultan, Sumo Rikishi |
| Born | October 11, 1965 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Talisua Fuavai-Fatu (married in 1985) |
| Children | 5 (including Jonathan, Joshua, and Joseph) |
| Family | Anoa’i |
| Championships | Intercontinental Champion, 2-time World Tag Team Champion, 1-time WWE Tag Team Champion |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 by his sons, Jey and Jimmy Uso |
| Notable Feuds | The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H |
| Debut | 1985 |
| Retired | 2004 |
Solofa Fatu Jr., also known as Rikishi, is an American professional wrestler who has worked for WWE under various ring names. He belongs to the Anoa’i family, a Samoan wrestling dynasty that includes Yokozuna, The Rock, Roman Reigns, and The Usos.
Rikishi has won several championships in WWE, such as the Intercontinental Championship and the World Tag Team Championship. He is famous for his Stink Face move, where he rubs his buttocks on his opponent’s face. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 by his sons, Jimmy and Jey Uso, also successful WWE wrestlers.
50. The Rock
| The Rock | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dwayne Douglas Johnson |
| Birthdate | May 2, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Hayward, California, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Rock |
| Alma Mater | University of Miami (BGS) |
| Occupations | Actor, Film Producer, Retired Professional Wrestler |
| Years Active | 1996–2019 (wrestling), 1999–present (acting) |
| Spouses | Dany Garcia, Lauren Hashian |
| Children | 3 (including Ava Raine) |
| Parent | Rocky Johnson (father) |
| Family | Anoa’i |
| Ring name(s) | Dwayne Johnson, Flex Kavana, Rocky Maivia, The Rock |
| Billed height | 6 ft 5 in |
| Billed weight | 260 lb |
| Billed from | Miami, Florida |
| Trained by | Pat Patterson, Rocky Johnson, Tom Prichard |
| Debut | March 10, 1996 |
| Retired | August 3, 2019 |
| Films | The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King, Jumanji franchise, Moana |
| Television Shows | Ballers, Young Rock |
| Production Company | Co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions |
| Achievements | 10-time world champion in WWE, 2-time Intercontinental Champion, 5-time Tag Team Champion, 2000 Royal Rumble winner, WWE’s sixth Triple Crown champion |
| Notable Ventures | Co-owner of the XFL, New York Times bestselling author (The Rock Says, 2000), Named one of Time’s most influential people (2016, 2019) |
The Rock‘s journey to WWE stardom was not smooth or easy. He debuted in 1996 as Rocky Maivia, a bland babyface who did not connect with the fans. He had to reinvent himself as a charismatic heel in 1997, joining the Nation of Domination and unleashing his verbal skills.
He rose to the main event scene in 1998, aligning with The Corporation and winning his first WWF Championship. He had two more title runs in 1999 and became one of the most popular icons of the Attitude Era.