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
| Full name | Rodney Agatupu Anoa’i |
| Date of birth | October 2, 1966 – October 23, 2000 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California |
| Years active | 1984–2000 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Date of birth | July 2, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Years active | 1976–2011 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Glenn Thomas Jacobs |
| Date of birth | April 26, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Terry Gene Bollea |
| Date of birth | August 11, 1953 |
| Birthplace | Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Years active | 1977–2012 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Paul Michael Levesque |
| Date of birth | July 27, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Years active | 1992–2022 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Owen James Hart |
| Date of birth | May 7, 1965 – May 23, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Years active | 1983–1999 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Michael Shawn Hickenbottom |
| Date of birth | July 22, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Chandler, Arizona, U.S. |
| Years active | 1984–2010 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Steve James Borden |
| Date of birth | March 20, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Roderick George Toombs |
| Date of birth | April 17, 1954 – July 31, 2015 |
| Birthplace | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Years active | 1969–2011 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | William Reid “Bill” Eadie |
| Date of birth | December 27, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Brownsville, Pennsylvania |
| Years active | 1972–2017 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Christopher Keith Irvine |
| Date of birth | November 9, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Manhasset, New York, U.S. |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestlerRock musician |
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
| Full name | William Scott Goldberg |
| Date of birth | December 27, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Years active | 1996–2004; 2016–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Shane Brandon McMahon |
| Date of birth | January 15, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S. |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Lawrence Wendell Pfohl |
| Date of birth | June 2, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Years active | 1985–2006 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Jeffrey Nero Hardy |
| Date of birth | August 31, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Cameron, North Carolina, U. S. |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | James Henry Neidhart |
| Date of birth | February 8, 1955 – August 13, 2018 |
| Birthplace | Montebello, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1978–2016 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Randy Mario Poffo |
| Date of birth | November 15, 1952 – May 20, 2011 |
| Birthplace | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Years active | 1973–2004 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | André René Roussimoff |
| Date of birth | 19 May 1946 – 28 January 1993 |
| Birthplace | Coulommiers, Seine–et–Marne, France |
| Years active | 1966–1993 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Date of birth | July 2, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada[ |
| Years active | 1983-2017 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | James Brian Hellwig |
| Date of birth | June 16, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Crawfordsville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Years active | 1985-2008 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. |
| Date of birth | January 18, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Years active | 1974-1993 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Scott Charles Bigelow |
| Date of birth | September 1, 1961 – January 19, 2007 |
| Birthplace | Mount Laurel, New Jersey, United States |
| Years active | 1985-2007 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Leon Allen White |
| Date of birth | May 14, 1955 – June 18, 2018 |
| Birthplace | Lynwood, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1985-2017 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Rick Rude |
| Date of birth | December 7, 1958 – April 20, 1999 |
| Birthplace | St. Peter, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Years active | 1982-1994 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Scott Oliver Hall |
| Date of birth | October 20, 1958 – March 14, 2022 |
| Birthplace | St. Mary’s County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Years active | 1984-2010 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Debrah Anne Miceli |
| Date of birth | February 9, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Years active | 1984–2000 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Chris Chavis |
| Date of birth | June 8, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Pembroke, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Years active | 1990−present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Adam Joseph Copeland |
| Date of birth | October 30, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Orangeville, Ontario, Canada |
| Years active | 1992–2011; 2020–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Mark William Calaway |
| Date of birth | March 24, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Richard Morgan Fliehr |
| Date of birth | February 25, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Monty Kip Sopp |
| Date of birth | November 1, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Lawrence Michael Rotunda |
| Date of birth | March 30, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada[ |
| Years active | 1981–2003 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Vincent Kennedy McMahon |
| Date of birth | August 24, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Pinehurst, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Years active | 1969–2022 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Anthony Norris |
| Date of birth | June 6, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Kokomo, Indiana, U.S. |
| Years active | 1989–2003 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Ray Washington Traylor Jr. |
| Date of birth | May 2, 1963 – September 22, 2004 |
| Birthplace | Marietta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Years active | 1985–2004 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Bret Sergeant Hart |
| Date of birth | July 2, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada[ |
| Years active | 1989–2003; 2022 (wrestling)1999–present (media) |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Curtis Michael Hennig |
| Date of birth | March 28, 1958 – February 10, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Robbinsdale, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Years active | 1980–2003 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Matthew Moore Hardy |
| Date of birth | September 23, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Cameron, North Carolina, United States |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Robert Alexander Szatkowski |
| Date of birth | December 18, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | William Jason Reso |
| Date of birth | July 2, 1957 |
| Birthplace | William Jason Reso |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | David Smith |
| Date of birth | July 2, 1957 – 18 May 2002 |
| Birthplace | 27 November 1962 |
| Years active | 1978–2000 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Kevin Scott Nash |
| Date of birth | July 9, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Years active | 1981–1983 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Sidney Raymond Eudy |
| Date of birth | December 16, 1960 |
| Birthplace | December 16, 1960 |
| Years active | 1987–2017 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Sean Michael Waltman |
| Date of birth | July 13, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Jerry O’Neil Lawler |
| Date of birth | November 29, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Dustin Patrick Runnels |
| Date of birth | April 11, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Kenneth Wayne Shamrock |
| Date of birth | February 11, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Warner Robins, Georgia, U.S. |
| Years active | 2018–present (Professional wrestling) |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Michael Francis Foley |
| Date of birth | June 7, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Bloomington, Indiana, U.S. |
| Years active | 1983 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Solofa Fatu Jr. |
| Date of birth | October 11, 1965 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1985–2020 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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
| Full name | Dwayne Douglas Johnson |
| Date of birth | May 2, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Hayward, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1996–2019 |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler |
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.