The greatest WWE wrestlers of all time
Capes, chairs, choke-slams and chaos – WWE has been entertaining generations of families since the early 1980s. Whether you’re a fan of the classic heroes or modern-day villains, taglines like 'Whatcha gonna do, brother?!' have stood the test of time, proving that wrestling has always been way more than a fringe sport.
Ahead of our brand-new TV show, WWE's Greatest Moments, the team at BLAZE is asking the important question: Who is the best wrestler in WWE of all time? Here’s the star-studded lineup that body slammed its way into our hearts.
7. Chyna
Chyna is one of the most legendary names in WWE history, earning groundbreaking title fights against both male and female competitors. She was a woman of many firsts: the first to enter the Royal Rumble, the first to compete in the King of the Ring and the first and only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.
Her muscular physique and intimidating aura challenged everything people thought a woman should be – Chyna didn’t stay small, she exploded onto the scene with unapologetic power. Her refusal to play by the rules helped shift attitudes toward women in the industry, paving the way for future stars like Becky Lynch.
6. Becky Lynch
Speaking of Becky Lynch, she’s hands-down one of the most influential figures in modern WWE. Her stage name 'The Man' is a cheeky nod to her total domination of the sport, over men and women alike, and her title wins back it up. She’s a six-time WWE Women’s Champion, the first woman to win a WrestleMania main event, a former NXT Women’s Champion and a certified WWE Grand Slam Champion.
Fans love Becky for her anti-establishment swagger and electric storytelling. Her most iconic moment was when Nia Jax accidentally broke her nose with a real, full-force punch. Instead of backing down, Becky continued to fight, blood pouring down her face, as she roared defiantly at the crowd.
5. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Even non-wrestling fans know the name Stone Cold Steve Austin. The six-time WWF/WWE Champion, two-time Intercontinental Champion and four-time Tag Team Champion broke straight into mainstream culture, becoming a true media icon known for his tiny trunks, foul-mouthed brawls and MMA-influenced style.
Alongside a glittering trophy cabinet, he has too many famous moments to count. His bitter feud with Vince McMahon is widely considered the most important rivalry in WWE history. Who could forget the beer truck incident, where 'The Texas Rattlesnake' drove into the arena and hosed down McMahon and The Corporation with Budweiser? TV gold!
4. Hulk Hogan
The late, great Hulk Hogan is widely regarded as one of the best wrestling personalities of all time – not just for his larger-than-life antics inside the ring, but for his wider media ventures like Hogan Knows Best and Thunder in Paradise. He even appeared in Rocky III alongside Sylvester Stallone!
The six-time WWF/WWE Champion and six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion became well-known for his cheeky catchphrases: 'Whatcha gonna do, brother?!' and 'Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins!' This kind of trash talk and over-the-top bravado is why fans still love him today. You don’t know exactly what he’s going to do next, but it promises to be a hoot!
3. The Rock
Part of the same legendary Anoa’i family as Roman Reigns, The Rock has been delighting families for generations. Newer wrestling fans might know him better as Dwayne Johnson, but the Hollywood A-lister started his career fighting the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and John Cena in the ring.
Without a doubt, The Rock is one of WWE’s most charismatic performers ever, and his passion for fitness hasn’t ended now that he’s hung up his belts. Now one of the highest-paid actors in the world, the 10-time World Champion still connects with fans through his social media, sharing snippets of his intense workouts and legendary cheat meals.
2. John Cena
Nobody can deny John Cena’s excellence. The 16-time World Champion (yes, you read that correctly) has spanned multiple WWE eras, fighting everyone from Edge to CM Punk. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different generations is a testament to his popularity and athletic prowess – the man can’t be stopped!
His likeable personality helped bring WWE into the mainstream. Wrestling had a reputation initially for being rough and violent, but Cena helped transform it into wholesome, family-friendly entertainment that fans could enjoy together. His good reputation extends far beyond the ring – Cena has granted over 650 Make-A-Wish wishes, the most of any celebrity in the organisation’s history.
1. Roman Reigns
Earning the number one spot on our list is Roman Reigns. His biggest achievement has to be his long-standing Universal Championship record – an astonishing 1,316 days at the very top of WWE. He’s also a four-time WWE World Champion, a feat that’s almost unheard of in the modern era.
His popularity is largely thanks to his compelling storytelling. He’s been the main character of some of the most exciting narratives in WWE, including The Bloodline. This four-year epic documented Roman’s rise as The Tribal Chief – the ruthless, commanding leader of a dominant Samoan dynasty.
If you love WWE, don’t miss WWE's Greatest Moments airing exclusively on Blaze from Friday, 2nd January. Tune in as wrestling royalty breaks down the most iconic moments in the sport, with special episodes on Randy Savage, John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mick Foley. Want to explore more WWE content? Dive into our brand new WWE hub.