#17. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
Achievements/Accolades:
- 1-time WWE Intercontinental Champion
- 1-time WWE Tag Team Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)
Opinions:
“What can really be said here? Many give Rowdy Roddy Piper the distinction of being the man to make WrestleMania the major success that it was. And anyone who gives him that accolade is absolutely correct. Without Piper being arguably the greatest villain of all time, we would have never had what we have today. He was one of the most well rounded professional wrestlers to ever lace up the boots. Gone too soon & creating controversy until the very end. Easily deserves his spot on this list.” – Jay Alletto
“Behind every great hero lays a great villain, and in the 80’s to Hulk Hogan there was Roddy Piper. Without Hogan having the great foil to the Rock n Wrestling connection in the Hot Rod, I don’t think the wrestling landscape would have been changed to the degree that it did ultimately become. And yet, people became attached to this man, his wit and outlandish behavior making him more likable than many could predict. Rowdy Roddy Piper serves as an example of the importance of charisma and speaking ability in the wrestling world with his creation, Piper’s Pit, being a template to future segments on wrestling TV.” — Zak Fellows
