PWPNation.com is happy to announce the “Greatest Ever Series,” where we’ll rank a wide range of topics from the world of professional wrestling. The first will be a list of the Top 50 Wrestlers of all time.
Members of the PWP Nation staff and community put together their own collective lists, which was then infused into one solidified list. From all walks of life, young and old, long-time to recent fans, we feel like we have a very accurate and precise list that can represent the greatest performers and wrestlers of all time.
This list will feature current stars like John Cena and Daniel Bryan, to old school legends likeBruno Sammartino, Andre The Giant, Lou Thesz, and stars from the most popular time in wrestling, the “Attitude Era,” like ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels and The Rock.
The following names are the members who helped contribute to the final list:
- Eron Ramadanov, Editor-in-Chief of PWPNation.com
- Jay Alletto, Owner & Founder of PWPNation.com
- Zak Fellows, Senior Staff Writer
- Matt Burgess, Featured Writer
- Brennan Daly, Featured Writer
- Tim Bell, Featured Writer & News Reporter
- John “JCD” Dimiceli, Senior Staff Writer
- Zack Heydorn, Featured Staff Writer & Host of “The Bottom Line” on PWP Nation Radio
- Chris Baker, Staff Writer
- Nick Ohrn, PWP Nation Community Member
- Mike Roche, PWP Nation Community Member
- Stephen Ajamie, PWP Nation Community Member
- Ford Fischer, PWP Nation Community Member
- Ron Adams, PWP Nation Community Member
- Matthew Hollie, PWP Nation Community Member
Along with these names, we received several other anonymous lists were sent in.
One of the biggest questions we’ve been asked is how the members of the PWP Nation universe put together their respective lists. When posing this task to them, we asked them to take into account everything that can be considered when trying to analyze a wrestler/performer:
- In-ring abilities
- Microphone/promo skills
- Drawing power/merchandise sales
- Longevity
- Name recognition
- Influence on the business
- Intangibles
Obviously, we can’t confirm that people didn’t place their own personal bias into their respective lists, but we feel like because there were so many entries, the margin for error is small. Also, we asked our contributors to take into account the different eras. For example, it’s hard to compare someone like Lou Thesz against someone like John Cena. Both great in their respective eras, but two completely different performers.
The Top 50 list will be released in several parts:
- #50-41 will be released on Tuesday (4/19)
- #40-31 will be released on Monday (4/25)
- #30-21 will be released on Monday (5/2)
- #20-11 will be released on Monday (5/9)
- #1o-6 will be released on Monday (5/16)
- #5-1 will be released on Monday (5/23)
Each part of the list will have analysis and explanations from the staff and members on why they placed a certain performer where they did and why they should be higher or lower on the overall list.
To stay tuned and up-to-date with all the postings of the Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time, follow us on Twitter @PWPNation and check us out at Facebook.com/ProWrestlingPowerhouse.
So, here’s numbers 50 through 41:
#50. Verne Gagne
Achievements/Accolades:
- 10-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion
- 4-time AWA World Tag Team Champion
- 4-time NWA World Tag Team Champion
- 2-time AWA United States Champion
- 2-time NCAA National Champion (1948, 1949)
- Member of the 1948 United States Olympic Wrestling team
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
Opinions on final placement:
“When it comes to his in-ring work, Gagne is known for being one of the legitimate toughest men to ever lace up the boots. As the owner of the legendary AWA, he trained & introduced many of the most famous wrestlers of all time to the world including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, The Iron Sheik, Shawn Michaels & the list goes on. Does he deserve to be in the Top 50? As a wrestler, I’m not sure. I probably kept him off my personal list. But as an overall treasure to the wrestling business? Absolutely.” — Jay Alletto
“Unreal that Verne Gagne is this low on the list. The guy is not only a pioneer in terms of promoting and running a company, but he was a legendary performer who drew enormous amounts of money. Just the sheer fact that a major portion of this list will have ties to Verne Gagne proves he should be higher. A travesty.” — Zack Heydorn
“For someone who paved the way for what the business is today, I think it’s a crime that Gagne is only at number 50.” — Eron Ramadanov
#49. Jerry “The King” Lawler
Achievements/Accolades:
- 35-time AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion
- 10-time AWA Southern Tag Team Champion
- 52-time Memphis Wrestling Heavyweight Champion
- 10-time NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)
Opinions on final placement:
“Most fans only know Jerry “The King” Lawler as the jovial announcer on Monday Night Raw, but he’s undoubtedly one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His in-ring debut was in 1970 & he still competes on occasion to this day! It’s truly remarkable. The rich history of this business is much better because of Jerry Lawler. His ability to work both babyface & heel allowed him to be the man in the Memphis Territory for 40 years, accumulating numerous championships including the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Like Gagne, Lawler was also responsible for creating some of the most memorable gimmicks in history including The Rock n Roll Express, Kamala & many others. Jerry Lawler undoubtedly deserves his spot in the Top 50, and 49 seems like it could be a rip-off for The King.” — Jay Alletto
“Possibly the most forgotten pro wrestler in history. Should be higher if you truly look at his career. High profile matches with anyone and everyone and put butts in seats. His only crime was doing it for a smaller promotion for so long.” — Zack Heydorn
“With a career spanning nearly half a century, as both a wrestler and commentator, Jerry “The King” Lawler is very deserving of his spot at #49 on our list. The Memphis icon, who has won more championships than he owns ugly shirts, has been the most beloved, and most hated wrestler of his era. Although I had him slightly higher, at #44, a spot in our top 50 is very fitting for “The King.” — Matt Burgess
“For me, Lawler’s in-ring contributions warrant a place on this list alone, not to mention his work as a commentator, making up one half of greatest announce table in wrestling history, along side Jim Ross. Honestly, it’s a shame that Lawler isn’t praised more for his in-ring work and his contributions to the business. I think it would be a huge injustice if Lawler wasn’t on this list.” — Eron Ramadanov
#48. Scott Hall
Achievements/Accolades:
- 4-time WWE Intercontinental Champion
- 7-time WCW World Tag Team Champion
- 2-time WCW United States Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2014)
Opinions on final placement:
“Say Hello to The Bad Guy!” Scott Hall has one of the greatest minds in the wrestling industry. Period. His resume is incredible, but honestly, he didn’t live up to his potential. Hall could have been an active WWE Superstar & making loads of cash throughout the mid to late 2000’s if he kept his act together. Hall’s demons got the best of him for many years. But near tragedy turned to triumph as Scott Hall has overcome his issues with the help of Diamond Dallas Page. He was one of the coolest wrestlers out there for years. A Top 50 Spot for Scott Hall is a given due to his accomplishments throughout his career. A founding member of the nWo, multiple time champion & an innovator of the ladder match gives him a well deserved spot.” – Jay Alletto
“A pillar of the attitude era in the world of pro wrestling. NWO original and some extremely solid matches as Razor Ramon. Needs to be much higher because of what he meant to the business of wrestling. There is no attitude era without him. He was the catalyst for everything about that era, which just so happens to be the best and most profitable era in wrestling history. He changed the game and deserves better recognition.” – Zack Heydorn
“Known for his work as Razor Ramon for the WWF, and Scott Hall with WCW, Hall was one of the biggest stars during the ‘Monday Night Wars’. A founding member of one of the most influential and popular factions of all time, the New World Order, “The Bad Guy” was inducted into the WWE hall of fame in 2014. His ladder match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X will go down in history as one of, if not the greatest, ladder match of all time. Saying that, in my opinion, Hall is not quite up to the standard of being classified as one of the 50 greatest wrestlers of all time.” — Matt Burgess
“Okay, I definitely have soft spot for the Bad Guy. I don’t think you can find a “cooler” wrestler in wrestling history than Razor Ramon. Not only was Hall a really great worker, who would take his bumps and do his jobs, but he was part of one of the most influential groups in pop culture and wrestling history, the NWO. Finally, we have to take into account that even today, now that he’s in a sober state of mind, Hall is giving back to the business with his son Cody and his routine trips down to the WWE Performance Center.” — Eron Ramadanov
#47. Arn Anderson
Achievements/Accolades:
- 4-time NWA/WCW World Television Champion
- 9-time NWA World Tag Team Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)
Opinions on final placement:
“Arn Anderson is the one that came up with the name “Four Horsemen.” I’m not sure if you knew that, but now you do. That ALONE gives him the honor of the Top 50. But in all seriousness: Anderson was the backbone of the Four Horsemen. While Ric Flair provided the flash & the pizzazz that went along with being a Horseman, Anderson helped provide the thunder & lightning. He was a no-nonsense, grizzled professional wrestler that had an uncanny ability to make his opponent look like a million bucks, while also doing what was necessary to stay as strong as possible for himself. Does he deserve the Top 50? Absolutely. He works as an agent for WWE & still gives back to the business today by passing on his wealth of knowledge.” — Jay Alletto
“Tag team specialist. Four Horseman member. Done deal as a top 50 guy. He never had a great singles run though. That is why he stays where he is.” — Zack Heydorn
“Arn Anderson was a technician, and perhaps one of the most underrated wrestlers of all time. The enforcer of the Four Horsemen, Arn Anderson oozed charisma, power and aggression; but was unfortunately stuck in Ric Flair’s shadow throughout his career. Although he reigned supreme during one of the greatest tag team eras, Anderson was much more than a tag team wrestler. Coming in at #47 draws no complaints from me.” — Matt Burgess
“I really like Arn Anderson and think he’s was a great worker and it’s a shame that he never received a major singles push, but I don’t think he belongs in the Top 50 wrestlers of all time. He’s certainly in the conversation, but when comparing him to some of the guy that were left off this list, I think the majority of the PWP Nation staff got this one wrong, in my opinion. To place him above Jerry Lawler or Verne Gagne just doesn’t sit right with me.” — Eron Ramadanov
#46. Batista
Achievements/Accolades:
- 6-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion
- 4-time WWE Tag Team Champion
- 2-time Royal Rumble Match Winner (2005, 2014)
Opinions on final placement:
“While “The Animal” didn’t have the longest run in professional wrestling, he quickly became one of the most popular & recognizable WWE Superstars of All Time. He’s now becoming a household name with his successful transition to Hollywood. His first singles match at WrestleMania was the main event. There are only a few wrestlers that can say that: Sgt. Slaughter, Sid, Yokozuna, The Miz & Brock Lesnar. Batista brought a certain level of legitimacy to WWE because he looked like he could kick anyone’s ass on the roster at the time. It’s something that is important; even if some smart marks don’t seem to realize it.” — Jay Alletto
“Right where he should be. Look, the guy was popular. No doubt about that. You can count his great matches though, on what, two fingers? Nothing too memorable here aside from his run in Evolution. His popularity in a slow era allows him to be placed on this list, but the fact he is ahead of Verne Gagne AND Jerry Lawler is an abomination.” — Zack Heydorn
“Starting my love affair with wrestling in 2004, at the age of 10, Batista was one the WWE’s biggest stars. At 6”6’ and 290lbs, he was everything a WWE superstar should look like, and was able to leave a lasting impression on many people from my generation. To this day, my friends who stopped watching wrestling will always ask if Batista, and his ‘Batista Bomb,’ is still in the WWE. Quite frankly, I think Batista was overrated, both in the ring and on the mic, and did not make the cut for my top 50. But this list is more than just in-ring ability and promo skills.” — Matt Burgess
“Personally, I think Batista catches a bad rap sometimes. I think people don’t give the guy enough credit for how big of a star he truly was (and still is). He’s one of the very select few that has made a successful transition from professional wrestling to Hollywood. When in WWE, he was probably 1B behind John Cena as far as faces of the company, a multiple time World Champion and a leader in the locker room and a flag barrier for WWE SmackDown. His feuds with Triple H, John Cena, Rey Mysterio and the Undertaker were some of the best of the mid-2000s and I believe he belongs on this list.” — Eron Ramadanov
#45. AJ Styles
Achievements/Accolades:
- 2-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion
- 2-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion
- 3-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
- 6-time TNA X-Division Champion
- 4-time NWA World Tag Team Champion
Opinions on final placement:
“The Phenomenal AJ Styles spent the majority of his career moving up & down the card in TNA Wrestling, with the fair majority being towards the top. However, if he had spent those prime years in WWE, he would likely warrant a much higher ranking than #44. The run that he is currently in the midst of will allow Styles to finally get the accolades & respect that he deserves. He’ll become one of the most legendary figures in wrestling history by the time it is all said & done.” — Jay Alletto
“One of the best pure wrestlers to lace up a pair of boots. That alone deserves a spot on this list. His WWE run is going to define his ultimate position. The only way to go is up from here. A true king of the indies, but a guy who now has the opportunity to better define his career. For now, I believe he is perfectly slotted. He’ll grow.” — Zack Heydorn
“A world traveled superstar in every sense of the word. With his innovative, high flying offense, AJ Styles is hands down one of the greatest wrestlers on the planet. Although he leaves a little more to be desired in the promo department, I without doubt believe ‘The Phenomenal One’ deserves a place in our top 50… in fact I had him at #35. Had he been signed by WWE earlier, I think he would have been much higher than #45 on our list.” — Matt Burgess
“There is no question that AJ Styles is one of the best wrestlers in the world today and, like he says in his current promos, he has been successful in every major promotion he’s been too. A true innovation master, Styles, at 38 years old, has already cracked the Top 50 of all time, and he’s only just beginning his run in the biggest promotion in the world, WWE. And if things go as planned, Styles might become the only person in wrestling history to hold the NWA, TNA, IWGP and WWE World Titles in his career. There is no question in my mind that AJ Styles deserves a spot on this list and I think 45 is the perfect spot.” — Eron Ramadanov
#44. Kevin Nash
Achievements/Accolades:
- 5-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion
- 1-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion
- 9-time WCW Tag Team Champion
- 2-time TNA Legends Champion
- 1-time WWE Intercontinental Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2015)
Opinions on final placement:
“When I mentioned earlier that Scott Hall was one of the coolest wrestlers out there, I didn’t mention that there was one guy that was cooler: Big Daddy Cool Kevin Nash. So here’s the deal with Nash. Does he deserve to be in the Top 50? Without question! People point to his WWE Championship run as a low-point in WWE history due to the lack of attendance, ratings & overall success that the brand was having. However, Kevin Nash was one of the driving forces in turning the entire business around with his jump to WCW & formation of the nWo. The entire business started to boom & he was one of major reasons for that happening. Nash also has a brilliant mind of the business; even though he’s the guy that booked himself to defeat Goldberg for the WCW Championship at Starrcade 1998 & break his undefeated streak.” — Jay Alletto
“**See Scott Hall**” — Zack Heydorn
“During the 1990’s “Big Daddy Cool” Kevin Nash was one of the biggest names in professional wrestling. A six-time world champion, across WWF and WCW, and a founding member of the New World Order, Nash’s hall of fame career has spanned more than 20 years.” — Matt Burgess
“When taking into account everything that makes someone worthy of a spot on this list, I think Nash just makes the cut. His impact on the business with the NWO and making one of the very first jumps from WWE to WCW, changed the industry forever. A WCW and WWE Champion and a proud member of the Kliq, I think Nash just makes it on this list, but I will say I think 44 is a little to high. I’d say 49 or 50 sounds better to me.” — Eron Ramadanov
#43. Jushin “Thunder” Liger
Achievements/Accolades:
- 11-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
- 6-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion
- 2-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship
Opinions on final placement:
“This man truly is a legend. The first time I saw Jushin “Thunder” Liger was in the opening match on the first ever WCW Nitro. Liger stood toe-to-toe with Flyin’ Brian Pillman & the two had a tremendous match. Liger spent very little time competing here in the States, but I’ve had the luck of witnessing him wrestle live multiple times. I’ve seen him compete against Homicide in Jersey All Pro Wrestling, against John Morrison at Pro Wrestling Syndicate & last year against Tyler Breeze at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn. He definitely was an innovator in the ring & helped inspire a new generation of wrestlers to step foot in the ring. He’s still in tremendous physical condition & actively competes in New Japan Pro Wrestling.” — Jay Alletto
“One of the best and most memorable Japanese stars of all time. Very deserving of a spot on this list. Accurately positioned as is.” — Zack Heydorn
“Some of the criteria for this list include name recognition, influence on the industry and longevity. Looking at these three, and of course in-ring ability, it is impossible to look past Jushin Thunder Liger. The 51-year-old, has been wowing audiences across the globe for some 30 years, and is still a huge draw today; the anticipation that surround his appearance at NXT Takeover Brooklyn last year was a testament to this. Personally I feel he deserved to be higher on the list, somewhere nearer the top 30.” — Matt Burgess
“In my opinion, several other names from New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the Japanese wrestling culture could be above Liger, but when taking everything into account including longevity, influence on the business, name recognition, etc., there’s no question Liger should be represented on this list.” — Eron Ramadanov
#42. “Superstar” Billy Graham
Achievements/Accolades:
- 1-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion
- 3-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion (Florida/Southeast version)
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)
Opinions on final placement:
“I’ve had the personal honor of sitting down for a brief interview with ‘the man with the power, too sweet to be sour.’ He didn’t have the nicest things to say about Bruno Sammartino or The Rock, but you can listen to that for yourself on our official (not so active) YouTube Page. Superstar Billy Graham is still as outspoken as ever on the pro wrestling business & still loves what it represents. He was ahead of his time with his look, charisma & ability to draw money in any arena he appeared in. I’ve had the pleasure of watching a lot of his matches on YouTube & the WWE Network. While he wasn’t the greatest in-ring worker, he used his character psychology to work the crowd into a frenzy. As a heel, he sold like crazy and made his opponent look great. One of the greatest ever? Without a doubt.” — Jay Alletto
“Had the Hulk Hogan gimmick before Hulk Hogan was cool. Talk about a guy a few years too soon. He laid the ground work for future generations of wrestling. Deserving to be on this list? Hell yes. But right where he is though.” — Zack Heydorn
“Personally, I think Graham is definitely worthy of being mentioned on this list. He’s one of the very first (if not the first) person to really be a flamboyant, over-the-top babyface, who wasn’t afraid to wear colors that weren’t associated with the wrestling business. Not only did Graham look the part, but he could get it done in the ring. His feuds with Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund are legendary and I believe he’s worthy of a spot on this list or at the very least in the higher 50s.” — Eron Ramadanov
#41. Buddy Rogers
Achievements/Accolades:
- 5-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion
- 2-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
- 1-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion (Inaugural)
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 1994)
Opinions on final placement:
“Talk about a legend. I haven’t had the honor of watching many of his matches from start to finish, but I’ve seen plenty of clips on Buddy Rogers. The dude looked like a million bucks & was the first WWWF Heavyweight Champion; the same title that is defended today. I’m not sure he’s someone that most fans today would think about when creating a list of their Top 50 wrestlers due to the lack of knowledge they have of him. However, if you ask wrestling historians, they’ll all agree that he is one of the all time greats.” — Jay Alletto
“Legend. Period. End of story. The guy needs to be top 25 without a shadow of a doubt. Him being here is like The Beatles falling in this slot on a best of rock and roll list? Without them, there is no rock and roll. Without Rodgers, wrestling as we know it today doesn’t exist.” — Zack Heydorn
“Icon. Legend. Pioneer. There are so many words to describe the great Buddy Rogers. Obviously, being 21 years old, Buddy Rogers is a bit before my time, but thanks to YouTube and the WWE Network, I know exactly who this man is. He’s one of the very first to bring wrestling to the forefront of the mainstream audience in this country. Understanding who this man is and why he’s so great is a must for all fans my age. Honestly, I think he should be higher on this list, but I’m okay with 41 because many wrestling fans really don’t know or remember who this man is, which is a sad truth.” — Eron Ramadanov
Thanks for reading, everyone. We here at PWP Nation will be back next week with part two of this list (#40-31).
The Top 50 list will be released in several parts:
- #40-31 will be released on Monday (4/25)
- #30-21 will be released on Monday (5/2)
- #20-11 will be released on Monday (5/9)
- #1o-6 will be released on Monday (5/16)
- #5-1 will be released on Monday (5/23)
Stay tuned.
In the meantime, follow us on Twitter @PWPNation and give us a “LIKE” at Facebook.com/ProWrestlingPowerhouse.