From golden-era icons to modern-day megastars, WWE has been shaped by larger-than-life athletes who brought power, charisma, and unforgettable moments to the squared circle. This list celebrates 35 of the greatest male wrestlers in WWE history—judged not just by titles, but by legacy, influence, and pure wrestling greatness.
35. Diesel
Real Name: Kevin Scott Nash
Born: July 9, 1959
Notable Moves: Jackknife Powerbomb, Big Boot
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Brawler
Titles: WWE Champion, Multiple-Time Tag Team Champion
Kevin Nash was a key figure in WCW’s NWO era, using his charisma and backstage influence to help shape professional wrestling. While not known for technical skill, his presence and star power led to major championship wins in both WCW and WWE, solidifying his legacy as a game-changing force in the industry.
34. Yokozuna
Real Name: Rodney Agatupu Anoa’i
Born: October 2, 1966 – Died: October 23, 2000
Notable Moves: Banzai Drop, Samoan Drop
Wrestling Style: Super Heavyweight, Sumo-inspired Powerhouse
Titles: 2-time WWE Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion
A dominant presence in early ’90s WWE, Yokozuna stood out with his immense size and powerful heel persona. A two-time WWE Champion, he overwhelmed opponents and captivated audiences, becoming a unique main-event attraction. His unforgettable run helped define an era and left a lasting impact on wrestling’s landscape.
33. Jake “The Snake” Roberts
Real Name: Aurelian Smith Jr.
Born: May 30, 1955
Notable Moves: DDT, Short-arm Clothesline
Wrestling Style: Psychological, Methodical
Titles: None major in WWE, but widely respected for influence and storytelling
Jake Roberts never needed a world title to make a lasting impact. Known for his eerie promos, calm intensity, and in-ring psychology, featuring a real-life snake, Roberts transformed the art of storytelling in wrestling. His finisher, the DDT, became legendary, and his influence is still seen in how modern wrestlers build drama and character.
32. Booker T
Real Name: Robert Booker Tio Huffman
Born: March 1, 1965
Notable Moves: Scissors Kick, Book End, Spin-a-Roonie
Wrestling Style: Athletic, Charismatic Striker
Titles: 5-time WCW Champion, 1-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, multiple-time Tag Team and U.S.Champion
Booker T broke barriers and built a Hall of Fame career with skill, charisma, and perseverance. A 5-time WCW Champion and WWE World Champion, he became one of the most decorated Black wrestlers in history. His longevity, connection with fans, and signature flair made him a standout across multiple eras.
31. Dusty Rhodes
Real Name: Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.
Born: October 12, 1945 – Died: June 11, 2015
Notable Moves: Bionic Elbow, Flip Flop and Fly
Wrestling Style: Brawler, Emotional Storyteller
Titles: 3-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
Dusty Rhodes, “The American Dream,” captivated fans with his charisma, promos, and relatable blue-collar persona. A 3-time NWA World Champion, Dusty inspired future generations by proving you didn’t need the body of a superhero to be a star. His passion for storytelling and mentoring shaped wrestling far beyond his era.
30. The Big Show
Real Name: Paul Wight
Born: February 8, 1972
Notable Moves: Chokeslam, KO Punch
Wrestling Style: Super Heavyweight, Agile Big Man
Titles: 7-time World Champion (WWE & WCW), Multiple-Time Tag Team Champion
The Big Show combined massive size with surprising agility, becoming one of wrestling’s most enduring giants. A 7-time World Champion in WWE and WCW, he competed with legends across four decades. From heel turns to comedic moments, Big Show showed versatility, making him a mainstay from the ’90s to today.
29. Roddy Piper
Real Name: Roderick George Toombs
Born: April 17, 1954 – Died: July 31, 2015
Notable Moves: Sleeper Hold, Eye Poke, Bulldog
Wrestling Style: Unpredictable Brawler, Promo Master
Titles: Intercontinental Champion, Tag Team Champion (WWE)
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper was one of wrestling’s most captivating villains. Known for his wild promos and chaotic energy, Piper helped launch Hulkamania and shape wrestling’s golden era. Though he never held a world title in WWE, his legacy as a heat magnet and promo genius made him a true icon.
28. Bruno Sammartino
Real Name: Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino
Born: October 6, 1935 – Died: April 18, 2018
Notable Moves: Full Nelson, Bearhug
Wrestling Style: Powerful, Mat-based
Titles: WWE World Heavyweight Champion (2-time, Longest Reign of Any Champion)
The longest-reigning WWE Champion ever, Sammartino was the face of wrestling for over a decade. His dominance and immense drawing power helped establish WWE as a mainstream entity. While his wrestling style may not have aged well, his cultural impact and legendary reign laid the foundation for the sport’s global success.
27. Rey Mysterio
Real Name: Óscar Gutiérrez
Born: December 11, 1974
Notable Moves: 619, West Coast Pop
Wrestling Style: Lucha libre, High-flying
Titles: WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, Multiple-Time Cruiserweight Champion
Rey Mysterio revolutionized cruiserweight wrestling as a WWE Champion and lucha libre icon. His high-flying style broke barriers, showing that smaller wrestlers could headline major events. Rey’s impact on both the WWE and the lucha libre tradition solidified him as a trailblazer who inspired future generations of wrestlers worldwide.
26. Jeff Hardy
Real Name: Jeffrey Nero Hardy
Born: August 31, 1977
Notable Moves: Swanton Bomb, Whisper in the Wind
Wrestling Style: High-flying, Daredevil Offense
Titles: 2-time WWE Champion, Multiple-Time Hardcore and Tag Team Champion
Jeff Hardy brought high-risk, daredevil offense into the mainstream, captivating fans with his death-defying stunts. Although his WWE and World Championship reigns were short, his connection with the audience and unforgettable moments, such as his matches at WrestleMania and ladder matches, cemented his place as a true wrestling legend.
25. Andre the Giant
Real Name: André René Roussimoff
Born: May 19, 1946 – Died: January 27, 1993
Notable Moves: Body Slam, Big Boot
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Dominant Presence
Titles: WWE World Heavyweight Champion (1-time), Multiple Tag Titles
Andre the Giant’s legacy transcends championship reigns—though he did hold the WWE Championship, his massive size and mythic presence made him a global icon. His unforgettable matches, especially with Hulk Hogan, helped WWE become a worldwide sensation. Andre’s influence continues to echo in wrestling’s history and pop culture.
24. Kane
Real Name: Glenn Thomas Jacobs
Born: April 26, 1967
Notable Moves: Chokeslam, Tombstone Piledriver
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Brawler
Titles: 1-time WWE Champion, Multiple-Time Tag Team Champion
Known for consistency and longevity, Kane became a cornerstone of WWE’s storylines as the Undertaker’s brother. Over nearly three decades, he was a force in multiple eras, from the late ‘90s to the modern era. Kane’s many feuds, emotional storytelling, and eerie character made him one of WWE’s most enduring and versatile legends.
23. Mick Foley
Real Name: Michael Francis Foley
Born: June 7, 1965
Notable Moves: Mandible Claw, Double Arm DDT
Wrestling Style: Hardcore, Brawler, Emotional
Titles: 3-time WWE Champion, Hardcore Champion, Tag Team Champion
A 3-time WWE Champion, Mick Foley’s reigns may not have been long, but they were iconic. His ability to connect with fans on an emotional level, especially during the Attitude Era, made him a key figure. Whether as Mankind, Cactus Jack, or Dude Love, Foley’s unique blend of brutality and heart made him a legend.
22. Batista
Real Name: David Michael Bautista Jr.
Born: January 18, 1969
Notable Moves: Batista Bomb, Spinebuster
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Brawler
Titles: 6-time World Champion, Multiple-Time Tag Team Champion
Batista’s six World Championships and dominant presence made him a central figure in WWE’s Ruthless Aggression era. With his larger-than-life persona, he thrived in wrestling and transitioned to Hollywood, showcasing his versatility. Batista’s career is a testament to hard work, strength, and achieving success across multiple platforms.
21. Edge
Real Name: Adam Joseph Copeland
Born: October 30, 1973
Notable Moves: Spear, Edgecution, Edge-O-Matic
Wrestling Style: Hybrid of Power, Speed, and Technical Wrestling
Titles: 11-time World Champion, Multiple-Time Tag Team Champion, Money in the Bank Winner
A true hybrid of charisma, in-ring skill, and storytelling, Edge is an 11-time World Champion who redefined what it means to be a top-tier wrestler. Whether as a villainous heel or a beloved babyface, Edge delivered countless classic matches and reinvented himself multiple times, maintaining a lasting legacy in WWE.
20. Randy Orton
Real Name: Randal Keith Orton
Born: April 1, 1980
Notable Moves: RKO, Punt Kick, DDT
Wrestling Style: Methodical, Smooth In-ring Style
Titles: 14-time World Champion, Multiple-Time Intercontinental Champion, Tag Team Champion
Randy Orton’s 14 World Championships, smooth in-ring style, and consistent performances across generations earned him a spot as one of the all-time greats. Known for his calculated approach and natural in-ring abilities, Orton has remained relevant across multiple eras, leaving a lasting impact on WWE’s landscape with his iconic RKO and unmatched legacy.
19. Bill Goldberg
Real Name: William Scott Goldberg
Born: December 27, 1966
Notable Moves: Spear, Jackhammer
Wrestling Style: Explosive, Powerhouse
Titles: WCW World Heavyweight Champion (2-time), WWE Universal Champion
Goldberg’s undefeated streak and explosive style made him WCW’s most prominent attraction during the late ’90s. His quick, dominant matches and raw intensity captured fans’ attention and set the standard for powerhouse wrestling. A multi-time World Champion in both WCW and WWE, Goldberg’s unmatched intensity and fierce persona solidified his legacy.
18. Eddie Guerrero
Real Name: Eduardo Gory Guerrero
Born: October 9, 1967 – Died: November 13, 2005
Notable Moves: Frog Splash, Three Amigos
Wrestling Style: Technical, High-flying, Brawler
Titles: 1-time WWE Champion, Multiple-Time Intercontinental Champion
Eddie Guerrero’s 2004 WWE Championship reign, technical mastery, and emotional storytelling made him a fan favorite with an unforgettable legacy. Eddie’s work inside the ring and his ability to connect with the audience through his charisma and “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” persona cemented his place as one of wrestling’s most beloved and influential stars.
17. Daniel Bryan
Real Name: Bryan Danielson
Born: May 22, 1981
Notable Moves: Yes Lock, Flying Knee
Wrestling Style: Technical, High-flying
Titles: 4-time World Champion, Multiple-Time Intercontinental Champion
Daniel Bryan’s underdog story to the WWE World Championship at WrestleMania 30 remains one of the most inspiring moments in WWE history. His hard work and technical wrestling skills earned him four World Championships. Bryan redefined who could be “the guy” in WWE, proving that passion, heart, and perseverance could lead to greatness.
16. Kurt Angle
Real Name: Kurt Steven Angle
Born: December 9, 1968
Notable Moves: Angle Slam, Ankle Lock
Wrestling Style: Technical, Powerhouse, Versatile
Titles: 6-time World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist
With six World Championships and an Olympic gold medal, Kurt Angle was the total package. His wrestling style combined technical precision and powerful intensity, allowing him to deliver classic matches across various wrestling genres. Whether in comedy segments or five-star matches, Angle’s versatility made him one of the best ever.
15. Randy “Macho Man” Savage
Real Name: Randall Mario Poffo
Born: November 15, 1952 – Died: May 20, 2011
Notable Moves: Flying Elbow Drop, Top Rope Axe Handle
Wrestling Style: High-flying, Brawler, Technical
Titles: 2-time WWE Champion, 4-time WCW Champion
Randy “Macho Man” Savage was a two-time WWE Champion and four-time WCW Champion, blending intensity, technical skill, and unforgettable promos into a career full of iconic moments. Savage’s unique charisma, on-screen energy, and incredible match quality made him a larger-than-life figure in professional wrestling, earning him legendary status in the industry.
14. Chris Jericho
Real Name: Christopher Keith Irvine
Born: November 9, 1970
Notable Moves: Codebreaker, Walls of Jericho
Wrestling Style: Versatile, Brawler, High-Flyer
Titles: 6-time World Champion, Inaugural AEW World Champion
Chris Jericho’s career is a masterclass in adaptability. He has remained relevant for over four decades, winning six WWE World Championships and being the inaugural AEW World Champion. His versatility in the ring and ability to constantly reinvent himself, from “Y2J” to “Le Champion,” solidified him as one of wrestling’s greatest and most enduring stars.
13. CM Punk
Real Name: Phillip Jack Brooks
Born: October 26, 1978
Notable Moves: GTS, Anaconda Vice
Wrestling Style: Technical, striking
Titles: 2-time WWE Champion, Money in the Bank winner
CM Punk’s 434-day reign as WWE Champion revitalized interest in the sport with his mix of realism, sharp mic skills, and in-ring talent. His anti-establishment persona and rebellious attitude resonated with fans and elevated him to iconic status. His passionate promos and unforgettable matches mark Punk’s legacy in WWE.
12. Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Real Name: Colby Daniel Lopez
Birth: May 28, 1986
Notable Moves: Curb Stomp, Falcon Arrow, Pedigree, Phoenix Splash
Wrestling Style: High-Flying, Technical, Agile
Championships: 2-time WWE Champion, 3-time Universal Champion, multiple-time Intercontinental & United States Champion, Grand Slam Champion
Seth “Freakin” Rollins is one of the most versatile and decorated WWE superstars of his generation. Known for his relentless energy, elite in-ring skills, and ever-evolving persona, Rollins has thrived as both a heel and a fan favorite. From shocking the world with his WrestleMania 31 cash-in to reinventing himself as “The Visionary,” Rollins has consistently delivered standout matches and unforgettable moments. His ability to adapt and remain relevant makes him a modern cornerstone of WWE.
11. Shawn Michaels
Real Name: Michael Shawn Hickenbottom
Born: July 22, 1965
Notable Moves: Sweet Chin Music, Moonsault
Wrestling Style: High-flying, Technical, Storytelling
Titles: 4-time World Champion, multiple-time Intercontinental Champion
Shawn Michaels, known as “The Heartbreak Kid,” revolutionized in-ring performance and became a cornerstone of WWE’s greatest moments. A four-time World Champion, his storytelling ability, athleticism, and consistent ability to deliver at significant events, particularly at WrestleMania, solidified him as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history.
10. Bret “The Hitman” Hart
Real Name: Bret Sergeant Hart
Born: July 2, 1957
Notable Moves: Sharpshooter, Russian Leg Sweep
Wrestling Style: Technical, Mat-Based
Titles: 7-time World Champion, multiple-time Tag Team Champion
Bret “The Hitman” Hart, known for his technical brilliance, earned his nickname “The Excellence of Execution.” His seven World Championships and legacy of superior wrestling technique, particularly in the ring, set him apart. Hart’s influence on wrestling storytelling and his legacy as one of the best in-ring performers make him a true icon of the industry.
9. Triple H
Real Name: Paul Michael Levesque
Born: July 27, 1969
Notable Moves: Pedigree, Spinebuster
Wrestling Style: Brawler, Technician, Powerhouse
Titles: 14-time World Champion, multiple-time Intercontinental Champion
He started out as snobby Hunter Hearst Helmsley, but quickly transformed into Triple H during the Attitude Era. Triple H’s 14 World Championships, longevity, and ability to evolve from the rebellious member of DX to the ruthless Authority figure made him one of the most essential stars in WWE history. His in-ring skill, leadership, and backstage influence helped shape multiple eras of WWE, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest. Out of the ring, he married Stephanie McMahon and became the Chief Content Officer for WWE.
8. Tito Santana
Real Name: Merced Solis
Born: May 10, 1953
Notable Moves: Flying forearm, Figure-Four Leg Lock
Wrestling Style: Technical, High-Flying
Titles: 2x WWE Intercontinental Champion, 2x WWE Tag Team Champion (with Ivan Putski and others), WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
Tito Santana’s legacy is built on his impressive in-ring skills and consistency, with 1,783 career wins. A two-time Intercontinental Champion and a tag team champion, his contributions to WWE are undeniable. Santana’s work ethic and technical prowess, combined with his popularity, made him a beloved and respected figure in wrestling history.
7. Ric Flair
Real Name: Richard Morgan Fliehr
Born: February 25, 1949
Notable Moves: Figure Four Leglock, Knife-Edge Chop
Wrestling Style: Technical, Brawler
Titles: 16-time World Champion, multiple-time Tag Team Champion
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, with a record 16 recognized World Championships, is widely regarded as the ultimate traveling champion. Ric Flair was the first two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, first inducted with the class of 2008 for his individual career and again with the class of 2012 as a member of The Four Horsemen. His signature promos, in-ring style, and influence on the business, from his technical mastery to his charismatic persona, left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Flair is the blueprint for greatness.
6. John Cena
Real Name: John Felix Anthony Cena Jr.
Born: April 23, 1977
Notable Moves: Attitude Adjustment, STF
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Technician
Titles: 16-time World Champion, multiple-time US Champion
John Cena’s 16 World Championships and decade-long career as WWE’s face solidified his place in wrestling history. His consistent ability to evolve from ruthless aggression to adapt allowed him to be the cornerstone of WWE throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Cena’s combination of in-ring skill, charisma, and community outreach made him one of the most influential figures in wrestling. Some of his greatest sayings include, “You Can’t See Me!”.
5. The Rock
Real Name: Dwayne Douglas Johnson
Born: May 2, 1972
Notable Moves: Rock Bottom, People’s Elbow
Wrestling Style: Brawler, Showman
Titles: 10-time World Champion, multiple-time Intercontinental Champion
A 10-time World Champion, can you smell what the Rock is cooking? Dubbed Rocky earlier on, the Rock’s impact on the wrestling world is undeniable. His iconic rivalries and matches with stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H are legendary. His charisma, catch phrases, unmatched promo skills, and ability to transcend wrestling turned him into a global superstar, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
4. Hulk Hogan
Real Name: Terry Eugene Bollea
Born: August 11, 1953
Notable Moves: Leg Drop, Big Boot
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Showman
Titles: 12-time World Champion, multiple-time Tag Team Champion
Hulk Hogan, a 12-time World Champion across both WWE and WCW, played a crucial role in taking wrestling into the mainstream. His larger-than-life persona and his role in making wrestling a pop culture phenomenon are unrivaled. Hogan’s ability to capture the audience’s attention made him the most iconic wrestler of the ’80s and beyond.
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Real Name: Steven James Anderson (later Steven Williams)
Born: December 18, 1964
Notable Moves: Stone Cold Stunner, Lou Thesz Press
Wrestling Style: Brawler, striker
Titles: 6-time WWE Champion, multiple-time Intercontinental Champion
Stone Cold Steve Austin, a six-time WWE Champion, is credited with saving WWE during the Monday Night Wars. His antihero persona included drinking beer in the ring, flipping off the audience, and more. His legendary feuds—especially with Vince McMahon—helped redefine wrestling’s appeal. Austin’shard-hitting style and unforgettable moments made him the cornerstone of WWE’s Attitude Era, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.
2. Roman Reigns
Real Name: Leati Joseph Anoa’i
Born: May 25, 1985
Notable Moves: Superman Punch, Spear
Wrestling Style: Powerhouse, Brawler
Titles: 1-time WWE Champion for 1,316 days straight, 4-time Universal Champion
Roman Reigns earns this near-top spot due to his complete dominance from 2020 onward. His character evolution into”The Tribal Chief,” combined with a record-breaking title reign, elevated him as the face of a new generation. Roman Reigns held the WWE Championship for 1,316 days, making it one of the longest reigns in modern WWE history. Reigns’ storytelling, in-ring dominance, and aura of invincibility make him arguably the greatest modern champion.
1. The Undertaker
Real Name: Mark William Calaway
Born: March 24, 1965
Notable Moves: Tombstone Piledriver, Chokeslam
Wrestling Style: Brawler, Storyteller
Titles: 7-time World Champion, multiple-time Tag Team Champion
WrestleMania streak: The Undertaker famously went undefeated at WrestleMania for 21 years, with a 21-0 record, before eventually losing to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30.
Total Wins: As of his retirement in 2020, The Undertaker has had approximately 2,000+ career matches, with around 1,700 wins, though the exact number may vary depending on how certain matches are counted (e.g., tag team matches, house shows, etc.).
The Undertaker’s legacy goes beyond championships, defined by his unmatched presence and storytelling. Iconic matches, like his undefeated WrestleMania streak and battles with Shawn Michaels and Triple H, showcase his enduring impact. His dark, mysterious persona and loyalty to WWE redefined the art of wrestling, making him a timeless, unparalleled legend.