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In its long and glorious history, WWE has produced a countless number of talents throughout the various years that it has passed. All of thosewrestlers/entertainershave played their roles however big or small they might have beenand have contributed in building up the companys history. But there have been a few who stepped out of the lot and spearheaded the business to global heights.And these superstars have emerged out of different eras, becoming the unrivalled face of the company and selling it to the fans worldwide. Their characters turned out to be real life heroes overnight as people began to worship them for what they did in the ring. Here we take a look at the 10 wrestlers who were responsible for making the WWE a global phenomenon.
#10 Ric Flair
Ric Flair’s glorious career in the world of wrestling spanned for over 40 years. Nature Boy has won in numerous accolades as a wrestler including a record number of 16 World titles in the WWE. Throughout his career, he has wrestled in several brands including the NWA, WCW and WWF now known as WWE.
His lengthy and highly decorated tenure was honoured by the WWE as he became the only superstars in the company’s history who was inducted twice into the Hall of Fame- once as an individual and the second time as a member of the Four Horsemen.
Flair was known for his heel roles in the industry and his various stints as the different eras came and went by. He thoroughly evolved with the changing generation, getting involved in some of the memorable storylines in WWE’s history. He was a part of two of the biggest factions in the WWE, Four Horsemen and Evolution that immensely contributed in shaping WWE’s landscapes.
Flair’s long running role and feats in the business will forever be carved in the memory of wrestling fans.
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#9 John Cena
Given John Cena’s current status and popularity in the WWE, it is no secret that he has divided the wrestling faction into two territories where one side chants “Let’s go Cena” while the others blatantly blasts him by shouting “Cena sucks.” Pick whichever side you want to but the fact remains that either way he generates reaction and is always the centre to your attraction.
Since the post-Attitude era days, Cena has been the undoubted star of this company and has almost single-handedly carried the responsibilities of the WWE on his shoulders. The little ones of the WWE universe consider him as a hero and he is primarily the reason behind the WWE’s modern day success.
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#8 Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels’s introduction to the WWE brought in a different dimension to the world of wrestling. Known as the Heart Break Kid, Michaels brought a high-flying, energetic style to the ring. In terms of performing inside the squared circle, he was second to none as he would easily steal the show with his captivating moves.
He came to be known as Mr. Wrestlemania as he made the grandest night of the WWE his own. The image of WM 12 where HBK made a remarkable entrance from the top of the ring via a Zipline made it one of the most defining Wrestlemania moments.
His on-screen rivalry with Bret Hart was one of the distinguished personal feuds in wrestling history. The 60-minute Iron Man Match between HBK and Hart is considered to be a timeless Wrestlemania classic as Michaels put on an incredible show to win the WWE championship.
Just like his nemesis Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels turned out to be one of the best wrestlers and in-ring performers of all-time.
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#7 Bret Hart
Bret “The Hitman” Hart was the undisputed poster boy of wrestling during the New Generation Era. Known as The Excellence of Execution, Hart was a second generation wrestler and came from the prestigious Hart Wrestling Family. He debuted in the WWE as one of the members of the Hart Foundation which was a heel at the time.
Together he and his brother Owen formed a formidable partnership and worked their way to the top. He became a five time WWE champion and held the title more than anybody else during the 90’s. His iconic character and outlook became synonymous with the New Generation Era and people remember the early half of the 90’s as the Hitman’s time.
In Wrestlemania 12, Hart and Shawn Michaels delivered a performance of their lifetime as Shawn overcame a 60-min Iron Man match to defeat Hart and claim the WWE title in what is regarded as one of the greatest Wrestlemania matches ever till date.
In 1997, Hart’s cemented his name in the most controversial moment of sports entertainment when he was ditched by Vince Mcmahon for the WWE championship, otherwise known today as the Montreal Screwjob.
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#6 Mick Foley
Mick Foley established himself as the undisputed Hardcore legend of the WWE. Over the years, he used three gimmicks in his wrestling career which included Cactus Jack, Mankind and Dude Love. And the similarities between these three? They were always violent and brutal.
Indeed, it was sometimes difficult to watch Foley’s matches but when he stepped into the ring, all eyes would be glued on him because he was bound to produce something extraordinary for the crowd. From the unforgettable 1998 Hell In a Cell match against The Undertaker to the Hardcore match against Randy Orton in Backlash 2004, Foley put his heart and soul into every match he competed and etched himself into our memories.
There may be no more violence or blood on WWE TV, but if you did see one, the image of the man whose catchphrase was “bang bang” will always pop up right front of you.
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#5 Bruno Sammartino
Bruno Sammartino is the longest ever reigning WWWF (WWE) Champion, and he built the company from the ground up. He was the man who held the title, he was the man who carried the company, he brought in the New Yorkers to Madison Square Garden.
Without Bruno's incredible popularity (which back then, his popularity was all through word of mouth) the WWE wouldn't be here today. There would be no Hogan, no Austin, no nothing.
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#4 The Undertaker
The Undertaker is widely considered as the greatest icon in all of sports entertainment. If there is one superstar whom the WWE universe regards as immortal in the business, it is no else but the Deadman.
Since his debut in 1990, Taker has conquered everything in the business, involving himself in some of the greatest feuds of all time. He is 21-1 in Wrestlemania, a streak which is considered as a legendary feat in wrestling history. His entrance theme is one of the most chilling yet inspiring moments for the wrestling universe. His in-ring skills are second to none as he quite simply is one of the best wrestlers that has ever stepped foot into the ring.
A legacy that will forever be engraved in WWE’s history books, Undertaker’s contributions to the WWE will always be seen as something that is invaluable.
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#3 Hulk Hogan
From Vince McMahon’s discovery in 1979 to the Class of 2005 in WWE’s Hall of Fame, Hulk Hogan was simply the first global icon in the world of wrestling entertainment. Known for his flamboyance and exuberance, Hogan was the most beloved superstar among the fans and turned out to be the icon of the 80’s.
Since his impressive win on his debut in the WWE against Andre the Giant in 1980, Hogan went to become a fan favourite as he gradually earned respect and stardom in the world of wrestling. He was involved in some of the biggest matches that are considered as landmarks which helped to define WWE’s history. After winning the WWE title by beating the Iron Shiekh, he acquired tremendous popularity among Americans.
He was the face of the company and that image was utilised by various companies to market their products. His popularity helped him crossover to the world of motion pictures as he landed roles in several films. In 1987, he and Andre The Giant produced the biggest main event in sports entertainment where Hogan defended his title against the 520-pound giant. The image of Hogan scoop slamming the Giant at Wrestlemania 3 became forever etched in the memory of wrestling fans.
Hogan’s legacy is unquestionable and one that will keep Hulkamaniacs running wild forever.
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#2 The Rock
Starting his career as Rocky Mavia in Nation of Domination, The Rock gradually climbed up the ladder and became one of the greatest superstars of all time. His ability to sell the storylines, flawless microphone skills and an attitude to back his talks, turned him into an Attitude Era superstar alongside Stone Cold.
The Rock’s promos and segments became some of the historical moments of the WWE. There was no one else who could fire up and electrify the people like he used to. He came to be known as the people’s champ and produced the most symbolic WWE catchphrases. His rivalry with Stone Cold was also one of the essential storylines in the landscape of the company.
Rock’s popularity crossed over from wrestling to the movie industry as he made a name for himself in Hollywood. Today he is the most successful WWE superstar that has ever worked in the movie business and continues to electrify the big screen. Whenever he has returned, the WWE universe have welcomed him back with crazy ovations which just signifies how he really established himself as The Great One in this business.
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#1 Stone Cold Steve Austin
If there was one superstar who was considered to the bigger than the WWE itself, it was Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Texas RattleSnake was an untouchable figure of the industry and propelled it to new heights during the Attitude Era.
He gained unparalleled status as a babyface and was the poster boy of the Attitude Era. His rivalry with Vince McMahon is arguably considered as the greatest feud in sports entertainment and that was pivotal in terms of WWE attaining global viewership as more and more people became attracted to the brand.
Stone Cold wasn’t just a wrestler for the fans. He was a hero for the common man. His outspoken attitude and defiance towards the Authority gave satisfaction to thousands of those regular working class people who could do nothing about it in their real job lives, but turn on the TV or visit an arena and cheer on for the biggest s.o.b of the WWE.
He was inducted into the 2009 Hall of Fame which signalled the end of simply the greatest WWE superstar’s career.
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