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Second and third-generation WWE wrestlers often have immediate pressure thrust upon them. Whether its the Flairs, Harts, Armstrongs, or Von Erichs, a wrestling family lineage is met with challenges. While sometimes the results are achieved with equal success, others have been more or less successful than their parents. This is the case of these WWE second and third-generation wrestlers today.
For every instance of there being a David Flair in comparison to his father, there are those akin to the Armstrong's. While we are unsure of what the future holds for Dominik Mysterio, we can be sure that he will have huge shoes to fill when his father's career comes to an end.
Of the second and third-generation WWE wrestlers mentioned one has to wonder who was considered more and who was considered less successful than their parents before them. Which WWE second and third-generation wrestlers were either more or less successful than their parents?
#5. The Rock - More Successful
When considering WWE second or third-generation wrestlers that were more successful than their parents, we would be hard-pressed not to think of the Great One. What is interesting to note about The Rock is that he was only competing regularly for about six years.
From about 1995-2001, The Rock rose to prominence in the WWF/E. While he has competed on occasion over the past decade or so, his achievements in the ring outweigh that of his fathers, the late Rocky Johnson. It should be noted that The Rock has captured both singles and tag team championships, not unlike that of his father.
Where things are different is the sheer response that he has received because of accomplishments. Of WWE second and third-generation wrestlers past and present, this one certainly stands out. It is quite amazing to recognize his staying power and relevance today, not just in wrestling but in pop culture as well. WWE has often known The Rock's worth multiple times over.
In more recent years, Dwayne Johnson has competed against the likes of John Cena and CM Punk. It can not be understated that while Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson was a tremendous competitor, his success pales in comparison to that of his son.
The Rock is a prominent instance of a WWE second and third-generation wrestler that surpassed their parent's achievements.
#4. David Sammartino - Less Successful
When considering WWE second and third-generation wrestlers that were less successful than their father, they need to look no further than the case of Bruno and David Sammartino. One of the greatest stars professional wrestling has ever known has been Bruno Sammartino. The late living legend passed away a couple of years ago.
However, his achievements are still spoken about today from his multiple sellouts of Madison Square Garden to his longstanding championship reigns. For every story where a child aspires to follow in the footsteps of their parents, this instance was one that would be so sad as it was anything else.
David Sammartino, in the early-to-mid 1980s, was being pushed with his father firmly behind him. The challenge with this was despite all that David would attempt to do, the sheer shadow that he lived under was so great that pursuing professional wrestling as a profession was a rather difficult one.
Of any WWE second and third-generation wrestlers that competed, the pressure of trying to achieve under the shadow of Bruno had to be complicated. Despite all of Bruno's best efforts David's time in the WWF was not a success.
After David's time in the company came to an end on a personal level, he and his father had a falling out. It is a disappointing situation all around when considering history's second and third-generation WWE wrestlers. One can hope that of all the WWE second and third-generation wrestlers that have competed that these two at least settled any differences between them.
#3. Randy Orton - More Successful
One case of a WWE second and third-generation wrestler being more successful professionally than his father need to look further than the circumstances of The Viper. Randy Orton first emerged in Ohio Valley Wrestling, and while there, he developed his craft.
As the son of Bob Orton Jr and the grandson of Bob Orton Sr, Randy had big shoes to fill. When he first came to WWE, it was no accident that he was given a platform. However, once we get past this, we saw that Orton could do things in the ring that his father and grandfather before him couldn't do.
His mobility and use of the ropes was unlike his elders. Randy Orton was amongst the most successful WWE second and third-generation wrestlers of all-time.
This, coupled with charm and confidence in the ring led to early championship success. However, as injuries struck him in his career, it became necessary that he would need to adapt his ring style if he hoped to continue. This he did.
What was gone were the days of Orton hitting dropkicks off the top rope. While they were replaced with chin locks and rest holds, the ability to tell a story has only grown. After fourteen world championships, who are we to argue with success. Orton is clearly among second and third-generation WWE wrestlers with the most success.
#2. Ritchie Steamboat - Less Successful
Another instance of a WWE second and third-generation wrestler not being successful as their father is the case of Ritchie Steamboat. While the son of Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat was emerging as a prominent talent in WWE's NXT promotion, it was ultimately not meant to be.
At the time, NXT was considered more of a developmental promotion than what we see it to be today. When Ritchie came in, they never hid the fact of who his father was and that may or may not be what was his albatross.
Ritchie had the unenviable task of being a WWE second and third-generation wrestler with so much to prove.
However, like many second and third-generation stars before them, the challenge to live up to the legacy that their parents began is often too great. In the case of Steamboat, it wasn't a case of failing to achieve because he wasn't valued. That isn't the case at all.
Ritchie Steamboat suffered a concussion that cost him his career. When considering all of the bumps his father took, it's remarkable his career lasted as long as it did.
One has to wonder what could have been of the career of Ritchie Steamboat had injuries not cost him his career. He is clearly one second generation wrestler that wasn't as successful. Had injuries not cost him, where could his career be today?
#1. 'Macho Man' Randy Savage - More Successful
Of any WWE second and third-generation wrestler that achieved as much success for as long as he did, it would be 'Macho Man' Randy Savage.
As the son of Angelo Poffo, fans will often remember that Savage competed under his father's promotion in Florida before coming to the WWE. Savage's character was inspired by Pampero Firpo, who had a scowl and a growl all his own.
If there was anything that stood out about Randy Savage, it was his sheer intensity in the ring. Everything he did was at another level. Whether it was coming to the ring with Miss Elizabeth to becoming the Macho King with Sensational Sherri, Savage was out of this world.
Whether it was as the Intercontinental Champion, WWF Champion, and WCW Champion, Savage was a success. A wrestler's career is met with their legacy in and out of the ring. How will Randy Savage be remembered? If the likes of today's stars such as Bayley paying tribute to him with her attire is any indication, his success outshined that of his brother and father, but that's because Randy Savage is a once in a generation talent.
It is clear that of any WWE second and third-generation wrestler, Macho Man Randy Savage's legacy goes beyond that of his father.
