5 most iconic catchphrases in WWE history

WWE Superstars and legends have had signature catchphrases that have become so well known that they have crossed into pop culture.
WWE Superstars and legends have had signature catchphrases that have become so well known that they have crossed into pop culture.

Promos are a very important element in WWE and all of the pro wrestling business. The words that the superstars say create a greater connection with the fans, produces merchandise and can sometimes resonate into pop culture. With these promos, signature catchphrases are developed and become integral to the persona of these men and women.

A catchphrase can be as simple as one word. Stone Cold Steve Austin found yet another awesome saying with his "What?" responses in 2001. Those can still be heard to this day at wrestling events. Daniel Bryan was always one of the best wrestlers in the world, but it was his "Yes, Yes, Yes!" catchphrase that elevated him to main event status in WWE.

There have been other more intricate catchphrases that have been fondly remembered by wrestling fans all over the world. In this article, let's take a look at the five most iconic catchphrases in WWE history.


#5 "We got two words for ya..." - D-Generation X (WWE)

When a WWE catchphrase is used by sports stars, it has to be considered one of the most iconic in company history. That is exactly what recently happened when Philadelphia 76ers all-star center Joel Embiid used the signature saying of D-Generation X. This led to Triple H showing up before one of the team's NBA Playoffs games to introduce the MVP candidate.

D-Generation X is highly regarded as one of the most memorable stables in WWE history. From their outlandish shenanigans to several members who have gone on to greatness, there is no question of their legacy. Starting with Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chyna, and Rick Rude, it was the top heel faction who wanted to help HBK against The Undertaker in 1997.

After Michaels left the promotion following his WWF Championship loss to Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 14, the group evolved under the leadership of Triple H and the introduction of X-Pac along with The New Age Outlaws. The stable became a collection of jokesters who infamously invaded WCW and feuded with The Nation.

Above all else, they were known for their call and response catchphrase of "We got two words for ya....." with the fans responding with "Suck It!" This sold a ton of t-shirts and was repeated by kids during WWE's Attitude Era. It has even been used to this day thus its place on this list.

#4 "Rest In Peace!" - The Undertaker (WWE)

For three decades, The Undertaker has been the conscience of WWE. He was unquestionably one of the greatest characters in the history of the business. Debuting at Survivor Series 1990, he immediately put eyes on him for his size and intimidating look. The following year, The Deadman defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF Championship.

Although The Undertaker debuted with Brother Love and then Paul Bearer in his corner, he needed to make his mark with his words to go along with his incredible presence and convincing in-ring work. Bearer did most of the heavy lifting in promos during his early years in WWE, but The Undertaker would always end things with "Rest In Peace."

This signature saying would put fear into the hearts of any opposition that the Phenom would encounter. Whether it be Jake The Snake Roberts, Mankind or Kane, The Undertaker would always threaten his opponents with those three words that foreshadowed his victim's fate.

This catchphrase has been uttered by fans across the world and has even seen major athletes such as LeBron James show their adoration for The Deadman. Through a lengthy and legendary run, The Undertaker has etched his place in the hearts of the WWE Universe. The supposed Final Farewell at Survivor Series 2020 last year could only end one way, with a "Rest In Peace" finale.

#3 "WOOOOOO!" - Ric Flair (WWE)

Ric Flair has to be the most charismatic superstar in WWE and pro wrestling history. His style and promos have been imitated countless times by other superstars and fans alike. He is a man who was notoriously known for numerous catchphrases such as "To be the man, you have to beat man" or "Stylin and profilin". However, none is more memorable than his signature "WOOOO!"

This catchphrase has been echoed by fans at every wrestling event for well over two decades. Flair's chops would lead to fans saying "WOOOO" to the point that now when any superstar throws a chop, fans respond with "WOOO!" It has truly become integrated with every fan of professional wrestling.

The legacy of Ric Flair has been continued by his daughter Charlotte Flair in WWE. The Queen has won 11 women's championships on the main roster, along with two runs with the NXT Women's Championship and one with the Women's Tag Team Championships. Besides being known for winning, Charlotte has used "WOOO" at the end of her promos to follow in her father's footsteps.

Ric Flair's popularity has only increased in WWE and transitioned into the mainstream. The rapper Offset created a song called "Ric Flair Drip", which also used his signature catchphrase. He has also been referenced by Snoop Dogg and Camron in the past. The Indianapolis Colts safety Sergio Brown made a Ric Flair impression to rally his teammates. Flair is a mainstay and so is his "WOOO"

#2 "And that's the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!" - Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWE)

Stone Cold Steve Austin is the biggest money-drawing WWE Superstar of all time. He was the undeniable face of the company during its lucrative time in the Attitude Era. Austin is known for his DTA persona, middle fingers and ground-breaking feud with Vince McMahon. However, he was also known for his promo ability.

Stone Cold's star started to rise upon winning the 1996 King of the Ring. After the win, he followed up with a legendary promo in which he told the heavily religious Jake 'The Snake' Roberts that "Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass." He also had an infamous call and response, with fans asking them to "Give me a Hell Yeah!" The aforementioned "What?" response took that to the next level.

Above all those catchphrases, Stone Cold Steve Austin ended most of his promos with a signature "And that's the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so!" This got so over with the WWE Universe that they would often echo this saying along with The Texas Rattlesnake. It helped strengthen the connection that he had with his fanbase.

Austin's "And That's the Bottom Line" has helped lead the soundtrack to WWE's Attitude Era. There have been many popular sayings, but none were quite as universally loved. NBA All-Star Damien Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers has made it crystal clear his love for Austin and has even cut promos in his vein. His popularity is unlike anyone else in the history of WWE.

#1 "If you smell what The Rock is cooking!" - The Rock (WWE)

When fans think of WWE Superstars and legends with a litany of catchphrases, the name on the tip of everyone's tongue is The Rock. The People's Champion is one of the greatest talkers of all time in the wrestling business. His signature sayings have been echoed by fans, celebrities and athletes of all kinds over the years.

The Rock typically kicked off his promos with "Finally, The Rock has come back to..." with the city of where WWE was at on the evening. He also had a catalog of memorable insults that he fired at his rivals from "Rootie Poo" to "Jabroni". He would also tell his opponents that "it doesn't matter what you think" in classic responses that pissed off some of the best heels to come through WWE.

His "Just Bring It" catchphrase became a mantra that led to several shirts and has been his calling card for challenging his enemies to face him. However, his most popular saying has to be his exclamation point at the end of his diatribes when he proclaimed "If you smell what The Rock is cooking!"

The Rock's command of the WWE Universe is unparalleled, with fans often echoing whatever he says. That final saying was always beloved by the fans and can even be heard at the start of his theme song. Whenever the people hear the first "If you smell...", they immediately rise to their feet and get ready to greet The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment.

Everyone has done impressions of The Rock. His amazing popularity in WWE made for an easy transition, into Hollywood where he has gained even more fans for his work on the silver screen. From his starring role in Jumanji to his recurring role as Hobbs in the Fast and Furious series, The Rock has become the biggest star in Hollywood and has had the most successful post-wrestling career.

Fans can literally pick any of his catchphrases to place in this spot, but "If you smell what The Rock is cooking" has proven to be the perfect finale in so many incredible promos for a superstar who has translated from WWE to Hollywood more than anyone in history. That's why it is the most iconic catchphrase in the company's history.

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