The best wrestler from each of the 50 United States 

MASSACHUSETTS - John Cena

Hey, isn't there supposed to be a picture of John Cena here?

There are plenty of great wrestlers from my home state of Massachusetts, including Sasha Banks, Tommaso Ciampa, Donovan Dijak, and Damien Sandow. But really, there was no contest here - it had to go to John Cena.

Cena has caught a lot of flack throughout his career for being over-pushed or for being a "bad wrestler," but let's not fool ourselves - he's one of the biggest superstars in wrestling history. To his name, he has five World Heavyweight Championships, 13 WWE Championships, he's one of only seven people to win more than one Royal Rumble match (wait, didn't I already bring that up a couple of times?)...I could continue, but we'd be here all day.

Not only is John Cena one of the biggest names in wrestling, but he is also a pop culture sensation. He's been a movie star, a rapper, a reality TV host, heck, he's even been an internet meme. Those who help bring professional wrestling into the mainstream certainly earn brownie points with me.

West Newbury's own John Cena is easily the best pro-wrestler that Massachusetts has ever produced.

MICHIGAN - Scott Steiner

HONORABLE MENTION: Bruiser Brody

Michigan was another tough state to pick. You've got Kevin Nash, Rob Van Dam, George "The Animal" Steele, and so many others. But in the end, I had to go with The Genetic Freak, Big Poppa Pump, The Big Bad Booty Daddy, The Man with the Largest Arms in the World, Scott Steiner.

What a career Scott Steiner has had...he started out as an All-American amateur wrestler before starting his pro-wrestling career in various independent promotions 1986. He and his brother Rick wowed audiences with their arsenal of innovative moves, which combined raw power and acrobatics. But it was when Scott Steiner broke out on his own when he became a legitimate superstar.

Steiner started developing his "Big Poppa Pump" persona in 1998 when he gained a considerable amount of muscle mass and joined the nWo. It was in this role where Steiner became one of wrestling's top heels and one of the most entertaining talkers in the industry. Though his later years from 2003 and onward were often embarrassing, Steiner's incredible list of championship victories speak for themselves.

So to all my freaks out there in Michigan, Big Poppa Pump's your best wrestler ever. HOLLER...if you hear me!

MINNESOTA - Verne Gagne

HONORABLE MENTION: Mr Perfect

Verne Gagne did so much for the wrestling business

Minnesota's own Verne Gagne is a true pro-wrestling pioneer.

As an amateur wrestler, Gagne was a stud. He captured two NCAA Championships for the University of Minnesota and was an alternate for the 1948 Olympic Games. He then created and ran the American Wrestling Association (AWA), which became immensely popular throughout the 60's and 70's. He was also the company's biggest star, winning 10 World Heavyweight Championships and four Tag Team Championships for the promotion.

Outside of the AWA, Gagne won an additional eight Heavyweight Championships, six Tag Team Championships, four United States Championships, and he's thus far earned four Hall of Fame rings. As if that wasn't enough, he helped train several wrestlers who would become legends of the industry, including Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund, and so many others.

Verne Gagne passed away in 2015 at the age of 89 from complications with Alzheimer's Disease, but his influence on professional wrestling will never die. Out of all the talented wrestlers from Minnesota, Gagne was the best of the best.

MISSISSIPPI - Kamala

Contrary to what you’ve learned from kayfabe, the “wild savage from Uganda” actually comes from Coldwater, MS, where he had a bit of a rough upbringing. It wasn’t until he was 25 when he relocated to Michigan and met pioneer wrestler Bobo Brazil that he started to train as a professional wrestler.

Once it became evident that the big man had limited in-ring and promo abilities (which, let’s be honest, you could get by with in the early 80’s), Memphis promoters Jerry Lawler and Jerry Jarrett suggested that he come up with a gimmick. It was then that he came up with the Kamala character. As Kamala, he would go on to win multiple World Championships across various promotions. Oh, also, fun fact – in 2006, Kamala wrestled Bryan Danielson to a non-finish for the ROH World Championship. Now that’s a thing you know.

Oh, and he’s also part of the class-action TBI lawsuit against WWE, so maybe don’t expect to see him in the Hall of Fame anytime soon. Still, for his undeniable memorability, Kamala earns my pick as the best wrestler from the state of Mississippi.

MISSOURI - Harley Race

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Nick Bockwinkel, Randy Orton

The best wrestler from Missouri, and a damn scary dude to boot

Missouri has bred quite a few incredible talents, including Ox Baker, Butch Reed, and Freddie Blassie. But you try giving this spot to anyone but Harley Race.

In every conversation, Harley Race is one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots. Starting out at the young age of 17, Race has remained devoted to the wrestling business for almost 60 years. He's one of the toughest S.O.B's in wrestling history, and his track record proves that - 38 Heavyweight Championships, nine Hall of Fame Rings, 10 Tag Team Championships, and so many other title reigns and honours to his name.

So many wrestlers cite Race as a big influence on them, and it's easy to see why. There's really not much I can say other than he's a legend in every sense of the word, and he's Missouri's best wrestler ever.