30 Greatest WWE Superstars in History [Ranked]

Throughout its illustrious history, WWE has seen some legendary professional wrestlers step into its rings worldwide. The likes of Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and The Undertaker captured the hearts of fans during some of the company’s most popular periods, while the likes of Roman Reigns came onto the scene much more recently and have done a brilliant job flying the WWE flag.

With such an army of impressive and iconic figures having called themselves WWE Superstars over the years, compiling a list of the 30 greatest sounds like an incredibly tough task and one no one would likely rush to create. With that being said, that’s exactly what we’ve decided to do. Looking at several different components, we’ve identified the 30 best wrestlers in WWE history. Before we get started, take a look at the different components we’ve looked at to create our list below.

Ranking factors

• Title wins
• Longevity in the sport
• Microphone work and charisma (ranked from poor and okay, to good and excellent)
• Impact on the wrestling business

Now that’s out of the way, let’s get started. Here are the 30 greatest WWE wrestlers of all time, ranked.

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30

Razor Ramon

Razor Ramon, also known as Scott Hall, is a two-time Hall of Fame entrant remembered for his ‘bad guy’ persona. A charismatic wrestler, Ramon’s patented slicked-back hair and toothpick made sure no one changed the channel when he was on screens. A four-time Intercontinental Champion, he is regarded as one of the best wrestlers to hold the belt, giving it the prestige it still holds to this day. One-half of one of WrestleMania’s best matches, a Ladder Match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X, Ramon’s blend of athleticism, charm, and crowd work makes him one of the best wrestlers in WWE history.

Entertaining fans, regardless of whether he was a face or heel, he made it cool to be hated. One of the most deserving wrestlers of a World Championship run that never happened, he is living proof that hard work pays off and dreams do come true.

29

Trish Stratus

One of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time, Trish Stratus, is a trailblazer who paved the way for women’s success in WWE. The Canadian-born wrestler holds the record for the most WWE Women’s Championships reigns, with seven, and is one of only four women’s wrestlers to have a reign last over a year. Managing to transcend away from countless suggestive storylines, her feud with Lita put women’s wrestling on the map as something that can be treated as equal to men’s.

Stratus retired in 2006, regarded as one of the best women’s wrestlers, and it was an opinion that was validated upon her 2022 return. Making full-time appearances at 46 years old, she won the Tag Team championships and looked as if she had somehow gotten better in the ring. A 2013 Hall of Fame entrant, Stratus, and many women’s wrestlers of that era will always be held in high regard for what they did for the industry.

28

Chyna

The Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna’s nickname perfectly describes her. A towering wrestler, she was one of the first women’s wrestlers to possess a size that presented her as equal, if not more intimidating, than her male counterparts. It is because of this that she became the first and only women’s wrestler to hold the Intercontinental Championship. Remembered for her work alongside D-Generation X, she paved the way for the likes of Rhea Ripley, wrestlers who shouldn’t feel shame but be celebrated for being larger than life.

A 2019 entrant into the Hall of Fame, as well as a former Women’s Champion, Chyna was voted as the fourth greatest WWE Women’s Superstar in 2021. Remembered for beating the best of the men’s and women’s divisions, history has been kind to Chyna.

27

Edge

The Rated-R Superstar has had two legendary WWE runs, one pre-retirement and one post-retirement. With equal success as both a tag team wrestler and singles star, Edge’s ability to emotionally grip an audience through his in-ring work and mic work is second to none. Known for his long-standing association with Christian, the pair won seven of Edge’s 12 tag team titles. A CV filled with every accolade possible, his daring moments, athleticism and ability to captivate as a heel and as a face saw him rise to the top of the WWE with ease.

Embarking on a second run after a legendary Royal Rumble return in 2020, the Hall of Famer once again rose to the top, proving that class is permanent. From Tag Team Ladder Matches to WrestleMania main events, Edge did it all.

26

Seth Rollins

Still an active wrestler, Seth Rollins has achieved everything a WWE Superstar could dream of. Emerging as the next big thing following his work as a part of The Shield, his iconic WrestleMania 31 cash-in stands the test of time. With numerous title reigns under his belt, Rollins continues to wrestle as a main event act, evolving as the years have passed. An immense wrestler and just as equally good on the mic, he is one of WWE’s most reliable acts.

Having spent the latter part of his career being the bridesmaid and not the bride, Rollins is viewed as the perfect act to put people over or to raise people to the main event scene. With a Hall of Fame entry awaiting him in the future, Visionary is one of the most memorable acts within modern WWE programming.

25

Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair is arguably the greatest women’s wrestler in WWE history. Daughter to Ric Flair, Charlotte has carved out an unmatchable level of success within the women’s division. Holding the most combined title reigns of any women’s wrestler, she is also the first and only two-time women’s Royal Rumble winner. From her matches with her fellow Four Horsewomen stablemates to a WrestleMania great with Rhea Ripley, she has an all-timer CV of matches to her name.

Still an active competitor, Charlotte’s immense success sees her regarded as her own act, something second-generation wrestlers struggle to do. With an in-ring ability that continues to amaze the WWE Universe, Charlotte somehow makes it look easy. Daughter to the legendary Ric Flair, Charlotte’s career is yet to be over and is already one of the greatest.

24

Goldberg

After a short but sweet career, Goldberg managed to achieve Hall of Fame status with only eight years in the company. Having made waves in WCW with an undefeated streak of 173-0, Goldberg made his way over to the big leagues. Staying for only one year, Goldberg feuded with Triple H, won a World Championship and had a poorly-received WrestleMania bout with Brock Lesnar before his departure.

Returning in 2016, he went on to become a two-time Universal Champion, alongside his 2018 Hall of Fame induction. Although he wasn’t a ring general, his brute force and aggressive act made him a fan favourite, with the WWE Universe knowing what they were going to get.

23

Andre the Giant

With the Ninth Wonder of the World on the list, it would only be right that the Eighth Wonder of the World was. A man with giganticism, Andre the Giant was a trailblazer for larger-than-life athletes across all sports. From his ‘true giant’ battles with Big John Studd, a feud that ended in Andre slamming the giant for $15,000, the Frenchman would continue his dominance on his way to his first and only World Championship.

One-half of the bodyslam heard around the world at WrestleMania 3, his matches with Hulk Hogan led the Hulkster on his way to a Hall of Fame career. A career so legendary that the WWE created the Hall of Fame and made him the sole inductee in 1993, Andre paved the way for numerous giants to thrive in the WWE.

22

AJ Styles

One of the best professional wrestlers of all time, AJ Styles’ talent is so much so that he already finds himself among the best in company history despite only arriving in 2016. Having one of the best Royal Rumble debuts in history, Styles went on to work his magic with the likes of Chris Jericho and John Cena.

Giving Cena some of the best matches of his career, Styles had the blessing of having the Undertaker’s final match. With many of the previous generations’ stars citing Styles as someone they wanted to work with, it is easy to see how he became a Triple Champion in the WWE so quickly. Still competing to this day, Styles continues to prove why he is one of the best.

21

Mick Foley

Whether as Mankind, Cactus Jack or Dude Love, Foley knew how to connect with an audience better than anyone. Masterminding the ‘Three Faces of Foley’, he emphasised the need for emotionally gripping and relatable characters on TV. However, despite his unique success with numerous personas, it’s his work in the ring that fans will never forget. Remembered for his daredevil-like approach to wrestling, there was no such thing as too far for Foley.

The Hardcore Legend will forever be associated with his Hell in the Cell match with The Undertaker in 2002. One of the best matches in WWE history, there is a reason why Foley, despite not fitting the archetype of the stereotypical WWE champion, became a three-time World Champion. A WrestleMania main eventer and a Hall of Fame entrant, Foley gave his all for the business, and fans will forever love him for it.

20

Eddie Guerrero

The inventor of Latino Heat, Eddie Guerrero’s legacy remains within the WWE to this day. Despite only wrestling within the company for around four years, Guerrero inserted himself into the hearts of fans and became the most popular star in the company. A moment perfectly encapsulated by his sole World Championship win against Brock Lesnar at No Way Out in 2004, it is a moment only bettered by his WrestleMania XX celebrations with Chris Benoit.

One of the best in-ring wrestlers of all time, Guerrero had the ability to make you hate him and make you love him. Pairing his ability to make fans feel with his technically impressive and risky move-set, he paved the way for wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio to reach the summit of the WWE. With numerous great matches against WWE’s best wrestlers, Guerrero will forever be remembered as one of the best.

19

Rey Mysterio

With Latino Heat on the list, it would only be right if one of his best dance partners, Rey Mysterio, was on the list. A legend who has spearheaded the success of numerous WWE Superstars who might not look like the stereotypical wrestler, Mysterio is still going strong to this day. A Hall of Fame inductee, Rey has won everything there is to win in the WWE.

One of the most influential Luchadores of all time, his in-ring ability has always been ahead of its time. From working with Kurt Angle, Edge, and Chris Jericho to the greats of modern-day WWE, he has hung with the best of several generations. One of few to transcend the business and reach mainstream popularity, it is impossible to dislike Mysterio.

18

Daniel Bryan

Unanimously agreed upon as being one of, if not the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Daniel Bryan managed to reach the summit of the WWE in an era where someone of his appearance shouldn’t have been able to. The inventor of the ‘Yes Movement’, Bryan’s popularity caused the WWE to pivot and crown him champion at WrestleMania 30, in one of the best Mania endings of all time.

Managing to keep his popularity at a main event level, Bryan would go on to have great matches with the likes of John Cena and CM Punk. Despite needing to retire in 2016, Bryan would return two years later and outdo his first run, accumulating numerous championship reigns, most notably his beloved eco-friendly title reign. Proving to numerous WWE signings that smaller guys can achieve success, Bryan will inevitably enter the WWE Hall of Fame one day.

17

Dusty Rhodes

The father to WWE greats Cody Rhodes and Goldust, Dusty Rhodes had mastered professional wrestling long before his kids were winning titles. The American Dream is best known for his yellow polka dot appearance and unbelievable charisma. Having raised his stock across numerous territories, Dusty arrived in the WWF in 1989. Handed a gimmick that was allegedly meant to embarrass him due to his previous working relationships, he ended his first year in the company with only one televised loss.

Although Dusty would never win championship gold with the WWE, he did enter the Hall of Fame in 2007. He would go on to work in NXT and pass on his wisdom to numerous WWE Superstars who are thriving today. With an unbelievable career within the ring and outside of it, history will remember him for having the best promos and being able to back that in the ring.

16

Chris Jericho

Although his stock has dipped over the years, Chris Jericho will always be remembered as a great. Making his WWF debut in 1999 with his iconic Y2J countdown, Jericho would go on to achieve tremendous success. The fourth ever Grand Slam Champion, his matches with the likes of Rey Mysterio, Triple H and Shawn Michaels saw him regarded as one of WWE’s best wrestlers during an era where there were countless main event superstars.

Whether it was as a heel or a lovable face, Jericho’s ability to evolve over the years has seen him be a mainstay of professional wrestling. With iconic segments always being reminisced upon, such as his Festival of Friendship with Kevin Owens, Jericho will retire with a litany of legendary moments to his name.

15

Brock Lesnar

WWE’s Beast Incarnate has had one of the most dominating careers of any WWE Superstar. The second-youngest WWE Champion of all time, his career as a NCAA wrestler made him perfect for the WWE. The man who defeated the Undertaker at WrestleMania, Lesnar’s earlier years were spent taking it to the company’s best before he transitioned into a hard-hitting spectacle.

Having worked with the likes of John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero, he thrived in any match type against any wrestler. A believably scary act, he suspended disbelief whenever he was steamrolling through his opponents. Having shown signs of personality in his latest WWE run, he is still the go-to guy when needing to establish someone as a threat.

14

Kurt Angle

A freak of nature who won a gold medal with a broken neck, Kurt Angle is one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history. Always there or thereabouts on people’s ‘Greatest of all Time’ lists, his versatility and exceptional technical wrestling set him apart from the rest. Working legendary matches with countless wrestlers, such as Chris Benoit at Royal Rumble or his Iron Man match with Brock Lesnar, Angle thrived in every situation.

One of the greatest comedic wrestlers that the WWE has ever had, he just so happens to be one of their best in-ring performers. A 2017 entrant into the Hall of Fame, his long-list of accolades always come second, with his exceptional wrestling ability being hard to forget.

13

Roman Reigns

With his former Shield partner on the list, it is only right that Roman Reigns has a seat at the table, just not the head of it. Regarded as the ‘Greatest of all Time’ by Paul Heyman, Reigns’ ascension to the top of the industry is proof that sometimes a wrestler isn’t bad, they’re just mismanaged. Working matches with the likes of Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, and Daniel Bryan, Reigns has always stepped up and delivered.

Having achieved success in The Shield, his forced push was poorly received by fans. However, in 2020, Reigns would become the Tribal Chief and cement himself as the greatest act in modern WWE history. Enjoying a 1,316-day title reign, Reigns has experienced nine WrestleMania main events during his career. The main act in WWE’s legendary Bloodline storyline, the Tribal Chief, has turned a worrying WWE career into one of the best in history.

12

Randy Orton

One of WWE’s most mainstream wrestlers, Randy Orton, is the youngest WWE Champion in company history. Plying his trade since the turn of the millennium, Orton has been a mainstay of WWE programming since. The master of the RKO, Orton’s old-school, simple but effective in-ring work makes him an easy-yet-fantastic watch.

Having graduated from the legendary Evolution faction, Orton would achieve scary levels of heel in 2009 with his infamous bald look. Always finding ways to win in his career, the third-generation wrestler is a 14-time World Champion. Still wrestling in his mid-40s, Orton has enjoyed a career renaissance since 2020, with his work becoming more enthusiastic, providing the WWE Universe with more motivated and inspired storylines.

11

Ric Flair

Just missing out on the top ten, Ric Flair’s legendary career spanned over four decades. One of the most charismatic wrestlers in history, his in-ring work was just as impressive as he solidified himself as one of the greatest heels in the industry. Knowing how to make his opponent look like a million bucks, with his unmatched selling, he also mastered the craft of the dark arts in professional wrestling, popularising cheating to win.

Winning the joint-most championships in WWE history, with 16, he experienced countless classics during his numerous runs. Most notably, his retirement match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 8, in which the Heartbreak Kid uttered the infamous “I’m sorry, I love you” line. Making it cool to be a heel, Flair has inspired a generation of wrestlers who dream of possessing as much charisma as the Nature Boy.