The legacy of professional wrestling is filled with iconic figures whose impact has been crucial to many organisations’ triumph and enduring presence in the industry.
From the iconic days of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and WCW, the hardcore revolution of ECW, through the groundbreaking Attitude Era, the golden days of TNA, AEW’s rise, and the fierce Ruthless Aggression period, the world of wrestling has showcased the most extraordinary talents in the ring, delivering some of the most memorable matches and moments in the sport’s history.
Among the countless individuals who have graced the ring over the past two and a half decades, which names truly rise above the rest to claim a spot among the 10 most influential wrestlers in history?
Here at PWMania, in collaboration with Gambling.com we’ve come to create a definitive list of the greatest and most influential performers ever to grace a wrestling ring.
AJ Styles
AJ Styles was never meant to thrive in WWE.
He was diminutive, showcased a unique style that didn’t align with the company’s preferences, and crafted his stardom in other territories. He became iconic in TNA Wrestling before taking the reins of Bullet Club in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
If there was one wrestler who didn’t fit the mould of a “WWE guy,” it was The Phenomenal One.
Until, of course, he did!
Since his debut more than nine years ago, Styles has established himself as one of the industry’s most beloved and esteemed Superstars.
A grand-slam champion who has captured all four of the organisation’s prestigious men’s titles, he has effectively silenced his detractors and demonstrated that he can embody what he has consistently asserted: the face that runs the place.
Randy Orton
They’re three of the most lethal letters in the wrestling lexicon: R.K.O!
To be completely honest? The sight of Randy Orton’s devastating finisher continues to leave us in awe, time and time again. This is a variation of DDP’s Diamond Cutter. Yet, Orton’s ability to innovate and deliver the move in fresh and thrilling ways consistently captivates the audience and keeps us on the edge of our seats.
In addition to his accolades, including the second-most heavyweight championship wins in history, Orton stands out as an often-overlooked workhorse next to John Cena. He possesses a deep understanding of the industry, a knowledge passed down from his father, “Cowboy” Bob Orton.
A bout featuring Orton is nothing short of electrifying. It showcases a blend of intensity and physicality while ensuring a level of often unmatched safety, thanks to The Viper’s undeniable expertise in the squared circle.
Brock Lesnar
Whether you’re a fan or a critic, it’s impossible to ignore the impact Brock Lesnar makes the moment he steps into the squared circle. And we’re talking about any ring, as The Beast Incarnate has made his mark across WWE, New Japan, and MMA.
We especially appreciate Lesnar’s earlier, more driven performances in the WWE, such as his bouts with Kurt Angle. Also, the unforgettable moment when Brock Lesnar put Eddie Guerrero over at “No Way Out” 2004 for the WWE Championship is truly cherished by fans.
Above all, we remain continually impressed by Lesnar’s sheer physicality in the ring, elevating his status as a top-tier main event competitor. It’s not just his size, power, and menacing appearance that make him influential, but his ability to speak little and still draw so much hype while making each match seem like a legitimate street fight!
Seth Rollins
The Ring of Honour promotion might not be what it once was, but dedicated fans remember the amazing platform it offered for a wave of emerging talent. Seth Rollins, previously known as Tyler Black, is a standout in the wrestling world. He transitioned from the independent circuit to NXT and ultimately made his mark on the WWE main roster. His collaboration with Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose in The Shield played a pivotal role in shaping mainstream tag team wrestling during their time, and his iconic “heist of the century” money in the bank cash-in at WrestleMania 31 for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship has entered the annals of legend.
Rollins elevates high-flying manoeuvres to a true art form, showcasing an exceptional understanding of ring psychology. His flamboyant personality of today is one thing, and it’s a long way from the Shield days, but one thing will never change… his in-ring talent and abilities as one of the best performers.
Simply put, he stands among the greatest of all time, and better yet, his career is far from over!
Jon Moxley
Let’s be clear, we appreciated Jon Moxley during his time as Dean Ambrose in WWE. His contributions with The Shield were undeniably pivotal, yet his tenure as World Champion seemed overly brief and somewhat hasty.
However, a fresh, reimagined Jon Moxley would soon arrive in AEW, swiftly climbing the ranks by setting his sights on top names like Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho. At this juncture, Mox has already established his legacy: a raw fighter with an unpredictable charm and verbal prowess that keeps the crowd on the edge of their seats, anticipating the unexpected.
Kenny Omega
What elements contribute to creating an exceptional and influential performer in the ring? High-risk manoeuvres with extraordinary skill? Crafting a narrative that captivates the audience’s imagination? Building a persona that resonates with authenticity, passion, and complexity? Without a doubt, the elite performers in the ring will showcase each of those skills above, and at the pinnacle of that list stands Kenny Omega.
“The Cleaner” operates at an unparalleled level, showcasing skills that have outlasted the careers of many competitors in the ring. Omega has carved out a reputation as a true wanderer in the wrestling world, showcasing his talents across various promotions throughout the years, often juggling multiple gigs simultaneously.
What can we say? The most influential talent consistently attracts attention, and with Kenny Omega, promoters (currently AEW) can be sure they’re getting exceptional value for their investment.
We can’t lie; we’re still waiting for that WWE run!
John Cena
What more is there to discuss regarding Big Match John? Emerging from the indie scene in the late nineties, this Doctor of Thuganomics has undeniably shaped the wrestling landscape of this century, leaving a lasting impact that cannot be overlooked.
Can Cena’s unwavering “Never Give Up” mantra, relentless babyface character, and straightforward yet impactful move set be likened to the iconic Hulk Hogan of the eighties? That may be true, particularly as he’s added an all-new heel role into the mix, but Cena’s impact extends beyond that aspect.
He’s a dynamic figure and a prominent representative of the industry who’s also, if we’re being honest, often overlooked for his in-ring abilities. Cena understands narrative art and has a keen sense for making adjustments on the fly. Observing him in action is akin to witnessing a seasoned artist reimagine their canvas with each brushstroke, crafting a masterpiece that resonates on multiple levels while delivering an exhilarating experience.
He’s won the most heavyweight championships in WWE history since turning heel and defeating Cody Rhodes, and although some people aren’t a fan of his in-ring talent, he’ll be dearly missed when he retires at the end of the year!
Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle was a standout performer who burst onto the WWE scene in the late nineties, yet his in-ring prowess reached its zenith in the new millennium. Angle’s impressive wrestling background and Olympic achievements were widely recognised before he arrived in the company, and he embodied the quintessential annoying heel persona that WWE audiences loved to despise.
Angle embraced the world of wrestling with remarkable ease, showcasing not just his physical prowess but also his talent for crafting narratives that boldly embraced humour and self-parody. Honestly, the sight of Angle sporting that little Cowboy hat next to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin still has us laughing.
CM Punk
The WWE hierarchy always intended CM Punk to be one of their lesser stars. Officials didn’t see the spiteful aesthetic and the straight-edge lifestyle as signs of a breakout star. Nonetheless, Punk showcased immense passion and dedicated himself relentlessly to demonstrate his worth time after time.
It would have been incredible to be near the United Centre for AEW’s “The First Dance” event, especially to gauge the sheer volume of excitement when CM Punk made his highly anticipated return to the ring.
Grown men shed tears of disbelief and elation as the Voice of the Voiceless made a triumphant return, met with an overwhelming roar from the crowd. What’s the reason behind that? CM Punk’s impact on us at the peak of his creative brilliance in WWE! Punk brought a much-needed spark during a stagnant era, showcasing his athleticism and skill as a compelling storyteller in the ring. He also proved to be an undeniable force on the microphone. Villain? Hero? Punk can do it all, and his infamous pipe bomb remains the most significant and most memorable promo in pro wrestling history.
Punk exited the company at the peak of his career following disagreements with Vince McMahon. Still, nearly a decade later, his return at Survivor Series 2023 will be remembered as one of the most remarkable comebacks in WWE history.
Honorable Mentions
Let’s be honest. This list could go from a top 10 to a top 100 because the last few decades have produced many influential wrestling figures. However, we don’t have the time for that. Remember that we left out some big names because they started to make a huge impact in the sport before the 21st century.
So, here’s a short list of wrestlers who could easily replace anyone on this most influential list:
- Triple H
- Shawn Michaels
- The Undertaker
- Stone Cold Steve Austin
- The Rock
- Daniel Bryant
- Edge
- Lita
- Asuka
- Kevin Owens
- Bray Wyatt
- Kazuchika Okadda
- Roman Reigns
- Cody Rhodes
- Batista
- Jeff Hardy
- Chris Jericho
