Where Hulk Hogan ranks among the 20 greatest WWE wrestlers of all time
Greatness in WWE
Greatness in WWE is never just about gold around your waist or a slogan chanted by millions. It comes from presence, storytelling, staying power and that rare spark that makes arenas roar the moment the entrance theme starts.
The very best
With Hulk Hogan’s passing at 71, it feels right to look back at the 20 greatest WWE wrestlers of all time.
18. Brock Lesnar
The Beast Incarnate redefined dominance in WWE, steamrolling opponents and winning multiple world titles. His real-life athletic credentials and imposing presence make him one of the most credible performers ever. While he's not actually one we feel particularly inspired by, his legacy in the industry cannot be overlooked.
17. AJ Styles
"The Phenomenal One" didn't join WWE until later in his career, but he quickly established himself as one of the best wrestlers of his generation. His matches are a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism – the ultimate worker.
16. Lita
With her high-flying moves and punk-rock attitude, Lita broke barriers in WWE's Women's Division, bringing a new level of technicality to the division that had not been seen before. She has been a huge influence on the women, such as Becky Lynch, who have defined the modern era of WWE.
15. Rey Mysterio
The ultimate underdog, Rey Mysterio brought lucha libre to the WWE mainstream. With incredible high-flying moves and memorable storylines, he's a giant in wrestling despite his smaller stature.
14. Chris Jericho
Few wrestlers have reinvented themselves as successfully as Chris Jericho. From his "Y2J" days to "The List" and AEW stardom, Jericho's versatility and charisma have made him a global icon.
13. Kurt Angle
An Olympic gold medalist turned wrestling superstar, Kurt Angle's blend of technical skill and comedic timing made him a unique force in WWE. His feuds with Brock Lesnar and The Rock are unforgettable.
12. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
"Ooooh yes!" Randy Savage brought unmatched intensity to his promos and matches. With flamboyant outfits and unforgettable bouts, like his WrestleMania III match against Ricky Steamboat, Savage remains an icon almost 30 years after his prime run.
10. John Cena
"The Champ" carried WWE on his back for over a decade, winning 16 world titles, tying with Ric Flair for the most WWE world title reigns, and transcending wrestling to become a pop culture phenomenon. Cena's work ethic and connection with fans are second to none.
9. Triple H
The Game dominated the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras, becoming a cornerstone of WWE. Whether as a member of D-Generation X or a main-event heel, Triple H's influence – especially as a heel – is undeniable. Not to mention, he had what was, in our opinion, the best entrance of all time.
8. Jeff Hardy
A daredevil like no other, Jeff Hardy's high-flying style and jaw-dropping Swanton Bombs made him a fan favorite. From iconic TLC matches with The Hardy Boyz to a decorated singles career, Jeff's risk-taking redefined WWE and was responsible for some of the most heart-stopping moments we've ever seen in the ring.
7. Bret "The Hitman" Hart
"The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be" was more than a catchphrase for Bret Hart – it was a way of life. His technical excellence and storytelling set a new standard in WWE that changed the course of the company.
6. Ric Flair
Although much of Ric Flair's legacy lies outside WWE and easily has a stake in being the greatest WCW ever saw, his tenure at Vince McMahon's company was incredible in its own right. The 16-time world champion possessed out-of-this-world charisma and revolutionised the game in terms of in-ring psychology.
5. The Rock
But there is one wrestler who crossed over in a bigger way than anybody else. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's charisma and mic skills made him a crossover superstar. His WWE career is filled with unforgettable matches, memeable moments and catchphrases that still get held up in wrestling crowds to this day.
4. Hulk Hogan
The face of wrestling in the 1980s, Hogan's charisma and catchphrases helped WWE experience a surge in popularity. Not only that, he enjoyed multiple runs at the top across different eras, with a remarkable comeback in the early 2000s. While his legacy has been complicated, Hogan remains a cornerstone of wrestling history.
3. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
The ultimate anti-hero, "Stone Cold" was the face of the Attitude Era and brought WWE to its highest ratings. A captivating performer in every sense, his beer-drinking, stunner-hitting antics made him a cultural icon that extended past the walls of WWE.
2. Shawn Michaels
"The Heartbreak Kid" is widely regarded as the best in-ring performer in WWE history. From his WrestleMania classics to his role in revolutionizing the industry over the course of 25 years, Shawn Michaels' influence and legacy are virtually unparalleled.
