WC Forums Top 50 Wrestlers (FULL LIST IS UP!)

[bigHEADinc]

#43 - RICKY STEAMBOAT

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Total Points: 75 Points
Total Votes: 8
Highest Placement: 7 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: Steamboat is widely regarded as one of the top in-ring performers in modern wrestling history and is one of the most respected and well-liked wrestlers in the business. Notable stars such as Austin, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, and Ric Flair consider Steamboat to be one of their greatest opponents. Flair's only--minor--criticism of Steamboat is that he never worked as a heel after beginning his career, though this statement could also be seen as praise as it attests to how well Steamboat played the babyface role. So much so that in 1991 when Steamboat once lobbied longtime WWF agent Pat Patterson about possibly turning heel, Patterson replied "Steamboat, you're the consummate baby face [sic]. I [could] send you out to the ring with a chainsaw and you can cut off both of Hulk Hogan's arms, and the fans just wouldn't believe it."

Video Link: Ricky Steamboat vs. Tiger Mask II

[Spankymac is sick of the swiss]

Steamboat vs. Tiger Mask II? YES!!!

[bigHEADinc]

#42 - RAVEN

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Total Points: 76 Points
Total Votes: 7
Highest Placement: 4 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: A true hardcore legend, Raven is one of the toughest, and most barbaric competitors in professional wrestling history.

Through a long and storied career, Raven came to TNA Wrestling to fulfill a destiny of becoming the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Having endured intense feuds with the likes of AJ Styles, Ron Killing and James Mitchell and his various disciples, Raven stormed toward a collision with then world champion, Jeff Jarrett. And although he did not achieve immediate success against Jarrett, a groundswell of support from the fans began to take hold in TNA.

Finally, in 2005, at the Slammiversary pay per view event, Raven’s destiny was fulfilled as he was victorious in the annual “King of the Mountain” match. Having won the title, Raven was quick to prove he was a fighting, engaging in memorable title matches with the Monster Abyss and the War Machine Rhino. Although Raven’s championship run ended in late 2005 at the hands of Jeff Jarrett, no one can discount that Raven did in fact fulfill his destiny and further cemented his legacy in the history of professional wrestling.

In today’s wrestling world, Raven has reemerged again under a cloak of darkness, as he has been seen doling out stiff punishment to the newly darkened personalities of Kazarian, Maverick Matt and Johnny Devine. What exactly Raven’s intentions are with this trio and TNA in general remains to be seen, but one can be sure that whatever it is, it likely to leaving a lasting impression all throughout TNA.

Video Link: Raven Tribute

[Spankymac is sick of the swiss]

I'm diggin' this list so far, big. Keep 'em coming.

[bigHEADinc]

#41 - BROCK LESNAR

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Total Points: 77 Points
Total Votes: 6
Highest Placement: 5 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: Lesnar realigned himself with Paul Heyman after Heyman became general manager of Smackdown!, and formed Team Lesnar (Lesnar, Big Show, Matt Morgan, A-Train and Nathan Jones), the largest faction ever combined. Lesnar also had a brief feud with Hardcore Holly. In this storyline, Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for (legitimately) breaking his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002. During that match, Brock went for a powerbomb, but Holly, believed by some to be uncooperative with rookies, supposedly sandbagged mid-lift so that Lesnar couldn't get him all the way up.[3] Holly compounded the difficulty of the move by not lifting up at the waist. During the struggle, Lesnar (intentionally or unintentionally) planted Holly on his head, leaving him in need of neck surgery and out of action for a year. Lesnar never apologized and even showed insult to injury after the incident. The feud was closed when Lesnar defeated Holly in 6 minutes to retain the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble 2004. In February he faced Eddie Guerrero for the title at No Way Out 2004 in a match where Guerrero was the underdog as Lesnar at this time had become an unstoppable beast. Lesnar kept overpowering Guerrero, constantly taunting him and telling him that he is nothing. Even the commentators stated that Guerrero didn't seem to have a chance of winning the title. However Bill Goldberg interfered and attacked Lesnar, allowing Guerrero to win the WWE title.

Before losing the WWE Championship to Guerrero, Lesnar had begun a feud with RAW's Goldberg. A match between the two had been highly anticipated from Lesnar's debut, due to their similar physique and their undefeated streak; Goldberg with his impressive well over 100 victories and only six official singles defeats in his WCW career, and Lesnar with his 106 wins and only five losses in his amateur career in college, not to mention their undefeated streak in WWE. Lesnar even received loud Goldberg chants by the crowd in some of his early matches and was even compared to Goldberg already in his amateur career in college, as the Goldberg of the Minnesota Gophers. The feud began at Survivor Series 2003, when both men were champions of their respective brands. Lesnar claimed in a backstage interview that he could beat anybody in the world, then Goldberg interrupted the interview and introduced himself to Lesnar, shaking hands with him before leaving with a staredown. At the Royal Rumble, Lesnar and Goldberg once again got into a backstage confrontation, this time it was Lesnar interrupting an interview, Goldberg ended up referring to Lesnar a coward. Later in the rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg and delivered an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him. On Smackdown! Lesnar mocked Goldberg. On Raw Goldberg was determined to get revenge on Lesnar. At No Way Out, Goldberg showed up and got into a brawl with Lesnar, which ended with Goldberg reversing an attempted F-5 into his Jackhammer and getting escorted out of the building by security. Later in Lesnar's match against Guerrero, while the referee was down, Goldberg showed up again and Speared Lesnar, allowing Guerrero to capitalize and pin Lesnar after a Frog splash to win the WWE title. This set up an interbrand match for WrestleMania XX between Lesnar and Goldberg.

During the feud with Bill Goldberg, Lesnar also was feuding with RAW's Stone Cold Steve Austin (who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at No Way Out). When Lesnar attacked Austin on Raw and stole his four-wheeler, Austin was inserted as the Special Guest Referee for the WrestleMania match. Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match would be Goldberg's last in WWE, however only a week before WrestleMania, rumours surfaced Lesnar too was leaving, in order to pursue a career in the NFL. As a result, Lesnar´s dream match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered both wrestlers with very loud and distinct chants of "na na, hey hey goodbye" and "you sold out." Neither man was thought to have given his best effort in the match in what was supposed to be a clash of titans, and crowd support was mostly given to special referee Austin. Lesnar was said to be particularly shaken by this reaction and after another goodbye chant by the crowd after the match, he gave them (aswell as Austin) the finger. Because both men were leaving WWE, it was clear that the only man who would go over in the match would be Austin. Although Goldberg won the match, both men were given a Stone Cold Stunner by Austin on their way out.

Video Link: Brock Lesnar Tribute

[bigHEADinc]

I'm at work right now, and actually have to go do some work, but there's the first 10, try to be back later to post more...

[Johnny Danger (Godz)]

bigheadinc said:

#44 - TERRY FUNK

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Highest Placement: 5 (1 Vote)[/center][/quote]

Yep that was me.

[Godhand]

joshwoodrum said:

seriously.... fans are stupid..... Ten Bucks says everyone voted for some ROH favorite... and not guys WHO ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING...... like Bruno..... Hogan.... Triple H....

Because the complete list is posted and Samoa Joe is #1 The list is off to a good start, give it a chance. I dont expect Super Dragon to make the list but I do think it will be either Flair or Hogan.

[THE Dinobot]

Oh, wow, wicked-good start thus far. I know for a fact I didn't list any of the ten listen so far, so it's nice to see some good faces. Matt, Shelton, Funer and Raven, love it so far. Bummer, Raven totally skipped my consciousness, otherwise he would have been on my list, too.
Won't bother with the names I disagree with, since it doesn't really matter. Just as long as Scotty 2 Hotty comes in at #1, all is perfect.

[Eunös ✈]

I predict that Either Bret, HBK or Flair are no1 on this List.

[Arturo Classico]

Man I f***ed up. I forgot how great the Great Muta was. I can't believe I ddidn't vote for him. He's probaly one of my favorites too. Man.

[Spankymac is sick of the swiss]

eunos said:

I predict that Either Bret, HBK or Flair are no1 on this List.

I'm gonna say HBK honestly, with Ric being a good possibility, and Bret being a bit of a darkhorse.

[Johnny Danger (Godz)]

chuckymac314 said:

eunos said:

I predict that Either Bret, HBK or Flair are no1 on this List.

I'm gonna say HBK honestly, with Ric being a good possibility, and Bret being a bit of a darkhorse.

If its Punk, I riot

[bigHEADinc]

#39 - ARN ANDERSON

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Total Points: 82 Points
Total Votes: 6
Highest Placement: 2 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: Known as "Double-A" or "The Enforcer," Anderson is considered to be one of the greatest tag team wrestlers in professional wrestling. He held the NWA Tag Team Championship belts twice with different members of Ron Fuller's Stud Stable in Southeast Championship Wrestling in 1983 & 1984. He would become a founding member of the Four Horsemen with Tully Blanchard, Ole Anderson, James J. Dillon and Ric Flair in the NWA and was in each of the group's incarnations over the years. He was also a member of the Dangerous Alliance in WCW, which boasted some of the biggest talent in the future of professional wrestling. He was a member of the Old Age Outlaws in WCW in 2000 that battled the nWo. He also formed the Enforcers with Larry Zbyszko in WCW.

Along with a DDT for a finishing maneuver, Anderson utilized a familiar array of holds and throws during his career, highlighted by his powerful left-handed punch and a spinebuster. He was renowned for his ability to do interviews to further the storylines he participated in. His ability to improvise in interviews allowed him to coin the "Four Horsemen" moniker for the eventual stable, as he likened their coming to wrestle at an event and the aftermath of their wrath as being akin to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the name stuck.

During a tour in the United Kingdom, Sid Justice, reportedly drunk, had an argument in a hotel bar with Arn Anderson after Anderson overheard Sid insulting his friend Ric Flair. Sid later went up to Anderson's hotel room to settle the argument and (allegedly) hit Anderson over the head with a hotel chair when he answered the door. Sid then brawled with Anderson inside the room and ended up stabbing Anderson over 20 times with a pair of safety scissors. Anderson was rushed to the hospital and survived the incident, while Sid lost his World Title shot (which was then awarded to Ric Flair). WCW President Eric Bischoff fired Sid after several wrestlers threatened to walk out if he was not terminated. Sid has since apologized to Anderson for the incident and the pair are on speaking terms today.

Anderson retired from wrestling in 1997 due to extensive neck and upper back injuries and is currently working as a Road Agent for WWE. He does show up from time to time on WWE television trying to, with the help of other WWE management, pull apart brawls. Soon after the WCW/ECW Invasion storyline happened, Anderson did color commentary for a WCW Heavyweight Championship match between Booker T and Buff Bagwell, which would be his only appearance as a commentator in the WWE. During WrestleMania X8, he made a brief in-ring appearance during a match between Ric Flair and The Undertaker, delivering his signature spinebuster to the Undertaker. Several months later he attempted to help Flair gain sole ownership of the WWE during a match with Vince McMahon, but backed down from a confrontation with Brock Lesnar, who entered the ring to assist McMahon. Right now, he is currently helping WWE RAW Diva Candice Michelle improve on her wrestling skills.

Anderson made a special appearance at the October 2006 RAW Family Reunion special, in which he was in Ric Flair's corner for his match against Mitch of the Spirit Squad.

Arn was in the corner of Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Dusty Rhodes, and Ron Simmons at Survivor Series 2006, where the four faced The Spirit Squad. He was ejected from the arena during the match.

Video Link: Arn Anderson vs. Lex Luger (HH '96)Part 1 / Part 2

[Arturo Classico]

eh. I find Arn to be way overrated. Not but not great. I actually perfer guys like Shelton and Helms.

[bigHEADinc]

#38 - REY MYSTERIO

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Total Points: 84 Points
Total Votes: 10
Highest Placement: 4 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: After an emotional series with Eddie Guerrero, Rey turned his attention towards defending the honor of his home show, SmackDown. At Survivor Series, SmackDown and RAW met in a 5-on-5 Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match. With Rey’s help, SmackDown came out victorious over RAW, claiming immediate bragging rights between the shows for the year to come.

After Survivor Series, the rivalry with RAW continued for Rey Mysterio as he became the subject of the RAW Tag Team Champions, Kane and Big Show’s frustration. Smackdown’s World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, came to Rey’s rescue, and a match was made between the teams for Armageddon. Just days before on SmackDown, Rey and Batista beat MNM for the WWE Tag Team Championship, making the match at Armageddon a battle of Tag Champions. After falling short at Armageddon, Rey and Batista lost the Championship back to MNM on SmackDown.

The tragic loss of his good friend Eddie Guerrero shortly before Survivor Series seemed to put Rey’s focus in a different direction. After Armageddon, Rey decided to pursue a lifelong goal, to win the World Heavyweight Championship, and do it in Eddie’s honor. Rey’s first crack at the Championship came on SmackDown in a 20 Man Battle Royal for Batista’s vacated World Heavyweight Championship. Rey lasted to the final three men, only to be eliminated by Mark Henry. Kurt Angle would go on to claim the World Heavyweight Championship, leaving Rey just short of his dream.

Rey’s next chance to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship came at the Royal Rumble. His goal was the same, to honor his fallen friend by winning the Rumble, and going on to headline WrestleMania 22, just like Eddie had done two years earlier. However, Rey learned early on that it wouldn’t be easy as he drew the No. 2, and was forced to start the match against Triple H. Rey would not be deterred, as he courageously defied the odds, winning the Royal Rumble, and in the process, setting a Rumble record for longest time in the ring at well over one hour.

At WrestleMania 22, Rey Mysterio showed the world that dreams really do come true. Coming into the event, no one thought he could walk out of Chicago as the World Heavyweight Champion. Mysterio was no stranger to playing the role of the underdog, so he was right at home when he faced Kurt Angle and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Rey was overpowered early in the match, but he showed persistence and fought back. Mysterio utilized his unique blend of quickness and agility as he soared through the air hitting the Legend Killer with a West Coast Pop into a pinning combination. Just like that, the undersized Mysterio was the World Champion.

As World Champion, Rey Mysterio went through hell and back, and somehow, the biggest underdog Champion in sports-entertainment history endured beatings from Kane, Mark Henry, The Great Khali, Finlay, Kurt Angle and JBL.

Video Link: Rey Mysterio Tribute

[bigHEADinc]

#37 - CM PUNK

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Total Points: 84 Points
Total Votes: 11
Highest Placement: 3 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: Luck is for losers, at least according to CM Punk. Even though his arm is literally tattooed with good-luck charms, Punk believes you make your own good fortune through hard work and intense preparation.

Growing up in Chicago, the Extremist’s childhood consisted of watching the likes of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka exchange words, then blows. Such heated rivalries helped Punk realize that sports-entertainment was where he belonged. Adopting the “straightedge” movement—in which one bases their life around personal development, and avoids drugs, alcohol and a dependency lifestyle--Punk has brought his own style to ECW.

Although the Extremist is part of ECW’s New Breed, his style is an assimilation of fighting styles he has learned from his travels around the world including Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jujitsu. In his WWE pay-per-view debut as a part of Team DX, Punk brought down the house in Philadelphia where fans showed their respect for his talents. With reactions all over the world like in Philly, CM Punk’s star-power will only grow stronger within the realms of ECW.

Video Link: CM Punk Tribute

[Spankymac is sick of the swiss]

Very awesome to see Arn make the list. Great, great wrestler.

[bigHEADinc]

#36 - DEAN MALENKO

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Total Points: 88 Points
Total Votes: 9
Highest Placement: 5 (1 Vote)[/center]

Bio: Malenko became the first wrestler to win the WCW Cruiserweight title four times. He also became a part of the newest incarnation of Ric Flair's Four Horsemen faction. Near the end of his WCW career, Malenko joined up with Ric Flair's real-life rival Shane Douglas and his faction "The Revolution." In 2000, Malenko had his last match in WCW; an infamous match with Billy Kidman. The match was a "catch-as-catch-can" match at the WCW Souled Out pay-per-view event. Early on, Malenko instinctively left the ring to regroup and lost the match when his feet hit the arena floor. After the match was over, Malenko got back in the ring, apparently unaware that one of the match's stipulations provided that a wrestler could lose by being sent out of the ring.

After being granted his release from WCW the night after his last WCW match, Malenko signed with the WWF and debuted on WWF RAW on January 31, 2000. Malenko first appeared in the crowd with the infamous "WCW Four" - himself, Chris Benoit, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero - who all made exits from WCW at around the same time. While not having as much success in the WWF, Malenko was a force in the promotion's light heavyweight division. Along with Benoit, Saturn and Guerrero, he had some measure of success as part of The Radicalz faction. On March 13, 2000, Malenko pinned Essa Rios for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship in East Rutherford, New Jersey. After dropping the Light Heavyweight title to Scotty 2 Hotty, Malenko regained it on April 25, 2000. Later that year, with Benoit having drifted away from the group, Malenko engaged in a feud with Guerrero and Saturn which stemmed from Guerrero's on-screen relationship with Chyna and a number of losses suffered when working as a tag team with Saturn. The feud led to a Triple Threat match at the 2000 Judgment Day PPV for Guerrero's European title which Guerrero won.

After a brief absence from TV, Malenko returned to reform the Radicalz with Benoit, Guerrero, and Perry Saturn. Around this time, Malenko briefly became known as Double Ho Seven, a parody of the fictional character James Bond, special agent 007. The gimmick was born out of a match with The Godfather, who offered Malenko one of his female escorts to Malenko instead of the two wrestling a match. Malenko gladly accepted his opponent's offer. As Double Ho Seven, Malenko competed for the affections of Lita and feuded with her tag team The Hardy Boyz. The feud culminated with Lita pinning Malenko (with some assistance from Matt Hardy) in a match on the February 19, 2001 edition of RAW.

Malenko dropped the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship after holding it for nearly twelve months to Crash Holly on an edition of Sunday Night HEAT. After both Benoit and Guerrero drifted away from the Radicalz, Malenko teamed with Saturn for a few weeks before quietly disappearing off television as the WCW/ECW Invasion storyline began.

Malenko announced his retirement from the ring at the 2001 Brian Pillman Memorial show. Malenko appeared in the ring along with other legendary wrestlers during a segment of the Homecoming edition of RAW on October 3rd, 2005. His friend Eddie Guerrero died on November 13, 2005 and Malenko made a special appearance on the November 14 edition of RAW alongside Chris Benoit, speaking about Eddie's death and talking about the memories they had shared together. The following Friday on SmackDown!, Malenko once again appeared after a match between Chris Benoit and Triple H, and the three embraced. After the Royal Rumble in 2006, he was seen congratulating Rey Mysterio after Rey had won the Royal Rumble.

Video Link: Dean Malenko vs. Chris Jericho

[Arturo Classico]

I'm glad Rey and Punk made the list. Both are great wrestlers and deserve peoples respects. It's a shame lately people blasting on Rey.