Yes, I'm aware it's perhaps the most generic question you could ask a wrestling fan, but I'm legitimately interested in sharing and learning about who and why we love the certain wrestlers we do.
3. Rob Van Dam
Something you're gonna notice that all my top 3 have in common is versatility in wrestling style. It's a big reason that whilst not on the list, I'm a huge Apollo Crews mark for his prowess in both agility and strength. And RVD absolutely deserves to be known as one of a kind. A unique set of athleticism that made him stand out from the rest of the crowd whilst still being well versed in the fundamentals, coupled with a super-likeable personality and pretty underrated mic skills, in his own unique way. RVD has carved his own unique niche that no-one has been able to match (don't make me laugh with the Riddle comparisons, that's not so much apples and oranges as apples and Guatemalan insanity peppers) and yet has stayed forever likeable. And he can do the amazing shit he does whilst baked is the icing on top.
2. Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle is the best in-ring performer of all-time for me. Now, there are plenty of greats like Michaels, Hart, Bryan, Austin etc who are no doubt spectacular in the ring, but they once again lack the diversity of offence Angle possess. Austin would never moonsault, let alone off a cage even before his neck injury, and you wouldn't see HBK throwing men like Big Show around like a ragdoll. Angle could do it all, and make it look easy. The Wrestling Machine was the perfect nickname for him, because that's exactly what he was, a well-oiled machine that despite setbacks that would have crippled most others, kept performing to an immense standard until the very tail end of his career. Add to that a great charismatic range from goofball to badass to authority figure to comedian, and he's one of the absolute greats, and the king of in-ring prowess.
1. The Undertaker
I never wanted Taker to retire. He was the constant, he was always there. From the Golden Era, through the New Generation, the Attitude Era, Ruthless Aggression, PG AND the Network era. And through all six, he was a top star. Nobody else, at least in mainstream American wrestling, can hold that level of consistency. He had a gimmick that resonated and evolved, and transcended wrestling. He had an aura that was never before catched and despite plenty of attempts to recreate, was never captured fully by anyone else again (Kane came the closest). He was perhaps the best big man worker of all-time. Whether he was working with the best or the worst talent the WWE had to offer, he was always there, and always turning heads. Yeah, Hogan, Austin and Cena are undoubtedly the bigger stars in the grand scheme of wrestling, but Taker was the guy who worked with all three, and countless other legends across his career, right up to his final match with AJ Styles. As sad as I was when he retired, the man earned his rest for the years of commitment he gave to the business. Thank you, Taker.
Honorable mentions to Fit Finlay and Shark Boy. I'm not joking.
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