50 Greatest Wrestlers (pt. 3, 21-30)

21. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
22. Randy Orton
23. CM Punk
24. Buddy Rogers
25. Antonio Inoki
26. Lou Thesz
27. LOD
28. Rey Mysterio
29. Mr. Perfect/Curt Hennig
30. Chris Benoit*

21. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper: Just when you think that you have the answers, he changes the questions. Rowdy Roddy Piper was one of the most intense heels of all-time. Piper was the definition of a heat seeker in the business. Piper got his start in his true hometown of Canada, even though he is of Scottish descent. Growing up, he was great at playing the bag pipes, which fit into his gimmick. Piper started when he was simply 15 years old as he lost in his debut to Larry Hennig (Father of Curt Hennig) in a matter of seconds. Throughout the 70's, Roddy would make a name for himself in various NWA western territories, including San Francisco, Pacific Northwest (Portland), as well as Los Angeles where he would win various titles. Roddy would also feud with the Sheepherders (future Bushwhackers) around this time as well. Roddy would make an even bigger name for himself in Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, where he would win 3 Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Titles, 3 US Heavyweight Titles, 2 TV Titles, and 1 Tag Title with Big John Studd. This is where he would start his feud with Ric Flair by 1980. They could match each other line for line. Piper beat names like Flair and Jack Brisco for the US Title on separate occasions. In 1981-82, Piper was a commentator in Georgia Championship Wrestling. His promo excellence earned him the "Best On Interviews" Award for Wrestling Observer Newsletter, as he tied Capt. Lou Albano for the honor. As a commentator, Piper displayed even more how amazing he was as a heel when he spoke highly of Gary Hart. In the summer of 1982, Roddy Piper became a fan favorite after knocking out Don Muraco and Ole Anderson when he saved broadcaster Gordon Solie. This would lead to him in a battle with Abdullah The Butcher. Piper was named the PWI "Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year". However, Piper was fired after reportedly showing up late for a match and was blackballed from the Georgia Territory. By 1983, Roddy moved back to Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA-Mid Atlantic) as a fan favorite. At Starrcade '83, he defeated Greg Valentine in a brutal dog-collar match. Valentine broke Piper's left eardrum with the collar's chain, causing him to permanently lose 50% of his hearing. At this time, World Wrestling Federation Owner Vince McMahon contacted Piper, who insisted on finishing his contract with Jim Crockett. Years later, Piper tells the story about how he once wrestled for the WWWF under Vince McMahon Sr., and how he was mistreated by the older wrestlers back in the mid 70's. A prank was pulled on him when someone put tissue in his bag pipes, and it made him look terrible when he went out to play. In 1978, Piper lost to WWWF Champion Bob Backlund. He would not be welcomed back for a number of years. In December 1983, Roddy Piper made his WWF Debut as a manager, because he was recovering from the injuries that he took from the Valentine match. He would cut promos during that down time. Piper would manage Dr. D David Schultz. This was also the same time that Hulk Hogan made his return to the WWF, as this was perfect timing for their future rivalry. In January 1984, Piper would launch the segment that he is most known for: Piper's Pit. The Pit was the replacement for another talk show called Victory Corner. Piper's Pit was extremely groundbreaking for its time, as it was the launching pad for his feud with Hogan. It also inspired various other talk show segments, from The Barber Shop, Snake's Pit, etc all the way down to Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel. It revolutionized segments and promos in wrestling. One of his most famous segments came when he humiliated a jobber named Frank Williams. This was the episode where he would quote his most renowned phrase: "Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions". Not only did he push the envelope, he ripped it open. He made sure that none of his guest would gain the advantage in a war of words. This is also when Piper started his feud with Superfly Jimmy Snuka, as he smashed Snuka over the head with a coconut. This led to a long an intense feud between them. Following his feud with Snuka, Piper's name value would explode during his feud with Hulk Hogan. This was the highest profile rivalry in history at the time, because of the involvement of celebrities from Cyndi Lauper to Mr. T. As a result, the rivalry garnered the attention of MTV, as this led to the famous "Rock N Wrestling Connection" that led to massive ratings and exposure. On December 28, 1984 Hulk Hogan presented Cyndi Lauper with a trophy. Piper then came to the ring to attack Lauper and Albano himself before Hogan made the save. This led to the War to Settle The Score in February of 1985. The show was broadcast by MTV, as Hogan was accompanied by Mr. T, Lauper and Albano. This show was the setup for the first WrestleMania, where Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeated Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. Hogan pinned Orndorff after Piper's bodyguard "Cowboy" Bob Orton accidentally struck Orndorff instead of Hogan. Piper reveals in his Born to Controversy Documentary, that he used tie-ups and other shoot wrestling moves to keep Mr. T busy during the match to cover his lack of wrestling experience. In the aftermath of WrestleMania I, Roddy Piper and Mr. T developed a very hostile relationship in real life. As a result, WWE capitalized on that by putting them in a feud with each other. Technically, the feud lasted for a year as they would have a boxing match at WrestleMania 2. Piper got himself disqualified by bodyslamming Mr. T. After the match, Piper actually received a number of cheers even though he was a heel. Roddy Piper would take a leave of absence following WM 2. On August 23, 1986, Roddy Piper made his WWF return as he defeated a jobber named A.J. Petrucci and received a thunderous ovation from the audience. Roddy's 1986 face run led to his feud with Adrian Adonis, as well as the setup for Hogan-Andre at WrestleMania III. The feud would start when Piper discovered that Piper's Pit was replaced by The Flower Shop, the talk show segment that Adonis used as he portrayed an effeminate character. Piper would spend weeks trashing the Flower Shop, as the two would exchange insults leading to a "showdown" between both segments that ended with Piper being attacked and humiliated by Adrian. To make matters worse, Roddy's former bodyguard Bob Orton, Jr. joined Adonis, along with Don Muraco. The three left Piper laying on the ground with his face covered with red lipstick in the middle of the remnants of the Piper's Pit set. In response, he crashed the Flower Shop by destroying it with a baseball bat. This led to their "Hair vs. Hair" match at WrestleMania III. The match was promoted as Piper's farewell from wrestling before he became an actor. Piper defeated Adonis with the assistance of Brutus Beefcake. After the match, Beefcake would cut Adrian's hair. This would lead to the birth of Beefcake's "Barber" gimmick. During his time away, Piper would film the movie "They Live" which was released in 1988. Piper's Pit was the place where Andre and Hogan were awarded two different trophies. As Andre noticed that Hogan's trophy was larger, he developed a strong level of jealousy. This would lead to him ripping Hogan's shirt and the crucifix from his neck. From that point, the rest was history. In 1989, Piper returned from his hiatus with a live Piper's Pit at WrestleMania V. His guest was Morton Downey, Jr. along with Brother Love. Downey continued to blow cigarette smoke in Piper's face, even though he constantly asked Morton not to. Roddy pulls out a fire extinguisher and sprays him with it. Later into the year, Piper would feud with Ravishing Rick Rude. Piper cost Rude the IC Title against Ultimate Warrior at Summerslam '89. Their feud would include a match at Survivor Series along with a Steel Cage Match. Then, Roddy would feud against Bad News Brown. The feud would start with them fighting after eliminating each other at the 1990 Royal Rumble. Things would take a controversial turn when Piper painted half of his body black for their match at WrestleMania VI. The Rowdy One knew how to draw heat even when he was a face or I guess he was a tweener at this time. Piper would then become a color commentator with Vince McMahon, as his most notable events, where he did a commentary, were Summerslam 1990 and Survivor Series that year as well. Piper would also be involved with Prime Time Wrestling alongside Vince, Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon. Going into WrestleMania VII, Roddy Piper would take Virgil's side during his feud with Ted DiBiase. Piper helped Virgil defeat The Million Dollar Man, as Piper feuded with Ted as well during this time. When Ric Flair made his WWF arrival in September of 1991, his initial targets were Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper. Flair and Piper already had the history dating back to NWA Mid-Atlantic from 1980, so they were picking up where they had left off. Piper was the face while Flair was the heel. After a match, Flair went to the commentary table and smacked the headphones off of Piper's head. When Piper got up to stand up for himself, Flair nailed him with the World Heavyweight Title. Roddy Piper had been one of Flair's biggest critics when The Nature Boy proclaimed that he was "The Real World's Champion", as Pipes defended his longtime rival Hulk Hogan. Flair would pull out heels win over Pipes at a house show while their feud continued into Survivor Series. At Survivor Series '91, Team Flair would defeat Team Piper as Naitch would set his sights on Hogan even later that night. At Royal Rumble 1992, Roddy Piper defeated The Mountie for his first and only Intercontinental Championship. This seemed more like a tribute or lifetime achievement reign for Piper, awarding his contributions and years of service. Roddy Piper would feud with the top contender and future face of the company, Bret Hart. Piper would carry the title as a transitional champion going into WrestleMania VIII, where Bret would defeat him to regain the title. From a pure technical standpoint, this was the best clear cut match of Piper's career. Normally, a Roddy Piper match would be filled with multiple punches followed by the traditional Sleeper. In this match, Pipes had to really rely on pure wrestling without the over the top sports entertainment aspect. This was also a testament to how Bret could bring the best out of his opponent. After the match, Piper would take another hiatus. This felt more like a retirement than WrestleMania III. Roddy would make a brief return at Summerslam '92 when he would play the bagpipes. At WrestleMania X, Rowdy Roddy Piper would reemerge to a tremendous welcome at Madison Square Garden, the same building where he was in the main event for the first WM. Piper was the Special Guest Referee for the Main Event of Bret Hart vs. Yokozuna. During the match, Lawler would talk about how much he hated Piper. This would lead to Lawler taunting him on King's Court. Jerry brought a skinny teenager dressed as Piper to the ring to kiss his feet. Piper was enraged and challenged Lawler to a match at King of the Ring. Roddy would defeat Lawler. After the match, Roddy would donate part of his earnings from the match to a children's hospital in Ontario. By 1995, Piper returned at WrestleMania XI to be the special referee for Bret Hart vs. Bob Backlund as Bret would win. I notice that whenever Piper is a referee, Bret always wins. Coincidence, but whatever. In 1996, Roddy Piper would become interim WWF President after Vader attacked Gorilla Monsoon following the Royal Rumble. As President, Piper made the announcement of the WrestleMania Ironman Match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. During his tenure as President, Piper also became a strange object of affection for a bizarre new rising star named Goldust. Goldust would have a mannequin wear Piper's shirt and kilt. Pipes vowed that he would "make a man" out of Goldust, as they would square off in the very entertaining "Hollywood Backlot Brawl" at WrestleMania XII. The match started in an alley behind Arrowhead Pond, as Goldust jumped into his gold Cadillac to run Piper over. Goldust would allegedly escape onto the highways of Anaheim. The match took another hilarious turn when Piper chased Goldust in his White Ford Bronco as he was seen from aerial footage just like the famous O.J. Simpson low-speed chase two years earlier. Vince McMahon would throw a very funny jab saying "This looks quite familiar". WWF did a great job capitalizing on something that was a huge phenomenon in popular culture. Pipes and Goldie would eventually return to the arena when Roddy disrobed him and defeated him. This was Piper's last match with the Federation, as Gorilla Monsoon would make his return. At Halloween Havoc in October, Piper would arrive in WCW to confront archrival Hollywood Hulk Hogan after he defeated Randy Savage. Piper would challenge Hogan to see who the bigger Icon in Wrestling was. This was a typical WCW nostalgia trip, as WCW wanted to recycle legendary feuds from WWF since they had names such as Hogan, Savage and now Piper under their roof. Piper asked Hogan "Do you think the fans would love you so much if they hadn't hated me?". A new audience was being exposed to the historic rivalry that they had. The two legends would face off at Starrcade '96. This time, Roddy was the good guy while Hogan was the villain as Piper defeated his long-time foe with the sleeper hold. This match was clearly a far cry from their match at War to Settle The Score. Piper would continue to feud with the likes of the NWO, as his WCW run was not even close to what he accomplished in Vince World known as WWF. Piper's highlight I guess was when he won the US Title from Bret Hart, the man that defeated him at WM VIII seven years earlier. By 2003, Roddy Piper made his return to WWE in his classic heel form as he brought back Piper's Pit. In 2005, Roddy Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the same class as Hulk Hogan, Iron Sheik, Jimmy Hart and Cowboy Bob Orton. The HOF Class of 2005 was the WrestleMania I crew. Piper would team with Jimmy Snuka and Ricky Steamboat in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XXV, as Y2J defeated all three legends. Roddy Piper set his own trail as he opened the door for other wrestlers to do talk show segments. He was vital in the launch of the first WrestleMania as he was the ultimate villain to challenge Hogan. Piper benefited from being a part of Wrestling's first Mainstream explosion of the 80's. Rowdy Roddy Piper is a one of a kind.

Accomplishments:

•Cauliflower Alley Club •Reel Member Inductee (2001)

•Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling/World Championship Wrestling ◦NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

 ◦NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Big John Studd

 ◦NWA Television Championship (2 times)

 ◦NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

•NWA All-Star Wrestling ◦NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version) (1 time) - with Rick Martel

•NWA Hollywood Wrestling ◦NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship (5 times)

 ◦NWA Americas Tag Team Championship (7 times) - with Crusher Verdu (2), Adrian Adonis (1), Chavo Guerrero (1), Kengo Kimura (1), Ron Bass (1), and The Hangman (1)

 ◦NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

•NWA San Francisco ◦NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (San Francisco version) (1 time)[49]

 ◦NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version) (1 time) - with Ed Wiskoski[50]

•Pacific Northwest Wrestling ◦NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[51]

 ◦NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (5 times) - with Killer Tim Brooks (1), Rick Martel (3), and Mike Popovich (1)[52]

•Pro Wrestling Illustrated ◦PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1982)[53]

 ◦PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1984, 1985)

 ◦PWI Match of the Year (1985) with Paul Orndorff vs. Hulk Hogan & Mr. T at WrestleMania

 ◦PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1986)

 ◦PWI ranked him # 17 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003.

•Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum ◦Class of 2007[54]

•World Class Championship Wrestling ◦NWA American Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bulldog Brower[55]

•World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment ◦WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)[56]

 ◦World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Ric Flair[57]

 ◦WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)[58]

 ◦Slammy Award for Best Personality in Land of a Thousand Dances (1986)

•Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards ◦Best on Interviews (1981) tied with Lou Albano

 ◦Best on Interviews (1982, 1983)

 ◦Best Heel (1984, 1985)

 ◦Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

In Wrestling:

•Finishing moves:
 •Sleeper hold

Signature moves

 •Belly to back suplex[35]

 •Bulldog[36][37]

 •Figure four leglock[38]

 •High knee[35]

 •Inverted atomic drop[35]

 •Low blow[35][39]

 •Multiple jabs[1]

 •Poking or raking the opponent's eyes[38]

22. Randy Orton- A blue-chip prospect from the start. A third generation wrestler who not only lived up to expectations but far exceeded them. One of the crown jewels of the business. Randy Orton was born with wrestling in his DNA. The grandson of Bob Orton, Sr., son of Cowboy Bob Orton, Jr., and nephew of Barry Orton. Randy Orton comes from a lineage of wrestling. However, his parents tried to persuade him from going into the business. Coming out of high school, Randy Orton joined the Marines. However, Orton's time was very brief as he was discharged because of poor conduct (bad attitude). Randy Orton made his professional debut in OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) which was the farming system of WWE to produce fresh new stars. During his time there, Orton would meet the likes of Brock Lesnar, Dave Batista, and the man that he is forever connected to John Cena. All four men made their debut to the WWE Roster in 2002. Randy Orton debuted as a jobber who had signs of promise in him. In September 2002, Randy Orton was drafted to RAW. His career was briefly put on hold when he suffered a shoulder injury. During this time, Orton would give the fans an update on his recovery. By 2003, Randy's injury healed, as he joined Evolution along with fellow OVW alum Batista. In Evolution, Orton and Batista were placed under the wings of leader and World Champion Triple H, and legendary veteran, 16x Champion Ric Flair. Orton was groomed for success, as he was named the Diamond and Future of the Business. During this time, Orton proclaimed himself as the "Legend Killer" where he would attack and defeat numerous Legends from Shawn Michaels, Sgt. Slaughter as well as Mick Foley. Orton even spat in the face of Harley Race. Orton was also involved in the Elimination Chamber at Summerslam in 2003. Evolution reached its pinnacle of dominance at Armageddon 2003 when Randy Orton defeated Rob Van Dam to become the youngest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. That same night, Ric Flair and Batista won the World Tag Team Titles. Triple H finished things off by defeating Bill Goldberg to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championsip. Orton became the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion since 1997 (seven months). As champion, Randy continued to establish his name as the "Legend Killer" as he defeated Mick Foley at Backlash in a "Legend vs. Legend Killer" match to retain his IC Title. Orton survived the brutality of thumbtacks and barbed wire to defeat him with the RKO. At Badd Blood, Orton turned back Shelton Benjamin in another successful title defense. Orton's title reign came to an end at Vengeance, when he lost the championship to Edge. Randy Orton set his sights on a larger prize, the World Heavyweight Championship. Orton claimed that it was his destiny to become World Champion. At Summerslam in Toronto, Ontario Canada, Randy Orton made history. That night, he defeated Chris Benoit to become the youngest World Champion in WWE History at the age of 24. The biggest surprise was that Orton won without the help of Evolution. The next night on RAW, Orton defeated Benoit in the rematch. After the match, he celebrated with Evolution. However, the celebration was short lived, as Triple H kicked Randy out of the group. When Batista held Randy on his shoulders, Triple H put his thumb down, signaling for Dave to drop him. The Game proceeded to bust Orton open with the title and pound him over and over. This led to a lackluster face turn by Randy Orton. At Unforgiven, Triple H took the title from young Orton. In February 2005, Orton began an on-screen relationship with Stacy Keibler while briefly feuding with Christian. Randy would soon set his sights on the biggest legend that he ever faced, The Undertaker. The seed for the feud was planted on the February 28th edition of Smackdown, when Hall of Famer, "Superstar" Billy Graham motivated him to go where no one else had ever gone before. During the conversation, Orton was holding a copy of WWE Magazine that featured The Undertaker on the front cover. This rivalry would elevate Orton even more and strengthen his character as a main eventer. Randy Orton would take the next great step in his career by challenging the Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak. Orton even had his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, Jr. involved in the rivalry. Randy constantly claimed that he was not afraid of the Phenom, even though he would run whenever there were signs of Taker's appearance (lighting, smoke, darkness, etc). When one of Undertaker's former WrestleMania opponents, Jake "The Snake" Roberts advised Randy not to underestimate The Deadman, Orton delivered an RKO to him. The match at WrestleMania 21 was heavily hyped and promoted. However, Orton became another victim of the Streak, in spite of his father's interference. The following night on RAW, Orton faced new World Heavyweight Champion Batista. Orton claimed that his match at WM with Undertaker aggravated his shoulder injury, forcing him to the sidelines. He also claimed that he was ineligible for the WWE Draft Lottery. However, Vince McMahon saw things differently as he made Orton the second pick in the Draft, behind John Cena. As a result, Orton was drafted to Smackdown where he would continue his feud with The Undertaker. Randy Orton would gain his revenge at Summerslam, with the help of his Dad. Two months later, Orton and his Dad defeated Undertaker in a Handicap Casket match. The next month at Survivor Series, Randy Orton was a participant in the Elimination Tag Match between Team Smackdown versus Team RAW. Orton and Shawn Michaels were the last two men in the match, as he defeated HBK with the RKO for the victory for his team. The feud was finally settled when The Undertaker defeated both Ortons in the Hell in A Cell Match at Armageddon. Randy Orton competed in the 2006 Royal Rumble as he and Rey Mysterio were the last two men standing. Mysterio eliminated Orton from winning the Rumble, which led to Orton being inserted in the World Heavyweight Title picture once again. Orton urged Mysterio to put his title shot on the line at No Way Out. Leading to the PPV, there was a very controversial storyline where Orton made distasteful comments about Eddie Guerrero, who had died three months prior in November 2005. This was clearly a miserable attempt on WWE's part to gain Orton the right villain heat. Orton defeated Mysterio at No Way Out to become the new number one contender at WrestleMania 22. However, Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long proceeded to re-insert Rey into the title picture which made the match at WrestleMania a Triple Threat Match against then World Heavyweight Champ Kurt Angle. On April 2, 2006 Rey Mysterio created his WrestleMania moment by pinning Randy Orton to become the new World Heavyweight Champion (Side note: This was not the first time Angle lost the title without being pinned). This was the culmination of the on-screen rivalry between Mysterio and Orton. Randy's path to greatness hit another roadblock. This time, he was hit with a suspension on April 4, 2006, for "unprofessional conduct". To write him out of storylines, Kurt Angle broke his ankle with the Angle lock. Upon the completion of his suspension, Randy Orton returned in June to RAW as he entered a feud with Kurt Angle that included matches at One Night Stand and Vengeance before Angle's departure to TNA. Orton set his vision to kill another legend: this time, it was Hulk Hogan. Orton challenged him in a "Legend vs. Legend Killer" match at Summerslam, where the Hulkster won. On an episode of RAW, Randy Orton was a guest on Edge's "Cutting Edge" talk show. Edge told Orton that there was something missing inside of Orton. He told him that he was not on top of his game. As Orton was ready to come to blows, Edge showed him how he lost the title to Triple H and how he himself was screwed out of the WWE Title by Shawn Michaels in a steel cage match vs. John Cena. He convinced Randy that DX only thought about themselves and how they wanted to hold back stars like himself and Orton. As a result, Edge and Randy Orton formed Rated-RKO. They went on to defeat Ric Flair and Roddy Piper for the World Tag Team Championships before feuding with DX. At New Year's Revolution, Rated-RKO defended the titles against DX. However, Triple H tore his quadricep and the match was declared "no contest". With The Game out of action, Rated-RKO continued their rivalry against HBK. However, Michaels chose John Cena as his replacement partner to defeat Rated-RKO for the tag team titles. After losing the gold, Edge and Orton focused on the WWE Championship which naturally caused friction. Both Orton and Edge competed in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match at WreslteMania 23, which was won by Mr. Kennedy. At Backlash, they were involved in the Fatal Four Way Match with John Cena and Shawn Michaels for the WWE Title. Cena won to remain Champion. The Alliance officially ended when Edge was drafted to Smackdown, as Randy stayed on RAW. While still on RAW, Orton continued his quest as the legend killer as he attacked Shawn Michaels. Using moves to focus on the head (elevated DDT, Punt, etc) Randy Orton defeated HBK at Judgment Day. Orton went on to feud with the likes of RVD, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and Sgt. Slaughter. On July 23, 2007, Randy Orton was named the number 1 contender for John Cena's WWE Championship. This led to their historic rivalry, as their paths finally crossed after five years. Orton attacked Cena with the RKO three times before their match at Summerslam. Cena defeated Orton at Summerslam with the FU. The next night on RAW, Randy demanded a rematch, but GM William Regal denied him. Orton then pleaded with Vince McMahon. McMahon offered him a title shot if he "proved himself". Orton proved himself by interfering in Cena's match before kicking Cena's father in the head. Later, Vince grants him his rematch at Unforgiven, that he won by DQ. Cena retained the title because titles do not change hands from disqualification. After the match, Cena's father returned the favor by kicking Orton in the head. The next night, Orton gained his revenge by defeating Cena's dad. In the end, in typical fashion, Orton kicks Cena's dad again. This time, Cena couldn't do anything about it. At the beginning of No Mercy, Vince McMahon awarded Randy Orton the WWE Championship, because of John Cena's injury. However, his celebration would not last long as Triple H defeated him for the title in the opening match. In the main event of that same PPV, Orton regained the title from Triple H in a Last Man Standing Match, making him WWE Champion twice in one night. The Age of Orton was officially underway. With the return of Shawn Michaels, Orton's feud with HBK restarted. Michaels blasted Randy with a lethal Superkick. HBK was voted as the number one contender by the fans over Jeff Hardy and Mr. Kennedy for the WWE Title at Cyber Sunday. Orton retained the championship by disqualification using a low blow. There was a rematch at Survivor Series. The stipulation was that if Shawn used the Sweet Chin Music, he would automatically be disqualified. Randy Orton defeated HBK with the RKO to remain champion. Orton would soon feud with Jeff Hardy as he defeated him at the Royal Rumble to retain the WWE Title. Randy soon picked up where he left off with John Cena. Cena returned from injury to win the 2008 Royal Rumble, making him the number one contender. Instead of waiting for WrestleMania like Rumble winners usually does, Cena exercised his title shot for No Way Out. Once again, Orton intentionally disqualified himself to keep the title. At WrestleMania XXIV, Randy Orton retained his WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match, by pinning Cena after Triple H pedigreed him. At Backlash, Orton lost the WWE Championship to Triple H in a Fatal-Four Way Elimination match that featured John Cena and JBL. After consecutive rematch losses at Judgment Day and One Night Stand, Orton developed a new persona called "The Viper". Unfortunately, Orton sustained an injury from a motorcycle accident, along with his already injured clavicle. However, when Randy returned, he criticized all of the champions in WWE, including World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, Jr. Orton berated them for letting Cryme Tyme make fools out of them by stealing their tag team belts. This inspired them to earn Orton's respect. Cody and Ted did just that at Unforgiven, with their new stablemate Manu, when they attacked World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, forcing him to vacate the title before his title defense that night. When Randy returned to the ring, he lost to Punk by DQ, because of Ted's interference. In return, Orton punted Dibiase in the head. On December 1, Orton proposed to Cody and Manu that they form an alliance called "The Legacy". Legacy was a stable strictly made up of second and third generation stars. The next week, Legacy made their debut as they defeated Orton's former Evolution stablemates Triple H and Batista, in a 3-on-2 Handicap match. On January 25, 2009, Randy Orton won the Royal Rumble by last eliminating his former mentor Triple H. This is what further escalated the feud between Orton and Triple H. (Side note: Manu was released during this time for poor backstage attitude, and Ted, Jr was put in his place) Leading into WrestleMania XXV, Orton attacked the McMahon family as he vowed to get revenge on Triple H for how he took everything away from him. Things even went as far as Triple H attacking Orton at his home. Orton challenged Triple H for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XXV, where he lost. He regained the title from Triple H at Backlash in a special six-man tag match between Legacy vs. Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon. At Extreme Rules, Randy Orton lost the WWE Title to Batista in a Steel Cage Match. The next night on RAW, Orton and Legacy attacked Batista by breaking his arm. Batista was forced to vacate the title. On the June 14th edition of RAW, Orton regained the WWE Title in a Fatal 4-Way match against Triple H, John Cena, and Big Show. This would lead to the high points of the Orton/Cena rivalry. He lost the title back to Cena at Breaking Point in an "I Quit Match. He defeated Cena to win back the title at Hell In A Cell, before losing in the tiebreaker at Bragging Rights in a 60-minute Iron Man Match. Cena won the series, 2-1. On January 11, 2010 (RAW), Orton won a Triple Threat match (w/help from Rhodes and DiBiase) to challenge Sheamus for the WWE Championship at The Royal Rumble. Randy Orton lost the match by DQ when Cody Rhodes interfered. This was the start of the friction within the group. After the match, Orton attacked Rhodes and DiBiase. On February 15, Orton was disqualified again after the interference from Legacy. Randy and Ted, Jr. competed in the Elimination Chamber. DiBiase eliminated Orton after using the pipe that Rhodes gave him. The following night on RAW in a Six-Man Elimination, Orton returned the favor on DiBiase. At WrestleMania XXVI, Legacy was officially disbanded when Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, Jr. in a Triple Threat Match. Orton was actually a face in this match (first time since 2004). After Legacy ended, Orton challenged Jack Swagger for the World Heavyweight Championship at Extreme Rules. Swagger successfully retained the title. During a Number One Contender's match on RAW, Orton separated his shoulder after a spear by Edge. The match ended in a double countout and cost Orton his shot for the title at Over The Limit. At Fatal Four-Way, Randy Orton lost the four way WWE Championship match involving WWE Champion John Cena, Edge, and Sheamus. On the July 19th episode of RAW, Randy Orton won a number one contender's match against Edge and Chris Jericho for the WWE Championship at Summerslam against Sheamus. Sheamus was DQ'ed for bringing a chair into the ring. Orton got the win, but not the title. After the match, Orton would attack Sheamus with the chair and deliver the RKO. At Night Of Champions, Randy Orton defeated John Cena, Edge, Sheamus, Wade Barrett and Chris Jericho in a Six-Pack Challenge to become a 6-time WWE Champion. Orton successfully defended his WWE Title against Sheamus at Hell In A Cell. This would lead to a feud with Orton and Nexus Leader Wade Barrett (who blackmailed John Cena to help him capture the title). Orton would defeat Barrett at consecutive Pay Per Views (Bragging Rights, Survivor Series). After defeating Barrett one last time on RAW, Orton was attacked by Money In The Bank Winner The Miz. Miz cashed in his MITB briefcase to defeat Orton for the WWE Championship (Dark Day in WWE History). Orton lost to the Miz in consecutive PPV's just like Barrett lost to him (TLC, Royal Rumble 2011). The New Nexus interfered in the WWE Title Match at The Rumble, which led to a feud with new leader CM Punk. Orton would go on to lose to John Cena at the Elimination Chamber for the number one contender spot for the WWE Championship. For the next three weeks, Orton took out each member of the New Nexus as he made his way to face CM Punk. At WrestleMania XXVII, Randy Orton defeated CM Punk with the RKO in midair. The next week on RAW (4/11/2011), Mason Ryan, Mike McGillicutty, and David Otunga cost Orton the number one contender spot for the WWE Title at Extreme Rules (do you notice the pattern yet?). Two weeks later, Orton was drafted to Smackdown. In his last match with RAW, Orton defeated CM Punk in a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules, closing his feud with The New Nexus. Heading back to Smackdown, Orton would feud with Christian for the World Heavyweight Championship. Randy emerged successful during this feud. He would go on to feud with the likes of Mark Henry, Wade Barrett and others including Kane throughout 2011 and 2012. Orton would go on to feud with others like The Shield and Daniel Bryan before aligning with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to form The Authority. Randy Orton would also win the 2013 Money In The Bank Briefcase. After Daniel Bryan defeated John Cena for the WWE Championship at Summerslam, Orton cashed in his title shot immediately following the match. Orton destroyed Bryan with the RKO to recapture the WWE Championship. During this time, Orton was involved in a Storyline about who was truly the "Face of the WWE". After regaining the vacant championship in a match against Bryan at HIAC, Orton would successfully defend the title against Big Show at Survivor Series. After the match, Orton was confronted by World Heavyweight Champion John Cena. Cena claimed that there could only be "one champion" as he challenged Orton to a title unification match at TLC. Orton defeated Cena to become the combined WWE-World Heavyweight Champion. Orton would reign supreme as Champion heading into WrestleMania XXX, where he lost his titles in a Triple Threat Match involving Daniel Bryan and Batista (Bryan won). Shortly after, Orton would reunite with Triple H and Batista to reform Evolution. Evolution would have a brief and exciting feud with the Shield before disbanding again. Orton has gone on to feud with new stars such as Roman Reigns, as well as veteran legend Chris Jericho. Orton has now left the Authority and is currently feuding with Seth Rollins. The only flaws in Randy's legacy (get it?) would be his lack of mic skills and his personal issues that slightly derailed him early on. However, no one can argue against the fact that Randy Orton has become one of the most prolific World Champions in WWE History in just a 12-year career. It doesn't even feel like Orton has been around a little over a decade. Randy Orton has gone from being the Legend Killer to having a Legendary Career himself.

Accomplishments:

·  Ohio Valley Wrestling

• OVW Hardcore Championship (2 times)

·  Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• PWI Feud of the Year (2009) vs. Triple H
• PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2007, 2009)
• PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2004)
• PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2010)
• PWI Rookie of the Year (2001)
• PWI Wrestler of the Year (2009, 2010)
• PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2008

·  World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

• World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
• World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Edge
• WWE Championship/WWE World Heavyweight Championship (8 times)
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
• Royal Rumble (2009)
• Money in the Bank (2013 - WWE Championship contract)
• Seventeenth Triple Crown Champion

·  Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• Most Improved (2004)

In wrestling

• Finishing moves
• Full nelson slam – OVW
• O-Zone (Overdrive) – 2002–2003
• RKO (Jumping cutter, sometimes from an elevated position or used as a counter to a midair opponent) – 2003–present
• Running punt kick to an opponent's head, used mainly to cause a storyline concussion – 2007–present

• Signature moves
• Corner clothesline
• Dropkick
• European uppercut
• Gutwrench elevated neck breaker
• Inverted headlock backbreaker
• Leaping knee drop
• Lou Thesz press followed by mounted punches
• Garvin Stomp while circling a grounded opponent – adopted from Ron Garvin
• Multiple suplex variations
• Belly-to-back, sometimes onto the barricade
• Exploder
• Side belly-to-belly
• Slingshot
• Super – adopted from his father, "Cowboy" Bob Orton
• Olympic slam
• Rope-hung DDT, sometimes from the turnbuckle, or from the top rope
• Snap scoop power slam, sometimes with a pin.
• Swinging neck breaker

23. CM Punk- This man is the definition of controversy. A true maverick in every sense of the word (Both as a character and in reality). He lives by the mantra of "Straight Edge" and proclaims that lifestyle everywhere he goes. He even has it tattooed on his chest, with the words "Drug-Free" on his knuckles. His latest actions have caused a mixed reaction in the wrestling community. CM Punk was never a man shy of letting his voice be heard. Punk first made his rise on the wrestling scene in a backyard wrestling federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation in 1999 with his brother Mike Brooks. Phil Brooks started using the ring name CM Punk when he was put into a tag team called the Chick Magnets with CM Venom after another performer skipped out on the card. When the promotion started to take off, Punk noticed that his brother Mike had embezzled thousands of dollars from the company, straining the relationship. They have not spoken since. Punk makes this clear in his "Best In The World" Documentary. He soon left the LWF to enroll as a student at the "Steel Dominion" wrestling school in Chicago, which was run by Ace Steel and Danny Dominion. As part of his training, Punk wrestled in Steel Domain Wrestling in St. Paul Minnesota. During his time in Steel Domain, Punk met Scott Colton, who soon adopted the name, Colt Cabana. Punk and Cabana soon became best friends and spent most of their time traveling together on the independent circuit, as opponents or allies. In the Indies, Punk formed an Alliance called the Gold Bond Mafia with fellow Steel Domain Graduates Colt Cabana, Chuckee Smooth, Adam Pearce, and manager Dave Prazak. During the early years of his career, Punk's primary promotion was the Independent Wrestling Association: Mid South (IWA: Mid South) from 2000-2005. During his time in IWA: Mid South, Punk's greatest feuds were against Colt Cabana and Chris Hero. In the middle of those heated rivalries, Punk climbed to the top of the roster to become a five-time IWA: Mid South Light Heavyweight Champion defeating stars such as future TNA mainstay AJ Styles, Colt Cabana and even the late great Hall of Famer, Eddie Guerrero for that title (Biggest win of his career at that point). Punk's rivalry with Chris Hero was his most prolific, because it included a 55-minute TLC Match, a 93-minute 2-out of-3 falls match, and several 60-minute time limit draws. However, Punk's matches with Cabana are what led him to be hired by Ring Of Honor, which is where his star would begin to shine even more. Between February 2003 and May 2004, CM Punk refused to wrestle for IWA: Mid South to protest Ian Rotten's mistreatment of Chris Hero in the company. However, Hero stated that there were other reasons for Punk's refusal, and that he used Rotten's treatment as an excuse to leave the company. Punk would eventually return as both performer and commentator until 2005 when he was signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). CM Punk's last IWA appearance was July 2, 2005 in a 60-minute Ironman Match against Delirious. In his arrival to ROH, Punk was initially a face, but quickly became a heel during his feud with Raven that featured multiple variations of NO-DQ matches. Punk vs. Raven lasted until 2003, and considered to not only be the top feud of the year, but one of the best in company history. The rivalry was based off of Punk's straight edge lifestyle, as he said Raven reminded him of his alcoholic father. The Rivalry came to an end at The Conclusion in November 2003, where Punk defeated Raven in a Steel Cage Match. At the same time, Punk joined NWA/TNA (Total Nonstop Action) where he was paired with Julio Dinero as members of none other than Raven's alliance The Gathering. Punk would soon climb the ranks of ROH, including coming in second at the Second Anniversary Show during a tournament to crown the first ROH Pure Champion when he lost ot AJ Styles in the finals. However, Punk would become a two time ROH Tag Team Champion with Colt Cabana as the Second City Saints. Both times Punk and Cabana defeated the Briscoe Brothers for the championships. In October 2003, Punk had been hired as the first head trainer for ROH wrestling school after previously being a trainer for Steel Domain and Primetime Wrestling. Not long before a TNA Show on February 25, 2004, Punk got into an altercation with Teddy Hart outside of a restaurant before it was finally broken up by Sabu. Punk's time in TNA would soon unravel. The fight reportedly came from an ROH show where Teddy Hart performed three unplanned spots putting several other wrestlers at risk for injury. During the time of the scuffle, Punk and Dinero stopped appearing in TNA, leading to speculation that he was fired for the incident. However, Punk would claim that the fight had no bearing on his career in TNA. He states that the reason he and Dinero stopped appearing at TNA was that they had not connected with the fans as villains after turning on Raven to become a villain tag team managed by James Mitchell. TNA officials decided that the team as villains was not working and put the story on hold indefinitely, thus leaving both Punk and Dinero with nothing to do. In March 2004, CM Punk officially quit TNA Wrestling in the middle of the Rob Feinstein controversy, after a dispute with TNA offices over his ability to still compete in ROH after a TNA order stating that their contracted wrestlers were no longer allowed to wrestle for ROH. In Ring of Honor, CM Punk faced ROH World Champion Samoa Joe for the championship in a trilogy. The first match took place on June 12, 2004 at World Title Classic in Dayton, OH, resulting in a 60-minute time limit draw. Punk vs. Joe II took place in Punk's hometown of Chicago on October 16, and ended in another draw. Not only was Joe vs. Punk II the best selling ROH DVD at the time, but the match received even greater acclaim when Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer gave it a 5 Star Match rating. This was the first match from North America to receive the honor of a 5-star rating in seven years, the last one was Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker in the first Hell In A Cell Match at Badd Blood in October of 1997. The series ended on December 4, 2004 at All-Star Extravaganza 2, when Joe defeated Punk in a match with no time-limit stipulation. After losing to Val Venis in a tryout match on Sunday Night Heat on May 9, 2005 (airing May 15), CM Punk signed a contract offered by WWE the following month. Even after accepting the deal, Punk defeated Austin Aries with the Pepsi Plunge to become the ROH World Heavyweight Champion on June 18, 2005 at Death Before Dishonor III. This is what sparked the famous storyline known as The Summer of Punk. CM Punk would then become a villain where he threatened to bring the ROH Championship with him to WWE (Sound familiar doesn't it? Can you say Pipe Bomb?). During the story, Mick Foley made several guest appearances pleading and trying to convince Punk to do what was right by defending on his way out. On August 12, 2005 in Dayton, Ohio, CM Punk lost the ROH World Title to James Gibson in a four corner elimination match that also included Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels. Punk's final match in ROH took place at Punk: The Final Chapter on August 13, 2005 with longtime friend Colt Cabana as he lost to Cabana in a 2-out of-3 falls match. After his last match, Punk was in the ring crying with streams thrown at him as if he were in Japan. Punk would return to make a special appearance at Unscripted II on February 11, 2006. Many adjustments were made because most of the original roster left for TNA. In the main event, Punk teamed with Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) to defeat Adam Pearce and Jimmy Rave in a tag-team match. In September 2005, Punk was assigned to wrestle in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) which was the WWE's developmental territory at the time. He made his OVW debut in a dark match on September 8, 2005 when he, Nigel McGuinness and Paul Birchill were defeated by Deuce Slade, Elijah Burke and Seth Skyfire. During his OVW Television debut on September 26, 2005, Punk suffered a ruptured eardrum and broken nose after being nailed with an overly stiff right hand by Danny Inferno. Despite the injury, Punk fought through the pain and finished the match and quickly recovered. On November 9, 2005 CM Punk won the OVW Television Championship by defeating Ken Doane (Kenny Dykstra). During his time in OVW, Punk encountered the likes of Brent Albright, Aaron "The Idol" Stephens (Damien Sandow), Shad Gaspard, Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, Ken Kennedy and Johnny Jeter. Punk also made a minor appearance at WrestleMania 22 in Chicago, when he was one of the gangsters riding on a 1930's car before John Cena made his entrance. After losing the OVW Heavyweight Championship to Chet "The Jet" Jablonski, CM Punk was placed on the ECW Roster. On June 24, 2006, CM Punk made his ECW Debut as he defeated Stevie Richards during a house show at the former ECW Arena. CM Punk made his long awaited televised ECW Debut on the 4th of July on Sci-Fi, cutting a pre-taped promo about himself and declaring his straight edge lifestyle emphasizing how he was drug and alcohol free. This time, he adopted a Muay Thai style of wrestling. On August 1, 2006, Punk made his ECW in-ring debut at the Hammerstein Ballroom as he defeated Justin Credible. CM Punk quickly established himself on the ECW Roster, running through the likes of CW Anderson, Stevie Richards, and Shannon Moore. At Survivor Series 2006, CM Punk was teamed wit DX and The Hardy Boyz as they defeated Rated RKO, Mike Knox, Johnny Nitro and Gregory Helms. At December to Dismember, Punk was involved in an Elimination Chamber Match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. He was the first to be eliminated by Rob Van Dam. Punk was also involved in a brief feud with Elijah Burke. When ECW Champion Bobby Lashley was stripped of the title after being drafted to RAW, Punk was part of a tournament to crown a new champion. The other participants were Marcus Cor Von, Elijah Burke and Chris Benoit. Punk advanced to the Finals to face Benoit at Vengeance: Night of Champions. As we all know, plans changed for obvious reasons. Therefore, Johnny Nitro took Benoit's place and defeated CM Punk to become the new ECW Champion. At the Great American Bash, Punk defeated Nitro (newly crowned John Morrison) to become number one contender. At Summerslam, Punk lost when Morrison used the ropes for leverage. On September 1, 2007, CM Punk defeated John Morrison in his "last chance" match to become ECW Champion. Punk had successful defenses against Elijah Burke, Big Daddy V (Viscera), and The Miz. However, Punk would lose the ECW Title to Chavo Guerrero, Jr. after interference from Edge on January 22, 2008. Moving forward, CM Punk's stock would rise even higher. At WrestleMania XXIV, CM Punk won his first Money In The Bank ladder match (defeating Chris Jericho, John Morrison, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Carlito) to become the number one contender for either the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship. On June 23, 2008, CM Punk was drafted to RAW. The following week, Punk made his RAW debut, as he wasted no time making an impact. After Batista beat down World Heavyweight Champion Edge, Punk and referee Mike Chioda ran to the ring for him to cash in his MITB Briefcase. After giving Edge the GTS (Go To Sleep), CM Punk pinned Edge to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Shortly after the win, JBL challenged Punk for the title. Later that night, CM Punk retained his newly won crown. Punk would hold the title until Unforgiven. That night, Punk was attacked by an early version of Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Manu). Therefore, Punk could not defend the title in the Championship Scramble Match. Chris Jericho replaces CM Punk to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Punk was defeated by Jericho on the September 16 edition of RAW in a steel cage match. On October 27, 2008, CM Punk and Kofi Kingston defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, Jr. to win the World Tag Team Championship. Punk and Kingston were members of Team Batista at Survivor Series where they lost to Team Orton. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston's tag team reign came to an end at the hands of Miz and Morrison. Punk then entered a number one contender tournament for the Intercontinental Championship. Punk defeated Rey Mysterio at Armageddon to win the tournament. On January 5, 2009, CM Punk received his title shot against William Regal. The match ended when Regal got himself disqualified. In the rematch, Punk was DQ'ed. Vince McMahon gave Punk another rematch, this time with No Disqualification. On January 19, CM Punk defeated William Regal to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. The victory made Punk the Nineteenth Triple Crown Champion in WWE History. In the process, Punk broke Kevin Nash's record for the fastest time to become a Triple Crown Champ. Punk's reign as IC Champ was short lived as he lost the belt to JBL on the March 9th episode of RAW. Better things were around the corner. At WrestleMania XXV, CM Punk joined Edge as the second wrestler to win two Money In The Bank Briefcases. Punk became the first to win back to back MITB Matches at WrestleMania. During the 2009 WWE Draft (4/9/2009), CM Punk was drafted to Smackdown. Punk's first feud was a brief one with Umaga after he delivered multiple surprise attacks while Punk tried to cash in his contract. The feud ended at Extreme Rules, when Punk defeated Umaga in a Samoan Strap match. At the end of the PPV, Punk finally cashed in his MITB briefcase as he defeated Jeff Hardy to become World Heavyweight Champion. This is what kicked off his most significant rivalry on Smackdown. Punk retained the title in a Triple Threat Match against Edge and Jeff eight days later on RAW (6/15/2009). At The Bash PPV in Sacramento, California, Punk lost to Hardy by DQ after kicking the ref after being inflicted with a storyline eye injury, claiming he could not see him. Since titles do not change hands on DQ, Punk was still champion. Hardy questioned Punk about his injury, claiming that he faked it which turned Punk heel. As a heel, Punk claimed that he was morally superior to Jeff Hardy, because of his drug free lifestyle. Things really became heated, because of Jeff's drug problems. Jeff defeated Punk for the title at Night Of Champions. Punk regained the championship at Summerslam in a TLC Match. The story would conclude on the August 28th episode of Friday Night Smackdown, when CM Punk defeated Jeff Hardy in a steel cage match. The stipulation was for the loser to leave the WWE. This earned Punk the Slammy Award for "Shocker of the Year". At Breaking Point, CM Punk defeated The Undertaker to retain his World Heavyweight Championship in a submission match. Originally, Undertaker won the match with his "Hell's Gate" Submission hold. However, Smackdown GM Theodore Long had to restart the match because Taker's hold was still considered banned. As a result, Punk locked in the Anaconda Vise for the win. However, referee Scott Armstrong called for the bell when Taker never tapped (similar to the Montreal Screwjob in the same arena in 1997, but without the backlash as no one was harmed). The feud continued into Hell In A Cell, where Taker defeated Punk to regain the championship. The feud ended when Punk lost two consecutive rematches to The Phenom on Smackdown, and in a Fatal Four Way at Bragging Rights that involved Batista and Rey Mysterio. CM Punk's Straight Edge Character took a more sinister and diabolic turn. Punk created a stable called the "Straight Edge Society". He claimed to have converted Festus into Luke Gallows. Gallows would be the first member of Punk's faction. Punk would begin to grow a longer beard and hair on his chest portraying himself in a way to make himself look like Charles Manson. He claimed that he was "Saving them". Punk presented himself as a cult-like figure as he started to proclaim his straight-edge philosophy to the fans every week. Through January 2010, Punk started to bring planted fans into the ring to shave their heads to "convert them" into the straight-edge way of life. One convert named Serena, would continue to follow Punk as she would become another member of the Straight Edge Society (SES). The SES consisted of Punk, Gallows, and Serena. During his time as the SES Leader, Punk was also the NXT Mentor to Darren Young. Young almost joined before refusing to shave his head. Punk continued to preach his straight-edge sermons going into the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber. In the chamber match, Punk was eliminated by Rey Mysterio. This led to a high tension feud between them. Punk and Mysterio would engage in a series of matches, including WrestleMania XXVI. The stipulation was that if Rey lost, he would join the society. However, Mysterio won which led to a rematch at Extreme Rules. The final match took place at Over The Limit, where Punk lost. As a result, his head was shaved. This was only the first sign of the decline of the SES. Embarrassed with his bald head, Punk would come to the ring wearing a mask himself. At Fatal 4-Way, Punk was in a match for the World Heavyweight Championship involving Champ Jack Swagger, Big Show, and Rey Mysterio. Swagger retained the title. On the July 16th episode of Smackdown, Punk was finally unmasked by Big Show. The next week, Big Show unmasked the mystery member of the group, who was revealed to be Joey Mercury. Show proceeded to defeat every member of the society at Summerslam after Punk abandoned his team. Show defeated Punk in a singles match at Night Of Champions. The group would continue to disintegrate, as Serena was released after breaking character at a public event along with Mercury being injured. The tensions would boil over between Punk and Gallows. The final nail was put into the coffin on September 24, as CM Punk defeated his first convert Luke Gallows. This was the official end of the Straight Edge Society. On October 11, Punk was traded back to RAW in exchange for Edge. He took part in the interbrand tag team at Bragging Rights after injuring Evan Bourne. However, Punk's team lost. Reports would soon surface that Punk was suffering from a hip injury which placed him on the sidelines briefly to be a commentator. At the end of December, Punk left commentary to assault John Cena on RAW and Smackdown with a chair. It was revealed that Punk would become leader of the New Nexus. Punk made members prove they were worthy of a spot, while others chose to join The Corre, led by former Nexus leader Wade Barrett. Punk sent the team to attack Orton, as he blamed Randy for costing him his World Heavyweight Title in 2008. Punk and Nexus cost Orton his WWE Championship match against The Miz at The 2011 Royal Rumble. In turn, Orton destroyed every member of the group until he reached Punk. This led to their matches at WrestleMania XXVII (27), and Extreme Rules, which Orton won. After going through 2010, and early 2011 without any gold, Punk's career breakthrough would come in June. After defeating John Cena on RAW, Rey Mysterio at Capitol Punishment and defeated Alberto Del Rio in a contendership match (which included Mysterio), Punk revealed to the world that his contract would expire at Money In The Bank as he vowed to leave the company as WWE Champion. (Things are coming full circle aren't they?) Punk used the same storyline in Ring Of Honor. This time, he used it for a larger audience in WWE. June 27, 2011 was the night no one would forget. After interfering in Cena's table match with R-Truth, Punk took the microphone and walked up to the ramp to sit down. Once Punk sat down, he fired the promo heard all around the world known as the "Pipe Bomb". Put unleashed a furious and scathing promo lashing out his grievances at Vince McMahon, his family and the cartoonish, bizarre decisions made within the company. Punk also went after part-timers like The Rock, calling him by his real name: Dwayne, along with the wildly obsessed fans. The Pipe Bomb went viral all over the Internet, and was even talked about on outlets such as ESPN and TMZ. His stock was higher and hotter than ever before. The Summer of Punk was even brighter in WWE than in ROH. Vince McMahon even gave Punk his title shot, with one condition. He said that if CM Punk left Money In the Bank with the WWE Title, John Cena would be fired (Never happened of course). July 17, 2011 was when things reached a fever pitch and came together perfectly. That night the Money In The Bank PPV was held in Punk's hometown of Chicago, Illinois. CM Punk is a folkhero and a legend in The Windy City and this was his Lion's Den. The crowd erupted. The match was climactic and a masterpiece, in spite of Vince's attempted interference. That night, CM Punk defeated John Cena to win his first WWE Championship. The world of wrestling overall exploded. McMahon sent out MITB Winner Alberto Del Rio to take the belt away from Punk, but failed. CM Punk ran off and blew a kiss at McMahon as an insult as he ran through the crowd and out of the arena. CM Punk officially shook the wrestling world. Punk vs. Cena was named "Feud of the Year" for 2011 and their match at MITB won "Match of the Year" for both PWI and Wreslting Observer. The match also received the 5-Star Match Award from Wrestling Observer, and Punk was named "Most Popular Wrestler" and "Wrestler of the Year" by PWI. 2011 turned out to be a flagship year for CM Punk. After winning the title, Punk showed up to the San-Diego Comic-Con to mock Triple H at the WWE-panel. On July 23, Punk appeared at the All-American Wrestling Show to show respect to Gregory Iron, a wrestler with cerebral palsy. On the July 25th RAW, Rey Mysterio won a WWE Championship tournament. However, Cena won the title later that night. This is where things get tricky. At the end of the night, CM Punk returned with the WWE Championship around his waist. Punk and Cena stood face to face holding their own copies of the title. Punk and Cena wanted to determine who would the undisputed WWE Champion. Triple H set up the match for Summerslam. This is where Punk's momentum would slowly derail. At Summerslam, Punk defeated Cena but lost it minutes later when Del Rio cashed in the MITB briefcase. First, Kevin Nash attacked Punk and gave him the Jacknife Powerbomb for ADR to win the title. The night after Summerslam, Punk accused Nash of conspiring with Triple H to screw him out of the title (which was true). Punk challenged Nash at Night of Champions. However, Triple H would change those plans and put himself in Nash's place after Punk continued to insult his wife Stephanie. Night of Champions was a night that would make Triple H infamous. That night, Trips defeated Punk in a NO-DQ match after interference from Nash, R-Truth and Miz. Truth and Miz attacked Punk at HIAC after he lost the Triple Threat WWE Title Match. Punk teamed with Triple H to take on Miz and R-Truth at Vengeance, but lost after Kevin Nash attacked Triple H. Punk transitioned his frustration from Triple H to John Laurinitis by calling him a dull glad-hand "yes man" as he did in his Pipe Bomb. Punk would undermind Johnny Ace every chance that he could. Punk would not linger very long without the title as he strong armed his way to become the number one contender at Survivor Series. That night, CM Punk defeated Alberto Del Rio with the Anaconda Vise to regain the WWE Championship. This win officially launched CM Punk's 434 day title reign, the longest single reign of the Modern Era. Punk defeated Del Rio in a rematch the following night, as well as in a Triple Threat TLC Match involving the Miz. Naturally, the first major thorn in Punk's side as champion was John Laurinitis himself. Laurinitis would cost Punk a number of non-title matches against Dolph Ziggler. At the Royal Rumble, CM Punk successfully defended the WWE Title by defeating Ziggler despite Johnny Ace being the outside enforcer. Punk's next challenge as Champion came with the return of Y2J Chris Jericho. On the January 30 episode of RAW, Jericho attacked Punk in his champion vs. champion match with Daniel Bryan. Bryan went on to win. The following week, Jericho explained his actions by diminishing the rest of the WWE Roster by calling them imitations "wannabes". Jericho made his return as a result of CM Punk calling himself "The Best In The World". This was certainly one of CM Punk's best rivalries as champion. During their feud, Jericho would insult Punk's family by pointing out that his father was alcoholic. This was a page taken out of Punk's feud with Raven in Ring Of Honor. This time, Punk was the victim the same way that Raven was in ROH. At the Elimination Chamber, CM Punk defeated Chris Jericho, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Zigger, R-Truth and The Miz to retain his WWE Championship. At WrestleMania 28 and Extreme Rules, Punk closed out the feud with consecutive victories. Punk would start a feud with Daniel Bryan at the May PPV Over The Limit, retaining the WWE Title after reversing Bryan's "Yes! Lock" into a pinning combination. However, replays would show Punk tapping out moments later. This would soon lead to a love web angle between Punk, Kane and Daniel Bryan over AJ Lee. On the June 1st episode of Smackdown, a WWE Championship match between Punk and Kane ended in a Double DQ when Bryan interfered by attacking both men. Meanwhile, Bryan's jilted ex-girlfriend AJ started showing affections to both Punk and Kane. The feud culminated at No Way Out, where Punk retained the title after AJ distracted Kane. At MITB, Punk retained the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan in a NO DQ Match with AJ Lee as Special Referee. CM Punk was on a great roll as a face during his run as WWE Champion, until the unexpected happened. On the 1000th episode of RAW (7/23/2012), CM Punk defended his WWE Title against MITB Winner John Cena and lost by disqualification to The Big Show. This was not where things took the twist. After the special guest (The Rock, who announced he would wrestle for the WWE Championship at The Royal Rumble) attacked Big Show to save Cena, CM Punk attacked him to start his heel turn. This was at the time where Punk rivaled and even beat John Cena in merchandise sales. Coincidence or not? The following week, Punk explained his actions claiming that he was tired of being overshadowed by the likes of Rock and Cena. Meanwhile, CM Punk defeated John Cena and The Big Show in a Triple Threat Match at Summerslam to remain WWE Champion. In his quest for respect, Punk aligned himself with Paul Heyman. At Night Of Champions, CM Punk retained his WWE Championship after he and John Cena fought to a draw. As Cena went down with an injury, Punk would transition into a feud with Ryback. Ryback was Cena's replacement as CM Punk's opponent for Hell In A Cell. At HIAC, with the help of referee Brad Maddox, CM Punk defeated Ryback to remain WWE Champion. The next night on RAW, Mick Foley was furious when he confronted Punk about not selecting John Cena as an opponent. CM Punk agreed with Foley to put together their own Survivor Series five on five teams. Team Punk originally consisted of himself, Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow and The Miz. However, Punk was replaced by Dolph Ziggler, as there were a few other changes for Punk's team. Instead, CM Punk defeated John Cena and Ryback in a Triple Threat Match to retain the WWE Championship with help from a dynamic mysterious new faction called The Shield. Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns stormed through the crowd and interfered on Punk's behalf by giving Ryback the Triple Powerbomb through the announce table. On December 4, Punk went through surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus removing him from his WWE Title match with Ryback at TLC. Despite the injury, CM Punk became the longest reigning WWE Champion of the modern era (past 25 years) as he held the title for 381 days to surpass John Cena's longest reign of 380 days. CM Punk was named "Wrestler of the Year" for PWI for the second straight year, and ranked #1 in their rankings. CM Punk returned to action on the January 7th episode of RAW, when he defeated Ryback in a Tables, Ladder, Chairs match to retain the WWE Championship. CM Punk's historic ride as WWE Champion would come to an end at the Royal Rumble when the Rock dethroned him to become WWE Champion for the 8th time. CM Punk's reign ended at an incredible 434 days. Punk came up unsuccessful in his rematch at Elimination Chamber. After his feud with The Rock ended, CM Punk directed his focus on The Undertaker's Legendary WrestleMania Streak. Things escalated following Paul Bearer's death, when Punk and Paul Heyman mocked Paul Bearer by playing with the urn. Heyman dressed up as Paul Bearer as well. At WrestleMania 29, CM Punk and The Undertaker had a blockbuster match that was the highlight of the entire show. In the end, The Deadman emerged victorious to extend the streak for one more year while taking his urn back. The next week on April 15, CM Punk addressed the crowd by recalling his historic run as WWE Champion before walking out of the arena. Punk made his return for Payback in Chicago (6/16/2013) to defeat Chris Jericho. The following night on RAW, Punk disassociated himself from Paul Heyman by telling him to stay away from his matches. Later that night, after Punk defeated World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio, Brock Lesnar returned by executing his F-5 on CM Punk. Punk was also thrown into a time filler feud with Curtis Axel. Punk said that he trusted Paul, but not Curtis. At MITB, Heyman turned on Punk by costing him the Money In The Bank Ladder Match that was later won by Randy Orton. Heyman claimed that without him, Punk was no longer the "Best In The World". Punk and Lesnar would later have a brawl, where Brock would F-5 Punk onto the announce table. The feud culminated at Summerslam where Brock defeated Punk in an excitingly intense match. This was the most thrilling match of the night. Following the feud with Brock, Punk would go through the motions with feuds against Ryback, Curtis Axel and the upcoming Wyatt Family as he formed an alliance with Daniel Bryan. CM Punk would make his final appearance in WWE at the Royal Rumble as the first entrant. After Kane was eliminated earlier by Punk, he caused Punk to be eliminated from the outside as he chokeslammed him through the announce table. The events that followed created a firestorm within WWE and all across the Internet. CM Punk stormed out in anger right before RAW was going to be taped as a result of burnout, his health and other circumstances. The departure of CM Punk and the events surrounding it have been the feature story of the year. At this point, it may be safe to say that CM Punk has become more associated with his exit than his reign as WWE Champion. Punk has gone from a relentless wrestling enthusiast to a modern day martyr for the scrutiny, politics and persecution he has had to fight in his career. Nonetheless, CM Punk has managed to take what was thrown at him to make it a true rags to riches story in wrestling. Mr. CM Punk is one of the greatest wrestlers of the modern era of pro wrestling. Only time will tell when he will return, and when he does, a Hall of Fame Induction is waiting with his name on it. When all is said and done, CM Punk will go down as a legend.

Accomplishments:

Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South

• IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
• IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

• International Wrestling Cartel
  • IWC World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Mid-American Wrestling
  • MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• NWA Cyberspace
  • NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Julio Dinero

• NWA Revolution
  • NWA Revolution Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Ohio Valley Wrestling
  • OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Seth Skyfire
  • OVW Television Championship (1 time)
  • Second OVW Triple Crown Champion

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2011) vs. John Cena
  • PWI Match of the Year (2011) vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank
  • PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2011)
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2012)
  • PWI Wrestler of the Year (2011, 2012)
  • PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012

• Revolver
  • Golden Gods Award for "Most Metal Athlete" (2012)

• Ring of Honor
  • ROH Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Colt Cabana
  • ROH World Championship (1 time)

• St. Paul Championship Wrestling
  • SDW Northern States Television Championship (2 times)
  • SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
  • ECW World Championship (1 time)
  • World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
  • World Tag Team Championship (1 time)  – with Kofi Kingston
  • WWE Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
  • Money in the Bank (2008, 2009)
  • Nineteenth Triple Crown Champion
  • Slammy Award for "OMG" Moment of the Year (2008) – Cashing in Money in the Bank to win the World Heavyweight Championship
  • Slammy Award for Shocker of the Year (2009) – Forcing Jeff Hardy out of the WWE after Steel Cage match victory
  • Slammy Award for Despicable Me (2010) – Harassing Rey Mysterio and his family
  • Slammy Award for Superstar of the Year (2011)
  • Slammy Award for "Pipe Bomb" of the Year (2011)
  • Slammy Award for T-Shirt of the Year (2011) – "Best in the World"
  • Slammy Award for Extreme Moment of the Year (2013) – For exacting revenge on Paul Heyman at Hell in a Cell

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 5 Star Match (2004) vs. Samoa Joe at ROH Joe vs. Punk II on October 16
  • 5 Star Match (2011) vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank on July 17
  • Best Gimmick (2009, 2011)
  • Best on Interviews (2011, 2012)
  • Feud of the Year (2009) vs. Jeff Hardy
  • Feud of the Year (2011) vs. John Cena
  • Match of the Year (2011) vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank on July 17

In Wrestling:

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

• Finishing moves
  • Anaconda Vise (Arm-trap triangle choke)
  • GTS – Go to Sleep (Fireman's carry dropped into a knee lift)
• Signature moves
  • Arm trap swinging neckbreaker
  • Arm wrench followed by stepping a leg over the wrenched arm and performing a mule kick with the leg below the opponent's face
  • Belly-to-back suplex, sometimes from the top rope
  • DDT
  • Diving crossbody
  • Diving elbow drop – adopted from and used in tribute to Randy Savage
  • Pepsi Twist (Hammerlock twisted into a short-range lariat)
  • Koji Clutch
  • Mongolian chop
  • Multiple kick variations
    • Leg lariat
    • Muay Thai
    • Roundhouse
    • Step-up enzuigiri
  • Rope hung arm trap can opener
  • Sitout suplex slam
  • Slingshot somersault senton
  • Springboard clothesline
  • Step-up high knee to a cornered opponent  followed by a bulldog or a short-arm clothesline
  • Suicide dive^[8]
  • Super frankensteiner^[319][320]
  • Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker^[8][21]
  • Welcome to Chicago... (Double underhook backbreaker)^[309][321]

Independent circuit

• Finishing moves
  • Anaconda vise or an arm triangle choke^[21]
  • Pepsi Plunge^[8] (Diving double underhook facebuster)^[21]
  • Shining wizard^[21]

Signature moves

• Arm wrench followed by stepping a leg over the wrenched arm and performing a mule kick with the leg below the opponent's face^[21]
• Corkscrew dive transitioned into a diving neckbreaker^[8]
• Crooked Moonsault (Split-legged moonsault)^[21][309]
• Delayed vertical suplex^[8][21]
• Devil Lock DDT^[8] (Hammerlock legsweep DDT)^[21]
• Facewash^[8]
• Inverted facelock backbreaker^[21]
• Inverted frankensteiner
• Jackie Chan (While sitting in a corner, grasps the top rope with one hand on each side of the turnbuckle and when the opponent attempts to pull him off the ropes by his legs, he performs a back tuck, landing on his feet)
• Pepsi Twist (Jumping hammerlock twisted into a short-range lariat)
• Punk-Handle Piledriver (Pumphandle reverse piledriver)
• Rolling fireman's carry slam
• Slingshot somersault senton
• Springboard corkscrew crossbody
• Suicide dive
• Welcome to Chicago, (Double underhook backbreaker)

24. Buddy Rogers: The Original Nature Boy. The first WWE Champion in History. The man that started the lineage of such a prestigious championship. "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers was a trendsetter in many different ways. He was the originator of the figure four leglock and one of wrestlings first premiere stars. Even though he was well before my time, I have a great deal of respect for Buddy Rogers and the foundation that he set for the world of wrestling. Rogers became a top star after a major win over Ed "Strangler" Lewis (Haven't heard that name in a long time). Rogers had his first taste of gold as he won the Texas heavyweight title four times, once from the late great Lou Thesz, beginning a long feud both in and out of the ring. Both men are forever linked. After leaving the Texas Territory for Columbus, Ohio, the final pieces of Rogers persona were added. During this time, Rogers would bleach his hair and call himself "Natural Guy". The name would later be changed to "Nature Boy" by promoter Jack Pfefer. The name stayed and Rogers never looked back. Here is a fun fact: In the early 1950's, a young lady named Lillian Ellison known as "Slave Girl Moolah" would be Buddy's valet. She would later be known all over the world as "The Fabulous Moolah". With the rise of television, Rogers' flashy look, great physique and flamboyant personality instantly struck a cord with audiences. The first sign that Rogers had an impact was his involvement in Sam Muchnick's rival promotion in St. Louis Missouri, a major market for wrestling at that time. He battled Lou Thesz to a draw. In the end, Muchnick's promotion was so strong with Buddy as the top star that it merged with the rival. Buddy was one of the first known wrestlers who worked as a booker as well. Rogers continued to dominate the Midwest as a wrestler and booker, most notably in Chicago, often selling out the 11,000-seat arena. In the 1950's, Rogers expanded into Vince McMahon Sr.'s Capitol Wrestling Corporation (later known as World Wide Wrestling Federation). He also wrestled in promotions in Columbus, Ohio during this time and in the 1960's. In 1961, Buddy Rogers was voted by the National Wrestling Alliance into an NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match. On June 30, 1961, "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers defeated Pat O'Connor to become the new NWA World Champion in front of 38,622 fans at Comiskey Park, a North American professional wrestling record that stood until it was broken with the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions in 1984. The ticket sales of $148,000 was a pro wrestling record for almost 20 years. The match was a two out of three falls match, and was billed as "Match of the Century" at that time. During the match, both men gained a pinfall, when O'Connor hit his head missing a dropkick. This led to Rogers gaining the final pinfall. In the eyes of many promoters, Buddy Rogers developed a reputation as a star that favored the northeastern promoters over other territories. This rubbed them the wrong way. Promoters and well known shooters like Karl Gotch (old school name right?) and Bill Miller even confronted Rogers in Columbus and broke his hand. Yes, things got real at that time. Rogers received another injury that kept him on the sidelines. This injury came during a match in Montreal with Killer Kowalski (future trainer of Triple H). Upon his return, the heads of the NWA voting committee decided to switch the title back over to archnemesis Lou Thesz, who publicly despised Rogers. On January 24, 1963, the match took place in Toronto. Originally, Rogers was hesitant about dropping the title, so promoter Sam Muchnick strongarmed him by putting three safeguards to guarantee that Rogers would cooperate. First, the match would only have one fall. At that time, there were more two out of three fall matches until the mid 1970's. Second, Muchnick threatened to give Rogers bond (the NWA Champion was required to pay a $25,000 deposit to the NWA Board of Directors before receiving the title; the deposit was returned after the wrestler lost the title.) away to charity. Another Nature Boy became very familiar with deposits years later. Third, he was matched against Thesz who could "take" the title if necessary. Thesz won the match and the title. Taking the belt away from Rogers was like pulling teeth. Shawn Michaels wasn't the only guy that was a headache when it was time to give up a title. Rogers was also co-holder of the U.S. Tag Team Championship, with frequent tag team partner Handsome Johnny Barend. They won the belts in 1962 on Washington, D.C., television from Johnny Valentine and Arnold Skaaland. Rogers and Barend defeated Valentine and Ellis in a rematch at Madison Square Garden, and defended the belts until spring 1963, when they lost the titles in D.C., to Killer Buddy Austin & The Great Scott. Rogers and Barend briefly split and feuded, before reuniting to defeat Bruno Sammartino and Bobo Brazil at MSG 2 falls to 1. Northeast promoters, led by Vincent J. McMahon, Sr. and Toots Mondts, withdrew membership from the NWA and formed the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), as Thesz was not a strong draw in that area. Promoter Willie Gilzenberg, who was the first WWWF "President" appeared on Washington, D.C., TV in April 1963 to announce that Buddy Rogers won a tournament in Brazil to become the first WWWF Heavyweight Champion. Even though many doubted the validity of this tournament taking place, the announcement effectively made Rogers the first WWWF Champion. It still stands in the history books. Rogers reign was cut short by a mild heart attack that hindered his endurance. Physically in decline, Rogers was matched against the widely popular and physically superior Bruno Sammartino. On May 17, 1963, Bruno Sammartino dominated Buddy Rogers in merely 48 seconds to become the new WWWF Champion. Stunned and disheartened, Rogers immediately left the ring. After the crushing loss to Sammartino, Rogers stayed on top as he anticipated a rematch. Rogers defeated Hans "The Great" Mortier in less than 1-minute with the Figure-4 Leg Lock. Rogers reunited with Johnny Barend to once again defeat Bruno Sammartino and Bobo Brazil. This time, Rogers pinned Sammartino in the final fall in a poetic way of payback. The much expected rematch was to take place on October 4, 1963, at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, New Jersey. The tickets were printed with Rogers-Sammartino. However, plans changed as Rogers announced his retirement. Gorilla Monsoon would take his place instead. In the years following his retirement, Rogers would make subsequent appearances for the Sheik's promotion in Detroit and Montreal. In 1969, Rogers briefly appeared for an Ohio-based promotion called Wrestling Show Classics where he spent time on TV talking with former manager Bobby Davis along with appearing in brief studio and arena matches. In 1978, Rogers made a brief comeback to wrestling as a babyface in Florida, although he was well into his 50's. He later moved to Jim Crockett Promotions as a heel manager for wrestlers such as Jimmy Snuka, Ken Patera, Gene Anderson, and Big John Studd. His most notable moment during his time in Crockett promotions was his feud with the "new" Nature Boy himself, Ric Flair. On June 9, 1978, Flair defeated Rogers in a symbolic passing of the torch moment. After his time in Mid-Atlantic, Rogers returned to the now WWF as a babyface manager and part-time wrestler while hosting the Interview Segment "Rogers' Corner". During a feud where he teamed with Jimmy Snuka against Lou Albano and Ray Stevens, Rogers broke his hip and retired for good. In early 1992, Buddy Rogers was set to make another comeback to wrestle another "Nature Boy" named Buddy Landell for Tri-State Wrestling Alliance. However, the promotion went out of business before things could take place. Later, Rogers suffered a severe broken arm along with three strokes, two suffered on the same day. Tragically, he was put on life support and died shortly afterward on June 26, 1992. In 1994, WWF paid tribute to "The Original Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers by inducting him into the Hall of Fame. The imprint that Buddy Rogers left has still been felt long after he stepped away from the squared circle. His legacy lived on vicariously through Ric Flair, who took the gimmick and his career to the highest heights. Without Buddy Rogers, there would be no Ric Flair. Rogers was considered to be the first wrestler to possess the total package: physique, image, charisma, and ring ability that promoters look for. Buddy's longtime dance partner and colleague Lou Thesz spoke very highly of the impact that Rogers had on the Industry in his memoir, Hooker: “Rogers is remembered by fans and performers alike as one of the top all-time stars in the business, but it’s probably not common knowledge just how influential he was… he broke into the business somewhere around 1941 as a hero-type personality, with little more going for him than a good body and natural charisma in the ring – which is actually a pretty good beginning – and he was a hit almost from the start. He had that indefinable something fans responded to, and he was sharp enough to build upon what he had, paying attention to what got a reaction from the fans. What evolved over several years was the ‘Nature Boy,’ the prototype of the cocky, strutting, sneering, arrogant peroxide blond villain that is almost a tired wrestling cliché today. Rogers invented the character, and I believe he did it better than anyone.“He was also one of the first guys to rely a lot on what we called ‘flying’ moves in the ring – body slams, dropkicks, piledrivers, ricochets off the ropes into his opponent, action moves that are commonplace today. All of those moves were in use before Rogers came along, but they were used sparingly; most of the wrestling prior to Rogers’ emergence was done on the mat. Rogers was the first to use flying moves in quantity, staying off the mat, and the style was so popular with the fans that other wrestlers, including me, followed his lead."

Buddy Rogers was a trailblazer in so many ways, and there is no denying or erasing the blueprint that he has left.


Accomplishments:

American Wrestling Association

• AWA Eastern States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Ohio version) (3 times)

• Midwest Wrestling Association
  • MWA Ohio Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Great Scott (3) and Juan Sebastian (1)

• Montreal Athletic Commission
  • World Heavyweight Championship (Montreal version) (3 times)

• NWA Capitol Wrestling
  • NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Northeast version) (2 times) - with Johnny Valentine (1) and Johnny Barend (1)

• NWA Chicago
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Chicago version) (1 time)
  • NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2010)

• NWA Mid-America
  • NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• NWA San Francisco
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version) (1 time) - with Ronnie Etchison

• NWA Western States Sports
  • NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Amarillo version) (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Stanley Weston Award (1990)

• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Class of 2002 (Television Era)

• Southwest Sports Inc.
  • NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Texas Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
  • Texas Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Otto Kuss

• St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame

• World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation
  • WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1994)
  • WWWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

In wrestling:

• Finishing moves
  • Figure-four grapevine – innovated
  • Neckbreaker

25. Antonio Inoki: The founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling. An innovator of Japanese Wrestling, and an icon in Japan. Antonio Inoki has to be considered the most storied wrestler in the history of Japan. Inoki's contributions are far and wide across the landscape of International Wrestling. If it were not for him, there would be no Great Muta or Jushin Liger. Antonio Inoki is to Japan what Hulk Hogan is to the United States and what Bret Hart is to Canada. Antonio got his start in the Japan Wrestling Association where he spent the first 11 years of his career from 1960-71. During his time there, Inoki was a tag team partner of Giant Baba. Together, they were called the "B-I Cannon" as they won the NWA International Tag Titles four times. Unfortunately, Antonio was fired from the promotion after he was found trying to take it over. In 1972, Inoki started New Japan Pro Wrestling. His first match was against Japanese pioneer Karl Gotch. New Japan as we know it has become the Japan version of WWE, as WrestleKingdom is their WrestleMania. Inoki has become the master of the "strong style" of wrestling after being mentored by Gotch. He has faced many opponents of different styles during his career, from wrestlers, boxers, judo fighters, etc. Inoki's most famous fight was against boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali on June 26, 1976 in Tokyo. Initially, Inoki promised Ali a rigged match to get him to fight in Japan. However, once the deal materialized, Ali's camp feared that Inoki would turn the fight into a shoot, because they thought that it was his intention. Ali visited a professional wrestling match and witnessed Inoki's grappling skills. The match rules were announced months in advance. However, several rules were added two days before the match. A major rule change involved Inoki being able to kick if one knee was on the ground. In the match, Ali landed six punches as Inoki kept his back in a defensive position almost the full duration of 15 rounds, as he repeatedly hit Ali with low kicks. The bout ended in a draw, 3-3. The major story coming out of the match was that Ali suffered blood clots on his legs along with severe infections. This was so devastating that Ali nearly faced amputation. What turned out to be a spectacle of fun and entertainment nearly ruined the career of the greatest boxing legend in history. Inoki received instant notoriety from that, and in some cases, perhaps infamy. On November 30, 1979, Antonio Inoki defeated Bob Backlund in Tokushima, Japan to win the WWF Title. Backlund won a rematch on December 6. However, WWF Japan president Hisashi Shinma declared the rematch a no-contest due to interference from Tiger Jeet Singh, meaning Inoki remained champion. Inoki refused to be mentioned as champion, as he vacated the title that same day. Since then, he has not been mentioned in history as an official WWF/E champion. Backlund defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death Match on December 12 to regain the title. As a result, Backlund is recognized for one reign (1978-1983). Inoki received numerous honors in New Japan, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He was also a the NJPW MSG Tag League Champion with fellow Hall of Famers such as Bob Backlund (1980), Hulk Hogan ('82, '83) and fellow Japan legend Tatsumi Fujinami ('84). Hogan and Inoki made for a great tag team at the time. He was even recognized as the WWF World Martial Arts Champion, which was a one time honor. It was also a testament to his greatness. Inoki has also been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Tokyo Sports (1989). His tag match with Giant Baba vs. Abdullah and Tiger Jeet Singh was one of his three Match of the Year Awards from Tokyo Sports. In 1995, the Japanese and Korean governments came together to hold a two-day wrestling peace festival in Pyongyang, North Korea. The event has been said to have drawn 150,000 and 190,000 respectively at Rungnado May Day Stadium. You read that right. That is more than any WWE crowd in America, including WrestleMania. The Pontiac Silverdome never had that many fans for WrestleMania III. Those events drew between 60,000 to 100,000 more fans than that show. The main event was the only match between Antonio Inoki and Ric Flair, as Inoki came out as the winner. Inoki's retirement took place in the "Final Countdown" series where he faced some of his former rivals. Inoki was inducted in the WCW Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2010, Inoki was enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame. Antonio Inoki's style of wrestling can also be said to have influenced MMA. Antonio Inoki is the symbol of Japanese wrestling, and is among the all-time greats.

^{Accomplishments:}

·  Cauliflower Alley Club

• Lou Thesz Award (2004)

·  Japan Wrestling Association

• NWA International Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Shohei Baba
• All Asia Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Michiaki Yoshimura (2) and Kintaro Ohki (1)
• 11th World Big League
• 1st and 2nd World Tag League (with Kantaro Hoshino and Seiji Sakaguchi)

·  National Wrestling Federation

• NWF Heavyweight Championship (4 times)

·  New Japan Pro Wrestling

• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version) (1 time) – with Seiji Sakaguchi
• WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NJPW Real World Championship (1 time)
• NJPW IWGP League (1984, 1986, 1987, 1988)
• NJPW Japan Cup Tag Team League (1986) with Yoshiaki Fujiwara
• NJPW MSG League (1978–1981)
• NJPW MSG Tag League (1980) with Bob Backlund
• NJPW MSG Tag League (1982) with Hulk Hogan
• NJPW MSG Tag League (1983) with Hulk Hogan
• NJPW MSG Tag League (1984) with Tatsumi Fujinami
• NJPW Six Man Tag Team Cup League (1988) with Riki Choshu & Kantaro Hoshino^[31]
• NJPW World League (1974, 1975)
• Greatest Wrestlers (Class of 2007)^[32]

·  NWA Big Time Wrestling

• NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (1 time) – with Duke Keomuka

·  NWA Hollywood Wrestling

• NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version) (1 time) – with Seiji Sakaguchi
• NWA United National Championship (1 time)

·  NWA Mid-America

• NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version) (1 time) – with Hiro Matsuda

·  Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum

• Class of 2009^[3]

·  Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• PWI ranked him #5 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003

·  Puroresu Hall of Fame

• Class of 1996^[33]

·  Tokyo Sports

• 30th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award (1990)^[34]
• 50th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)^[35]
• Best Tag Team Award (1975) with Seiji Sakaguchi^[36]
• Best Tag Team Award (1981) with Tatsumi Fujinami^[37]
• Distinguished Service Award (1979, 1982)^[36][37]
• Lifetime Achievement Award (1989)^[37]
• Match of the Year Award (1974) vs. Strong Kobayashi on March 19^[36]
• Match of the Year Award (1975) vs. Billy Robinson on December 11^[36]
• Match of the Year Award (1979) with Giant Baba vs. Abdullah the Butcher and Tiger Jeet Singh on August 26^[36]
• Match of the Year Award (1984) vs. Riki Choshu on August 2^[37]
• MVP Award (1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981)^[36][37]
• Special Grand Award (1983, 1987)^[37]
• Technique Award (1985)^[37]

·  World Championship Wrestling

• WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995)

·  World Wide Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

• WWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)¹
• WWWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2010)

·  Universal Wrestling Association

• UWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

·  Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• Promoter of the Year (2001)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

In Wrestling:

·  Finishing moves

• Bridging fallaway slam
• Enzuigiri^[2] – Innovated
• Manji-Gatame^[2][30]
• Sleeper hold

Signature moves

• Bare knuckled punches
• Cobra Twist (Abdominal stretch)
• Cross armbreaker^[30]
• Diving knee drop
• Indian deathlock
• Seated armbar
• Slap
• Stepover standing armbar^[30]
•  

26. Lou Thesz: Much like his archrival Buddy Rogers, this man was a pioneer. He even has a move named after him that has been made famous by Stone Cold Steve Austin. He is the true definition of tradition. If you consider yourself a wrestling purist and historian, you have to learn about the importance of Lou Thesz in wreslting. He was to wrestling what someone like Bob Pettit was to Basketball, and what Otto Graham was to Football. Although I was not even thought of when Thesz was competing, I take it upon myself to learn about what he meant to a sport that I enjoy. Thesz also innovated the Powerbomb, the belly to belly waistlock suplex and the STF. Lou Thesz was a folkhero in the St. Louis area. He is most known for being the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Combined, Thesz has held the NWA World title for 10 years, 3 months and 9 days (3,749 days total) making him the longest reigning champion in that title's history (even longer than Flair). At the start of his youth, Lou's father gave him a tough introduction to Greco-Roman wrestling, which laid the ground-work for his success. It gave him an understanding of the fundamentals of the squared circle. Thesz made his debut at 16 in 1932. He soon met Ed "Strangler" Lewis, who was the biggest star in the 1920's. By 1937, Thesz would soon become one of the biggest stars of the St. Louis territory. Thesz became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at just the age of 21 when he defeated Everett Marshall. However, six weeks later, Thesz would lose the title to Steve "Crusher" Casey in Boston. He would win the title by defeating Marshall again in 1939, and again in 1948 by defeating Bill Longson. In 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was formed, with the purpose of creating one world champion to represent all territories throughout North America. The first champion was a man named Orville Brown. Unfortunately, Brown was involved in a car accident that ended his career. As a result, the NWA awarded the title to their #1 contender, who was Lou Thesz himself. Between 1949 and 1956, Thesz went on a mission to unify all of the existing world titles into the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He wanted to monopolize all of the world titles, like Vince McMahon monopolized the territories (different story). In 1952, he defeated Baron Michele Leone in Los Angeles for the California heavyweight title, while also becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since the days of Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt. In 1956, Thesz finally dropped the Title to Whipper Billy Watson to take several months off to recover from an ankle injury. Lou would return seven months later to regain the title from Watson. 1957 turned out to be a critical year for Thesz. On June 14, Thesz received the first taint to his claim as Undisputed World Champion in a match against gymnast turned wrestler Edouard Carpenter. The match was tied at two falls apiece as Thesz claimed a back injury to forfeit the last fall. Even though Carpenter was declared the winner, the NWA never recognized the title change, claiming that the belt should not change hands due to an injury. Despite the decision from the NWA, other promotions recognized Carpenter as the new champion. That same year, Thesz made history as the first wrestler to defend the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in Japan, as he wrestled Rikidozan to a series of 60 minute draws. Their matches popularized wrestling in Japan, gaining the sport mainstream acceptance. Thesz realized that he could make more money in Japan, so he decided to start a petition to the NWA promoters to defend the title in the land of the rising sun on a regular basis. Unfortunately, his request was denied. Thesz would drop the title to his own hand picked opponent, Dick Hutton, instead of his chief rival, Buddy Rogers who was the more popular choice. Thesz would go on a tour of Europe and Japan, billing himself as the NWA International Champion; this title is still acknowledged as part of All-Japan Pro Wrestling's Triple Crown Championship. In 1963, a 46-year old Lou Thesz returned from semi-retirement to defeat Buddy Rogers for his sixth World Heavyweight Championship. This goes to show that The Rock was not the first to pull of something like this, but that's none of my business. It has been said that Rogers had second thoughts of losing the title, and Thesz said to him "we could do this the easy way or the hard way". Thesz would hold the title for three years, before losing it to Gene Kiniski in 1966 at the age of 49. For the next 13 years, Thesz wrestled on a part time basis, as he won his last major title in 1978 in Mexico, becoming the Inaugural Universal Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Champion at the age of 62 before dropping the belt to El Canek a year later. 62 people! If you thought Hogan and Flair stuck around too long, think again. Thesz "OFFICIALLY" retired in 1979 at age 63 after a match with Luke Graham. Through the 1980's, he remained retired as he was a referee for several high profile matches. In 1982, he received the PWI "Stanley Weston" Award. On December 26 1990, he wrestled his very LAST match at the age of 74 in Japan against his protege, Masahiro Chono. His last match was the day after Christmas, how fitting. This made him the only male wrestler to wrestle in seven different decades. In 1996, Thesz was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. On April 28, Lou Thesz passed away just four days after his 86th birthday. That same year, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, as part of their Pioneer Era. He was also inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. In 2005, Thesz was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame. The only piece missing to his legacy is his place in the WWE Hall of Fame. I believe that as time goes on, Thesz will finally be recognized in the most well known Hall of Fame of them all, which belongs to the WWE. Lou Thesz is one of the truly original trailblazers of the sport, and his imprint continues to be felt for generations. Mr. Lou Thesz was truly a history maker.

Accomplishments:


• American Wrestling Association

• AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Boston version) (1 time)
• AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Ohio version) (1 time)

• Cauliflower Alley Club

• Iron Mike Mazurki Award (1998)

• International Wrestling Enterprise

• TWWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• International Wrestling Institute and Museum

• George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame (1999)

• Japan Wrestling Association

• NWA International Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
  • Class of 2002
• Montreal Athletic Commission

• World Heavyweight Championship (Montreal version) (4 times)

• National Wrestling Alliance

• NWA World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
• NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)

• NWA All-Star Wrestling

• NWA Pacific Coast Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version) (1 time) – with The Outlaw

• NWA Mid-America

• NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version) (1 time) – with Jackie Fargo

• National Wrestling Association

• NWA World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Stanley Weston Award (1982)

• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame

• Pioneer Era (Class of 2002)

• Puroresu Hall of Fame
  • Class of 1996
• Southwest Sports, Inc.

• Texas Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

• Stampede Wrestling

• Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame

• St. Louis Wrestling Club

• NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• St. Louis Wrestling Hall Of Fame

• Class of 2007

• Universal Wrestling Association

• UWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• World Championship Wrestling

• WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1993)

• World Wrestling Association (Los Angeles)

• WWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

• Legends Battle Royale Winner (1987)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

• Other titles

• World Heavyweight Championship (original version) (2 times)
• World Heavyweight Championship (Los Angeles) (1 time)

In Wrestling:

• Finishing moves
  • Bridging belly to back suplex
  • STF– innovated

Signature moves

• Backbreaker submission
• Belly to back reach-around combo – innovated
• Belly to back waist-lock suplex – innovated
• Double wrist-lock
• Headlock
• Dropkick
• Lou Thesz Press– innovated
• Powerbomb – innovated

26.

27. LOD: They snack on Danger and Dine on Death. This team was revolutionary both for their time and ahead of their time. Their incredible dominance was something that ignited the fans while bringing fear to their opponents. This team was the typical prototype of a powerhouse team. They personified the typical wrestler image of the 1980's, as they were bound with muscles and facepaint. They were the first tag team to dominate multiple promotions. Road Warriors Hawk (Michael Hegstrand) and Animal (Joe Lauranitis) are widely considered as the greatest tag team in history. Side note: Joe Lauranitis is the older brother of John Lauranitis. LOD was originally inspired by the Biker Gangs from the Mad Max Movie starring Mel Gibson. They made their debut in Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1982 with Manager Paul Ellering. They were introduced in a stable called "The Legion of Doom" that consisted of the Road Warriors, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, The Spoiler, Matt Borne (later known as Doink), King Kong Bundy, Arn Anderson, The Iron Sheik and the Original Sheik. The stable had some heavy names that were making names for themselves. However, the stable was shortly lived as Hawk and Animal would just be reduced to being the tag team with the same name. They would interchange the names "Road Warriors" and "Legion of Doom" throughout their career as a team. In the 2005 Documentary, "Road Warriors: The Life and Death of the Most Dominant Tag-Team in Wrestling History" Animal acknowledges that their name came from the Super Friends Cartoon, as Lex Luthor and his team of villians used that same name. The Road Warriors high powered style of wrestling got them recognized quickly by fans and opponents. In Georgia, LOD made a major rise to the top despite being very young and not having to "pay dues", because of how impressive they were. It took less than 6 months for them to win the NWA National Tag Team Championship, titles that they would win three more times in Georgia. Wrestling Observer recognized their impact, and named them "Rookies of the Year" for 1983. The Road Warriors also won their first "Tag Team of the Year" Award for PWI. In 1984, The Road Warriors made the move to Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) along with their manager Paul Ellering. On August 25, they defeated The Crusher and Baron Von Raschke for the AWA World Tag Team Championship. Originally, LOD were brought in as heels. However, they won over the fans with the way they squashed opponents in their matches. The Road Warriors would soon become the top draw for the AWA in 1984 and 1985. As a result, they would become the first tag team to ever win three consecutive "Tag Team of the Year" Awards for PWI along with their previous honor in 1983. Throughout this time, they mainly feuded with The Fabulous Ones and The Fabulous Freebirds. The Warriors would soon split their time between the AWA and NWA to feud with NWA World Tag Team Champions The Russians, while still holding the AWA Tag Team Titles. The NWA & AWA were in partnership at this time. During this time, Hawk and Animal would begin touring Japan mainly with All-Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) as they made an immediate impact squashing the team of Killer Khan and Animal Hamaguchi in under 4 minutes. This and other dominant victories gained the Road Warriors many headlines from the Japanese media along with front page stories. The tours with AJPW in 1985 and 1986 made the team so Legendary that they toured the country whenever they were in between contracts. LOD would soon lose the titles to Jimmy Garvin and "Mr. Electricity" Steve Regal on September 29, 1985 with interference from the Freebirds. Hawk and Animal made their last AWA appearance on April 20, 1986 at WrestleRock as they defeated Garvin and Michael Hayes in a steel cage match. In mid-1986, The Road Warriors moved exclusively to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), as they beat Ron Garvin and Magnum T.A. in the finals to win the inaugural Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament. To further build upon their massive push, the LOD were featured attractions of the Great American Bash Tour as they were matched with Ivan and Nikita Koloff, along with The Midnight Express. At Starrcade 1986, The Road Warriors defeated The Midnight Express in a Scaffold Match. In 1987, the Road Warriors teamed up with Dusty Rhodes and Nikita Koloff in a vicious feud with The Four Horsemen. At the 1987 Great American Bash, the rivals faced off in the first ever WarGames match. LOD and Dusty emerged as the winners of this match, taking their feud with the Horsemen to Starrcade 1987 as they lost to Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson by DQ. This intense and bloody feud won the PWI "Feud of the Year" Award. During this time, The Road Warriors and Dusty also won the NWA Six-Man Tag Team Titles twice. Soon, LOD would engage in a feud with The Powers Of Pain, a team that matched them in physicality. The angle was short lived as Warlord and Barbarian would leave NWA. In 1988, The Road Warriors turned heel, as they beat The Midnight Express for the NWA World Tag Team Championship on October 29, 1988 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In November, they were also responsible for the end of Dusty's run as a booker. On an episode of World Championship Wrestling (November, 26, 1988), which was held under strict restrictions from TBS executives that excluded blading, LOD attacked Rhodes, removed a spike from their shoulder pads and attempted to gouge his eye out. Dusty was fired shortly after Starrcade '88. Before Rhodes was fired, Animal beat him at Clash of the Champions. Following the match, the Road Warriors were free to pick a new partner for their 6-Man Tag Titles. However, these titles would soon be abandoned shortly afterwards. The Road Warriors would soon return to being babyfaces, because of their incredible popularity, regardless of their violence and brutality. However, their Tag Team title reign came to an end on April 2, 1989 at the hands of the Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Steve Williams). The title change ended in controversy thanks to a fast count from Teddy Long. Teddy was fired for the count, but the decision would not be reversed. LOD would spend the rest of their time in NWA feuding with The Samoan Swat Team and The Skyscrapers. On their way out, last big wins for Hawk and Animal were over three other teams (Including The Steiner Brothers) to win the Iron Man Tag Team Tournament at 1989 Future Shock, and The Skyscrapers in a Chicago Street Fight at WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing. The Road Warriors made their final WCW PPV appearance on May 19, 1990 at Capital Combat when they teamed with Norman "The Lunatic" against Kevin Sullivan, Cactus Jack and Bam Bam Bigelow. This match was cut from the commercial tape of the event. LOD left WCW in June 1990, because of the heat they had with Jim Herd, who was then head of WCW. (They weren't the only stars who had issues with Herd: Ask Ric Flair) The Road Warriors would receive even greater spotlight in the mainstream when they moved up North to sign with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF). When they joined WWF in June 1990, Vince McMahon decided to retire the Road Warriors moniker, and simply market them as "The Legion of Doom". LOD made their WWF Television debut on Wrestling Challenge on July 15, 1990. However, to their opponents and haters (ex: Bobby Heenan), they would be referred to as "The Legion of Dummies". Naturally, LOD would enter into a feud with Demolition, the team that Vince created as Dopplegangers of them by forming them into the likeness of Hawk and Animal. This is similar to how Deadpool was created in the likeness of Deathstroke, for my Comic Book fans. This led to a Six-Man Tag match where they teamed with Ultimate Warrior against Demolition (Ax, Smash, Crush). Ax (Bill Eadie) started to develop health problems and would soon be phased out of the group, leaving it to just be Crush (Bryan Adams) and Smash (Barry Darsow). The plans for the anticipated LOD vs. Demolition feud fell flat, as Ax would transition into the role of a manager for Demolition. Hawk and Animal would later set their sights on the Tag Team Championships. The feud never delivered the intensity that it was capable of. This is the perfect example of how some plans look great on paper, but the execution does not live up to the expectation. At Summerslam 1990, LOD interfered in the 2-out-of-3 falls Tag Team Championship match, causing Demolition to lose the titles to The Hart Foundation. At Summerslam 1991 in Madison Square Garden, The Legion of Doom made history when they defeated The Nasty Boys in a NO DQ Street Fight to win The WWF World Tag Team Championship. With this victory, they became the only tag team to win world tag titles in all three of the top promotions of the 80's. This was their Triple Crown, as they also became the first team to ever win tag titles in multiple promotions overall, including Japan (AJPW). Eventually, the celebration would come to an end, as Hawk and Animal would lose the titles on February 7, 1992 to Money Inc. (Million Dollar Man and IRS). LOD would briefly leave the promotion. They would return shortly afterwards with Manager Paul Ellering. This time, they added a silly ventriloquist dummy named "Rocco". The gimmick was supposed to be their "inspiration", but bombed so badly that it was thrown away. At Summerslam 1992, LOD came to the ring with Rocco on the front of their motorcycle. Mike Hegstrand was so disgusted with the story that he left the company shortly after the PPV. Hawk would spend time in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he teamed up with a young mid-carder named Kensuke Sasaki, who he would call "Power Warrior". Together, they would be called "Hell Raisers" as they would carry the Road Warriors legacy, while Animal was on the shelf with a back injury. In December 1992, they won the IWGP Tag Team Titles by defeating Tony Halme and Scott Norton. During their tenure as a team, Hawk and Power Warrior made a very good impact in NJPW before disbanding in 1995, as Hawk and Animal would reunite to sign with WCW in late 1995 as Lauranitis recovered. The Road Warriors returned to WCW in January 1996 to a whole new landscape. However, they would feud with some familiar faces such as the Steiner Brothers. The Road Warriors would also feud with one of the most popular teams at the time, Harlem Heat, before they challenged Sting and Lex Luger for the WCW Tag Team Titles. Hawk and Animal had several shots at the titles, but fell short each time. They stayed in WCW for at least 6 months before leaving from a dispute with Eric Bischoff. In early 1997, LOD would have a brief tour in Japan before making their surprise return to the WWF. LOD returned on February 24, 1997 on an episode of Monday Night RAW to destroy The Headbangers even though both teams were counted out. I think that by '97, many people feared that they were pretty long in the tooth. However, they proved that they still had something left to offer. The Legion of Doom were heavily involved in the feud with The Anti-American Hart Foundation, led by none other than Bret Hart himself. LOD teamed with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ken Shamrock and Goldust against The Foundation at In Your House: Calgary Stampede on July 6, 1997 in a great 5-on-5 tag match. On October 7, 1997, The Legion of Doom defeated The Godwins to become 2-time WWF Tag Team Champions. However, their comeback story would be short-lived as they lost the titles in November to a rising new tag team, The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn). Although it was considered by some to be an upset, it truly symbolized the passing of the torch, as LOD's best years were clearly behind them. Hawk and Animal would feud with the Outlaws for the next few months for the gold, but lost each time. In February 1998, Hawk and Animal would briefly disappear. At WrestleMania XIV, Hawk and Animal would return with Sunny as their manager. This time, they were repackaged as the forgettable "LOD 2000" as this was a way to rebrand them as the "Road Warriors of the New Millenium". LOD won the Tag Team Battle Royal at Mania XIV. However, this would not last as Sunny would leave in time for Droz to be the replacement. These were dark times for LOD, as they were involved in a storyline based on Hawk's personal problems that involved a suicide attempt. During this time, they were also in a feud with DOA (Disciples of Apocalypse). To make things worse, long time manager Paul Ellering turned on them to manage DOA. Animal even admits on the Road Warriors Documentary that it was tough for him and Hawk to shoot back and forth with Ellering in promos. The storyline soon dissolved as LOD would vanish by 1999. However, by early 2003, LOD made a surprise return to WWE on May 12, 2003 in a match against World Tag Champions Kane and RVD. The plan was for them to sign a full contract with WWE, but the plans failed to come off of the ground. Sadly, Hegstrand died on October 19, 2003. His death was only one month after his 46th Birthday. Heidenreich would soon take Hawk's place as Animal's new partner, as they went on to win the WWE Tag Team Championships by defeating MNM at The Great American Bash on July 24, 2005. The match was dedicated to Hawk. The Legacy of LOD would continue to live on through various video games from Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain, Smackdown vs. RAW, Legends of Wrestling Series, Legends of WrestleMania, WWE All Stars and WWE '13 to name a few. In 2011, the Legion of Doom would take their rightful place in wrestling history as they would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. When it comes to dominating the tag division in each promotion that they wrestled, LOD paved the way for a team like the Dudley Boyz. When you factor in marquee value, drawing power, ring presence and body of work, there is no other team like the Legion of Doom. Their contributions were so great, that I had to put them in this list as a whole. OOOOHHHH WHAT A RUUUSSSHHH!!!

Championships and accomplishments

The Road Warriors / Legion of Doom

• All Japan Pro Wrestling
  • NWA International Tag Team Championship (1 time)

• American Wrestling Association
  • AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time)

• Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling
  • World Japan Tag Team Championship (1 time)

• Georgia Championship Wrestling
  • NWA National Tag Team Championship (4 times)

• International Wrestling Superstars
  • IWS World Tag Team Championship (1 time)

• i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling
  • i-Generation Tag Team Championship (3 times)

• Independent Pro Wrestling
  • IPW Tag Team Championship (1 time)

• Jim Crockett Promotions / World Championship Wrestling
  • NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Dusty Rhodes (2) and Genichiro Tenryu (1)
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (1 time)
  • Iron Team Tournament (1989)
  • Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup (1986)

• National Wrestling Alliance
  • NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)

• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
  • (Class of 2011) (Inducted Members: Road Warrior Animal, Road Warrior Hawk, and Paul Ellering)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Tag Team of the Year (1983–1985, 1988)
  • PWI Feud of the Year (1987) with Dusty Rhodes and Nikita Koloff vs. Four Horsemen
  • PWI ranked them #1 of the 100 best tag teams during the "PWI Years" in 2003

• Super World of Sports
  • One Night Tag Team Tournament (1991)

• Tokyo Sports
  • Special Foreigner Award (1985)

• World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
  • WWF Tag Team Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • Rookies of the Year (1983)
  • Tag Team of the Year (1984)
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

In wrestling[edit]

• Finishing move
  • Doomsday Device / Devastation Device / Double/Triple Impact (Electric chair lift into a top rope clothesline) – innovated

28. Rey Mysterio: This man is the ultimate David of wrestling. He is the definition of a Giant Killer and has been instrumental to the success of the Cruiserweights in the history of professional wrestling, along with contemporaries such as Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Dean Malenko to name a few. In his prime, he was a highlight waiting to happen every night. This man is a modern day pioneer and a legend, as his high-flying, lucha libre style started the cruiserweight renaissance in the 90's. All of these praises describe none other than Mr. 619 himself, Rey Mysterio. ("Rey Mysterio" is Spanish for "King Mystery") Young Oscar Gutierrez has had wrestling in his blood. Gutierrez was trained by his Uncle, Rey Mysterio, Sr. and made his debut at just the age of 14. 14 YEARS OLD people! In honor of his Uncle, he changed his name to Rey Mysterio, Jr. Young Rey originally competed in Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) in Mexico from 1992 to 1995. While in AAA, Mysterio feuded with future WCW rival Juventud Guerrera. In 1995, Mysterio would receive his first taste of American exposure when he signed with Paul E. Dangerously's Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Mysterio made his debut in September when he defeated fellow AAA alum Psicosis at Gangsta's Paradise (Dangerous Minds reference). The two would also engage in a feud, that included matches such as 2-out-of-3 falls, and a Mexican Death Match. In early 1996, Rey would also feud with familiar foe and ECW newcomer Juventud Guerrera. On June 16, 1996, Rey Mysterio made his debut in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) at The Great American Bash, where he challenged Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. Malenko retained the title by cheating. At Bash at The Beach, Mysterio defeated his nemesis Psicosis to become the Number 1 Contender to earn a shot at the Cruiserweight Title. The following night on WCW Monday Nitro, Rey defeated Dean Malenko in a rematch to become the new WCW Cruiserweight Champion. Mysterio's first reign as champion lasted three months, where he defended the title against Ultimo Dragon, Malenko, and Super Calo, before losing the title back to Dean at Halloween Havoc. Following his first reign as Cruiserweight Champ, Rey challenged Ultimo Dragon for the J-Crown Championship, but lost in his title match at World War 3 in November. In early 1997, he would feud with Prince Iaukea for the WCW World Television Championship. Mysterio was defeated at SuperBrawl when Lord Steven Regal attacked him. Rey also lost the rematch at Uncensored in March. Following his string of losses, Rey would enter a feud with the nWo. The feud culminated in a match that he knew very well, a Mexican Death Match. Rey lost the match to Konnan at Road Wild in August. Rey's fortunes in WCW would turn around for the better, as he would feud with Eddie Guerrero for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship match. Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a Hair vs. Mask Match at Halloween Havoc for his second Cruiserweight Championship. This match stole the show and is still the stuff of legends. This clearly put every other match that night to shame, as it propelled both stars. WCW Magazine named this the "Match of the Year". As far as that year, I would place this within the Top 10, next to Austin vs. Bret (WM 13), HBK vs. Taker (HIAC 1 at Badd Blood), HBK vs. Sid (RR 1997) just to name a few. However, Rey would lose the title back to Eddie the next month on Nitro, along with the rematch at World War 3. On the January 15th episode of WCW Thunder, Rey Mysterio defeated Juventud Guerrera to win his third WCW Cruiserweight Championship. However, he lost it nine days later to Chris Jericho. After the match, Jericho attacked Rey with a tool box that he found at ringside. The storyline was the perfect way to cover up the fact that Rey needed to have a knee operation that would have him out of action for six months. Mysterio made his return on July 12, 1998 at WCW Bash at the Beach, when he defeated Jericho for his fourth Cruiserweight title. However, the decision was reversed the next night on Nitro as the belt returned to Jericho thanks to Dean Malenko's interference. Later that year, Eddie Guerrero formed his own version of the New World Order (nWo), as he called them the Latino World Order (LWO). The stable included every luchador wrestler in the promotion. Mysterio constantly refused Eddie's offers, as he instead feuded with Guerrero and the LWO. The feud included a victory over LWO member and rival from AAA and ECW, Psicosis at Road Wild. Rey would eventually be forced to join after losing to leader Eddie Guerrero. By this point, the real NWO had become a parody of itself and lost its touch. Mysterio formed an on-and-off partnership with Billy Kidman to feud against the LWO, despite being a member of the group. Mysterio formed his alliance with Kidman, after he helped Billy defeat Juventud Guerrera for the Cruiserweight Championship at World War 3. At Starrcade '98, Mysterio competed in a Triangle Match against Billy Kidman and Juventud Guerrera for Kidman's Cruiserweight Championship. However, Kidman emerged victorious. Kidman defeated Rey again at Souled Out '99 in a Fatal 4-Way that included Psicosis and Juvi. By 1999, Rey's career in WCW started going sour. After the two NWO factions (Black & White and Wolfpac) decided to reform, the LWO was forced to disband. Mysterio refused to change his LWO colors, and was attacked as a result. Eric Bischoff would make one of the many poor decisions of his WCW tenure, when he forced Rey Mysterio to take off his mask. Rey's unmasking took place at SuperBrawl IX, when he and Konnan lost a "Hair vs. Mask" Match to Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Afterwards, Rey called his uncle and publicly expressed his disappointment in the storyline. In Mexico, the mask was a symbol of honor and respect. Rey went on to say how the fans never wanted to see him unmasked, and losing it really hurt him. What hurt the most was that it did not happen in a climax match against another masked wrestler. Instead, it was done in a throwaway fashion. It was the ultimate sign of disrespect by Eric Bischoff to the luchadors overall, because Rey was essentially the symbol of the lucha libres. Rey's dance partners, Juventud and Psicosis never recovered psychologically after losing their masks. Unfortunately, Rey was in a position where he had no options through creative control. He either lost the mask or lost his job. As a fan, I would say that this has to be marked as the low point of his career. However, Bischoff would throw a bone to Mysterio by building him as the "Giant Killer". He would defeat great Big Men from Kevin Nash, to Bam Bam Bigelow to Scott Norton. His time as the Giant Killer would come to an end at Uncensored, when Nash defeated him with the help of Lex Luger. Even though Rey competed with some of the top heavyweights, the writing was on the wall that he reached his ceiling in WCW and would not break it to reach the main event level. Although the cruiserweights like himself, Juventud and others were the backbone of WCW with their work ethic, Eric Bischoff only utilized them as an alternative mid-carders, while pushing the more conventional, traditional style of WCW programming that featured the veterans (most of whom were products of Vince McMahon). Rey fell victim to the vicious politics and egotistical structure that WCW built, that would ultimately lead to its demise. The following night on Nitro, he defeated Billy Kidman for his fifth and final Cruiserweight Championship in WCW. During the last two years, Rey was basically spinning his wheels in an exhausting and toxic cycle of WCW. He and Kidman would win the WCW World Tag Team titles, making him a double champion. He and Kidman would form a stable called "The Filthy Animals" with rival Eddie Guerrero, Konnan, Disco Inferno, Tygress and Torrie Wilson. The plan was for them to be WCW's version of DX, where they were all tweeners. However, the group soon dissolved, as Eddie jump shipped to WWF/E in January of 2000. After WCW closed its doors on March 26, 2001, Rey started wrestling with Kidman on the Independent Circuit. He wrestled in CMLL (another promotion in Mexico). When Rey returned to the states, he wrestled in XWF, IWA-Mid South, and HWA with names like Eddie Guerrero and a young CM Punk. In June 2002, Rey Mysterio signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). During the promos leading to his debut, the "Jr" was dropped as he was simply billed as "Rey Mysterio". Vince McMahon insisted that Rey wear his mask again. However, this angered the lucha libre fans in Mexico, considering that it violated their tradition. Rey did not receive official permission from lucha libre organizations to wear it again, as he did not lose it in a mask vs. mask match. Then again, he had no choice at that time. On July 25, 2002, Rey Mysterio made his WWE Debut on Smackdown when he defeated Chavo Guerrero. Shortly afterwards, Rey would begin a feud with Kurt Angle, that culminated at Summerslam, when Angle made Mysterio submit to the Angle Lock. Rey would later form a Tag Team with Edge, as they would compete in a tournament for the Smackdown! exclusive WWE Tag Team Championships. Unfortunately, Edge and Rey lost in the finals to Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit at No Mercy. Wrestling Observer Newsletter named this "Match of the Year". Mysterio and Edge would later defeat Los Guerreros to become the number 1 contenders on Smackdown (10/24/2002). Two weeks later, they defeat Benoit and Angle in a 2/3 falls match to win their first WWE Tag Team Championships together. However, they would lose the titles to Los Guerreros in a Triple Threat Tag Match that also included Angle and Benoit at Survivor Series. Shortly after losing, Edge and Rey would disband. Rey would put his focus on singles gold. On March 6, 2003, Rey Mysterio defeated Tajiri and Jamie Noble in a Triple Threat Match to become the number 1 contender for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. At WrestleMania XIX, Rey challenged champion Matt Hardy, but lost from Shannon Moore's interference. On the May 22nd episode of Smackdown!, Mysterio defeated Shannon Moore and Crash Holly in a handicap elimination match to regain number 1 contendership status for the Cruiserweight title. Finally, on Smackdown! (5/22/2003), Rey Mysterio defeated Matt Hardy to win his sixth Cruiserweight Championship. This is a title that Mysterio has become synonymous with, as he is widely considered to be the greatest Cruiserweight Champion of all-time. Rey's reign would end on September 25, when he lost the title to Tajiri. On the New Year's Day episode of Smackdown! (1/1/2004), Rey started the year off right by defeating Tajiri to regain the title for the seventh time. After successfully defeating Jamie Noble at The Royal Rumble, Rey lost the title to Chavo Guerrero at No Way Out (2/15/2004). Mysterio participated in a Cruiserweight Open at WrestleMania XX, but Chavo remained Champion. On the June 17th episode of Smackdown!, Rey defeated Chavo Classic (Chavo, Sr.) to win his record-setting eighth Cruiserweight Crown. Rey successfully defended the title against Chavo, Jr. at the Great American Bash. However, Rey's eighth and final run as champion would come to an end, when Spike Dudley turned heel and drilled Mysterio through a table after joining the other Dudleyz. On July 29, Mysterio's run officially ended when Spike defeated him on Smackdown. At Survivor Series, Spike retained the Cruiserweight title in a fatal four-way that involved Rey, Chavo, and Billy Kidman. After his loss, Rey moved on to even bigger storylines. At the end of 2004, Mysterio formed a tag team with Rob Van Dam to win the WWE Tag Team Championships from Kenzo Suzuki and Rene Dupree on Smackdown! (12/9/2004). Rey and RVD successfully defended the titles at Armageddon, before losing them to the Basham Brothers on Smackdown! (1/13/2005), after RVD suffered an injury. Rey found the perfect replacement in Eddie Guerrero, as they teamed up to win the titles back from the Bashams at No Way Out. During this time, Rey introduced a new idea called the "619 Cam" where he would come to the ring and tape the audience with it. In a way to depart from traditional booking, Rey and Eddie did not defend the tag titles at WrestleMania 21. Instead, they had a terrific match with each other, like they did previously in WCW. Mysterio would emerge as the winner. Two months later, at ECW One Night Stand (ECW Reunion), Mysterio went back to his traditional ECW form, and defeated long-time rival Psicosis. Little did anyone know, the tag team run with Eddie and the match at WM 21 would develop into one of Mysterio's greatest storylines of his career. This became the Cruiserweight version of the MegaPowers storyline. The storyline would develop even more when Guerrero betrayed Mysterio by attacking him, and abandoning him durin their match with MNM for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Following a NO DQ match against Chavo, Eddie came out and slammed Rey on the steel stairs, displaying his increasing rage and frustration with not being able to defeat Mysterio. Eddie and Rey's rivalry extended what they did in WCW, and developed even deeper. The angle took a bizarre turn when Eddie claimed that Rey's son Dominic was not really his. Guerrero challenged Mysterio to a ladder match at Summerslam for custody of Dominic. The briefcase even contained custody papers. Mysterio would ultimately win. Unfortunately, their feud would end as Eddie Guerrero was found dead in a hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 13, 2005. The same day at a WWE Supershow where Raw and Smackdown! were both taped, Rey paid tribute to Eddie with an emotional speech as he would also remove his mask (he kept his head down so noone else would see). That same night, Mysterio defeated Shawn Michaels in a special interpromotional match. That night, everyone wore armbands with Eddie's initials. At Survivor Series, Rey joined Team Smackdown with Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, Batista and John Bradshaw Layfield to defeat Team RAW (Shawn Michaels, Kane, Big Show, Carlito and Chris Masters), in a traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Match (Orton was the sole survivor). After Survivor Series, Mysterio defeated Big Show in a "David vs. Goliath" match. Rey formed a brief partnership with Batista to capture the Tag Team titles when they defeated MNM in a tribute to Eddie Guerrero. However, MNM invoked their rematch clause by defeating Rey and Batista with help from Mark Henry. This was officially Rey's tribute tour, as he would participate in a 20-man Battle Royal for the vacated World Heavyweight Championship on Smackdown! (1/10/2006). Mark Henry would eliminate him to win. There were bigger plans in store for Rey, as he would become the number 2 entrant in the 2006 Royal Rumble. Mysterio lasted for a Rumble Record of 62 minutes, as he eliminated Randy Orton to win the Rumble. This automatically led to a rivalry that included World Heavyweight Champ Kurt Angle. Mysterio, RKO and Angle would take part in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 22 for the title. At WM 22, Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton and Kurt Angle to win his first World Heavyweight Championship as his tribute to Eddie culminated. Mysterio broke down doors as he became the smallest wrestler to win a World Title of any kind. However, Rey has come under his share of criticism, because it has been said that he only won the title because of Eddie's death. While much of it may be true, considering the timing, this shows that Rey was seen more valuable in the eyes of Vince McMahon than he ever was in the eyes of Eric Bischoff. Just like Eddie and Jericho, Rey was another standout Cruiserweight who reached greater stardom once he stepped foot in WWE. Rey personified the ultimate "underdog" champion. On the following Smackdown! (April 7, 2006), Mysterio retained his newly crowned WHC as he defeated Orton in his first successful title defense. Three weeks later, Mysterio had another successful title defense against his other WM 22 opponent, Kurt Angle. Rey quickly transitioned to a feud with U.S. Champion JBL. The rivalry kicked off during a celebration, when JBL said that he deserved to win Mysterio WHC. The feud involved Mysterio facing opponents hand picked by JBL in the weeks leading up to Judgment Day. Rey would go on to win this feud, in a match where JBL vowed to leave Smackdown! if he lost. Rey then went on to feud with King Booker and his "court". Mysterio's run as champion would end as King Booker defeated him for the World Heavyweight Title at The Great American Bash. Mysterio would then feud with longtime rival Chavo Guerrero after Guerrero cost him the rematch. This is where Rey's injury problems slowly started to take their toll. Vickie Guerrero turned on Rey by hitting him in the back with a chair. Rey defeated Chavo at No Mercy in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. Chavo would then challenge him to an "I Quit" Match, where he would injure Rey's knee. This was used to write out Mysterio as he needed surgery. (Sounds familiar I know). Rey made his return to Summeslam when he defeated Chavo. In September, Rey delivered the same punishment that Chavo gave him when he injured his knee. After a brief feud with the likes of Finlay and The Great Khali, Rey won a Beat The Clock Challenge to become the number 1 contender for Edge's WHC at The Royal Rumble. Edge won the match to retain the belt. Mysterio faced Edge in a rematch at No Way Out, while battling with an injury. Edge went on to retain the gold. On June 23, 2008, Rey made his return to RAW. Upon his arrival, Rey was in a subsequent feud with Kane, before enterting the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out for the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge went on to win the title. Rey would return to a feud with JBL, as he accepted the challenge for the Intercontinental Championship. At WrestleMania XXV, Mysterio defeated JBL to become the new Intercontinental Champion. This win made Rey Mysterio the 21st Triple-Crown Champion in WWE History. Rey continued to add to his tremendous legacy. Not long after, he was drafted back to Smackdown!. Upon his return, Rey started a compelling and extended feud with a familiar face from the WCW Cruiserweight Division, Chris Jericho. Even though they battled for the Cruiserweight Crown, Rey and Y2J never had a detailed storyline. This was one of the best for both legends. Jericho claimed that Mysterio was hiding secrets behind his mask. The feud started after one of Rey's matches, when Jericho disguised himself as a fan to attack him. In the process, the IC Title became a Smackdown! exclusive belt for the first time since 2002. Rey successfully defended his title at Judgment Day. However, at Extreme Rules, Jericho was able to unmask Rey as Mysterio was performing the 619. Y2J rolled him up for the pin to win the IC Title. Just like his feud with Eddie, Rey's mask was involved. The rivalry would conclude with a Title vs. Mask match at The Bash (similar to Halloween Havoc with Eddie), where Rey was victorious and regained the title. After a feud with Dolph Ziggler, Rey would be suspended for 30 Days after failing the company's Wellness Policy. In September, Rey would lose the title to John Morrison. Rey's next high-profile feud was with CM Punk. The stipulation was that if Rey lost at WM XXVI, he would be forced to join the Straight Edge Society. Mysterio defeated Punk at WM 26, before losing at Extreme Rules. The feud would end at Over The Limit, where CM Punk was forced to have his head shaved. Rey would continue to battle for the WHC against the likes of Undertaker, and up and coming Alberto Del Rio and Edge to name a few during the rest of 2010 going into 2011. Rey even had a short time (no pun intended) as the WWE Champion, before a deeper decline from ongoing injuries. Overall, Rey Mysterio was a man that broke many barriers and is without question to be the greatest cruiserweight (small wrestler) of all-time. As time goes on, Rey will eventually take his deserving place in the Hall of Fame. Rey Mysterio is legendary and truly remarkable.

Championships and accomplishments:

• Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
  • Mexican National Trios Championship (1 time) – with Octagón and Super Muñeco
  • Mexican National Welterweight Championship (1 time)
  • AAA Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)
• Hollywood Heavyweight Wrestling
  • HHW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• International Wrestling All-Stars
  • IWAS Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Konnan
• International Wrestling Council
  • IWC World Middleweight Championship (2 times)
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #4 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1999
  • PWI ranked him #56 in the PWI Years in 2003
• Tijuana, Mexico
  • Tijuana Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
• World Championship Wrestling
  • WCW Cruiserweight Championship (5 times)
  • WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Billy Kidman
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Billy Kidman (1), Konnan (1), and Juventud Guerrera (1)
  • WCW Magazine Match of the Year (1997) vs. Eddie Guerrero, for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship, WCW Halloween Havoc, October 26
• World Wrestling Association
  • WWA Lightweight Championship (3 times)
  • WWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Rey Misterio
  • WWA Welterweight Championship (3 times)
• World Wrestling Council
  • WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
  • World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Cruiserweight Championship (3 times)
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Edge (1), Rob Van Dam (1), Eddie Guerrero (1), and Batista (1)
  • Royal Rumble (2006)
  • Twenty First Triple Crown Champion
  • 2010 Bragging Rights Trophy – with Team SmackDown (Big Show, Edge, Alberto Del Rio, Kofi Kingston, Tyler Reks, and Jack Swagger)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • 5 Star Match (1996) vs Juventud Guerrera in a 2 Out Of 3 Falls match at ECW Big Ass Extreme Bash - Night 2
  • Best Flying Wrestler (1995–1997, 2002–2004)
  • Best Wrestling Maneuver (1995) West Coast Pop
  • Match of the Year (2002) with Edge vs. Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle, for the WWE Tag Team Championship, WWE No Mercy, October 20
  • Most Outstanding Wrestler (1996)
  • Rookie of the Year (1992)
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2010)

In wrestling

• Finishing moves
  • 619 (Tiger feint kick to the head of an opponent draped over the second rope) followed by
    • Diving splash, sometimes while springboarding – WWE
    • Droppin' Da Dime (Springboard leg drop, sometimes to the back of the opponent's head) – ECW / WCW / WWE
    • Frankensteiner – WCW; used rarely as a finishing move in WWE
    • Frog splash – WWE; adopted from Eddie Guerrero
    • Springboard headbutt – ECW / WCW; sometimes used in WWE
    • Springboard seated senton – ECW / WCW; used as a signature move in WWE
    • West Coast Pop (Springboard hurricanrana) – ECW / WCW / WWE

Signature moves

• Armbar, often transitioned into a hammerlock
• Arm wrench inside cradle
• Baseball slide, sometimes transitioned into a headscissors takedown
• Bronco buster
• Bulldog, often used as a counter
• Diving hurricanrana, sometimes off the ring apron
• Dropkick, sometimes while springboarding or from the top rope
• Mysterio Express (Leg trap sunset flip powerbomb)
• Somersault seated senton to the outside of the ring, sometimes transitioned into a hurricanrana
• Split-legged moonsault
• Springboard moonsault
• Thesz press
• Tilt-a-whirl
• Wheelbarrow bodyscissors transitioned into either an arm drag or a bulldog

29. Mr. Perfect/Curt Hennig- One of the greatest second generation wrestlers of all-time. A constant ring general. The symbol of "Perfection" (no pun intended). He was well ahead of his time. The man was gifted with the package that promoters look for: the image, charisma, in-ring talent. Viewed by many as the greatest to never win the world title that everyone desires: Vince McMahon's WWF/E Title. Curt Hennig was incredible and a very versatile athlete. As the son of Larry "The Ax" Hennig, there were high expectations from the start. However, he exceeded them all. As a native of Minnesota, Hennig would naturally get his start with the Minneapolis-based promotion, American Wrestling Association (AWA) on January 30, 1980. This is the same promotion that made his father a star. However, after 2 years, Hennig would leave the AWA in 1982 for his first stint in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In his early years, he established himself as a promising young talent on the rise against the likes of "Playboy" Buddy Rose. He would soon be paired-up in a tag team with fellow second generation wrestler Eddie Gilbert (son of Tommy Gilbert). Hennig would soon return to the AWA in 1984. He would soon become one of the promotion's top stars, by winning the AWA Tag Team Championships with a young Scott Hall, by defeating "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin and "Mr. Electricity" Steve Regal (not to be mixed up with William Regal) on January 18, 1986 in Albequerque, New Mexico. Hennig would later resume his solo career in the AWA, by defeating AWA legend Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship at SuperClash on May 2, 1987. Hennig won the title with the help of Larry Zbysko. This was the first crowning achievement of Hennig's career, as he would hold the title for 53 weeks (A full year). In the process, he would become a villain. During this time, Hennig and his father Larry would engage in a feud with Greg Gagne, and his legendary father Verne Gagne. He would also become associated with AWA World Women's Champion Madusa Miceli since December 27, 1987. During this time, Hennig and Madusa would join a stable called "The Diamond Exchange" along with Diamond Dallas Page (who was a manager at the time). The stable would also include Badd Company and Colonel DeBeers. On May 3, 1988, Curt Hennig's illustrious AWA Championship reign would come to an end at the hands of Jerry "The King" Lawler. Like many other AWA stars during that time (such as Hulk Hogan, Rick Martel, and others), Hennig would leave the AWA for the WWF with the promise of more opportunities and financial success. In the fall of 1988, Curt Hennig made his return to the WWF. This time, he was repackaged as "Mr. Perfect", an arrogant, braggadocios villain that believed everything he did was simply perfect. This would take his career to the highest heights. Leading to his debut, Perfect would shoot several promos to show how he was athletically superior to everyone else. The vignettes would show him bowling a score of 300, running the table in billiards, sinking a long golf putt, and making bulls eyes in darts. Other promos would later include him making, half-court, three-point, and no look shots in basketball, along with hitting home runs, throwing and catching his own Hail Mary passes. Hennig would go undefeated for a year, with victories over mid-card wrestlers including, The Blue Blazer, The Red Rooster, and Jimmy Snuka. During 1989, Vince McMahon would phase out the use of Hennig's real name, with the exception of using his real name when talking about family history. Perfect would also face Bret "The Hitman" Hart in a series of house show matches, many resulting in a draw. Later that year, Perfect would add a manager named "The Genius" (formerly Leaping Lanny Poffo, aka Randy Savage's younger brother). In the fall of 1989, Mr. Perfect would feud with Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship. On the November 6th edition of Prime Time Wrestling, Mr. Perfect would defeat Bret Hart for the first time in a nationally televised match. The rivalry between Perfect and Bret would span the time of Hennig's WWF and WCW Careers. Perfect's win over The Hitman would build his momentum for Hogan. The feud would escalate, as Perfect would defeat Hogan by countout. After the match, Mr. Perfect and The Genius would steal Hogan's belt and destroy it backstage. Even though Hogan pinned Mr. Perfect at several house shows, they were not taped as no reference was made to them. Therefore, Mr. Perfect remained "perfect" on television. Mr. Perfect and Hulk Hogan were the last two men left in the 1990 Royal Rumble. Hogan would be victorious. Perfect's first one-on-one loss on television came against Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake at WrestleMania VI in the Toronto Skydome, although he was pinned a week earlier by Ultimate Warrior at a show taped in Madison Square Garden (The match was shown after WrestleMania). Mr. Perfect and The Genius would soon part ways, leaving the door open for Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as the new Manager. With Heenan in his corner, Perfect would win the vacant Intercontinental Championship in the final round of a tournament in April 1990 when he defeated former two-time champion Tito Santana. (The IC Title was declared vacated after Ultimate Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania VI) Perfect would hold the title until Summerslam when he lost to "Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich. However, Perfect would regain the IC Title from Von Erich on November 19, 1990 with interference from "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. This win would launch not only the greatest IC Title reign of Perfect's career, but one of the best title reigns in the history of that championship. Hennig would hold the title for 280 days, along with his previous reign that lasted 126 days. Overall, Mr. Perfect was champion for 406 days (tied for 8th all-time with Shawn Michaels). The title win aired on Superstars of Wrestling (12/15/1990). Perfect faced the Big Boss Man at WrestleMania VII, where he loss by DQ after Bossman was attacked by Heenan family members Haku and The Barbarian. As a result, Mr. Perfect retained the title. In April 1991, Mr. Perfect was the winner of a 20-man Battle Royal on Saturday Night's Main Event. The next month, Bobby Heenan announced that he would retire from managing. This led to "Coach" John Tolos becoming Perfect's new manager. Mr. Perfect's Intercontinental Title reign would end at Summerslam 1991 when he lost to rival Bret Hart with the Sharpshooter. Perfect would go on to retire because of a broken tailbone and bulged discs. After losing the IC Championship, Perfect would move to the announce table as a color commentator like his peers "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Rowdy Roddy Piper. Perfect would be sidelined for a year plus, and used this time to recover from his injuries. Perfect would work as a color commentator from Survivor Series 1991 until Superstars before Survivor Series 1992 as a heel play by play foil to Vince McMahon. During his recuperation, Perfect would also serve as Ric Flair's "executive consultant" during Flair's two WWF Championship reigns. Mr. Perfect would make his return to the ring as a face after he had a falling out with Ric Flair and his manager ("financial advisor") Bobby Heenan on the last episode of Prime Time Wrestling before Survivor Series 1992. The Ultimate Warrior was the original tag partner for "Macho Man" Randy Savage against Flair and Razor Ramon. Unfortunately, Warrior was released weeks prior the event as a result of the steroid scandal. Mr. Perfect would be Warrior's replacement. This would lead to a feud between Perfect and Flair. Perfect would win the feud as the Nature Boy was on his way out of the door and back to WCW. On February 25, 1993, Mr. Perfect defeated Ric Flair in a "Loser Leaves WWF" Match. Once the dust settled with Naitch, Mr. Perfect would engage in a feud with newly arriving Lex Luger. Luger defeated him at WrestleMania IX, even though Perfect's feet were under the ropes during the three count. After the match, Perfect was attacked by Shawn Michaels. In between his upcoming feud and storyline with the rising Heartbreak Kid, Mr. Perfect would face his familiar foe Bret Hart in the 1993 King of the Ring Tournament. Bret would go on to win later that night. Perfect would feud with HBK over the Intercontinental Championship at Summerslam. Michaels won by Countout. Ironically, Mr. Perfect was the one who gave Shawn the nickname "The Heartbreak Kid". Perfect knew that Shawn, along with Bret and Taker would dominate the landscape of the business. By this point, Hennig's role would slowly but surely be minimized. At WrestleMania X, Mr. Perfect served as the special guest referee for the Lex Luger vs. Yokozuna match for the WWF Championship. Hennig would spend the rest of his time between color commentary and later being the mentor for Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Triple H) before making his exit at the end of 1996 for WCW. Upon his arrival, Hennig would drop the name Mr. Perfect as Vince McMahon would ultimately hold the rights to it. Hennig would align himself with the Four Horsemen in the wake of Arn Anderson's retirement. However, Hennig would swerve the Horsemen at World War 3, when he smashed Flair's head with the cage door. Curt Hennig officially aligned himself with the NWO. In WCW, Hennig enjoyed fairly moderate success as he won the WCW United States Championship before losing it to Diamond Dallas Page. Curt would also meet a familiar foe in Bret Hart for their match at Uncensored 1998. However, like many of his peers from Hogan, Savage and Bret, his best years were left in Titan Towers. Hennig would form a team called "The West Texas Rednecks" with Barry Windham and Bobby Duncum, Jr. where they hated rap. Windham and Hennig won the WCW World Tag Team Titles. Curt would keep a low profile as WCW went out of business in 2001. However, Curt made his surprise return to the WWF/E as a surprise entrant in the 2002 Royal Rumble. During his return, he referred to himself once again as Mr. Perfect. Perfect would join the mix to battle the rising stars of that time from Edge to Kurt Angle to name a few. Unfortunately, Perfect's return was short lived. On May 5, 2002, Hennig was released from WWE after a physical altercation with Brock Lesnar. The confrontation also included drunkenness, as it is famously referred to as "The Plane Ride from Hell". Following his release, Hennig joined the newly established Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). During his time there, he was involved in a feud with Jeff Jarrett. Hennig made his debut in a 6-man tag match as a mystery partner for Syxx-Pac (X-Pac), and B.G. James (Road Dogg) versus Ron Killings (R-Truth), Jeff Jarrett, and Brian Lawler. On February 10, 2003, Curt Hennig was found dead in a Florida hotel room. He was only 44 years old. The cause of death was from a heart attack following cocaine induced heart attack following intoxication. His father Larry also states that steroids and painkillers lead to his death as well. Hennig's widow, Leonice signed a WWE Legends Contract on her late husband's behalf. Hennig's friend, former MLB Star Wade Boggs, inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 31, 2007. Curt's family accepted the honor on his behalf. Mr. Perfect's charisma, image and ring prowess are widely respected and admired by his peers from Hogan, Bret, Flair and others. On September 9, 2008 WWE released a DVD (The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect) to honor his career and legacy. Hennig's son Joe (Curtis Axel) uses his father and grandfather's names respectively. At WWE Payback, Curtis Axel won the Intercontinental Championship in honor of his Father for Father's Day. Hennig and Axel are the only father-son duo to ever win that championship. Curt Hennig was simply the Perfect legend.



Accomplishments:

American Wrestling Association

• AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time)  – with Scott Hall

• Future of Wrestling
  • FOW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling
  • i-Generation World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

• Main Event Championship Wrestling
  • MECW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Pacific Northwest Wrestling
  • NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Larry Hennig (1), Buddy Rose (1) and Pat McGhee (1)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1987)
  • PWI ranked him #9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1993^[58]
  • PWI ranked him #55 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003^[59]
  • PWI ranked him #98 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Scott Hall in 2003
• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
  
  • Class of 2015

• World Championship Wrestling
  • WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][61]
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) ^[62] – with Barry Windham^[1]

• World Wrestling Council
  • WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Improved (1983)

In wrestling:

• Finishing moves
  • Perfect-Plex (WWF) / Hennig-Plex (WCW) (Bridging cradle suplex)
• Signature moves
  • Atomic drop, sometimes inverted
  • Backhand chop
  • Bridging belly to back suplex
  • Dropkick, sometimes from the top rope
  • Figure four leglock
  • Forearm smash
  • Hip toss
  • Indian deathlock
  • Kneebar followed by a knee breaker (leaps up and drives the knee of his inside leg into the back of his opponent's knee)
  • Knee drop
  • Seated senton to force an opponent to the mat or to an opponent's leg draped over the first rope
  • Sleeper hold
  • Snapmare, often followed by a rolling neck snap
  • Spear
  • Spinning toe hold
  • Standing headscissors into a swinging knee strike
  • Swinging knee lift

30. Chris Benoit * - This man is indeed a controversial figure. One side was a wrestling genius whose technical prowess, matches and career are admired and respected by many (both peers and fans alike). On the other hand, he is a pariah among much of the wrestling and mainstream community for the heinous act that he committed in June of 2007. For many, it is hard to separate the career from the personal life. However, this is a time to tow the line and rightly divide the career of Chris Benoit into perspective. Benoit was a product of the legendary Stu Hart Dungeon of Wrestling. As a teenager, Chris closely studied the styles of stars such as Dynamite Kid and Bret Hart to name a few. Benoit jumped into the pros in 1985 after watching pirated tapes of his hero Dynamite wrestling Tiger Mask. Even from the beginning, Benoit drew strong similarities to Tom Billington (Dynamite), because of his flying headbutts, and snap suplexes. These were his ways to pay homage. Benoit won his first title in 1986 when he won the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship. When Stampede closed its doors for good in 1989, Benoit went to New Japan Pro-Wrestling after being recommended by Bad News Allen. That year, he started wearing a mask and used the name "Pegasus Kid". While in NJPW, Benoit came into his own among the likes of Jushin Liger, Shinjiro Otani, Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero), and El Samurai in the Junior Heavyweight Division. In August 1990, Chris Benoit won his first truly major championship when he defeated Jushin "Thunder" Liger for the NJPW Junior Heavyweight Championship. Benoit lost the title back to Liger in November 1990, which forced him to reinvent himself as Wild Pegasus. Benoit spent the next few years in Japan, winning the Best of the Super Juniors tournament twice (1993 and 1995). In between his time in NJPW, Benoit spent time in WCW initially making his debut in 1992. Benoit teamed up with fellow Canadian Biff Wellington (not Biff from Back to the Future) for the NWA World Tag Team Championship Tournament where they lost to Brian Pillman and Jushin Liger in the first round at Clash of the Champions XIX. Benoit did not return until January 1993 when he defeated Brad Armstrong at Clash of the Champions XXII. In February, he lost to 2 Cold Scorpio at SuperBrawl III by pinfall. At the same time, Benoit teamed with Bobby Eaton. After he and Eaton lost to Scorpio and Marcus (Buff) Bagwell at Slamboree, Chris Benoit was back in New Japan. Benoit won the Super J Cup Tournament in 1994 as he defeated Black Tiger, Gedo, and Great Sasuke in the finals. In between his NJPW tours, Chris Benoit joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1994. Benoit made his presence known as he "Crippler" after putting Public Enemy's Rocco Rock out of action. Benoit would be booked as one who would wrestle in a cold, calculating way. Chris Benoit's status as the "Crippler" was officially solidified at November 2 Remember, when he accidentally broke Sabu's neck in the beginning of the match. The injury came when Benoit threw Sabu intending that he take a face-first "pancake" bump. Unfortunately, Sabu took a backdrop bump instead which caused him to incorrectly land on his neck. During his time in ECW, Benoit won the ECW Tag Team Championship with Dean Malenko by defeating Sabu and Taz in February 1995 (Benoit's first American Title). After winning, they were initiated into ECW World Champion Shane Douglas' Triple Threat Stable (ECW's version of the Four Horsemen). Malenko was also the ECW TV Champion. However, Benoit and Malenko would lose to Public Enemy at ECW's Three Way Dance in April. Benoit soon left ECW after his work visa expired. Heyman did not renew it in time. Benoit would soon tour Japan until WCW called him. Chris Benoit joined WCW under the "talent exchange" program in 1995 under the Cruiserweight Division. During this time, he went back to Japan to compete in the Super J Cup: Secondstage Tournament where he would meet longtime rival "Lionheart" Chris Jericho in the quarterfinals. Benoit would win, before losing to Gedo in the semifinals. After the tournament ended, Benoit was recruited by Ric Flair to join the newly reformed Four Horsemen in late 1995. Benoit was introduced by Flair, Arn Anderson and Brian Pillman as a no-nonsense heel similar to his "Crippler" persona from ECW. WCW modified his nickname as "The Canadian Crippler". The Horsemen briefly teamed with "The Dungeon of Doom" to torment Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. However, the alliance would end when Dungeon leader Sullivan started his feud with Brian Pillman. After Pillman abruptly left for the WWF, Benoit filled his spot. This feud was one of the most intense feuds in both WCW and Wrestling history as it propelled Benoit's career to another level. Benoit would emerge victorious in the feud in a "Retirement Match" at Bash at the Beach in 1996. In 1998, Benoit battled in a long feud with Booker T over the WCW World Television Championship until Booker lost the title to Fit Finlay. Benoit and Booker soon wrestled in a legendary "Best of Seven Series" to determine the number one contender. Benoit was up 3-1 before Booker would catch up to force a 7th match. After interference by Bret Hart, the series was extended to an 8th an final match at the Great American Bash. Booker would go on to win before defeating Finlay for the TV Title. This feud elevated the careers of both Benoit and Booker to significant levels. Benoit would go on to become a 3-time WCW TV Champion. In 1999, Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko would leave the Horsemen after a falling out with Arn Anderson and Steve McMichael. Benoit would become WCW United States Champion before forming his own faction called "The Revolution" with former ECW stars Dean Malenko, Shane Douglas and Perry Saturn. The stable was formed out of frustration of being slighted (both kayfabe and reality) by WCW backstage politics from older wrestlers holding them back and monopolizing the top spots. However, after friction came from Shane Douglas questioning Benoit's heart, Chris soon turned face and quit the group. Benoit would go on to wrestle Bret Hart in a tribute match on Nitro for Owen Hart. Bret won with the Sharpshooter. After being burnt out by WCW management, Benoit gave one last attempt at the Main Event as he defeated Sid Vicious for the vacated WCW World Championship. Benoit soon left WCW along with Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn the next day after a disagreement with Kevin Sullivan. Benoit forfeited the title in the process. In late January 2000, Benoit, Guerrero, Malenko and Saturn made their first WWF appearance on RAW as the Radicalz as they attacked DX after coming through the crowd. However, after a series of losses, the Radicalz joined Triple H as a heel faction. Benoit soon won his first title in WWF as he won the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania with Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle (Angles IC and European Titles were on the line). During this time, Benoit also challenged The Rock for the WWF Championship at Fully Loaded in July and a Fatal 4 Way at Unforgiven in September. In both matches, Benoit looked to be victorious, only for Mick Foley to reverse the decisions. In between this time, Benoit kicked his rivalry with Chris Jericho into high gear for the Intercontinental Title with matches at Backlash, Judgment Day and Summerslam. Benoit won all three matches. However, their feud culminated in a legendary Ladder Match at the 2001 Royal Rumble as Jericho defeated Benoit for the Intercontinental Championship. After leaving the Radicalz, Benoit started a brief feud with Kurt Angle after stealing Kurt's medals. They had their first match at WrestleMania X-7. Angle would win the feud in a 2-out of-3 falls match at Judgment Day thanks to Edge and Christian. Benoit would later team with rival Chris Jericho to defeat E&C in a tag-team turmoil match. The next night on Raw, Benoit and Jericho defeated the Two-Man Power Trip of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H for the WWF Tag Team Championships in what is considered one of the greatest matches in RAW History. This win helped Jericho become the fourth Grand Slam Champion as Y2J added the WWF Undisputed Title to his resume. Benoit and Y2J used the win as a catapult to challenge Austin for the WWF Title in a Triple Threat Match at the 2001 King of the Ring. However, Benoit suffered a severe neck injury in a four-way TLC Match that needed surgery from Dr. Jack Youngblood. Chris continued to wrestle until KOTR where he was pinned by Austin. The injury caused Benoit to miss the next year from injury, which in turn caused him to miss the Invasion storyline. During the first WWE Draft in 2002, Chris Benoit was the 3rd Overall pick by Vince McMahon for the Smackdown Roster while on the IR (Injured Reserved list). However, he returned to action as a solo member of RAW. He turned heel and aligned with Eddie Guerrero as they briefly feuded with Stone Cold before Austin walked out. They both moved to Smackdown during an "open season" storyline where Benoit took his newly won IC Title with him. RVD defeated Benoit at Summerslam for the IC title to bring it back to RAW. During his time on SD!, Benoit enjoyed success as a Tag Team Champion with Kurt Angle, while also earning a shot at Angle's WWE Championship at the 2003 Royal Rumble. In June 2003 when the US Championship was reactivated, Benoit wrestled in a tournament for the belt. However, he lost to Eddie Guerrero in the finals at Vengeance. On January 25, 2004, Chris Benoit won the Royal Rumble to earn a world title shot at WrestleMania XX. Benoit chose to contend for the World Heavyweight Championship, where he was inserted into the feud between Champion Triple H and Shawn Michaels. This was the first time this loophole became standard storyline practice, where the Rumble winner could choose what title to compete for until the titles were unified at TLC 2013. Chris Benoit won the WHC by forcing Triple H to submit to the Crippler Crossface at WrestleMania XX (March 14, 2004) at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. After the match, Benoit celebrated with his friend, then-WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero. This was the ultimate moment of the night. The match received critical acclaim as it won the PWI "Match of the Year" Award. Benoit won the rematch at Backlash by making HBK submit to the Sharpshooter. After a brief feud with Kane, Chris Benoit would lose the WHC to Randy Orton at Summerslam 2004. Benoit would soon win the Tag Titles with Edge before tension boiled for a feud. The Benoit-Edge feud ended at New Year's Revolution 2005. They would meet again at the first ever MITB at WrestleMania 21 as Edge won. Their last match was a Last Man Standing Match at Backlash, with Edge winning. Benoit soon returned to SD! where he would dominate the US Title picture feuding with Booker T, Finlay and others. After taking a sabbatical in 2006, Benoit made a surprise return defeating William Regal at No Mercy. He went on to defeat Mr. Kennedy for his fifth and final US Championship. After dropping the belt to MVP, Benoit would eventually land in ECW in 2007. Then, this is where things took a downward spiral. On the night of Vengeance, Chris Benoit was scheduled to defeat CM Punk for the ECW Championship before a "family emergency" was reported as Johnny Nitro took his place. On June 25, 2007 police entered Benoit's home based on several concerns. The officers found the bodies of Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel. That night on RAW, WWE played a video tribute for Benoit. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that Benoit committed a double-murder suicide. Benoit's career has been erased by WWE as a result, while the crime created an unerasable stain on his legacy among the wrestling community. Former WWE wrestler and concussion expert Christopher Nowinski contacted Benoit's father, telling him that years of trauma may have led to his actions. The neurosurgeons of West Virginia University discovered that Benoit's brain was severely damaged to becoming the state of an 85-year old with dementia. While it is very unlikely to impossible that Chris Benoit will enter the Hall of Fame, his body of work within the confines of the wrestling world is still very hard to ignore. 

Accomplishments:

Cauliflower Alley Club

• Future Legend Award (2002)

Catch Wrestling Association

• CWA World Tag Team Champion (1 time – with Dave Taylor)

• Extreme Championship Wrestling
  • ECW World Tag Team Champion (1 time – with Dean Malenko)
• New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Super J Cup (1994)
  • Top/Best of the Super Juniors (1993, 1995)
  • Super Grade Junior Heavyweight Tag League (1994) - with Shinjiro Otani
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Triple H
  • PWI Match of the Year (2004) vs. Shawn Michaels and Triple H at WrestleMania XX
  • PWI Wrestler of the Year (2004)
  • PWI ranked him #1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2004
  • PWI ranked him #69 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
• Stampede Wrestling
  • Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Champion (4 times)
  • 4-time Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship (with Ben Bassarab-1, Keith Hart -1, Lance Idol -1, and Biff Wellington-1)
  • Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame
• Universal Wrestling Association
  • WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• World Championship Wrestling
  • 2-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion
  • 1-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion
  • 2-time WCW World Tag Team Champion (1-with Dean Malenko, and 1 with Perry Saturn)
  • 3-time WCW World Television Champion
  • Seventh WCW Triple Crown Champion
• World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
  • 1-time World Heavyweight Champion
  • 1-time WWE Tag Team Champion (with Kurt Angle)
  • 3-time WWE United States Champion
  • 4-time WWF/E Intercontinental Champion
  • 3-time WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (1 with Chris Jericho and 2 with Edge)
  • Royal Rumble (2004)
  • Twelfth Triple Crown Champion
  • WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament (2002) - with Kurt Angle

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • 5-Star Match (1994) vs. Great Sasuke at Super J Cup
  • Best Brawler (2004)
  • Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Triple H and Shawn Michaels
  • Best Technical Wrestler (1994, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2004)
  • Most Underrated (1998)
  • Most Outstanding Wrestler (2000, 2004)
  • Match of the Year (2002) with Kurt Angle vs. Edge and Rey Mysterio
  • Readers' Favorite Wrestler (1997, 2000)
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2003)

Finishing moves

• Bridging dragon suplex – 1992–1998; used as a regular move from 1998–2007
• Crippler Crossface (Arm trap crossface)
• Diving headbutt – adopted from Dynamite Kid
• Kneeling reverse piledriver, sometimes from the second rope – 1989–1994; used as a regular move thereafter
• Sharpshooter – 1998–2007
• Wild Bomb (High speed release powerbomb), sometimes from the top rope – 1994–2002; rarely used as a regular move thereafter

Signature moves

• Back body drop
• Backhand chop
• Dragon screw
• Forearm smash
• Headbutt
• Lariat
• Multiple suplex variations
  • Belly to back
  • Bridging Northern Lights
  • Bridging / Release / Rolling German
  • Slingshot
  • Snap
  • Super
  • Three Amigos (Triple rolling verticals) – used as a tribute to Eddie Guerrero
• Pendulum backbreaker
• Shoulderbreaker – 2001–2003
• Springboard clothesline to opponent on ring apron – 1994–1998
• Suicide dive

With Chris Jericho

• Double submission (Walls of Jericho with Crippler Crossface) - 2001

Paintings Courtesy of: Rob Schamberger (Twitter: @RobSchamberger)