50 Greatest Wrestlers Overview

When WWE released their DVD of the 50 Greatest Superstars, I was very upset about the order of the list. I felt that it was an abomination from 1 to 50. The most infuriating part about the list was that Hulk Hogan was ranked #23. Hogan at 23? More like 2 or 3. Even Todd Grisham warned viewers that his selection was very controversial before he announced it. Hogan has to be the most pivotal and influential star that this business has ever seen. Yet, for all of his contributions, the only place he was good for was 23? On many lists, Hogan is even ranked #1. What made it even worse was the fact that names like Roddy Piper, Rey Mysterio, Andre The Giant and Jerry Lawler to name a few were ranked higher than The Hulkster. WrestleMania was the house that this man built. That was out of politics. Shawn Michaels being ranked #1 and Undertaker #2 were done out of marketing, because of the last two WrestleMania matches that they had. Plus, Shawn retired and was going to be announced for the Hall of Fame. Even Stone Cold said on Twitter that he disagreed with 85% of the list. At least it is good to know that someone within the WWE Circle highly disagreed along with me. I refuse to watch that trash again.

Now, that production angered me enough to create my own Top 50. Doing a list about anything is never easy. You cannot please everybody because fans each have their own unique set of criteria. I believe it is about doing the best you can with research, then forming your own opinion based on facts as well as with what you have seen for yourself. I have formed my own criteria, and it consists of the following points:

• Accomplishments
• Drawing Power
• Longevity
• Ring Work
• Charisma
• Match Quality
• Marketability
• Importance to the Promotion
• Impact on the Business

I understand that Wrestling is the most subjective sport, but there also has to be a level of objectivity involved as well. The reason why you need a form of objectivity is because you have to maintain a certain order. If you don't have it, then someone like Ted DiBiase might be ranked #1 or in the Top 10 somewhere. Ted was an all-time great, but he was never the top draw. Another blow for his legacy would be not winning the World Title in the top promotion in the world. To make this list, you have to have a healthy combination of these points. After two years of exhausting study, I now bring to you the finished product. Please enjoy.