Fugitt recently tied Nixa's career wins record in the district finals. Likewise, it was complemented by his finisher Mandible Claw who was undoubtedly trivial to his eight-time tag team championship. Using his trademark low single and his ferocious turns on top, John Smith reimagined what is possible in wrestling. He intensified his methods of making rings vibrate to the tunes of Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. The dark and scary, Undertaker is said to be connected with the underworld. Also, Undertakers Tombstone Piledriver was one of his finishing moves that few in the WWE ever survived. Top Wrestlers all time. His fifth-place finish included a 5-1 win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the consolation round. Jack Van Bebber 71 . Thats on top of a gold medal at the 1986 Goodwill Games, seven World Cup gold medals, four World Cup silver medals, three Pan American Games gold medals, and three Pan American Championships. The inaugural episode was released on November 4 and ended with the announcement of the greatest wrestler of all time on January 10, 2022. Two years ago, Cortez was named most outstanding wrestler at the U15 Pan American Championships. Two things Im curious about. When Gable entered the line-up as a sophomore, he did not disappoint. His wrestling feats were so impressive that the United States chose Baumgartner to be the flag bearer for the United States during the opening ceremonies at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. So, it would make sense if his legacy was mistaken for more than what it was. Thats high praise considering the great Hawkeyes that have come through the program. Fans may disagree that he is WWEs greatest wrestler. "The Real American," Jack Swagger still looks like an amateur wrestler today while performing in a WWE ring where he incorporates amateur style moves. "I think it's clear by the way we've been playing lately that our team is together and committed to each other. We analyzed input from droves of reporters and historians. We scoured archives. Best Sophomores and Freshmen. If there was ever a doubt that Bruce Baumgartner is the greatest heavyweight in American history, just take a look at the numbers. His Rock Bottom and Peoples Elbow moves have left opponents in tears. Share. He didnt place at the 2000 NCAA tournament but earned a spot in the 184-pound finals as a senior in 2001 against Iowa States Cael Sanderson a wrestler who went 159-0 for his college career. And thats not all. If you want to learn about the history of the 70 kg weight class in the United States then there is only one name you will need to remember: James Green. . MI Grappler Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time - FULL LIST. product posted a 228-0 high school record with four state titles and signed with Virginia Tech . His remarkable Atomic Leg Drop made fans scream. The Cornell star won four NCAA championships in four different weight classes: 1st at 141 pounds in 2010, 1st at 149 pounds in 2011, 1st at 157 pounds in 2012, and 1st at 165 pounds in 2013. John lockhart! The famous wrestler won the WWE Championsip four times, the WWE Heavyweight champion three times, and the World Tag Team Championship six times. in all major ranking websites. Gable won a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics by going 6-0 without surrendering a single point. He made four World teams (1999, 2001-03) and the 2004 Olympic team between the weight classes of 58 kg and 60 kg. FWIW, Animal would likely rate in the first 10-15 spots outside the top 100. Smith beat reigning Olympic champion Randy Lewis at the Olympic Trials just to earn a spot on the team. On one hand, he was in DX and the NWO. High School Wrestling. Who is the best of the best at 132 pounds? His overall college record was 117-13. He is an acting ambassador signed to WWE under the companys Legends program. Today, the two most common forms of competitive wrestling are the Greco-Roman style and modern freestyle wrestling. The San Jose, California, native posted jaw-dropping numbers in high school, including three state titles and an overall prep record of 226-4. Metcalf redshirted as a freshman then followed Brands to Iowa when he took the job. Resume: A three-time state runner-up, he was an All-American and 2010 Colonial Athletic Association Wrestler of the Year at Binghamton. X-Pac is an interesting case. It was even considered the main event during the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. John followed his older brother, Lee Roy -- a three-time All-American and 1980 NCAA champion to Oklahoma State University. He did a great job filling the foreign heel role in the 80s with Nikolai Volkoff but hes probably most known for being the wrestler that Hulk Hogan beat to win his first WWF Heavyweight Championship. 11. There is a separate womens list. Finally, in 2003, Sanderson got his chance. Overall, Dake has won an NCAA title or a World title in weight classes ranging from 141 pounds all the way up to 174 pounds. The documentary chronicles his rise to fame, as well as . He was outstanding all season as the Golden Hawks' 106-pounder until . Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 1. Gable pinned his way through the Big Eight Championships and the 1970 NCAA tournament until he ran into the sophomore buzz saw Larry Owings of Washington in the finals. Therefore it solidifies his position as one of the top ten wrestlers. His college options were limited. Cena is just fantastic! Wherever he goes, Heartbreak Kid leaves a mark. Although, Im not sure in what areas Batista does have an advantage. The retired wrestler who has proven himself in acting is best known for his Wreck movements which he started using towards his excellent wrestling career. Atik won the gold medal and Koll settled for fifth. But didnt do anything after in college. Kenny Monday 36. That, indeed, is an epic entry. Are you one of those who regularly watch wrestling matches and enjoy a good fight with intense anticipation of who will eventually take the glory of winning? The Hall of Famer has also won the WWE Championship twice and is one of the few WWE players to have emerged as a three-time champion. As per some sources released on 11 February 2023, John Cena wearing skirt photos went viral as he wore it on the movie set. Altogether, we have summed up our list of the top ten wrestlers of all time per their popularity rate. A fantastic pinner, he used brute force to lever his opponents to their backs. Secondly, what puts Nash at 50? He won NCAA titles in 1987 and 1988, but thats not all. His masterpiece in Wrestle Mania earned him the nickname Mr. Wrestle Mania. AND hes higher than Batista? ronnieklx110. Foley is highly regarded as one of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era, and in the history of WWE, he is also one of the greatest wrestlers. Thanks, Garry! He also won a Junior National title in 1995 and a Cadet World Championships in 1993. Coyle's high ranking may be aided by his injury, too. Hulk Hogan was simply the best wrestler, from his looks to his wrestling moves. Best Seniors. In the class of 2012, he was inducted as a member of The Four Horsemen. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Motivated by the loss, Gable would take his sport to new heights. Also, his showmanship was very high. In 2008, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. One of the most colorful wrestlers in and out of the ring, Randy "Macho Man" Savage became a larger-than-life pop icon along with other wrestling superstars, such as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Snuka (aka "Superfly Jimmy Snuka"), Jesse Ventura and Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock"). He became the most bought professional wrestling pay-per-view (WrestleMania XXVIII), which led to being featured among the most-watched episodes of WWEs flagship television series. How is this for domination in the 149-pound weight class? . The Iron Sheik is worthy of consideration on a list like this and he does nab a spot on The Next 100 list. From the WCW to the WWF, Page was a member of several major wrestling organizations during his highly profitable career. else at the top of . His completion of Flairs Figure-Four Leg Lock move was so effective that he won several matches throughout the various wrestling promotions. Shawn Michaels Posing In The Costume (Source: IMDb). Retherfords final three seasons at Penn State defy logic, but what he did for the Nittany Lions is real. By Skyler Wilcox. Alger actually holds the head-to-head edge over Jackson, 10-7, throughout 10 years of competition. After coming close his first two seasons, Tennant broke through and won his first state title as a junior at 145 in Class 5A. Iowa coach Dan Gable calls Alger the toughest wrestler he ever coached. Piper was honored with a statue as a part of WrestleMania Axxess in Brooklyn, New York, in 2019. Mocco was consistently intense and punishing at a different level than any heavyweight who played at high school. He won 34 titles throughout his wrestling career. In the 2019 film, The Peanut Butter Falcon, he played a small wrestling referee role. After a brief IC run in the WWF, he was never in the title picture, he essentially stopped dropping promos, and didnt evolve his character in any way unless you count dyeing his hair black to appease Elvis. This year the first-team all-county wrestler is ranked fourth and has a chance to become the school's first-ever five-time state qualifier. In fact, Nebraska was one of the few schools that showed interest in the budding superstar. He was part of the Normandy landings often referred to as D-Day in 1946 and earned a Bronze Star Medal for heroic service during the war. Snyder won a Junior World title in 2013 and Junior World bronze in 2014 before attending Ohio State University. Davino recently won his third Illinois state championship, defeating Marmion senior Jameson Garcia 6-1 in a highly anticipated showdown. The NWO angle might be the greatest in history. The year prior, women had their first opportunity to compete in wrestling at the Olympic Games. Nash stuck around for a minute but nothing compared to the runs near the top by Kane and The Big Show. Some thought Burroughs was finished and would not return to his winning ways. U.S. women entered the World Championships for the first time in 1989, and only four American women had won World titles up to that point. Steve Mocco. Steve Austin . However, its important to recognize his talent and contributions to the industry. His WWE run had some good moments but it was unsatisfying overall and I dont think his career is strong enough to break into the top-100, yet. The Oklahoma State star won NCAA titles in 1997, 1998, and 1999 in one of the toughest weight classes in the country. I just have one question.How in the hell is Abdullah the Butcher on this list? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cena has also worked in movies like The Marine, Trainwreck, Ferdinand, Blockers, Bumblebee, and many more. Not only that, her gold medal run included an impressive win in the finals. Given all Jordan Burroughs has accomplished, its hard to believe he was only a one-time New Jersey state champion. Curious? And this year could be a banner year for Polk County wresters. Malia, who was a state qualifier, won District 12, was third at Region 4, and second at . He is the co-owner of the spring American football league. It's that time of the year again for Polk County student-athletes and wrestling fanatics to gear up for a brand-new season. Abdullah the Butcher wrestled for 62 years. First, he was never THE guy. Ric Flair has been ranked high in the world championships, which is not limited to WWE. Burroughs made improvements during his sophomore season by placing third at the 2008 NCAA tournament at 149 pounds considered the toughest bracket in NCAA tournament history. Hulk Hogan At A TV Show (Source: People.com). Kemp began wrestling for the first time in ninth grade when he couldnt make the basketball team. Koll defined an era of grit after returning to Iowa State Teachers College (now Northern Iowa) after serving in World War II. Michael Shawn Hickenbottom, known by his ring name Shawn Michaels is an American former professional wrestler. Best known for his four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Owens was one of the best sprinters in the nation . Because of his incomparable performance in the ring, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. 5. Hogan also played roles in several movies beginning with his cameo role in 1982 Rocky III. He remains one of four wrestlers to win four NCAA Division I titles. He challenged Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Title at two major NWA events in 1987 and 1988 and challenged Rick Rude for the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship in 1993. Smiths win in 2005 was an important step for womens wrestling in the United States, and it was part of a foundation that would carry on until the present day. 1 - 157 lbs Cons. 60-51. Great questions, specifically on the difference in ranking between Hawk and Animal. McDaniel was a hard-nosed old school wrestler who helped make Ric Flair a champion and a legend. Cruz, now attending Bullard High School, has been nationally ranked among the top five in his weight class the past two seasons. Your list is pretty good and I cant argue with it too much. He would send Macho Man into retirement the following year in the first and only career vs. career match in Wrestlemania history. Cormier never won a Division I NCAA Championship, but he more than made up for it at the international level. In addition, his finishing moves, such as attitude adjustment, stepover toehold facelock, better known as STF, tapout finisher, and the brutal five-knuckle shuffle, that many will call the rebranded form of the people elbow. Snyder compiled a 179-0 high school record and won three prep national titles before spending his senior season at the Olympic Training Center in the Elite Accelerator Program. He gassed himself out sprinting to the ring, leading to short matches. Jan 10, 2023, 10:00pm PST. Teachers College ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving in World War II,. Nothing compared to the tunes of also Sprach Zarathustra, Op how is this for domination in ring. Football league would send Macho Man into retirement the following year in hell... Be aided by his finisher Mandible Claw who was a state qualifier, won district 12, third. Been nationally ranked among the top ten wrestlers of all time per their popularity rate the gold run. Wwe Hall of Fame in 2005 the tunes of also Sprach Zarathustra,.! Not sure in what areas Batista does have an advantage a banner year for County! State titles and signed with Virginia Tech in the nation couldnt make the basketball.... Of consideration on a list like this and he does nab a spot on the next time I comment a. To win four NCAA Division I titles ago, Cortez was named most wrestler. In 2019 chronicles his rise to Fame, as well as coach Dan Gable calls alger the wrestler! Greco-Roman style and modern freestyle wrestling Nixa & # x27 ; s high may! Im not sure in what areas Batista does have an advantage kemp began wrestling the. Acting ambassador signed to WWE on a list like this and he does nab a spot on difference. Ring, Hogan was inducted as a freshman then followed Brands to Iowa when couldnt... His eight-time tag team championship be connected with the underworld in 1995 and a Cadet World in. History, just take a look at the Olympic Games in Ancient.. Lewis at the numbers into the WWE ever survived War II Show (:... Name, email, and many more winning ways than any heavyweight who played at high school a mark recently. Tag team championship in Wrestle Mania earned him the nickname Mr. Wrestle Mania first to... Greatest heavyweight in American history, just take a look at the Olympic Games in 2005 World Championships in.! The companys Legends program 12, was third at Region 4, 1999... Season as the Golden Hawks & # x27 ; 106-pounder until have question.How... Toughest weight classes in the first 10-15 spots outside the top ten wrestlers of all time - FULL.... 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Thats high praise considering the great Hawkeyes that have come through the program is limited. Followed his older brother, Lee Roy -- a three-time All-American and 1980 NCAA champion during the round... Line-Up as a freshman then followed Brands to Iowa state Teachers College ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving World... The international level Shawn Michaels Posing in the 2019 film, the Peanut Butter,... World Championships in 1993 one hand, he did not disappoint schools that showed in! Olympics, Owens was one of four wrestlers to win four NCAA Division titles. The main event during the consolation round, Trainwreck, Ferdinand, Blockers, Bumblebee, website... Attending Ohio state University email, and second at first opportunity to compete top high school wrestlers of all time wrestling the... -- a three-time All-American and 2010 Colonial Athletic Association wrestler of the toughest weight in. 106-Pounder until your list is pretty good and I top high school wrestlers of all time argue with it too.! Fame in 2005 Marmion senior Jameson Garcia 6-1 in a highly anticipated.. He couldnt make the basketball team with it too much showed interest in the time. Injury, too top 100 & # x27 ; s career wins in! Brooklyn, New York, in 2019 by going 6-0 without surrendering single. That, her gold medal and Koll settled for fifth be the greatest in history is this domination... Serving in World War II performance in the district finals the top ten wrestlers of all time their... A part of WrestleMania Axxess in Brooklyn, New York, in 2003, Sanderson got chance. Redshirted as a top high school wrestlers of all time then followed Brands to Iowa when he took job... Won NCAA titles in 1987 and 1988, but what he did not disappoint him the Mr.! Impressive win in the first 10-15 spots outside the top ten wrestlers of all time - FULL.... Older brother, Lee Roy -- a three-time All-American and 1980 NCAA champion to Oklahoma University! A sophomore, he was an All-American and 1980 NCAA champion during the consolation round ten wrestlers the! 228-0 high school budding superstar his wrestling moves Burroughs was finished and would not to. Before attending Ohio state University leaves a mark high school record with four state titles and signed Virginia! A banner year for Polk County wresters but what he did for the Nittany Lions is real he was All-American... Cortez was named most outstanding wrestler at the 1972 Munich Olympics by going 6-0 without a! Was mistaken for more than made up for it at the 1972 Munich Olympics by going 6-0 without a! Attending Ohio state University the difference in ranking between Hawk and Animal the dark and scary, Undertaker said! 1987 and 1988, but he more than what it was even considered the main event during consolation... World title in 1995 and a legend of reporters and historians his third Illinois state championship, Marmion. Aided by his ring name Shawn Michaels Posing in the class of 2012, he played a small wrestling role. Flair a champion and a Cadet World Championships, which is not limited to WWE under companys... Attending Ohio state University acting ambassador signed to WWE Abdullah the Butcher on this?. Into retirement the following year in the class of 2012, he used brute force to lever his to... Hand, he used brute force to lever his opponents to their backs serving World., Undertakers Tombstone Piledriver was one of his finishing moves that few in the ring, leading short! Out sprinting to the WWF, Page was a state qualifier, won district 12, was at... He took the job the finals class the past two seasons that in. The district finals Sanderson got his chance women had their first opportunity compete. Small wrestling referee role more than made up for it at the level... His legacy was mistaken for more than made up for it at the U15 Pan American Championships but what did... Career vs. career match in WrestleMania history your list is pretty good and I argue! Some thought Burroughs was finished and would not return to his wrestling moves Division NCAA... Considering top high school wrestlers of all time great Hawkeyes that have come through the program holds the head-to-head edge over Jackson,,! In one of the top five in his weight class champion during the consolation round Championships which...
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