Yes, we did it.
We decided to not let all the BIG wrestling websites have all the fun – it was time for the little guys to take a stand and name, in our opinion, the Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time!
But would it be right for just one website to decide the Top 100? I mean, there’s more than just one opinion out there. So, we decided this should be not one, not two, but THREE wrestling websites participating. Here were the contributors:
www.thebalrogslair.com – or TBL. The guys at TBL Wresting have been doing this for a long time. Joe and the gang have been around longer than most of these little upstart wrestling websites – bringing you all the insider news, views, and columns. Plus, there is a little special place in my (the moderator of this column) heart, since I got my IWC start on TBL.
www.xheadlines.com – or X Headlines. They “Give You What You Want.” And what you want is hard-hitting wrestling news and columns culled from all around the internet. While X Headlines might be somewhat new, all the views are informed and in yo face.
www.saltyham.com – or Salty Ham. I would have called it Roland.com, but I think it was taken. Yes, Salty Ham has been around for just three years – and while we are the little website that could – we bring you up to date news, columns, and general nonsense all day, every day. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
So, before we get to the first ten in our list of 100 – you should know how this worked. A while back, we sent out the call to the internet writers from these three websites and gave them instructions on sending in their list of their top 100 wrestlers. They were told that whatever criteria they wanted to use was fine. If they based their great wrestlers on in-ring ability, legacy, or entertainment value or whatever – they could decide that for themselves. We then took all the lists we got back from these writers and gave points to each wrestler based upon the rankings. We then totaled up the points and what we had was the cumulative and definitive list of the Top 100 wrestlers of all time.
Over the next 10 weeks, we will unveil ten wrestlers from the list until we get to #1. Also, we will get roundtable comments from those that wished to share their thoughts. Of course, you are encouraged to voice your opinions to this list either via email, forum, or in a comments section (depending upon where you’re reading this).
So, let’s not waste any more time. This week we present to you: The Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time: #90 to 81:
#90
Kerry Von Erich
Eddie T: Kerry Adkisson brought a lot to the table, both with his tremendous grappling ability, as well as his unbeatable charisma. One of the famous Von Erichs, Kerry will be remembered in professional wrestling as one of those charismatic guys that were all-around good workers. Unfortunately, the sad fate of the Von Erichs didn’t pass him by. Everything from an amputated foot (that to this day I believe made him more popular in wrestling, historically), to numerous drug issues remain as a dark spot on his career, but The Claw, the charismatic attitude, the Ric Flair title win in Texas, and the unforgettable feud with the Freebirds shines bright!
Roland: Ah, the Von Erich clan. While Kerry is probably the best known of the bunch (due to being the only one to actually win the NWA Championship and his short run as “The Texas Tornado” in the WWF…and the suicide), I also was hoping Kevin could have made it on the list due to his being the best Iron Claw since Fritz. Growing up, I was a pretty big fan of World Class and since Vince has bought the footage of the company, I hope he produces a good DVD of it. Aside from the steroids, Kerry was a solid wrestler with good looks that the ladies liked. I don’t know where Kerry’s career would have ended up if it hadn’t been for the suicide, but I do think he would have been huge if he could have laid off the drugs all-together.
Fantasy Muser: Growing up, this was one of my most favorite wrestlers! He looked great all the time, he always wrestled with passion and talked well. It was such a tragedy when he died at such an early age. He was so close to making it big in the WWE as the Texas Tornado (awful name)! I’m very glad he made the list.
Joe Balrog: Some may consider Kerry Von Erich the most accomplished wrestler from the tragic Von Erich clan. Before his tragic suicide, Kerry rose to be one of the biggest WWE fan favorites of the early 1990’s. In fact, his star shot so high that he won the Intercontinental Title during his short stint with the company. However, Kerry’s biggest win might have been over Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Dones: I loved the Texas Tornado, but he didn’t do enough. (dr-NOT RANKED)
#89
Jerry Lynn
Joe Balrog: Jerry Lynn is one of those wrestlers that the internet fans absolutely love. He’s the guy that, when you ask people to name the people they would use to build a start-up wrestling company, is always near the top of that fantasy list. Lynn’s major problem, though, is that he can’t draw in the big leagues for shit. I consider myself (now) more of a casual wrestling fan and I think the big drawback on Lynn is his complete lack of personality coupled with his generic look. How many wrestlers have shoulder length hair and a goatee? How many of them can only get mad during interviews because that’s the easiest emotion for them to show?
Dones: Are you serious? (dr-NOT RANKED)
Roland: You know, if Lynn wasn’t such a knucklehead and injury prone, he would probably be an underused WWE talent right about now (as opposed to an underused and now useless TNA talent). But for those of you who disagree with Lynn making this list – please go re-watch those epic matches with RVD when their feud was hot in ECW. Those are some of the best matches that company ever had.
Eddie T: This is a guy that you never knew what to expect from every night. I’m not a big fan of Lynn’s politics and personal doings in the business, but his ability in the ring is undeniable. Jerry is the type of guy that could come out whining every night, but also have the best match on the card. While his ECW run remains the most memorable part of his career, at least for me, up to day, he’s without a doubt a wonderful worker who deserves an honorable mention. I’m not sure if he should rank up before the likes of Kerry Von Erich, but it is what it is.
#88
Barry Windham
Fantasy Muser: I remember when this guy first came out, he was thought of as the next Hogan! He was tall, built, and even kinda looked like Hogan. But, he could NOT talk like Hogan. His thick Texas accent killed him and made me always want to turn the sound down. He was a much better tag team wrestler with Mike Rotundo. Also, a little known fact, he was a member of the four horsemen in WCW.
Roland: While I was never a huge mark for the guy (I’m more of a heel guy rather than one that likes the pretty boy), you can’t deny that Barry’s matches with Flair were great. However, to me, I will remember Windham more as a great Tag wrestler rather than a great singles wrestler. Although, I probably liked him best as a member of the Horsemen and try desperately to forget “The Widowmaker” and “The Stalker.”
Eddie T: The man of many belts, Barry Windham, has been around the wrestling business just about everywhere he’s gone. Many might slap him with the description of “the guy that was used to make Ric Flair,” which is true, but Windham was much more than that. Considered to be one of the best workers in the early ages of wrestling, Barry delivered in the ring every night, and “every night” is an understatement for those glorious NWA days. It’s hard not to deliver when you’re the son of Blackjack Mulligan in the first place, but Windham managed to break away from his father’s shadow and come into the business on his own as a member of the Four Horseman and a run in WCW.
Dones: Oh yea, him. (dr-NOT RANKED)
Joe Balrog: As a member of the Four Horsemen and WWE’s most recent recreation of the Black Jacks, Barry Windham has certainly found himself with a prolonged shelf-life in the wrestling business. Being a fan of the bigger, more power-based wrestlers, I always liked that Windham would attempt to just beat on his opponents throughout his matches. If you completely forget the ridiculous “Widowmaker” and “Stalker” gimmicks he was given, you could almost say that Windham had one of the most consistent personas over the last 20 years in professional wrestling. Not too many people can claim that these days! Oh, and I also thought the West Texas Rednecks were hilarious, so I’m a fan because of that, too.
#87
Lance Storm
Eddie T: Lance Storm – the guy that never was and always should have. A lot has been said on this man’s ability, and a whole lot more on how underrated he always has been. WCW really gave him a solid push, unfortunately, it was at a time where the company was on the downhill, and the storylines they stuck on him were sometimes ludicrous. A run with WWE had a lot of promise behind it, as many viewed Storm as the modern-day Bret. Instead we got a guy who tried to dance to the ring, or was Un-American, or just “Boring.” At any rate, Storm always delivered in the ring, had a tremendous knowledge of the sport of professional wrestling, and a ring psychology to die for. Through Barely Legal ’97, Dawn Marie, the Impact Players, Team Canada, the WCW Saskatchewan Hardcore International Title, and the numerous WWE Tag Team Titles, Storm leaves a legacy of a hard worker in the ring, and three dream matches with Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, and Bret Hart that are yet to take place.
Joe Balrog: Lance Storm and Jerry Lynn are kindred souls here. They are two of the best wrestlers in the modern wrestling era – and can’t draw a dime in the big leagues. In Storm’s case, though, I can’t say that it wasn’t for a lack of trying! He was saddled with a few awkward gimmicks where the crowd began to think about liking him, but I think he let his pride get to him too much and thus pushed himself into early retirement. That’s a real shame, I think, because there was little difference between the Bret Hart of the early to mid 1990’s and the Lance Storm of a few years ago.
Roland: I know Lance is sort of a darling on the internet, but not so much for me. I like guys that don’t look like wooden statues when they talk. And if you are going to look like a wooden statue – then be intimidating. Lance is neither. While a great wrestler, I personally don’t think he has much legacy and wasn’t terribly entertaining, so I’m not for him even being in the Top 100
Dones: Didn’t do enough for me. (dr-NOT RANKED)
Fantasy Muser: He was and probably still could be a great technical wrestler! I never really liked him all that much mainly because he bored me whenever he spoke! I liked him the best when he was with Bret Hart and the Canadians!
#86
Joe Balrog: In about 20 years, I expect Randy Orton to be in the Top 20 part of this list. He’s got all of the vital essentials to move up the ladder: talent that he can build on, a persona that the fans love to hate, the looks to be a crossover TV/movie star, and the professional wrestling lineage that some wrestlers wish they had. If Randy can manage to control himself and be less of a playboy and more of a consummate professional, the sky is the limit for this one.
Fantasy Muser: He is one of my most favorite wrestlers today! He’s cocky, great in ring skills, and is a company man. He just has trouble keeping his hands off the female talent! He always has entertaining bouts, whether it be with Foley, Triple H, or even Hogan. I am waiting for an angle with Cena. I also would love to see him really punish DX, and make this angle with Edge work. He can do it if they’ll let him! He will one day be in the top 25 when it is all said and done.
Dones: Certified asshole. Too many rest holds. Still has insane potential. (dr-#61)
Eddie T: Sometimes, the future beats the present. Such is the case with Randy Orton’s placement on the list. The youngest WWE Champion in history has already enjoyed a few years with the company. A few years that he hopefully has learned for, as this young man’s potential to make it big remains at what it is – still potential and no improvement. It looks like Randy Orton has gotten his head straight, for once, and that’s only for his best. This third-generation wrestler has a lot to offer inside the ring, but we’ll see none of it until he stops offering his outside-the-ring stints. Also, how can you not love the RKO?
Roland: Another case of a guy being top of mind, which I suppose is why he’s on the list at all. Randy does have potential – but he’s another one that’s a complete knucklehead and I fear will end up in tragedy if he doesn’t change his ways. Aside from being handed the company at an early age (and then dropping the ball in significant fashion), I don’t see where Orton deserves any placement or thought when your considering the Top 100 wrestlers of all time. I will give Orton credit for possessing the ability to be entertaining as a heel with that smarmy attitude – but I still think he has a long way to go to really be considered for a list like this.
#85
Konnan
Roland: Lest we forget, the “Mexican Hulk Hogan” (a distinction given to a short bald guy that looks sort of like a pug…doesn’t make sense) was the original “Max Moon” in the WWF. So aside from his stint in the n.W.o. (and Wolfpac) – what exactly has this guy done? It’s not like the 3Live Kru is really worthy of anything other than pointing and laughing.
Dones: The barbarian? (dr-NOT RANKED)
Joe Balrog: When Konnan was Mexican Champion in WCW, I thought that he did a good job of presenting himself. Now in TNA, I think that he is completely exploiting his nationality and his “people” with this gross LAX gimmick. That being said, he is also another guy who has longevity in the wrestling business that is unusual for today’s performer. He would be the best wrestler in TNA if he didn’t have that ridiculous, generic Latino-with-the-volume-turned-up gimmick.
Fantasy Muser: He was at his best as part of the NWO in WCW. He was great to watch build an angle. He had some great matches with Eddy Guerrero. I really wanted to see him make it to WWE but he has never been a team player. He is a great leader and talker but no great in the ring.
Eddie T: Another name on the list that has done a lot historically for the business. Perhaps one of the most important names in history when it comes to the roots of the business in Mexico and where it is today. Konnan has done a lot to introduce the Mexican style and culture to the United States, as well as the US ways of pro wrestling and promotion back to Mexico. While he was never a Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels in the ring, Konnan’s ring psychology, his athletic ability, and understanding of the business aspect of professional wrestling make him a force to reckon with on the countdown.
#84
Eddie T: A lot can be said about Jeff Hardy – both good and bad. Another guy on the list who is amazing to watch when he has his head straight. Jeff personifies the word daredevil, and his contributions to bringing an entirely new style of wrestling to the table cannot be ignored. A master of the ladder, and a high-flyer you just can’t stop, Jeff Hardy’s participation in TLC, Ladder, and Hardcore matches have created for many memorable moments in WWE history at a time that helped bring back wrestling’s legitimate athletic aspect while recognizing results are predetermined.
Dones: Always enjoy him, and I’m glad he’s back. Insane. (dr-#27)
Fantasy Muser: I was really surprised to see him on the list. He is one of the first extreme guys that WWE produced. He is the RVD of WWE. He will do crazy ass moves and risk his entire body and career for the crowd. I have seen him dtake punishment that I thought he would never get up from. The TLC match at Wreslemania in Houston was just unbelievable! When the Hardy Boyz were big it was because of him and not Matt. The only thing bad about him is his wardrobe, he always has that damn towel hanging from his waist. It just looks weird
Roland: I’m a bit perplexed here. I’m actually okay with Jeff getting on the list, but 84 is a bit high. Mind you, I’m okay with Jeff getting on the list only because I’m not exactly up on all my Japanese and Luchadore wrestling. But for all of Jeff’s shortcomings (and there are MANY), when you needed a go-to guy in those three-way ladder matches and needed a big bump to boost the match, he was your huckleberry. Plus, the Marks love him, so there you go.
Joe Balrog: Jeff Hardy gets the same consideration that Randy Orton does on this list – he’s another one where the sky is the limit. Except with Jeff, he keeps trying to fly in that sky! With his recent return to WWE from TNA, I’ve noticed that Jeff put on a few pounds and is just a hair slower than he used to be in terms of high-flying. That’s all good to me because there’s no way that Hardy could have continued to abuse his body like he did in the late 90’s and expect to be around into the next “generation” of wrestling.
#83
Tully Blanchard
Fantasy Muser: One of the original horseman and one of the best tag team wrestlers ever! He also was always so cocky! He was also one of the best Television Champs ever too! When he and Arn were together, you thought they would never lose the belts and then they would always save Flair! Just a great wrestler!
Roland: You get a lot of credibility if you’re one of the original Four Horsemen. Tully, the original “Young Up and Comer” of the first Horsemen group was always a very solid wrestler. I suppose even as a “Brain Buster” in the WWF, he was still considered relevant. After all that, not so much. I think his career would have been a lot greater if he had laid off the drugs – but when you hang out with Flair – vices are going to come. Now, Blanchard is a preacher and good for him. Long live the Horsemen.
Eddie T: The AWA/NWA/WWF superstar will be remembered for being a part of the Four Horsemen, being the son of Joe Blanchard, and having one tough, mean, unpredictable brainbuster, and slingshot suplex in his bag.
Joe Balrog: Unfortunately, I never really watched too much of Tully Blanchard. However, the tapes that I’ve seen of him are remarkable – very impressive performer. The “I Quit” match between him and Magnum TA was one of the most grueling matches I’ve ever seen.
Dones: The other Horseman. (dr-NOT RANKED)
#82
Superstar Billy Graham
Dones: He has to go somewhere. (dr-#NOT RANKED)
Joe Balrog: I’m just beginning to read Superstar Billy Graham’s book this week so I’ll be much better acquainted with his story in a few days. However, by just what I know about him as a wrestling fan, he really did come “20 Years too Soon” in the business. He was Hulk Hogan before people knew what that name meant. He was Jesse Ventura before people associated that name with “The Body.” Many of the more recent WWE Hall of Famers owe the world to Billy Graham – and the nice thing is, they know it.
Roland: Where would Hulk Hogan have been had it not been for Superstar Billy Graham? The tie-dye, the mustache, the bald head, and the tan until your orange look – all of it was done before by Billy Graham. The dude even called his arms “pythons.” Even though he was a heel – he was pretty much the first in the old WWF to hold the title for longer than a few weeks (holding it for almost a year). When you look at “cool heels,” Graham was one of the first – even though the trend wouldn’t become fashionable for many years to come. I actually think Graham should be a lot higher on this list due to his influence over the years, but at least he’s on it. Plus, he didn’t exactly have a ton of in-ring talent (probably due to all the steroids).
Eddie T: One of the most interesting performers in wrestling history is Superstar Billy Graham. I could literally write a book on this man’s wrestling life and career – and I won’t be the first to do it – but I still won’t be able to beat his own mouth foaming when he talks about himself and his past, filled with controversy, success, and ego. Graham was a force to reckon with back in the day, and a man that brought an entirely different perspective of professional wrestling. In the process he helped establish Vince McMahon’s WWWF, the NWA, and even WWF to some point. His later life and health are an example of what strong will and desire can do. Read up on him if you have the time, it would be worth it.
Fantasy Muser: The original Hulk Hogan! It is very obvious who Hogan modeled himself after. I wished I could have watched him in his prime! He was just a little before my time. The one thing that would drive you nuts but was very affective was how many times he would say his name!
#81
Lex Luger
Eddie T: You know, no matter how you cut it, he deserves to be on here and you know it. I really don’t know what to tell you about Lex Luger. Loved by lots, hated by many, Luger is the type of guy that has had so many ups and downs in the business, that he’ll be remembered for just being there and going through it all. He was without a shadow of a doubt one of the main forces behind an establishing WCW in the early 90’s, and no matter how you slice it, he has helped for its eventual success and perhaps maybe its downfall in the late 90s. One way or another, the Lex Express’ next stop had to be this top 100 list!
Fantasy Muser: Flexy Lexy! This guy was awesome. His body was incredible! The poster boy for anabolid steroids. It’s a wonder his penis has not fallen off! One of the stories I always wanted to know the real story behind was when that girl OD’d in his house and the police were called out and he said the drugs weren’t his. That was freakin hilarious! I think he’ll end up a WWE Hall of Famer eventually.
Joe Balrog: Lugar’s appearance on this list is most attributed to his presence during the popular cycles of wrestling’s more recent history. Seemingly no one cares about his current status as an out-of-work, out-of-shape accused drug abuser who brought the famous Miss Elizabeth down the drain with him to the point of death. These are, of course, accusations. What I will remember about Lugar is his ability to survive the wrestling business. He came to the table with the same profile as Hulk Hogan – someone who couldn’t really wrestle like a Ric Flair or a Von Erich, but who had a great physique. Unlike Hogan, though, Lugar never had that charisma that could have taken him to the top and kept him there for a long period of time.
Roland: Hey, The Lex Express was going to get on this list somewhere. It was inevitable. Personally, I’m a bit surprised he’s this low – but since he’s such a screw-up, I suppose it’s fitting. Has there ever been another guy who looked like he did (and had the keys to many a promotion) just have everything handed to him – only to completely drop the ball over and over again (Randy Orton – I’m looking your way). For me, he never had much in the ring – never had much personality – wasn’t terribly entertaining – but even with all that not going for him, he still has quite a legacy (and not just the fact that Miss Elizabeth died at his house). Let’s hope Sting actually got him converted and Luger will have smoother sailing the rest of his life.
Dones: That sheering of metal you just heard was the Lex Express derailing. The Narcissist had cool music, though. (dr-#80)
Catch us next week for #80 to 71!
