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
www.xheadlines.com
www.saltyham.com
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.
So, let’s not waste any more time. This week we present to you: The Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time: #80 to 71:
#80
Ultimo Dragon
Roland: Aside from being Salty Ham’s favorite wrestler for falling down at WrestleMania XX, Yoshihiro Asai has had an extremely influential career. No, he didn’t really invent the “Asai Moonsault,” he did make it popular and probably did it best. With the double threat of having Japanese and Luchdore training, Ultimo Dragon was always fun to watch while in WCW. Sure, his WWE career was less than spectacular, but give the guy his due.
Fantasy Muser: I never knew how he could wrestle with that gigantidc mask on! He was great to watch and he was really crazy. I always thought when he would fly off a rope that was going to be the end of him and he’d get back up! Too bad he can’t handle a mic.
Eddie T: Undoubtedly, a legend in the business, Ultimo Dragon has been recognized internationally. Besides a poor run with the WWE, his career spans all major continents that feature professional wrestling, and his promotional skills in Japan add more than enough credibility for him to be on this list. Definitely, one of the best cruiserweights to hit the ring, as well.
Dones: He fell at Wrestlemania. (dr-NOT RANKED)
#79
Jacques Rougeau
Fantasy Muser: The Mountie!!! I HATED The Mountie, Although now that I look back on him he was actually really funny! He also was a pretty good wrestler and had some big matches! We’ll never see a DVD of him and he probably should be lower ranked than Lugar or Superstar.
Dones: The Mountie wasn’t THAT cool. (dr-NOT RANKED)
Roland: The Mountie? Really? Sorry people, I don’t have much to add about Rougeau as I wonder why he made this list at all.
Eddie T: A part of the world-famous Rougeau brothers, the first real Quebec World Tag Team Champions, Jacques Rougeau has earned the persona of a tough guy inside the ring, as well as the smarts of a wrestling genius when it comes to in-ring work. His classics in WWF and promotional techniques in Canada and Quebec, have put that area of the world onto the wrestling map, hence his spot on this list!
#78
Christian Cage
Eddie T: Similarly to Randy Orton‘s placement on the list, Christian Cage finds himself in the midst of big names as a “potential.” Cage, who has already won TNA’s Heavyweight Championship of the World, still doesn’t seem to have lived up to his full potential, as the charismatic Canadian continues a career, already full of highlights. While everyone thought that Christian was the uncharismatic guy who can never find himself, the highlight reels of Tables Ladders and Chairs kept on going. As an UnAmerican phase, and a goofy opera music stage hit the scene, the tag team title wins kept on adding up. Finally WWE let Christian run with the ball, and he didn’t disappoint, as Captain Charisma definitely worked. Of course it was then when WWE pulled the plug on the young Canadian, allowing TNA to make Christian Cage see his rebirth.
Roland: Remember The Brood? Anyway, when Christian first started his rise in WWE, he was a nice compliment to Edge, solid in the ring, but possessed little personality. And it really wasn’t until he stepped out on his own that he showed what he was capable of – and boy, did he. Christian can still put on a good match, but what he will be remembered for is his ability to entertain. I think of him as “Jericho-lite,” – but any guy that can trade barbs with The Rock has something. I think TNA underutilizes him (where he should be a big fish in a little pond), but with his talent, he will likely be entertaining people for years to come.
Dones: Hilarious on the mic. I was a peep. WWE did him dirty. (dr-#83)
Fantasy Muser: I wish he still had that really funny operatic choir music entrance! That was the most hilarious entrance of all time! This guy has great matches, great mic skills, and yet he never is thought of as a leader or Superstar. I hope that is changing because he is about the only reason I watch TNA.
#77
Brock Lesnar
Dones: When he had Paul Heyman as his mouthpiece, he was one of the most intimating forces I had ever seen. Then he started talking on his own. What a dumb move. Other than that, he just didn’t want it bad enough. To each is own. (dr-#42)
Eddie T: One of wrestling’s weirdest characters is Brock Lesnar. A NCAA Champion in amateur wrestling, Brock understands the art of grappling, there’s no doubt about that. Add a physical build-up like the one of Brock’s, and you have yourself an amazing warrior. With his ability, size, and toughness, Brock offered some memorable moments in his rather short stay with WWE. Perhaps things would have turned out better, had it not been how he was booked and treated in the company.
Fantasy Muser: Paul Heyman tried so hard to make this guy a star! He actually would still be a top biller on WWE if he was there. I hope he gets to come back and work. He is the perfect guy to put with a manager. Imagine what Heenan or Hart could’ve done with this guy???
Roland: I know some of you might think Lesnar was some phenomenal wrestler and you remember him fondly – but he was one of the biggest wastes of time professional wrestling has ever seen. For a guy to have such a relatively short stint – but was the focus of the company for almost his entire time – how many of you really miss him? The only real legacy Lesnar has is his ridiculous shooting star press at one Wrestlemania and his participation in the strangest match I’ve ever seen in another. I’m glad he’ll probably never be back – but if Vince ever does take him in again – I hope he jobs out to every tiny wrestler on the roster.
#76
Stan Hansen
Fantasy Muser: I never saw him wrestle.
Roland: Who is Stan Hansen, you may ask? He’s known for one thing really – he broke Bruno Sanmartino’s neck. He also no-showed and was stripped of the AWA title when he was booked to lose to Nick Bockwinkel. Then, because he still possessed the physical belt (even though he was stripped of it) traveled to Japan and defended the belt…a belt he shouldn’t have had. Sounds like a ballsy dude if you ask me.
Dones: who’s Stan Hansen? (dr-NOT RANKED)
Eddie T: Known as that other guy that was big in Amarillo. Before we had Terry Funk, Stan Hansen, his cowboy persona on, and the tobacco in his mouth, was making the rounds in the good ol’ south, stiffing people around. He’s better known for making it in Japan, although the end of his career in AWA and move to WCW in the United States is still remember by some fans. I don’t know if I’d place him that high on the countdown, personally.
#75
Junk Yard Dog
Eddie T: Enough can’t be said about the Junk Yard Dog. A man of character, a man of intensity, a man of entertainment. In an era where an act like Junk Yard Dog could be viewed in one too many ways, the JYD left quite the legacy on the wrestling business through hard work, and desire. His placement on this list is a must.
Dones: another pioneer. Didn’t need a belt to be over. (dr-#79)
Fantasy Muser: Say what you want about his poor wrestling skills or terrible physique. This guy could entertain! He was the consummate baby face and just a great guy to look back on. He did some cool matches with Orton and Piper.
Roland: While I never really liked the guy much, I always thought it was pretty funny that he almost lost every big match he was booked in but the fans still loved him. Plus, I loved how the booked him as having the hardest head of all time that he could ram you for a headbutt while on all fours, maybe getting a ramming velocity of .2 miles per hour, and guys would roll around, selling it like they had been hit with a Triple H sledgehammer.
#74
Christopher Daniels
Roland: I think the guy is an extremely good wrestler and I really dig him, but I think this is too high for him. If he makes the list at all, he needs more time to make it out of the 90’s. Anyway, The Fallen Angel has always been great but seems to live in the Styles shadow on TNA.
Eddie T: As every wrestler on this countdown seems to do, Christopher Daniels brings his own into the list. A man of tremendous skill, in-ring psychology, and not the best of physical specimen, Daniels remained true to his self throughout his career, never opting for more money and a serious WWE deal, but keeping the roots of wrestling underground. He’s a successful indy wrestling story!
Dones: Same as Styles. (dr-#81)
Fantasy Muser: He looks like Maven! Whatever happened to Maven?
#73
Eddie T: The Phenomenal One continues amazing just about everyone in TNA. From his amazing aerial movies, to his hour-long classics with Chris Daniels and Samoa Joe, AJ Styles has established himself as the new face of wrestling just as much as TNA has established itself as a wrestling company in 2006.
Fantasy Muser: I know everyone loves this guy on the net and I have seen him wrestle and he is pretty amazing at taking a fall but that’s really it. He’s boring to listen to and I just end up turning the channel.
Dones: I have seen very little of him, but what I have seen is superb. (dr-#75)
Roland: Probably when AJ Styles’ career is over and done with, many will put him higher than this. Last week, we had a bunch of guys talking about the enormous potential of Randy Orton – but I say, save those comments for Styles. If only he could get on a show more people watch…right Vince?
#72
Marty Jannetty
Fantasy Muser: How in the hell did this spare make the list? He was only good when he was with HBK and when Shawn finally dumped him for a singles career Jannety became a Heat or Saturday Morning TV show guy only. This guy should NOT be on this list!
Roland: I really couldn’t stand Jannetty back in the Rockers’ heyday. Over the years, I can now understand why so many liked him, but let’s face it – we’ll never really know if Marty was capable of becoming more than a nice tag wrestler because he was too busy tooting whatever got close to his nose.
Dones: The Rockers rocked. Marty Jannetty in singles competition? Not so much. (dr-#52)
Eddie T: Rockin’ would be a good way to describe Marty, who just didn’t get a better break in life. To this day, this man is probably in better shape than most the guys on the roster, and as a veteran continues to be an in-ring specialist. Being one half of one of the best tag teams of all time, and the unforgettable skit at the barber shop put Marty Jannetty in the countdown.
#71
Nikolai Volkoff
Dones: I didn’t rank him because sadly, I never took him seriously. (dr-NOT RANKED)
Eddie T: Edgy, risky, different. Those would be terms to describe Nikolai Volkoff, who managed to portray super heel at a time where WWF needed it most. His success brings him into the top 100 list.
Fantasy Muser: The Russian Bear! He was great at making people hate the Soviets and chant USA over and over again! His fueds with Duggan were very entertaining as well. One of my most favorite tag teams growing up was him with the Iron Shiek. They were the two loveable idiots!
Roland: You have to respect a guy who sold a gimmick for as long as he did. While I remember his singing of the Russian National Anthem during the more cartoonish portion of his career – some forget he once sold out MSG when facing Bruno Sammartino. Since the guy is in the WWF/E Hall of Fame, give him his due on this list.
See you next week for the next 10!
