Top 100 wrestlers of the 90s

Mandatory.com have posted the following list that they believe is the top 100 wrestlers of the 90s. As they're always good for generating debate I'm posting it here too...


If you're a man above the age of 20, chances are you watched professional wrestling at some point during the '90s. If you're like me, you basically watched nothing but professional wrestling.

It was the golden era of the sport, and every Monday night we all tuned in to see who was jumping from the WWF to WCW, or what Degeneration X was going to pull off that night. It was something that you could watch with your dad or your little brother and everyone would find something they loved. With that being said, after much time and deliberation, here are the 100 Greatest Wrestlers of the '90s.



100. Alex Wright

Why he's on the list: After finding success in Germany, "Das Wunderkind" captured the WCW Cruiserweight & Television Titles. Let's just try to forget that awful dancing.


99. The Nasty Boys

Why they're on the list: Despite what may have been the worst entrance music ever, the Nasty Boys were incredibly successful winning both the WWE and WCW Tag Team titles through their career.


98. Marcus Bagwell

Why he's on the list: "Buff" Bagwell started out in WCW partnering with Scotty Riggs in what appeared to be a Chippendales commercial. He later became the leader of the nWo Wolfpac, along with Scott Steiner.


97. Marty Jannetty

Why he's on the list: Although never achieving the level of his partner, Shawn Michaels, he did return to the ring in 1993 to defeat Michaels and win the Intercontinental title.


96. Ultimo Dragon

Why he's on the list: Although much more successful in Japan, Ultimo Dragon was one of the marquee cruiserweights in WCW feuding with Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio, Jr., and Eddie Guerrero.


95. Jushin Liger

Why he's on the list: Debuting at age 19 in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Jushin Liger is still going strong 28 years later. He has feuded with everyone from Brian Pillman to Sting to Owen Hart.


94. Abdullah the Butcher

Why he's on the list: With successful stints in the WWE, WCW, ECW and NWA, Abdullah may be best known for his 1991 feud with Sting where, at Halloween Havoc, Cactus Jack accidentally electrocuted him in an electric chair.


93. The Pitbulls
Why they're on the list: If you didn't get to watch ECW wrestling in the '90s, before the WWE, bought the wrestling world do yourself a favor and check them out on YouTube. The Pitbulls had an incredible feud with The Eliminators that could have headlined any pay-per-view event.


92. Mabel

Why he's on the list: Despite numerous terrible gimmicks and constant underachieving, Mabel was a fan favorite and always fun to watch while a group tried to eliminate him during a Royal Rumble.


91. Bob Holly

Why he's on the list: Starting out as a virtual unknown, Holly eventually found success in the WWE's Hardcore division, winning the title six times.


90. The Gangstas

Why they're on the list: The Gangstas were known for bringing everything from guitars to crutches to the ring as weapons and I'm pretty sure they joined every post-match brawl that occurred in ECW.


89. Val Venis

Why he's on the list: Yes, he had several successful title runs but is there anyone that won't remember Val Venis for his entrance music and video?


88. Kamala

Why he's on the list: Probably the wrestler that gave me the most nightmares as a kid, Kamala feuded with Hogan in the WCW and battled the Undertaker in the very first casket match.


87. Konnan

Why he's on the list: This luchador feuded with Rey Mysterio, Jr., and Chris Jericho during the early part of his WCW career, including winning the Television title on a November 1998 Monday Nitro.


86. The Sandman

Why he's on the list: Known for drinking and smashing numerous beers over his head before every match, The Sandman was best known for his lengthy feud with Raven that included several reigns as the ECW World Champion.


85. Harlem Heat

Why they're on the list: Booker T and Stevie Ray dominated the tag team field of WCW battling the Outsiders, Steiner Brothers, Public Enemy and many others during their tenure in the organization.


84. D'Lo Brown

Why he's on the list: Joining the WWE in the Nation of Domination with the Rock and Mark Henry, Brown later went on to simultaneously hold the European and Intercontinental title.


83. Haku/Meng
Why he's on the list: The legends about Meng are like that of a Greek warrior. There was more than one incident where he was said to have bitten a nose off, lifting Brutus Beefcake two feet off the ground while choking him and knocking grown men across rooms with a single head butt. Oh, he also had a successful wrestling career, as well.


82. Papa Shango/Kama
Why he's on the list: Before becoming the street fighting Kama, Papa Shango tormented the Ultimate Warrior with black magic. He also made black ink drip out of Mean Gene's jacket sleeve while Gene cried, which was one of the funniest moments in wrestling history.


81. The Warlord

Why he's on the list: Before suffering a career-ending neck injury, the Warlord had numerous successes in tag teams with partners like Ivan Koloff and Karl Kovac.


80. The Eliminators

Why they're on the list: As one of the most decorated tag teams in ECW history, the Eliminators were one of the most exciting, high-flying tag teams in the history of the sport.


79. Brutus Beefcake

Why he's on the list: Although most of his success was due to his friendship with Hulk Hogan, the Barber became a fan favorite in the WWE. We'll try to forget his time in the WCW, however.


78. I.R.S.

Why he's on the list: Taking what may be the most unexciting gimmick ever, I.R.S. took the taxman concept and became one of the most well-known villains, feuding with the Undertaker, Bret Hart and numerous other stars.


77. Demolition

Why they're on the list: The WWE's answer to the Road Warriors, Demolition dominated the tag team division and held the titles for an unbelievable 478 days.


76. X-Pac

Why he's on the list: Best known for his time in Degeneration X, X-Pac held over a dozen titles in the WWE, WCW and TNA.


75. Rick Martel

Why he's on the list: After nearly 20 years in professional wrestling, Martel adopted the model gimmick which put him over as one of the most well known villains in the '90s for the WWE.


74. The Dudley Boyz

Why they're on the list: Bubba Ray and D-Von are the most decorated tag team in wrestling history, with 23 tag team championships in every major wrestling company in the world.


73. Steven Regal

Why he's on the list: Regal found success in his blue blood character, which continually insulted his opponents, as well as the fans, for being lower class than him. He is still involved with the WWE at present day.


72. Bob Backlund

Why he's on the list: Backlund returned from retirement in 1992 as an insane man who could snap at any moment, and actually won the WWE Championship from Bret Hart at the 1994 Survivor Series.


71. Tatanka

Why he's on the list: Tatanka was a huge fan favorite for most of the '90s and found quite a bit of success in the WWE, including an undefeated streak that lasted for over a year from 1992–1993.


70. Jim Neidhart

Why he's on the list: Although Neidhart had stints in both the WWE and WCW, he is best known for his time in the Hart Foundation, and his tag team championships with his partner, Bret Hart.


69. 2 Cold Scorpio

Why he's on the list: His signature Scorpio Splash separated him from other high flyers in his career and led to four ECW World Television Titles.


68. Greg Valentine

Why he's on the list: Valentine was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 after a nearly 30-year professional career that included feuds with just about any superstar you can think of.


67. The Natural Disasters

Why they're on the list: Earthquake and Typhoon, while enjoying successful singles careers, created one of the largest tag team combinations ever seen in the WWE with the Natural Disasters.


66. Jeff Jarrett

Why he's on the list: Jarrett, who still actively wrestles in TNA, has held almost every major world championship including the WCW Heavyweight Championship on four different occasions.


65. Dr. Death Steve Williams

Why he's on the list: Steve Williams holds what may be the most unbreakable streak in professional wrestling. He didn't lose a single match for the TEN YEARS spanning from 1987–1997.


64. Raven

Why he's on the list: As one of the most recognizable ECW wrestlers, Raven held the world championship twice in very popular feuds with the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.


63. Goldust

Why he's on the list: Probably the most infamous character of the '90s, Goldust debuted in 1995, feuding with Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Title. He still makes occasional appearances today.


62. Barry Windham

Why he's on the list: Although Windham enjoyed most of his success in the NWA, he was also a member of the Four Horsemen in 1990 with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Sid Vicious.


61. Ahmed Johnson

Why he's on the list: Johnson was instant star in the WWE, debuting in 1995 and eventually winning the Intercontinental title from Goldust.


60. Big Boss Man

Why he's on the list: Although not greatest physical specimen, Big Boss Man's charisma as a hero and villain helped him become one of the most recognizable wrestlers of the '90s.


59. Edge
Why he's on the list: Edge made his WWE debut in 1997, when he feuded with Gangrel and eventually partnered with Christian, winning 12 tag team championships.


58. Tommy Dreamer

Why he's on the list: Known as the Innovator of Violence, Tommy Dreamer was the face of ECW for its entire existence and was inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2010.


57. Paul Orndorff
Why he's on the list: Mr. Wonderful had an illustrious career as part of the Four Horsemen, with several title reigns and induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.


56. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Why he's on the list: Not only did Duggan win the first-ever Royal Rumble, he also had the most bizarre TV title reign after he found the belt lying in the trash and declared himself the champion.


55. Kerry Von Erich

Why he's on the list: One of the most tragic stories in wrestling, the Von Erich family suffered tragedy after tragedy. Yet despite their troubles, the Texas Tornado was one of the most exciting wrestlers ever in the WWE.


54. Marc Mero

Why he's on the list: His Johnny B. Badd persona made him hugely popular in WCW. Eventually going under his real name in the WWE, he feuded with Diamond Dallas Page over the Television Title during the peak of his career.


53. Ron Simmons

Why he's on the list: The All-American football player debuted in the NWA in 1989 and was ranked #20 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 wrestlers of 1992 when he captured the WCW Heavyweight Championship.


52. Ken Shamrock

Why he's on the list: With a smooth transition from UFC to WWE, the World's Most Dangerous Man lived up to his nickname and was a top WWE superstar for most of the '90s.


51. Diamond Dallas Page

Why he's on the list: In addition to holding the WCW World Heavyweight Championship title, and being the tag team partner of Jay Leno for a battle with Hulk Hogan, Page's best work was during his feud with Randy Savage which lasted nearly 4 years.


50. The Honky Tonk Man

Why he's on the list: The Honky Tonk Man holds the record for the longest Intercontinental Title reign, one that will probably never be broken. His incredible feat lasted 454 days.


49. Taz

Why he's on the list: His feud with Sabu is considered by many to be the greatest in the history of ECW. He held every major title for the company and also enjoyed later success in the WWE.


48. Arn Anderson

Why he's on the list: Anderson spent over 20 years in WCW, where he was part of the Four Horsemen and named PWI's Tag Team of the Year in 1991, along with Larry Zbyszko.


47. Tito Santana

Why he's on the list: Santana not only held most of the WWE championships, he was also the only man other than Hulk Hogan to be involved in the first nine Wrestlemanias.


46. The Big Show

Why he's on the list: He is the only wrestler to ever hold the WWF, WCW, ECW and WWE Heavyweight Championships and was named PWI's Rookie of the Year in 1996.


45. Terry Funk

Why he's on the list: The Hardcore Legend has been inducted to just about every wrestling hall of fame there is, and was also awarded the honorary lifetime of ECW Champion for all the work he did for the company.


44. Sabu

Why he's on the list: Feuding with Taz and Rob Van Dam for the majority of his ECW career, Sabu put on some of the most memorable table matches in the history of wrestling.


43. The British Bulldog

Why he's on the list: Before his tragic death in 2002, Davey Boy Smith had numerous jumps from the WCW to the WWE, where he headlined numerous pay-per-views and feuded with numerous top superstars.


42. Jake The Snake Roberts

Why he's on the list: Known for tossing his boa constrictor onto opponents (not a euphemism), Roberts was always a fan favorite and claims to have invented his finishing move, the DDT.


41. The Great Muta

Why he's on the list: One of the first Japanese wrestlers to gain major success in the United States, the Great Muta won the AJPW Triple Crown three different times.


40. Eddie Guerrero

Why he's on the list: The youngest of the Guerrero brothers, Eddie won 23 different titles during his career, which was cut tragically short when he was found dead in 2005.


39. Bam Bam Bigelow

Why he's on the list: Bigelow dominated ECW as a member of the Triple Threat and then went on to headline Wrestlemania XI against Lawrence Taylor.


38. Chris Benoit
Why he's on the list: Benoit is one of four men to win the WWE and WCW Triple Crowns and also won the 2004 WWE Royal Rumble. Only Shawn Michaels and Benoit have entered the Royal Rumble at #1 and won the battle royale.


37. Nikita Koloff

Why he's on the list: The Russian Nightmare spent the majority of his career in the NWA and, unfortunately, had his promising career cut short in 1992 at Halloween Havoc when Vader hit him with a stiff closeline, resulting in a severe neck injury.


36. Dean Malenko

Why he's on the list: Known as the Man of 1,000 Holds, Malenko had success in the major organizations and was named Wrestler of the Year in 1997 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.


35. Shane Douglas

Why he's on the list: The Franchise helped transition ECW from Eastern Champion Wrestling to Extreme Championship Wrestling when he won the NWA title and threw it down, claiming he didn't want to be champ of a dead organization.


34. Lex Luger

Why he's on the list: After a successful run in the WWE, Luger made his WCW debut on the first Monday Nitro, where he went on to win the WCW Triple Crown.


33. Owen Hart

Why he's on the list: Considered by many of his peers as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Hart won the 1994 King of the Ring and WWE Intercontinental Title.


32. The Steiner Brothers

Why they're on the list: Winning ten World Tag Team Championships, the Steiners are one of two tag teams to ever hold the WCW, IWGP and the WWF championships.


31. Brian Pillman

Why he's on the list: Pillman won the WCW Tag Team Title with Steve Austin as a member of the Hollywood Blondes, then later in the WWE adopted the title of the Loose Cannon, and created some of the most infamous promo spots ever for the company.


30. Kane

Why he's on the list: Even beyond his highly decorated championship career, Kane's Royal Rumble records are enough to make him a legend. He once eliminated 11 of the 30 Royal Rumble participants by himself, including the quickest elimination of another competitor.

29. Sid Vicious

Why he's on the list: One of the most intimidating men ever to step inside the ring, Sid has feuded with the top names in wrestling and headlined numerous Wrestlemanias, as well as WCW's Starrcade.


28. Jimmy Snuka

Why he's on the list: Superfly Jimmy Snuka is probably best known for his long-running feud with Roddy Piper but he was also the very first ECW Heavyweight Champion. He later went on to be inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame.

27. Chris Jericho

Why he's on the list: Jericho is credited as the first undisputed WWF Champion after he unified the WCW and WWF Championships. He is also a record nine-time Intercontinental Champion.


26. Rob Van Dam

Why he's on the list: One of the most innovative and exciting wrestlers of all time, Van Dam held the ECW Television Title for an astounding 700 days and was the only wrestler ever to be voted PWI's Most Popular Wrestler of the Year as a heel.


25. Yokozuna

Why he's on the list: Although marketed as a Japanese sumo wrestler, the Samoan superstar went on to win the 1993 Royal Rumble, and then defeated Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan to win the WWF Championship twice.


24. Rey Mysterio

Why he's on the list: His acrobatic and high-flying moves are considered the birth of cruiserweight wrestling's popularity in the U.S., which led to successful stints in WCW, WWE and ECW.


23. Triple H
Why he's on the list: After gaining huge popularity as a member of Degeneration X, Triple H became a main event headliner, going on to win the WWE World Championship a record 13 times. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events for the WWE.

22. Scott Hall

Why he's on the list: As successful as his Razor Ramon character was, Hall gained the most attention when he jumped to WCW and started the nWo along with Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan. His ladder match against Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania X was voted Match of the Year by PWI.


21. Rick Rude

Why he's on the list: The "Sexiest Man Alive" as he called himself, was known for some of the best interviews and promos in the ring, as well as being a four-time World Heavyweight Champion.

20. Mr. Perfect

Why he's on the list: Also known as Curt Hennig, he pretty much did it all. He was a member of the Four Horsemen, the nWo, and while holding the WWF Intercontinental Title, was the longest-reigning champion of the '90s.

19. Ted Dibiase

Why he's on the list: The Million Dollar Man is considered by many to be the greatest wrestling villain of all time. He headlined multiple pay-per-views, including winning the King of the Ring before creating his Million Dollar Championship belt.


18. Ricky Steamboat

Why he's on the list: One of the hardest working wrestlers in the ring, Steamboat's match against Macho Man Randy Savage at Wrestlemania III is considered by many the greatest match in the history of wrestling.

17. Roddy Piper

Why he's on the list: Piper is one of the most recognizable faces in professional wrestling, appearing in movies and television shows, as well. His interview segment, known as Piper's Pit, was used to create rivalries with numerous opponents and was resurrected at Wrestlemania 21, when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.


16. The Road Warriors

Why they're on the list: The top tag team on the list, the Road Warriors had incredible success in the major U.S. companies, as well as Japan. Many consider them the greatest tag team of all time; they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

15. Cactus Jack

Why he's on the list: No wrestler ever sacrificed his body for a match more than Cactus Jack. His ECW matches against Terry Funk and his Hell in a Cell match against the Undertaker are a must-see for any fan of hardcore wrestling.

14. Vader

Why he's on the list: As one of the most agile super heavyweights of all time, Vader dominated the WWF, WCW and Japan, using his signature moonsault, powerbomb and, for a short time, the inverted powerbomb.

13. Kevin Nash

Why he's on the list: After an impressive Royal Rumble debut in 1994, Diesel went on to defeat Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship in an astounding eight seconds. He later went on to form the nWo with Hulk Hogan and Scott Hall in WCW and remained there until the close of the company.

12. Goldberg

Why he's on the list: After his explosive debut in WCW, Goldberg went on an undefeated streak when he went 173-0 and became the first undefeated world champion in the history of professional wrestling.

11. The Undertaker

Why he's on the list: Beyond all of his accomplishments, the Undertaker holds what may be the most impressive and unbreakable record in professional wrestling; he is 20–0 at Wrestlemania events.

10. Andre the Giant

Why he's on the list: Although he only wrestled for a short time in the '90s, Andre the Giant won the WWF Tag Team Championship with Haku and Bobby Heenan, until they attacked him at Wrestlemania VI and resulted in Andre's turn back to a fan favorite.

9. The Ultimate Warrior

Why he's on the list: The Ultimate Warrior became a megastar at Wrestlemania VI, where he defeated Hulk Hogan for the World Championship. He feuded with Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect over the title for most of the early '90s.

8. Sting

Why he's on the list: A 15-time world heavyweight champion, Sting is the only man to hold the WCW, TNA and NWA titles. He was known as the franchise of WCW, as he never wrestled in a WWF event.

7. Shawn Michaels

Why he's on the list: Michaels is the only wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1995 and 1996. His in-ring work has always been praised, as he won the PWI Match of the Year award a record eleven times.

6. Bret Hart

Why he's on the list: Hart has held an unbelievable 32 different championships over a span of five decades. His career reached its pinnacle in the '90s, as he was champion for 654 days during the decade.

5. The Rock

Why he's on the list: Debuting in the WWF in 1996, the Rock quickly became a fan favorite with entertaining promos. His matches against Steve Austin for the WWF Championship are some of the greatest the company has ever produced.

4. Ric Flair

Why he's on the list: What hasn't Ric Flair done? He's first-ever double inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame and was the first-ever WCW Heavyweight Champion.

3. Macho Man Randy Savage

Why he's on the list: The Macho Man was a brilliant mix of charisma and in-ring ability. He headlined Wrestlemania multiple times, as well as winning WCW's 60-man battle royale known as World War 3. He also won 20 championships during his career.

2. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Why he's on the list: Austin may very well be personally responsible for transitioning the WWF into the Attitude Era in the '90s. He became insanely popular, winning three different Royal Rumbles and 25 championships.

1. Hulk Hogan

Why he's on the list: The most recognizable name in professional wrestling, Hogan is not only the most popular wrestler of the '90s, but of all time. He held the WWF title for 1474 days and the WCW title for a record 469 days.

certainly a trip down memory lane, would have thought Jericho, HHH, HBK & Goldberg would have been higher but don't see anyone who doesn't belong in the top 100 off the top of my head.

the question is though could bret name 100 people better then HHH?

yeah all them +1 other bull

proberly disco inferno or someone

Is this supposed to be the best wrestlers of the 90's based on what they achieved in the 90's or just because they happened to be around then?

For example

50. The Honky Tonk Man

Why he's on the list: The Honky Tonk Man holds the record for the longest Intercontinental Title reign, one that will probably never be broken. His incredible feat lasted 454 days.

Honkey's reign was ended in '88, probably his high points of the 90's were being Eric Bischoff's favorite WCW firing and the manager of Rock-a-Billy.

I'd guess that they were just around in the 90s still as well

No Kurt Angle? Billy Gunn? Road Dogg?

Stonee21 wrote:No Kurt Angle? Billy Gunn? Road Dogg?

Kurt Angle didn't debut until late 1999. It's a bit unfair to put him in a Top 100 list with only 1 months wrestling under his belt. Billy Gunn could be there but would be very near the 100 mark, maybe in place of Bob Holly. I don't see how Road Dogg would be there at all.

No Al Snow or Stevie Richards? Bad times

Poopie list.

Suprised Jerry Lawler isnt on the list.

Guys like Brutus Beefcake, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine and Demolition are the top stars of the 80's and i don't remember making much of an impact in the 90's!!!

VDT wrote:Guys like Brutus Beefcake, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine and Demolition are the top stars of the 80's and i don't remember making much of an impact in the 90's!!!

Whilst I don't disagree with this, they were all still active well into the 90's. They also achieved stuff in the 90's: Demolition were still tag champs in 1990, Beefcake ended Mr Perfect's undefeated streak, and Valentine went on to win a (mediocre) belt in WCW, whereas Orndorff had a more successful run there.

Too Cool?!

Gangrel?

Christian?

or are they all more early 00's?

Dr G is roght, you can't list guys just because they were around in the 90s if their best achievements didn't happen IN the 90s

Billy Gunn should definitely have been on that last since we're using kayfabe achievements, multipe time Tag Champ with two different partners in the 90s, a member of one of the most iconic factions ever in Pro Wrestling in that decade and also a King of the Ring in that decade, not to mention singles titles

Sgt Slaughter is another one for that decade, he was a turn coat Judas War Criminal who walked into a WrestleMania as World Champion, that alone should get him on the list

Crash Holly, Chris Candido, Stevie Richards

Andre the Giant shouldn't be on that list, all he did in the 90s was stand on the apron while Haku worked, turned face on Heenan then helped the Rockers against Fuji and the Express, same with Demolition, they had 4 months as the real deal before they put Ax on the shelf, Honkey is another who shouldn't be on it, his best work was in the 80s, Valentine and Orndorf were well past it.

I can see an argument for Beefcake, he did end Perfect's undefeated streak, he had a hughly popular weekly Barbor Shop segment that progressed a lot of stories and had a WrestleMania double Main Event slot with Hogan against Money Inc

imprettyfly wrote:Too Cool?!

Gangrel?

Christian?

or are they all more early 00's?

Where would you put them?
Ok, Brian Christopher had quite a successful career prior to joining WWF, but he was no Eddie Gilbert who also didn't make the list. Scott Taylor spent much of the 90's as a jobber. Maybe they should just put Rip Rogers on there? How about Barry Horowitz?

Gangrel? Cool character but a flash in the pan at best. And Christian was very much the third man of The Brood and didn't really get going until late 1999.

I'll say it again - Jerry Lawler. He warrants a place in the top 70 atleast.

Dan Spivy would also be an absolute must in any top 100 if the 90s

Personally I love this list (except the mentioned Sgt. Slaugther omission).
It's a total homage to the Golden Age and a middle-fingered salute to the Attitude Era. A tip of the cap to whoever wrote it.

Can't say I like the list much, the author went for name value over achievments of the decade, guys like mentioned and Tito Santana were all past their best by then

I'm not sure I agree. How great are achievements later in the decade? The belts were devalued by stupid short reigns. As far as I'm concerned, Tito Santana working an IC Title program with Mr Perfect in 1990, with the roster as saturated as it was, is a greater achievement than Edge winning the title and holding it for a day in 1999, in a year where the title changed hands, what, a dozen times?

That's Edge though who is already included, I'd say for work in the 90s Billy Gunn is far more deserving than Tito Santana

Yeah, I picked Edge specifically. He popped up in 1998, and was starting to get going in 1999. So he had just over a year and a half on the roster in the 90's, dancing around the mid card. That earned him a place above several other former IC Title mainstays and a couple of former World Champions too. Tito Santana had a longer time on the mid card than Edge in the 1990's, until he slipped to jobber to the stars come 1992. He deserves to be 47th if Edge is 59th.

I think the gap between Jericho and Triple H is far too close. Triple H done much more between 1997-2000 than Jericho, but is only seperated by 4 places.

Kid Vicious wrote:Yeah, I picked Edge specifically. He popped up in 1998, and was starting to get going in 1999. So he had just over a year and a half on the roster in the 90's, dancing around the mid card. That earned him a place above several other former IC Title mainstays and a couple of former World Champions too. Tito Santana had a longer time on the mid card than Edge in the 1990's, until he slipped to jobber to the stars come 1992. He deserves to be 47th if Edge is 59th.

I'm trying to do a 100 right now, I'm unsure if I'd include Edge, Santana definitely doesn't make it, I'd ask though, despite the time frame, who would you consider had a bigger impact on the business at those respective times? I'd say Edge but only as part of a Tag Team

nasisillmatic wrote:I think the gap between Jericho and Triple H is far too close. Triple H done much more between 1997-2000 than Jericho, but is only seperated by 4 places.

If you're basing it on the WWF alone you're correct, if we're basing it on the time frame of the 90s then Jericho's body of work in ECW, WCW and the WWF might not be to far off that of Triple H's

Kay Fabe wrote:

nasisillmatic wrote:I think the gap between Jericho and Triple H is far too close. Triple H done much more between 1997-2000 than Jericho, but is only seperated by 4 places.

If you're basing it on the WWF alone you're correct, if we're basing it on the time frame of the 90s then Jericho's body of work in ECW, WCW and the WWF might not be to far off that of Triple H's

Did Jericho really make such an impact compared to Triple H during the 90's?

Apart from his man of 1037 holds thing and WWE debut I don't really remember much.

Kay Fabe wrote:

Kid Vicious wrote:Yeah, I picked Edge specifically. He popped up in 1998, and was starting to get going in 1999. So he had just over a year and a half on the roster in the 90's, dancing around the mid card. That earned him a place above several other former IC Title mainstays and a couple of former World Champions too. Tito Santana had a longer time on the mid card than Edge in the 1990's, until he slipped to jobber to the stars come 1992. He deserves to be 47th if Edge is 59th.

I'm trying to do a 100 right now, I'm unsure if I'd include Edge, Santana definitely doesn't make it, I'd ask though, despite the time frame, who would you consider had a bigger impact on the business at those respective times? I'd say Edge but only as part of a Tag Team

I think you're forgetting how big Santana was in 1990. He was right on the cusp of main event. The fact he was chosen to be the third man alongside Hogan and Warrior at Survivor Series 4 speaks volumes. There was even rumours that he was in line for Bret Hart's title run until WWF decided to push for Canadian viewers instead of South American. He had 1 very good year in the 90's. Now, I don't think that warrants him getting 47th, but he would certainly be above Edge in my book.

I'll admit, when Edge showed up I thought, "this kid has something". But whilst he went on to greatness, in that year alone his achievement of a 1 day IC Title reign does not outweigh what I consider Tito to have achieved in the same time frame.

On the subject of Edge and Angle, if Honkey Tonk Man, can get a top 50 placing based on an IC title reign that ended in '88, the presumably the success that Edge and Angle went onto achieve also has to be considered.

To be honest I don't think this is a great list, obviously it's a monumental effort and I haven't got my own list to offer at the moment but it seems like only the basist amount of thought has been put into it.

Also by what criteria do you have the Steiners some 40 places above the Dudleyz?

Honky Tonk Man shouldn't be in there. He wasn't even really being used by the time 1990 rolled around. What did he have, a Rumble appearance and a Survivor Series match before he left in 1991? Based on that, Edge would be above him. Angle though, didn't he debut at Survivor Series 99? That's not enough to be in the Top 100 of the 1990's either.

Dr Gregory House MD wrote:Also by what criteria do you have the Steiners some 40 places above the Dudleyz?

Because The Steiner Brothers were freaking awesome!

I'm not saying Angle should be on the list/would be on mine, but by the criteria of this list, if Honkey's IC reign is credited, Austin's 3rd rumble win, Sting's TNA title etc then Angle should be on this list.

Also with the Steiner's, they are probably my favorite tag team of all time and I wouldn't quibble with them being above the Dudleys but a full 40 places?! how does someone come to that conclusion.

Dr Gregory House MD wrote:I'm not saying Angle should be on the list/would be on mine, but by the criteria of this list, if Honkey's IC reign is credited, Austin's 3rd rumble win, Sting's TNA title etc then Angle should be on this list.

Also with the Steiner's, they are probably my favorite tag team of all time and I wouldn't quibble with them being above the Dudleys but a full 40 places?! how does someone come to that conclusion.

You make a good point with Angle, and whoever wrote this has clearly got some of their dates wrong. Although Austin and Sting both did more than enough in the 90's to be very high up on the list. I doubt their later careers were considered too much. Honky Tonk has just got to be the writer not thinking it through, but that does devalue his writing.

I've got no problem with the Steiners being where they are. Even the gap with the Dudleys. They were a great tag team, a very important part of WCW in the early 90's. The fact they're not credited as singles competitors makes me think the writer has taken into consideration Scott's push in the late 90's as Big Poppa Pump. They're a much bigger draw than the Dudleys for the 90's.

Kid Vicious wrote:

Kay Fabe wrote:

Kid Vicious wrote:Yeah, I picked Edge specifically. He popped up in 1998, and was starting to get going in 1999. So he had just over a year and a half on the roster in the 90's, dancing around the mid card. That earned him a place above several other former IC Title mainstays and a couple of former World Champions too. Tito Santana had a longer time on the mid card than Edge in the 1990's, until he slipped to jobber to the stars come 1992. He deserves to be 47th if Edge is 59th.

I'm trying to do a 100 right now, I'm unsure if I'd include Edge, Santana definitely doesn't make it, I'd ask though, despite the time frame, who would you consider had a bigger impact on the business at those respective times? I'd say Edge but only as part of a Tag Team

I think you're forgetting how big Santana was in 1990. He was right on the cusp of main event. The fact he was chosen to be the third man alongside Hogan and Warrior at Survivor Series 4 speaks volumes. There was even rumours that he was in line for Bret Hart's title run until WWF decided to push for Canadian viewers instead of South American. He had 1 very good year in the 90's. Now, I don't think that warrants him getting 47th, but he would certainly be above Edge in my book.

I'll admit, when Edge showed up I thought, "this kid has something". But whilst he went on to greatness, in that year alone his achievement of a 1 day IC Title reign does not outweigh what I consider Tito to have achieved in the same time frame.

I'll be honest, I really have no idea why Santana was in that "Grand Finale Match of Survival" although I am well aware that he was considered for the WWF Title in 92 although to be fair it was only Tito himself who said this and no-one verrified it, the story goes that they where looking to push the Hispanic Wrestlers and like you said decided to go with Canadian, I felt Tito was kept semi relevent by 1990, someone with some name value but not someone that would do anything other than put the new talent over. When he and Martel finished Strike Force in 89 for good for me that was the end of Santana as a genuine contender, Martel on the other hand had a far better 3/4 years after that IMO.

As for Edge, I've got my years wrong, I'm thinking he and Christian began teaming and winning Tag Titles in 99 not 2000, still, I'm not really making a case for Edge, like I said he wouldn't be in my list anyway, I'm making a case for someone who isn't in it

Thought Hercules might be on that list, albeit near the 100 mark

Really? Why?

For the no-sell on Sid's powerbomb!

Kayfabe, I agree with you that come the end of 1989 Santana was at the end of being a serious contender. I don't really know why I'm arguing his cause. I was never a fan, and he doesn't warrant 47th on the list. I would put him in the Top 100 though. He still had some gas left in the tank, and I think he achieved more than Edge did in the 1990's. Edge wouldn't be on my Top 100 of the 90's although he'd get a good placing in my Top 100 ever. Same with Kurt Angle. He'd possibly make my Top 10 of all time, but I'd be surprised if he made even the PWI-500 of 1999 let alone anyone's Top 100.

Yeah neither would be in my top 100 of the 90s, don't know why we keep going back to Edge though to be honest, we're both in agreement about that

Whoever wrote this list is a tool. It's basically a list of wrestlers someone remembers.

Kay Fabe wrote:Really? Why?

Cos I though he was pretty decent.

better then I.R.S for example.

westisbest wrote:

Kay Fabe wrote:Really? Why?

Cos I though he was pretty decent.

better then I.R.S for example.

In what way was Hercules better than IRS? Do you literally mean you thought he was a better performer with stronger promos and better in-ring skills?

I thought IRS was brilliant to be honest, I probably appreciate him more today than what I did at the time but anyone who could make that gimmick work was a genius in my opinion, also his tandom with DiBiase was a match made in Heaven

I think IRS was involved in plenty of decent feuds in the 90s in the WWF alone to merit a place while the only thing I can vaguely remember Hercules be involved in angle was was that injury angle with Shawn Michaels as a member of Power and Gliry in 1990, I thought Power and Glory had a great finisher by the way

Mike Rotundo was a very good performer.
Is he a GOAT? Hmm, no. Does he belong in the Hall of Fame? Yes, one day.

Any man that can make Captain Mike work in a tag team with Norman the Lunatic and it not be considered a gimmick team is alright in my book. Both WCW and WWF could've made more of his amateur days. The Varsity Club was a good gimmick. In fact, I think it's these gimmicks (plus Michael Wallstreet) that got IRS over as a serious competitor as we already knew he was a top, yet underrated, performer.

Hercules on the other hand was what he was. A limited powerhouse. But I liked him. He could well get a place on the Top 100 of the 80's (the feud with Billy Jack Haynes was quality), but what did he really have left in the 90's? Power and Glory flopped, he jobbed out his WWF days and then became Super Invader in WCW. Which also flopped. If he could get a place in the Top 100, I'd never give it to him over Mike Rotundo.

Hercules? Why not put Warlord in there while we're at it.

IRS was better than Hercules as a singles competitor, and Money Inc were better than Power & Glory as a tag team.

It's not even a contest.

Warlord is in it

I've done my list, took me a few days, there's a lack of Japanese guys in it as I didn't really follow much Japanese Wrestling, the only guys I was truly familiar with where guys I used to know through Wrestling magazines, there's also no synopsis as I didn't have time

100. Brian Christopher
99. Crush
98. Al Snow
97. Tommy Dreamer
96. Justin Credible/Aldo Montonya
95. Johnny B Badd/Marc Mero
94. 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka
93. Rick Steiner
92. Crash Holly
91. Stevie Richards
90. Chris Candido
89. Dr Death Steve Williams
88. Steve Keirn/Skinner/Doink
87. D-Von Dudley
86. The Road Dogg Jessie James
85. Billy Kidman
84. Eddie Gilbert
83. Perry Saturn
82. Kevin Sullivan
81. Stevie Ray
80. Mikey Whipwreck
79. Sgt Slaughter
78. Sandman
77. Rick "The Model" Martel
76. Papa Shango/Kama/Goodfather
75. Tommy Dreamer
74. Konnan
73. Hakushi
72. Dean Malenko
71. Marty Jannetty
70. Val Venus
69. Phil LaFon
68. Doug Furnas
67. Disco Inferno
66. Jerry Lawler
65. Mike Awesome
64. Kenta Kobashi
63. Toshiaki Kawada
62. I.R.S
61. 2 Cold Scorpio
60. Dan Spivey
59. Ultimo Dragon
58. Jushin Liger
57. Steven (William) Regal
56. Bubba Ray Dudley
55. The Big Bossman
54. Jerry Lynn
53. Road Warrior Hawk
52. Booker T
51. Road Warrior Animal
50. Lex Luger ---- Rikishi/Fatu
49. The Big Show/The Giant
48. Rowdy Roddy Piper
47. Diamond Dallas Page
46. Eddie Guerrero
45. Raven
44. Dean Douglas
43. Rick Rude
42. Ken Shamrock
41. Goldust
40. Bam Bam Bigelow
39. Billy Gunn
38. Ron Simmons
37. Earthquake
36. Yokozuna
35. Jeff Jarrett
34. X-Pac
33. Ricky Steamboat
32. Brian Pillman
31. The British Bulldog
30. Psycho Sid
29. Chris Jericho
28. Terry Funk
27. Rey Mysterio Jr
26. Tazz
25. Kane
24. Rob Van Dam
23. 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase
22. Triple H
21. Scott Steiner
20. Jake 'The Snake' RobertsRey Mysterio Jr
19. Kevin Nash
18. Owen Hart
17. Scott Hall
16. Mitsuharu Misawa
15. 'Mr Perfect' Curt Hennig
14. Big Van Vader
13. Chris Benoit
12. Mick Foley
11. Goldberg
10. Ric Flair
9. Sting
8. The Undertaker
7. The Ultimate Warrior
6. Shawn Michaels
5. Bret 'The Hitman' Hart
4. The Rock
3. Randy Savage
2. Hulk Hogan
1. Steve Austin

Jesus calm down people. ffs.

Just my opinion I though Hercules was better than IRS.

Having said that Hercules was more involved late 80's, wasnt quite as good in the 90's.

IRS didnt impress me.

In the words of the Great Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan, I thought he was a ham n egger.

I'm sure Heenan used that exact phrase to describe your man Hercules Hernandes

He may well of done.

But I didnt see him as that.