Top 10 Best WWE Superstars of All Time (Ranked)

Who are the top 10 best WWE Superstars of all time? Find out! Our definitive list ranks legends based on legacy and greatness.

For over half a century, WWE has made bigger-than-life characters and special moments, turning athletes into global icons. Determining the “greatest” involves weighing championship glory, cultural impact, prowess in the ring, and definite charm.

Based on great acclaim, fan reverence, and lasting impact, here are the top 10 best WWE Superstars of all time:

These legends didn’t just win championships; they captured imaginations, defined eras, and turned WWE into today’s global phenomenon. Their journeys from uncertain debuts to iconic retirements or enduring legacies are the foundation upon which every Superstar who steps into the ring now builds.

Ranking the top 10 best WWE Superstars of all time is always subjective; everyone has their standards and favorites. Still, legends like The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, and Randy Orton have dominated their eras and left a lasting impact on the industry.

Key Stats of the Top 10 WWE Superstars:

1. The Undertaker

Debuting at Survivor Series 1990 as the supernatural, zombie-like “Deadman,” The Undertaker was an instant phenomenon. Managed by Brother Love and later Paul Bearer, his mysterious presence, imperviousness to pain, and connection to the dark captivated audiences.

He evolved from a slow-moving monster into a versatile, elite in-ring performer (“The American Badass” biker was a notable persona shift). His unparalleled WrestleMania undefeated streak (21-0) became legendary.

Officially retired after his “Final Farewell” at Survivor Series 2020, The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2022. He makes rare special appearances, often linked to the “Wyatt Sicks” storyline involving his past personas. He also co-hosts the “Six Feet Under” podcast and focuses on business ventures and family life.

2. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Debuted in 1995, Austin arrived in WWE as the technically gifted but bland “Ringmaster,” managed by Ted DiBiase. His career floundered until a 1996 King of the Ring victory birthed the “Austin 3:16” catchphrase and unleashed his anti-authority “Stone Cold” persona.

This blue-collar rebel, flipping off bosses and chugging beers, became the defiant voice of the Attitude Era. His fierce rivalry with Mr. McMahon and epic battles with The Rock propelled WWE to unprecedented mainstream heights and TV ratings.

Long retired from full-time wrestling due to neck injuries, Austin remains a pop culture icon. He hosts the wildly popular “Stone Cold Podcast,” appears in movies and TV shows, and launched his “Broken Skull IPA” beer.

His surprise return for a critically acclaimed match against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 proved his enduring appeal. He occasionally appears on WWE programming for major segments or documentaries.

3. Hulk Hogan

While Hogan had a brief WWF stint earlier, his true ascent began in 1984. Teaming with Mr. T against Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff in the main event of the first WrestleMania, Hogan became the face of the 1980s wrestling boom.

His red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” persona, preaching vitamins, prayers, and training, made him a global superstar and the first true crossover WWE icon. His title win from Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III is etched in history.

Hogan’s in-ring career is long over. He remains a controversial figure but is recognized as a foundational legend. He appears sporadically for major WWE events like WrestleMania or Hall of Fame ceremonies. He hosts a beach shop in Florida and occasionally features in reality TV.

4. The Rock (Dwayne Johnson)

In 1996, debuting as the overly cheerful, neon-clad “Rocky Maivia,” Johnson was initially rejected by fans. A heel turn and embracing his “People’s Champion” heritage birthed “The Rock.” His unparalleled charisma, razor-sharp wit (“Finally, The Rock has come back to…”), and electrifying catchphrases made him the Attitude Era’s other defining star alongside Austin. His matches and promos were consistently main-event caliber.

The Rock is a Hollywood celeb and one of the world’s highest-paid actors. He returned to WWE in a major way in 2024, joining the TKO Board of Directors and headlining WrestleMania XL (Night 1) against Roman Reigns.

While acting is his primary focus, his board role and open statements suggest continued, albeit limited, future WWE involvement.

5. John Cena

Cena responded, Kurt Angle’s open challenge on SmackDown in 2002, instantly showcasing his toughness. Originally a generic rookie, he found his voice as a rapping, trash-talking heel (“The Doctor of Thuganomics”). This became the company’s greatest “Never Give Up” superhero, carrying WWE through the PG Era. His tireless work ethic, Make-A-Wish record, and ability to polarize crowds defined an era.

Cena is now a major Hollywood star (Fast & Furious, Peacemaker), limiting his WWE appearances. However, he remains committed to WWE, returning for significant “legacy” runs.

As of June 2025, he is the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, having defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. His current run positions him as a veteran champion, elevating the next generation.

6. Shawn Michaels

Michaels started as one-half of The Rockers with Marty Jannetty. After a dramatic split (Jannetty “went through the Barber shop window”), Michaels became “The Heartbreak Kid”, a charismatic, cocky showstopper. Renowned for his athleticism, selling, and ability to create magic in big matches (earning “Mr. WrestleMania”), Michaels led the “New Generation” and later D-Generation X.

After retiring in 2010, Michaels transitioned into a backstage role. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, effectively the head booker and creative force behind WWE NXT. He shapes the future of WWE by mentoring the next wave of superstars.

7. Triple H (Paul Michael Levesque)

In September 1995, Levesque debuted as the blue-blood Connecticut aristocrat, Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Joining forces with Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and Rick Rude to form D-Generation X catapulted him to stardom.

He evolved into “The Game” and “The Cerebral Assassin”, a ruthless, calculating multi-time world champion and master of the long-term storyline. His rivalries with The Rock, Mick Foley, and Batista are classics.

Forced to retire in 2022 due to heart issues, Triple H now serves as WWE’s Chief Content Officer. He oversees all creative direction for Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. He is also instrumental in developing new projects like A&E’s “WWE LFG” (Legends & Future Greats) competition series, where he serves as an executive producer and mentor.

8. Bret Hart

Hart initially found success as one-half of The Hart Foundation tag team with Jim Neidhart. After the team split, Hart embarked on a legendary singles career. Known as “The Excellence of Execution,” his technical prowess and storytelling ability made him a top star during the New Generation era. His rivalries with Shawn Michaels, his brother Owen Hart, and Steve Austin are iconic.

Hart retired from full-time wrestling in 2000 due to trauma issues and a controversial departure known as “The Montreal Screwjob.” He conformed with WWE years later and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

He makes occasional appearances on WWE programming for documentaries, anniversary shows, or in Canada, often using a mobility scooter due to a stroke. He remains a vocal ambassador for concussion awareness.

9. Randy Orton

A third-generation star, Orton debuted on SmackDown in 2002. Quickly joined Evolution, becoming the arrogant “Legend Killer,” targeting WWE veterans. His natural athleticism and presence were evident early on. He evolved into “The Viper,” a cold, calculating predator known for his devastating RKO finisher. His longevity and consistency over two decades are remarkable.

After a serious back injury kept him out for over a year, Orton made a triumphant return at Survivor Series 2023. He remains a full-time active competitor on SmackDown in 2025 as a top baby face. He continues to clash with top stars like Solo Sikoa and the new Bloodline, confirming he’s still one of the most popular and greatest performers in the company.

10. Roman Reigns

In 2012, Reigns debuted alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose as The Shield, a dominant trio in tactical gear. Initially, the powerhouse “enforcer,” his singles push began after the group split.

Early fan resistance to his perceived forced push was intense. A 2020 heel turn, embracing his Samoan “Tribal Chief” heritage and aligning with Paul Heyman, created arguably WWE’s greatest modern character. His historic, multi-year Undisputed WWE Universal Title reign defined the company.

Reigns’ title reign ended at WrestleMania XL (April 2024) against Cody Rhodes. Following this loss, Reigns took a scheduled break from WWE television to spend time with family. As of June 2025, his return date is highly anticipated but not yet confirmed, with constant speculation and teases fueling fan excitement.

The Final Bell: Top 10 Best WWE Superstars of All Time

Choosing the top 10 WWE Superstars is like picking the brightest stars in a galaxy of legends. While names like Bruno Sammartino (whose incredible 4,000+ day reign built Madison Square Garden into a wrestling mecca), Andre the Giant (pro wrestling’s first true global attraction), and Ric Flair (whose influence bled into WWE even during his WCW peak) deserve immense respect, the ten listed here represent the perfect storm of athletic achievement, character mastery, cultural penetration, and sustained impact on WWE’s evolution.

From Hulk Hogan making wrestling a pop culture staple and Stone Cold shattering corporate glass ceilings with beer bashes, to The Rock electrifying audiences with his mic skills and John Cena carrying the torch for a new generation with his relentless hustle, these icons transcended the ring.

The Undertaker’s three-decade commitment to a dark character, Shawn Michaels‘ in-ring artistry as “Mr. WrestleMania,” and Triple H‘s evolution from blueblood to kingmaker showcase WWE’s diverse paths to immortality. Bret Hart proved technical excellence could captivate millions, Randy Orton demonstrated generational talent refined over 20+ years, and Roman Reigns redefined modern storytelling with his historic Tribal Chief reign.

Source/Image Credits: WWE

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