Top 100 Wrestlers Of All Time: 100-81

With the success of our Top 100 Wrestlers of 2018 list, we’ve decided to go even bigger and bolder. We’re going to rank the 100 greatest wrestlers of all time!

Our ranking differs from the PWI 500 because we use math. Well, at least we try to. Just as we did before, we all submitted our own list of the top 100 wrestlers of all time, and each ranking represents points. For example, #1 = 100 points, #2 = 99 points, etc. At the end, we’d calculate who had the most points and assign ranking from there.

How do you judge what makes a great pro wrestler? Well, we all have different criteria. Some rely on in-ring ability (which of course, is subjective) and others rely on box-office appeal. In a future episode of The Wrestling Estate Podcast, we’ll all break down the criteria we used in crafting our own lists. We’ll also bust each other’s balls for the names lacking and their absurdly low or ridiculously high rankings.

Without further ado, here are 100-81:

100. Mick McManus (77 points) / Scott Steiner (77 points)

The most important heel in British wrestling history, Mick McManus helped to bring on the British wrestling boom in the 1960s and 1970s. McManus’ use of psychology is arguably the most sophisticated in the industry, and if you ever want to learn what makes a great pro wrestler, Mick McManus is a great place to start! – Steven Jackson

As recently as 2018, Scott Steiner was a wrestling champion on TV. His unbelievable longevity is due to his reputation as a legit badass, as well as his reinvention from collegiate powerhouse to the lewd, crude, Big Bad Booty Daddy. He and his brother Rick were one of the greatest tag teams of all time, which Scott followed up with a notorious singles run that people are still talking about. – John Corrigan

99. Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (78 points) / Jon Moxley (78 points)

The brawn behind the original Hart Foundation, Jim Neidhart sought out the Hart Family Dungeon and subjected himself to the toughest training in the world, all in the hopes of being someone worth remembering. Well, we certainly remember. – Sam Gladen

A lengthy stay in WWE and membership in one of the company’s most heavily marketed factions of all time has Jon Moxley where he is on this list, and rightfully so. He can best be described as a sinister Roddy Piper with the brawling ability of a Dustin Rhodes, so the skills are there to match. But what I think is most interesting about Moxley is where he could be if we re-did this list in five or 10 years? I no longer default to thinking of him as Dean Ambrose, and while I can’t pinpoint the moment that happened for me, it lends itself to how much he’s elevated himself in the short time of him being out of WWE. The best is yet to come, and he might just become AEW’s marquee attraction when it’s all said and done. – Jack Goodwillie

98. Ivan Koloff (79 points) / Blue Demon (79 points)

Not just a big name in the early days of WWE, but you talk about longevity, Ivan Koloff wrestled from the 1960s to the early ’90s. A great talker and tremendous villain until his last day in the ring, the Russian Bear drew money everywhere he went. And he’s the guy that ended the greatest world title run of all time. – John Corrigan

One of Mexico’s “Big Three,” Blue Demon was one of the first luchadores to cross into massive mainstream success with his film career while still maintaining his dominance in the ring. He transcended both art forms and became a true legend. – Sam Gladen

97. Shinsuke Nakamura (83 points)

The King of Strong-Style, Shinsuke Nakamura helped usher in the modern NJPW era we are experiencing in the 21st century. A totally individual style and move-set, Nakamura never fails to engage wherever he performs. – Steven Jackson

96. Ed “Strangler” Lewis (86 points)

Strangler Lewis was as important as anybody to making professional wrestling a drawing attraction in the United States. As the on-camera point man for the Gold Dust Trio, Lewis was one of the most influential and powerful wrestlers of the 1920s and ’30s. – David Gibb

95. Roman Reigns (87 points)

This man has overcome so much in his life, but professionally and personally and regardless if he is cheered or booed, he will always deliver on the big stage and give every ounce of effort his body has. The “Big Dog” is exactly that in WWE today and has no plans on going anywhere else anytime soon. Roman will be the face of the company for the next 10 years. – Neal Wagner

94. “Killer” Tim Brooks (88 points) / The Big Show (88 points)

A southern legend, “Killer” Tim Brooks is the only man to hold clean pins over all four Von Erich brothers in singles competition – a feat made even more impressive when you remember that Fritz ran the booking committee for WCCW. Tim Brooks is one of the greatest to never work in the Northeast territory. – Sam Gladen

Big Show does not get the same respect that Austin, Rock or any of the main Attitude Era stars do, and he shouldn’t, but he was still good at what he did. He played his part well and probably holds the record for most heel/face turns. – Anthony Mahalis

93. Manami Toyota (89 points)

In 2019, it’s pretty reasonable to conclude that several of the top wrestlers and drawing cards in the world are women. When Manami Toyota was named the Wrestling Observer’s Most Outstanding Wrestler in 1995, it was inconceivable to anybody not watching All Japan Women’s Wrestling that a woman would even be considered. The nearly 25-year journey between then and now was not always one of forward progress, but make no mistake: Toyota was the first domino in what ultimately became the Women’s Revolution. – David Gibb

92. Jay Lethal (90 points)

The franchise of Ring of Honor, Jay Lethal has not only helped the company stay relevant in the post-Sinclair Broadcasting Group era, but has also helped ROH grow in the past 10 years. A history-making wrestler in more ways than one, Lethal is a once-in-a-generation talent. – Steven Jackson

91. Jim Londos (91 points) / Awesome Kong (91 points)

Generally regarded as the first ethnic box-office babyface, Londos broke into wrestling through the carnival circuit in the early 1910s. As a good-looking, body-centric “gimmick” at a time when most of the world’s leading professional wrestlers were dominant legitimate grapplers, the Golden Greek paved the way for many of wrestling’s bodybuilders and showmen. – David Gibb

Awesome Kong, Amazing Kong… regardless of what you call Kia Stevens, she’s undoubtedly earned the title of pro wrestling pioneer. She was the first monster heel to really break the glass ceiling in women’s wrestling and really helped mold the Knockouts division in the intermediate years of TNA. Yes, there was Bull Nakano and Chyna, but Nakano came up in a time where women competitors were mostly an anomaly and Chyna was billed more as an attraction than as a monster heel. Kong’s workrate has always been ++ for someone of her size and in her era, and I’m very happy to see her continuing her career in AEW. – Jack Goodwillie

90. Barry Windham (97 points)

If we were ranking potential, Big Barry would probably be in the top 10 or 15 on this list. Although nobody ever figured out how to line Windham’s sails up to the wind on national TV, he was considered one of the great workers of his era by his peers. His blend of realistic selling and “death walk” antics made him one of the most compelling wrestlers of all time to see take a beating, but he was also an old-school, fired-up babyface who could make a passionate, impactful comeback. – David Gibb

89. Trish Stratus (100 points) / Will Ospreay (100 points)

Trish Stratus resurrected women’s wrestling on a mainstream level during the 2000s. She navigated through the tits and ass era by showing just enough sex appeal to attract horny teens like myself, but also honed her craft to the point that women’s wrestling was viewed with the same credibility as the men’s. And yes, while TNA certainly deserves credit for being ahead of the curve of the Women’s Revolution, by the time it finally introduced its Knockouts Championship, Trish had already been retired for a year! – John Corrigan

One of the best young talents in the world, Will Ospreay consistently churns out match of the year contenders and only seems to be gaining speed. He is truly one of the most impressive performers on the scene today. – Sam Gladen

88. Pedro Morales (101 points)

Forgotten by the company that he carried after Bruno Sammartino stepped off the throne, Pedro Morales is perhaps the most underrated WWE Champion. The first Latino to win the world heavyweight title, he represented achieving the American Dream decades before Latino Heat was ignited. Morales was also the first to reach the triple crown in WWE, having won the Tag Team Titles with Bob Backlund and holding the record for most consecutive days as Intercontinental Champion. – John Corrigan

87. Ultimate Warrior (102 points) / Chyna (102 points)

While he will never be remembered for having legendary matches or being the smoothest guy in the ring, Ultimate Warrior was definitely one of the most popular and more charismatic wrestlers. As soon as the guitar riff hit, you knew exactly who was coming and the intensity level was turned up to 100. Warrior will be remembered for his crazy promos and being one of the most unique characters of all time. – Neal Wagner

Chyna was a physical specimen the likes of which we had never seen in the women’s division. She was good as the stoic powerhouse of DX, but her career blossomed when she was able to show more personality. – Anthony Mahalis

86. Tetsuya Naito (103 points)

Let’s stay Tranquilo for a minute with the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon and recognize the multi-time Intercontinental and former IWGP Heavyweight champion. From being a stargazing babyface to turning into one of the most defiant heels in pro wrestling today, it is arguably one of the biggest transformations any wrestler has gone through during a career run. – Neal Wagner

85. Dean Malenko (104 points)

The “Man of a Thousands Holds” was one of the most sound and technical wrestlers of our generation. He was very underutilized in WCW in the late ‘90s and to this day, may still be greater than most current wrestlers. Oh, what could have been if Malenko was still wrestling today with the likes of Sabre, Osprey and Gresham. – Neal Wagner

84. Matt Hardy (105 points) / David Von Erich (105 points)

I feel what I previously wrote about Matt Hardy cannot be topped. It was my most passionate writing to date, so please read my comments and see why Matt Hardy deserves to be on this list of the Top 100 wrestlers of all time. – Steven Jackson

The biggest and arguably most talented of the Von Erich brothers, David helped put his father’s promotion on the map and was looking to be a massive foreign heel in All Japan Pro Wrestling before his untimely death. – Sam Gladen

83. Pentagon (106 points)

One of the most exciting and entertaining individuals to lace their boots, Pentagon worked his way into my consciousness during the first season of Lucha Underground. I was worried about his strong booking and almost herculean displays of strength and agility, but I was wrong. He consistently finds ways to draw you in. – Sam Gladen

82. X-Pac (108 points)

A few years ago, I would’ve told you Sean Waltman was the most underrated wrestler in the history of the business. With his rebirth as a successful podcaster and induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, I don’t consider him a closely guarded secret anymore, but if you only think of him as “the X-Pac Heat Guy,” it’s time to reexamine the library and consider what he accomplished in the ring. Waltman innovated the current work style, combining the movement speed of high-flying wrestling with the psychological pace of a main event. He paved the way for the Rollinses and Styleses more directly than anybody I can think of. – David Gibb

81. Seth Rollins (109 points)

The total package. He absolutely does it all. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be in the top 10 or 15. – Anthony Mahalis