My Mount Rushmore of WWE: Legends of Entertainment, Dominance, and Excellence

Creating a Mount Rushmore of WWE is no easy feat, especially given the vast array of talented wrestlers who have graced the blue suede stage. This article delves into my personal selection of WWE legends, including the most entertaining characters, the most dominant figures, and those who shine through their sheer excellence in the ring. I have divided this Mount Rushmore into three categories:

Entertainment Mount Rushmore

Each of these wrestlers brought their unique flavor to professional wrestling, influencing the entire industry and becoming cultural icons. Their impact on WWE and the entertainment world is undeniable.

Gorgeous George and Rowdy Roddy Piper

Gorgeous George, known as the “Human Orchid,” was more than just a wrestler; he was a showman. His gimmicks and circus atmosphere were instrumental in shaping modern professional wrestling. Countless wrestlers, from “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, Ric Flair, Billy Graham, Jesse Ventura, to even Muhammad Ali, acknowledge his influence.

Rowdy Roddy Piper had a unique ability to become a fan favorite even though he never changed his character from a heel. The iconic “Cow Palace” promo remains one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.

The Rock, Macho Man Randy Savage, and Nature Boy Ric Flair

The Rock became a cultural icon with his charismatic promos and in-ring abilities, instrumental in WWE's success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He has since transitioned to Hollywood with a successful career.

Macho Man Randy Savage was always entertaining, with his spaced-out act that was like “Cheech and Chong on steroids.” His rivalry with Lovely Elizabeth added an extra layer of complexity and drama to his persona.

Nature Boy Ric Flair, while not one of my personal favorites, was entertaining in his prime without changing his character. His catchphrase, “It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you sell it!” will always ring true.

Special Mention and Honorable Mentions

Ravishing Rick Rude was a standout in terms of maintaining his character and entertaining the audience without boring them. Other notable mentions include Andre the Giant, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Million Dollar Man, The Godfather, and Jimmy Snuka.

Excellence Mount Rushmore

In this category, wrestlers are recognized for their technical skills and overall performances in the ring.

Bret Hart, William Regal, and Kurt Angle

Bret Hart, also known as “The Excellence of ution,” always lived up to his billing and made mediocre wrestlers look like champions. His technical prowess was unmatched. Similarly, William Regal was a standout ring technician, and Kurt Angle's Olympic gold medalist status speaks for itself.

Honorable Mentions

Others like Chris Benoit, Bryan Danielson, Eddie Guerrero, Owen Hart, Chris Jericho, Dean Malenko, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio Jr., Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, and Dusty Rhodes also made significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling.

Dominance Mount Rushmore

Beyond their skill, these wrestlers had incredible reigns and dominated the scene in their times.

Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and John Cena

Bruno Sammartino reigned as the longest-reigning world heavyweight champion, and his dominance is unparalleled. Hulk Hogan was the face of WWF during its heyday, with a reign lasting 1474 days. John Cena has been a constant presence in the WWE, though not one of my personal favorites, his longevity and success cannot be denied.

Honorable Mentions

Andre the Giant, Bob Backlund, Brock Lesnar, Pedro Morales, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, John Cena, and Undertaker have also left indelible marks on professional wrestling.

Conclusion

While each of these Mount Rushmore figures has their place, the true essence of WWE lies in the entertaining characters, the dominant figures, and those who excel through their technical skills. These wrestlers not only leave a legacy but also inspire a new generation of performers, ensuring the continued success and evolution of professional wrestling as an art form and a way of life.