The Mount Rushmore of WWE: Defining the Greatest Wrestlers of All Time

When discussing the greatest wrestlers of all time, many wrestling aficionados gravitate towards the Mount Rushmore concept. This iconic concept, similar to that of the presidents carved into the granite of Mount Rushmore, aims to identify the most influential and revered figures in the realm of professional wrestling. How do you and I rank the greatest wrestlers of all time? Here are some common perspectives and examples of who might clutch the largest spots.

My Mount Rushmore

Mine would surely feature:

Ric Flair Stone Cold Steve Austin Hulk Hogan The Rock

I can envision others favoring Shawn Michaels, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, or John Cena. The options are much more than just a couple, and the order in which these guys would be placed may vary depending on the focus of the assessment.

Alternate Mount Rushmore Rankings

Business Success Focus

When considering the most important performers from a business perspective, the following Mount Rushmore looks like:

Hulk Hogan Ric Flair Stone Cold Steve Austin John Cena

While this list is certainly valid, it doesn't excite the industry as a whole due to the broader scope and creativity involved in professional wrestling.

Innovative Performers

For those interested in the most innovative performers in the ring, the following builders of Mount Rushmore are featured:

Ric Flair Bret Hart Dynamite Kid Harley Race

This list is more aligned with those who brought vibrant and dynamic new in-ring techniques to the sport.

Best Wrestling Characters

When considering the best wrestling characters, the Mount Rushmore might resemble:

Shawn Michaels Macho Man Randy Savage Sting The Undertaker

This list speaks to those who brought an in-ring charisma and unforgettable performance that cemented their place in wrestling legend.

Largest Match Performers

For those who prioritize the best big match performers, the following Mount Rushmore would be solid:

Shawn Michaels Eddie Guerrero Kazuchika Okada Kenny Omega

Best All-Round Wrestlers

If we’re focusing on the best all-round wrestlers in an in-ring perspective, the following Mount Rushmore comes together:

Bret Hart Eddie Guerrero Bryan Danielson Ric Flair

Best Talkers

When considering the greatest talkers, the Mount Rushmore might include:

Roddy Piper Ric Flair CM Punk The Rock

Great Aces of a Particular Promotion

For those who focus on the greatest aces of a particular promotion, the following Mount RushMore represents:

Ric Flair Hiroshi Tanahashi Antonio Inoki Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Ultimate Mount RushMore

The hardest task is to merge all possible categories into a balanced full Mount RushMore. Here, individuals who are popular, successful, innovative, and skilled in the ring, who provide great promos, and are consistently pushed as top-draw talent in one or more promotions, are at the top of the list:

Ric Flair

The only person who definitely belongs on this Mount RushMore is Ric Flair. Despite my personal disdain for him, it's impossible to deny his significant contributions to the industry, art form, and profession as a whole. After Ric Flair, the list is a bit harder to pinpoint. Names like Bret Hart, Antonio Inoki, and Shawn Michaels can all make strong arguments for their inclusion.

Personal Mount RushMore

For me, my own personal Mount RushMore, defined solely by my favorites, would include:

Bryan Danielson Seth Rollins Shawn Michaels Eddie Guerrero

This list speaks to my individual preferences and loves, reflecting the wrestlers who have captivated my interest the most.