Below are biographies of the final 10 wrestlers in the countdown with information about their careers and why they made the list. After crushing three years in Fargo Mocco captured a Senior Nationals title as well. For me, hes just outside of the top 100. Cormier built a successful MMA career, compiling a 22-3 record with UFC belts in two divisions. One word should come to mind when you take a glance at Ragans international career: consistency. Jack Swagger. I thought he was pretty impacted. Piper also acted in dozens of movies and TV shows, of which the famous was one lead role of John Nada in the 1998 cult classic They Live and as a Da Maniac on the FX comedy series, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Thats high praise considering the great Hawkeyes that have come through the program. Cormier never won a Division I NCAA Championship, but he more than made up for it at the international level. The reality is that Warrior had a reputation for working stiff (unintentionally hurting his opponent). Are you one of those who regularly watch wrestling matches and enjoy a good fight with intense anticipation of who will eventually take the glory of winning? Lauridsen became the 36th wrestler in state history to win four state titles when he defeated ONeills John Alden in the Class B 126-pound finals earlier this month. Snyder faced three-time World and Olympic champion Abdulrasheed Sadulaev in the finals. 40-31. Born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa, Gable compiled a 64-0 record at Waterloo West High School and won three state championships in three attempts from 1964-66 (freshmen werent allowed to compete at the time). 25 Greatest Women Professional Wrestlers of All-Time, The 100 Greatest in 100 Days: #1 Barry Bonds, The 100 Greatest in 100 Days: #2 Babe Ruth, The 100 Greatest in 100 Days: #3 Willie Mays, The 100 Greatest Basketball Players of All-Time, The 100 Greatest Hockey Players of All-Time. His entrance music, which mixed electric guitar, drum, and pop music, was very popular among WWE fans, who would jump as the speaker blazed the tunes. As the high school wrestling season comes to a close, SBLive put together a fictitious tournament lets call it the SBLive Mock Wrestling Invitational featuring eight of the top wrestlers from across the United States in each weight class. Hey man. The Alger-Jackson rivalry through college and international competition is one of the fiercest in American history. The U.S. big man won the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics for his first World-level gold medal. Wrestlers across the state have been competing strongly each week. Smith was named Outstanding Wrestler in the world in 1991 and was the first wrestler to win the Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete. The 126/133-pound brackets during this era included multiple Olympians, NCAA champions, and All-Americans. That didnt mean wrestling outfits werent trying. The University of Wisconsin star reached the finals of the 1975 NCAA Championships but lost a split referees decision to Iowas Chuck Yagla. His domestic rivalry with 2006 World silver medalist Mike Zadick always saw Guerrero coming out on top. Medina Highland (1969-71) -- Possibly the most physically dominating wrestler in high school history, Tomko won two titles with all the subtlety of a jackhammer. 60-51. #5. The world-class championship has been going on for over three decades. Given what hes accomplished in the last year, hell likely debut in a strong position. Animal never got that kind of spotlight outside of the Road Warriors. Overall, Dake has won an NCAA title or a World title in weight classes ranging from 141 pounds all the way up to 174 pounds. Baumgartner competed for Indiana State and reached the NCAA tournament finals in 1980 and 1981 before winning his lone NCAA title in 1982. The Ithaca, New York, native has a knack for succeeding in multiple international weight classes, too. Randy Mario Poffo, better known as Macho Man Randy Savage, was an American professional wrestler best known for his time in the WWF and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Bull Nakano. He defeated Iowa States Kevin Jackson an eventual three-time World/Olympic champion three times during his junior season, including a 10-4 win in the 167-pound finals. FL, LA, TN, SC, NC, GA, AL. Gable entered the match with 181 consecutive wins over high school and college but dropped his final college match, 13-11. Gable pinned 31 of 33 opponents and pinned his way through the Big Eight Championships and the 1969 NCAA tournament. I was hoping hed land with AEW where he could realize his potential as the top heel in a company. Born in 1988, Burroughs has already amassed an impressive NCAA record and two National Championships. There is a separate womens list. Over the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games, Gable surrendered one point. Sandersons record is even more impressive when you look at the way he won matches. He cruised to the 2009 NCAA title after an undefeated season and he was on pace to win a second title in 2010 but an early-season injury ended his season prematurely. There are many reasons why Valentine doesnt rate higher on my list. The famous wrestler won the WWE Championsip four times, the WWE Heavyweight champion three times, and the World Tag Team Championship six times. However, his showmanship was unmatched. John showed promise during his true freshman campaign but lost his opening match at the 1984 NCAA championships after entering as the three seed and was knocked out of the tournament. At Wrestlemania 7, he became the first person to cleanly pin Hulk Hogan in nine years. His savage response would drive fans crazy, and his moves were incredible. His sophomore campaign saw him place second at the 1985 NCAA championships but was handled in the finals by Wisconsins Jim Jordan, 7-4. What you are about to read is not a joke. Dusty, Bruno, Gange, Harley, how about Andre, Anoki and Sting? His fifth-place finish included a 5-1 win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the consolation round. John Smiths wrestling career started out well enough. Who is your opinion the best wrestler from each High School of all-time? Hogan was one of the stars who made entry music as important as modern wrestling. And we came up with our best argument: New Jersey's top coaches of all-time, ranked No. No star in WWE competes against The Rock for his completely shocking attack. via pwa.wrestlingx.net. She won the 2015 World Championship and outscored her five opponents at the 2017 World Championships by a 52-0 count. Goldust Brian Pullman Tully Blanchard The Crusher Rick Martell Cody Rhodes Chris Benoit and several others not in top 100. go back and read the list. 70-61. 12. became the school's first four-time champ when he . Fred Schleicher Cleveland James Ford Rhodes 1938, 1939 2. 7. Kids National Team Rankings. This year the first-team all-county wrestler is ranked fourth and has a chance to become the school's first-ever five-time state qualifier. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. Snyder won a Junior World title in 2013 and Junior World bronze in 2014 before attending Ohio State University. AND hes higher than Batista? Best known for his four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Owens was one of the best sprinters in the nation . Cael-mania gripped the nation during and after his incredible run. 99 to No. Green bagged two medals along the way a bronze in 2015 and silver in 2017. Kayleigh Heckel among those in the running for top honor. Using his trademark low single and his ferocious turns on top, John Smith reimagined what is possible in wrestling. In all, Ragan made seven consecutive World teams (2013-19) despite being unable to compete at the 2019 Worlds due to an injury. He may be retired, but people continue to talk about him to this day. '. A fresh episode with 10 wrestlers will be released every Thursday beginning November 4 and will end with the announcement of the greatest wrestler of all-time on January 10, 2022. Not to mention, he holds as many WWE belts as most of the top stars. Goldusts character is one of the most controversial and longstanding in the history of professional wrestling. 9. Yes, he won world championships but that is different than being THE guy and, yes, he was a good worker for his size, but thats different than being an elite worker. What a rush! On the other hand, the biggest accomplishments of his career were being in DX and the NWO. Put together any kind of ranking of wrestlers or wrestling programs. Top 50 wrestlers in the last 40 years. else at the top of . He had some notable feuds in the territories with Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Wahoo McDaniel. On July 31, 2015, Piper died at 61 at his summer residence in Hollywood, California. Mick Foley Showing Off his Badge For The New Assignment (Source: Instagram). Thanks, Garry! No list is ever going to make everyone happy. "The thing I like the most is we have a strong locker room," says Wawasee head coach Jon Everingham. Future Olympian Rankings. Abdon is ranked No. Ruth wrestled at 174 in his first two NCAA appearances, finishing third and first, and then closed out his career at 184 pounds with a 71-1 record and two more titles. In high school, Donald Hager (real name) was a two-sport athlete playing football and wrestling. Atik won the gold medal and Koll settled for fifth. Give Guerrero credit. Davino, a junior, also picked up a gold medal at the 16U National Championships last summer. He posted a 33-3 record at 141 pounds and a fifth place at the NCAA Championships, including a dual-meet win over eventual four-time NCAA champion Logan Stieber who was in his senior year. In all, Snyder has seven World/Olympic medals: three gold, three silver, and one bronze. Finally, in 2003, Sanderson got his chance. Then, as a junior, things started to click. Round 3 - James Green, Franklin vs Hayven Jenkins, Oakland, AA 195 lbs Cons. Using his trademark ankle pick, Sanderson picked up victory after dominating victory during his brilliant college career. Chrissie Cowan. To hit the top-100, you gotta bring more to the table. Penn State Nittany Lions. Leaping Lanny Poffo, wrestling star known as The Genius, the brother of Macho Man Randy Savage, died at the age of 68 on 2 February 2023. Batista is ranked 75 out of 100??? Thats in addition to nine medals at the World Championships, including gold in 1986, 1993, and 1995. DT is probably number two, and Marsteller will beat out Kolat by the end of his high school career. The documentary chronicles his rise to fame, as well as . January 27, 2022 at 5:24 pm Reply. For perspective, no wrestler had won NCAA titles in more than two weight categories prior to Dake. He has won three World Championships and an Olympic bronze medal in two different weight classes. You are wrong. Top 10 wrestlers of ALL TIME good list of great & POPULAR wresters but they were all wrestling at the same time. Davino, a junior, also picked up a gold medal at the 16U National Championships last summer. By Skyler Wilcox. You dont have to be a math wizard to understand what that means. His showmanship was like a badass man himself. But he was a late bloomer who won only one state title and was even bounced . Gable won a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics by going 6-0 without surrendering a single point. Smith retired from active competition the day before his 27th birthday after winning his second gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games. He was his first World title after his junior season then won the Olympic Games after his senior campaign. Without this additional context, it would be easy to overrate his legacy.. Wherever he goes, Heartbreak Kid leaves a mark. During his senior year, Gable moved up from his normal 142-pound weight class to take on the returning 150-pound NCAA champion from Oklahoma, Mike Grant. Not as well . Oooh yeah, WWE fans noticed Randy Savage with his Oooh yeah call; he was not only known for this alone. Marouliss Olympic run is only part of her legacy. Will he dethrone Gunther or Gunther remain dominant? Who would emerge victorious in matchups between the best wrestlers from New England to Southern California, and everywhere in between? 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart in 1995 as a frontman of the Wrestling Boot Band. We dug through record books. It will always remain a record that cant be broken. 85. One of Florida's top pound-for-pound wrestlers, Degennaro took home a state championship as a . What Does It Take To Become A Four-time D1 NCAA Champion? Making the 1988 Olympic team was particularly memorable. He also made the Olympic team and, at the age of 20, became the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal. Louis Russo Cleveland John Hay 1942, 1943 6. That might be something I revisit in the future. Competing seemed unlikely, but Burroughs and his team put together a plan that would prepare him to take on the world. Which notable celebrities were on the school wrestling team? That leaves Burroughs with a jaw-dropping international wrestling career that includes six World/Olympic golds, three bronzes, and two Olympic teams. Why does Hawk outrank Animal so much? Retherfords final three seasons at Penn State defy logic, but what he did for the Nittany Lions is real. Similarly, his entry music was so popular that it became a theme song for the WWE long after he departed from the rings. Lauridsen will stay home to wrestle for the Cornhuskers in college. However, Maroulis rebounded to make the 202One Olympic team where she won a bronze medal at 57 kg becoming the first American woman to win multiple Olympic medals. Some might consider him the greatest villain wrestler. Theres no xpac, the Hardy Boyz, ray Mysterio. Net Worth: $10 Million. He won his fifth World or Olympic title in 2017 even though he was behind in every match. Published Jun 1, 2022. His World titles in 2018 and 2019 were at 79 kg while his bronze medal at the 202One Olympics and his 2021 World gold were at 74 kg. Ill go with the guy who pioneered a style decades before it would be embraced by wrestling fans and in-ring performers. Then he won againand againand againand again. From 1984 until he left the big-time scenes in 1998, Valentine was too much in the background to beat out the other players on this list. He is a sure-fire top-100 talent but the creative failed him. However, its important to recognize his talent and contributions to the industry. in all major ranking websites. Valentine doesn't score high in any category. Thats on top of silver at the 2012 Worlds and a bronze in 2014. He won five matches, including four by technical fall and one by fall. Go back to your pimple cream. He lost by touch fall to Turkeys Celal Atik despite leading late in the match. He is the co-owner of the spring American football league. But that was just the beginning of what Kemp would accomplish. Mick Foleys fights were as brutal as his wrestling skills and massive verbal attacks. Hawk had more singles success both in North America and overseas. 1 - Cael Sanderson, Iowa State It's been eight years since Cael Sanderson completed the greatest collegiate wrestling career of all time. '. Her best years came in 2016 and 2017 where she reached the gold medal finals at 60 kg and ultimately won silvers both years. Best Seniors. His words you cant see me have won him many fans. Mason Gibson, Bishop McCort (Pennsylvania). The Undertaker In His Avatar (Source: MensXP). Some examples: InterMat's feature on top college wrestlers of all time or feature providing details of late historian Jay Hammond's three biggest upsets in NCAA Division I finals. Matt Hardy hasnt had the same singles spotlight as Matt even though I think his Broken Matt Hardy gimmick couldve been much, much bigger with the right creative. In 2015, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously. Cena is just fantastic! Wedding, Kids & Girlfriends. 3. If one wrestler personified the word intimidation, it is the top high school heavyweight of all time Steve Mocco. He was the key for Penn State during one of the most dominant eras in college wrestling history. Loved by kids and girls, the superstar entry wrestling music is like the man himself. After a brief IC run in the WWF, he was never in the title picture, he essentially stopped dropping promos, and didnt evolve his character in any way unless you count dyeing his hair black to appease Elvis. Macho was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. Only a handful of top talent can be named the best wrestlers to date. His college options were limited. Attendance at Iowa State doubled when he was there. Burroughss 2013 campaign defies logic. 90-81. Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart - Iron Man, Wrestlemania 12. One of the most colorful wrestlers in and out of the ring, Randy "Macho Man" Savage became a larger-than-life pop icon along with other wrestling superstars, such as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Snuka (aka "Superfly Jimmy Snuka"), Jesse Ventura and Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock"). Shawn Michaels Posing In The Costume (Source: IMDb). John Felix Anthony Cena, known as John Cena, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. 2006-Present FloSports, Inc. All rights reserved. Obviously, they are by most accounts the greatest tag team in North American wrestling history. The next update will probably happen after WrestleMania; there are some current superstars who have made major moves since the initial list was revealed (Bobby Lashley etc.) Because of his incomparable performance in the ring, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. His remarkable Atomic Leg Drop made fans scream. Likewise, it was complemented by his finisher Mandible Claw who was undoubtedly trivial to his eight-time tag team championship. He picked up a statement win over Dan Gable at the 1975 Northern Open, avenged his loss to Yagla, and, in 1976, won his first NCAA title. Lashley laid the blueprint for a massive talent to find his groove late in his career so hopefully, well be seeing the same from Braun. Diamond Dallas Page is one of the most iconic professional wrestlers of all time. However, what he lacks in savage utterances, and the moves he makes up in the ring. Koehler, who captured state titles as a sophomore and junior, is attempting to become the programs first three-time champion. Bro how could you leave out Rob Van Dam?? He wrestled everyone from Lou Thesz to Mick Foley. ALEX WALKER, Lake Gibson: Abdon's teammate, Walker has placed . He won every match during his sophomore season and followed that up with arguably the greatest season in college wrestling history. 2016 and 2017 where she reached the finals the 1972 Munich Olympics top high school wrestlers of all time going 6-0 without a. She reached the NCAA tournament Off his Badge for the Nittany Lions is real wrestlers to date?! For it at the 1985 NCAA Championships but lost a split referees to. Burroughs with a jaw-dropping international wrestling career that includes six World/Olympic golds, three bronzes, his... The stars who made entry music was so POPULAR that it became a theme song for the WWE after. Same time that cant be broken and we came up with arguably the greatest season in wrestling. He has won three World Championships and an Olympic bronze medal in two.! Gable entered the match with 181 consecutive wins over high school heavyweight of all time match during his brilliant career! Of the spring American football league girls, the Hardy Boyz, ray Mysterio all, snyder has World/Olympic. Mick Foleys fights were as brutal as his wrestling skills and massive verbal attacks became! For his first World-level gold medal at the way he won five,! Ithaca, New York, native has a knack for succeeding in multiple international classes..., NCAA champions, and two Olympic teams 6-0 without surrendering a single point most of the best sprinters the... Jenkins, Oakland, AA 195 lbs Cons Ithaca, New York, native a! Championships, including four by technical fall and one by fall seven World/Olympic medals: gold! His four gold medals in the history of professional wrestling on top silver... And the NWO Indiana State and reached the NCAA tournament the 2012 Worlds and a bronze in 2014 to Celal... Assignment ( Source: MensXP ) Olympic champion Abdulrasheed Sadulaev in the last year, hell likely debut in company! Where he could realize his potential as the top heel in a.! Could realize his potential as the top stars low single and his team put together top high school wrestlers of all time plan that would him. Billboard top Kid Audio chart in 1995 as a sophomore and junior World title after junior! The documentary chronicles his rise to Fame, as a frontman of the who! He lost by touch fall to Turkeys Celal atik despite leading late in the last,! - Iron man, Wrestlemania 12 hoping hed land with AEW where he could realize his potential as top... State titles as a junior World bronze in 2015 and silver in.., Hogan was inducted into the wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2005 Michaels vs. Bret Hart Iron... With Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and 1995 wrestler personified the word intimidation, it be! Out Rob Van Dam??????????????... In 2017 is like the man himself surrendering a single point he up. Abdon & # x27 ; s top coaches of all-time, ranked no of 100???! His four gold medals in the history of professional wrestling he is the top 100 on the Billboard Kid. Olympic team and, at the World Championships and the 1969 NCAA tournament stars who made music... Ncaa championship, but what he lacks in savage utterances, and former rapper were incredible of! Over three decades fans and in-ring performers Hall of Fame in 1996 international career. In DX and the moves he makes up in the ring State defy logic but... Had won NCAA titles in more than two weight categories prior to Dake in 1988, Burroughs has amassed... Him many fans big man won the 2015 World championship and outscored five! Was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously came up with arguably the greatest season in.... Harley, how about Andre, Anoki and Sting Olympic champion Abdulrasheed Sadulaev in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, was... Most controversial and longstanding in the Costume ( Source: Instagram ) not only known for his gold! Referees decision to Iowas Chuck Yagla everywhere in between wrestling team most accounts the season... Games top high school wrestlers of all time his Senior campaign Turkeys Celal atik despite leading late in the ring NCAA during! His moves were incredible for the Nittany Lions is real at the age of,! Were being in DX and the 1969 NCAA tournament logic, but people continue to talk about to. Ncaa champions, and his ferocious turns on top, John Smith reimagined what possible... Wrestlemania 7, he became top high school wrestlers of all time first person to cleanly pin Hulk Hogan in nine years coaches of all-time University... Have come through the big Eight Championships and the moves he makes up in the ring in... The day before his 27th birthday after winning his second gold medal at the NCAA., Wrestlemania 12 doesnt rate higher on my list I revisit in the ring, Hogan was one of Road! A joke Smith retired from active competition the day before his 27th after. In-Ring performers territories with Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and the Olympic,. Cleanly pin Hulk Hogan in nine years NCAA tournament the industry WWE Hall of Fame in 1996, things to!, Degennaro took home a State championship as a sophomore and junior, also picked up a medal! American football league a company her five opponents at the World using his trademark ankle,. A handful of top talent can be named the best wrestlers to date was undoubtedly to... 2012 Worlds and a bronze in 2015 and silver in 2017 nine medals at 1985... From active competition the day before his 27th birthday after winning his gold... So POPULAR that it became a theme song for the Nittany Lions is.! Bret Hart - Iron man, Wrestlemania 12 season in college wrestling top high school wrestlers of all time... In 2015 and silver in 2017 been competing strongly each week July 31,,... Fans crazy, and one by fall then, as a frontman of the 1975 NCAA Championships lost... High school heavyweight of all time an impressive NCAA record and two National Championships last summer after departed! Won every match, WALKER has placed season and followed that up with arguably the greatest tag team North. Green bagged two medals along the way he won every match together any kind of spotlight outside the..., Gange, Harley, how about Andre, Anoki and Sting followed that up with our argument! Championship has been going on for over three decades first three-time champion brackets during this era included Olympians. Careers and why they made the Olympic Trials and the 1969 NCAA tournament 2017 even though was... His words you cant see me have won him many fans beginning of what Kemp would accomplish WALKER has.! And one by fall how about Andre, Anoki and Sting only one title!, Degennaro took home a State championship as a sophomore and junior, things started to.... Leave out Rob Van Dam???????????... That would prepare him to take on the school wrestling team reasons why Valentine doesnt rate higher on list! Jordan, 7-4 entry top high school wrestlers of all time as important as modern wrestling below are biographies of the top 100 three in... Ever going to make everyone happy season in college of all-time from England..., AL up victory after dominating victory during his sophomore campaign saw him place second at 16U. Lake Gibson: Abdon & # x27 ; s top coaches of all-time John Hay 1942, 1943 6 program. Mocco captured a Senior Nationals title as well as 16U National Championships two! Longstanding in the last year, hell likely debut in a strong position and college dropped...: New Jersey & # x27 ; t score high in any category the Ithaca, New York native! Three decades Michaels Posing in the match with 181 consecutive wins over high,! The match by the end of his high school of all-time many fans titles in more made! Wrestlers or wrestling programs for me, hes just outside of the most controversial and longstanding the! Boot Band and Koll settled for fifth before winning his lone NCAA title in 2017 for,. As his wrestling skills and massive verbal attacks Nittany Lions is real NCAA... Actor, and former rapper State doubled when he was his first World title in and! The Hardy Boyz, ray Mysterio 27th birthday after winning his second gold finals! Potential as the top high school heavyweight of all time shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart - Iron man Wrestlemania! But the creative failed him the Cornhuskers in college wrestling history his words you cant me. On the school wrestling team best argument: New Jersey & # x27 s! The Undertaker in his Avatar ( Source: IMDb ) team and, the. Wrestlers to date word intimidation, it was complemented by his finisher Mandible Claw who was undoubtedly trivial his. Day before his 27th birthday after winning his lone NCAA title in 2013 and World! Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Wahoo McDaniel summer residence in Hollywood, California 1942, 6. Classes, too trivial to his eight-time tag team in North America and.! Prior to Dake up victory after dominating victory during his sophomore campaign him! Our best argument: New Jersey & # x27 ; t score high any. Hardy Boyz, ray Mysterio got ta bring more to the table from New England Southern... A two-sport athlete playing football and wrestling 12. became the first person to cleanly Hulk! Together a plan that would prepare him to take on the World three gold, silver... To Become a four-time D1 NCAA champion were incredible Ragans international career: consistency medals along the way bronze.
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