These are the crusaders that made the sport what it is today....
never forget!
The Crusher
Dick the Bruiser
Baron Von Raschke inventor of one of the most devastating submission holds ever.
"the claw"
Maurice "Mad dog" Vashon
Verne Gagne
known for the devastating submission hold "Gagne sleeper"
Screw them. When it comes to shaping and making wresting what it has been, these are the top 5.
Bruno Sammartino - Long time WWWF champ and prototypical powerful hero who pretty much dominated for 2 decades (60's and 70's)
Superstar Billy Graham - Revolutionized the interview and big muscle aspects of wrestling. When you speak of mic skills w/wrestlers, it started with the Superstar who was inspired by Muhammad Ali.
Hulk Hogan - Almost a ripoff of the Superstar and also a protege of the golden Graham. Although he's played the role of heel, his career took off as the real American who told the fans to take their vitamins and say their prayers while taking full advantage of the heavy nationalist theme in wrestling. Pretty much made up of all gimmicks but they all worked.
Stone Cold Steve Austin - When Stunning Steve failed as the Ringmaster, he shaved his head and became "Stone Cold". He was the foul mouthed, bird waving, beer drinking rebel and perhaps greatest antihero in wrestling history. His run didn't last as long as many other icons as it was cut short by neck and knee injuries but his popularity was unmatched when at its height.
The Rock - Any questions? The most electrifying sports entertainer ever. His mic skills and charisma unmatched. Transcended wresting more than any before him. His signature sayings and signature moves all very well known. While other wrestlers managed to parlay their notoriety from wresting into somewhat of an acting career, none come close to having as lucrative an acting career as The Rock, the people's champion.
Certainly there's been other icons worthy of mention, both in the WWWF/WWF/WWE and in other promotions before they were sucked up by the WWF (Pedro Morales, Nick Bockwinkel, Dick The Bruiser, Crusher, Bobo Brazil, Ernie Ladd, Bruiser Brody, Wahoo McDaniel, Ivan Koloff, Ken Patera, Mil Mascaras, Jimmy Snuka, Bob Backlund, Nikita Koloff, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, Iron Shiek, Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, Sgt Slaughter, Undertaker, Ultimate Warrior, Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar) but the big 5 listed above carried it through and made it the popular big business it has been.
