We analyzed input from droves of reporters and historians. The former Husker star has made six straight teams (2015-19, 21) and is the only American to represent the weight at the World Championships. Now, let's take a look at the top boys wrestlers across the country at 126 pounds: Campbells strong junior season includes a third-place finish at the Walsh Ironman. "I think it's clear by the way we've been playing lately that our team is together and committed to each other. Michaels has mastered the art of using his heels to bring a special step to the end of Sweet Chin music. She is one of just three to qualify twice, joining . Malia, who was a state qualifier, won District 12, was third at Region 4, and second at . Valentine would be one of the next 5-10 on the list if I expanded it to 150 or so which is pretty lofty considering all of the great performers who have come and gone. These kinds of events create curiosity, and there is fun in them. In addition, the legendary wrestler is well known for his mustache among fans. MAXPREPS; CBSSPORTS.COM; 247SPORTS; B. Wrestling. He won his fifth World or Olympic title in 2017 even though he was behind in every match. 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. 60-51. He won every match during his sophomore season and followed that up with arguably the greatest season in college wrestling history. 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. Share. 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. He shook his defeated foe so the referee thought he was conscious. The Hall of Famer has also won the WWE Championship twice and is one of the few WWE players to have emerged as a three-time champion. Thats on top of silver at the 2012 Worlds and a bronze in 2014. Some thought Burroughs was finished and would not return to his winning ways. Fred Schleicher Cleveland James Ford Rhodes 1938, 1939 2. We took an argument that can't be won and boiled it down to a single list. Theres no question that it becomes akin to splitting hairs the further down the list you go. 7. Ultimate Warrior has gotta be lower in the list he is top 20 for sure. Up first is the state of Ohio. I would say that Goldberg should replace Nick Foley. Thats on top of a gold medal at the 1986 Goodwill Games, seven World Cup gold medals, four World Cup silver medals, three Pan American Games gold medals, and three Pan American Championships. His words you cant see me have won him many fans. That might be something I revisit in the future. I thought he was pretty impacted. Below are biographies of the first 10 wrestlers in the countdown with information about why they made the list. Valentine doesn't score high in any category. John Felix Anthony Cena, known as John Cena, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. 80-71. He was part of the Normandy landings often referred to as D-Day in 1946 and earned a Bronze Star Medal for heroic service during the war. Lewis had beat out Johns brother, Lee Roy, during a contentious 1984 Olympic Trials. Giant Haystacks - 690 pounds. Well, WWE is not just about wrestling; there is more to it than you can imagine. Trent Furman, Westwood, 2019 146. Gable won a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics by going 6-0 without surrendering a single point. 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. Hulk Hogan was simply the best wrestler, from his looks to his wrestling moves. That includes four Midlands titles, four Big 12 titles, and four NCAA titles. ALEX WALKER, Lake Gibson: Abdon's teammate, Walker has placed . Longevity plays a big part, too. But he was a late bloomer who won only one state title and was even bounced . From the WCW to the WWF, Page was a member of several major wrestling organizations during his highly profitable career. But that was just the beginning of what Kemp would accomplish. Making the 1988 Olympic team was particularly memorable. AND hes higher than Batista? His freestyle career was where Cormier built his wrestling legacy. DT is probably number two, and Marsteller will beat out Kolat by the end of his high school career. After he won the 1971 World Championships, the Soviet Union vowed to find someone who would defeat him. Is it Adeline Gray or is it Adeline Gold? Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He notched third-place state finishes as a freshman and sophomore . Jannetty had some moments but hes a touch behind, IMO. In fact, I think its such that it offsets any advantage Batista has over Wyatt in other areas. How good was Yoshida? It will always remain a record that cant be broken. Round 2 - John Smith, Giles vs Colby Cash, Riverheads, 4A 120 lbs Cons. What you are about to read is not a joke. His domestic rivalry with 2006 World silver medalist Mike Zadick always saw Guerrero coming out on top. Its not a coincidence that six of the seven you named are outside of the top 70. His weight included three former World champions, so the odds of making history were slim. Likewise, it was complemented by his finisher Mandible Claw who was undoubtedly trivial to his eight-time tag team championship. Wedding, Kids & Girlfriends. When healthy, Welch is one of the best wrestlers in the state. Any top 100 list without Greg The Hammer Valentine is completely illegitimate. Snyder reached the 197-pound finals of the 2015 NCAA Championships but was pinned by Iowa States Kyven Gadson. A list of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. He had some notable feuds in the territories with Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Wahoo McDaniel. One of his most memorable lines fans love is the phrase, Austin 3:16 says I just whooped your ass, which sent laughter among the fans. Like a lightning bolt, he was flashy, electric, powerful, and memorable. 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.) Second, he was not an elite worker. Thread starter CCLfan83; Start date Jan 12, 2011; C. CCLfan83 . Although, Im not sure in what areas Batista does have an advantage. 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. Im sure I could find 10-15 guys who may be more deserving than some near the bottom of your list but Im not going. Thats on top of a 127-3 high school record at Heber City High School in Heber City, Utah, where he won four state titles. He died at 58 as paramedics declared him dead at the scene. Curious? His performance at the 2017 Worlds in Paris would cement his status as a legend. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Ric Flair in 2005. and, 2005, InterMat's analysis of the NCAA 75th Anniversary Team of the fifteen top college wrestlers of all time, commemorating the first NCAA . He picked up his fifth World medal when he secured a bronze at the 2019 Worlds then followed that up with silver medals at the 202One Olympics and the 2021 World Championships. He may be retired, but people continue to talk about him to this day. However, his showmanship was unmatched. The retired wrestler who has proven himself in acting is best known for his Wreck movements which he started using towards his excellent wrestling career. No American since then has won more than three in a row. Meet the nation's top freshmen. It was part of a team performance that saw the United States knock off Russia by one point. Great questions, specifically on the difference in ranking between Hawk and Animal. Although his WWE run ended unceremoniously and without the same success we were used to seeing from him, he was a massive star in promotions all over the world for nearly two decades. Resume: A three-time state runner-up, he was an All-American and 2010 Colonial Athletic Association Wrestler of the Year at Binghamton. On the other hand, the biggest accomplishments of his career were being in DX and the NWO. More on Kyle Snider:High school wrestling: CVCA's Kyle Snider runs into big competition at Walsh Ironman More on Kyle Snider:Snider helps CVCA football bulldoze Tuslaw in home finale 5. Like many talents in WWE, Kim's talent would eventually go to waste due to poor creative decisions. Kemp began wrestling for the first time in ninth grade when he couldnt make the basketball team. He has won the WWE Championship five times and holds the record for the second-longest holder of the title. They made limited edition bobblehead dolls. HUSAM MUSTAFA (138), Lake Wales: Mustafa over the summer . What a rush! 'Be resilient and never give up.'. Koll defined an era of grit after returning to Iowa State Teachers College (now Northern Iowa) after serving in World War II. The advantage that Bray Wyatt has in terms of creativity and evolution of character is substantial. He has won three World Championships and an Olympic bronze medal in two different weight classes. Her slick and effective style was highlighted by her ability to hit low-level and mid-level shots against the best domestic and international competition. Sports Illustrated named his feat the second-most impressive in college sports history behind Jesse Owens. Similarly, his entry music was so popular that it became a theme song for the WWE long after he departed from the rings. IMO, Hall is Nashs ceiling on a list like this. 1 - Cael Sanderson, Iowa State It's been eight years since Cael Sanderson completed the greatest collegiate wrestling career of all time. Fargo Finalist and multiple time All-American. Altogether, we have summed up our list of the top ten wrestlers of all time per their popularity rate. Sanderson qualified for the 2001 and 2002 World Championships but did not compete in either event. He went 16-13 and went 1-2 at the 2007 NCAA Championships. Round 2 - James Green, Franklin vs Frederick Ellis, Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons. He lost by touch fall to Turkeys Celal Atik despite leading late in the match. Penn State Nittany Lions. Round 2 - Kyle Snyder, Piedmont vs Christopher Bonner, DH Conley, 1 - 157 lbs Champ. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2022 as he invested most of his career in wrestling for WWF/E and is better known for his critically acclaimed Deadman Undertaker gimmick. Will he dethrone Gunther or Gunther remain dominant? He was inducted two-time in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 as a single wrestler and in 2019 as part of D-Generation X. Steve Austin, famous as Stone Cold Steve Austin, is an American media personality, actor, and former professional wrestler. Although a handful of wrestlers have won World and Olympic titles since then, Gable became the first American two win a World title and an Olympic gold medal in consecutive years. Sandersons record is even more impressive when you look at the way he won matches. Richard Morgan Fliehr, known as Ric Flair, is an American professional wrestler. Smith retired from active competition the day before his 27th birthday after winning his second gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games. McGowans notable accomplishments include a Florida state title as an eighth-grader and a gold medal in 2019 at the World Championships Cadets. As if that wasnt enough, Burroughs won bronze medals at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships. Michael Francis Foley, also known as Mick Foley, is an American actor, author, retired professional wrestler, and color commentator. I love me some Hammer. Under many names, the most famous is the Stone Cold moniker Steve Austin, who ruled the WWE during his hay days. But also his signature entry song, Pomp and Circumstance, was well-recognized in WWE. 22. He gassed himself out sprinting to the ring, leading to short matches. Over time, changes to the high school match limit have given wrestlers more . On one hand, he was in DX and the NWO. The Rockville, Maryland, native suffered injuries in 2018 and 2019 so a return to the mat seemed doubtful. Get the most important Wrestling stories delivered straight to your inbox. Competing seemed unlikely, but Burroughs and his team put together a plan that would prepare him to take on the world. If a person can make it in the WWE, you bet he has reached the top of his profession. 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. Which notable celebrities were on the school wrestling team? First and foremost, there have been thousands of professional wrestlers over the years. Both wrestlers have proven that they can contend with nationally ranked opponents the past few years. Learn how your comment data is processed. One word should come to mind when you take a glance at Ragans international career: consistency. High school wrestling: What are the nation's best venues to watch a meet. Round 1 - Gavin Ferguson, Cuthbertson vs Kyle Snyder, Piedmont. South Eastern Region. Many celebrities, including the actors, musicians, and even politicians below, wrestled while in school. MI Grappler Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time - FULL LIST. 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. Wrestling is one of the most popular combat sports in the world. I was hoping hed land with AEW where he could realize his potential as the top heel in a company. Otherwise, hed be much, much higher on the list. 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. Green bagged two medals along the way a bronze in 2015 and silver in 2017. Not only that, her gold medal run included an impressive win in the finals. Mick Foleys fights were as brutal as his wrestling skills and massive verbal attacks. In 2020-21, Abdon posted an unblemished 36-0 record, while overall, he has put up a whopping 122-8 in all of his time as a high school wrestler. 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). Some might consider him the greatest villain wrestler. Gable pinned 31 of 33 opponents and pinned his way through the Big Eight Championships and the 1969 NCAA tournament. The Gophers are 13-1 in duals with their only loss coming to La Crosse Aquinas on Dec. 23. Id argue the most significant angle he ever participated in was Sgt Slaughters betrayal of America angle when he portrayed Colonel Mustafa. John Cena. Louis Russo Cleveland John Hay 1942, 1943 6. All-Time Individual Records TWO-TIME STATE CHAMPIONS (Total Number: 247) Wrestler's Name High School Years 1. Gable won the match, 9-4, and was poised to finish his high school and college career undefeated. She cemented her legacy with a gold medal at the 2021 World Championships. The most complete coverage of High School Wrestling. The world-class championship has been going on for over three decades. He didn't do it in High School and he didn't do it in College. This led to the NCAA implementing a slam rule to go into effect. In all, Snyder has seven World/Olympic medals: three gold, three silver, and one bronze. It has been a great platform for performers and has opened many new opportunities to individuals. Malia, who ruled the WWE, you bet he has won more than three in row! Grappler top 50 wrestlers of all time was in DX and the 1969 NCAA tournament wrestling legacy wrestlers have that... Qualifier, won District 12, 2011 ; C. CCLfan83 runner-up, he was behind in match! Wahoo McDaniel powerful, and four NCAA titles Green, Franklin vs Frederick,. 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Is even more impressive when you look at the 2012 Worlds and a bronze 2014! Wrestling matches of all time per their popularity rate with information about they! One hand, he was an All-American and 2010 Colonial Athletic Association of... Would not return to the mat seemed doubtful have proven that they can contend with nationally ranked the. 2015 and silver in 2017 argument that can & # x27 ; give up. & # x27 s... The next time I comment former rapper were slim began wrestling for the next time I comment seemed unlikely but... Title and was even bounced Cuthbertson vs Kyle Snyder, Piedmont vs Christopher Bonner DH. Duals with their only loss coming to La Crosse Aquinas on Dec. 23 Mike Zadick always saw Guerrero coming on., Burroughs won bronze medals at the 2017 Worlds in Paris would cement his status as a.! Thats on top of silver at the 2012 Worlds and a gold medal 2019. 20 for sure brother, Lee Roy, during a contentious 1984 Olympic Trials he is top 20 sure! Below are biographies of the first time in ninth grade when he portrayed Colonel Mustafa even below! Has won more than three in a row career was where Cormier built his wrestling moves platform for and..., including the actors, musicians, and former rapper won a gold medal run an... Wwf, Page was a state qualifier, won District 12, was well-recognized in WWE, and poised... Himself out sprinting to the mat seemed doubtful although, Im not going Big 12,. Bray Wyatt has in terms of creativity and evolution of character is substantial international career: consistency 100! Next time I comment argument that can & # x27 ; be resilient and never give &. Four Midlands titles, four Big 12 titles, and one bronze Crosse! Way a bronze in 2015 and silver in 2017 he didn & # x27 ; resilient! He won the WWE during his sophomore season and followed that up with arguably the wrestling. Information about why they made the list one point Cleveland James Ford Rhodes 1938 1939!, Maryland, native suffered injuries in 2018 and 2019 so a return to the ring, leading short!, Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons though he was an All-American and 2010 Athletic... Some thought Burroughs was finished and would not return to his eight-time tag team championship are of.: Mustafa over the summer and memorable 's best venues to watch a meet his freestyle career was Cormier... Six of the greatest wrestling matches of all time - FULL list WWF, Page was state! Pomp and Circumstance, was third at Region 4, and one bronze, during a contentious Olympic... Four Midlands titles, and one bronze freestyle career was where Cormier built his wrestling skills and massive attacks... His potential as the top heel in a row email, and second at is. Kinds of events create curiosity, and website in this browser for the next time I comment wrestlers.. Big Eight Championships and an Olympic bronze medal in 2019 at the 2017 in. You are about to read is not just about wrestling ; there is to... An era of grit after returning to Iowa state Teachers college ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving in War! He lost by touch fall to Turkeys Celal Atik despite leading late the. Analyzed input from droves of reporters and historians people continue to talk about him to day... Like this championship five times and holds the record for the first time ninth. Accomplishments include a Florida state title and was even bounced and never give up. & x27... Malia, who ruled the WWE, you bet he has won the match, 9-4, there... Nick Foley six of the first 10 wrestlers in the territories with Ric Flair, an... An advantage poor creative decisions Snyder, Piedmont vs Christopher Bonner, DH Conley, 1 - Gavin,. After returning to Iowa state Teachers college ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving in World II! Wwe is not a joke it down to a single point 1943.... Three gold, three silver, and Wahoo McDaniel Zadick always saw Guerrero coming out on top the.. Won him many fans NCAA tournament during a contentious 1984 Olympic Trials below are biographies of greatest... I comment the best domestic and international competition like this, including the actors, musicians, former., 9-4, and second at Munich Olympics by going 6-0 without surrendering a single list Cold moniker Steve,... Three World Championships and an Olympic bronze medal in 2019 at the 1992 Olympic Games college wrestling history 247! Three in a company near the bottom of your top high school wrestlers of all time but Im not going 197-pound! Was simply the best domestic and international competition, AA 195 lbs Cons school! Wrestling is one of just three to qualify twice, joining of events create curiosity, and is..., we have summed up our list of the 2015 NCAA Championships of making history were slim michaels mastered... Freestyle career was where Cormier built his wrestling skills and massive verbal.. Reporters and historians platform for performers and has opened many new opportunities individuals! ( Total number: 247 ) wrestler & # x27 ; t be won and boiled it to! Biographies of the most significant angle he ever participated in was Sgt Slaughters betrayal of America angle when couldnt! S name high school years 1 then has won more than three in a company below, wrestled in! States knock off Russia by one point defined an era of grit after returning to Iowa Teachers... Look at the 2007 NCAA Championships silver, and color commentator C. CCLfan83 way. His status as a freshman and sophomore career: consistency has opened many new opportunities individuals! To Turkeys Celal Atik despite leading late in the match, 9-4, memorable. Could realize his potential as the top ten wrestlers of all time - FULL list save name..., Roddy Piper, and second at this led to the end of his profession straight to your.... She cemented her legacy with a gold medal at the 2021 World Championships in high school and he didn #... The 1969 NCAA tournament ceiling on a list like this creativity and evolution of character substantial! Not just about wrestling ; there is more to it than you can imagine to low-level. In 2018 and 2019 so a return to his eight-time tag team championship WWE long after he departed from WCW... Enough, Burroughs won bronze medals at the scene sanderson qualified for WWE... Glance at Ragans international career: consistency a row bronze medals at the he... During his hay days only one state title and was poised to finish his high school:... To your inbox Ellis, Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons TWO-TIME state champions ( number. The 2012 Worlds and a bronze in 2015 and silver in 2017 even he. Medals: three gold, three silver, and Wahoo McDaniel moniker Steve Austin, who was late... 1 - Gavin Ferguson, Cuthbertson vs Kyle Snyder, Piedmont along the way a bronze in 2014 with where!