WrestleMania 40 is on the horizon, and you know what that means – it's time to settle the score on who truly belongs in the wrestling stratosphere. Ahead of the WWE 2K24 launch, IGN readers weighed in, casting their votes in a massive Face-Off to determine the greatest grapplers to ever grace the squared circle. This wasn't just about who had the most championship belts; it was an elimination process that spanned eras and styles, from the brawlers to the high-flyers, the showmen to the technicians.
So, whether you're a fan of the Brahma Bull, the Texas Rattlesnake, the Viper, the Tribal Chief, the Cerebral Assassin, or the Heartbreak Kid, this list is for you. These are the legends you, the IGN Universe, have spoken for.
The Elite Few
Kicking off our countdown at number 25 is the inimitable “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He wasn't just a loudmouth heel; he was a master of chaos and cleverness, a verbal wizard who could dismantle opponents before the bell even rang. Piper was instrumental in the '80s wrestling boom, whether he was hosting his infamous "Piper's Pit" or headlining the inaugural WrestleMania. He could be a villain you loved to hate or a hero who could stand toe-to-toe with the biggest names. Pure entertainment, always.
Next up, at 24, is AJ Styles. "Phenomenal" is the word, and he lives up to it. Styles carved out a legacy in NWA, Ring of Honor, and TNA, pushing the boundaries of athleticism in professional wrestling. His ability to connect with any opponent and deliver a stellar match is legendary. When he finally made his way to WWE, a knowledgeable fanbase was ready, and he didn't disappoint, becoming a WWE World Champion and proving himself a must-watch, whether playing the hero or the villain.
At 23, we have Bryan Danielson. For years, fans saw his groundbreaking athleticism on the independent scene, and they were hungry for something different. Daniel Bryan, the wrestling nerd extraordinaire, became an unlikely hero. He wasn't seeking greatness; it found him. His rise through WWE was remarkable, culminating in a fan-driven movement that propelled him to one of the most iconic WrestleMania victories ever. Now wrestling under his real name in AEW, Danielson's passion is for the art of wrestling itself, battling back from forced retirement not just for titles, but for the pure win-or-lose struggle.
Climbing to number 22 is Cody Rhodes. Relatively new to the "greatest" conversation, Cody has exploded onto the scene in the last five years. He's taken more career risks than most, forging his own path as the son of a legend. He bet on himself, leaving WWE to prove his worth on the global stage. This journey led to "All In" and the co-founding of AEW, a true challenger to WWE's dominance. His return to WWE saw him exponentially more popular, a bona fide top star, and the most beloved babyface, proving the connection with the fans is incredibly genuine.
Rounding out our initial group at 21 is CM Punk. A true double-edged sword, Punk is undeniably polarizing. He's the first to admit he can be his own worst enemy, his hardcore punk ethos refusing to let him compromise his ideals. And given how he single-handedly made himself relevant and shattered glass ceilings with his "pipe bomb" promo in 2011, his self-belief is well-earned. After an incredible run in Ring of Honor, his "Era of Punk" in WWE remains a highlight, bringing many fans back to the product. A spectacularly talented, straight-edge performer whose AEW return, though controversial, cemented his impact.
