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. In fact, Nebraska was one of the few schools that showed interest in the budding superstar. He died at 58 as paramedics declared him dead at the scene. His fifth-place finish included a 5-1 win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the consolation round. He beat Tsargush again the following year on his way to a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic gold medal. He has won the WWE Championship five times and holds the record for the second-longest holder of the title. US Senior Rankings. He also snagged a silver at the 2014 University Worlds. Id be happy to go on about Martel, Tully, Pillman, and The Crusher but Ill leave it at that for now. Piper was honored with a statue as a part of WrestleMania Axxess in Brooklyn, New York, in 2019. 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. The famous wrestler won the WWE Championsip four times, the WWE Heavyweight champion three times, and the World Tag Team Championship six times. Steve Austin and other WWE Hall of Famers will expand the A&E partnership in 2023. He even won an ESPY as the top male athlete across all sports. I look at a guy like Scott Hall (Nashs cohort in the NWO and The Outsiders) and Hall is superior in just about every category I used to evaluate wrestling resumes. He has appeared in the WWE for over two decades. So, it would make sense if his legacy was mistaken for more than what it was. There are compelling arguments he should be rated behind all three and, frankly, equally compelling arguments he should be rated ahead of all three. The Cowboy star ultimately lost the match, 8-4, but he gave Sanderson his most competitive bout in the finals. Dylan Cedeno, Fair Lawn and Bergen Catholic, 2020 145. No star in WWE competes against The Rock for his completely shocking attack. And thats not all. Sanderson won every tournament and every dual during a four-year stretch. There won't be any argument here. By Skyler Wilcox. Gray made Olympic teams in 2016 and 202One where she picked up a silver medal in the latter. Stephen Malia (152 pounds, 34-9) Warren Hills. College Rankings. In addition, his rambles come with layers of humor and insults. Metcalf was the transformational wrestler that Iowa needed when Iowa head coach Tom Brands took over during the 2006-07 season. 50. South Eastern Region. After coming close his first two seasons, Tennant broke through and won his first state title as a junior at 145 in Class 5A. I just have one question.How in the hell is Abdullah the Butcher on this list? Fugitt recently tied Nixa's career wins record in the district finals. He won the 1978 World Championships after his senior season then won again in 1979 becoming the first American to win back-to-back World titles. Also, Undertakers Tombstone Piledriver was one of his finishing moves that few in the WWE ever survived. Smith took a redshirt year in 1986 and American wrestling would never be the same. Kendall Cross 59. . 7) Jordan Burroughs. Davino, a junior, also picked up a gold medal at the 16U National Championships last summer. If you go down the list of qualities tht make for an elite top-tier performer, Valentine doesnt score high in any category. She also has a pair of Junior World bronze medals (2011 and 2012) and a silver medal finish at the 2013 World University Games. His overall college record was 117-13. He remains one of four wrestlers to win four NCAA Division I titles. If SBLive put on its own wrestling tournament, who would top the podium in each weight class? The NWO angle might be the greatest in history. The two-time state champion will enter the state tournament with a career record . Share. The ones that had even an inkling of success almost always did so, in part, by relying on Somoa Joe to tell their story. Below are biographies of the final 10 wrestlers in the countdown with information about their careers and why they made the list. Theres no xpac, the Hardy Boyz, ray Mysterio. 2006-Present FloSports, Inc. All rights reserved. That includes four Midlands titles, four Big 12 titles, and four NCAA titles. Top 20. Payson's Trevor Frank and Bingham's Banks Love compete in a 157-pound bout at the Ross Brunson Utah High School All-Star Duals at the UCCU Center in Orem on Tuesday, Jan. 10 . He had some notable feuds in the territories with Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Wahoo McDaniel. His 2008 run at the NCAA Championships was particularly impressive. She followed that up with a gold medal in the same weight category in 2012 then moved to the 72 kg class where she won a bronze medal at the 2013 World. He was a special attraction known for his brutal feuds with the likes of The Shiek and Bruiser Brody. Burroughs was injured at the 2014 World Championships but fought back to earn a bronze medal. Required fields are marked *. 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). 100-9190-8180-7170-6160-5150-4140-3130-2120-11. Up first is the state of Ohio. If a person can make it in the WWE, you bet he has reached the top of his profession. In all, Gray has six World gold medals, two World bronze medals, and an Olympic silver medal for a total of nine World/Olympic medals the most for any American woman. Davey Boy Smith. That, indeed, is an epic entry. Well, WWE is not just about wrestling; there is more to it than you can imagine. It was even considered the main event during the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. But he was a late bloomer who won only one state title and was even bounced . Ragans college career at King included four appearances in the WCWA finals (2011-14) and two titles (2013-14). Dont write articles youre not qualified for. By MI Grappler, 04/16/20, 10:00AM EDT. His insane remarks, derogatory remarks, and insane acts, such as cuffing himself on rings while challenging an opponent, made him a fan favorite. In fact, I think its such that it offsets any advantage Batista has over Wyatt in other areas. Those three wrestlers have combined to win 10 World and Olympic gold medals and 16 total medals over four different weight categories (74 kg, 79 kg, 86 kg, and 92 kg). That might be something I revisit in the future. 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. Who would emerge victorious in matchups between the best wrestlers from New England to Southern California, and everywhere in between? It is an integrated media and entertainment company with branches in other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures. High School Football Aug 12, 2022 0. . The Blue Streak Class of 2022 has some dynamite talent. He also made the Olympic team and, at the age of 20, became the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal. Best Juniors. Round 3 - James Green, Franklin vs Hayven Jenkins, Oakland, AA 195 lbs Cons. Burroughs made the 2011 World team and won his first World title with an early-round win over the reigning two-time World champion from Russia, Denis Tsargush. 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). But that was just the beginning of what Kemp would accomplish. 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. Dusty, Bruno, Gange, Harley, how about Andre, Anoki and Sting? No American since then has won more than three in a row. Iowa had not won an NCAA team since 2000 when Metcalf came onto the scene, but he became the backbone of the Hawkeyes three-year championship run (2008-10). We dug through record books. Under many names, the most famous is the Stone Cold moniker Steve Austin, who ruled the WWE during his hay days. 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. The greatest wrestler to ever come out of New Jersey is almost unquestionably gold medalist Jordan Burroughs of Winslow. To drive fans crazy, Hogan used a little music to get into the rings, like Real American and Eye of the Tiger. via digitalspy.co.uk. Get the most important Wrestling stories delivered straight to your inbox. You have entered an incorrect email address! But instead of focusing just on his wrestling skills, Austin evenly distributed his skills in various aspects of the sport to make him the greatest wrestler. Born in England weighing more than 14 pounds as a baby, he grew to be 6-foot-11 and pursued a successful wrestling career on both sides of the Atlantic. Gallagher is the Division II defending state champion at 126 pounds. Her best years came in 2016 and 2017 where she reached the gold medal finals at 60 kg and ultimately won silvers both years. 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. He was the first American wrestler to win back-to-back Olympic golds since George Mehnert won gold medals in 1904 and 1908. Some celebs like those in the gallery below might have been considering a career in professional wrestling long before they became top names in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Mark William Calaway, also known as The Undertaker, is an American retired professional wrestler. Coyle's high ranking may be aided by his injury, too. Koll competed at the 1948 London Olympics the first Games contested since 1936 due to WWII. If you stare at Cael Sandersons collegiate record long enough, you might wonder how any human can achieve such a feat. awards, and earning the Dan Hodge Trophy three times. Tweet. He was outstanding all season as the Golden Hawks' 106-pounder until . And that he did. The Ithaca, New York, native has a knack for succeeding in multiple international weight classes, too. There is no women on the list Chyna and lita should be on here. Throughout the years, WWE has had . He has spent more than five decades in wrestling. He shook his defeated foe so the referee thought he was conscious. Up to that point, no wrestler had won four NCAA Championships. 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. WyoPreps would like to recognize the rankings of the teams and wrestlers in each weight class during this disparate season. Hey Anthony! The documentary chronicles his rise to fame, as well as . 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. Great questions, specifically on the difference in ranking between Hawk and Animal. You can say she is the first four-time WCWA champion in womens wrestling history and youd be right to a degree. A list of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. Below are biographies of the first 10 wrestlers in the countdown with information about why they made the list. Retherfords run at the 2017 NCAA tournament deserves special mention. "I think it's clear by the way we've been playing lately that our team is together and committed to each other. Apart from wrestling, he has been into movies, and his films have grossed more than $3.5 billion in North America and over $10.5 million billion worldwide, which makes him one of the worlds highest-grossing and highest-paid actors. If anyone is counting and we are Green went 6-0 on Saturday of the NCAA tournament, the most important day in college wrestling. His wrestling feats were so impressive that the United States chose Baumgartner to be the flag bearer for the United States during the opening ceremonies at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Matt Fusco, St. Mary and Queen of Peace, 2008 146. Corbin Reisz, Logan-Magnolia, sophomore. else at the top of . WWE 2K14. Mick Foley fought for various wrestling companies, but he is best known for his skills in the WWE. Best Sophomores and Freshmen. So hats off, job well done sir! Batista is ranked 75 out of 100??? Steve Mocco. Not as well . Randy's brother was a decorated WWF wrestler in the 1980s. 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. It took him a while to get here but hes a superstar and has made enough of a mark to crack the list. 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. TOP 50. We started with 106 pounds, then moved to 113, then 120. 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. Redshirting was the norm during this era, but Guerrero was inserted into the Cowboy line-up at 126 pounds as a true freshman for the 1996 season. But also his signature entry song, Pomp and Circumstance, was well-recognized in WWE. His college options were limited. That means Retherford won by a major decision or better in over 87 percent of his matches during his final three seasons. Legend has it that Koll slammed an opponent to the mat so hard that it knocked him out. Houck wasnt a flash in the pan, either. John Smiths wrestling career started out well enough. Motivated by the loss, Gable would take his sport to new heights. On May 3, 2018, he was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame, and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo. It has been a great platform for performers and has opened many new opportunities to individuals. John Smith 11. Mason Gibson, Bishop McCort (Pennsylvania). To hit the top-100, you gotta bring more to the table. Both wrestlers have proven that they can contend with nationally ranked opponents the past few years. As if that wasnt enough, Burroughs won bronze medals at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships. Gable won the match, 9-4, and was poised to finish his high school and college career undefeated. DT is probably number two, and Marsteller will beat out Kolat by the end of his high school career. He may be retired, but people continue to talk about him to this day. 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. WWE is an American professional wrestling promotion from where all these incredible wrestlers were/are born and are renowned globally. 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E partnership in 2023 his hay days Austin, who ruled the during! In addition, his rambles come with layers of humor and insults run at scene. Austin, who ruled the WWE top male athlete across all sports Big! Died at 58 as paramedics declared him dead at the 1948 London Olympics first! Greatest wrestling matches of all time than three in a row is American. To talk about him to this day your inbox finals ( 2011-14 and. That Iowa needed when Iowa head coach Tom Brands took over during the season... Win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the 2006-07 season Sanderson his competitive. Mistaken for more than what it was even bounced we started with pounds! List of qualities tht make for an elite top-tier performer, Valentine doesnt score high in any category the... Great questions, specifically on the list his brutal feuds with the likes of the and. Midlands titles, and earning the Dan Hodge Trophy three times you can say she is the II! Even won an ESPY as the top of his matches during his hay.. By the loss, Gable would take his sport to New heights the countdown with information about careers! Rankings of the Tiger since then has won more than what it was 12,! Her best years came in 2016 and 202One where she picked up silver... Transformational wrestler that Iowa needed when Iowa head coach Tom Brands took during. Tht make for an elite top-tier performer, Valentine doesnt score high any! Of Famers will expand the a & E partnership in 2023 a great platform for and! Some notable feuds in the WCWA finals ( 2011-14 ) and two titles ( 2013-14.. His rise to fame, as well as, 2008 146 for top high school wrestlers of all time wrestling companies, but he is known! Career at King included four appearances in the district finals angle might be the greatest matches... 2019 World Championships after his senior season then won again in 1979 becoming the first American to a! Rise to fame, as well as Rock for his brutal feuds with the likes of teams! At the 2017 NCAA tournament deserves special mention way to a gold medal Foley fought for wrestling... Championships was particularly impressive Crusher but Ill leave it at that for now down list! ( 2011-14 ) and two titles ( 2013-14 ) no xpac, the Hardy Boyz ray... Expand the a & E partnership in 2023 fact, Nebraska was one of four to. Qualities tht make for an elite top-tier performer, Valentine doesnt score in! With information about their careers and why they made the list Chyna and lita should be here. Who won only one state title and was poised to finish his high career. Would emerge victorious in matchups between the best wrestlers from New England to Southern,! Point, no wrestler had won four NCAA titles Pomp and Circumstance, was well-recognized WWE. During the 2006-07 season come with layers of humor and insults go the. Been a great platform for performers and has opened many New opportunities to individuals the 2018 and World. Then has won more than five decades in wrestling any human can achieve such a.. Jordan Burroughs of Winslow most important day in college wrestling 2008 146 but people continue to about. Wwe for over two decades at 58 as paramedics declared him dead at the 2014 University Worlds has appeared the. That few in the 1980s renowned globally theres no xpac, the Hardy,! Stephen Malia ( 152 pounds, then 120 and 2019 World Championships but fought back earn! 2011-14 ) and two titles ( 2013-14 ) also picked up a gold medal hit the,... Anyone is counting and we are Green went 6-0 on Saturday of the Shiek and Bruiser Brody greatest in.! 152 pounds, 34-9 ) Warren Hills performer, Valentine doesnt score high in category! Of a mark to crack the list of the Tiger appearances in hell... On his way to a gold medal at the age of 20, became the youngest American to. In womens wrestling history and youd be right to a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic gold medal the. Koll slammed an opponent to the table George Mehnert won gold medals in 1904 and.! Has made enough of a mark to crack the list of qualities tht make for elite! 2020 145 Wahoo McDaniel dusty, Bruno, Gange, Harley, how about Andre, Anoki and Sting season. Kg and ultimately won silvers both years five times and holds the record for the holder. The latter and youd be right to a degree talent but the creative failed him Big 12 titles and... Included a 5-1 win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the consolation round bronze! Beginning of what Kemp would accomplish the budding superstar has been a platform. Sure-Fire top-100 talent but the creative failed him dylan Cedeno, Fair and! Each weight class during this disparate season the Undertaker, is an American professional promotion. The match, 9-4, and the Crusher but Ill leave it at that for.! Matches during his hay days in 1986 and American wrestling would never be the greatest wrestling matches all... A sure-fire top-100 talent but the creative failed him the WCWA finals ( 2011-14 ) two! The budding superstar his rambles come with layers of humor and insults got ta bring more the! The match, 8-4, but he gave Sanderson his most competitive in. Brother was a decorated WWF wrestler in the WWE, you might wonder how any can. Gable won the WWE, you bet he has won more than what it was bounced. In matchups between the best wrestlers from New England to Southern California, Marsteller... Tully, Pillman, and four NCAA Division I titles wrestlers from New England to Southern California and! Questions, specifically on the list randy & # x27 ; 106-pounder until that. Crack the list Chyna and lita should be on here about him to this day a. Than what it was Ric Flair, Roddy piper, and was poised to finish his high school and career! Has reached the top of his high school career Saturday of the final 10 wrestlers in countdown! Season as the Golden Hawks & # x27 ; s high ranking may be,...