This is a list of the top 20 professional wrestlers of the past 30 years (going back to 1982).

 

20. Mick Foley

He paved the way for hardcore wrestling.  He is a four time World champion, 11 time tag team champion, and the first Hardcore Champion.

19. Chris Jericho

He is a six time World champion, nine time Intercontinental champion, a four time Cruiserweight champion, and the first WWF Undisputed Champion.

18. Booker T

He is a six time World Champion, one of the greatest tag team champions of all time, being a 15 time tag team champion, and the inaugural TNA Legends Champion.

17. Dusty Rhodes

He is a 22 time world champion.  One of the biggest legends in professional wrestling.

16. Rey Mysterio.

He has worked his way up the ladder since his days in WCW. From a five time Cruiserweight Champion and three time tag team champion to a three time world champion and a two time Intercontinental Champion.

15. Chris Benoit

A former World Champion (two if counting his WCW reign), two time WCW United States Champion, three time WWE United States Champion, and the 2004 Royal Rumble winner.

14. Jeff Jarrett

11 time World champion, six time Intercontinental Champion, and a former European Champion.

13. Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat

Former World Champion, four time United States Champion, and has had some incredible matches with Ric Flair.

12. The Rock

nine time World champion, two time Intercontinental Champion, five time tag team champion, and the 2000 royal rumble winner.

11. Curt Hennig

four time world champion, two time intercontinental champion, former WCW United States champion, and a successful country music singer.

10. Andre the Giant

One time WWF champion, one time tag team champion, and a 15 year undefeated streak.

9. Steve Austin

six time world champion, 1997, 1998, and 2001 royal rumble winner

8. Undertaker

eight time world champion, seven time tag team champion, and an undefeated wrestlemania record of 19-0

7. Roddy Piper

former intercontinental champion, former tag team champion, and the freatest wrestler to of  never held a world title.

6. Sting

15 time world heavyweight champion, two time united states champion, 4 time tag team champion, and the only man smart enough to never work for Vince McMahon.

5. Kurt Angle

15 time world heavyweight champion, two time tag team champion, former united states champion, former European champion, former Intercontinental championship, former TNA X-Division Champion, the only man to win both the WWE and TNA triple crown, and the man who won a gold medal in 1996 with a broken neck.

4. Shawn Michaels

four time world champion, six time tag team champion, three time intercontinental champion, 1995 and 1996 royal rumble winner, the only man to enter first and win the match.

3. Bret Hart

seven time world champion, four time WCW United States champion, one time WWE United States Champion, three time tag team champion, and one of the 1994 royal rumble co-winners.

2. Hulk Hogan

12 time world champion, one time tag team champion, 1990 and 1991 royal rumble winner.  Arguably the biggest name in professional wrestling.

1. Ric Flair

16 time world heavyweight champion, six time tag team champion, six time unites states champion, and former Intercontinental champion.