JKWebb

I've had this thought as well...

I agree with you, although I had them fairly close to each other. Shawn was a better tag worker (Rockers), Heel (DX), and babyface (just using 2008 as an example). I don't know if it's a fair comparison or not, but I'd rate Shawn's post-comeback over what we got out of the short-lived Bret in WCW era. Don't get me wrong, I think Bret was great, but I ranked Shawn higher.

HBK had such a great ability to pull emotions out of the audience. Some people may not enjoy that, but he was great at it. He's so good at getting the shit kicked out of him and having the crowd rally behind him. It's apparent in the 8/30/86 Rockers/Rose and Somers match and the Survivor series match mentioned. He was also awesome as the heel you love seeing getting the shit kicked out of him, seen 10/5/97 vs the Undertaker. His 2008 feud vs Jericho was fantastic. I don't mind the Flair emotional stuff from his last match that annoys others. I feel like at that point in Flair's career they did the best they could to make the match memorable and enjoyable. Anyways, I had him higher, but glad to see him here. I know he doesn't get the most love here, but I enjoy quite a bit of his stuff.

I had #1 from your lists ranked at #4... After hearing all your thoughts, I wish I'd had him higher. I would probably raise Bryan too. Great discussion guys... Gets me excited to seek out more stuff

I love Ted, but surprised he finished above Rick Martel. Glad they both made the top 50. I was hoping Martel would get even a bigger boost. Had him at 22. I don't think I currently enjoy watching any other babyface more than Rick Martel. Two of my personal favorites.

I'm not sure if I would still be watching wrestling if it weren't for CM Punk. At a very busy time in my life, he had me tuning in. I saw him, with one promo, bring two or three of my friends back into getting into the business... They had dropped off for years, but we're totally invested in him. They still watch now. Just one of those guys you believed everything he said. Great on the mic, great in the ring, a storyteller, a character... He totally belongs in the top 50 for me, and I would've loved to have seen him higher.

This was great, and I agree with all that was said. He's a personal favorite (especially from the AWA and Portland as mentioned). That combined with the love I had for the perfect one as a kid made him an easy addition to my list. His matches with Bock and the one noted with Hansen are my favorites. I still love the chemistry he and Bret had.

Well, it's not Curt Hennig...

I'm wondering if Steamboat got a number one? I could see it being Liger too...

Bill Dundee... My highest to drop thus far! What a great and consistent TV performer. Some of the greatest matches of all-time vs Lawler. He was great as a face, heel, and tag wrestler. He was such a fun promo, and even though he was a very small guy, you never really noticed that because he brought the big fight. He packed a sweet punch too. He always stands out wherever he pops up. Bill Dundee was truly a great wrestler.

I guess it depends on if you did your list based on in-ring work alone, or included the other aspects of being a great wrestler. I thought of his ability to connect with the audience and amazing promo skills. I ranked him higher than this. He does have great matches as well, so I wouldn't say he's "way too high" yet... Just my opinion...

Good timing for Samoa Joe to hit today. He made my list around this area. Joe was one of the best wrestlers in 2005, and actually made that the only era of TNA enjoyable to me. I love his matches with Punk, AJ, Kobashi, and all the way up to the Takeover Dallas main event (I really thought his performance saved that match and was truly great). He has a great level of intensity. Nice to see him here.

I love this. Been wanting them to do something like this for so long. Love the idea of Joe as champ with the likely transition to Nakamura (or at least a feud between the two). I do think Balor will debut at Payback when they likely turn on AJ. Good stuff!

Love Slaughter... Most of my thoughts have been said... Great bumper... I had him a 44. Sgt. Slaugter vs Pat Patterson, 5/4/81, great fight.

@JHHBjr - I'll message ya. On topic, I should say some TNA I guess played a factor. I do enjoy the Turning Point Joe/AJ match from 05. But, as stated, mostly ignore and dislike so was not a major factor at all in my rankings. I do think the Christian argument stems from his comeback and last run in WWE. Just a workhorse and great at selling. His ECW run was strong. I see both sides of the coin for Angle. I had him low on my list, but I've also seen a few guys that I wish I would've replaced him with.

I have lived in and around Nashville for the TNA run as well. I also just hate the name TNA. But, I completely agree with you. I've completely ignored it after giving it a quick shot during the early days. It really didn't play a factor in any of my rankings. I even played a few shows with you back in my Boro days Mr. Burr. Small world.

His feud with Michaels in 2008 is probably my favorite thing he's done...

This isn't the 'Most Influential Wrestler Ever' list though. Elvis Presley redefined what a rock star could be but his albums don't stand up next to Revolver or Blue or Blood On The Tracks or Dark Side Of The Moon. Wouldn't you include Elvis on a list of 100 Greatest Rock Stars though? Probably, but such a list would probably be judged on charisma, presence, impact, iconic status etc rather than the merits of their recorded output. I wouldn't include him on a list of Top 100 Music Artists. Yeah, I see what you are saying... Thought about that too

I ranked Austin higher than Hogan...

This isn't the 'Most Influential Wrestler Ever' list though. Elvis Presley redefined what a rock star could be but his albums don't stand up next to Revolver or Blue or Blood On The Tracks or Dark Side Of The Moon. Wouldn't you include Elvis on a list of 100 Greatest Rock Stars though?

Parv's thoughts on Hogan were spot on. That's exactly why I had him where I had him (somewhere around the average). "The staredown". "Genuine intensity" That shit ain't easy...

I think it's important to recognise that lots of people here did care about them, and that they have really helped to form our views on a lot of guys. As well as brought us together as fans. The 90s Yearbooks were too, but I personally missed the boat on them cos I couldn't keep pace. I realise you've been around since the 1990s, and see recent developments either as old hat or trifling matters, but you don't seem to recognise or respect the current make-up of the community. Yeah, I wasn't around for the voting process when everyone watched these sets together. But, I love going through these now and comparing my thoughts to the old results and discussions from the board. I completed the Memphis and AWA sets prior to making my list, and I can say they definitely helped in forming my views on a lot of guys.

Totally

That's a great way to look at it... I agree!It'll also confuse people way more than one without such wrestlers, admittedly. How do you even begin to dismiss this juggernaut of contradiction? Well, I was agreeing with the idea that it would possibly convince others to check out some of the names they haven't looked into before. I know I'm checking out more wrestling because of this list.

Yeah I'm glad to see him here, and wish it was higher. I love the guy. As I mentioned before, I took more than just the in-ring into account when making my list, and his promos and ability to connect to an audience were off the charts. I too have really loved the Portland footage I've seen, and think it will add to his case as a wrestler.