WWE’s Ruthless Aggression Era began in the 2000s, a pivotal time that gave rise to some of the most captivating and powerful wrestlers in history. This decade produced fierce rivalries and championship moments. It shaped contemporary sports entertainment from up-and-coming talents who earned widespread recognition to long-standing icons who reinvented themselves. Here is a list of the top ten WWE stars of the 2000s.
10. Eddie Guerrero
A master of technical wrestling and storytelling, Eddie Guerrero had one of WWE’s greatest underdog stories. His most memorable moments include defeating Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004 to win his first WWE Championship, beating Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XX, and his unforgettable feud with Rey Mysterio (SummerSlam 2005 Ladder Match for Dominik’s Custody). His rivalries with JBL (Texas Bull Rope Match at The Great American Bash 2004), Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit showcased his versatility in the ring.
9. Batista
The Animal was a key part of Evolution before becoming a main-event superstar. His most significant victories include defeating Triple H at WrestleMania 21 to win his first World Heavyweight Championship, beating The Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell at Survivor Series 2007, and winning the 2005 Royal Rumble. His rivalries with Triple H (Hell in a Cell at Vengeance 2005), The Undertaker, and Edge made him one of WWE’s most dominant babyfaces.
8. Kurt Angle
One of WWE’s most naturally gifted wrestlers, Angle was a machine in the 2000s. His greatest wins include defeating The Rock at No Mercy 2000 for the WWE Championship, winning the 2002 King of the Ring, and defeating Shawn Michaels in a classic at WrestleMania 21. His rivalries with Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania XIX), Eddie Guerrero (WrestleMania XX), and The Undertaker (No Way Out 2006) produced some of the best technical wrestling matches in WWE history.
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7. Brock Lesnar
Although his first WWE run was short, Brock Lesnar dominated the early 2000s with raw power and technical ability. His biggest victories include defeating The Rock at SummerSlam 2002 for the WWE Championship, beating Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XIX with the infamous Shooting Star Press, and destroying The Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell at No Mercy 2002. His rivalries with Kurt Angle (Iron Man Match on SmackDown), Big Show, and Goldberg (WrestleMania XX) made him one of WWE’s most dominant champions.
6. Shawn Michaels
Returning from a four-year hiatus, Shawn Michaels picked up right where he left off in the 2000s. His greatest victories include beating Triple H in a Street Fight at SummerSlam 2002, defeating Ric Flair in his emotional retirement match at WrestleMania 24, and winning the first Elimination Chamber at Survivor Series 2002. His rivalries with Triple H (Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood 2004), Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 21), and The Undertaker (WrestleMania 25) solidified him as the greatest in-ring performer of the decade.
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5. Randy Orton
Orton became the youngest WWE Champion at SummerSlam 2004, proving himself as a top-tier talent. His biggest wins include defeating Chris Benoit for the WWE Championship, beating Triple H at WrestleMania 25, and winning the 2009 Royal Rumble. His Legend Killer gimmick led to unforgettable feuds with Shawn Michaels (Survivor Series 2007), The Undertaker (WrestleMania 21), and John Cena (I Quit Match at Breaking Point 2009). His brutal No Holds Barred Match vs. Mick Foley at Backlash 2004 remains one of his best performances.
4. Edge
From tag team specialist to main-event star, Edge dominated the 2000s as WWE’s ultimate opportunist. His biggest moments include cashing in Money in the Bank on John Cena at New Year’s Revolution 2006, winning multiple WWE and World Heavyweight Championships, and defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania 24 (though later losing in a rematch at SummerSlam 2008). His rivalries with John Cena (TLC Match at Unforgiven 2006), The Undertaker, and Mick Foley (Hardcore Match at WrestleMania 22) helped him become one of the best heels of the decade.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE NXT Matches of All Time
3. The Undertaker
The Deadman reinvented himself in the 2000s, winning multiple championships and remaining undefeated at WrestleMania. His greatest victories include defeating Batista at WrestleMania 23 for the World Heavyweight Championship, his legendary bout against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25, and his return to the Deadman persona at WrestleMania XX against Kane. His rivalries with Randy Orton (Hell in a Cell at Armageddon 2005), Edge (Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam 2008), and Brock Lesnar (Hell in a Cell at No Mercy 2002) showcased his ability to adapt across different eras.
Was Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 the best match ever? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ivQanqV33O
— tribal chief ☝🏻🩸 (@luireigns) August 3, 2025
2. Triple H
Triple H held the World Heavyweight Championship for most of the early 2000s. His biggest wins include defeating The Rock at Judgment Day 2000 in an Iron Man Match, beating Shawn Michaels at SummerSlam 2002 in a Street Fight, and overcoming Randy Orton at WrestleMania 25. His rivalries with Shawn Michaels (Three Stages of Hell at Armageddon 2002), Batista (Hell in a Cell at Vengeance 2005), and The Undertaker (WrestleMania X-Seven) made him WWE’s most dominant villain.
Who is the greatest WWE superstar of the 2000s?
John Cena defined the 2000s. His biggest victories include defeating JBL at WrestleMania 21 to win his first WWE Championship, overcoming Triple H at WrestleMania 22, and beating Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 23. His rivalries with Edge (TLC Match at Unforgiven 2006), Randy Orton (I Quit Match at Breaking Point 2009), and Batista (WrestleMania 26) cemented his legacy. Cena also had classics against Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, and Rob Van Dam, making him the face of WWE heading into the next decade.
