The WWE underwent significant change in the 1990s due to the rise of iconic performers who would go on to define professional wrestling for future generations. These celebrities enthralled audiences and raised the bar for sports entertainment to previously unheard-of levels, from the beginning of the Attitude Era to legendary rivalries and championship reigns. The top ten WWE stars of the 1990s are listed here.
10. Diesel (Kevin Nash)
Diesel was one of the most dominant champions of the mid-90s, holding the WWE Championship for a full year from 1994-1995. His greatest victories include defeating Bob Backlund for the WWE Championship in 8 seconds, defeating Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XI, and beating Bret Hart at King of the Ring 1994. His feuds with Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Razor Ramon were key highlights of his career. His Steel Cage Match vs. Bret Hart at Survivor Series 1995, where he lost the WWE Championship, was one of his best performances.
9. “Razor Ramon” Scott Hall
Razor Ramon was one of the coolest and most charismatic wrestlers of the decade. His biggest victories include defeating Shawn Michaels in the iconic Ladder Match at WrestleMania X, winning multiple Intercontinental Championships, and facing Bret Hart at Royal Rumble 1993 in a great technical bout. His biggest rivals included Shawn Michaels, Diesel, and Goldust, with their Brawl at Royal Rumble 1996 being a forgotten classic.
8. Yokozuna
One of WWE’s most dominant heels of the early 90s, Yokozuna’s victories include winning the 1993 Royal Rumble, defeating Bret Hart at WrestleMania IX for the WWE Championship, and successfully defending against Lex Luger at SummerSlam 1993. His feuds with Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, and The Undertaker defined WWE’s New Generation Era. His final WrestleMania match at WrestleMania XI against Owen Hart and The Smoking Gunns was his last major moment.
7. Triple H
The leader of D-Generation X, Triple H went from being Hunter Hearst Helmsley to becoming a key player in the Attitude Era. His biggest wins include winning the 1997 King of the Ring, defeating The Rock for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam 1999, and facing Mick Foley in brutal matches at Royal Rumble 2000. His rivalries with The Rock, Steve Austin, and Mankind helped shape his career. His Street Fight vs. Cactus Jack at Royal Rumble 2000 was one of the best of its era.
6. Mick Foley (Mankind, Cactus Jack, Dude Love)
Mick Foley revolutionized hardcore wrestling in WWE and became a cult favorite. His biggest moment came in the Hell in a Cell match vs. The Undertaker at King of the Ring 1998, where he was thrown off the cage. He also had memorable victories, including winning his first WWE Championship against The Rock on Raw in 1999. His feuds with The Rock, Triple H, and The Undertaker defined his career, and his matches at Royal Rumble 1999 (“I Quit” Match vs. The Rock) and No Way Out 2000 (Retirement Match vs. Triple H) showcased his legendary toughness.
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5. Shawn Michaels
“The Heartbreak Kid” went from a tag team star in The Rockers to becoming WWE’s most athletic and charismatic performer. His biggest victories include defeating Bret Hart in the 60-minute Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII, winning back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1995 and 1996, and his Hell in a Cell victory over The Undertaker at Badd Blood 1997. His biggest rivalries were against Bret Hart (Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997), The Undertaker, and Razor Ramon, with his Ladder Match at WrestleMania X vs. Razor being one of WWE’s greatest bouts.
4. Bret “The Hitman” Hart
The technical mastermind of WWE in the 90s, Bret Hart became a five-time WWE Champion and was one of the most respected wrestlers of the decade. His greatest victories include winning the WWE Championship from Ric Flair in 1992, defeating Yokozuna at WrestleMania X, and his iconic submission victory over Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13. His legendary rivalries included battles with Shawn Michaels (Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII), Steve Austin, and his own brother Owen Hart in a five-star classic at SummerSlam 1994.
On this date in 2000, Bret Hart wrestled his final match as a full time wrestler. Here he was suffering from post concussion syndrome from Goldberg’s kick. pic.twitter.com/XBXNpJ41YV
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) January 10, 2024
3. The Rock
While The Rock started as a generic babyface in 1996, his rise as “The Great One” made him an icon of the late 90s. His biggest victories include defeating Mankind for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series 1998, winning the Royal Rumble 2000, and headlining WrestleMania XV vs. Steve Austin. His most intense rivalries included Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and Mankind, with their “I Quit” match at Royal Rumble 1999 being one of the most brutal of all time.
Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best NXT Live Main Events of All Time
2. The Undertaker
Debuting in 1990, The Undertaker became one of WWE’s most dominant stars. His biggest victories include defeating Hulk Hogan at Survivor Series 1991 to win his first WWE Championship and extending his WrestleMania streak throughout the decade. His greatest rivalries included battles with Mankind (Hell in a Cell at King of the Ring 1998), Shawn Michaels, and Kane. His Buried Alive matches, Casket Matches, and his unforgettable Hell in a Cell match vs. Mankind at King of the Ring 1998, where Foley was thrown off the cell, are legendary.
Who is the greatest WWE superstar of the 1990s?
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s legendary feud with Vince McMahon became the most compelling storyline of the ’90s. His biggest victories include winning the 1996 King of the Ring, defeating Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV to win his first WWE Championship, and overcoming The Rock at WrestleMania XV. His feuds with The Rock, Bret Hart, and Triple H are among WWE’s best. His Submission Match vs. Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13, where he refused to tap out to the Sharpshooter, solidified his legacy.
