Thomas Brunt: 10 Most Impactful WWE Wrestlers Since My Time as a Fan

By Thomas Brunt

I've been a fan of pro wrestling since I was around 15, during the lead-up to WrestleMania 28 in 2012. It's hard to believe that I've been captivated by this world for nearly half my life—I’m 28 now! Naturally, I've had my ups and downs with the product, experiencing phases of intense engagement followed by periods of more sporadic viewing. Admittedly, I haven't tuned in regularly over the last five years, but my passion for it has recently been rekindled. To me, it's akin to a close friendship: you may go a while without seeing a good friend, but when you do reunite, it's as though that bond has remained unchanged and you simply pick up where you left off.

​While I may not have the extensive history some fans possess—especially those who can vividly recall the electrifying Attitude Era of the '90s or the ruthless aggression era of the early to late 2000s—I like to think that if I had been old enough back then, those memories would be indelibly etched in my mind. However, my early childhood in the late '90s and early 2000s doesn't give me those wrestling experiences, as I wasn't really aware of this pop culture phenomenon. Now, I’m eager once again to immerse myself in the thrill and spectacle that pro wrestling provides! And before anyone labels me as a fair-weather fan, let me clarify my perspective: my renewed enthusiasm for WWE aligns with Triple H stepping in as the creative leader instead of McMahon.

​I've endured countless dry, stale, and cringe-worthy moments, not to mention uninspired storylines—something that many wrestling fans, regardless of their era, can undoubtedly relate to. Throughout my fandom, I’ve experienced stretches void of significant changes, trudging through the challenges of the PG Era. While my introduction to wrestling came later than some of you, I'm aware I’ve missed numerous iconic moments—the rise of larger-than-life characters, incredible rivalries, dramatic returns, and legendary streaks (although I did witness The Undertaker's matches at WrestleMania 28-36, I missed other compelling narratives). To be fair, even if I had been around for those moments, I wonder how vividly I would remember them; after all, I’m not even 30, and we all know how elusive childhood memories can be.

Once I became an invested fan, I dove into research online. I followed more knowledgeable individuals, engaging with various articles, blogs, tweets, and scouring the vaults on YouTube and Dailymotion (pre-WWE Network). I absorbed a mix of WWE matches, promos, documentaries, and interviews—both real and scripted. Just look at AEW's MJF for a blend of both elements. Though I missed the exhilarating times of rapid growth and surreal entertainment, I still witnessed impactful and entertaining moments that resonate even today.

From my perspective as a fan who has engaged with WWE since 2012, I’d like to share my thoughts on the figures who have had the most influence during my time as a supporter. Please remember, these are simply my opinions—like any subjective view, there are no absolute rights or wrongs!  My rule for this list is they generally can't be someone who was only already in the company when I started watching. ​

10. Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley's dominance has been palpable in WWE. Her 96 overall rating in WWE 2K25 stands as a testament to her formidable skills. Rhea beat who many consider to be one of the best Women's Wrestlers in the world, Asuka, for her first title reign at WrestleMania 37. She is a two time Women's Champ, and her 380 day title reign is tied with Bayley as the longest in the title's history.

9. Cody Rhodes

Cody is able to connect with fans, perhaps due to his journey in the wrestling world and, of course, the iconic Rhodes name. He's a strong underdog and a likable babyface who's easy to rally behind. More than that, he’s committed. During his initial run with WWE, he demonstrated his dedication to an undesirable character and creative direction. Carrying his family name as a top in-ring performer, Rhodes certainly earned his place, and he did it by his own merits, and it's worth noting he became a top merchandise seller for the company, raking in over $1 million last WrestleMania weekend, breaking his own record and even outselling company merch at some events.

8. Seth Rollins

As the first NXT Champion and a pivotal member of the Shield, alongside  sure fire, future Hall of Famer  and fellow Stablemate Roman Reigns, Rollins has made a significant impact both on the main roster and around the globe. He has often been a breath of fresh air in the directions creative has taken him, while also emulating the Game, HHH, in certain aspects. Rollins has won 16 championships so far in WWE, including the MITB cash-in during the Brock/Roman main event at WM 2015, and he boasts one of the highest net worths in WWE—though reports suggest Punk ranks higher in this regard.

7. Becky Lynch

The Irish Lass Kicker, Seth Rollins' better half, has played a crucial role in advancing the Women’s division. Along with two other groundbreaking wrestlers, she made history by featuring in the first and only, but certainly not the last, Women's WrestleMania Main Event, competing in a triple threat against Ronda Rousey and the then SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair. Before her ascent on the main roster, Lynch created waves in NXT as part of the historic Four Horsewomen faction and has held multiple singles titles. Also, it's worth noting she's only the sixth Women's Grand Slam Champion.

6. Charlotte Flair

Charlotte's contributions to the Women's division are hard to dismiss. As the last "Diva's Champion" before the title transformed into the current, more prestigious Women's Title, she was undeniably integral during an important era in Women’s Wrestling. Alongside Lynch, Banks, and Bayley, Charlotte helped elevate the women's roster to unprecedented heights in today’s world. Flair has won the NXT Title twice in her career. While she is a Flair, I also don't have any reason to believe that her success, merits, efforts and work aren't all just because of that.

5. Brock Lesnar (Since 2012 Return)

Since I became a fan in 2012, I'm not counting his original run with the company. Despite still reportedly being on contract with WWE,  Lesnar who's already a controversial man just by himself, has only seen that controversial value rise even more, since news came out about his involvement with ex-chairman Vince McMahon's alleged and probably true sex-crimes. Even so, I must evaluate those who have shaped my viewing experience since it began. Lesnar, who originally departed due to his lack of interest in the business, was given the freedom to come and go as he pleases, earning title shots whenever it suited him—a source of annoyance for many, both fans and no doubt fellow WWE wrestler employees.

​His 504-day reign with the Universal Championship remains historic, and his 2014 triumph over The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak shocked fans, both hardcore and casual. Acknowledging the circumstances, it made sense for him to be the one who did it, given the roster's credibility at that time. Personally, I find Lesnar intriguing because he doesn't play anyone on WWE TV, at all, the persona he portrays on-screen is who He is in real life. Every time he appears, whether on TV or at a PLE, it becomes a must-watch event. His unpredictability adds to the allure.

4. Bray Wyatt

Bray Wyatt was one of the most underrated talents in the ring, but he was so much more than that. Both on the mic and in his vignettes, he exuded a distinct charm, reminiscent of the Undertaker in his prime. Unfortunately, McMahon and the creative team failed to fully recognize his potential, a common occurrence in wrestling history. However, “The Fiend” character transformation was brilliant and led to some of the most engaging RAW moments I can remember—yet this reinvention wasn’t fully capitalized upon.

3. Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan shares many similarities with CM Punk (#2): both possess comparable wrestling backgrounds, have won the hearts of internet fans, and embody the true spirit of the underdog that makes them easy to cheer for. A pivotal moment was during the March 10, 2014 episode of RAW when Bryan, supported by his "YES!" Movement and the "WWE Universe," famously hijacked the show, compelling HHH to grant him a WrestleMania match. Bryan's alliance with Kane also proved entertaining, benefiting both of their careers and providing comic relief during segments. The true test of an entertainer is whether they can connect with the audience, and Bryan certainly succeeded.

2. CM Punk

Since he left the company in 2013, I'm allowed to put him on here and besides that, his impact is hard to ignore. His initial boom period of impact was admittedly just before I started watching but he's also a big reason why I think I started watching! Punk quickly captured the hearts of many fans as the charismatic darling of the internet wrestling community, and his captivating moments with the Straight Edge Society left lasting impressions. The complex dynamics of wrestling storylines mixed with real-life frustrations and drama create truly compelling narratives, and WWE brilliantly capitalized on this in 2011 during Punk's revolutionary feud with John Cena, including an iconic WWE Championship match at Money in that Bank in Punk's hometown of Chicago that became the first wrestling match Dave Meltzer rated five stars since Shawn Micheals vs. Undertaker's 1997 Hell in a Cell classic. Punk isn’t just a great wrestler; he’s a compelling leader and a trailblazer in a business historically at least post-Attitude Era, anyway, known for its micromanagement.

​His promos and character work have always delivered engaging storylines, and yes, he also knows how to sell merchandise. Although WWE has at times struggled with fully committing to him, there’s still time for a resurgence. As I write this, I’m hopeful, especially as we approach WrestleMania season. Nothing feels set in stone—after all, we still have around six weeks of buildup ahead, and current storylines don’t seem to be leading solely to Punk vs. Rollins at 'Mania.

1. Roman Reigns

Before becoming the “Tribal Chief,” Roman Reigns was, to some extent, a failed experiment. Even so, Joseph Anoa'i had his memorable moments. Nonetheless, this iteration of his character lacked the spark fans were hoping for. Yet, history shows that reinvention can be vital for success. In August 2020, at SummerSlam, Roman adopted the “Tribal Chief” persona and turned heel for the first time since 2014—an important development, one that continues to ripple through the storyline to this day. The measure of a lasting legacy is how a character transforms over time, and from 2020-2024, Roman Reigns maintained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for an astounding modern-day record of 1,316 days.

​While he is undeniably talented in the ring, I recognize several others I would rank higher in terms of pure wrestling prowess. Plus, I recognize he's not the most talented on the mic alone, or he wasn't before, but I absolutely love his pairing with Paul Heyman. He doesn't have to say much, and the Tribal Chief stick just works fine like that.

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