10 Greatest Wrestling Catchphrases of All Time
The Rock
10. Vince McMahon - “You’re Fired!”
Vince McMahon’s transformation into the despised on-screen tyrant began during the Attitude Era, following the Montreal Screwjob, where Bret Hart was infamously stripped of the WWE Championship. That moment pushed the former WWE CEO into full heel territory, positioning him as the ultimate corrupt authority figure. His rivalry with Stone Cold Steve Austin cemented the character, with McMahon abusing his power whenever possible. The phrase “You’re fired!” became his go-to threat, delivered in a gravelly snarl whenever he wanted to assert dominance. The line became so ingrained in WWE culture that it was even subverted on occasion, most memorably when Brock Lesnar interrupted McMaon and F5’d him before he could fire Paul Heyman.
9. The Road Warriors - “What A Rush!”
For years, Hawk and Animal were the most intimidating tag team in professional wrestling. In the NWA and other territories, the opening notes of Black Sabbath’s Iron Man signaled impending destruction. Fans knew the Road Warriors were about to storm the ring and flatten whoever stood across from them. Their popularity was so immense that WWE created Demolition as a similar act before eventually signing Hawk and Animal themselves as the Legion of Doom. While their in-ring dominance was undeniable, their promos were just as impactful. Hawk’s opening declaration—“What a rush!”—became legendary, eventually earning a permanent spot in their WWE entrance theme.
8. Ted DiBiase - “Every Man Has a Price for The Million Dollar Man”
Ted DiBiase arrived in WWE already established as a dangerous competitor, but Vince McMahon reshaped him into something far more memorable. The Million Dollar Man was presented as a cold, wealthy elitist who believed money could buy absolutely anything. Vignettes aired weekly showing DiBiase bribing strangers, humiliating people for cash, and flaunting his fortune. His philosophy reached its peak when he paid Andre the Giant to defeat Hulk Hogan and hand over the WWE Championship. DiBiase’s defining line captured his entire persona perfectly: “Every man has a price for the Million Dollar Man.”
7. D-Generation X - “Suck It”
Few catchphrases caused more controversy—or got more kids in trouble—than DX’s two-word taunt. During the Attitude Era, D-Generation X thrived on shock value, crude humor, and audience interaction. Road Dogg’s lengthy introductions were crowd participation spectacles, but it was always the final phrase that brought the loudest reaction. Decades later, fans still gleefully shout it back, including during DX’s WWE Hall of Fame induction. The group summed up their entire attitude with just two words: “Suck it.”
6. Bret Hart - “The Best There Is, The Best There Was, And The Best There Ever Will Be”
Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s confidence never felt forced, it was earned. Known for his technical excellence and realism, Hart backed up every claim he made once the bell rang. Facing opponents like Yokozuna, Diesel, Shawn Michaels, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hart repeatedly delivered under pressure. His iconic declaration wasn’t empty bravado but a statement of self-belief rooted in performance. When Bret said he was “the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be,” fans believed him because he proved it nightly.
5. Hulk Hogan - “Whatcha Gonna Do When Hulkamania Runs Wild On You?”
Hulk Hogan’s promos were built on repetition, charisma, and larger-than-life energy. While his in-ring style was simple, his ability to connect with audiences defined an era. Entire generations could recite his slogans about prayers, vitamins, and Hulkamaniacs from memory. Yet one line towered above the rest. As Hogan stared into the camera at the end of his promos, he issued the same challenge to every opponent. The question became legendary: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”
4. The Undertaker - “Rest In Peace”
The Undertaker rarely wasted words. His promos revolved around darkness, vengeance, and the inevitability of pain. Whether portraying the supernatural Deadman or the biker incarnation, his message remained chillingly consistent. Every promo built toward the same conclusion. As the lights dimmed and his eyes rolled back, Undertaker delivered the final warning—one the crowd always echoed. Three simple words sealed his threats: “Rest in peace.”
3. Ric Flair - “To Be The Man, You Gotta Beat The Man”
In his prime, Ric Flair was unmatched on the microphone. Draped in designer suits and championship gold, he embodied excess and confidence. Flair didn’t just claim to live the high life—he convinced everyone watching that he truly did. His extended self-descriptions were unforgettable, but one line defined his legacy more than any other. As the reigning champion, Flair made the rules clear. Anyone seeking his throne had to earn it: “To be the man, you gotta beat the man!” Woooo!
2. The Rock - “If Ya Smell What The Rock Is Cookin’”
The Rock was pure electricity with a microphone in his hand. Nearly every promo introduced a new phrase that fans instantly adopted. He insulted rivals with ease, mocked cities, and controlled crowds like few ever have. Lines about the SmackDown Hotel, turning something sideways, and dismissing opinions with “it doesn’t matter” became cultural staples. Still, every promo ended the same way—with a pause, a raised eyebrow, and the phrase that defined him: “If ya smell what The Rock is cookin’!”
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin - “And That’s the Bottom Line, ’Cause Stone Cold Said So”
No superstar connected with fans like Stone Cold Steve Austin. At the height of the Attitude Era, he wasn’t just the face of WWE—he was the voice of rebellion. Austin defied authority, ignored alignments, and operated entirely on his own terms. Whether clashing with villains or allies, Austin dominated every segment he appeared in. His final words in promos carried absolute authority, ending debates before they began. The line summed up his entire persona: “And that’s the bottom line, ’cause Stone Cold said so!”
