25 Best Male WWE Wrestlers Since 2000
25- Bobby Lashley
A dominant powerhouse, Bobby Lashley’s second WWE run redefined his legacy. His reign as WWE Champion and alliance with The Hurt Business showcased his athleticism, leadership, and ability to thrive across multiple eras. Moreover, his incredible strength compelled him to term him as the second coming of the likes of Brock Lesnar and Batista.
24- Sami Zayn
A master storyteller, Sami Zayn blends humor, empathy, and intensity like few others. From his underdog rise to his emotional Bloodline arc, the former NXT and Intercontinental title holder has proven himself one of the most versatile and beloved performers of the modern era. Not to forget, his Ring of Honor work is severely underrated.
23- John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL)
A brash brawler turned corporate villain, JBL reinvented himself into a top-tier heel in the mid-2000s. His 280-day WWE title reign, sharp promos, and commentary run proved his longevity and business savvy within the industry. At one point between 2003 and 2004, the Texas native was the top-dog on SmackDown.
22- Kevin Owens
Kevin Owen’s barbaric charisma and raw emotion made him a modern anti-hero. His versatility, whether feuding with Cena, Sami Zayn, or The Bloodline, shows his adaptability and storytelling prowess. A former Universal Champion, he remains one of WWE’s most dependable stars since coming to the main roster in 2016.
21- Kofi Kingston
From mid-card mainstay to WrestleMania hero, Kofi Kingston’s 2019 WWE Championship win became a cultural milestone. His positivity, longevity, and spectacular athleticism alongside The New Day have made him one of WWE’s most respected and enduring superstars.
20- Drew McIntyre
Once dubbed ‘The Chosen One,’ Drew McIntyre’s redemption arc defined resilience. After being released, he rebuilt himself, returned stronger, and captured the WWE Championship during the pandemic era and becoming a symbol of perseverance and pride for fans worldwide. Currently, he is having another stellar run as a heel.
19- AJ Styles
‘The Phenomenal One’ brought global experience to WWE in 2016, instantly proving he belonged at the top. His matches with John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins showcased world-class talent, while his two WWE Championships solidified him as one of wrestling’s most gifted all-rounders.
18- Rey Mysterio
WWE’s ultimate underdog, Rey Mysterio, broke barriers for smaller wrestlers. His breathtaking agility, longevity, and connection with fans made him a beloved legend, earning World Championships at WrestleMania 22 and inspiring generations of luchadores to dream big.
17- Jeff Hardy
WWE’s ultimate daredevil, Jeff Hardy, captivated fans with fearless risk-taking and emotional storytelling. A multi-time World champion, his creativity and connection with audiences made him a symbol of individuality and rebellion in wrestling. If anyone says extreme, Hardy's name definitely pops up in any fan's mind.
16- Daniel Bryan
A symbol of perseverance and fan power, Daniel Bryan rose from indie favorite to WWE Champion through sheer determination. His “Yes Movement” and subsequent wins at SummerSlam 2013 and WrestleMania 30 defined an era, proving that talent and heart could overcome any corporate mold.
15- Seth Rollins
‘The Visionary’ has consistently evolved, mixing athletic brilliance with show-stealing performances. From The Shield’s ‘Architect’ to a multiple-time World Champion, Rollins’s ability to reinvent himself and deliver top-tier matches places him among WWE’s most complete modern stars.
14- Chris Jericho
A master of reinvention, Chris Jericho’s creativity kept him relevant across decades. From the first Undisputed Champion in 2001 to the master of “The List,” Jericho’s blend of humor, ring psychology, and innovation made him one of the most influential performers in modern wrestling.
13- Batista
A late bloomer who became a megastar, Batista’s power, charisma, and explosive presence defined mid-2000s WWE. His rivalries with Triple H and John Cena, combined with crossover Hollywood success, made him one of WWE’s most successful multi-platform figures.
12- Edge
The ‘Rated-R Superstar’ reinvented himself across eras, from tag team pioneer to an opportunistic World Champion. His passion, cunning storytelling, and triumphant return from retirement showcased his resilience and creativity, earning him a lasting spot among WWE’s elite.
11- Kurt Angle
An Olympic gold medalist turned wrestling legend, Kurt Angle brought technical excellence, comedic timing, and intensity to WWE. From classics with Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero to his “It’s true, it’s damn true” persona, he became one of the most complete superstars in history.
10- Cody Rhodes
From ‘The American Nightmare’ to WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes’ journey embodies legacy and redemption. After betting on himself outside WWE, his emotional return at WrestleMania 38 and triumph against the likes of Roman Reigns and John Cena completed a story that connects family heritage with modern wrestling excellence.
9- Triple H
A master strategist both in and out of the ring, Triple H built an unmatched legacy as a multi-time World Champion and future executive. His rivalries with The Rock, Austin, and Batista defined eras, while his NXT vision shaped WWE’s future. His grip over the World Heavyweight title between 2003 and 2005 is one of the defining acts of his career.
8- CM Punk
The ‘Voice of the Voiceless’ reshaped WWE’s reality era with his authenticity and appeal. His 434-day WWE Title reign, iconic pipe bomb promo, and refusal to conform made him a symbol of rebellion and artistic freedom within the business. Moreover, his return in 2023 has only made his legend grow even further.
7- Brock Lesnar
A once-in-a-generation athlete, Brock Lesnar’s mix of size, power, and real fighting credentials made him a global draw. Whether dominating as ‘The Next Big Thing’ between 2002 and 2004 or ‘The Beast Incarnate’ in the late 2010s, his box-office appeal and destruction of The Streak solidified him as a true phenomenon.
6- The Rock
Transitioning from the Attitude Era to a Hollywood megastar, The Rock’s charisma and mic skills became legendary. His electrifying returns, major matches with John Cena, and enduring influence make him one of WWE’s biggest global icons of the 21st century. His recent stint as 'The Final Boss' has earned him widespread praise.
5- Randy Orton
If John Cena was the ultimate good guy of the modern era, then Randy Orton was truly his archnemesis. ‘The Viper’ has evolved from a young prodigy into one of WWE’s most complete superstars. Known for his methodical style and devastating RKO, Orton’s longevity and 14 World Title reigns have cemented him as one of the greatest performers in WWE history.
4- Shawn Michaels
‘The Heartbreak Kid’ made a triumphant return in 2002 after a career-altering back surgery, delivering unforgettable matches against The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, and Kurt Angle. His storytelling, athleticism, and emotional depth made him arguably the greatest in-ring performer of all time.
3- The Undertaker
Although he debuted in 1990, The Undertaker’s mystique transcended eras. His WrestleMania streak, unmatched presence, and iconic matches with the likes of Shawn Michaels and Triple H made him a cornerstone of WWE. Moreover, his role as a locker room leader blended perfectly with his on-screen allure and incredible in-ring endurance.
2- Roman Reigns
From ‘The Big Dog’ to ‘The Tribal Chief,’ Roman Reigns redefined dominance in modern WWE. His record-breaking 1317 title reign and leadership of The Bloodline turned him into one of the most compelling villains of the 2020s, marking him as the defining star of this generation.
1- John Cena
The face of WWE’s PG Era, John Cena carried the company for over a decade between 2005 and 2015. A 17-time World Champion, he combined charisma, loyalty, and work ethic to inspire a generation. From epic rivalries with The Rock, Edge, and Randy Orton to his ‘Never Give Up’ mantra, ‘Big Match John’ became wrestling’s ultimate ambassador.
