Top 20 Best WWE Debuts Of All Time
20- Rey Mysterio (SmackDown 2002)
The Master of the 619 arrived on SmackDown with an energetic match against Chavo Guerrero. His high-flying, cruiserweight style electrified the crowd, offering a dynamic contrast to the main roster's heavyweights. Rey's successful jump from WCW after the company's death in 2001 cemented him as a fan favorite and helped redefine the standard for smaller wrestlers in WWE.
19- Taz (Royal Rumble 2000)
The ECW icon, billed simply as Taz (without the extra 'z'), received a monstrous ovation at Madison Square Garden. He defeated the undefeated rookie Kurt Angle in a surprise debut, forcing him to submit to the Tazmission. It was a dream debut that immediately validated the former ECW star as a credible threat.
18- Carlito (SmackDown 2004)
The cool and arrogant Carlito made an immediate impact by defeating John Cena for the United States Championship in his very first match. His gimmick of being too cool to be bothered by the WWE Universe made for compelling television, instantly establishing him as a top-tier villain and an early rival for the emerging Cena.
17- The Big Show (St. Valentine's Day Massacre 1999)
The Big Show (as Paul Wight) made his electrifying WWE debut at St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House on February 14, 1999. He dramatically emerged from under the ring during the Steel Cage match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Vince McMahon. Aligning immediately with McMahon's Corporation, the giant ripped the cage door off its hinges and threw Austin through the side of the structure, setting up Austin's loss and establishing himself as a colossal new heel.
16- Kevin Owens (Raw 2015)
Kevin Owens' main roster debut after a stellar NXT run saw him interrupt John Cena's U.S. Open Challenge. Rather than challenging him, Owens powerbombed Cena and held up the NXT Championship, instantly presenting himself as an arrogant, legitimate champion from a rival brand. It was a perfect, bold introduction for "The Prizefighter."
15- The Great Khali (SmackDown 2006)
The Great Khali, accompanied by Daivari, made his shocking WWE television debut on the April 7, 2006, episode of SmackDown!. The towering, 7-foot-1 Indian giant instantly made an impact by interrupting a match and utterly dominating The Undertaker, an established main-event star. Khali easily manhandled "The Phenom," demonstrating unprecedented size and power, establishing him as an immediate, monstrous threat on the roster.
14- Shinsuke Nakamura (NXT TakeOver: Dallas 2016)
Nakamura's NXT debut against Sami Zayn was a classic, five-star match that brought a stadium to its feet. The "King of Strong Style" was an instant sensation, known for his unique charisma and hard-hitting style. His arrival elevated NXT to an unprecedented level of international star power.
13- Ronda Rousey (Royal Rumble 2018)
Following the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match, the former UFC megastar made a surprising appearance. Confronting Asuka, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss, Rousey dramatically pointed to the WrestleMania sign. Her debut instantly legitimized and elevated the Women's Evolution, garnering massive mainstream media attention and paving her way to the WrestleMania 35 main event a year later.
12- Mankind (Raw 1996)
Mick Foley's debut as the deranged Mankind was shocking and distinct, immediately setting the tone for the grittier Attitude Era. He violently ambushed The Undertaker and applied the debilitating Mandible Claw, establishing himself as a brutal, unpredictable threat and the Deadman's most disturbing opponent. The unique character transcended the typical WWF cartoonishness.
11- Ric Flair (WWF Prime Time Wrestling 1991)
"The Nature Boy" made his surprise arrival on WWF television carrying the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, famously declaring himself the "Real World Heavyweight Champion." This shocking cross-promotional statement was unprecedented, injecting huge star power and storyline intrigue that would dominate the 1992 Royal Rumble.
10- The Nexus (Raw 2010)
The debut of the NXT Season One rookies was a chaotic, unforgettable spectacle. Led by Wade Barrett, the group also included many future stars like Ryback, Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt who viciously dismantled John Cena and destroyed the ring area, sending a powerful message of anarchy. This shocking, unscripted-feeling attack instantly established The Nexus as a top heel faction on the main roster.
9- Goldberg (Raw 2003)
The WCW icon made his debut the night after WrestleMania XIX, interrupting The Rock's "Rock Appreciation Night." The former undefeated World Champion marched to the ring and speared The Great One, establishing an instant, huge-money feud. Goldberg's intense aura and immediate confrontation with a top-tier superstar made this one of the most explosive arrivals ever.
8- John Cena (SmackDown 2002)
In response to an open challenge from Kurt Angle, a young John Cena stepped forward with an intense look, proclaiming, "Ruthless Aggression!" Cena's gritty, underdog performance took Angle to the limit and earned him the respect of The Undertaker backstage. Though he lost the match, the segment launched the career of the man who would become the face of the company for over a decade.
7- Sting (Survivor Series 2014)
After two decades of being the most prominent star never to join WWE, Sting made a shocking debut at Survivor Series. The vigilante appeared to confront Triple H, ultimately helping Team Cena win and costing The Authority their power. His signature trench coat and baseball bat, accompanied by a deafening ovation, delivered a truly surreal moment for long-time fans.
6- The Shield (Survivor Series 2012)
Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns burst onto the scene at Survivor Series, dramatically interfering in the main event to help CM Punk retain the WWE Championship. Calling themselves The Shield, the trio claimed they were restoring justice and quickly became the most dominant faction in the company. Their coordinated attack and immediate main-event placement remains a high-water mark for faction debuts.
5- Brock Lesnar (Raw 2002)
The day after WrestleMania X8, "The Next Big Thing" destroyed all in his path. Accompanied by Paul Heyman, the massive rookie bulldozed the Hardcore division, showcasing terrifying athleticism. His raw power and dominance, which included an F-5 on Spike Dudley, immediately established him as a future World Champion, ushering in the "Ruthless Aggression" era's focus on legitimate stars.
4- The Undertaker (Survivor Series 1990)
The ominous debut of The Deadman shocked the wrestling world at Survivor Series. Introduced as the mystery partner of Ted DiBiase's "Million Dollar Team," the towering figure, managed by Brother Love, instantly stood out. His slow, chilling entrance and ability to eliminate a WWE legend immediately established him as a supernatural, unparalleled force, setting the stage for a three-decade-long career.
3- AJ Styles (Royal Rumble 2016)
The arena erupted in shock and euphoria as the former TNA and NJPW megastar, AJ Styles, entered the Royal Rumble at number three. Unadvertised and completely unexpected, The Phenomenal One's arrival proved that WWE was finally open to top talent from outside the traditional system. His reception cemented him as an instant main-event player.
2- Chris Jericho (Raw 1999)
The countdown clock hit zero, the lights went out, and a new voice interrupted The Rock's promo: "Welcome to Raw is Jericho!" The charismatic former WCW star verbally sparred with The Rock in a brilliant segment, announcing himself as the "Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla." It was an electrifying, instantly impactful debut that signaled a major shift in the Attitude Era's landscape.
1- Kane (Badd Blood: In Your House 1997)
Kane's arrival was a masterful piece of cinematic storytelling. During the first-ever Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, the ominous red lights and Paul Bearer's presence signaled a nightmare. Kane ripped the cell door off its hinges, delivered a Tombstone Piledriver to his storyline brother, and cost Taker the match, creating an unforgettable moment and launching an iconic rivalry.
