Round of 32 Voting is Open for the Greatest Wrestler of All Time Tournament
The first round is over in our little tournament to determine the Greatest Wrestler of All Time and now we are on to the Round of 32. Today we will start with the Hogan and Flair Regions and pare those down to the entrants of the Sweet Sixteen. Let's start with the Hogan Region and get to work.
Hogan Region: Round of 32
(1) Hulk Hogan v. (8) Edge
Hogan advanced easily through his first round matchup as expected. It is important to not just view Hogan through the prism of Hulkamania, but also to remember the impact he had when he turned heel and formed the nWo, above.
Edge was not only a versatile performer, but he is responsible for some of the most insane spots this side of Mick Foley. The one above at Wrestlemania X-7 was particularly iconic. The man delivered a spear off a ladder to someone dangling in mid air from a championship belt. That's as insane a spot as you can attempt.
(5) Ultimate Warrior v. (4) Undertaker
The Warrior was so committed to his character, he legally changed his last name to Warrior (copyright issues may have also played a role). His physique was top notch, his work rate….not so much.
The Undertaker is known for his commitment to the gimmick, his entrance, his streak, but he should also be known as one of the most athletic and agile big men to ever lace up a pair of boots. The Dead Man could fly when he wanted to.
(11) Kane v. (3) Chris Jericho
Kane had some great moments, particularly early in his career, where he felt like a true rival to the Undertaker. He was also able to control fire like a son of a bitch.
Chris Jericho has firmly entrenched himself as a Top 10 performer of all time, with room to spare, I might add. He can play either side of the fence and he's never shy about pushing the envelope.
(10) X-Pac v. (2) The Rock
X-Pac was always entertaining and was a dangerous bundle of a human being wrapped up in a small package. In his first ever WWF match, he defeated Razor Ramon while fighting as the 1-2-3 Kid.
This is another one that's going to be tough to upset this early in the early going. When The Rock spoke, people always listened.He had electrifying moves like the People's Elbow and the Rockbottom. If ya smellllllllllllll what the Rock is cooking.
Flair Region: Round of 32
(1) Ric Flair v. (8) AJ Styles
It is impossible to understate the significance of Ric Flair in the wrestling business. He could literally make anyone look good in the ring. He was a master at the art of selling and he could deliver a promo like few others. Additionally his longevity is second to none.
AJ Styles had an incredible run in TNA before getting to WWE, but man once he arrived, he was a jolt of energy into the company. Styles instantly became one of the top workers in WWE and has had great matches with all of the top talent in the company over the last three years.
(5) Sting v. (4) Kurt Angle
This matchup might be one of the toughest of the Round of 32. I don't even know where I fall on this one. I think I lean to the Stinger just because of his significance during wrestling's hottest period. But then again, man, Kurt Angle was good. Really good. Like Flair, he was one of those guys that could make absolutely anyone look good in there. This one is an absolute toss-up.
(6) Jeff Hardy v. (3) Bret Hart
Jeff Hardy was one of the high flying guys that made the "Ruthless Aggression" period of WWE as entertaining as it was. Hardy won tag team gold multiple times with his brother Matt, and also had a great deal of success individually. He's a unique talent and a real, live, dare devil.
Bret "Hitman" Hart was one of those guys who always delivered. His matches had a certain degree of realism that so many performers lack. Also, he was able to tell a story using ring psychology like few others. The Hitman was the best there, is, was, or ever will be.
(7) Triple H v. (2) John Cena
Triple H is a guy who has reinvented himself every time he felt he needed a change. He has stayed relevant and a top level performer for the better part of three decades. He had some great Wrestlemania matches with the Undertaker and his Summerslam match with Shawn Michaels is a classic.
John Cena is the man that has carried WWE after The Rock and Stone Cold left. He has been the backbone of the company. Aside from that he is an absolute Hall of Famer on the microphone and he is more than capable of putting on an excellent match when he needs it.