Wrestling Headlines
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
    • HEADLINES
  • NEWS
    • WWE News, WWE Rumors and Spoilers
    • AEW News and Rumors
    • IMPACT Wrestling News and Rumors
    • ROH News and Rumors
    • NJPW News
    • MLW News
    • NWA Wrestling News
  • RESULTS
    • WWE Raw Results
    • WWE Smackdown Results
    • WWE NXT Results
    • WWE 205 Live Results
    • WWE PPV Results
    • WWE House Show Results
    • AEW Results
    • IMPACT Wrestling Results
    • IMPACT PPV Results
    • Ring of Honor Results
    • NJPW Results
    • MLW Wrestling Results
    • NWA Results
    • Lucha Underground Results
    • Indy Wrestling Results
  • COLUMNS
    • Hustle
    • Between The Flips & Fists
    • Sir Sam’s Court
    • The Brand Extension
    • Donovan’s Digest
    • El Gringo Loco
    • Tim Rose Jr
    • Imp’s Adventures
    • Doctor’s Orders
    • Cool Points
    • Column of the Month
    • LOP Hall Of Fame
  • PODCASTS
    • Imp’s LOP Radio Adventure
    • Kingdom of Honour
    • LOP Aftershock
    • All Night Long Wrestling Podcast
    • Quick and Painless Pro Wrestling Podcast
    • The Legacy Series
    • The Doc Says
  • FORUMS
  • CONTACT
Wrestling Headlines
No Result
View All Result

Home » COLUMNS » Mr. Tito » MR. TITO STRIKES BACK – The Top 10 Wrestlers, Tag Teams, and Matches of the Wrestlemania Era (since 1985)

MR. TITO STRIKES BACK – The Top 10 Wrestlers, Tag Teams, and Matches of the Wrestlemania Era (since 1985)

by Mr. Tito
July 14, 2020
in Mr. Tito
A A
48
WWE
113
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Follow Mr. Tito on Twitter by going to the following link: @titowrestling

Welcome back to the column that is HOTTER than the 18-49 demographic in television, the Mr. Tito experience exclusively here at WrestlingHeadlines.com, a LordsofPain.net company. Almost 2 years ago, heading into my “almost retirement”, I started doing my All Time 10 Ten Lists on my way out. Of course, as you may know, the appearance of All Elite Wrestling gave me “hope” that competitive wrestling was on its way back again. Or at the very least, the trainwreck trying would be interesting to write about. I’ll have to admit, the appearance of AEW has rejuvenated me not just as a wrestling fan but as Mr. Tito again as a writer. I feel that my stuff from 2020 has been among my best work within the 21+ years here at WH/LoP.

But anyway, getting back to the Top 10… For the brief moments that I’ve had the WWE Network to cover the bigger Pay Per Views, I usually binge older events to get my $9.99 worth… Since the Fall of 2018, I’ve consumed a ton of older wrestling that has given me some perspective on my all time lists. I have also read a few books and publications as well that helped convince me to revise a few positions or members of my top 10 lists.

For today’s column, just for fun, I’m going to run down my Top 10 Wrestlers, Tag Teams, and Matches of ALL Time…

Well, I should be careful of that “ALL TIME” listing. Usually, I stick with the Wrestlemania Era for all of my lists (1985 and beyond). For one, it wasn’t until late 1988 when I became a fan. Secondly, I have not tried to watch anything pre-1980 with the exception of an occasional match here or there. Therefore, I don’t feel right commenting on the greatness of Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, Andre “the Giant”, or Bruno Sammartino. Besides Andre briefly, none of them were able to enjoy working for a company that tried to go national. Each of those wrestlers were mostly territory driven and were more reliant on local television or ticket sales.

To me, wrestlers BEFORE and AFTER 1985 are like apples and oranges. Completely different because how they were presented and marketed was way different.

Thus, my lists are for the Wrestlemania Era (1985 and beyond).

I also want to stress that I’ve tried to watch New Japan Pro Wrestling and other Japanese promotions. Honestly, it’s not my cup of tea… I tried it during the late 1990s with tapes that were available after the NWO had a few New Japan wrestlers in the stable. I’m a huge fan of Great Muta since his NWA/WCW days and tried to keep up with his work when I could. In modern times, anytime that I hear of a great match, I find a way track it down or find a friend with AXS access. I’ve tried it, some of it that I’ve seen has been good… But in my opinion as a wrestling fan, none of their wrestlers, tag teams, or even matches make my list.

And that’s the bottom line because these lists are MY LISTS and very subjective to my personal opinions. You are more than welcome to Comment your top 10 lists down below to contradict my choices. Go for it!

I want to personally post my Top 10 Lists to maybe encourage younger fans to check out wrestlers, tag teams, and matches of the past. WWE Network is a great asset to have for wrestling fans and it wouldn’t hurt for me to point them in the right direction during this quarantine era.

I hope that you enjoy…

Real quick, here is how I rank GREATNESS…

For wrestlers…
– Did they draw money?
– Cultural Impact, obtaining casula fans
– Influence on future wrestlers
– Charisma
– Personality
– In-ring Ability

For matches…
– Match Quality
– Impact on the wrestling business
– Influence on future wrestlers
– In-ring Psychology
– Replay Value

Away we go…

Mr. Tito’s GREATEST TAG TEAMS

10) Midnight Express (various teams with Jim Cornette)
9) Hart Foundation
8) The Hardy Boys
7) Edge & Christian
6) Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard (aka Brainbusters)
5) Steiner Brothers
4) Demolition
3) Rock N Roll Express
2) Road Warriors / Legion of Doom
1) Dudley Boyz

TAG TEAM THOUGHTS: Harlem Heat just missed the cut. Good team, but Booker T was clearly the standout member. I really like the Revival, but they need more time and mileage. Team Angle/World’s Greatest Tag Team should be on this list based on in-ring fundamentals but they split up too much.

The Dudleys are the most accomplished tag team and in my opinion, the best overall tag team to ever do it. While the Road Warriors might have been a bigger draw, they always won each and every match and sometimes didn’t work well with certain types of tag teams. The Dudleys could work with anyone and make any team look great in the ring. Their intensity as a team pushed the Hardys and Edge & Christian to the limit during 2000-2001.

Rock N Roll Express are probably the most influential team on the list… Given their smaller size, they really taught the wrestling industry how to make a tag team presentation look great. I’d give the same honors to the Midnight Express if htey didn’t have a partner change in the middle of their run. Midnight Express was GREAT and Jim Cornette was magnificent as their manager.

Many consider Demolition to be a “Road Warrior” ripoff but I personally like Ax and Smash better than Hawk and Animal. Those guys were talented in-ring workers and had better matches than the Legion of Doom. Steiners could have been the #1 tag team but they just moved around too much and somehow didn’t make it work in the WWE together during the early 1990s. That’s a shame.

If you LOVE the Revival, check out how smooth Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard were during the late 1980s. Smooth as hell… You can definitely see the heavily influence on the Revival from the Brainbusters and also a little Midnight Express mixed in. Arn and Tully had that Four Horsement swagger going and were even effective in the WWE during 1989. In my opinion, their feud with Demolition made Ax and Smash better tag team wrestlers (if that was possible).

*****

Mr. Tito’s GREATEST WRESTLERS

10) Bret “The Hitman” Hart
9) Shawn Michaels
8) “Macho Man” Randy Savage
7) Brock Lesnar
6) The Undertaker
5) The Rock
4) John Cena
3) “Nature Boy” Ric Flair
2) Steve Austin
1) Hulk Hogan

GREATEST WRESTLER THOUGHTS: Edge, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, and Triple H are all on the outside of this list. I’m a personal fan of Sting but as I get older, I struggle to enjoy his past work like I used to. He should have joined the WWE earlier rather than later.

Since my last list, I’ve gained a better appreciation of Bret Hart‘s total career and in-ring work. I’ve regressed on seeing HHH’s work, as I’m quickly realizing the repetitiveness of his work. Bret had a stellar midcard career before being elevated to WWE Champion and I’d argue that he endured dysfunctional creative during the time he was champ.

Many will question my placement of John Cena over the Rock. Rock had a great dance partner with Steve Austin… Cena also did it longer and in my opinion, had a weaker supporting cast. Fact is that WWE imploded on Attendance, Merchandise Sales, and Viewership after John Cena was not longer featured as the #1 guy. Rock doesn’t have longevity on his side, too, like John Cena does.

I’d have Undertaker higher on my list, but he was never the #1 guy in the WWE. Longevity is amazing and he’s a tremendous performer, but he was a side attraction when other top guys were pushed. I was very close to placing Brock Lesnar higher than him on my list. He has had quite a run during the 2010s.

I always wonder how Macho Man Randy Savage would draw on his own without Hulk Hogan always in the way… Macho was quite the talent. His 1987-1992 storyline arc is just amazing to watch. Shawn Michaels‘s 2nd life as a wrestler during the 2000s was inspirational and salvaged what could have been a disappointing 1990s career.

Mr. Tito’s GREATEST MATCHES

10) Edge/Christian vs. Hardy Boys – Ladder Match – WWE No Mercy 1999
9) Steve Austin vs. The Rock – WWE Wrestlemania 15
8) John Cena vs. CM Punk – WWE Money in the Bank 2011
7) CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar – WWE SummerSlam 2013
6) Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – WWE Wrestlemania 25
5) Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair – WCW WrestleWar 89
4) Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels – WWE Wrestlemania 21
3) Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – Hell in a Cell – WWE Badd Blood 1997
2) Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk – I Quit Match – WCW Clash of the Champions 9
1) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart – WWE Wrestlemania 13

GREATEST MATCHES THOUGHTS: There are sooooooo many tag matches that are just equal in greatness. The Midnights/Fantastics match at Clash 1, HHH/Austin vs. Benoit/Jericho at a RAW, any variation of Dudleys/Hardys/Edge & Christian, any variation of the Smackdown 6 from 2002, and many from the late 1980s and early 1990s WWE and WCW which were LOADED with tag teams. Sadly, I only have 1 and that’s my personal favorite Ladder match of all time that made Hardys and Edge/Christian into household names.

Many, many great matches missed the cut here… The other 2 1989 Steamboat and Ric Flair matches… Foley vs. HHH at Royal Rumble 2000. Any of the Austin vs. Angle, Benoit vs. Angle, or Benoit vs. Austin matches from 2000-2003. Just pure in-ring classics. HHH vs. HBK at SummerSlam 2002. HBK had many, many great matches throughout the 2000s to list and even from basic RAW matches. I really love CM Punk’s match with the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 29. Stole the show, in my opinion.

*****

I hope that you enjoyed that… By all means, present your top 10 down below in the comments section or follow me on Twitter @titowrestling to debate my lists as well.

That’s all I have for today… I’ll see you next time for an all new addition of ASK MR. TITO unless I feel the need to write another column before that.

So just chill… Until the next episode!

Comments and feedback are welcome. Follow and Tweet me @titowrestling or login in below to post comments.

Bookmark Mr. Tito’s Column Archive to read the current and past columns.

LordsofPain.net’s YouTube Channel

BEST OF TITO’s POLITICAL CARTOONS

– The Truth about Dave Meltzer and All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
– Alfred E. Vince McMahon on Wrestlemania 36
– WWE’s “Developmental System”
– How Triple H views CM Punk’s physique
– How Pro Wrestling Controversies keep pulling me out of the Retirement Home
– Seth Rollins cannot resist the Internet!
– Truth About WWE’s “Executive Directors”
– More Truth About WWE’s “Executive Directors”
– Jim Cornette as Godzilla against Indy Mudshow Wrestlers

Play my Super Mario Maker 2 courses on the Nintendo Switch:

Timecop: V1W-W9W-8RF
Super Mario Riot: F3F-4BC-RPF
WWE Money in the Bank 2020: QD1-9QF-X1H
Sunset Riders: DC5-X75-NXF
Super Mario Bros. 2 Multiplayer Mayhem: XHP-W6B-JGG
Attack of the Murder Hornets: GGN-9QT-LFG
Die Hard (themed after the Bruce Willis Film): 2YH-48W-HMG
Die Hard 2 – Die Harder: QQ1-MHW-YTF
Die Hard with a Vengeance: 5MB-2YG-VRG
Die Hard 4 – Live Free or Die Hard: MP2-3SL-RPF
Under Siege: BYG-8YQ-XNF
Under Siege 2 – Dark Territory: CKB-RLR-WYG
Can You Dig It, Sucka?: 884-G0H-FFF
Michael Jordan Overcoming the Detroit Pistons: RTK-LJ6-JDG
Hoarding the Toilet Paper: 43G-S79-TVG
Coronavirus: N7L-1LP-TVG
Star Trek 2 – The Wrath of Khan: 1LV-L7L-KDF
Inside Her: FC1-TW9-7YG
Star Wars vs. Star Trek: N3X-R6M-Y9G
Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time Wrong Warp: 2RX-QCV-N9G
Super Link Bros: HBD-H5C-QRF
Santa Bowser Came Early: GL8-F48-3XG
Super Wrestling Bros: 0H6-9HT-S5G
WWE Royal Rumble: SDH-JC2-HFG
WWE Elimination Chamber: P3B-5DJ-91G
WCW World War 3: BT4-W1Y-HRG
Extreme Championship Wrestling: 42J-4GT-W3G

© Mr. Tito and LordsofPain.net/WrestlingHeadlines.com – 1998-2020

RECENT POSTS

Mike Chioda Was Asked To “Referee Greatest Match Ever” After He Was Released By WWE

Opening Betting Odds For Edge vs. Roman Reigns At WWE WrestleMania 37

Shawn Michaels Thinks Kazuchika Okada Would Adjust Fantastically To WWE Style

Mike Chioda Shares How Much Money He Made During The Attitude Era

Early Betting Odds For AEW Revolution

Ric Flair Opens Up On Recent Storyline With Lacey Evans and Charlotte

Previous Post

WWE Possibly Doing Asuka vs. Kairi Sane Next

Next Post

Bayley Teases Big WWE SummerSlam Match Against Two Legends

COLUMNS

Can’t Knock The Hustle: The Miz? Money In The Bank Turns Into Insufficient Funds

Can’t Knock The Hustle: The Miz? Money In The Bank Turns Into Insufficient Funds

February 24, 2021
WWE sets the table for WrestleMania showdowns

WWE sets the table for WrestleMania showdowns

February 23, 2021
Can’t Knock The Hustle: WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Running Diary

Can’t Knock The Hustle: WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Running Diary

February 21, 2021
The Forbidden Door is Open. Now What?

The Forbidden Door is Open. Now What?

February 19, 2021
The Brand Extension #25: WWE – The Place Where Stars Are Born

The Brand Extension #25: WWE – The Place Where Stars Are Born

February 18, 2021
Can’t Knock The Hustle: 10 Things I Think I Think About… WWE’s Elimination Chamber 2021 Card

Can’t Knock The Hustle: 10 Things I Think I Think About… WWE’s Elimination Chamber 2021 Card

February 17, 2021

PODCASTS

NXT

WH Radio WWE NXT Review LIVE @ 8EST, Feb. 25th, 2021 – Why Cole, Why?!

February 25, 2021
RAW

WH Radio WWE RAW Review, Feb. 23rd, 2021 – Bobby Lashley To Win The WWE Championship?

February 23, 2021
WWF: The Legacy Series – The Perfect Bonus Episode (02-91)

WWF: The Legacy Series – The Perfect Bonus Episode (02-91)

February 22, 2021
Elimination Chamber

WH Aftershock: WWE Elimination Chamber 2021

February 21, 2021
Kingdom of Honor–AEW, G1 Climax 30, and the Pure Title

Kingdom of Honor–Takeover: Vengeance Day

February 21, 2021
ANLWP: Elimination Chamber Predictions & Best Bets!

ANLWP: Elimination Chamber Predictions & Best Bets!

February 19, 2021

HOME

Wrestling Headlines

ABOUT US

WrestlingHeadlines.com is your daily source for pro wrestling news headlines. Our coverage includes WWE, AEW, IMPACT, NJPW, ROH, MLW and more. Formerly Lords of Pain (LOP), we have been publishing WWE news and rumors since 1998! We are an independent news outlet and are not affiliated with any wrestling promotion.

STAY CONNECTED

  • 144.7k Fans
  • 11.2k Followers

Home | News | Results | Columns | Radio | Contact | Privacy Policy

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
    • HEADLINES
  • NEWS
    • WWE News, WWE Rumors and Spoilers
    • AEW News and Rumors
    • IMPACT Wrestling News and Rumors
    • ROH News and Rumors
    • NJPW News
    • MLW News
    • NWA Wrestling News
  • RESULTS
    • WWE Raw Results
    • WWE Smackdown Results
    • WWE NXT Results
    • WWE 205 Live Results
    • WWE PPV Results
    • WWE House Show Results
    • AEW Results
    • IMPACT Wrestling Results
    • IMPACT PPV Results
    • Ring of Honor Results
    • NJPW Results
    • MLW Wrestling Results
    • NWA Results
    • Lucha Underground Results
    • Indy Wrestling Results
  • COLUMNS
    • Hustle
    • Between The Flips & Fists
    • Sir Sam’s Court
    • The Brand Extension
    • Donovan’s Digest
    • El Gringo Loco
    • Tim Rose Jr
    • Imp’s Adventures
    • Doctor’s Orders
    • Cool Points
    • Column of the Month
    • LOP Hall Of Fame
  • PODCASTS
    • Imp’s LOP Radio Adventure
    • Kingdom of Honour
    • LOP Aftershock
    • All Night Long Wrestling Podcast
    • Quick and Painless Pro Wrestling Podcast
    • The Legacy Series
    • The Doc Says
  • FORUMS
  • CONTACT

Home | News | Results | Columns | Radio | Contact | Privacy Policy