The 50 Best WWE Superstars of the 2000s – Ranked

August 28, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

The 2000s was a decade of transformation for WWE, spanning the Attitude Era, Ruthless Aggression Era, and the rise of global superstardom. Legends solidified their legacies, new stars burst onto the scene, and unforgettable rivalries defined an era of professional wrestling that fans still look back on with awe. Here are the 50 greatest WWE superstars of the 2000s, ranked in reverse order.

50. Shane McMahon

The son of Vince McMahon became far more than just the “boss’s kid.” His daredevil stunts, memorable matches with legends, and shocking leaps off steel structures cemented him as one of the most fearless performers of the decade.

49. Dolph Ziggler

Debuting late in the 2000s, Ziggler quickly became known as “The Showoff” for his high-energy performances and willingness to steal the spotlight. His athleticism and selling ability made every opponent look like a star.

48. Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig)

Though his career peaked earlier, Hennig still left an impression in the 2000s with his technical brilliance. His influence on younger wrestlers and his timeless “Perfect” persona made him unforgettable.

47. Diamond Dallas Page

A WCW legend who transitioned to WWE, DDP brought his charismatic Diamond Cutter and larger-than-life personality into the 2000s. His motivational legacy remains just as strong outside the ring.

46. Paige

Though she rose toward the end of the decade, Paige was a trailblazer in women’s wrestling. Her gothic persona, technical skill, and early dominance in WWE set the stage for the Women’s Revolution.

45. D’Von Dudley

As one half of the Dudley Boyz, D’Von delivered some of the most iconic tag team matches of the era. With his trademark intensity and “Testify!” catchphrase, he became a fan favorite.

44. Scott Hall

Razor_Ramon — Mandy Coombes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A founding member of the nWo, Hall’s presence in wrestling remained powerful in the early 2000s. His charisma, cool demeanor, and devastating Razor’s Edge solidified him as a legend.

43. Cody Rhodes

Carrying the Rhodes family name, Cody debuted in the mid-2000s and quickly impressed with his adaptability and technical skill. He laid the foundation for what would become a legacy far beyond WWE.

42. AJ Lee

Though she emerged late in the decade, AJ Lee redefined women’s wrestling with her charisma, technical ability, and memorable rivalries. Her “Geek Goddess” persona made her one of the most unique Divas of her time.

41. Beth Phoenix

The “Glamazon” dominated women’s wrestling in the late 2000s with her strength, power, and commanding presence. She proved that women could be just as physically dominant as the men.

40. Mickie James

Mickie’s rivalry with Trish Stratus defined the mid-2000s women’s division. With charisma, in-ring skill, and championship reigns, she became one of the most important female stars of the era.

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39. Shelton Benjamin

Known for his incredible athleticism, Benjamin was a human highlight reel. His high-flying style, ladder match brilliance, and pure talent made him one of the most underrated stars of the 2000s.

38. Bubba Ray Dudley

One-half of the Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray helped bring hardcore tag team wrestling to the mainstream. His intensity and creativity in TLC matches made history.

37. Kevin Nash

A veteran powerhouse, Nash’s presence in WWE and WCW left a huge mark on the 2000s. His cool demeanor and dominance ensured he remained a big name in wrestling’s changing landscape.

36. Bobby Lashley

Debuting mid-decade, Lashley’s combination of size, speed, and strength made him an instant star. His clashes with Cena, Umaga, and others showcased his potential as a future megastar.

35. Umaga

The “Samoan Bulldozer” was one of the most intimidating heels of the 2000s. His ferocity, combined with surprising agility, made him a terrifying force in WWE.

34. Stacy Keibler

Though not known for championships, Stacy was one of WWE’s most recognizable stars. Her charisma, crossover appeal, and role in high-profile storylines made her a household name.

33. Daniel Bryan

Emerging late in the decade, Bryan’s technical brilliance and underdog charisma won fans worldwide. His “Yes!” Movement would define the 2010s, but the seeds were planted in the 2000s.

32. Kofi Kingston

Debuting in 2007, Kingston electrified fans with his high-flying style and infectious charisma. His agility and creativity made him one of the most entertaining stars to watch.

31. Chris Benoit

Controversial but undeniably skilled, Benoit was one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of the 2000s. His World Heavyweight Championship win at WrestleMania XX remains one of the decade’s defining moments.

30. Trish Stratus

Trish redefined what it meant to be a female wrestler in WWE. A seven-time Women’s Champion, her athleticism and charisma set the bar for women’s wrestling in the 2000s.

29. Hulk Hogan

Though past his prime, Hogan still made waves in the 2000s. From his feud with The Rock to his Hall of Fame induction, his legacy remained larger than life.

28. Bill Goldberg

Goldberg’s run in WWE during the early 2000s added star power and intensity. His sheer dominance and explosive style kept fans glued to their screens.

27. Mark Henry

“The World’s Strongest Man” became a monster heel in the late 2000s. His raw strength, “Hall of Pain” persona, and eventual World Title run showed his staying power.

26. Matt Hardy

Matt was more than just Jeff’s brother—he carved his own path with singles runs and creative reinventions. His role in the Hardy Boyz’ iconic matches defined a generation.

25. Ric Flair

Even in the twilight of his career, Flair delivered unforgettable moments in the 2000s. His legendary charisma and emotional retirement storyline with Shawn Michaels defined his final chapter.

24. Brock Lesnar

“The Next Big Thing” exploded onto the scene in 2002. With unmatched power, speed, and intensity, Lesnar became the youngest WWE Champion and a true force of nature.

23. Chyna

The “Ninth Wonder of the World” shattered barriers for women in wrestling. Her strength, groundbreaking feuds, and status as a women competing with men made her iconic.

22. CM Punk

Rising through the late 2000s, Punk’s rebellious personality and sharp mic skills made him stand out. His straight-edge lifestyle and in-ring talent built the foundation of his legendary career.

21. Christian

Breaking out from Edge’s shadow, Christian became a decorated singles star in the 2000s. His charisma and technical skill made him a fan favorite.

20. Booker T

One of the most decorated stars of the decade, Booker brought charisma, energy, and championship success. His King Booker persona was one of the most entertaining acts of the 2000s.

19. Rob Van Dam

RVD’s martial arts-inspired style and fearless stunts made him a one-of-a-kind performer. His championship wins and popularity among fans made him a standout of the era.

18. Big Show

The giant of WWE was a constant presence throughout the 2000s. His mix of size, surprising agility, and longevity made him a cornerstone of the roster.

17. Lita

A trailblazer for women’s wrestling, Lita’s high-risk moves and fearless attitude made her one of the decade’s most influential stars. Her rivalry with Trish Stratus was legendary.

16. Kurt Angle

An Olympic gold medalist, Angle became one of WWE’s greatest all-around performers. His mix of technical brilliance, intensity, and comedic timing made him unforgettable.

15. Batista

The “Animal” exploded onto the scene as part of Evolution. His size, power, and dominance earned him multiple World Championships and a Hall of Fame career.

14. Mick Foley

Though already a legend, Foley’s 2000s run as commissioner, author, and occasional wrestler cemented his role as one of wrestling’s most beloved figures.

13. Eddie Guerrero

“Latino Heat” was a master technician and one of the most charismatic performers of his generation. His 2004 WWE Championship victory was one of the decade’s most emotional moments.

12. Chris Jericho

The master of reinvention, Jericho thrived in the 2000s with his charisma, mic skills, and in-ring brilliance. From Undisputed Champion to heel rock star, he remained endlessly entertaining.

11. Jeff Hardy

The daredevil of the Hardy Boyz, Jeff became a breakout singles star. His extreme stunts and colorful persona made him one of the most beloved superstars of the era.

10. Rey Mysterio

The ultimate underdog, Rey revolutionized WWE with his lucha libre style. His 2006 Royal Rumble win and World Title victory made him an inspiration for fans worldwide.

9. Edge

The “Rated-R Superstar” defined opportunism with his Money in the Bank cash-ins. His feuds with Cena, Taker, and Hardy made him one of the top stars of the decade.

8. Shawn Michaels

Returning from injury in 2002, Michaels delivered classics that reminded the world why he was “Mr. WrestleMania.” His matches with Taker, Cena, and Flair are still revered.

7. Kane

The “Big Red Machine” remained a dominant figure, whether as a monster heel or fan favorite. His versatility and longevity made him one of the decade’s most consistent stars.

6. The Rock

Already a megastar, The Rock continued to electrify fans before transitioning to Hollywood. His rivalries with Austin, HHH, and Hogan defined the early 2000s.

5. John Cena

Emerging as the face of the Ruthless Aggression Era, Cena became WWE’s franchise player. His charisma, work ethic, and “never give up” persona turned him into a global icon.

4. Triple H

“The Game” was at his peak in the 2000s, with countless World Title reigns and iconic feuds. As the leader of Evolution, he built future stars while dominating the main event scene.

3. Randy Orton

“The Legend Killer” burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s. His methodical style, multiple championships, and rise as one of WWE’s youngest World Champions secured his legacy.

2. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Though injuries shortened his career, Austin’s influence on the early 2000s was massive. His rivalries with McMahon, The Rock, and HHH defined the Attitude Era’s final chapter.

1. The Undertaker

The Deadman reigned supreme through the 2000s. With unforgettable WrestleMania matches, World Title reigns, and an unmatched aura, The Undertaker was the decade’s greatest superstar.