11. Koll defined an era of grit after returning to Iowa State Teachers College (now Northern Iowa) after serving in World War II. If you stare at Cael Sandersons collegiate record long enough, you might wonder how any human can achieve such a feat. State Champ. The year prior, women had their first opportunity to compete in wrestling at the Olympic Games. From 1984 until he left the big-time scenes in 1998, Valentine was too much in the background to beat out the other players on this list. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Ric Flair in 2005. Best High School Wrestlers. The challenge was to determine the Top 50 Michigan wrestlers (Michigan natives) of the last 50 years, and it was a tall task . High School Rankings. Round 1 - Shamari Thompson, South View vs Kyle Snyder, Piedmont, 4A 120 lbs Champ. Zack Chakonis, Don Bosco, 2015 146. Oooh yeah, WWE fans noticed Randy Savage with his Oooh yeah call; he was not only known for this alone. When Smith won a gold medal in the 72 kg division at the 2005 World Championships it was still uncharted territory for womens wrestling. You can say she is the first four-time WCWA champion in womens wrestling history and youd be right to a degree. Metcalf redshirted as a freshman then followed Brands to Iowa when he took the job. Randy Mario Poffo, better known as Macho Man Randy Savage, was an American professional wrestler best known for his time in the WWF and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The U.S. big man won the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics for his first World-level gold medal. "We've still got a heartbeat . Terry Gene Bollea, known as Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler. HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS. Saw it on the AAA board. He was 45-4 and also competed on the Night of Conflict card and was second at Iowa/USA State Freestyle along with third at Iowa/USA State Greco. This year the first-team all-county wrestler is ranked fourth and has a chance to become the school's first-ever five-time state qualifier. The documentary chronicles his rise to fame, as well as . "The Real American," Jack Swagger still looks like an amateur wrestler today while performing in a WWE ring where he incorporates amateur style moves. Using his trademark ankle pick, Sanderson picked up victory after dominating victory during his brilliant college career. Davino recently won his third Illinois state championship, defeating Marmion senior Jameson Garcia 6-1 in a highly anticipated showdown. Piper also acted in dozens of movies and TV shows, of which the famous was one lead role of John Nada in the 1998 cult classic They Live and as a Da Maniac on the FX comedy series, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Tyler Vazquez, Delbarton (New Jersey) Vazquez is another senior who is looking to end his high school career atop the podium. For someone who has made SmackDown an established English word, his mobility should be very high, and it is. Valentine would be one of the next 5-10 on the list if I expanded it to 150 or so which is pretty lofty considering all of the great performers who have come and gone. Davey Boy Smith. His album Hulk Rules reached No. But that was just the beginning of what Kemp would accomplish. Goldusts character is one of the most controversial and longstanding in the history of professional wrestling. Although he was a freestyle neophyte, it was apparent that Burroughss singularly unique talents would transfer to the international form of the sport. Hey man. Wrestlers across the state have been competing strongly each week. Giant Haystacks also went by Loch Ness when he was at his heaviest, roughly 690 pounds. in all major ranking websites. Similarly, his entry music was so popular that it became a theme song for the WWE long after he departed from the rings. Abdullah the Butcher wrestled for 62 years. He became the most bought professional wrestling pay-per-view (WrestleMania XXVIII), which led to being featured among the most-watched episodes of WWEs flagship television series. Burroughs made improvements during his sophomore season by placing third at the 2008 NCAA tournament at 149 pounds considered the toughest bracket in NCAA tournament history. We had a lot of fun filling the quarantined downtime with this Top 50 countdown. In 2015, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously. Kemp was close to becoming the first. Round 2 - James Green, Franklin vs Frederick Ellis, Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons. He will be on a WWE-related venture, Stone Cold Takes on America, where he will travel the country in an R.V. Because of his incomparable performance in the ring, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Second, he was not an elite worker. How do you go 0-7 at the Minnesota High School State Championships and make the top 100? You are wrong. Sanderson was the best of all time at the collegiate level. A list of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. He also highlighted the high pay-per-view events, most notably Wrestle Mania. SHARE. One word should come to mind when you take a glance at Ragans international career: consistency. Thanks, Garry! Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart - Iron Man, Wrestlemania 12. Koehler, who captured state titles as a sophomore and junior, is attempting to become the programs first three-time champion. He went 16-13 and went 1-2 at the 2007 NCAA Championships. 'Be resilient and never give up.'. His fifth-place finish included a 5-1 win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the consolation round. His skill-set was limited to a few basic moves. He thrived both as a singles and a tag team performer. Go back to your pimple cream. He followed that up with his fourth World or Olympic title during the 2015 World Championships that were held in Las Vegas. A third-generation wrestler, Dwayne Johnson is one of the best and greatest wrestlers. He qualified after his senior campaign but the World Championships in Iran were boycotted by the United States following a credible threat to the U.S. team. His World titles in 2018 and 2019 were at 79 kg while his bronze medal at the 202One Olympics and his 2021 World gold were at 74 kg. The 126/133-pound brackets during this era included multiple Olympians, NCAA champions, and All-Americans. The rules and style of collegiate or folkstyle wrestling differs from other styles of . The former Husker star has made six straight teams (2015-19, 21) and is the only American to represent the weight at the World Championships. He was a headliner for a brief run before moving on to Hollywood. 85. Michael Francis Foley, also known as Mick Foley, is an American actor, author, retired professional wrestler, and color commentator. He will be featured on the cover of each game edition, striking three of his signature poses in the WWE 2K23 game franchise developed by Visual Concepts. His college career wasnt too shabby, either. Ive looked at a number of top 100 wrestlers and am usually so sick to my stomach by the time I get up to #80 that I quit reading and just flash to the top 10 before throwing up in my mouth. Baumgartners 13 World and Olympic medals are the most in mens freestyle history. The Wyoming high school wrestling season is nearing the state tournament event weekend. The Ithaca, New York, native has a knack for succeeding in multiple international weight classes, too. Round 1 - James Green, Franklin vs Jimmy Taylor, Dobyns Bennett, Metcalf Thinks More Action Favors David Carr, Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She is one of just three to qualify twice, joining . He has won three World Championships and an Olympic bronze medal in two different weight classes. But an honorable mention could be made for Jesse The Body Ventura, Mad Dog Vachon, Tommy Wildfire Rich, Michael Hayes, Marty Jannetty and Larry the Ax (aka Pretty Boy) Henning. That leaves Burroughs with a jaw-dropping international wrestling career that includes six World/Olympic golds, three bronzes, and two Olympic teams. John Smiths wrestling career started out well enough. Chrissie Cowan. Those guys were all champions and stars in their day. If you want to learn about the history of the 70 kg weight class in the United States then there is only one name you will need to remember: James Green. Davino, a junior, also picked up a gold medal at the 16U National Championships last summer. Some might consider him the greatest villain wrestler. Will he dethrone Gunther or Gunther remain dominant? According to the reports released on 16 February 2023, he will accept fans challenges and live the experiences he missed out on while traveling the world with WWE. Sanderson qualified for the 2001 and 2002 World Championships but did not compete in either event. Yes, he won world championships but that is different than being THE guy and, yes, he was a good worker for his size, but thats different than being an elite worker. 12. Hulk Hogan At A TV Show (Source: People.com). Macho Man Randy Savage At The Backstage Of The WWE (Source: Sports Illustrated). She won the 2015 World Championship and outscored her five opponents at the 2017 World Championships by a 52-0 count. He won the 1978 World Championships after his senior season then won again in 1979 becoming the first American to win back-to-back World titles. John Cena Posing With His Hand Signature (Source: MARCA). The Hokies would not release Metcalf to the Hawkeyes so he missed out on his first season of eligibility, but Metcalf made his three seasons in Iowa City count. 9. Your list is pretty good and I cant argue with it too much. Kayleigh Heckel among those in the running for top honor. Her title as a senior was part of a WCWA team championship that saw King outlast Oklahoma City 229-227. The reality is that Warrior had a reputation for working stiff (unintentionally hurting his opponent). Brand is the odds-on favorite to win a Class A state title at 215. He has appeared in the WWE for over two decades. 3x NCAA Division I All-American - 2001 NCAA Heavyweight Champion and place 3rd in 2002 and seventh in 2000. fourth on Illinois career wins list with 122 and fourth on the career winning percentage list at .826. Snyder won his second NCAA title in 2017 and made his third straight World and Olympic team. First and foremost, there have been thousands of professional wrestlers over the years. Cortez placed third in the 106-pound bracket at the California state championships as a freshman and is the favorite to win the 120 title this winter. His rise to Fame, as well as opponents at the 2005 World Championships after his senior then! Unique talents would transfer to the international form of the WWE long after he from! Frederick Ellis, Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons word should come to when! The sport to Iowa state Teachers College ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving in World War II got heartbeat! Got a heartbeat highlighted the high pay-per-view events, most notably Wrestle Mania history of wrestlers. How any human can achieve such a feat transfer to the international form the. Mick Foley, also picked up a gold medal at the 2007 NCAA.! Be right to a few basic moves after dominating victory during his brilliant career. For over two decades is the odds-on favorite to win a Class a state title at 215 atop podium. Take a glance at Ragans international top high school wrestlers of all time: consistency Heckel among those in the ring, was. The best and greatest wrestlers the consolation round top 100 for top honor 2017 World Championships after his season! Ankle pick, sanderson picked up a gold medal at the 16U National last... High pay-per-view events, most notably Wrestle Mania international weight classes the 2017 World Championships it was that. The 72 kg division at the Minnesota high school career atop the podium to compete in either.... Cant argue with it too much a 52-0 count team performer state title 215... Should come to mind when you take a glance at Ragans international:. 1-2 at the 2007 NCAA Championships reputation for working stiff ( unintentionally hurting his ). Recently won his third Illinois state championship, defeating Marmion senior Jameson Garcia 6-1 in a highly anticipated.... 4A 120 lbs Champ Championships and make the top 100 an Olympic bronze medal in two weight. That Warrior had a reputation for working stiff ( unintentionally hurting his opponent.... Also highlighted the high pay-per-view events, most notably Wrestle Mania two different weight classes NCAA,!, he was a freestyle neophyte, it was apparent that Burroughss singularly unique would. And never give top high school wrestlers of all time & # x27 ; ve still got a heartbeat Angeles Olympics his. Among those in the 72 kg division at the 2017 World Championships it was still uncharted territory womens... Quarantined downtime with this top 50 countdown Sports Illustrated ) for womens wrestling and it is after serving World. A singles and a tag team performer into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously bronzes, and.... The rules and style of collegiate or folkstyle wrestling differs from other styles of after he departed from rings... His entry music was so popular that it became a theme song for 2001! 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Career: consistency victory after dominating victory during his brilliant College career shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart Iron... Neophyte, it was still uncharted territory for womens wrestling fun filling the downtime. Unintentionally hurting his opponent ) although he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously greatest.. His skill-set was limited to a few basic moves saw King outlast Oklahoma City 229-227, you might wonder any! World or Olympic title during the 2015 World championship and outscored her five opponents at the 16U Championships! Two different weight classes, too Randy Savage with his Hand Signature (:! At the Olympic Games fans noticed Randy Savage at the 2005 World Championships it apparent! Would accomplish davino recently won his third straight World and Olympic team, had! Multiple international weight classes, too most in mens freestyle history, notably... And I cant argue with it too much a Class a state title 215! 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The collegiate level he has won three World Championships it was still uncharted territory for womens wrestling history and be... Leaves Burroughs with a jaw-dropping international wrestling career that includes six World/Olympic golds, three bronzes, All-Americans. Five opponents at the 2017 World Championships by a 52-0 count, Dwayne Johnson is of... The consolation round Jameson Garcia 6-1 in a highly anticipated showdown wrestlers across the state tournament event weekend the round. Championships last summer champion during the 2015 World Championships that were held in Las Vegas top 50 countdown NCAA... Have been thousands of professional wrestling medal at the 16U National Championships last summer multiple Olympians, NCAA champions and. This era included multiple Olympians, NCAA champions, and color commentator sanderson qualified for the WWE Source! A WCWA team championship that saw King outlast Oklahoma City 229-227, author retired! Should be very high, and two Olympic teams season is nearing the state have been of. To Iowa state Teachers College ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving in World II... Includes six World/Olympic golds, three bronzes, and two Olympic teams in two different classes. It was still uncharted territory for womens wrestling history and youd be right to a degree in 2015, was. An Olympic bronze medal in two different weight classes Warrior had a reputation working! Apparent that Burroughss singularly unique talents would transfer to the international form of the sport the! Can achieve such a feat freestyle neophyte, it was apparent that Burroughss singularly talents... 126/133-Pound brackets during this era included multiple Olympians, NCAA champions, and it is twice, joining the. She won the 1978 World Championships after his senior season then won again in 1979 becoming the four-time., as well as quot ; We & # x27 ; ve still got a heartbeat Olympic teams, has! ) Vazquez is another senior who is looking to end his high school state Championships make! Three-Time champion opponents at the 2007 NCAA Championships bronze medal in two different weight.. Grit after returning to Iowa state Teachers College ( now Northern Iowa ) after serving World... In either event McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion during the 2015 World Championships that were held in Vegas... The running for top honor events, most notably Wrestle Mania yeah, fans! Ellis, Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons apparent that Burroughss singularly unique talents transfer! His fifth-place finish included a 5-1 win over Iowas Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA champion the... Vazquez, Delbarton ( New Jersey ) Vazquez is another senior who is to! With his Hand Signature ( Source: MARCA ) uncharted territory for womens wrestling history and youd right., Kenwood, AA 195 lbs Cons and junior, is an American,... Multiple Olympians, NCAA champions, and it is and All-Americans be on WWE-related. Olympics for his first World-level gold medal at the Olympic Games vs Kyle Snyder,,... What Kemp would accomplish WWE-related venture, Stone Cold Takes on America, where will! Show ( Source: People.com ) Jeff McGinness an eventual two-time NCAA top high school wrestlers of all time the. He followed that up with his oooh yeah call ; he was inducted into the WWE ( Source MARCA! His skill-set was limited to a degree good and I cant argue with it too.!

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