The 50 greatest WWE superstars of all-time ranked in controversial list ahead of Royal Rumble

The debate about who is the greatest WWE superstar of all time is a constant top of discussion amongst wrestling legends and fans alike, with many weighing in with their view.

This year's Royal Rumble, the 38th edition of the iconic event, could go a long way to cementing a superstar's legacy in the wrestling business.

The show at a sold-out Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is WWE's first premium live event and sees two stacked Royal Rumble matches for the men and women - with both winners earning a title shot at WrestleMania 41.

So many iconic figures have competed in Royal Rumble matches over the years and the list of past winners could not be more any decorated.

Last year, ahead of WrestleMania in Philadelphia, Bleacher Report created controversy when they released their list of the top 50 WWE superstars ever to step inside the ring.

The website took a number of areas into account when deciding their rankings - going off historical significance, titles won, popularity, and there ability to be a needle-mover and make money for the company.

In addition, there was also focus on time active and just how long the wrestlers was at the top, as well as their PPV appearances and all-round skills - namely ability in-ring, on the microphone and their charisma.

Roman Reigns has been the top dog for WWE in recent years and held the undisputed title for 1,316 days prior to losing to Cody Rhodes in the main event of last year's WrestleMania.

Roman Reigns is one of the greatest WWE superstars in history. Image: Getty

Though plenty won't agree, the Tribal Chief just misses out of the top ten and occupies 13th place, behind legends like Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels and his cousin . TKO board member and Hollywood sensation, The Rock, who is ranked seventh.

14-time world champion Triple H, the surprise headliner of the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame, is 21st - behind CM Punk, Randy Orton and Eddie Guerrero.

Becky Lynch, Chyna, Charlotte Flair and Trish Stratus are some of the highest-ranked female wrestlers on the list for the impact they had on the business, while there is recognition for the likes of Batista, Kane, Booker T, AJ Styles, Kofi Kingston Jeff Hardy and The Big Show further down.

But it is Bret 'The Hitman' Hart who leads the way for his stellar career, one place ahead of former rival 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, the rebellious, beer-drinking Texan who dominated in the Attitude Era.

The Undertaker and 16-time world champion John Cena, who will retire from in-ring competition this year, round off a star-studded top five.

Here is the final list:

1. Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart
2. 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin
3. 'Macho Man' Randy Savage
4. The Undertaker
5. John Cena
6. Bruno Sammartino
7. The Rock
8. Shawn Michaels
9. 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper
10. Hulk Hogan
11. Kurt Angle
12. Rey Mysterio
13. Roman Reigns
14. Andre The Giant
15. Mick Foley
16. Chris Jericho
17. Brock Lesnar
18. Eddie Guerrero
19. Randy Orton
20. CM Punk
21. Triple H
22. Daniel Bryan
23. Becky Lynch
24. Ric Flair
25. Edge
26. Seth Rollins
27. Charlotte Flair
28. Chyna
29. Trish Stratus
30. Razor Ramon
31. Kane
32. Jake 'The Snake' Roberts
33. Booker T
34. Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat
35. Ultimate Warrior
36. Batista
37. Mr Perfect
38. Owen Hart
39. RVD
40. 'Superstar' Billy Graham
41. Sasha Banks
42. 'Ravishing' Rick Rude
43. Jeff Hardy
44. Kofi Kingston
45. Asuka
46. AJ Styles
47. Dean Ambrose
48. Vader
49. Lita
50. Big Show