The 50 greatest WWE superstars of all-time ranked in controversial new list ahead of WrestleMania 40

The 50 greatest WWE superstars of all-time have been named and ranked in a controversial list ahead of WrestleMania 40.

WWE's blockbuster two-night extravaganza commences on Saturday before delivering another huge show on Sunday.

The likes of The Rock, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Seth 'Freakin' Rollins and Randy Orton to name but a few will compete in Philadelphia.

Ahead of WrestleMania 40, Bleacher Report have ranked the 50 greatest WWE superstars in history - featuring stars who will be competing this weekend.

The criteria to determine the list was based on historical significance, championships, popularity, needle-mover, time active, PPV appearances and skills (in-ring, mic, charisma).

The Rock, who returns to action for the first time in 11 years, is ranked seventh while Reigns is ranked 13th.

Orton and Rallins are ranked 19th and 26th respectively.

Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart tops the list following his legendary career ahead of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and The Undertaker.

John Cena, Bruno Sammartino, Shawn Michaels, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan round out the top ten.

The likes of Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Eddie Guerrero, CM Punk, Triple H and Edge featured from 11-25.

Kane, Booker T, Jeff Hardy and The Big Show were also named in the list.

Check out the top 50 below:

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. Huk 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