I haven't been aware that he is widely considered the greatest ever, considering you've gotta compare him to Hogan, Flair, Austin, Sammartino, Thesz, Inoki, and numerous others who have succeeded in ways that rivaled or exceeded him. But I can see some saying that, and that's fine. Regarding my rank, it's just a personal choice. Great performer, and I was a huge fan from his Rockers days through the mid-'90s. But his face personality was horribly annoying, he did junk like "losing his smile" and played politics in other ways that, even pre-internet I knew was wrong, he had no problem screwing Bret Hart, he pretended to masturbate in the ring even though his primary fan-base was young kids and pre-teen girls, I couldn't stand DX, etc.
ray:
I don't really disagree with you at all. This is just a subjective choice. But I would agree he is one of the top 2 or 3 guys over the last 20 years anyway in terms of his ability to entertain in the ring. The masturbation thing is when he used to take his belt off and acted like he was, y'know. . .obviously he changed his ways and regrets a lot of what he did (though he still won't come right out and fess up to how he mistreated the Hitman) so I respect that he is at least willing to do that.I have always considered myself a biased HBK fan, but I must admit, you have made some great points there.
I personally would rank him in the top 5 greatest, but not number 1. Yes, his behaviour backstage during the 90's was disgraceful. No excuse for that. But you said yourself, he is a great performer. I sometimes get confused when considering the greats, as to me, it's all about performance. As far as star power goes, I think Hogan is the greatest. But as a worker, he was damn lazy and he too is as guilty as anyone for playing politics backstage.
Personally, I would regard Ric Flair as THE greatest, but he has had a bad a personal life as any pro wrestler.
His persona was a little raunchy, but it is what got him over, especially with female viewers. He danced with anyone and made light of every situation, but I have never seen him pretend masturbate in the ring. Virtually deep throat, spit, dry hump, flip people off and other childish acts, yes, but that is what started the most famous era in pro wrestling ever: The Attitude Era.
I hope you don't think I am being disrespectful in any way, I do not intend to be. I get the feeling you know your wrestling, and I agree with a lot of what you said. :hi5:
I would love some 1:6 Wrestling figures!
