WWE has grown from a regional wrestling promotion into the global juggernaut we know today over four decades. In these 40 years, the company has gone through multiple eras defined by captivating superstars of the ring. Whether it was Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior setting the stage in the Golden Era or The Rock & Stone Cold Steve Austin revolutionizing the business in the Attitude Era, each of those periods was etched in the history books with some prime names in the business.
Moreover, WWE is currently thriving in the modern era, also having its fair share of top-caliber WWE superstars who are carrying the rich legacy of the entity.
Here are the top 5 WWE superstars of the modern era:
1. Roman Reigns
When we speak about the modern era of WWE, the only name that is known to be the flagship star of the company that comes to our mind is The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. Ever since he donned the armor of the villainous Head of The Table in 2020, he changed that entire business with an iron fist, putting down legends like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Edge, and Daniel Bryan.
Moreover, he set the record for the longest reigning World championship reign in WWE in the last 40 years with 1316 days which solidified his claim as one greatest WWE superstars of all time.
2. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is the true definition of hard work, perseverance, and grit in the hardcore business of professional wrestling. From being the Architect of The Shield to being the modern-day Visionary of WWE, Rollins has been known to captivate the fans with his charismatic personality and in-ring acumen.
Furthermore, his consistency in performing for the WWE Universe at the highest level, combined with his resume of multiple titles and accolades earns the distinction of one of the best WWE workers of the modern era.
3. Cody Rhodes
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes was nothing more than a mid-card talent during his first run in WWE which ended in 2016. Following that, he reinvented himself outside the company, gained massive success, and returned to WWE in 2022 intending to win the big one for his late father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes. His captivating narrative, astonishing in-ring performances, and connection with the WWE Universe established him as the next successor to WWE’s throne.
Moreover, the claim was further elevated when Rhodes did the unthinkable by ending Roman Reigns’ historic title reign at WrestleMania 40 to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship and finish his story.
4. Bray Wyatt
One of the most bizarre and exceptionally talented WWE superstars who left the world sooner than expected was Windham Rotunda, popularly known as Bray Wyatt. The Eater of Worlds was credited to be a creative genius of the business known for his constant evolution, captivating alter egos, and in-ring prowess. From battling legendary names such as The Undertaker, John Cena, and Randy Orton, winning countless titles, creating memorable moments, and thrilling the audience with personas like Wyatt family leader and the demonic force of nature known as The Fiend, Bray Wyatt was the epitome of a main event caliber star in the modern era.
However, Wyatt shockingly passed away last August due to a heart disease, leaving behind his family, loved ones, and millions of fans who will always remember him as one of the greatest WWE superstars of this generation.
5. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre is another prime example of emerging from the ashes to rising as one of the cornerstones of the WWE product in the modern era. Much like Cody Rhodes, The Scottish Warrior had a lackluster run in WWE, despite being christened by former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon as the ‘Chosen One.’ However, he would rebuild himself in the outside world as a force to be reckoned with and find his way back to WWE in 2017. After three years of hard work and dedication, Drew achieved his WrestleMania moment by becoming the WWE Champion, although without any crowd in attendance due to the pandemic. But he led the charge of the company as the ‘Covid Champion’ putting it on an entirely different level and recently regained immense momentum with his social media antics.
With his feud against CM Punk combined with his menacing charade, McIntyre finally clinched his big victory moment at WrestleMania 40. With the kind of journey he has had, there is no doubt that Drew McIntyre is one of the top-caliber stars to define the modern era of the global juggernaut.
What are your thoughts on these top 5 WWE superstars of the modern era? Sound off in the comments!