Today’s generation of fans know Gorilla for his time as a broadcaster, but he was a great wrestler. He was a hated heel, and a US Tag Team Champion. He lost a retirement match to Ken Patera, and only wrestled twice after that. As an announcer, he was beloved by the fans. He passed away in 1999, and is now a WWE Hall of Famer.
69. The Ultimate Warrior
The man who finally defeated the Honky Tonk Man was the Ultimate Warrior. The Warrior was the most energetic wrestler of all time. He was also slightly insane. However, he is a former WWF World Champion and a favorite among many today.
68. Batista
Batista rose to the top of the WWE fairly quickly. He was a member of the Evolution stable with Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. He would later leave the faction, and challenge Triple H for the World Title. Batista defeated him to win his first world title. He has main evented WrestleMania several times, and won many World Titles.
67. Brian Pillman
You may remember Pillman as the tag-team partner of Steve Austin, Flyin’ Brian, a Horseman, a Loose Cannon, or a fringe member of the Hart Foundation. Pillman did it all. He had to change his wrestling style due to an injury. At that point, he began playing the loose cannon character, even backstage. He did it so well that few knew that it was a work, and many thought that he was genuinely insane. He left WCW at that point and the WWF picked him up. He had a memorable feud with his former partner, Steve Austin, and later with Goldust, before his untimely death.
66. Barry Windham
Windham began his career teaming with Mike Rotundo and winning Tag Team gold in the WWF. Later, he became a member of the Four Horsemen. He also won the NWA World Heavyweight Title, defeating Ric Flair.
65. John “Bradshaw” Layfield
Beginning his WWF career as Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw, nobody thought this man was destined for greatness. After teaming with Ron Simmons later in his career, he became seen as a tough guy. Finally, after Simmons left the company, Bradshaw became a cocky, rich cowboy. It was then that he became known by his real name, John “Bradshaw” Layfield. Fans were irate when JBL defeated Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Title, but it wasn’t long before they realized what a great heel he really was. He has also shown how good of an announcer he can be.
64. Owen Hart
Owen began his WWF life as The Blue Blazer. After unmasking, he teamed with his brother-in-law, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, and later with Koko B. Ware. Finally, he began feuding with his brother Bret. The two fought many matches, usually for the WWF World Title. Owen never won the title, but he won the Intercontinental and Tag Team Titles on numerous occasions (with Yokozuna, Jeff Jarret, and brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith). He also won the European title. Owen was also a former King of the Ring. Owen was amazingly talented in the ring. Sadly, his final moments were spent in the ring, as he passed away following a harness accident during a WWF Pay Per View.
63. Iron Sheik
Iran number one! United States- Hack Poo!!! The Iron Sheik was one of the most hated heels in the 19’80s. His anti-American gimmick is one of the most successful of all time. He even landed a short run as WWF World Champion. He lost the title to some guy named Hulk.
62. Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam was one of the best big men in the business. He wrestled in nearly every promotion, and at one time held the ECW World Title. He passed away in 2007.
61. Ivan Koloff
Ivan Koloff was one of the best Soviet heels in the ‘70s and ‘80s. He has the distinction of being the only one to win the World Title, though it was a very short reign. This claim sets him apart from other Soviets, such as Nikolai Volkoff, Nikita Koloff, Soldad Ustinov, and Boris Zhukov, as none of them ever won world titles.
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