Kane’s debut was a memorable one, as he attacked his “brother,” The Undertaker, and cost him a shot at the title. Kane won his first world title the next year, defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF strap. He later won the World Title again. Before playing the Undertaker’s brother, Glenn Jacobs was known as Isaac Yankem, Fake Diesel, and of course, The Christmas Creature.
49. Sgt. Slaughter
Sgt. Slaughter became famous as a heel in the early 19’80s. However, he became a top baby-face when he recited the Pledge of Allegiance on national TV. He went on to feud with the Iron Sheik, among other heels. Slaughter was a successful face in the AWA for several years. Then he returned to the WWF. This time, he was an anti-American during the first Gulf War. It was during this time that Slaughter won his first and only World Championship.
48. Jesse “The Body” Ventura
“I ain’t got time to bleed!” This great quote came, ironically, not from one of Jesse’s promos, but rather from his appearance in the film “Predator.” Jesse Ventura modeled his character after “Superstar” Billy Graham. He was a top heel in both the AWA and the WWF. Later, he became a favorite heel announcer. Of course, he is also known for being the Governor of Minnesota.
47. Antonio Inoki
WWF fans might not remember Antonio Inoki, but he is actually a former World Champion. His win over Bob Backlund was never recognized in the US, but it did happen. He returned the title shortly after the match. Inoki was a major player in Japan, and won many Japanese World Titles.
46. Pedro Morales
Morales spent most of his career in the NWA, but his greatest achievement was in the WWWF, where he was a World Champion. He was brought in to be the heir apparent to Bruno Sammartino, but never quite escaped his shadow. The two had some great matches together, including a 76-minute draw. Pedro is a member of the WWF Hall of Fame.
45. Booker T.
“Can you dig it….SUCKA!” Booker T. worked his way up from the bottom of the roster in WCW. He and his brother were 10-time WCW Tag Team Champions. Booker went solo and won the World Television Title. Finally, late in the life of WCW, he won the WCW World Title, much to the delight of long-time fans. He won the title on five occasions, and later won the WWE’s version of the title. He was mostly known as a face, but as “King Booker,” he proved that he could be a great heel, too.
44. Jeff Jarrett
Jeff Jarrett first became famous as the country singing “Double J” in the WWF. He won the Intercontinental Title several times. After a change in dress and a haircut, Jarrett’s in ring talent was allowed to shine. After leaving the WWF, he became a multiple time WCW World Champion. Since the demise of WCW, Jarrett has been wrestling in the TNA promotion. There, he was won the World Title several more times.
43. Yokozuna
This Samoan superstar became famous as one of the largest athletes in wrestling history. He won the WWF Title on two occasions, and weighed in at around 550 pounds at that time. By the time he retired, he weight over 650 pounds. Yokozuna was a top heel, and is known as a very agile big-man. He is also known for protecting his opponents, despite his size. He leg drop and Bonzai drop looked devastating, but his opponents were never injured. He is remembered fondly by fans and peers.
42. The Big Show
Paul White was introduced to the world as “The Giant” in WCW. In his first match, he won the WCW World Title from Hulk Hogan. After having a successful WCW career, White went to the WWF, where he has been a multiple time WWE Champion and an ECW Champion. He is one of the great big men of all time. He stands at over 7 feet tall.
41. Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
Jimmy Snuka won several minor heavyweight titles over the years. But he is probably most famous for his time in the WWF, a federation that he never won a single title in. He had great feuds with Roddy Piper, Bob Backlund, Lou Albano, Colonel DeBeers, and many others. His most famous moment came when he leaped from the top of the steel cage onto his prone opponent, Don Muraco. He had attempted the move the previous year in a title match against Backlund, but missed.
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