Wrestler... Or Performer?

There is a difference.

So, my last blog sparked some interesting conversation with a friend as it relates to wrestlers. In the blog, i claimed that The Rock wasn't a good wrestler but was a great performer. I was called out because The Rock, in fact, is a great wrestler. We just don't get to see it. The WWE had The Rock perform the same "gimmick" moves every match because the fans go nuts for them. Forget about the fact that the "Five Knuckle Shuffle" and "People's Elbow" are ridiculous wrestling moves. They are entertaining. They are a signature of that particular wrestler and fans identify with those types of moves. They are just as signature as the finishing maneuvers.

I do not retract my previous statement. The Rock is a terrible wrestler. Whether it was because of a lack of talent or because it was creative control by the WWE is irrelevant. What we saw was poor wrestling but great performances by The Rock. Great entertainment. He could steal the entire show and only perform three or four actual wrestling moves. Charisma takes you far in the wrestling world. It always has and it always will. You have to have talent. Ability. But you don't have to be the best wrestler to be an unbelievable performer or to be successful. There are also rare cases when a wrestler shows both great wrestling skills and performing skills at the same time. John Morrison is not one of those cases. Neither is Sheamus.

So, this whole conversation started a brainstorm on my part. Being a "Wrestling Genius" and all, this happens quite frequently, as you would expect. I created two top 10 lists: Performers and Wrestlers. The lists are created based on wrestlers that i have seen live. These are also MY lists. They are not the be-all-end-all of lists, although they should be. This is personal opinion. These lists also include wrestlers outside of the WWE.

Wrestlers:
1. Bret "The Hitman" Hart (WWE)
2. Christ Benoit (RIP)
3. Kurt Angle (TNA)
4. Chris Hero (ROH/Indy)
5. C.M. Punk (WWE)
6. Chris Jericho (WWE)
7. Christopher Daniels (ROH/Indy)
8. Mr. Perfect (RIP)
9. Alex Shelley (TNA)
10. Chris Sabin (TNA)

Performers:
1. Shawn Michaels (WWE)
2. Hulk Hogan (TNA)
3. The Rock (WWE)
4. Ric Flair (TNA)
5. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (WWE)
6. Kurt Angle (TNA)
7. Chris Jericho (WWE)
8. C.M. Punk (WWE)
9. John Cena (WWE)
10. A.J. Styles (TNA)

So, what do you think? Give me your lists. If 10 wrestlers and 10 performers is too hard, give me 5 of each. I understand that not everyone is a "Wrestling Genius" like myself. It would be foolish on my part to hold you to my own standards. Post your lists or discuss mine on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_142956149101477&ap=1). Also, feel free to find me on Twitter (@unamiable09) anytime.