Pro wrestling is the carniest of enterprises, a "worked shoot" environment where plumbers can wrestle garbage men and every sort of animal from snakes to turkeys have been important to the company's history. However, the art of wrestling is still based in a very legitimate sport, so the need for people who can accurately portray all parts of what creates the "shoot" in the "worked shoot" of pro wrestling are key. Everything from legitimate wrestlers to those who have unfair advantages in wrestling, just plain look and act like wrestlers, or who can portray those who manage, market and promote legitimate athletic contests are all key participants. In WWE's long and storied history, there are certainly those who have excelled at this better than others, and on this list they are celebrated. From 600-pound champions to 300-pound champions to African-American champions, European-born champions, Intercontinental champions and gold medalists, too, they're all here. In perusing this list, remember those moments when pro wrestling has been at its most ridiculous. Then, remember when any of these men walked out from behind the curtain in the WWWF, WWF or WWE and had promos, matches or segments that left you feeling less believing that you were watching a program that was un-believable to watching wrestling that was actually unbelievable - in the sense that it suspended disbelief and left you appreciating that you were a fan in the first place. At times, pro wrestling is absolutely incredible. Let's take the time to celebrate those who (above all others) consistently excelled because they presented an aura of legitimacy to the business' proceedings that benefited its overall presentation.
Besides having been an independent professional wrestling manager for a decade, Marcus Dowling is a Washington, DC-based writer who has contributed to a plethora of online and print magazines and newspapers writing about music and popular culture over the past 15 years.
