10 Greatest Canadian Wrestlers Of All Time
Oh Canada!
In case you were unaware, Canada is a rather large nation tucked away at the top of North America. What it may lack in population, a mere 35 million, it more than makes up for in national pride. As such, Canadians take a great deal of pride in their fellow countrymen contending in international competitions to prove they are the best. Wrestling has always been considered a staple of Canadian television viewing. This can largely be attributed to Stampede Wrestling in Calgary becoming such a predominant promotion that the Hart Dungeon is a legit landmark in the city of Calgary! Even as the promotion is a shell of its former glory, Canadian wrestling fandom is still going strong. It would help if the world champion had to lug around the Stanley Cup everywhere they went, but hey, shiny gold belts are okay too.
The Great White North has produced some of the finest past and present talents the industry has ever seen.
The following list is proof that, while Canadians may have a reputation for being some of the nicest people on the planet, they can also kick your ass inside the wrestling ring. Looking for the ten best Canadian wrestlers EVER is no easy task and there are sure to be more than a few worthy omissions.
With that being said, it’s time to get to it...
11. Honourable Mentions
Ivan Koloff – Best known for portraying a bearded villainous character billed from the Ukraine, Oreal Perras was born in Montreal, Quebec. "The Russian Bear" would engage in several notable title matches during his time in WWWF including against Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, Superstar Billy Graham and Bob Backlund, holding the distinction as one of only two men to challenge all four men for their championships. Koloff’s career highlight may be ending Bruno Sammartino’s near eight year title reign at Madison Square Garden in 1971.
Santino Marella – The Mississauga, Ontario native Anthony Carelli unfortunately had to retire in 2014 due to nagging neck injuries. While he was mainly used for comic relief during in time in WWE, Santino accumulated two Intercontinental Championships, one US title as well as one tag-team title during his time in the company. The “Milan Miracle” also had his share of memorable moments, including being the runner up in the 2011 Royal Rumble as well as in the 2012 elimination chamber.
Lance Storm – Currently running the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, Lance Evers is a well-travelled and successful competitor. Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Storm would collect titles in both ECW and WWE, but would enjoy most of his success in WCW. Storm became the only wrestler in history to hold the United-States, Cruiserweight and Hardcore Championships simultaneously. He would famously go on to rename all three titles to make them “Canadian” complete with large Canadian flag stickers.
Chris Benoit – Perhaps Chris Benoit should be placed on the actual list and not merely in the honourable mentions; however, with respect to the events that transpired in 2007, he cannot in good faith be placed any higher. Throughout his 22-year in-ring career, the “Rabid Wolverine” would coincidently hold 22 titles between WWE, WCW, NJPW, and ECW. After winning the 2004 Royal Rumble, the Calgary native would capture the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 20.