9. TIE - Blue Demon/Blue Demon, Jr
A hugely iconic wrestler in Mexico, Demonio Azul (AKA Blue Demon) exemplified everything a masked wrestler should be. Mysterious, heroic and powerful, Blue Demon was part superhero, part celebrity and part mythological figure brought to life by the power of his performances. Alejandro Munoz Moreno first adopted the mask of the Blue Demon in 1948, eventually going on to wrestle the legendary El Santo throughout the 1950s and even starring alongside his friend/opponent in several movies. Throughout his 40+ year career, The Blue Demon was as over in Mexico as The Rock, Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin combined. The only wrestler that enjoyed greater popularity was his co-star and sometime rival, Santo. When Moreno retired in 1989, he effectively passed the torch to Blue Demon, Jr. a man who may or may not be Morenos biological, or perhaps adoptive, son. Junior is so committed to kayfabe that his real name is unknown and so it is impossible to know for sure (although, Blue Demons biological son has gone on record as saying that Junior is not related to him or his father). In any instance, Blue Demon, Jr. has more than earned a place on this list in his own right. In 2008, he became the first Mexican wrestler (and only the second masked wrestler) to win the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, defeating Adam Pearce. He also regularly draws large crowds to North American indie shows and appears to be growing in popularity all the time. Like his legendary father, Blue Demon, Jr has starred in movies, cartoons and TV shows. He even has an energy drink named after him. The legacy of The Blue Legend is in safe hands it seems...