Ranking Who Was Really The Man In Wrestling Every Year 1990-2020

15. 2006 - Místico

Austin Jericho
WWE.com

WWE had the biggest box office draw of the 2000s on their books at one point, and it wasn't John Cena.

The legend of CMLL's Místico was annihilated thoroughly and effectively by that disaster of a run, but it doesn't detract from the fact that he was a beloved babyface and incredible box office attraction in his native Mexico. He was the king of Arena Mexico for years, habitually selling out its 16,500 capacity with every appearance, in which he stunned its raucous crowds with his futuristic advancement of lucha libre.

Known and beloved for his insane hurricanrana variations, Místico also had a supernatural ability to almost hover in the air mid-flight, allowing his fans to register and luxuriate in the jaw-dropping sight for what felt like an age. His suicide dive hit with the propulsion and impact of a bullet, too.

Místico built himself very well as a submission specialist, too: he was spectacular, but very tough and skilled, and also, at 5' 8", sympathetic, allowing him to conduct a rich and layered experience every time out.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!