The 5 biggest icons of the WWE franchise
WWE started off as Capitol Wrestling Corporation when current chairman Vince McMahon's grandfather founded the company in 1952. However the sports entertainment company rose to prominence, when Vince signed up important stars like Hulk Hogan, 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka, and The Iron Sheikh. In 2002, it was rebranded as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Here we look at the biggest icons of this franchise.
One of the greatest streaks in the history?
Mark Calaway, better known as 'The Undertaker' has been one of the most popular wrestlers of WWE. He began his career with WWE in 1991 at the Survivor Series. Undertaker remained undefeated for 21 years at WrestleMania, the company's flagship annual event. Many stars of the industry, including McMahon himself, have admitted that The Undertaker's professionalism has made him their favorite.
The biggest icon of the business
Shawn Michaels started his illustrious WWE career as a member of the tag team, The Rockers, with Marty. However, he began promoting himself as a solo wrestler and his popularity soared with his new gimmick of 'The Heartbreak Kid'. Having won the Royal Rumble twice, the WWE/F title thrice and the World Heavyweight Championship once, Michaels is considered the greatest in-ring performer ever.
Can you smell what this superstar is cooking?
Insult-humor, viral catchphrases, wrestling prowess and his charisma made The Rock probably the most popular face to come out of the wrestling industry. Dwayne Johnson is a third generation wrestler who was the company's face in the late 90s. He is an eight-time WWE Champion and his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin took the company to new heights.
Hulkamania is runnin' wild!
Hogan was the first national-level superstar of the WWE. He became a part of 80s American pop culture as his popularity magnified by his appearance in the movie Rocky III. He is a 12-time World Heavyweight Champion and a 6-time WWE/F champion. Hogan's match with Andre The Giant in WrestleMania 4 is considered one of the most iconic matches of all time.
What does Austin 3:16 say?
If Vince McMahon owes his billionaire status to any single man, it is the Texas Rattlesnake Stone Cold Steve Austin. After the Monday Night Wars between WWE and World Championship Wrestling in the mid-90s, it was Stone Cold who ushered in the Attitude Era, making WWE's popularity soar through the roofs. His anti-hero image and iconic catchphrases made him an unparalleled superstar.
