25 greatest debuts of all time: WWE Top 10 special edition, May 18, 2023 (2023)

Introduction

Watch the 25 most exciting, unforgettable, game-changing debuts in WWE history, featuring The Shield, John Cena, Brock Lesnar and more WWE Superstars.
Stream WWE on Peacock pck.tv/3ZTjVE7 in the U.S. and on WWE Network wwe.yt/wwenetwork everywhere else
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow WWE for more exciting action! - Subscribe to WWE on YouTube: wwe.yt/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out WWE.com for news and updates: goo.gl/akf0J4
Watch WWE on Sony in India: www.wwe.com/SonySportsNetwork
Watch WWE on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia: www.wwe.com/hotstar
Watch WWE on Shahid: www.wwe.com/yt-shahid
Find the latest Superstar gear at WWEShop: shop.wwe.com
---------------------------------------------
Check out these other channels!
---------------------------------------------
UpUpDownDown: www.youtube.com/upupdowndown
Celtic Warrior Workouts: www.youtube.com/@CelticWarriorWorkouts
WWE Music: www.youtube.com/wwemusic
------------------------------------
WWE on Social Media
------------------------------------
Twitter: twitter.com/wwe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwe
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wwe/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@wwe
Giphy: giphy.com/wwe
------------------------------------

Video

The Phenomenal One is here, AJ Styles!, >>, My, gosh!, >>, Claymore!, We're gonna crown a brand new champion., >>, One, two, [NOISE], >>, Somebody, just yanked the official out of the ring! McIntyre was gonna win.

My, God!, >>, That's- >> Corey.

That is Solo Sikoa, The, Uso's, younger brother., >>, The street, champion, the meanest of the bunch! >> [NOISE], [SOUND], >>, A, young man from apparently not too far from Milan.

>> He's just limp.

Now, he's, finished., >>, Santino, defenseless against the Samoan Bulldozer., >>, [NOISE], >>, Wait!, >>, Look at this!.

>> Bobby.

Lashley! Lashley is here.

>>, Look, out!, >>, And, Lashley, slammed Umaga right off the top.

>>, [NOISE], >>, Lashley with a powerful spear!.

>>, [NOISE], >>, And, Lashley, putting Santino on top.

The count! >> What?, [SOUND], >>, Yes, yes, yes!, >>, The, new Intercontinental, Champion, Santino, Marella!, [SOUND], >>, The winners of this match.

The unified Tag Team, Champions, David, Hart, Smith, Tyson, Kidd, The, Hart, Dynasty!, >>, [NOISE].

>> What is this?.

>>, [NOISE], >>, My, god!, >>, [NOISE], [SOUND], >>, [NOISE], >>, Uh-oh!, >>, [NOISE], >>, Wow!, >>, And now we're down to Kane and Corbin.

>>, Whoa, whoa, whoa!, >>, From, behind, Baron, Corbin- >>, Wow!, >>, From, NXT's won the The Battle Royal!.

>> Here is your winner, Baron.

Corbin!, >>, My, goodness!, >> Talk about making a name for yourself.

>> Yeah, making an impression.

[SOUND], >>, Ladies and gentlemen, [FOREIGN], I give to you Umaga!.

>>, Umaga!, >>, Umaga?, >>, Umaga?, He's.

Damn big!.

Umaga is big!.

>>, [NOISE], >>, This, Estrada guy, just kicked Flair from behind, and- >>, That knee that he injured last Money in the Bank at WrestleMania.

Whatever.

These two are they're, opportunistic., >>, [NOISE], >>, Such, a huge man!, >>, No!, >>, [CROSSTALK], >>, That's.

What I'm talking about., >>, Missed drop toehold into the second rope., >>, I think Mysterio wanted to drop toehold his face into the turnbuckle.

Maybe I was wrong! That's.

A 619, Cole., >>, And that's, the area code of San Diego, where Rey Mysterio is from.

And Rey's gonna fly! Springboard, hurricanrana!, Cover!, >>, Three!, >>, Mysterio got it! [SOUND], >>, And, John Cena, went after Barrett., But, ladies and gentlemen.

It's, eight on one, it's, a mugging.

>>, You're, right.

Look at this!.

>> It is eight on one.

>>, [NOISE], >>, My, Lord!, John, Cena's being manhandled.

>>.

What are these guys doing here?.

What is this?.

>>, He's, down, they're, pulling and tearing at him like he's a piece of raw meat.

>>, These, guys, aren't even [INAUDIBLE].

>> King, looks like a pack of dogs.

You see Cena was just reaching out for help.

>>, [NOISE], >> And now, Emma back into the ring.

>> Asuka caught her! That, spinning kick from Asuka.

And now may have Emma where she wants her., >>, No!, >> Looking for the Asuka Lock, trying to wrestle her down, center of the ring.

>> If.

It gets cinched in.

This one's, over., >>, And she's got it in, Asuka's got in the Asuka Lock.

Emma's, trying to fight it, trying to fight it in here.

Asuka has got it locked in.

Emma has to tap.

>>, [NOISE], >>, Here's your winner by submision, Asuka! >> I'll, tell you guys, Eva with an increadible perfomance here tonight.

But Asuka was ready., [SOUND], >>, John Cena with that gold in his hand, and the referee desperately trying to prevent Cena from using that championship.

>> And John Cena will use it.

>> Wait, a minute.

>>, Whoa!, Whoa!, Whoa!, >>, Carlitos got that's- >>, Whoa!, >>, That steel chain.

Cena carries around., >>, Right off the- >>, The, jaw!, >>, Jaw!, Here's.

The cover by Carlito.

>>, No, way!, No, way!, No!, [SOUND], >>, Carlito stole the title! Carlito stole the title! >> I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool., >> Here's your winner.

And the new United States, Champion, Carlito, Caribbean, Cool., >> John Cena is knocked.

Cold, Cole!, [SOUND], My, God, Cole!, Look at how big this man is! >>, Look at how, he's, huge., >>, [NOISE], >>, Undertaker- >> Who is he?.

>>, Right, hand!, >>, What?, >>, Barely, moving this man! >> Cole.

What the hell's going on here? Who is this guy? >>, Another, right? Hand., >>, What, a chop! >>, Wow!, >>, Driving, The Undertaker to the mat with one blow., >>, [NOISE], [SOUND], >> And.

Then there were two.

>>, [NOISE], >>, [NOISE], >>, [NOISE].

>>.

This guy is a monster, look at the size of him.

>>, [NOISE], >>, Roman, Reigns says.

Here we go and-.

>>, No., [SOUND], >>, And.

Then just caught Reigns!.

>>, My, gosh!, >>, He, just threw Reigns like a small child., [SOUND], >>, One!, >>, [NOISE], >>, My, God!, >>, What?, >>, It's, Sting., >>, What?, >>, Stinger's, here!, >>, A, six-time, WCW, Champion, and a two-time NWA, World, Heavyweight, Champion., >>, But.

What the hell is he doing here?, Whoa!, >>, And, Sting- >>, Look at this!, >>, Sting!, >>, [NOISE], >>, Triple, H with the first shot.

But he missed! >>, [NOISE], >>, Stinger, strikes!, [SOUND], >>, So without further ado, I will introduce to you.

Now my mystery partner, The, Undertaker., [LAUGH], >>, The, Undertaker.

The mystery partner is now revealed.

>> I never heard of him.

>> Take, a look! >>, Holy, cow! Look at the size of that.

Ham, hock! >> Check out them.

Drumsticks, baby., >>, 320 pounds, looks to be 6'9", 6'10", somewhere in that.

Neighborhood, Rod.

[SOUND], >>, Wait, a minute! What.

The hell! >>, [NOISE], >>, Booker, T, he's.

The WCW Champion! >>, The, WCW Champ has just attacked the WWF Champion!, >>, My, God!, A.

Sidewalk, slam!, Booker, T just broke Stone Cold right through the announce table! >> This is WCW!.

[Sound], >>, Six, five, four- >>, We're, counting down!, Three!, Two!, >>, We're, counting it down.

>>, One!, What?, What?, >>, Welcome to Raw is Jericho!.

[Sound], >>, Who in the hell are you? >>, I'm, John, Cena!, >>, [NOISE], >>, John, Cena?, >>, [NOISE], >>, Well.

You tell me, what is the one quality that you possess, that makes you think that you can walk out here and come into the ring, and face? The very best in the business? >> [NOISE], >>, Ruthless, aggression!, >>, Holy!, Man!, >>, This Cena kid has taken Angle down, and hammering away with the right hands to the Olympic Champion.

>>, Well, I guess Mr.

Mcmahon, whoa!, >>, [NOISE], [SOUND], >>, You and I.

We are going to fight someday.

But it's gonna be on my terms, not yours.

Yeah.

And if you think that you have me all figured out, you're gonna realize.

>> Owens with a cheap shot! And.

Look at this!, >> The, pop up.

Powerbomb! Owens, pop up powerbomb to Cena!.

>>, [NOISE], >>, Wow!, >>, [NOISE], >>, Look at this, Rocky Maivia with Goldust!, >>, Shoulder, breaker!, >>, And, yes!, One, two!, I, can't, believe, it!, >>, [INAUDIBLE], [SOUND], >>, I, can't believe it!, >>, [NOISE], >> Here is your winner- >>.

My, God!, I feel like my name could be Adrian.

>> What a way to make your debut! >>, [NOISE], >>, Is, it?, Can.

It be? >>, It, is!, >>, The.

Phenomenal One is here.

Aj, Styles!, >>, My, gosh!, >> It has been rumored for weeks that the hottest free agent in sports entertainment was heading to WWE! [SOUND], >> That's, the hottest free agent!, [SOUND], T, That's, Brock, Lesnar!, >>, I know who it is, but what's.

He doing out here? He's, destroying bodies! Look at this monster! My God, the size of this human being., >> Wait, a minute., >>, [NOISE], >>, King.

You don't think- >>, He's, shouting instructions for Brock.

My gosh.

Did you see that?? >>, Might, try a hurricanrana in this hardcore matchup.

My God.

Look at the strength.

>> That is the scariest strength I've ever seen.

Spike is being broken in half! And that hideous Heyman.

What is he even doing here? Did? He buy a ticket? [SOUND], >> Charlotte from SmackDown, Alexa Bliss from Raw, and Asuka with the choice.

And the opportunity of a lifetime.

>> What?, >>, My, God!, The rumours are true!.

Ronda Rousey is here!.

[Sound] >> Listen to this.

The Rock will tell you this.

The Rock will tell you this right? Now., >>, My, God!, >>, It's, him!, That's, Goldberg, King!, >>, My God.

He is here! >>.

[Applause] >>, So Rock, you wanna know who's, next, eh?, >>, No!, >>, [APPLAUSE], >>, You're, next!, >>, What?, [SOUND], [INAUDIBLE].

Look at this!.

>>, [CROSSTALK], >>, [NOISE], >>, Goldberg, just speared, The, Rock!, >>, [NOISE], >>, That's gotta be Kane!.

That's gotta Kane!, >>, [NOISE], >>, My, God.

He just ripped the door off its hinges!.

Watch, this!, >>, [NOISE], >>, My!, >>, [NOISE], >>, The, Undertaker!, >>, Tombstone!, >>, Undertaker, driven down to the canvas! [SOUND], >>, The man, clearing things out here.

I think he was a foot away from me.

That's, Roman, Reigns, Roman, Reigns from NXT.

What.

The hell is he doing here?, >>, [NOISE], >>, Seth, Rollins, all from NXT! >>.

What.

The hell are they doing out here? >>, Are.

You kidding, me? Look, out!, >>.

[Noise].

>>.

What are these guys doing?, No, way!, >>, [CROSSTALK], >>, My, God!.

>> What is going on?.

>> What.

Are you guys doing out? Here?? >>, [NOISE].

FAQs

What is the best year in WWE history? ›

5 Best Years In WWE History (& 5 Worst)
  • 8 Best: 1997.
  • 7 Worst: 2015.
  • 6 Best: 1987.
  • 5 Worst: 2007.
  • 4 Best: 2000.
  • 3 Worst: 2010.
  • 2 Best: 2001.
  • 1 Worst: 1995.
May 25, 2023

When did Chris Jericho debut in WWE? ›

Y2J received a hero's welcome when he interrupted The Rock on Raw during his first appearance with WWE on August 9, 1999.

What is the biggest moment in WWE history? ›

The 10 greatest moments in WWE Raw history
  • Bobby The Brain Heenan is denied entry... ...
  • ECW invades Raw (February 24, 1997) ...
  • Stone Cold drives a Zamboni (September 28, 1998) ...
  • Mankind wins the Big One (January 4, 1999) ...
  • Milk-o-mania runs wild (August 20, 2001) ...
  • Lita and Trish main event Raw (December 6, 2004)
Jan 19, 2023

Why was 1995 the worst year for WWE? ›

In his full year as champion, house show attendance averaged less than 3,000, bottoming out 1,940 per show in September 1995. Not only live attendance was down, ratings were down, PPV buys were down, and merchandise sales were down. Nothing was working and Vince was in a constant state of panic.

What does Y2J stand for? ›

In the weeks before his return, a clock labelled countdown to the new millennium was added to WWE programming. The clock finally counted down on August 1999 when Chris Jericho debuted in the WWE and declared 'RAW is Jericho. ' He claimed that he had come to save the WWE and called himself Y2J.

Is Chris Jericho one of the best wrestlers? ›

Noted for his over-the-top rock star persona, in-ring technical wrestling prowess, and his ability to reinvent his character throughout the course of his career, Jericho has been named by journalists and industry colleagues as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Manhasset, New York, U.S.

Will Chris Jericho ever return to WWE? ›

Speaking with Daily Star, Jericho was asked whether AEW will be the place where he ends his legendary career. He responded by stating that, to him, AEW is the place to be, not WWE, and he likes the way the company does things better. He then made it clear that he has zero interest in ever going back to WWE.

What is the best crowd in WWE history? ›

The May Day Stadium hosted Collision in Korea, a two-day supercard co-promoted by New Japan Pro Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, from April 28–29, 1995. With a combined crowd of 320,000, it is the highest attended wrestling event of all-time.

What is the most controversial moments in WWE history? ›

#1 The ultimate screwjob turns the industry on its head

Bret Hart getting screwed out of the World Championship in front of his home fans by Vince McMahon remains the most controversial WWE moment ever. As Shawn Michaels locked Hart in the Sharpshooter, the bell rang despite the latter never tapping out.

What year did the rock stop WWE? ›

Here is why Dwayne Johnson quit the WWE in 2004 once his contract expired and also stopped mentioning his name as the rock. Without a doubt, one of the most well-known personalities on the planet is Dwayne 'The Rock Johnson, who gained widespread recognition after his tenure in the WWE.

When did WWE really start? ›

When was WWE at its peak reddit? ›

I would like an opinion from somebody who was old enough to remember the 1980s and 1990s. These two eras are widely considered to be the peaks of wrestling's popularity in the USA. First in the Golden Age with Hogan, Andre, Savage and Warrior and then the Attitude Era with Austin, Rock, Foley and Undertaker.

Did Jericho lose the AEW title? ›

Essentially Jericho left the belt in his hired limo while he went to eat, and the driver returned to the Million Air (a private charter flight company) terminal in Tallahassee to exchange luggage after Jericho had accidentally grabbed the wrong bag. At some point during this round trip, the belt went missing.

Does Chris Jericho own Y2J? ›

Under the new agreement Jericho is not able to use the "Y2J" term or any of the trademarks related to his other characters in WWE. PWInsider adds that while "Y2J" is still owned by WWE, names like "Lionheart" have returned to Jericho.

How much does AEW pay Chris Jericho? ›

AEW Salary of Chris Jericho

According to rumours, Chris Jericho earns $3 million annually for AEW. When AEW was founded, he was the highest paid employee.

Who is the undefeated man in WWE? ›

Andre the Giant was billed as being undefeated for nearly 15 years. WWE.com posts that lofty claim on Andre's profile. There is likely little truth to Andre avoiding a loss for that long. Still, it's not hard to buy that such a monstrous man could be so dominant for so long.

Who defeated Chris Jericho? ›

Facing each other for the third time since January, Ricky Starks once again defeated Chris Jericho at AEW Revolution on Sunday.

Who is the number one wrestler in? ›

The Rock is considered the best professional wrestler in the world.

Is Chris Jericho and John Cena friends? ›

10 Likes: Chris Jericho

While there are a lot of other stars on that list, John Cena is another big name there. Both men have tremendous respect for each other and have often revealed the respect they have for one another. Cena and Jericho are friends in real life and love to work with each other.

Does Bray Wyatt return to WWE? ›

There's been no timetable for a return to television, with some fans wondering whether he'll be back at all. This comes mere months after his return to WWE in October 2022 and being reintroduced in thrilling fashion at Extreme Rules.

Are The Rock and Chris Jericho friends? ›

5 Loves: The Rock

They worked together many times and they delivered amazing matches during their rivalry in WWE, but in the locker room they were close friends, and they are still in touch today.

What was John Cena best year in WWE? ›

2007 was arguably Cena's best year as a WWE wrestler as he was the WWE Champion until October before he got an injury. 2013, Cena was back to his brilliant best as he won the Royal Rumble match, the WWE Championship from The Rock at WrestleMania 29, and he was the penultimate World Heavyweight Champion.

When was SmackDown better than Raw? ›

Raw focused more on specialty matches and storylines whereas SmackDown drew attention to its standout wrestling. Although Raw had compelling segments, SmackDown is favored as the better show in 2002.

What was the first year of WWE? ›

Is John Cena one of the greatest wrestlers of all time? ›

Cena, at just 45, already is the single greatest WWE figure of all time. He's also one of its most important.

Is John Cena the most popular wrestler ever? ›

With the most world championship reigns in WWE history, Cena is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. West Newbury, Massachusetts, U.S.

What is the best match in SmackDown history? ›

Top 10 WWE Smackdown Matches of All Time
  1. #1: Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar.
  2. #2: Eddie Guerrero vs. Edge. ...
  3. #3: Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho vs. Edge & Christian vs. ...
  4. #4: Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan. ...
  5. #5: Sasha Banks vs. Bayley. ...
  6. #6: Los Guerreros vs. Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin. ...
  7. #7: CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy. ...
  8. #8: AJ Styles vs. ...

Which SmackDown vs Raw has the best GM mode? ›

1 WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2006 - General Manager Mode

The general manager mode that has never been bested. WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2006 finally allowed players to play as some of the greatest names in wrestling: Teddy Long and Eric Bischoff!

What age do wrestlers peak? ›

Information can be found in literature saying that wrestlers achieve their best results at the age between 24 and 27 years (Bompa, 1999). It is an interesting fact that various strength parameters also peak at this age.

What age do WWE wrestlers peak? ›

At least. The average age of WWE champs is 30–40`s, Hulk Hogan was in his prime in the 80`s when he was in his 30`s, he was still popular in his 40`s but not at the heigh of Hulkamania anymore, I think a westler starts losing marketing appeal in his mid to late 30`s.

Who will be at Day 1 WWE? ›

The event is set to take place on January 1, 2022, and will feature a plethora of top superstars. From Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar to Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan, many of WWE's top stars will be competing at the event. This will be the first WWE PPV event that will take place on New Year's Day.

Who is the biggest star in WWE history? ›

Stone Cold Steve Austin is the biggest draw in the history of the business. That goes for live events, merchandise, TV ratings and PPV buys. That is indisputable. When he caught fire in late 1996, he was the most popular wrestler on the planet for a good four years at a boom period - the Monday Night Wars.

Who was the first wrestler in history? ›

In 1848, French showman Jean Exbroyat created the first modern wrestlers' circus troupe and established as a rule not to execute holds below the waist. He named this new style « flat hand wrestling ».

Why is superstars of wrestling blurred? ›

Although there has been litigation between the WWE and Patterson, WWE has not been able to settle with Patterson for the usage of "Superstars of Wrestling". Due to this issue, WWE blurs the Superstars of Wrestling banners when archival content is shown on the WWE Network.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated: 14/07/2023

Views: 5247

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.