Top 5 Technical Wrestlers In WWE

When it comes to professional wrestling, there are numerous aspects that fans appreciate. From the larger-than-life personas to the incredible high-flying manoeuvres, WWE has consistently provided entertainment for decades. However, one aspect that often goes unnoticed in today’s wrestling landscape is the art of technical wrestling.

In this era of sports entertainment, the focus has shifted more towards storytelling and theatrics, but the true aficionados of wrestling know that the technical aspect is the bedrock of this industry. This article will delve into the top 5 technical wrestlers in WWE history, analysing their contributions and impact on the wrestling world.

1. Daniel Bryan

When it comes to technical wrestling, the name Daniel Bryan is often the first to come to mind. Bryan Danielson, as he’s known in AEW, was considered the best wrestler in the world even before he set foot in a WWE ring.

His journey in the WWE was not always smooth. Vince McMahon may not have initially seen him as the top guy, but Daniel Bryan’s relentless pursuit of wrestling excellence shone through. His technical prowess and in-ring skills were unparalleled, making him a standout performer in WWE.

Daniel Bryan’s career in WWE only became more prolific with time. His dedication to his craft was unwavering, even in the face of adversity. Bryan’s ability to connect with the audience and put on remarkable technical matches made him a true legend in the business.

Statistical Excellence:

Daniel Bryan’s career in WWE is filled with remarkable achievements. He’s a five-time WWE World Champion, a one-time Universal Champion, and a four-time Intercontinental Champion, among other accolades. His success in both tag team and singles competitions showcases his versatility.

Best Matches:

WrestleMania 30: Daniel Bryan’s crowning achievement came at WrestleMania 30 when he defeated Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista in a Triple Threat Match to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It was a classic David vs. Goliath story, with Bryan’s technical prowess and resilience shining through.

WWE TLC 2011: Daniel Bryan faced Big Show and Mark Henry in a Triple Threat Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. This bout highlighted Bryan’s ability to adapt his technical style to different opponents and match stipulations.

WrestleMania 34: In what was considered a dream match, Daniel Bryan returned to in-ring action after a forced retirement and teamed up with Shane McMahon to face Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Bryan’s technical wizardry and emotional comeback story made this match stand out.

Daniel Bryan’s career is a testament to his technical excellence and his ability to connect with fans on a profound level. The “Yes!” movement, a cultural phenomenon in its own right, underscored his far-reaching influence, resonating not only within the squared circle but also well beyond its confines.

2. Bret Hart

The name “Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart” is inseparable from the pinnacle of technical wrestling prowess. He earned the moniker “The Excellence of Execution” for a compelling reason. Bret’s in-ring approach flowed with seamless precision, lending authenticity to every manoeuvre.

Throughout his career, Bret Hart consistently delivered outstanding matches, regardless of the opponent or the situation. Fans and critics alike have always regarded him as one of the very best. His technical prowess in the ring ensured that his matches were always a highlight on any card.

Even today, over two decades after his last great match in WWE, Bret Hart’s legacy as a top technical wrestler endures. His impact on the wrestling landscape remains etched in history, and he continues to be revered as one of the all-time legends.

Statistical Excellence:

Bret Hart’s impressive WWE career includes five WWE World Championships, two Intercontinental Championships, and two Tag Team Championships, among other accolades. He’s also a two-time Royal Rumble winner.

Best Matches:

WrestleMania 13: In one of the most iconic matches in WWE history, Bret Hart faced “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a submission match. This bout showcased both Hart’s technical mastery and storytelling ability, as it turned Austin into a superstar and solidified Hart’s legacy.

Summer Slam 1992: Bret Hart defended the Intercontinental Championship against the British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith, in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. This classic encounter showcased Hart’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

WrestleMania X: Bret Hart had two legendary matches at WrestleMania X. In the opening bout, he faced his brother, Owen Hart, in a technical masterpiece. Later in the night, he defeated Yokozuna to regain the WWE World Championship, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Bret Hart’s contributions to the world of technical wrestling have left an indelible mark. His dedication to his craft and his ability to tell compelling stories in the ring have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.

3. Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle’s name stands out in the wrestling world, not just for his accomplishments in WWE but also for his Olympic Gold Medal in amateur wrestling. He won the gold at the 1996 Olympics, wrestling with a broken neck—an incredible feat of athleticism and determination.

Angle’s transition to WWE was seamless, and he quickly rose to the top of the roster. His matches with legends like Eddie Guerrero, The Undertaker, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar showcased his technical brilliance. When you faced Kurt Angle, you had no choice but to elevate your game to match his speed and athleticism.

The Olympic Wrestling Machine, as Angle was often called, had no tolerance for anything less than perfection in the ring. His technical skills and intensity made him one of the most formidable and beloved wrestlers in WWE history.

Statistical Excellence:

Kurt Angle is a six-time WWE World Champion, one-time WCW World Champion, one-time World Tag Team Champion, and a multi-time Intercontinental Champion. He’s also a King of the Ring winner and a Grand Slam champion.

Best Matches:

WrestleMania X-Seven: Kurt Angle faced Chris Benoit in a classic WrestleMania encounter, showcasing their technical prowess. Angle’s grappling skills and storytelling ability were on full display.

WrestleMania XIX: Angle took on Brock Lesnar in a technical masterpiece. This match featured breathtaking suplexes and submission attempts, highlighting Angle’s Olympic wrestling background.

No Way Out 2006: In a memorable contest, Kurt Angle faced The Undertaker in a breathtaking match that demonstrated Angle’s ability to adapt to different opponents and deliver high-quality technical bouts.

4. Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig):

The name “Mr. Perfect” says it all. Curt Hennig, known for his precision and technical prowess, was a wrestler who made everything he did in the ring look effortless. He embodied perfection in every conceivable manner.

Curt Hennig’s time in WWE as Mr. Perfect was marked by his incredible Intercontinental Championship reigns. He not only held the title but elevated it to a prestigious level through his technical mastery. Wrestlers who entered programmes with Mr. Perfect instantly became credible, as he had no trouble putting anyone over and making them look like a million bucks.

Hennig’s legacy in WWE remains strong, and his contributions to the art of technical wrestling are celebrated to this day. His influence on the industry can still be seen in the work of today’s wrestlers, who strive for perfection.

Statistical Excellence:

Curt Hennig had two reigns as the WWE Intercontinental Champion and one reign as the AWA World Heavyweight Champion. While his WWE title reigns were limited, his impact on the mid-card scene was profound.

Best Matches:

Summer Slam 1991: Mr. Perfect faced Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship in what many consider one of the greatest matches in WWE history. This bout showcased technical wrestling at its finest, with both men delivering a masterpiece.

Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXI: Hennig’s encounter with “Macho Man” Randy Savage for the Intercontinental Championship was another technical gem. The match displayed Hennig’s ability to elevate the prestige of the Intercontinental title.

King of the Ring 1993: Mr. Perfect faced Shawn Michaels in a thrilling match that exemplified his technical expertise and ability to put on a clinic in the ring.

Curt Hennig’s contributions to the art of technical wrestling are celebrated to this day. His influence on the industry can still be seen in the work of today’s wrestlers, who strive for perfection.

5. Owen Hart

Owen Hart’s story in professional wrestling is both heartwarming and tragic. From a wrestling standpoint, he was a technical genius, often considered even better than his older brother, Bret. However, his life was cut short in a tragic accident that devastated the wrestling world.

Owen Hart had the potential to offer fans even more great technical matches. He had a unique blend of technical skill and charisma that endeared him to audiences. His matches were a testament to his technical prowess, and he consistently delivered memorable performances.

Tragically, just a few months after Owen’s accident, WWE gained Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and The Radicalz. These additions ushered in a new era of technical wrestling matches that Owen Hart could have undoubtedly excelled in.

Statistical Excellence:

Owen Hart’s career in WWE included multiple reigns as the Intercontinental Champion, European Champion, and Tag Team Champion. His success in both singles and tag team competitions showcased his versatility.

Best Matches:

Summer Slam 1994: Owen Hart faced his brother, Bret Hart, in a steel cage match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece that highlighted the sibling rivalry and Owen’s incredible skills.

WrestleMania X: In a classic opener, Owen Hart battled his brother, Bret, in a technical showcase that demonstrated Owen’s ability to deliver in high-stakes situations.

In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede, Owen Hart was part of Team Canada in a memorable ten-man tag team match that showcased his technical prowess and storytelling ability.

Owen Hart’s technical wrestling brilliance, combined with his charismatic personality, made him a beloved figure among fans. His tragic passing left a void in the wrestling world, but his legacy as a technical wrestling genius endures.

In the world of professional wrestling, technical excellence is a rare and cherished quality. These five wrestlers—Daniel Bryan, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle, Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig), and Owen Hart—have left an indelible mark on WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole.

Their dedication to perfecting their craft, their ability to tell compelling stories in the ring, and their unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding technical wrestling matches have earned them a place in the pantheon of wrestling legends. Their legacies continue to inspire and shape the future of professional wrestling, both in WWE and around the world.

India, with its growing wrestling fanbase, has also witnessed the impact of these technical wrestling icons. As fans in India continue to embrace the art of professional wrestling, they can draw inspiration from these legendary performers, who have set the bar high for technical excellence in WWE.

With a rich history of technical wrestling excellence, WWE remains a place where the best technical wrestlers can showcase their skills and leave an indelible mark on the industry. As fans, we can only look forward to the future and the technical masterpieces that await us in the squared circle.