Best WCW Wrestlers Of All Time (Ranked By In-Ring Skills) (2025)

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was one of the most influential and exciting wrestling promotions in history, known for its fierce competition and ability to attract fans due to the fact that many of the world's top talents worked there.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 WCW wrestlers, as judged primarily by their in-ring skills. These wrestlers not only dominated the ring with their technique and athleticism, but also left an indelible mark on the history of professional wrestling. From breathtaking aerial maneuvers to devastating submission holds, these athletes proved to be masters of the art of wrestling.

10 Chris Jericho Was Already Great In WCW

Chris Jericho’s In-Ring Skills Made Him Stand Out

Chris Jericho stood out in WCW for a number of reasons, especially his in-ring skills. Jericho was known for his ability to adapt to different styles of wrestling. He could take on heavyweight wrestlers with the same ease as those in the cruiserweight division.

He introduced innovative moves, such as the Liontamer (a variation of the Boston Crab), which became a feared move. Jericho was not only technically skilled, but he also knew how to tell a story in the ring. His ability to connect with the audience and manipulate the emotions of the spectators was exceptional.

9 Brian Pillman Was Very Fun To Watch

Pillman Delivered Several Amazing Matches In WCW

Pillman, known as Flyin' Brian, was incredibly agile and quick in the ring. His ability to execute aerial moves with precision and fluidity made him stand out among his peers. His wrestling style was a mix of aerial techniques and technical wrestling, which made him unpredictable and exciting to watch.

In addition, his "Loose Cannon" character made him famous for his unpredictable behavior both in and out of the ring. This charisma and his ability to play his character made him even more appealing to fans.

8 Diamond Dallas Page Was A Terrific Wrestler

DDP Had One Of The Best Finishers In WCW

Diamond Dallas Page is often considered one of the best wrestlers in WCW history, especially when it comes to in-ring skills. He possessed a well-rounded wrestling style that combined technical wrestling, brawling, and high-flying maneuvers.

This versatility allowed him to adapt to various opponents and match types, making him a compelling performer in the ring. His finisher, the Diamond Cutter, was not only effective but also highly innovative. It could be executed from various positions, making it unpredictable and exciting for fans.

7 Dean Malenko Was A Technical Phenom

Dean Malenko Is An Underrated Wrestler

"The Man of 1,000 Holds," Malenko's technical wrestling ability was unparalleled. He had a deep understanding of various wrestling styles and could execute a wide range of maneuvers with precision. His knowledge of grappling and submission techniques made him a formidable opponent in the ring.

Dean Malenko was a master of in-ring psychology, allowing him to tell compelling stories. He understood how to build a match, pacing himself to create suspense and drama. His ability to sell moves and convey emotion elevated the quality of his performances. Throughout his career in WCW, Malenko consistently delivered high-quality matches, often stealing the show during pay-per-views and weekly programming.

6 Rey Mysterio Jr. Was A Sensation In WCW

Rey Mysterio’s Matches Were Always Fun To Watch

Rey Mysterio is undoubtedly one of the best wrestlers in WCW history due to his exceptional in-ring skills. Mysterio is known for his incredible agility and ability to execute spectacular aerial moves.

His ability to perform maneuvers such as the 619 and the West Coast Pop made him a standout in the cruiserweight division. Rey introduced an innovative wrestling style that combined Mexican wrestling techniques with high-risk moves. This not only made him exciting to watch, but also influenced many other wrestlers.

5 Eddie Guerrero Shined In WCW

Eddie Guerrero Was Always A Great In-Ring Performer

Eddie Guerrero's exceptional skill in various wrestling styles, such as high-flying, technical, and lucha libre, allowed him to seamlessly adapt to any opponent. His technical expertise brought a level of excellence to his matches that captivated audiences. Not to mention, his in-ring psychology was great.

Guerrero's unique blend of in-ring mastery, charisma, and storytelling prowess not only made him a standout talent in WCW but also a cherished icon in professional wrestling history.

4 Big Van Vader Was An Impressive Wrestler

Vader Was Incredibly Agile Considering His Size

Big Van Vader was a super heavyweight with a unique combination of brute strength and imposing size. His in-ring presence was intimidating, and he could dominate his opponents with ease. Despite his size, Vader was surprisingly agile and capable of impressive aerial moves.

The Mastodon could take on a wide variety of opponents, from other super heavyweights to lighter wrestlers, and always delivered high quality bouts.

3 Sting Was One Of The Greatest Wrestlers In WCW History

Sting Was Always An Outstanding In-Ring Performer

Sting is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, especially thanks to his work in WCW. His in-ring skills and charisma made him one of the best wrestlers in the history of this promotion.

Sting was known for his impressive athleticism and agility. Despite his size, he could move quickly around the ring and execute aerial moves with great precision. Sting mastered a wide range of wrestling techniques, from submission holds to power moves, so he was basically an all-rounder. The Icon had several great matches in WCW against opponents such as Ric Flair, The Great Muta and Vader.

2 Ricky Steamboat’s Technique Was On Another Level

Ricky Steamboat Had Several Awesome Matches In WCW

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat is widely regarded as one of the most talented and skilled wrestlers of his time. His style in the ring was a combination of impeccable technique, athleticism and a unique ability to tell stories through his bouts.

Steamboat was known for his superior technical ability. His technical moves, his high-flying moves, his selling, storytelling and his charisma made him one of the best wrestlers in WCW history, despite being already past his prime.

1 Ric Flair Was The Best In-Ring Performer In WCW History

Ric Flair Could Have A Great Match With Anyone

Ric Flair was a master of in-ring psychology, meaning he knew how to tell a compelling story during a bout. He knew when and how to sell his opponents' moves to maximize the drama and excitement of the match. His character work (especially as a heel) during matches was impeccable.

The Nature Boy was a terrific seller, had a good arsenal of moves, good technique, had consistency and durability, and all of that allowed him to become the best in-ring performer in WCW history.