Top 25 Talkers

[Xero]

http://www.wwe.com/inside/top25/top25talkers/

List (copied from PWInsider):

25. Sheamus
24. Rick Rude
23. Santino Marella
22. The Million Dollar Man
21. The Miz
20. Jesse Ventura
19. Triple H
18. Paul Heyman
17. Edge
16. Mr. McMahon
15. Superstar Billy Graham
14. Mick Foley
13. Hulk Hogan
12. CM Punk
11. Randy Savage
10. JBL
9. Bobby Heenan
8. Dusty Rhodes
7. John Cena
6. Jake Roberts
5. Chris Jericho
4. Ric Flair
3. The Rock
2. Roddy Piper
1. Steve Austin

[Aguakate]

JBL before Randy Savage (who arguably could be #1)?

Give me a F'N break.

[Xero]

Cena being above guys like Heenan, Ventura and Heyman is a bit ridiculous.

And Rock should probably be #1. My top 3 would be:

1. Rock
2. Piper
3. Austin

Would probably have Foley bumped up to the top five, too.

[Aguakate]

My Top 3 would be:

1) Savage

2) The Rock

3) Jericho

...JBL before Savage...

...Shiiiit...

[Xero]

No way Sheamus should be on this list.

I mean, I love him, but that's a bit ridiculous.

Ditto to Santino.

[Aguakate]

Hulk Hogan #13.

Half of the reason why he became who he became WAS because of his talking (the other half being his look).

JBL and CM Punk above Hogan.

...Shiiit.

[Cool King]

No way Sheamus should be on this list.

I mean, I love him, but that's a bit ridiculous.

Er ya doutin' t'talkin' abilities of t'celtic warrior? Huh Fella!?

[Nark Order]

Barrett should be on there before Santino. He's made quite the impact in the short time he's been there. However, neither Santino or Barrett should be on the list anyhow. Bret Hart wasn't exactly known for his promos but he should be on before Santino or Sheamus.

[Xero]

Where the fuck is Taker? His Ministry promos and his promos as the American Bad Ass were great.

Taker jobbed to Santino in this list.

[Aguakate]

Edge is on that list.

EDGE.

No Shawn Michaels on it. PWI is a joke.

[Xero]

Edge is on that list.

EDGE.

No Shawn Michaels on it. PWI is a joke.

It's WWE.com's list, PWInsider just typed it out.

And yeah, was just coming in to say no HBK. That's ridiculous.

[Xero]

Though this is a rare time where an argument for Benoit wouldn't really fly.

[VSG]

Stupid list is stupid

[Aguakate]

Barrett should be on there before Santino. He's made quite the impact in the short time he's been there. However, neither Santino or Barrett should be on the list anyhow. Bret Hart wasn't exactly known for his promos but he should be on before Santino or Sheamus.

Bret's promos weren't bad, and his work during the "Canadian Hero" storyline in '97 was awesome.

[Nark Order]

What about Honky Tonk and Jerry Lawler? Jesus, this list is awful.

And Savage not being #1 is ridiculous.

[Aguakate]

Every time you do a "Top" whatever list, it sparks debate, but this is jost ridiculous.

[Nark Order]

Bret got a bad reputation because his promos weren't flashy and boisterous like alot of the guys at that time, but his promos were entertaining on a different level. He made you identify with him and every word that came out of his mouth seemed so honest.

[Xero]

I can understand the top ten. It's actually not a terrible list, even if it's slightly off. But then it goes to shit because a lot of those guys should either be higher or not on it, and that just opens up a whole new can of worms.

[Aguakate]

I can understand the top ten. It's actually not a terrible list, even if it's slightly off. But then it goes to shit because a lot of those guys should either be higher or not on it, and that just opens up a whole new can of worms.

John Cena is not Top 10 ANYTHING. Not talker, not wrestler. Not even a Top 10 person.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Rock was great but very catchphrase heavy/one dimensional/formulaic. Austin, Piper, Savage, Roberts could just talk and didn't sound like they were reciting a script.

[Xero]

John Cena is not Top 10 ANYTHING. Not talker, not wrestler. Not even a Top 10 person.

It's debatable. They had to put him relatively high. He's the biggest thing they have going now. I wouldn't have him on MY top 25, but since this is a WWE.com one I completely understand him having a high spot.

Just be glad he wasn't top three or something.

[Xero]

Rock was great but very catchphrase heavy/one dimensional/formulaic. Austin, Piper, Savage, Roberts could just talk and didn't sound like they were reciting a script.

I completely agree here, but Rock also had something that lured you in. He may not have been the BEST talker, but I think his off the charts charisma really pulls him up. Maybe putting him number one is pushing it a bit, but I have no problem with him being in a top 3 best talkers.

[Ruien]

John Cena is not Top 10 ANYTHING. Not talker, not wrestler. Not even a Top 10 person.

Anti-Cena was cool 6 months ago.

[Aguakate]

Anti-Cena was cool 6 months ago.

And you never were.

[Nicky Fives]

This list is total bullshit..... Cena over Heenan, Rhodes, Savage, Hogan, Foley & Ventura is just plain retarded......Sheamus on the list even though he's been on TV for 2 years is retarded.....

[Aguakate]

They can't find room for HBK, Bret or 'Taker, but they can find a spot for Santino Marella.

[MoFo]

Kevin Nash.

Also Ultimate Warrior and Scott Steiner.

[The Show Off]

Using the 25 talkers they used here's my list...

1. Mick Foley
2. Ric Flair
3. The Rock
4. Chris Jericho
5. Roddy Piper
6. Steve Austin
7. Bobby Heenan
8. Paul Heyman
9. Triple H
10. Edge
11. Mr. McMahon
12. Jake Roberts
13. JBL
14. CM Punk
15. Hulk Hogan
16. Dusty Rhodes
17. Jesse Ventura
18. The Miz
19. Rick Rude
20. The Million Dollar Man
21. Superstar Billy Graham
22. Randy Savage
23. John Cena
24. Sheamus
25. Santino Marella

[Nark Order]

How do you justify Randy Savage as #22?

[The Show Off]

How do you justify Randy Savage as #22?

By having the 21 wrestlers above him be better on the mic.

[Nark Order]

You're out of your god damned mind.

[The Show Off]

You're out of your god damned mind.

Who of the 21 I have above Randy Savage is he so much better than that I'm out of my mind?

[Nark Order]

Personally IMO, Randy Savage should be no less than #1. Anything under #5 though is ridiculous.

Are you familiar with him?

[The Show Off]

Personally IMO, Randy Savage should be no less than #1. Anything under #5 though is ridiculous.

Are you familiar with him?

Yes. I grew up watching Randy Savage, he was always one of my favorites back during Wrestlemania VII I was almost on the verge of tears as an 8 year old when he "lost his career."

I'm very familiar with him. But he was always held up by his in ring talent and not his ability to talk. Saying he should be number 1 or top 5 is crazy. He's not in the same league as Piper, Jericho, Rock, Flair or Foley on the mic. Not even close.

[Damian Rey]

Jake Roberts should be in the top 5 of any list concerning mic work. Then again, it is all subjective.

[Nark Order]

Yes. I grew up watching Randy Savage, he was always one of my favorites back during Wrestlemania VII I was almost on the verge of tears as an 8 year old when he "lost his career."

I'm very familiar with him. But he was always held up by his in ring talent and not his ability to talk. Saying he should be number 1 or top 5 is crazy. He's not in the same league as Piper, Jericho, Rock, Flair or Foley on the mic. Not even close.

lol k

[The Show Off]

lol k

I'm really curious why you think he's so good on the mic. Don't just dismiss me like that lets have a conversation, I really want to hear what his merits are as a talker above any of the 21 guys IO have ranked above him.

[Damian Rey]

Yes. I grew up watching Randy Savage, he was always one of my favorites back during Wrestlemania VII I was almost on the verge of tears as an 8 year old when he "lost his career."

I'm very familiar with him. But he was always held up by his in ring talent and not his ability to talk. Saying he should be number 1 or top 5 is crazy. He's not in the same league as Piper, Jericho, Rock, Flair or Foley on the mic. Not even close.

What's your take on Jake Roberts? This guy built his entire career on mic work. Curious as to why he didn't crack your top ten.

[The Show Off]

What's your take on Jake Roberts? This guy built his entire career on mic work. Curious as to why he didn't crack your top ten.

Because the 11 above him are better on the mic. That doesn't mean Jake wasn't excellent on the mic I just think those above him were better.

For example Vince McMahon who is right above him on my list I think was better because Vince was able to pull off varying types of promos. Vince was able to act like the cocky guy, the agressive guy, the coward, the goof ball, the sympathetic character. Vince had various degrees of promos he could pull off. Jake always has the same type of promo, the quietly intense promo that make you believe he was serious. He was the very best at that type of promo though and he was so eloquent which is why I had him ranked so highly, but I think Vince McMahon's versatility puts him above Jake Roberts.

[Nark Order]

I'm really curious why you think he's so good on the mic. Don't just dismiss me like that lets have a conversation, I really want to hear what his merits are as a talker above any of the 21 guys IO have ranked above him.

I've got a test to take online. When I get back I'll have the convo with you. He's really one of the best overall wrestlers of all time. He was one of the best ever in the ring and one of the best ever on the mic as well.

[Damian Rey]

Because the 11 above him are better on the mic. That doesn't mean Jake wasn't excellent on the mic I just think those above him were better.

For example Vince McMahon who is right above him on my list I think was better because Vince was able to pull off varying types of promos. Vince was able to act like the cocky guy, the agressive guy, the coward, the goof ball, the sympathetic character. Vince had various degrees of promos he could pull off. Jake always has the same type of promo, the quietly intense promo that make you believe he was serious. He was the very best at that type of promo though and he was so eloquent which is why I had him ranked so highly, but I think Vince McMahon's versatility puts him above Jake Roberts.

That's a fair assumption. The consistent intensity about Roberts is what I loved about him and why I rank him as high as I do. But I respect that you atleast have a founded opinion.

[MoFo]

Where is Joel Gertner.

[Savio]

Cena should not be that high, he hasnt been to great of a talker in the past 4-5 years. If Hassan did not leave so soon I'd argue that he should be up there.

[Franchisedone]

i dont normally post on here but that list just made me sick....Jake roberts and Rick rude should both be in the top ten of any talkers list. if not top five... im sorry but those two are some or not the best of all time...

[JimmyMess]

Aside from maybe a couple of obvious omissions (HBK) I find this list pretty accurate.

Absolutely Austin at #1, the guy held 20,000+ people in the palm of his hand from 1998 until he retired. Just molded the audience in the way he wanted to, without ever sounding scripted, or forced. Just commanded the attention

[JimmyMess]

Aside from maybe a couple of obvious omissions (HBK) I find this list pretty accurate.

Absolutely Austin at #1, the guy held 20,000+ people in the palm of his hand from 1998 until he retired. Just molded the audience in the way he wanted to, without ever sounding scripted, or forced. Just commanded the attention of the crowd. Vince called him the greatest superstar of all time, so that would be your other reason for him being number one on this list.

As for Savage, yes, there are some who are ranked higher that should not be, but all in all Savage isn't top 3 because IMO, Austin, Hogan, Rock, and a few others rank higher than him. He's great, I'm not taking anything away from him

[JimmyMess]

Whoops didn't realize that doubled up. Feel free to delete my first post it was accidenttttttt

[DaVe]

well yeah most of the list is stupid

but im pretty happy with Austin #1.

yet to see anyone who outtalked austin in 96 and 97.

[Majunior]

That's the thing with these lists... they're all opinion.

What's worse, people too often think that if their guy is only number 8 on a top 25 list, it's a slight... when making the list itself is huge, because it means you are one of 25 guys out of thousands. The list certainly doesn't mean you're bad at what you do.

And what makes one guy a better talker for one fan may completely turn off someone else.

Case in point, I hate the Rock's mic work. As soon as he hit that point in his career where it was the same half dozen catchphrases, 4 of which came in the same order each and every time, I couldn't stand listening to him.

Someone else put people over Roberts, because as great as Roberts was he lacked diversity. Seems fair to me.

Ultimately, opinions are like assholes... everyone has one, and everyone else thinks yours stinks.

I can agree with Austin being #1. I'd put Jericho in at #2 or maybe #3 at the lowest, again due in large part to his range. From Monday Night Jericho to the conspiracy victim, from interrupting the Rock to Vance McMahon, from begging Bischoff for his job to the feud with HBK... his mic work is consistently golden.

[The MAC]

meh:

you can't say one personality is better than the other. This is a matter of personal taste

lets talk th best in the different styles of promo:

1. Most entertaining / fun : The Rock. He made me laugh.
Runners up : Goldust, Santinno, Christian


2. Most intense : Austin
Runner up : Vince during their feud. This stuff was gold.


3. Most real : Bret Hart (before you start typing your stereotypical comment please watch RAW from 1997, and some of his wcw stuff (like when he wore the steel plate)


4. Most insane : Ric Flair. He used to pull his pants down, run the ropes and drop elbows on his jacket.
Runner up : The iron sheik

5. Nonsensical : Ultimate warrior. What ws this guy smoking?
Runner up : Iron Sheik


6. Cocky : Shawn Michaels
Runner up: Jericho, Christian, Bischoff


7. Classic WWF promo: Huk Hogan

8. Spazz out : Jim Cornette
runners up: no one can compare to Cornette

[Xero]

Ultimately, opinions are like assholes... everyone has one, and everyone else thinks yours stinks.

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[The Pope]

lol at The Miz and Sheamus being on the list.

[Volare]

Looks like wwe is talking out of their ass again. (pun intended)

[Loose Cannon]

25. Sheamus
24. Rick Rude
23. Santino Marella
22. The Million Dollar Man
21. The Miz
20. Jesse Ventura
19. Triple H
18. Paul Heyman
17. Edge
16. Mr. McMahon
15. Superstar Billy Graham
14. Mick Foley
13. Hulk Hogan
12. CM Punk
11. Randy Savage
10. JBL
9. Bobby Heenan
8. Dusty Rhodes
7. John Cena
6. Jake Roberts
5. Chris Jericho
4. Ric Flair
3. The Rock
2. Roddy Piper
1. Steve Austin


I posted the list so I can look at it while I type.

Good enough list. Some of the newer guys do not belong near the top 25.

Dusty Rhodes is top 3 easy. He can be argued as #1 in my book any day

Michael Hayes not even showing up is absolutely ridiculous

Nick Bockwinkel is another one they've completely missed. that guy was money.

Savage is where he needs to be. Maybe @ 15.

Anderson and Blanchard certainly belong on this list.

and then you could make a case for Sting, Funk, Angle and yes, Sid Vicious

[DAMN iNATOR]

Rock didn't come in at #1? Shocking.

[Tom Guycott]

"What about ME? What about RAVEN!?"


(Thoroughly surprised/disappointed no one dropped that joke yet.)

[bigslimjj]

the miz is on it,he hasnt had time to talk that damn much.

[Eklipse]

Warrior should be #1!!

[RiX1024]

This list is ass. Shane Douglas and Raven isn't in the list, they are one of the best dang it.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Warrior should be #1!!

Disagree. Neither Austin nor Warrior should be #1. The Rock should have easily taken the #1 spot, hands down.

[The Jayman]

Christian not making the list upsets me

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I'm outraged Just Joe didn't make the list. I shall not be taking wwe.com's highly scientific opinions seriously ever again.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

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Totally outshining both The Rock and Austin in only mere seconds.

[Eklipse]

Disagree. Neither Austin nor Warrior should be #1. The Rock should have easily taken the #1 spot, hands down.

Lol. I was kidding. To be considered best talker, one would have to be able to understand what the hell they are saying.

[McLegend]

This list is kind of bogus.

[Fignuts]

lol Show Off.

Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, Bobby Heenan, Steve Austin, and Ric Flair are my top 5.

They are all too good though, to rate one above the other.

[SuperSlim]

The list needs Eddie Guerrero

[Perry Saturn]

Mr.Perfect

[Emperor Smeat]

Surprised at no Mr Perfect on the list even if he would have been ranked low in the Top 25.

Shocked at no Undertaker since he still manages to get people interested in his "supernatural" feuds and promos along with Paul Bearer.

Hogan is too low if Cena is worth a #7 since Cena is basically a 2000s version of Hogan and while Hogan might have been bad backstage, he got the crowd to hate (ex. NwO) or love (ex. Hulkamania) him due to his promos.

[Majunior]

Thinking about it more, with so many good options out there, Rock shouldn't have even cracked the top 10.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mr. McMahon needs to be #1. He's never cut a promo in which the crowd didn't react exactly the way he wanted them to.</font>

[whiteyford]

"What about ME? What about RAVEN!?"


(Thoroughly surprised/disappointed no one dropped that joke yet.)

Beat me to it :mad: Although he should definately be on it.

[Tb1]

Honestly, this list is void without the inclusion of Shawn Michaels.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Piper is the all time greatest, but Brian Pillman is better than almost everyone else.

[Vastardikai]

No Particular Order.

1. Roddy Piper
2. Mick Foley
3. Steve Austin
4. Rock
5. Bobby Heenan
6. Jake "The Snake" Roberts
7. Raven
8. Rick Rude
9. HBK
10. Dusty Rhodes
11. Chris Jericho
12. Michael Hayes
13. Ted DiBiase (Sr.)
14. Randy Savage
15. Arn Anderson
16. Ric Flair
17. Jim Cornette
18. Mr. Perfect
19. Hulk Hogan
20. Kevin Sullivan
21. Undertaker
22. Jessie Ventura
23. Eddie Guerrero
24. Kurt Angle
25. Brian Pillman

Honorable Mention: Andy Kaufman (he doesn't really count as a wrestler.)

[Troelar]

Of course the list is gonna be completely different for different people, there's no discernible criteria for making it. Are we talking great as in getting crowd response? Doing different styles to great degree? Pronunciation? One thing to remember of course is that it doesn't not enter in to it - at all - what their in ring work is like. Nothing of it is objective (unless you had a way to tell how big an amount of decibels was generated per promo per audience member or some shit like that, which you don't)

Either way lists suck. Unless you're allowed to make shared places so for instance say that #1 = Jericho, Austin, Piper, Savage, Vince, Dusty, etc. etc. - which defeats the purpose of making a list, instead of just naming them :)

We all know the greatest talker in the history of the WWE is Elvira anyway!

[The Pope]

Scott Hall

[Jordan]

That list is bullshit here is the real deal....

1. Ric Flair
2. Dusty Rhodes
3. Vince McMahon
4. Stone Cold
5. The Rock
6. Roddy Piper
7. Mic Foley
8. Chris Jericho
9. Shawn Michaels
10. Bobby Heenan
11. Paul Heyman
12. Jim Cornette
13. Jake Roberts
14. Ted Diabiase
15. JBL
16. CM Punk
17. Mr. Perfect
18. Bret Hart
19. Edge
20. The Undertaker
21. Owen Hart
22. Pillman
23. Nash
24. Hall
25. Tazz

[Jordan]

And I left out Raven, Angle, Eddie and Arn :(

[Aguakate]

This list deserves no respect whatsoever, I mean, how can you leave out "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels? Bret "Hitman" Hart. The Undertaker.

And then, they turn around and put Santino on the list.

[Stickman]

I think Savage has incredibly over rated mic skills. I can't remember any of his promos.