The Attitude Era was arguably the true pinnacle of professional wrestling. From elite athletes to quirky characters, and everything in-between, many of the storylines were memorable (if anything). In today’s day and age, there are more than a handful of current wrestlers who would seamlessly fit in with the old guard quite well. This piece specifically narrows that list down to five performers.
Gunther
Gunther has exploded as a top guy within the company. From the independent scene to his time on NXT, he’s gotten better and better at his craft. Getting in top shape, he operates with somewhat of an old-school wrestling style. It might not be flashy, but it’s quite effective. Opponents of Gunther can attest to this if they’ve been on the unfortunate other side of his chops. The man’s hands look like frying pans as they turn a wrestler’s chest into a swollen, bruised mess.
Along with his wrestling style, Gunther has an undeniable presence in the ring. His mic skills have gotten to be very good, and he clearly relishes the chance to be a heel. Without a doubt, he’s a rising star within the profession — and many older wrestlers have praised him for his in-ring ability.
Rhea Ripley
Rhea ‘Bloody’ Ripley would be a perfect match for the Attitude Era. In some ways, she’s an evolved form of the late trailblazer Chyna. Her physique coupled with her unique goth look gives her a real edge. However, she’s already proven to be a better worker than Chyna had ever dreamed of being. Rhea sells exceptionally well in the ring and isn’t afraid to put people over.
While not a small woman, you sense her presence immediately in the ring. There’s a nuanced level of physicality that works very well. Not only is Rhea among the best wrestlers in the company, she’s also excellent in the ring. When you can get over as a heel, you know you’re doing something right.
Bron Breakker
Breakker is quintessentially Attitude Era appropriate. It helps that his uncle and dad wrestled in the era. Breakker has been engineered for the moment, and it’s not surprising to see him being pushed as a top guy despite not even 30 years of age yet.
The total package exists here — from the bodybuilder physique to Breakker’s mic skills which can be both crass and intimidating The acceleration Breakker gets off the ropes is all too real. He also has the athleticism to moonlight as a Cruiserweight — a feat utterly insane considering his 250-pound frame. There was an alternate universe where Breakker threw down with the likes of Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The sky truly is the limit for the Atlanta native.
Drew McIntyre
McIntyre would’ve been a top guy in practically any era. He has the requisite combination of physicality, and stature, and looks to thrive. Aside from being a good worker, McIntyre also is among the best in the company on the mic. He twists words immensely well, and the heat he draws from his competitors seems real. Let McIntyre cook in a feud with The Undertaker — or perhaps even Booker T. Imagine how fun that would be!
Chelsea Green
Talk about being a versatile performer. Green’s charisma would pair beautifully with the Attitude Era. She can be a true ‘diva’ if need be — drawing on her modelesque looks and athletic frame. Her ability to be a comedic genius would’ve enhanced some of the funnier storylines from two decades ago. One could argue Green’s talent would enhance some of those storylines even better. Additionally, Green is a far better in-ring performer than people realize. Before her time in WWE, she was flying through tables and off ladders with ease. There’s so much to work with here, and people need to finally admit that Green is the most underrated (and perhaps underused) member of the WWE Universe.
