The Best Black Wrestlers Of All Time

Ranker Wrestling
Updated October 19, 2023 221.9K views 86 items
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76.2K votes
6.9K voters
29 reranks

The following is a list of the best Black wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling (or "sports entertainment" for those of you too young to remember anything that took place before John Cena). Through the years the WWF, WCW, and now WWE has seen many Black athletes leave an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. Superstars that have paved the way like the "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd, Divas that pushed the pace and raised the bar like Jacqueline, and once in a lifetime trailblazers like The Rock.

Whether they're most well known for their singles career or their tag-team career up in the "big leagues", namely WWE/WWF or WCW, the only requirement for this list of topflight African-American wrestlers is that they were great. That they told tremendous stories in the ring. That wrestling (sports entertainment) wouldn't be the same without them.

So, who is the best Black wrestler of all time? Mark out and vote for your favorites now!

  • Booker T
    1

    Booker T

    Age: 59
    2,825 votes

    Booker T boasts one of the most storied and revolutionary careers of any wrestler to ever grace the squared circle. Beginning in WCW and continued in WWE, Booker-T amassing an astonishing six World Championships throughout his career and was one of the faces of the attitude era in its latter days. With his remarkable blend of agility, speed, and power, Booker T's performances have been nothing short of awe-inspiring, and alongside his brother Stevie Ray, he also formed one-half of the famous Harlem Heat tag team, dominating the WCW Tag Team division throughout the 1990s.

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  • The Rock
    2

    The Rock

    Age: 52
    3,210 votes

    Few wrestlers in history have achieved the level of mainstream success and iconic status that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has attained over the past three decades. His magnetic charisma and larger-than-life persona captivated audiences during WWE's "Attitude Era," making him one of the industry's most beloved figures. Not only did he secure ten World Heavyweight titles, but Johnson also had a pivotal role in some of the most memorable rivalries and storylines the wrestling world has ever seen. The Rock's ability to transition from his exceptional wrestling career to Hollywood stardom only further solidified his status as a groundbreaking figure in sports entertainment history.

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  • Farooq
    3

    Farooq

    Age: 65
    1,806 votes

    As the first African American to win a major wrestling World Championship, Ron Simmons, AKA Farooq, made history in 1992 when he captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. His impressive strength and prowess within the ring have contributed to his numerous accolades, including three WCW World Tag Team Championships. Simmons later transitioned to WWE, where he would continue to make waves through his prominent tag team, The Acolytes Protection Agency (APA).

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  • Kofi Kingston
    4

    Kofi Kingston

    Age: 42
    2,156 votes

    Born in Ghana, Kofi Kingston's charisma and high-flying style have captivated audiences since his WWE debut in 2008. As one-third of the popular stable The New Day, alongside Xavier Woods and Big E, Kingston has held the Tag Team Championship an impressive 11 times and has quickly vaulted himself into the conversation of being one of the biggest fan favorites of all time. Paying off years of hard work and dedication, he finally claimed the pinnacle prize in 2019, capturing the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 during peak KofiMania.

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  • Mark Henry
    5

    Mark Henry

    Age: 52
    2,022 votes

    Often referred to as "The World's Strongest Man," Mark Henry's incredible feats of strength have astounded fans for decades. A former Olympic weightlifter, Henry's sheer power translated well to the wrestling world, earning him both the World Heavyweight Championship and ECW Championship. Throughout his lengthy career, he has consistently showcased his ability to dominate opponents with seemingly effortless ease and has always been a consistent and ready competitor, willing to do whatever the company needs him to do.

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  • Junkyard Dog
    6

    Junkyard Dog

    Dec. at 45 (1952-1998)
    2,046 votes

    A true wrestling pioneer, Junkyard Dog (JYD) broke down barriers with his charismatic persona and magnetic personality throughout the ‘80s. With his signature move, the "Thump" powerslam, JYD enthralled fans in the Mid-South Wrestling territory and later in WWE. A beloved figure in sports entertainment history, Junkyard Dog helped elevate and inspire an entire generation of young wrestlers to chase their dreams, no matter how wild they may seem.

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  • Shelton Benjamin
    7

    Shelton Benjamin

    Age: 48
    1,641 votes

    Combining raw athletic ability and technical prowess, Shelton Benjamin has made a name for himself as one of the most gifted wrestlers to ever grace the squared circle. Throughout his career, Benjamin has amassed multiple championship titles, including three reigns as Intercontinental Champion. Perhaps best known for his time as part of Team Angle alongside Charlie Haas, he remains a consistent fan favorite due to his jaw-dropping in-ring skills, and has been a staple of the WWE for decades.

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  • Sasha Banks
    8

    Sasha Banks

    Age: 32
    1,781 votes

    Sasha Banks, aka "The Boss," has revolutionized women's wrestling through her groundbreaking performances, particularly as one of the key figures in WWE's Women's Evolution which helped redefine women’s professional wrestling as a whole. Possessing a unique combination of athleticism, charisma, and tenacity, Banks has quickly vaulted herself into one of the most beloved and adored wrestlers in history, proving to be a standard-bearer no matter what company she is working for. With numerous championships from multiple companies under her belt, the sky is the limit for what Sasha Banks can accomplish in her stunning career.

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  • Bobby Lashley
    9

    Bobby Lashley

    Age: 47
    1,672 votes

    Bobby Lashley's imposing strength and fierce determination have been at the forefront of his wrestling career, which began with an impressive tenure in WWE before transitioning to Impact Wrestling and later returning to WWE. Lashley has obtained numerous titles, including the WWE Championship and the Impact World Championship, all the while demonstrating remarkable physical strength and in-ring abilities. With his undeniable power and intense demeanor, he remains a force to be reckoned with inside the ring who, at nearly 50 years old, is still just as menacing as ever.

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  • Big E Langston
    10

    Big E Langston

    Age: 38
    1,469 votes

    Big E has proven himself to be a consummate entertainer and highly skilled competitor since his WWE debut in 2012. As one-third of The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, Big E has captured the Tag Team Championship an impressive 11 times, and has even gone on to have a stellar solo career, winning the WWE Championship in 2021. Demonstrating immense power, strength, and charisma, Big E is one of the most revered competitors in all of WWE, and many eagerly anticipate his return from his devastating neck injury.

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  • R Truth
    11

    R Truth

    Age: 52
    1,533 votes

    Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, R-Truth has entertained fans for decades with his impressive blend of athleticism, comedy, and musical talent. With two reigns as United States Champion, one as WWE Tag Team Champion, and a staggering 30+ reigns as WWE 24/7 Champion, Truth's in-ring accolades are as impressive as they are varied. The rare wrestler who is known far more for his comedic moments than his technical abilities, R-Truth is a standout in knowing and executing ones role to utter perfection.

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  • Rocky Johnson
    12

    Rocky Johnson

    Age: 79
    1,404 votes

    Widely known as the father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Rocky Johnson was an accomplished wrestler in his own right, boasting a storied career throughout the '70s and '80s. Possessing remarkable athleticism, he captured numerous championships, including the prestigious NWA Heavyweight title and the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside partner Tony Atlas. A trailblazer for African American wrestlers, Rocky Johnson paved the way for future generations to compete at the highest level.

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  • Devon
    13

    Devon

    Age: 51
    1,343 votes

    One-half of the legendary Dudley Boyz tag team, Devon has dominated the wrestling world alongside his partner, Bubba Ray Dudley. With a record-breaking 9 reigns as WWE Tag Team Champions and numerous other tag titles throughout their careers, the Dudley Boyz garnered a reputation for their extreme, hard-hitting style, which quickly elevated him to a fan favorite in the WWE.

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  • Jacqueline
    14

    Jacqueline

    Age: 60
    1,245 votes

    A trailblazer for female wrestlers, Jacqueline Moore's storied career saw her compete in various promotions, capturing championship gold along the way. As a two-time WWE Women's Champion and trailblazer in the women's division, she displayed remarkable versatility, blending a technical wrestling ability with brawling tactics. In recognition of her contributions to the wrestling industry, Moore was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.

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  • Jey Uso
    15

    Jey Uso

    Age: 38
    879 votes

    As one-half of The Usos, Jey Uso has cemented his legacy, alongside brother Jimmy, as one of the premier tag team competitors in modern wrestling history. Integrating his Samoan heritage into an explosive wrestling style, Jey has captured multiple WWE Tag Team Championships, thrilling audiences with his agility and passion. Outside of the tag team realm, Jey has also branched out as a singles competitor and shined under the moniker “Main Event Jay Uso,” and is an integral part of the Bloodline.

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  • Jimmy Uso
    16

    Jimmy Uso

    Age: 38
    867 votes

    The son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Jimmy Uso is one-half of The Usos, widely regarded as one of the most successful tag teams in recent WWE history. Alongside his twin brother Jey, Jimmy has captured the WWE Tag Team Championships multiple times and earned a reputation for his high-octane, high-flying style. Their undeniable chemistry and intense work ethic have elevated them to the top of the tag team division.

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  • Naomi
    17

    Naomi

    1,141 votes

    A two-time WWE SmackDown Women's Champion, Naomi's unique blend of speed, athleticism, and showmanship have made her a standout performer in the women's division. Her unmistakable "feel the glow" entrance, coupled with her high-energy wrestling style, has endeared her to fans around the world. A mainstay in the recent women’s revolution, Naomi is an invaluable member of the women’s roster who has helped solidify it as a true contender for best in wrestling today. 

  • Ricochet
    18

    Ricochet

    Age: 36
    933 votes

    Trevor Mann, better known as Ricochet, is a high-flying prodigy whose acrobatic feats seem to defy gravity. With a truly innovative wrestling style, he has captured championships across various promotions, including the WWE United States Championship and the NXT North American Championship. Ricochet's awe-inspiring agility and incomparable athleticism have earned him a dedicated following among wrestling fans, and with his recent feud against Logan Paul, superstardom seems all but set for the highflyer.

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  • The Godfather
    19

    The Godfather

    Age: 62
    1,090 votes

    A versatile and memorable character performer, Charles Wright is best known for his time in WWE as both Papa Shango and The Godfather. With a commanding presence and undeniable charisma, Wright captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016. His various personas have left an indelible mark on wrestling history, contributing to his status as a sports entertainment icon.

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  • Tony Atlas
    20

    Tony Atlas

    Age: 80
    1,055 votes

    Boasting incredible strength and a chiseled physique, Tony Atlas made his mark on the wrestling world by capturing numerous championships throughout the '70s and '80s. As part of the first African American duo to win the WWE Tag Team Championships alongside Rocky Johnson, Atlas helped pave the way for future generations of black wrestlers. A true pioneer, Atlas was fittingly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

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  • Kamala
    21

    Kamala

    Age: 73
    1,144 votes

    James Harris, known to wrestling fans as "The Ugandan Giant" Kamala, was a unique and unforgettable character who terrified opponents with his imposing size and menacing presence throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Not only competing against wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and The Undertaker, but going toe to toe with them and often putting on show-stealing matches, Kamala may never have captured championship gold, but his legacy as one of the most memorable wrestlers in history more than stands the test of time.

  • Jay Lethal
    22

    Jay Lethal

    Age: 39
    1,848 votes

    Jay Lethal's technical mastery and undeniable charisma have made him a standout performer throughout his career. A mainstay in Ring of Honor (ROH), Lethal has captured multiple championships, including two reigns as ROH World Champion and two reigns as ROH World Television Champion. While he may not be a household name with more casual fans, Lethal’s impressive in-ring skills and dynamic personality have helped shape him as a stud within hardcore wrestling fans eyes.

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  • Bianca Belair
    23

    Bianca Belair

    593 votes

    One of WWE's fastest-rising stars, Bianca Belair's sheer athleticism, and boundless confidence have endeared her to fans around the globe. Capturing the NXT Women's Championship and the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, Belair's resume is already decorated and the best is seemingly yet to come. Dubbed "The EST of WWE," she has proven time and time again that she is indeed one of the bEST in the WWE  and a force to be reckoned with in the women's division.

  • MVP
    24

    MVP

    Age: 50
    1,189 votes

    Montel Vontavious Porter, better known as MVP, burst onto the wrestling scene in the mid-2000s with his brash, cocky attitude and undeniable swagger. Capturing two United States Championships and one WWE Tag Team Championship, MVP's in-ring skills and smooth-talking trash were pivotal in building his persona. After a hiatus from WWE, MVP returned in 2020 as a key figure in the formation of The Hurt Business stable, showcasing his ability to remain relevant and influential even after years away from the spotlight.

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  • Xavier Woods
    25

    Xavier Woods

    Age: 37
    1,075 votes

    An integral member of the wildly popular New Day stable, Xavier Woods has made a name for himself through his infectious energy and stellar in-ring abilities. With 11 WWE Tag Team Championship reigns alongside Kofi Kingston and Big E, Woods has earned his place among the elite tag team competitors and staples of the modern-day WWE. Outside of the ring, he has cultivated a dedicated fan base through his love of video games and his YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown, and has rapidly become one of the faces of the company.

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  • Abdullah the Butcher
    26

    Abdullah the Butcher

    Age: 83
    1,740 votes

    One of wrestling's most feared and brutal competitors, Abdullah the Butcher carved a path of destruction through various promotions during the '60s, '70s, and '80s. With a penchant for using foreign objects to bloody his opponents, Abdullah became notorious for his hardcore wrestling style and his willingness to push boundaries. A truly unforgettable figure in wrestling history, the "Madman from the Sudan" was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.

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  • Ember Moon
    27

    Ember Moon

    708 votes

    A gifted athlete with a flair for the dramatic, Ember Moon has turned heads with her innovative offense and explosive agility. Among her accomplishments are an NXT Women's Championship reign and a victory in the first-ever WWE Women's WarGames match. Moon's one-of-a-kind finishing move, The Eclipse, showcases her remarkable athleticism and further cements her status as a standout performer.

  • D'Lo Brown
    28

    D'Lo Brown

    Age: 53
    959 votes

    In the late '90s, D'Lo Brown rose through the ranks within WWE as a member of the controversial Nation of Domination stable, showcasing his technical skills and charismatic charisma. Brown achieved singles success capturing European and Intercontinental Championships, making him the first African American to hold both titles simultaneously. His distinctive head-bobbing taunt and frog splash finishing, on top of his mic abilities, helped him stand out amongst his peers in the 90s.

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  • Ernie Ladd
    29

    Ernie Ladd

    Dec. at 68 (1938-2007)
    957 votes

    Standing at an imposing 6'9" and weighing over 300 pounds, Ernie Ladd was an athletic marvel who brought his talents from the gridiron to the squared circle. Throughout the '60s and '70s, "The Big Cat" captured numerous championships within various promotions, facing off against legends such as Bruno Sammartino and Andre the Giant. A true trailblazer, Ladd helped set the stage for black wrestlers to enter throughout the 80s, 90s, and today, and shine in their spotlight.

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  • Bobo Brazil
    30

    Bobo Brazil

    Dec. at 73 (1924-1998)
    1,607 votes

    As one of wrestling's first major black stars, Bobo Brazil helped break down racial barriers in the sport throughout the '50s and '60s. His legendary feuds with stars such as Killer Kowalski and Buddy Rogers are still remembered fondly by longtime wrestling fans. With his impressive skills and magnetic charisma, Brazil rightfully earned his place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1994 for being a phenomenal wrestler and a trailblazer like no other.