For years, there has been debate about whether speed is actually an attribute within the ring. It’s safe to say that the debate has been decided on how wrestling has evolved.
I would like to introduce the introduction to this article, stating that this list is made up of the best Wrestler in WWE history. Not the biggest star, not the biggest “largest” ever based on many standards, but the best ring performer where speed is essential to style. If you’re hoping for names like Rock, Steve Austin, John Cena, and more, you might be disappointed.
10
Perfect
Kurt Henning was ahead of his time
- Perfect was a second generation wrestler.
- He was a two-time Intercontinental champion
- He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
Perfect is certainly one of WWE’s greatest wrestlers of all time, but speed was just a small part of his overall approach. Kurthenning in real life was often referred to as the “finess” man. In other words, his style was smooth and accurate.
He will often cause an explosion of energy, sometimes in the way he sold for his enemies. However, due to Kurt’s loose personality, he was not in a hurry either. It would have been interesting to see Mr Perfect compete in modern wrestling, and whether his approach was different.
9
Bret Heart
Bret Hart’s legacy continues to grow
- Bret Hart was trained by his father in the legendary dungeon
- He is a former WWE and WCW world champion
- He is the only three Hall of Fame in WWE history
At this point it doesn’t matter if they’re an entire university class dedicated to Brett Hart’s in-ring style. The level of respect and admiration that Hitman has received from modern wrestlers alone is amazing.
Speed wasn’t an important aspect of Brett’s game, but sometimes it was a factor. His finishing sequences, for example, were often administered at a somewhat crazy pace. Like a great drummer, Brett knew when to lie down, so he knew when to lie down.
8
AJ Style
AJ is one of the most influential figures in modern wrestling
- AJ Style signed with WWE in 2016
- He made his main role as Restimania in 2020
- He is a two-time WWE Champion
AJ Styles is more responsible for the modern pace of professional wrestling than anyone else. While at TNA, AJ was a living highlight reel. The speed at which he brought about his innovative attacks had to be seen as believed. By the time he signed with WWE in 2016, AJ’s in-ring speed had been dropping slightly.
As they say, he was smarter, not more difficult, and although he still delivered a consistently great match, his style was more intentional and restrained. If AJ signed with WWE about a decade earlier, he could surpass this list.
7
Shawn Michaels
Sean has influenced countless modern wrestlers
- Shawn Michaels started out as a tag team wrestler in WWE
- He was the first “Grand Slam” champion in WWE history
- Shawn currently works as head of NXT’s Creative
This is part of a list where you start splitting your hair a little. Whatever the pace Sean Michaels wanted to wrestled with, he could. He was an unparalleled athlete at Prime and his speed was a big part of his game.
It’s important to remember that when Sean appeared in WWE, the average wrestler was 6 and a half feet, 260 pounds. He had to utilize all the tools he owned to stay competitive, and one of them was his speed. When it comes to performances in the ring, HBK was not equal.
6
Cart angle
Kurt Angle was often referred to as a “wrestling machine.”
- Kurt Angle made his debut at WWE in 1999
- He was the first Olympic gold medalist in WWE history.
- Kurt was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.
There are athletes and there is a cart angle. Cart strength, conditioning, and physical ability are simply at other levels. The speed he used to win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics was the same as he used to dominate the inside of the WWE Ring.
Whether they were sprinting through the turnbuckle to deliver suppressions to their opponents or offering a simple running attack, Kurt Angle often delivered it at the speed of a track star. He has achieved his place among the best in-ring performers in WWE history.
5
Daniel Brian
He is now struggling as Brian Danielson at AEW.
- Daniel Brian signed with WWE in 2010
- He is a 5-time WWE World Champion
- He is a former AEW world champion
Daniel Brian/Brian Danielson is a highly respected performer that he actually has awards dedicated to him by the observer. Although usually considered a technical wrestler, Brian can fly around with the best.
His string of dropkicks delivering to the opponent he was in the corner made him virtually dizzy about how fast he moved. A self-proclaimed cardio machine, Brian took pride in his conditioning. His speed in the ring makes him higher on this list.
4
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is in his second 10th year at WWE.
- Seth joined WWE in 2012 as a member of the Shield.
- He won his first WWE Championship in 2015
- He has made the main event at WrestleMania for the last two years in a row
For some reason, Seth Rollins was able to get better over time. He trains what is known as CrossFit, and his ring speed is enhanced by it. What makes Rollins’ speed so exceptional is that he combines it with incredible precision.
His attacks are always clear, and he always places himself or his opponent exactly where they need them. Seth is the type of elite athlete needed to succeed at a high level in WWE, and his speed is a key part of his ability.
3
Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero has a perfect blend of Lucha and American styles.
- Eddie Guerrero was a second generation wrestler
- He came from a wrestling family and his brother also struggled.
- Sadly, Eddie passed away in 2005.
There are early footage of Eddie present in his training in his backyard, and then it’s clear how much the speed in his ring shapes his style. Eddie Guerrero was like a great musician who could seamlessly change the tempo in the middle of a song.
He managed to tackle a ground-based match, but only jumped around the ring a few seconds later. During his tenure at WWE, Eddie wore more muscles, but that had a slight impact on his speed. Eddie was a wonder in the ring and could maintain an insane pace if he chose.
2
Dynamite kids
Dynamite children are often overlooked due to their reputation as bullies
- Dynamite Kid wrestled in WWE as a member of the British Bulldogs Tag team
- His in-ring career effectively ended before the start of the 1990s
- He passed away in 2018
Dynamite children are often great compared to others on this list. However, his match with Tiger Mask in Japan in the early 1980s made the speed for wrestlers to own a viable attribute.
Simply put, the dynamite kids wrestled at a pace that most couldn’t keep up. He was an anthropomorphism of intensity and seeing him move around the ring was practically seductive. His business impact is still felt today.
1
Rey Mysterio
Ray originally wrestled as Rey Mysterio Jr.
- Rey Mysterio made his debut at WWE in 2002
- He is a 3-time WWE World Champion
- He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023.
As for speeds in the ring, Rey Mysterio set the bar. Forced to overcome a career-sized deficit, Rey Mysterio knew that if he succeeded in wrestling, he had to stay in a constant move. His body was his greatest weapon, and he used it with power and speed.
You can argue that he put Lucha style on the map and inspires an entire generation of wrestlers in the process. He surpasses this list of the best WWE wrestlers ranked for speed in the ring.
