The Greatest Argument in Wrestling: Who Is Deserving of the Title of Best?
For decades, fans of all ages have been enthralled in heated conversations around the issue of who the greatest professional wrestler of all time is. Some people believe that legends like Bret Hart, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Ric Flair represent the height of wrestling greatness. These names are practically associated with the sport’s golden periods. However, seasoned WWE veteran Nic Nemeth feels Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio should be referenced more often in this prestigious organization.
During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, Nemeth showed his respect for these two titans and bemoaned the fact that they are sometimes disregarded while talking about the best wrestlers of all time. Some people might be surprised by this point of view, considering how successful and well-liked both Mysterio and Orton have been. Nemeth’s remarks, however, serve as a reminder that excellence in wrestling is about more than simply titles and main event matches—it’s also about longevity, adaptability, and consistency.
Rey Mysterio: An Innovative and Long-Lived Legacy
Rey Mysterio is a name that has become more than just a wrestling celebrity; it is a household name both inside and outside of the ring. For more than thirty years, Mysterio has captivated viewers with his daring stunts and lucha libre style. Nemeth feels that Mysterio does not get the credit he deserves, despite all of his accomplishments.
Nemeth stated in his Busted Open Radio interview that “Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton are two people that should be on everyone’s list, but you don’t hear that much.” His remarks draw attention to a serious error in the way the wrestling community frequently values some celebrities more than others who have had an equal or greater impact on the business.
Mysterio’s career is proof of resilience and flexibility. He made his debut in 1989 and soon established himself as one of the most inventive wrestlers of his time, popularising lucha libre among American viewers. It’s uncommon in professional wrestling for someone to be able to perform at a high level for more than 30 years while continuously changing and evolving. Nemeth brought up the fact that Mysterio is still going strong after 35 years in the industry, which should solidify his status as one of the all-time greats.
Nemeth also discussed the special appeal of Mysterio, pointing out that he is still regarded as one of the most revered characters in wrestling and is “beloved in any locker room.” Nemeth went on, calling Mysterio “the best babyface you could ever work with” and complimenting his ability to relate to both fans and other wrestlers. One of the many reasons Mysterio is a pleasure to work with, according to Nemeth, is his adorable and squeaky reactions when he gets hit in the ring. In addition to being entertaining, Mysterio’s career serves as a lesson in tenacity and fervor—qualities that are important to consider while talking about the best wrestlers of all time.
Randy Orton: The Apex Predator’s Role in the History of Wrestling
While Randy Orton’s success stems from his mastery of the trade, Rey Mysterio’s legacy is based on longevity and inventiveness. Third-generation wrestler Orton, also known as “The Apex Predator” and “The Viper,” has built a reputation for having the ideal balance of charisma, psychology, and athleticism. With a two-decade career and 14 World Championships under his belt, Orton’s credentials are indisputable.
However, as Nemeth noted, Orton is glaringly absent from discussions of the greatest wrestlers of all time—a remarkable omission considering his résumé. Nemeth added, “Randy Orton is another one who deserves to be mentioned more often.” “He is still as good as ever, even after spending so much time at the top of his game.”
One of Orton’s greatest assets is his ability to change with the times without losing the essence of his character. Orton’s performances are always compelling, whether he’s portraying a determined anti-hero or a crafty villain. One of the most recognizable finishes in wrestling, his RKO finisher can be performed from about any angle and always gets a loud cheer from the audience.
Nemeth believes that Orton has had a significant impact on the wrestlers of today. Having gone up against Orton multiple times in his career, Nemeth has seen directly how The Viper’s style of wrestling has influenced the business. Numerous new wrestlers have drawn inspiration from Orton’s dedication to narrative and painstaking attention to detail, so his legacy will live on long after he hangs up his boots.
The Argument in Favour of Wider Appreciation
The tendency to concentrate on some eras or styles while ignoring others is a larger problem in the wrestling industry, as seen by the fact that Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton are frequently left out of debates regarding the greatest wrestlers of all time. Without a doubt, the wrestlers who are most often named in GOAT debates—Austin, Flair, Michaels, and Hart—deserve a spot in wrestling history. Still, the standards for excellence ought to be broadened to encompass qualities like flexibility, reliability, and generational impact.
In these domains, Mysterio and Orton both shine. Few people can compare Mysterio’s accomplishments in popularising lucha libre and helping it stay relevant for more than thirty years. Orton is a role model for professional wrestlers to follow because of his tenure at the top of the WWE and his mastery of in-ring psychology.
Nemeth’s remarks serve as a pertinent reminder that there are numerous ways to be great in wrestling. A wrestler’s influence on their peers, the industry, and the fans is equally as important as their popularity or number of championship reigns. Mysterio and Orton have both had a lasting impression on the business, and they should be mentioned with the likes of the Austins, Flairs, Michaels, and Harts of the world.
Nic Nemeth on Randy Orton’s Success
Nemeth, who has worked with performers across several generations in the WWE, has 20 years of WWE experience. Not just for fans but also for prospective wrestlers, his insights into the qualities of a great wrestler are invaluable. In a different Busted Open Radio episode, Nemeth disclosed the person he thinks could succeed Randy Orton. Even though he withheld the name, his remark aroused curiosity among listeners and demonstrated his acute sense of talent and business acumen.
Nemeth’s admiration for Mysterio and Orton goes beyond merely praising their respective careers; it’s a call to action for wrestling fans to extend their definitions of excellence. Several legendary figures in wrestling have made significant and original contributions to the sport. We can make sure that the legacies of celebrities like Mysterio and Orton are honored as they ought to be by acknowledging their accomplishments.
There will probably never be a conclusive response to the question of who the greatest wrestler of all time is because the definition of “great” in the eyes of different people varies and is influenced by personal preferences and generational prejudices. Nic Nemeth, however, makes a strong case for adding more names to the GOAT debate by calling for Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton to receive the credit they deserve. Both wrestlers have made a lasting impression on the business, and their accomplishments should be honored on an equal basis with those of their more well-known contemporaries. Greatness in wrestling ultimately comes from a wrestler’s long-lasting influence on the sport and others who come after them, not just from their achievements.