April 8, 2009 - There's more to the WWE than just WrestleMania. The world's greatest grappling circus tours all year round, and especially in the modern age, when the wrestling world moves faster than almost anyone can keep up, you can't judge the whole promotion just by one big show.

Even so, it's the biggest show of the year. It's where the biggest stars meet in the biggest matches to settle the biggest feuds. Even if you're not a big wrestling fan, if you watch only one show, it's 'Mania.

Here is how we tackled our latest Top 25 ranking: The greatest performers in 'Mania history. If you sat down and just watched the 25 WrestleManias, who would be the standout stars?

Of course, WrestleMania has always been made by more than just what happens in the ring. For sanity's sake we decided to limit the list to in-ring performers, though, which inevitably leaves out a few people who've made big contributions to the show in other ways. Consider Mr. McMahon honorably mentioned, for instance - especially for WrestleMania 23, where the main draw on the card was the chance to see Vince get his head shaved. We also based our selections on overall impact in the sport, fan reception and that good ol' get out of jail free card, Editor's Choice.

As for everyone else, well, let's start the countdown.



25. Rey Mysterio

WrestleMania All-Stars: Rey Mysterio
Going into the Allstate Arena in 2006, Rey Mysterio didn't have a heck of a lot left to prove. He was already an international superstar, a headliner across continents, and one of the greatest luchadores to ever don a mask and go soaring off the top rope. Still, he made history at WrestleMania 22, beating Kurt Angle and Randy Orton for the big gold belt and proving once and for all that he could hang with the big guys.


24. Brock Lesnar

WrestleMania All-Stars: Brock Lesnar
Brock's greatest big-show bout probably took place at SummerSlam, not 'Mania, when he blew off his timeless feud with the Rock. He still had a great showing at WrestleMania XIX, though, facing off against his fellow amateur standout Kurt Angle for the heavyweight title. (And as for his other memorable 'Mania appearance, against Goldberg...well, let's just try to forget that one ever happened.)