4 potential candidates if pro wrestling had a Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore has always been iconic. It symbolises the creation of America. Moreover, it honoured those primarily crucial. However, what would happen if wrestling had a Mount Rushmore? There are a plethora of worthy individuals, but who in particular?

Ultimately, for those unaware, each face on Mount Rushmore was chosen with purpose. They would each represent a key component. These included; birth, growth, development, and preservation. Therefore which wrestlers were most crucial to modern pro wrestling? It is an exciting topic. Nevertheless, every fan would have differing opinions.

Who would you include?

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#4 Hulk Hogan

Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan, was perhaps the most influential character in modern wrestling. Moreover, he is potentially its father. Regardless of interest in wrestling or not, most people know the name, Hulk Hogan.

He began wrestling in 1977. However in 1983 'Hulkamania' was born. Ever since then Hogan has been synonymous with wrestling.

From 1983 up till 1993, Hogan ran wild in WWE (called WWF back then). He was the pinnacle attraction, winning the WWE Championship multiple times. Ultimately Hogan's presence was crucial to the success of WrestleMania.

Throughout that period, he feuded with; Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and Sgt Slaughter. Of course others faced Hogan. In 1994 he debuted on WCW.

During his time in WCW Hogan turned heel (a bad guy), thus shocking the world. Why was it shocking? Well, until that point he was the cliche good guy character.

Now known as 'Hollywood' Hulk Hogan, he would become the leader of the New World Order (NWO), arguably one of the greatest stables in wrestling. Nevertheless, Hogan at this stage began slowing his career.

He eventually retired from wrestling in 2015 having worked for TNA in an authoritative role. Hogan's influence and investment in wrestling should be recognized.

Moreover, his actions developed others. He would specifically pave the way for Bret Hart to become WWE Champion for the first time.

#3 Stone Cold

Stone Cold Steve Austin came into the wrestling business in 1989, working for multiple companies. However, his time with WCW granted him the most success. Between 1991 and 1995 he performed alongside, Paul Heyman (then Paul E Dangerously) and Brian Pillman (as the Hollywood Blonds).

He captured every WCW championship except the World championship. In 1995 he briefly worked for ECW. However, in that same year he joined WWE.

Since 1995 Austin has dedicated his career to WWE. Moreover, his actions would revolutionise the wrestling industry. Initially working as The Ringmaster, he would evolve into 'Austin 3:16', see video below.

However, it was the Attitude Era which cemented his career. During this iconic Era, Austin began his feud with Mr. McMahon. Their rivalry was immensely entertaining.

Throughout this time, Austin exploited the best from his opponents. He grew from his match with Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13, to his epic clashes with The Rock. Whether wrestling or cutting promos, Austin was one of the best, see video below.

His career represented the change in the industry. It spring-boarded future characters. A perfect example would be CM Punk's rebellious nature. Overall, Austin's actions have positively influenced the wrestling business.

#2 AJ Styles

AJ Styles is arguably the greatest wrestler currently performing. Having worked in a plethora of promotions, Styles has developed exponentially. Debuting in 1998, Styles eventually landed in Ring of Honor (ROH), then Impact wrestling (previously called TNA). He worked in TNA between 2002 and 2013.

Throughout his career, Styles has wrestled everywhere. In TNA he captured multiple championships. Whereas, in Japan, he was the leader of Bullet Club and IWGP Heavyweight champion.

Ultimately he has dominated anywhere he performs. His performances generates immense reactions.

Styles is currently working with WWE. Having been a two-time WWE Champion and one-time United States champion, he has been successful since debuting in 2016. At present, Styles has been feuding with Shinsuke Nakamura, see video below.

Regarding the development of the wrestling industry, Styles is a figurehead. Styles has developed the image of smaller wrestlers, making them more appealing to watch.

In past years, characters such as The Undertaker have received the limelight mainly due to their imposing physiques. Styles' actions on the independent circuit changed WWE's viewpoint and the landscape of wrestling.

#1 Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho has defied ageing. His career longevity has been exponential. Debuting in 1990, he would initially work for WCW.

After a minimally successful reign as Cruiser-weight champion, he would join WWE. His debut in 1999 started the phenomenon known as 'Y2J'.

Since 1999 Jericho has expressed extreme adaptability and innovation. He has had multiple character iterations and has a plethora of unique gimmicks.

Initially Jericho made use of catchphrases to bully his opponents. In time he developed a character of pure entertainment. Regardless of which opponent Jericho faced, his performance would elevate them.

Since 2017 Jericho has worked outside WWE. He challenged Kenny Omega to a match, which culminated at Wrestle-kingdom 12. Ultimately this shocked the wrestling world, as Jericho was still officially signed with WWE.

In recent weeks Jericho would defeat Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Intercontinental championship, see video below. Presently Jericho is the only individual to have held both Intercontinental championships (in WWE and NJPW).

Jericho deserves this top spot because his career actions have assisted in the preservation of wrestling.

Since his debut he has feuded with the likes of The Rock, Kevin Owens, Kenny Omega, and Triple H. It cannot be argued that Jericho is innovative and successful. Ultimately he was able to make the list popular. Overall Jericho has been crucial to wrestling's success in modern times.

Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.