WWE/NWA/WCW: 10 Best Promo-Cutters of All Time

Thirty seconds—the amount of time that can make or break someone's career in the world of professional wrestling.

To be a consistent top guy in the business, the biggest factor to have is charisma. Charisma that makes you different than all the others that are vying for the same spot. Uniqueness, intrigue and captivation are driving factors to ascend to superstardom in the WWE.

This leads to the art of the "promo."

There have been many wrestlers who have had some of the most stellar matches, innovate moves and death-defying spots but did not get promoted to the next level due to their mic skills.

Not only does being good on the mic assist in becoming a main-eventer, it cements a wrestler as memorable and legendary.

Here are the top promo-cutters of all time (wrestlers only).

Qualifications: multiple memorable promos, "larger than life" promo capability, mic work that led to a main-event career, ability to have the audience at the palm of their hand, phenomenal poise and craftiness.

Honorable mention:

• John Cena
• The Undertaker
• CM Punk
• Triple H
• Mick Foley
• Roddy Piper
• The Ultimate Warrior (when everyone was a kid)

Reader's Choice: Roddy Piper

Indeed, Roddy Piper was one of the greatest promo-cutters of all time.

He had a cunning ability to exhibit wit every time he graced us with a mic. Although his career could have gone much further than he experienced (could and should have been a World Champion in WWE or WCW) his mic work made every feud that he was involved in interesting.

And he coined one of the most popular statements in wrestling history - "As soon as you think you know the answers, I change the questions!"

10. Arn Anderson

If it wasn't for a random interview in January 1986, this stable may have never been formed. Four wrestlers—Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson and Tully Blanchard (managed by J.J. Dillion)—were all put together to cut a promo due to time constraints.

Arn Anderson gets on the mic, and says, "The only time this much havoc had been wreaked by this few a number of people, you need to go all the way back to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse!"

Due to Arn's wittiness on the mic, the Four Horsemen was formed.

Arn Anderson is one of the most underrated superstars of all time, and he could have been a World Champion on multiple occasions.

9. Chris Jericho

Throughout his career, Chris Jericho has shown what the art of cutting a promo is all about.

Whether it is naming his 1,004 holds (843 of them are a variation of an "armbar"), or morphing into a mischievous, cold and calculating character who uses grammatically advanced words, Jericho has honed his skills on the mic.

One day, he'll finally get to say his remaining 200 moves. Well, maybe not.

8. Road Warrior Hawk

The Road Warriors were a kid's dream. The face paint, the shoulder pads, the muscle physique, all wrapped up in Hawk and Animal.

Not only were they a formidable team, and arguably the most popular team in the history of the NWA, Road Warrior Hawk was one of the most anticipated wrestlers to cut a promo.

With his random stories and catchphrases, it further ignited the fire of wanting to emulate the Road Warriors.

To this day, one of the most popular catchphrases of all time: "Oooooooh, what a rush!"

7. Steve Austin

No matter what gimmick you got from Steve Austin, you were sure to receive a good promo along with it.

"Stunning" Steve, Hollywood Blonde, "Superstar" Steve, Ringmaster or "Stone Cold," his ability to talk on the mic was one of the key factors to ascending his career into one of the best ever.

Paul Heyman saw something in Austin that gave him the ability to speak more, which, in turn, struck gold.

And of course, the catchphrase of the century, "What?" I said, the catchphrase of the century, "What?"

You get the point.

6. The Rock

The most electrifying man in sports entertainment.

Who would have thought that blue-chipper "Rocky Maivia" would evolve into one of the best promo-cutters ever? Sure didn't seem like he was heading there.

Even when he was with the Nation of Domination, he wasn't the best on the mic.

Perfect example of what hard work and dedication leads to. He became a natural on the mic, and he performed some of the most memorable promos ever.

5. Jake Roberts

One of the most cunning, crafty and beguiling wrestlers of all time.

Without a doubt, he was a leader on the microphone during his career.

His mic work might have even been a detriment to him because it was so good. He stated in his video that Vince pulled the plug on a feud with Hogan because they were splitting pops.

He had the ability to outshine nearly anyone he feuded with when it came to promos, which made his feuds much more engaging.

And who will ever forget the "Trust Me" vignettes with the Ultimate Warrior?

4. Randy Savage

Undoubtedly, Randy Savage is one of the greatest superstars of all time. His shiny garb, raspy voice and fearless passion propelled him to a top draw in both WWE and WCW.

His catchphrase—"Ooooooo yeah!"—is one of the most popular phrases in wrestling history.

His character was indeed "larger the life" and children all over the world mimicked the "Macho Man." 

3. Dusty Rhodes

Dusty Rhodes showed all throughout his career that a catchphrase and good physique doesn't always indicate the only ways to become a star.

He admits, "He don't look like the athlete of the day 'sposed to look," but that didn't stop him from being one of the most charismatic wrestlers that ever stepped in the ring.

To this day, his "Hard Times" promo in 1985 is one of the best ever.

2. Ric Flair

Arguably the greatest wrestler ever. Not because he could do moonsaults or gorilla presses, but because he could make a mediocre or slightly above-average wrestler (no offense, Ronnie Garvin) look like a megastar.

His promos were the lifeblood of his NWA heyday. It had the ability to extend feuds for long periods of time, something that is relatively unheard of with the current wrestling product.

Ric Flair didn't have to win every match to be great. He'd cut a promo that would make you forget that he lost the previous match anyway.

1. Hulk Hogan

Is their really any dispute?

Hulk Hogan is undoubtedly the greatest promo-cutter of all time.

Feel how you may about him now, but Hogan is the biggest "larger than life" character this business has ever seen and most likely will ever see.

Hulk Hogan, similar to Ric Flair, created stars out of wrestlers who were average at best (Big Bossman, Akeem, Papa Shango, The Genius, etc.). After their feud with Hogan, many of them fell back into obscurity.

With every word he said, Hogan had the fans in the palm of his hand, with enough support to have ran for president.

Slogans, catchphrases, paraphernalia, music, you name it. Hulk Hogan was the best.

What are your thoughts?

Comments, opinions and debates are welcomed, but only in a civil and respectful manner.

Feel free to call in live on the Pancakes and Powerslams Wrestling Talk Show Tuesdays at 11 p.m. ET. Along with Over the Limit, Raw, SmackDown, TNA and ROH coverage, we will discuss this promo-cutter subject a bit further.

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