WWE and AEW's Mount Rushmore for Today's Era

One of the most popular questions asked of wrestlers and fans alike is who they have on their Mount Rushmore of professional wrestling.

Larger-than-life stars such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Bruno Sammartino, The Undertaker, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin are popular answers, and rightfully so.

They are, after all, some of the most important contributors to the industry's long and illustrious history.

Who are the Superstars deserving of a spot on the modern era of WWE and AEW's Mount Rushmore?

Let's take a look, with each star determined based on their historical significance and the quality of their work.

AEW

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AEW has only been in existence since 2019, making it far easier to compile a foursome of the most important and deserving stars in company history.

At least in theory.

Kenny Omega

Omega was one of the faces of pro wrestling globally at the start of AEW and a guy without whom it would have been far more difficult to get the project off the ground. He had credibility amongst fans, regardless of where their allegiances lay, and he was arguably the best wrestler in the world at the start of his run there.

That he became a creative centerpiece, won two world titles, battled a serious health issue to come back, and still delivered an instant classic against Will Ospreay at All In 2026 certainly does not hurt his case for inclusion.

Jon Moxley

Debuting on night one at AEW Double or Nothing in Las Vegas, Moxley wasted little time becoming the heart and soul of the company.

One of the most decorated and respected stars on the roster, Moxley has become the "ace" of AEW, the promotion's standard-bearer and tone-setter.

Like him and his style of wrestling or not, no one can downplay his importance to the company and his success since emerging from the stands in the MGM Grand Garden Arena seven years ago.

MJF

From the moment he first set foot in an AEW ring, it was clear that MJF was going to be the company's first homegrown star to capture a world title. His work belonged in the 1980s NWA; his promo skills would have been right at home in the Attitude Era, and his willingness to get heat at any cost reminded some of the territory days.

The total package: he was a breakout star from day one, and he was positioned as such, working with Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho, Hangman Page, and Jon Moxley in relatively short order. Throw in one of the best rivalries in company history with CM Punk, and one of the biggest business-driving programs with Adam Cole, and you have someone synonymous with the company and its growth and evolution.

Darby Allin

One of AEW's pillars, he best embodies what it means to be one of the "sickos" Tony Khan and Co. embrace. He is left of center, a completely different wrestler from anyone else on the roster, and someone who does not hesitate to throw himself in harm's way for the sake of his performance.

He moves to the beat of a drummer that may not be on planet Earth, shows no fear in any aspect of his game, and has won nearly every championship that he can in AEW.

The longtime tag team partner of the legendary Sting up until his retirement, Allin is now helping to ensure the future of the company by partnering with Steven Borden. While there is an argument for Swerve Strickland, Hangman Page, Chris Jericho, and the Young Bucks here, Allin is so representative of AEW and is philosophies that it feels wrong not to include him.

WWE

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WWE has had several major stars impact it over the last decade or so, but there are a handful who have left indelible marks on the company and, as a result, have earned their place on its modern-day Mount Rushmore.

Roman Reigns

The face that runs the place. Since 2015, Reigns has been the guy at the forefront of the company; the face on all of the posters and in all of the marketing materials. He has been the top guy on TV, too, especially since he evolved from Big Dog to Tribal Chief and the introduction of The Bloodline.

So captivating in his role was he that Reigns enjoyed a nearly four-year run with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, an unheard-of feat in today's landscape, where short attention spans dominate.

He holds the record for most WrestleMania main events, has battled every top star to come through WWE during his run, and is currently in the midst of his greatest in-ring stretch ever. Acknowledge him.

Cody Rhodes

If Reigns is 1A, Rhodes is 1B.

The American Nightmare returned to the company in 2022 and embarked on a two-year storyline that engrossed the audience and had them following along on his journey to become WWE champion. So much so that they chose him over The Rock to headline WrestleMania 40 against Reigns. His win over the Tribal Chief kicked off a new era in WWE.

While there is an argument to be made that outside forces and their meddling in the creative process have done more harm than good to Rhodes and his run at the top of the company, there is no denying that he has developed into a QB1 for the promotion.

Seth "Freakin" Rollins

If Rhodes and Reigns are the "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock of this generation, Rollins is the Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels, in that he can consistently be trusted to deliver between the ropes and once the bell rings.

One of the most gifted wrestlers of his era, he is a remarkable wrestler whose star has been presented as equal to his peers. He has accomplished everything, won every major title, slayed The Beast, frazzled the Tribal Chief, beaten The Best in the World, and is responsible for two of the greatest Money in the Bank cash-ins of all time.

CM Punk

Rounding out the big four in this generation of Superstars is CM Punk.

Yes, he only returned to the company in 2023, after a decade away. Still, since returning, he has been responsible for one of the best rivalries of all time against Drew McIntyre, won both the World Heavyweight and WWE Championships, main evented consecutive WrestleManias, and is as popular with the company's audience as ever.

He is in his Shawn Michaels era, the grizzled vet back from semi-retirement and in the midst of a magnificent run of in-ring performances.

Love him or hate him, Punk backs up his bravado and has repeatedly proven that he is damn near untouchable on the mic, in the ring, and even on commentary. That is enough to warrant him a spot on the modern-day Mount Rushmore.

Writer's Note: Becky Lynch absolutely has earned a spot on the mountain based on her work in the women's division. On any given day, she could realistically be swapped out for Rollins or Punk, but for now, they narrowly make it over her.