Power Ranking Every WWE Superstar for 2011

2011 in WWE has provided us with some exceptional moments. With the exceptions of Skip Sheffield, Kevin Nash and The Undertaker, I have ranked all superstars currently on the WWE roster.

These power rankings are for all of 2011 and each superstar will also be grouped into one of six categories, based on the directions their careers are going.

The Six Categories

Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors (For superstars who will likely be released in the near future or will spend their careers as jobbers) 

Mid-Carder For Life (Relatively self-explanatory, this category is for superstars who will likely never make it past the difficult mid-card)

On His Way Down (This category is for those few superstars who have already hit their primes, and will likely never see the spotlight again)

Rising Star (This category is for the rising stars in WWE, who will someday achieve their ultimate goal of being successful in the best wrestling promotion in the world) 

In His Prime (This category is for superstars who are already enjoying life at the top of WWE and can go no further in their careers)

45. Yoshi Tatsu

Congratulations Yoshi, this may be the first time you've ever been featured on this website! Unfortunately for him, he finds himself dead last in the power rankings.

This picture is the extent of Yoshi Tatsu's career—jobbing. It is very difficult for a superstar to gain ground in WWE without full knowledge of the English language. Tatsu has always shown promise in the ring, but he, like many others, will almost surely finish his WWE career at the bottom of the heap. Sayonara, Yoshi!

Category:  Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

44. Trent Barreta

Unfortunately, the lower end of these power rankings is fairly repetitive.

I am actually a fan of this superstar, but he does not seem to be making any progress in WWE. He has recently found himself on the short end of a low-profile feud with Tyson Kidd, likely meaning he will never find his stride in WWE.

Trent has shown an extreme amount of talent and I believe he is a very capable superstar. It is possible for Barreta to possibly be a mid-carder one day, but even that is unlikely.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

43. Primo

I'm not sure what to make of Primo in WWE. He has never been given enough opportunity to establish himself, but perhaps this is for a good reason—not everybody is a John Cena or Randy Orton.

I'm actually surprised Primo hasn't already been released from WWE. He rarely is seen, not even on WWE Superstars. It seems to only be a matter of time before Primo is sent off like Carlito before him. I wish Primo the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Category:  Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

42. Johnny Curtis

Unlike Wade Barrett, Kaval and others, I do not see room for improvement with Johnny Curtis.

The WWE obviously has little faith in Johnny Curtis, apparent by how little he has been featured since his win on NXT. The WWE does not seem to have a place for Johnny and he has already gotten lost in the shuffle.

Perhaps he can be repackaged at some point in the future, because this Johnny Curtis has little future in WWE.

Category:  Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

41. Hornswoggle

It pains me to even include Hornswoggle on this list, but he is actually on the WWE Raw roster.

There is absolutely no purpose for Hornswoggle to be paid. He isn't able to wrestle competitively and as far as "comic relief" is concerned, Hornswoggle hasn't been funny for years.

I can think of no logical reason that Hornswoggle hasn't been released yet, perhaps the same reason "Doink" spent so many years in WWE, a reason that I am yet to come up with.

Category:  Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

40. Brodus Clay

Any momentum that Brodus Clay had from accompanying Alberto Del Rio to the ring has disintegrated. Even during the brief period where he was seen weekly his character was lacking something. He was impressive on NXT, but not up to caliber with the major talent on the WWE roster.

Category:  Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

39. Curt Hawkins

Hawkins' former partner Vance Archer has already been released and I believe Hawkins should have been released as well.

I understand not everybody can be a main-eventer, but Curt Hawkins brings nothing new to the table. His "character" has been done multiple times and he is the prime example of a superstar going nowhere.

Category:  Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

38. JTG

JTG stands for "Just Too Good," but he has been anything but in his WWE career. Perhaps it is his extremely stereotypical gimmick or the fact that he has had virtually no chances since Shad Gaspard's departure.

Believe it or not, I believe JTG can succeed as a singles competitor. He is over with the fans, charismatic and has proved himself in the ring. Though I have had my doubts about JTG in the past, I wish the WWE would give him more of a chance. Who knows what he is capable of.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

37. Tyler Reks

Tyler Reks got off to an impressive start in WWE. He defeated Kaval in his first SmackDown match and earned a spot on Team Smackdown for the 2010 Bragging Rights PPV. He possessed a devastating finisher, a unique gimmick and seemed to be headed in the right direction in his young career. His career has since taken a setback in 2011, as he has been rarely featured on SmackDown.

I will go out a limb here. Tyler Reks will regain his momentum and someday be a star in WWE. 2011 hasn't been the year for Gabe Tuft, perhaps 2012 will bring him more success.

Category: Rising Star

36. Drew McIntyre

Why "The Chosen One" isn't higher on this list is puzzling—there is no sense behind it. Drew has the look, the charisma and a tremendous amount of in-ring ability, yet his status has plummeted in 2011.

Drew was on the fast-track to success a few years ago, but suddenly stopped appearing. It seemed that the old Drew McIntyre was returning at the 2011 Elimination Chamber, but has still rarely been seen since. The future should be bright for Drew at this point, but WWE seems to have dropped the ball on him.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

35. Michael McGillicutty

Even when he was a finalist on NXT, Michael McGillicutty displayed no charisma. He has the look and a reasonable amount of talent, but a lack of charisma will prevent him from being successful in WWE. He has already been WWE Tag Team Champion, a move that I believe hurt him.

Already a weak personality, McGillicutty was buried by Jerry Lawler, a move that damaged his career greatly. Maybe the son of Mr. Perfect will turn his career around, because the way it's going now, it won't last long.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

34. The Usos

A No. 34 spot on this list may not seem promising, but The Uso's (I'll refer to them as one) are full of promise.

In my opinion, Jey and Jimmy Uso are the future of the WWE Tag Team Division. They have been very impressive as of late and they seem to finally be gaining ground in WWE. Though they have not been featured enough to gain a higher rating, expect the Uso's to be decorated in Tag Team gold in 2012.

Category: Rising Star

33. Santino Marella

Santino Marella has already achieved all he will achieve in WWE.

In 2011 he won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Vladimir Kozlov and things will likely go downhill from there. He will never be taken seriously and will never told a major title, Santino is simply "comic relief."

Category: On His Way Down

32. Tyson Kidd

Tyson Kidd is another superstar with amazing potential. He is a prime example of a superstar that would benefit from the Cruiser-weight Division.

I believe Kidd is one of the top performers in the company and he has proven it this year. The split with David Hart Smith has given Kidd the chance to shine, and he has.

Category: Rising Star

31. The Great Khali

The Great Khali is a former World Heavyweight Champion. Not only was he champion, but he was a strong champion.

Unfortunately for Khali, he will never be champion again. His in-ring ability was never a strong point, but when you are as large as Khali, you are as believable as they come.

Khali has no respect anymore and it is impossible for him to regain it after years of being a joke. His time is almost up and he will be remembered by the WWE Universe, but not for the right reasons.

Category: Best Of Luck In Your Future Endeavors

30. Heath Slater

Heath Slater is already a former WWE Tag Team Champion and was involved in the hottest feud of Summer 2010, The Nexus Invasion.

Heath Slater is another superstar who will likely go nowhere. He is average in all categories, but average isn't acceptable in WWE. Slater won't be released, but he will likely never find the success he had in Summer 2010.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

29. Jinder Mahal

Who IS Jinder Mahal? I can't answer that question. I know what WWE has told us, but he is unproven in my eyes. He will eventually drop The Great Khali, which should be done sooner than later.

Perhaps there is potential with Jinder Mahal, but it will take time for him to get past Khali and establish himself as a legitimate contender.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

28. David Otunga

Unlike Michael McGillicutty, I believe there is mid-card potential for David Otunga. His in-ring ability is weak, but he possesses some charisma.

His nickname should be changed to "C-List," because that's where he has found himself in 2011 and where he will find himself for the rest of his career.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

27. Mason Ryan

Oh my god, it's Batista!

The similarities between Mason Ryan and Batista are obvious. In order for Mason Ryan to have similar success, he actually doesn't need to change many things. He has already been impressive in the little time that he's been given, and will likely be on the rise in 2012.

Mason Ryan is the type of superstar that Vince McMahon loves. His 27 ranking on this list is only due to the fact that he has missed considerable amounts of time due to injury.

Category: Rising Star

26. Jack Swagger

It seems as if Jack Swagger is finally regaining ground in WWE. He is currently in a feud with Dolph Ziggler, an established superstar. Nobody can argue that Jack Swagger isn't one of the most talented men in WWE.

For the WWE to not use a man of Swagger's talent is ridiculous. Luckily it seems as if WWE finally agrees.

Category: Rising Star

25. Justin Gabriel

Justin Gabriel is beginning to live up to his potential in WWE. He was recently featured in WWE's trip to South Africa and has been practically flawless as of late. His 450 Splash finisher is breathtaking and the rest of his skills are not too shabby either.

His downfall may be his charisma, but that is fixable with time. Unfortunately, with a surplus of young talent in WWE right now, Gabriel my find himself on the mid-card for the majority of his career.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

24. Ted DiBiase

A well documented story, Ted DiBiase was believed to have a bright future in WWE after Legacy split up. His career has since taken a setback, but things appear to be turning around.

Nobody has doubted his in-ring ability, it's his mic ability people have had questions about. He seems to be getting better and has benefited from his recent teaming with Cody Rhodes.

DiBiase will never have the success of his father, but he will enjoy a long career on the mid-card.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

23. Zack Ryder

Zack Ryder has been all over WWE TV as of late and not a minute too soon. He defeated the former Tag Team champions to achieve a victory on Monday Night Raw and has been making weekly appearances on Friday Night SmackDown.

The WWE has answered the IWC's prayers. Zack Ryder is coming and he is coming fast.

WWWYKI.

Category: Rising Star

22. John Morrison

I believe John Morrison's time is coming. This could have been said many times in the past, but I will never lose hope.

On the first Raw of 2011, he competed in an unbelievable WWE Championship match again Miz. He lost, but put up quite an effort. He was sidelined by injury this past summer and looks to regain the momentum he had before his departure.

It is impossible to overlook John Morrison. I believe a move back to SmackDown could do wonders for the former "Friday Night Delight."

Category: Rising Star

21. Sheamus

The Celtic Warrior's move to SmackDown hasn't quite turned out like we expected, but it's not too late for that to change.

Already a two-time WWE Champion, Sheamus hasn't had much success in 2011. He was briefly United States Champion, but hasn't made an impact like the previous year.

Not to worry though, Sheamus is still extremely impressive and will likely return to the title picture soon.

Category: Rising Star

20. Kane

Kane began the year feuding for the World Heavyweight Championship after a lengthy run as champion for the previous months. He also won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Big Show in 2011, but his best days are behind him.

Kane doesn't have many matches left in him and may someday find himself in the WWE Hall Of Fame alongside his Brother Of Destruction.

Category: On His Way Down

19. The Big Show

Like his Tag Team partner, Big Show's best days are behind him. Big Show hasn't held many world titles in WWE, but he will make the Hall Of Fame regardless. He has been out much of 2011 with various injuries, but still electrifies the crowds every time he makes his way down to the ring.

The Big Show is getting older, but he is still effective when needed for a smaller feud.

Category: On His Way Down

18. Ezekiel Jackson

Winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship should be the first step in reaching the main-event for a WWE Superstar. For Ezekiel Jackson, a former ECW Champion as well, it seems to be a bump in the road.

Instead of progressing after a title win, Jackson has regressed and seems to be lost in the shuffle of Friday Night SmackDown. Jackson was very impressive and still is, but will need to regain his feet if he is to capture more WWE gold.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

17. Wade Barrett

Wade Barrett will be a multi-time World Champion before his career is done.

In 2011, he left Nexus and formed "The Corre." His new faction was less successful, but still the talk of WWE for a few weeks.

Barrett is one of the most well-rounded superstars on SmackDown and it shouldn't be long before he holds the World Heavyweight Championship.

Category: Rising Star

16. Alex Riley

Alex Riley has taken major strides in 2011. After finishing third on Season Two of WWE NXT, many wondered if Riley had a future in WWE. He began serving as the apprentice to The Miz, a role he played for many months.

Riley has since broken away from Miz and successfully won a feud against his former mentor. WWE has faith in Alex Riley, otherwise he wouldn't have beat a superstar like The Miz. Riley will be competing for the United States Championship this Sunday at Night Of Champions.

Although he likely won't win, the future is bright for A-Ry.

Category: Rising Star 

15. Evan Bourne

Evan Bourne is currently one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions with Kofi Kingston. For a while now, being Tag Team Champion was of little significance, but that is quickly changing.

AirBoom is the first step in bringing prestige back to the Tag Team division. Miz and R-Truth are an extremely talented Tag Team and will be competing for the gold at Night Of Champions. Evan Bourne will never be a main-eventer, but his current run as Tag Team Champion has boosted the status of Evan Bourne.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

14. Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston has continued his success from 2010 and carried it through 2011. No, he isn't feuding for the WWE Championship, but he has established himself as a top mid-carder. He held the United States Championship earlier this year, and now is Tag Team Champion with Evan Bourne.

Kofi will almost certainly never reach the main-event after he seemed to be in 2009, but has established himself as an excellent performer.

Category: Mid-Carder For Life

13. Sin Cara

Sin Cara (Hunico?) is a very hot topic in 2011. Whether it's his failed drug test or switch to Hunico, "Sin Cara" has been all over WWE in his short time with the company.

The old Sin Cara displayed inconsistencies, but Hunico appears to be much more reliable. It is no secret that Rey Mysterio will not be returning anytime soon—possibly ever—and Sin Cara is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Though I am not his biggest fan, he will almost certainly fill the void now that Mysterio has departed.

Category: Rising Star

12. Rey Mysterio

As mentioned in the previous slide, Rey Mysterio's career is coming to an end. Voted as one of the top superstars of all time, Mysterio is a certain Hall of Famer.

Though it was only for 90 minutes, Rey Mysterio held the WWE Championship this year. When healthy, he has taken part in many feuds this year and continued to be as consistent as they come.

Category: On His Way Down

11. R-Truth

What a comeback year for R-Truth. I'll admit, I couldn't stand the old R-Truth. Now I find myself laughing every time he appears on Raw. R-Truth even competed against John Cena for the WWE Championship at "Capitol Punishment'!

Teaming with The Miz will only help the career or R-Truth, a career that most thought was done. Though he will likely never compete for a world title again, 2011 has been the year for R-Truth.

Category: In His Prime

10. Cody Rhodes

2011 has been a spectacular year for Cody Rhodes. After defeating Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania, Cody won the WWE Intercontinental Championship, mentored  Ted DiBiase and is now close to taking the next step in his young career.

Cody Rhodes has become one of the main reasons I tune in to Friday Night SmackDown every week. Cody Rhodes even holds a victory over Randy Orton and though it may be a dirty one, a win is a win.

Cody has established himself in 2011, expect more of the same as the year progresses.

Category: Rising Star

9. Dolph Ziggler

This man has come a long way since Nicky of "The Spirit Squad."

Nick Nemeth has developed greatly and is primed for more success in the future. It seems as if his relationship with Vickie Guerrero may be ending soon, which will allow Dolph to show his charisma and possibly win a major title (No, I don't count his brief stint as WHC a reign).

I don't think anybody can disagree that Dolph Ziggler will be WWE Champion someday. The WWE is very high on Ziggler and for a good reason.

Category: Rising Star

8. Daniel Bryan

I had a hard time placing Daniel Bryan this high on the list because of his recent losing streak, but this man won a Money In The Bank match. He has to be primed for greatness, right...right???

If WWE decides to make Daniel Bryan the man that loses his Money In The Bank title match, I will be very displeased. He may be the IWC's golden boy, but he deserves to be. He is arguably the most skilled wrestler in WWE and possess amazing ability. Daniel Bryan's charisma isn't as bad as people say and he should have time to develop it further before his match at WrestleMania.

Category: Rising Star

7. Christian

You may be saying to yourself, "Christian won the World Heavyweight Championship TWICE this year, why isn't he in the Top five!"

I have a valid reason. Even when Christian was champion, he was portrayed as a weak champion—as weak as possible. His first title win was impressive and he competed in many brilliant matches with Randy Orton, but was never the top Superstar on SmackDown.

I believe WWE put Christian in such a high-profile feud this past summer to reward him for all of his time spent with the company, similar to what Mark Henry is experiencing right now. Christian will likely be out of the World Title picture for the rest of his career, but "Captain Charisma" has had a super career none the less.

Category: On His Way Down

6. The Miz

Believe it or not, 2011 has been a down year for The Miz, but he earns a No. 6 spot regardless. He held the WWE Championship through WrestleMania, but until recently has been relatively quiet in WWE.

"Awesome Truth" is Miz' ticket back to success, as the Tag Team division has received a makeover. It won't be long before Miz is competing for the WWE Championship again, but until then he will be competing in the Tag Team division, a place where he has proved himself before.

Miz has been champion before, but still continues to grow as a WWE superstar.

Category: Rising Star

5. Mark Henry

I am extremely happy to be able to put Mark Henry so high on this list. Though he hasn't been champion in 2011 (yet), he has received a mega-push like no other. He has dominated every Superstar he has come in contact with in 2011 and will be competing against Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship this Sunday at Night Of Champions.

It's about time WWE pushed Mark Henry. You can't call a guy "Worlds Strongest Man" and treat him like a jobber.

Category: In His Prime

4. John Cena

When all is said and done, John Cena may go down as the Most Successful WWE superstar of all time. Even though John Cena hasn't held the WWE Championship as long as others this year, he still continues to be the center of WWE.

There is no arguing the ability of John Cena—he is the face of the company because he deserves to be. I can predict the rest of 2011 fairly easily for John Cena. He will win the WWE Championship...and if he doesn't, he will be in the main event anyway.

Category: In His Prime

3. CM Punk

Before I feel the wrath of my fellow IWC members, let me explain why CM Punk is not No. 1 on this list. There is absolutely no way CM Punk finishes before the superstars filling the final two spots on this power ranking list.

That being said, CM Punk has had a career year in 2011 and has finally broken into the main event. Yes, he has been in the main event before, but this time it seems as if he will be staying for a long time. He will be facing Triple H this Sunday at Night Of Champions, after having one of the most memorable Summer's for a WWE Superstar in recent memory.

CM Punk could be the most complete superstar in WWE and he has proven that again and again in 2011. Though Punk has had an amazing summer, I still believe he is on the rise. His status will only continue to grow in WWE as he finally establishes himself as the future of the company.

Category: Rising Star

2. Randy Orton

Since his move to SmackDown, Randy Orton has been unbeatable (this will be tested at Night Of Champions). He has held the World Heavyweight Championship numerous times and has been on quite a roll in 2011.

Similar to John Cena, Randy Orton's status can go no higher in WWE, he has already cemented himself as a future Hall of Famer. The rest of his career will be more of the same. More winning, more RKO's and more gold.

Category: In His Prime

1. Alberto Del Rio

How many Superstars have won the Royal Rumble, Money In The Bank and the WWE Championship all in one calender year? Probably only one.

Alberto Del Rio has had a historic year in 2011 and though I don't particularly care for him, there is no arguing his talent. He may not be my favorite WWE superstar, but he definitely has had the most impressive 2011 and easily earns the No. 1 spot on this list.

Category: Rising Star