Welcome to the world of American professional wrestling! As one of the most popular forms of entertainment and sports, professional wrestling has captivated audiences around the world for decades.
From the early days of World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to the current stars of the WWE, the US has produced some of the greatest wrestling superstars in history. In this article, we will take a look at the ten best wrestling players in the United States of America.
From legendary grapplers to modern-day legends, these wrestlers have made an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best wrestlers in the US.
1. Jordan Burroughs
Jordan Ernest Burroughs is an accomplished American wrestler.
He is a freestyle wrestler which means he competes in a form of amateur wrestling that is characterized by grappling techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds.
He is renowned for his ability to compete at a high level in both folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. Folkstyle wrestling is a form of wrestling that is primarily practiced in the United States. It is the style of wrestling used in most high school and college matches.
Burroughs is currently competing at 79 kilograms, although he previously competed at 74 kilograms.
His successful performance in both styles of wrestling has seen him receive numerous awards and accolades, including being named the 2012 US Olympic Champion and the 2011 World Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of the sport.
2. Kyle Snyder
Kyle Frederick Snyder is an accomplished American wrestler. He specializes in both freestyle and folkstyle wrestling, competing in the 97-kilogram division.
His achievements in the sport are remarkable, as he is the youngest American wrestler to ever win an Olympic Gold medal, and the youngest American wrestler to ever win a World Championship.
Snyder’s success in the sport of wrestling began early, earning a Junior National Championship at the age of 13. He continued to excel as he entered high school, winning four Ohio state titles and being named the Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament three times.
He went on to attend college at the Ohio State University, where he won three NCAA titles and was a four-time All-American. Snyder’s international accomplishments are just as impressive.
He won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, becoming the youngest American wrestler to ever secure an Olympic Gold. He followed that success up with a World Championship victory in 2017, again making him the youngest American wrestler to win that title.
Kyle Frederick Snyder is an incredibly talented athlete who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport of wrestling.
His accomplishments as the youngest American to ever win an Olympic Gold medal and a World Championship make him an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers everywhere.
3. Helen Maroulis
Helen Louise Maroulis is a prominent American freestyle wrestler. She competes in the women’s 55-kg, 53-kg and 57-kg categories. She is a proud gold medalist having won at two major international competitions.
In 2015, she won the gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was a major achievement for her, becoming the first American woman to win a world championship in freestyle wrestling.
In 2011, she won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. This was another major accomplishment for Maroulis, as she became the first American to win gold at the Pan American Games in women’s freestyle wrestling.
Maroulis is a role model for aspiring wrestlers as she has achieved tremendous success in her career. She is an inspiration to many and her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
4. Bruce Baumgartner
Bruce Robert Baumgartner is an accomplished former freestyle wrestler, who has gone on to have a successful career in university advancement and athletic direction.
He is currently the assistant vice president for university advancement and former athletic director at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania near Erie, Pennsylvania.
This is not the only noteworthy role in which Bruce Robert Baumgartner is involved; he is also the President of USA Wrestling.
As a wrestler, Bruce Robert Baumgartner had an impressive career, earning four Olympic medals, three World Championship titles, and eleven medals at the Pan American Championships.
He was the first American to win three Olympic gold medals in wrestling and is a two-time NCAA Division I champion. Baumgartner’s accomplishments don’t end there. After retiring from wrestling, he transitioned to university advancement and athletic direction.
At Edinboro University, he served as assistant vice president for university advancement and former athletic director.
In this role, he was responsible for the university’s fundraising activities, developing relationships with alumni and donors, and overseeing the university’s athletic department. Baumgartner is also the President of USA Wrestling.
USA Wrestling is the national governing body for Olympic-style wrestling in the United States. In this role, Baumgartner oversees the organization’s operations and works to promote the sport of wrestling.
Bruce Robert Baumgartner’s impressive career is filled with accomplishments in both wrestling and university advancement. His success in the former has enabled him to continue to contribute to the sport and university through his current roles.
5. Kurt Angle
Kurt Steven Angle is a highly accomplished athlete who has left a lasting impression on the world of professional wrestling.
He was born in 1968 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began wrestling in high school, eventually going on to win an NCAA Division I championship in 1990 while at Clarion University.
He then went on to represent the United States in the 1996 Olympic Games, where he won gold in freestyle wrestling. Angle is best known for his tenures in both WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
He first joined the WWE in 1998, and quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in the company. During his time with the WWE, he won various titles including the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and Intercontinental Championship.
After leaving the WWE in 2006, he joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship three times. In 2017, Angle was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements.
He is also the only professional wrestler to have held wrestling championships in both WWE and TNA. Despite retiring from professional wrestling in 2019, Angle remains an icon of the sport and an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers.
6. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels is a retired professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE. He has had a long and successful career in the wrestling industry and is now taking on a new role as Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative.
In this role, he is in charge of overseeing the creative aspects of the NXT brand, which is the promotion’s developmental territory. This means that he is responsible for coming up with new ideas and strategies to help the promotion and its wrestlers grow and succeed.
He is also involved in the training and development of the brand’s young talent, helping to ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to excel in the industry.
His wealth of experience and knowledge make him an invaluable asset to WWE, and his work is sure to help the promotion reach new heights.
7. Mick Foley
Mick Foley is an iconic name in the world of professional wrestling. He is a former wrestler, an actor, an author, and a color commentator.
Foley began his career in 1983 and quickly rose to stardom in the WWE, becoming a four-time world champion, three-time world tag team champion, and one-time hardcore champion.
Foley is probably best known for his outrageous stunts and hardcore matches, which often resulted in him being hospitalized. After a long and successful career, Foley retired from wrestling in 2012.
However, his legacy lives on in the WWE, where he is now signed to the company’s “Legends” program. As an ambassador for the WWE, Foley continues to represent the company by appearing at various events and interacting with fans.
He also makes occasional appearances on TV and is an active author, with books covering his life in and out of wrestling. By continuing to be involved in the WWE, Foley is ensuring that his legacy is not forgotten and that he will remain a part of wrestling for years to come.
8. Dusty Rhodes
Virgil Riley Runnels Jr., who was more commonly known by his professional wrestling stage name “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, was a highly respected and successful professional wrestler, booker, and trainer.
He is best known for his work with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which is now known as the WWE. Throughout his career, Rhodes was known as a larger-than-life character who was known for his charisma and showmanship.
He was also recognized for his innovative booking strategies that helped to create the classic feuds and storylines that are still remembered to this day. Rhodes had an impressive career in the ring, racking up championship wins in multiple organizations.
He also had an incredible run as a booker for the NWA, where he is credited with helping to establish the classic wrestling style that fans still know and love today. Rhodes was also a respected mentor and trainer, helping to launch the careers of many future wrestling superstars.
He was known as a father figure to many of these wrestlers, helping to guide and shape their careers. Rhodes’ legacy continues to live on today as a respected and beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling.
His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark and he will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
9. Ted DiBiase
Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. is an iconic figure in professional wrestling. He started out as a professional wrestler in the 1970s and worked his way up to becoming a manager, an ordained minister, and a color commentator.
He rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s and is widely known for his infamous “Million Dollar Man” persona. As of 2023, DiBiase is still actively involved in the wrestling world, signing with WWE and now working in their Legends program.
In this program, DiBiase is able to interact with fans and share his knowledge of the wrestling industry. He is also able to stay connected with current wrestling events, as well as be a part of the greater WWE universe.
DiBiase is a renowned figure in wrestling and his presence is still felt in the industry to this day.
10. Ben Askren
Ben Askren is an elite athlete who has achieved success in both mixed martial arts (MMA) and amateur wrestling. He has competed as a professional mixed martial artist as well as a freestyle wrestler.
As an amateur wrestler, he has earned numerous accolades, including a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008 and a National Championship in freestyle wrestling. In addition, Askren also won the Pan American Championship in freestyle wrestling in 2005.
A two-time Big 12 Conference champion and two-time NCAA Division I All-American, Askren was an incredibly successful amateur wrestler. He had an impressive record of 152–8, which included an incredible unbeaten streak of 118 matches.
Moreover, Askren is a three-time National Open Champion and a three-time National Team Member, and he was a finalist at the 2005 World Championships. As a professional MMA fighter, Askren had an impressive record of 18-0, with 1 no contest.
He was also the Bellator Welterweight World Champion and ONE Welterweight World Champion. Askren’s grappling prowess was well-known and he was regarded as one of the best in the sport.
Ben Askren is a highly decorated athlete who has achieved a great deal of success in both MMA and amateur wrestling. His accomplishments as a professional fighter and amateur wrestler are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
11. John Morrison
John Randall Hennigan is an American professional wrestler and actor who is best known by his stage name, John Morrison. He is a well-known figure in the wrestling world, with a ten-year tenure in the WWE, five years at Impact Wrestling, and four years in Lucha Underground.
Hennigan started his wrestling career in the WWE in 2002, where he was known as Johnny Nitro.
He quickly established himself as a major star in the company, winning numerous titles, including the Intercontinental Championship three times, and the WWE Tag Team Championship two times.
He also competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match for a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania XXV. In 2011, Hennigan left the WWE and joined Impact Wrestling, where he competed as John Morrison.
He quickly proved to be a hit with the fans and won the Impact World Championship in his first year there. He then moved on to Lucha Underground, where he held the Lucha Underground Championship twice.
John Morrison has also had success in Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Boone: The Bounty Hunter” and “The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown”. He has also appeared in various television shows, including “Psych” and “Good Luck Charlie”.
John Randall Hennigan is an accomplished wrestler and actor who has been entertaining audiences for more than a decade. He is best known for his time in the WWE, Impact Wrestling, and Lucha Underground, but his success in Hollywood is also noteworthy.
He is sure to continue to be a fan favorite for years to come.
12. Frank Gotch
Frank Alvin Gotch was an iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling. He was the first American professional wrestler to ever win the world heavyweight freestyle championship, and his success in the sport helped popularize professional wrestling in the United States.
Gotch was born in Iowa in 1878 and began wrestling in 1895, eventually becoming one of the most renowned professional wrestlers of his era.
He was known for his agility and strength, and his signature move was the “Gotch-lock” which he used to swiftly defeat opponents. Gotch’s claim to fame came when he won the world heavyweight freestyle championship in 1908.
Before his victory, professional wrestling had been largely dominated by European wrestlers, and his win symbolized the emergence of American professional wrestlers on the world stage.
This victory also helped to popularize professional wrestling in the United States, as Gotch’s success made him a household name and inspired a new generation of American wrestlers to enter the sport. Gotch’s legacy lives on today, as his accomplishments remain an inspiration to professional wrestlers around the world.
His skill and success helped to create a new era of professional wrestling in the United States, and his influence can still be felt in the sport today.
13. Jack Brisco
Freddie Joe “Jack” Brisco was an influential figure in the American wrestling scene, both as an amateur wrestler and as a professional. As an amateur, Brisco competed for Oklahoma State, where he achieved remarkable success.
Brisco was named an All-American twice, and even more impressively, he won the NCAA Division I national championship. This championship win speaks to the level of skill and dedication Brisco had to the sport of wrestling.
Brisco’s championship win was an impressive accomplishment, and it certainly laid the foundation for his successful professional wrestling career.
14. Danny Hodge
Daniel Allen Hodge was a legendary athlete who excelled in both wrestling and boxing. He was an accomplished amateur wrestler, having won three NCAA titles and an Olympic silver medal, and was inducted into the U.S. Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame for his achievements.
Hodge also had a distinguished career in professional wrestling and is remembered as a seven-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. His accomplishments in the ring earned him a place in the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Hodge was known for his strength, speed, and agility, and was considered one of the most technically sound wrestlers of his time. He was also a successful boxing boxer, having competed in the professional ranks for a brief period.
His combination of skills made him a formidable opponent, and he was highly respected for his tenacity and hard work. The legacy of Daniel Allen Hodge lives on today.
He is remembered as one of the greatest athletes of his generation, with a career that spanned multiple disciplines. He was a champion in both amateur and professional wrestling and was a successful boxer.
His accomplishments and dedication to the sport of wrestling have earned him a place in both the U.S. Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.
15. David Taylor
David Morris Taylor III is a highly accomplished wrestler from the United States. He is a two-time world-level freestyle wrestler, having won gold medals at both the Junior World Championships and the Pan American Championships.
Additionally, he is a Graduate-level folkstyle wrestler, having won the U.S. Open National Championship in 2016. Currently, he competes at 86 kilograms, which is a weight class in the Olympic and international styles of wrestling.
Over the course of his career, he has earned multiple accolades, including being named a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA runner-up.
He is also a two-time USA Wrestling National Team member and has represented the United States at the World Championships and Pan American Championships. He is currently training for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
16. Kerry McCoy
Kerry R. McCoy is an accomplished American wrestler and coach. He has seen great success in the sporting world, having competed at the Olympic Games twice and four times at the World Cup Championships.
At the collegiate level, he was a three-time NCAA All-American and a two-time NCAA National Champion. This shows his dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence.
He is undoubtedly a star in the world of wrestling, having achieved so much in the sport in such a short time. His commitment to the sport and his remarkable success have made him a household name in the wrestling world.
His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere.
17. Brandon Paulson
Brandon Douglas Paulson is an accomplished athlete and an experienced coach. He was born in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and attended Anoka High School, graduating in 1992. As an athlete, Paulson was a world-class Greco-Roman wrestler.
He represented the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games and won multiple medals in international competitions. After retiring from competitive wrestling, Paulson began coaching and has established himself as a highly respected coach.
He has worked with many successful athletes, helping them to reach their full potential in the sport. Paulson is a true inspiration, as he has achieved great success both as an athlete and a coach.
He is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication and serves as a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
18. Rulon Gardner
Rulon Ellis Gardner is a retired American Greco-Roman wrestler. He is most famous for achieving a legendary feat when he won the gold medal in the 2000 Olympic Games.
His opponent in the finals was Aleksandr Karelin, a Russian wrestler who had won the gold medal three times in a row and had been unbeaten for 13 years in international competition. Gardner’s victory was a monumental achievement and one that has gone down in history.
He was able to overcome a seemingly insurmountable challenge and etch his name into Olympic history. Gardner’s victory against such a formidable opponent is an incredible accomplishment and one that will not soon be forgotten.
19. Mark Schultz
Mark Philip Schultz is a highly accomplished former American freestyle wrestler. He is a three-time NCAA champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and a two-time World champion.
His career accomplishments have earned him a spot in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, where he was inducted as a Distinguished Member in 1995. Schultz was a dedicated wrestler from a young age.
He started competing in high school and went on to capture three NCAA titles at the University of Oklahoma. He then shifted his focus to international competitions, and his hard work paid off when he won an Olympic gold medal in 1984.
He also won two World championships in 1983 and 1987. Throughout his career, Schultz has earned multiple awards in recognition of his achievements.
In addition to being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, he has also been inducted into the San Francisco Hall of Fame, California Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the National Collegiate Wrestling Hall of Fame. He has also been honored with the James E.
Sullivan Award, which is presented to the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. Mark Philip Schultz is a legend in the sport of wrestling. His impressive list of accomplishments has earned him respect and admiration from athletes around the world.
He is a true role model for aspiring wrestlers everywhere.
20. Zeke Jones
Larry Lee “Zeke” Jones is an American wrestler from Arizona State University with a long list of accomplishments. In 1992, he won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, making him one of the most decorated American wrestlers ever.
One year prior, he was crowned world champion in Varna, Bulgaria, further cementing his status as an elite athlete. After retiring from competitive wrestling, Jones went on to become the freestyle head coach at USA Wrestling.
In April of 2014, he was given the opportunity to return to Arizona State University as the head coach of the wrestling team. With his vast experience and knowledge of the sport, Larry Lee “Zeke” Jones is sure to be a major asset to the university’s wrestling program.
21. Greg Gibson
Gregory P. Gibson is an accomplished former American wrestler who competed in the heavyweight division. He has achieved a feat that no other American wrestler has been able to accomplish – winning medals in three different styles of wrestling.
These styles are Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Sambo. Freestyle wrestling is the most common style of wrestling and is contested in the Olympics and international tournaments.
It is a combination of many wrestling styles and allows wrestlers to use both their upper and lower body for offensive and defensive moves. Greco-Roman wrestling is a style that only allows the use of the upper body for offensive and defensive moves.
Sambo is a martial art developed in Russia and is based on judo, wrestling, and other martial arts.
It is a combination of self-defense and sport and is comprised of both grappling and striking techniques. Gibson’s success in the three different styles of wrestling is an impressive accomplishment.
It shows that he was a well-rounded wrestler, capable of adapting to different styles and making the most out of each one. His skill and determination are an inspiration to other wrestlers, and his achievements will continue to be recognized and celebrated.
22. Elena Pirozhkova
Elena Sergey Pirozhkova is a remarkable athlete who has achieved great success in the sport of wrestling. She was born in Russia but decided to represent the United States in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
She was successful in her venture, winning the gold medal at the 2012 World Championships in the 63 kg weight class. Her success was not limited to that achievement, however; she also won the gold medal at the Pan American Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Her impressive resume of accomplishments is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone who dreams of achieving success in the world of sports.
23. Dennis Hall
Dennis William Hall is an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Neosho, Wisconsin, United States. Hall was highly successful during his wrestling career, winning 10 US National Championships, one World Championship, and competing in three Olympic Games.
His greatest achievement came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he earned a silver medal. Hall had a remarkable career and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers of all time.
24. Kristie Marano
Kristie Davis is an accomplished freestyle wrestler from Albany, New York. She has achieved numerous successes in her career, including winning nine medals at the women’s World Championships in freestyle wrestling. Of those nine medals, two were gold.
Her accomplishments have been recognized with the prestigious James M. Cooke Memorial Award, which she received in 2004. This award is given to the New York Athletic Club’s Athlete of the Year, and Davis is only the third woman to have ever been awarded this honor.
Her success in the sport of freestyle wrestling is an inspiration to many and her hard work and dedication to the sport have been rewarded with this prestigious award.
25. Tervel Dlagnev
Tervel Ivaylov Dlagnev is a highly accomplished American freestyle wrestler. At the 2012 Olympic Games in London, he competed in the 125 kg weight division and was awarded a bronze medal for his efforts.
This was a proud moment for the United States and for Dlagnev himself. Four years later, Dlagnev represented the United States once again at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This time he finished in fifth place, but his performance was still impressive.
He competed against some of the most talented wrestlers in the world and was able to put up a good fight. Dlagnev’s achievements demonstrate his tremendous athleticism and determination.
He is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers in the United States and is a symbol of excellence in the sport. His impressive performances in London and Rio will be remembered for years to come.
26. Steve Fraser
Steve Fraser is an American Greco-Roman wrestler and coach who achieved greatness in his sport. He is the proud owner of an Olympic gold medal, having won the gold medal in the 90 kg weight class at the 1984 Olympic Games.
This was a historic moment, as Steve Fraser was the first American to ever win a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling. As a coach, Steve Fraser has worked with many different athletes, helping them to reach their full potential and achieve success.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed, and he is widely respected in the wrestling community. Steve Fraser’s accomplishments have made him an inspiration to many, and a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to reach the top.
27. Sara McMann
Sara McMann is an accomplished athlete and one of the top competitors in the world of mixed martial arts. She currently competes in the Women’s Featherweight division under the Bellator MMA banner.
McMann is a decorated Olympic wrestler, having earned a Silver Medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. She added to her impressive resume by also becoming a World Silver Medalist and a two-time Bronze Medalist.
McMann has been successful in her MMA career to date, winning her first eight matches. Since then, she has gone on to amass a respectable record of 12 wins and six losses. She has also been the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion.
McMann’s impressive career and accomplishments highlight her as one of the most decorated female athletes in the world of mixed martial arts.
28. Kenny Monday
Kenny Dale Monday is a remarkable athlete who has achieved great success in his field. At only six years old, he began his wrestling career at a YMCA after-school program and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
His admiration for Olympic wrestler Wayne Wells inspired him to strive for excellence in his own career. Monday’s hard work paid off as he achieved three All-American honors during his college career at Oklahoma State University.
He also went on to compete in three Olympic games, and in 1996, he won a gold medal for the United States. Monday’s impressive accomplishments have earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.
He is an exemplary figure for aspiring wrestlers everywhere, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
29. John Peterson
John Allan Peterson is a highly successful American wrestler and Olympic gold medalist.
He is a renowned athlete in the sport of freestyle wrestling, having won several prestigious tournaments and championships. He was born in the United States and has been competing in freestyle wrestling since his early years.
Throughout his career, Peterson has achieved a large number of titles and accomplishments, including the Olympic gold medal in 2000.
He also won the World Championships in 1999 and the Pan American Games in 2001. Peterson has consistently been one of the top-ranked wrestlers in the world, and his success in international tournaments is unmatched.
His record of success has earned him a spot in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
He is also a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the United States Wrestling Foundation. Peterson is widely respected in the wrestling community as an athlete and ambassador for the sport.
He is a role model for many aspiring wrestlers and is an inspirational figure for all athletes. His dedication and commitment to the sport has earned him a great deal of admiration and recognition.
30. David Schultz
Dave Schultz was a highly accomplished freestyle wrestler who achieved unprecedented success in his sport. He was a seven-time Olympic and World medalist, including a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics.
He also had the distinction of being the first American to win consecutive World and Olympic titles. In addition to his personal achievements, Schultz also had a great impact as a coach. He coached individuals and teams at the college level as well as in private sessions.
Dave’s brother, Mark, was also a successful wrestler, and the two brothers managed to make history by both winning gold medals at the same Olympics. This was truly an incredible accomplishment and one that demonstrated the dedication and hard work of both brothers.
Dave and Mark Schultz remain two of the most successful and influential wrestlers in American history.
31. Clarissa Chun
Clarissa Kyoko Mei Ling Chun is an inspiring figure in the world of wrestling. She is the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s wrestling program and was the USA Wrestling assistant National coach.
She is also an accomplished American Olympic women’s freestyle 48 kg wrestler, and the first female wrestler from Hawaii to win a medal at the Olympics. Chun has accomplished much in her career, starting as a young girl when she began wrestling in high school.
She was successful in the sport and eventually moved to the national level, where she became a USA Wrestling assistant coach. She then went on to become a successful Olympic athlete, competing in women’s freestyle 48 kg.
Her hard work and dedication paid off when she became the first female wrestler from Hawaii to win a medal at the Olympics. Chun’s success in the sport has inspired many young female wrestlers to follow in her footsteps.
She has been an advocate for female wrestlers, and her coaching and mentoring has helped to bring more attention and recognition to women’s wrestling.
She has also been an advocate for mental health and wellness, speaking out about her own struggles with depression. Chun is a role model for athletes everywhere, and her success is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
She is a champion for female wrestlers and has made a lasting impact on the sport.
32. Dremiel Byers
Dremiel Byers is a former American wrestler who competed in the Greco-Roman discipline. He first joined the World Class Athletes Program in 1996 and went on to become the 2002 World Champion in Greco-Roman wrestling at 120 kg.
He was also a highly successful athlete, having won three World medals in total, and competing at two Olympic Games. Byers’ success in Greco-Roman wrestling was undoubtedly a result of his dedication and commitment to the sport.
He was a role model for aspiring wrestlers of all ages, showing them that hard work and determination can lead to success. Byers’ achievements demonstrate the importance of perseverance, showing that with enough effort anything is possible.
33. Daniel Cormier
Daniel Ryan Cormier is an incredibly accomplished athlete, having achieved success in multiple sports. He is a former professional mixed martial artist and amateur wrestler and currently serves as a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
He made history by becoming the first fighter ever to hold two world titles in two different weight classes simultaneously, as he was the reigning Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion at the same time.
His unprecedented achievement is a testament to his skill, hard work, and dedication to the sport.
Throughout his career, Cormier has consistently shown himself to be a tenacious competitor, and his amazing accomplishments are a source of pride and inspiration for many aspiring athletes.
34. Patricia Miranda
Patricia Noriko Miranda is an incredible woman who achieved an amazing feat in the world of sports. She is the first American woman in Olympic history to win a medal in women’s Olympic wrestling, a feat that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Her accomplishment was even more impressive considering she was competing in the 48 kg or 106 lb weight class. Miranda was a collegiate wrestler prior to her Olympic success.
She had a long and successful career in the United States, becoming a three-time Pac-10 conference champion and a two-time NCAA All-American.
However, it was her performance at the 2004 Summer Olympics that placed her into the history books. At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Miranda competed in the 48 kg or 106 lb weight class.
She had to overcome several high-profile opponents, including the reigning World Champion and the reigning European Champion.
Despite the odds, Miranda was able to secure the bronze medal, making her the first American woman to win a medal in Olympic women’s wrestling. The success of Patricia Noriko Miranda is an inspiring example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
She is a role model for aspiring female athletes, showing them that anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort.
Miranda’s success also paved the way for future generations of American female wrestlers, giving them the motivation to keep striving for excellence.
35. Barry Davis
Barry Alan Davis is an impressive athlete and coach. He earned an Olympic silver medal, a World bronze and silver medal, and a Pan American Games gold medal in freestyle wrestling. His career accomplishments don’t stop there.
He was the head wrestling coach at the University of Wisconsin for 24 years, from 1994 to 2018. During his time there, he has trained and mentored countless athletes. He has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many, inspiring them to aim for greatness in the sport of wrestling.
His commitment to the sport and to his athletes is clear. He is an example of how hard work, dedication, and passion can lead to great success.
36. Sammie Henson
Samuel “Sammie” Henson is an incredible athlete who has achieved great success in the world of wrestling. His accomplishments include winning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1998 FILA Wrestling World Championships, held in Tehran, Iran.
This was a remarkable feat, as it demonstrated Henson’s strength and tenacity as a wrestler, as well as his ability to compete at the highest level of competition. Henson’s success did not stop at the World Championships.
He was a three-time All-American at the University of Missouri, and a four-time National Champion.
He also represented the United States at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, ultimately finishing in fifth place. Henson is an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers, as he has shown that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve great success in the world of wrestling.
He is a true champion, and his accomplishments will be remembered for many years to come.
37. Terry Brands
Terry Brands is an American Olympic wrestler who achieved great success in his career. In 2000, he earned a bronze medal in the Summer Olympics, losing the semi-final match to Alireza Dabir. Before his Olympic success, he had also achieved remarkable feats in college wrestling.
While wrestling at the University of Iowa, Terry Brands won two NCAA titles in 1990 and 1992, both at the 126 pound weight class. This impressive feat demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his drive to succeed.
Brands’ dedication and skill have earned him the respect of his peers and made him a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
38. Kevin Jackson
Kevin Andre Jackson is an accomplished athlete who has achieved success in a variety of sports. As a freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, Jackson was a formidable opponent and won numerous competitions.
Additionally, he has competed in mixed martial arts, where he has also had great success. After retiring as a competitive athlete, Jackson decided to pursue a coaching career.
He has gone on to become a highly respected wrestling coach, with his expertise and experience in the sport proving invaluable to the athletes he works with.
His career as a coach has seen him achieve great success and his coaching skills have been praised by many. In addition to his achievements in sports, Jackson has also contributed to various charitable causes.
He has worked to help promote the sport of wrestling and has also been involved in fundraising events for various organizations.
His commitment to helping and giving back has made him a beloved figure in the wrestling and mixed martial arts community. Overall, Kevin Andre Jackson is a true success story. Through his hard work and dedication, he has achieved greatness in both sports and coaching.
His commitment to using his success to help others is an example of the kind of person he is. He is a role model for aspiring wrestlers and mixed martial artists and a testament of what hard work can achieve.
39. Lou Banach
Ludwig David “Lou” Banach is an outstanding American athlete who made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He won a gold medal in wrestling, a feat that was made even more remarkable by his fraternal twin brother Ed Banach.
Both Lou and Ed won gold medals in freestyle wrestling at the same Olympics, making them the only two siblings in the history of Olympic wrestling to do so.
The Banach brothers’ accomplishments are a testament to their skill and determination, as they managed to perform at the highest level on the biggest stage.
Lou and Ed’s success in the Olympics not only brought them fame and recognition but also inspired countless athletes to strive for greatness.
40. Ed Banach
Ed Banach is a remarkable athlete who achieved great success in his career. He first rose to fame in the 1984 Summer Olympics, where he won a gold medal in wrestling.
His career began at the University of Iowa, where he wrestled under the guidance of the legendary Dan Gable from 1980 to 1983. During his time at Iowa, he was an impressive four-time NCAA All-American and three-time NCAA national champion.
His stellar performance earned him the title of the 1983 Big Ten Athlete of the Year. Ed Banach’s legacy as an Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion has made him a role model for many aspiring athletes.
He is a testament to the potential of hard work and dedication, and his accomplishments are an inspiration to all.
41. Jake Varner
Jacob Stephen “Jake” Varner is an American wrestler who has achieved remarkable success in the sport. He was a four-time NCAA Division I finalist and two-time NCAA Division I champion while wrestling for the Iowa State University Cyclones.
His greatest achievement came in 2012 when he won the gold medal in the 96 kg category at the Summer Olympics in freestyle wrestling. This was an incredible feat, and it showcased his immense talent and dedication to the sport.
Varner has become a role model for aspiring wrestlers, and his success story serves as an inspiration for many. His Olympic gold medal is a testament to his hard work and commitment to the sport.
He has achieved more than anyone could have expected and continues to be an example of excellence for athletes of all ages.
42. Les Gutches
Leslie Lyle Gutches is an American former wrestler and coach who achieved great success in the sport.
He won the World Championship in freestyle wrestling at the 1997 World Wrestling Championships, a feat that earned him the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy for Outstanding Amateur Wrestler of the Year.
This award was given to Gutches in recognition of his impressive wrestling career and his commitment to the sport. Gutches had a long and successful career in wrestling, having competed at the NCAA Division I level for Oregon State University.
While at OSU, he was a two-time All-American, a two-time Pac-10 champion, and a three-time NCAA qualifier. He was also a member of the 1996 U.S.
Olympic freestyle wrestling team. In addition to his accomplishments as a wrestler, Gutches has also had a successful career as a coach.
He coached at Oregon State University for 11 years (1998-2009), during which time his teams won nine Pac-10 titles and finished in the top ten nationally nine times. He was also the head coach of the U.S.
freestyle team at the Pan American Championships in 2010 and 2011. Gutches has been recognized by the American Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association with the Outstanding American Award, the USA Wrestling Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award, and the USA Wrestling Distinguished Member Award.
He has also been inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Gutches’ legacy as a wrestler and coach is undeniable.
He is an inspiration to all who aspire to be successful in the sport and his accomplishments serve as a reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
43. Tom Brands
Tom Brands is a respected figure in the wrestling world. He is an American former Olympic wrestler who won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics. After his Olympic success, Brands went on to become the head coach of the University of Iowa men’s wrestling team.
He has been leading the team since 2000 and has had considerable success. In the 21 years he has been the head coach, Brands has achieved a remarkable record of ten Big Ten team championship titles and six NCAA team championship titles.
He has also had the honor of coaching numerous individual champions, most notably Cael Sanderson and Brent Metcalf, who both won four NCAA individual championships during their time at the University of Iowa. Brands is also a three-time U.S.
national freestyle champion and a two-time Pan American Games gold medalist. His accomplishments have earned him a place in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the USA Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum.
Through his successes, Brands has proven himself to be an elite coach and a true leader on and off the mat.
44. Bryan Danielson
Bryan Lloyd Danielson is an American professional wrestler who is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is a part of the Blackpool Combat Club, a stable of AEW wrestlers. Danielson is also well known for his lengthy tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Between 2009 and 2021, he wrestled under the ring name Daniel Bryan. During this time, Bryan gained immense recognition for his in-ring work, becoming one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time.
He won the WWE Championship on three occasions and held several other titles, including the Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and Money in the Bank contract.
Outside of the WWE, Danielson has competed in numerous independent promotions, such as Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerilla. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
45. Frank Molinaro
Frank Molinaro is a highly accomplished wrestler and coach. He is an American athlete who achieved great success in his collegiate wrestling career. In 2012, he became the NCAA Champion for the 149 lbs weight class while maintaining an impressive undefeated record of 33–0.
His success in that season was enough to help him earn the designation as a four-time NCAA Division I All-American at Penn State. Molinaro’s impressive accomplishments in the wrestling world have made him a respected name in the sport.
As a coach, Molinaro has guided many of his students to success in their own wrestling careers as well. He is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to the sport.
Conclusion
The United States of America has produced some of the best wrestling players in the world. From “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes to the legendary Andre the Giant, the US has produced some of the best wrestlers in the world.
These wrestlers have brought fame and glory to the US and have also inspired the next generation of wrestlers. With a rich wrestling tradition and a new generation of wrestlers, the future of wrestling in the US looks very promising.
