15 Biggest Stars The WWE Ruthless Aggression Era Produced

5. Randy Orton

Randy Orton is part of a very special class of talent to enter the Ruthless Aggression Era in 2002/03.

The first third generation WWE star burst onto the scene alongside the likes of Shelton Benjamin, John Cena, Batista and Brock Lesnar.

All were seen as the pillars of the future of WWE.

The ‘Viper’ became the youngest ever World Heavyweight Champion after capturing the Intercontinental Championship as part of Evolution.

He then formed Rated-RKO and won the Tag Team titles alongside Edge.

After that he won two WWE Championships, before entering the PG Era as a made star.

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4. Batista

By 2005 everyone was talking about Batista.

Before that, the Evolution member already captured tag team gold with Ric Flair.

Batista, who turned and Evolution and therefore on Triple H, was set to become one of biggest names ever.

In the main event of WrestleMania 21, ‘The Animal’ was able to end Triple H’s reign of terror with a massive Batista Bomb in order to crown himself World Heavyweight Champion.

After that Batista had another Tag Team Title run, this time with Rey Mysterio. Later he also won it with John Cena.

But it was Batista’s World Title storylines that made him the talk of the town.

He became immortal when he faced The Undertaker for the World Title and for the streak at WrestleMania 23.

To this day they tell the tales of Batista. The legacy this man left behind is incredible.

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3. Brock Lesnar

Some would say Brock Lesnar only became a legend after returning to WWE in 2012.

But there is no one that burst onto the scene quite like the ‘Next Big Thing’.

He was able to rally both Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman behind him, which spelled certainty for an incredible career.

McMahon even wanted to go so far and make him beat Steve Austin on an episode of Raw, something that made Austin no-show and walk out from WWE.

Later in 2002, Brock Lesnar won the WWE Undisputed Championship and two more runs with the title followed in 2003/04.

Lesnar never held a midcard title or tag team title. He was immediately slotted into the main event.

He had it all. Only he himself was able to stop him. And so he did. He ended his wrestling career in 2004, going to the UFC, before reentering the squared circle years later.

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2. Eddie Guerrero

He lied, he cheated, he stole.

The impeccable Eddie Guerrero gathered the masses behind him.

The uncle of former ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero had such a gigantic amount of charisma, he was larger than life.

During the Ruthless Aggression Era, Guerrero won the Intercontinental Title, as well as the Tag Team Titles with both Tajiri, his nephew Chavo, and Rey Mysterio.

He was also able become the first WWE United States Champion after the title was brought back in 2003.

His biggest success, however, came when he beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship in 2004.

Eddie Guerrero might be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

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1. John Cena

Do I need to say anything?

The record 16-time World Champion is one of the biggest names this business has ever created. He carried the company during the Ruthless Aggression Era and he was always meant to be.

When he stood face to face with Kurt Angle and uttered the words ‘Ruthless Aggression’, it was hard to question that he got ‘it’. Not even The Undertaker did. He offered the ‘kid’ a handshake afterwards.

Legendary moments that sparked an incomparable career, that would have never been, if Cena did not battle everyone from No. 15 to 2 in this list throughout his time with WWE.

Cena got the best out of anyone. Cena was pure ruthless aggression.

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