All time lists in any field of work are a subjective thing. Hot take artists in the media have a field day when it comes to ranking some of the all-time greats, especially in the sports industry. Whether it’s the never-ending debate on the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James saga or the head-churning discourse over Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi, sports has always provided an entertaining look at the all-time greats’ conversation.
One such hot take artist is ESPN’s star analyst, Stephen A. Smith. The 57-year-old television personality is known for his controversial opinions on sports and is one of the most popular voices in sports media. He never shies away from any topic and that has made him one of the highest-paid sports media personalities in the world.
In a recent episode of his ESPN show, The First Take, Smith was tasked with ranking the five all-time great WWE Superstars. In true Stephen A. Smith fashion, the analyst had some interesting selections that ruffled quite a few feathers, including Triple H.
5. The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal)
The Road Warriors, known as the Legion of Doom in WWE, were one of the most dominant and influential tag teams in wrestling history. With championship reigns across WWE, WCW, and AWA, Hawk and Animal brought a ferocious energy to the ring that redefined tag team wrestling.
4. The Rock
Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, is a 10-time world champion in WWE and one of the most charismatic performers the industry has ever seen. His electrifying mic skills, punctuated by iconic catchphrases like “If ya smell what The Rock is cookin’,” revolutionised promo delivery and helped elevate WWE’s entertainment value.
3. Hulk Hogan
Terry Gene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, was the undisputed face of WWE during its 1980s boom, headlining the first nine WrestleMania’s and capturing the imagination of a generation. A six-time WWE Champion and multiple-time WCW Champion, Hogan’s larger-than-life persona and “Hulkamania” movement helped catapult professional wrestling into mainstream pop culture.
2. Ric Flair
Richard Morgan Fliehr, better known as Ric Flair, is officially recognised as a 16-time world champion, though, many fans argue the true count is even higher. Renowned for his flamboyant robes, signature “Woooo!” catchphrase, and masterful technical wrestling, Flair brought unmatched style and substance to the ring.
1. Goldberg
William Scott Goldberg rose to fame in WCW with an unprecedented 173–0 undefeated streak, instantly becoming one of the most dominant forces in wrestling. Known for his explosive intensity and signature moves, the Spear and Jackhammer, Goldberg captivated audiences with his raw power and no-nonsense persona. He held both the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Universal Championship, cementing his legacy across rival promotions.
Triple H Reacts to Goldberg Taking Smith’s Top Spot
Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer and a Hall of Famer himself, appeared on First Take where Stephen A. Smith revealed his list, and he was left rather surprised by the name that topped it. The nine-time WWE Champion was quick to take a subtle dig at the analyst for his ranking.
“What he does for a profession is p*** people off, right?” Triple H said. “He set up a list that is arguably accurate… But then he comes in and he Stephen A’s it — Goldberg at number one because he knows that is the name that is gonna p*** off the maximum amount of people.”
Though Triple H respectfully called Goldberg a “great performer,” long-time fans couldn’t miss the subtle tension. Their backstage rivalry during Goldberg’s early WWE run, when his rapid rise challenged Triple H’s top-tier status, is well-known. While they’ve publicly buried the hatchet, Triple H’s reaction still carried a flicker of competitive pride, if not a hint of old sparks.