10 underappreciated wrestlers from the 2000s

In this blog post, we take a look at 10 of the most underappreciated wrestlers from the 2000s. While the wrestling stars of this era were grappling their way to glory, there were many fans placing bets at some of the best online sports betting sites. The excitement of predicting winners, the drama of the matches, and the thrill of victory or defeat became integral aspects of the wrestling experience.

Lance Storm

Lance Storm was a masterful tactician in the ring during the 2000s. He displayed extraordinary mat wrestling skills, earning a reputation for his precise execution of moves. However, his technical brilliance frequently played second fiddle to the more flamboyant personalities of the wrestling world.

Lance Storm left his mark on ECW, WCW and WWE, even securing multiple championships. Yet, despite his exceptional in-ring artistry and unwavering dedication to the craft, he is often relegated to the shadows of recognition.

Billy Kidman

In an era when cruiserweight wrestling was in its prime, Billy Kidman was a standout performer. He brought athleticism and innovation to the ring, delivering breathtaking shooting star presses and high-flying maneuvers. Kidman played an important role in the cruiserweight division, yet he was often deprived of well-deserved recognition.

Tajiri

Tajiri, also known as “The Japanese Buzzsaw”, was a unique talent in the 2000s wrestling landscape. His hybrid style combined Japanese strong-style wrestling with high-flying and submission techniques.

Tajiri’s in-ring ingenuity and charm endeared him to fans, but he fell short of achieving the stardom commensurate with his remarkable talents.

Perry Saturn

Perry Saturn was one of “The Radicalz,” a group of wrestlers who jumped from WCW to WWE in 2000. While his Radicalz counterparts, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko, received more attention, Saturn’s in-ring abilities should not be underestimated.

His hard-hitting style and rugged persona made him an essential part of WWE’s roster. However, Saturn remains overlooked when discussing the stars of the era.

Raven

Raven was the mastermind behind some of the most compelling storylines in ECW and WCW during the 2000s. His dark, brooding character and excellent mic skills made him a captivating presence. Raven, a multi-time champion in both promotions, remains one of the unsung heroes in the world of wrestling.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, his invaluable contributions are frequently overlooked. His legendary feud with Tommy Dreamer in ECW, while a cornerstone of wrestling history, does not receive the recognition it deserves.

Andrew Martin Andrew Martin, known as Test, was a towering figure in WWE during the 2000s. Standing at 6’6″ and possessing impressive athleticism, Test was a versatile performer. He had memorable rivalries and was involved in high-profile storylines, including his relationships with Stephanie McMahon and Stacy Keibler. Despite his potential, Test is often overshadowed by other giants of the era, such as The Big Show and Kane.

Hurricane Helms

Shane Helms, aka Hurricane Helms, portrayed a unique superhero character in WWE during the 2000s. His entertaining and comedic persona added a different flavor to the wrestling landscape. While Hurricane brought humor and energy to the ring, he rarely enjoyed the spotlight that some of his contemporaries did.

Val Venis

Sean Morley, who portrayed Val Venis, was a memorable character in WWE. His gimmick as an adult film star turned wrestler was controversial but generated significant attention. Venis had a lengthy career in WWE, claiming the Intercontinental Championship and engaging in notable feuds. Despite his contributions to the 2000s era, he remains underappreciated when discussing the stars of that period. Likely because he’s an incredibly dumb goof now. 

William Regal

William Regal, known for his technical prowess, was a remarkable performer in WWE. He held multiple championships and was a key figure in the company’s roster during the 2000s. Regal’s ability to adapt to various roles, from a no-nonsense authority figure to a cunning in-ring tactician, showcased his versatility. However, he is often forgotten in discussions of the era’s top talents.

Brian Kendrick

Brian Kendrick, also known as Spanky, was a high-flying sensation during the 2000s. His innovative offense and daredevil maneuvers made him a standout in the cruiserweight division. Kendrick’s partnership with Paul London resulted in them becoming WWE Tag Team champions. Despite his impressive skills, he remains one of the era’s hidden gems.

Conclusion

Lance Storm, Billy Kidman, Tajiri, Perry Saturn, Raven, Test, Hurricane Helms, Val Venis, William Regal and Brian Kendrick all played significant roles in the wrestling world, showcasing their unique skills and personas.

These underappreciated heroes of the 2000s warrant well-earned recognition for their unwavering commitment to the sport and their lasting impact on the realm of professional wrestling.