The Count Down Continues: Part 4 Of My Top 10 UK Wrestlers

Welcome back to our countdown of the greatest UK wrestlers of all time! We’ve already recognized some foundational stars, from the sheer size and notoriety of #10 Giant Haystacks and the pioneering theatricality of #9 Adrian Street, to the beloved backstage presence of #8 Lord Alfred Hayes and the trailblazing success of #7 Saraya (Paige). We also recently covered #6 Drew McIntyre and #5 Nigel McGuinness.

This installment brings us into the formidable Top 4, highlighting a Hall of Fame legend and a modern-day phenomenon currently scaling the heights of the industry.

#4: Davey Boy Smith

​"The British Bulldog"

Davey Boy Smith began his storied grappling journey as a teenager in his native Lancashire, England, before migrating to Canada to train in Stu Hart’s legendary Calgary "Dungeon" for Stampede Wrestling. It was there he honed the rare combination of immense raw power and surprising technical agility that defined his style.

He exploded onto the global stage in the WWF alongside his cousin Dynamite Kid, revolutionizing the industry as The British Bulldogs. While highly decorated as a tag champion and later as the inaugural European Champion, his career pinnacle occurred at SummerSlam 1992. In front of over 80,000 countrymen at London’s Wembley Stadium, he defeated his brother-in-law Bret Hart in an emotional main event to capture the Intercontinental Championship, securing his status as a national hero.

Smith’s connection to his homeland was central to his persona. He rarely entered the ring without being draped in the Union Jack to the sound of "Rule, Britannia!" He wore this patriotism proudly, once noting:

"I've always been proud to be British and carry the flag for my country."

Beyond his cultural impact, Smith’s versatility cemented his legacy. In the mid-1980s, his rivalry with The Hart Foundation set a new gold standard for tag team wrestling. As a singles competitor, he proved he could hang with the fastest "New Generation" stars, engaging in a 1996 classic with Shawn Michaels. Whether it was his 30-minute clinics with Owen Hart or powerhouse battles against giants like Sid Justice, Smith was a "chameleon" who could work any style.

Tragically, the physical demands of the business took a toll. On May 18, 2002, Davey Boy Smith passed away at only 39 years old. Despite his untimely passing, the "Bulldog" remains the benchmark for British wrestling—a name forever synonymous with strength, pride, and the roaring crowds of Wembley.

#3: Will Ospreay

​"The Aerial Assassin" / "The Billy GOAT"

Will Ospreay’s ascent to the pinnacle of professional wrestling began in the local circuits of the United Kingdom in 2012. Training at London’s School of Lucha Libre, he quickly became the face of promotions like Progress and RevPro, spearheading a massive boom in the British independent scene. He holds the record for the most five-star matches in the history of the industry, evolving from a high-flying "Aerial Assassin" into a world-class powerhouse.

As a homegrown icon, Ospreay became the longest-reigning Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion and the first Brit to main event the Tokyo Dome. Despite his global success, he remains fiercely loyal to his roots:

"I’m a proud countryman... I want to be the frontman when it comes to British Wrestling."

Today, Ospreay is a cornerstone of the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) roster, though he is currently navigating the most significant physical challenge of his career. After performing through the pain of herniated discs for months, he was written off television following a brutal "Lights Out" Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door in August 2025.

Following successful neck surgery in September, recent updates from December 2025 indicate that his rehabilitation is "smashing" expectations. AEW President Tony Khan remains incredibly bullish on the star's return, stating:

"Will Ospreay is such an amazing part of AEW... he’s one of our great stars, and he’s going to be back in the first half of next year. When Will Ospreay is on the shows every week, it’s great for us."

​While fans must wait until 2026 to see him back in the ring, Ospreay remains a dominant force in the industry's landscape, poised to reclaim his spot at the top of the mountain.

Coming Up Next: We enter the final tier. Who takes the top two spots in my list of the top ten UK wrestlers.

Kimster AFW