The Great White North's Elite: Canadian Wrestling's Top 10 Countdown Continues!

The Great White North has given the world some of professional wrestling's most iconic and influential figures, and our countdown of the Top Ten Canadian Wrestlers of All Time rolls on. After debating the merits of our number 10 and 9 entries, we now move into the territory of true game-changers—two wrestlers whose technical prowess, charisma, and undeniable championship pedigree make them essential figures in the history of the sport.

Join us as we explore the careers of the stars who have secured the highly coveted spots of Number 8 and Number 7 on our definitive list.

#8: Kevin Owens – The Prizefighter from Quebec

​Hailing from Marieville, Quebec, Canada.

Kevin Owens (born Kevin Yanick Steen) is a generational talent who has left an undeniable mark on professional wrestling.

​Owens' journey began in the early 2000s, training under Canadian wrestling legends like Jacques Rougeau and Pierre Carl Ouellet. Before his arrival in WWE, Owens forged a formidable reputation on the independent circuit.

He was a dominant force in organizations like Ring of Honor (ROH) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), where he captured the ROH World Championship and the PWG World Championship a record three times. His success in Canadian promotions like International Wrestling Syndicate (IWS), where he captured the IWS World Heavyweight Championship three times, also solidifies his bedrock as a homegrown champion.

Upon joining WWE, "The Prizefighter" continued his ascent, making an immediate impact by defeating John Cena in his main roster debut at Elimination Chamber 2015. He went on to become the 23rd overall Grand Slam Champion in WWE, a list of achievements that includes the NXT Championship, the Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship (twice), the United States Championship (three times), and, most recently, the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship alongside his lifelong friend, Sami Zayn.

Known for his unique blend of power, agility, and quick wit, Owens embodies the tenacious and proud tradition of Canadian professional wrestling. Owens, who speaks fluent French and often highlights his Quebec background, takes immense pride in his heritage, connecting it directly to his persona:

​"To me, I'm always going to be a Marieville guy. Every time I get to go back home, I love it. It's just really important for me to be as authentic as I can."

​This authenticity and championship drive cement Kevin Owens as a modern icon and the rightful owner of our Number 8 spot.

#7: Christian Cage – The Instant Classic

​William Jason Reso, better known by his ring names Christian and Christian Cage.

Cage stands as one of the most decorated and influential figures in professional wrestling history. Born in Kitchener, Ontario, and raised in Orangeville, he forged a legendary path alongside his lifelong friend Edge, transitioning from the Canadian independent circuit to global superstardom in WWE, TNA, and AEW.

Renowned for his exceptional in-ring psychology and mic skills, Christian earned the nickname "The Instant Classic" and captured multiple World Championships across major promotions. His career is often celebrated not just for his numerous titles—including the NWA, ECW, and World Heavyweight Championships—but for his incredible longevity and ability to reinvent his character over decades of performance. He is a multi-time World Champion across three of the world's top promotions (WWE, TNA, AEW).

Christian has famously embraced his roots, often serving as a key ambassador when wrestling promotions expand into the Canadian market. When asked for his Canadian wrestling Mount Rushmore, he showed his national pride by naming legends while humbly leaving himself off:

​"OK, so man… Bret Hart has to be up there, obviously, I would put Edge on that. I think we can put Trish Stratus on there. She’s a Canadian icon as far as wrestling goes. Then last I’m going to put Owen Hart on there just because I love him… I think other people would expect me to put myself on there.”

​This dedication to his fanbase and his role in elevating the sport for decades cements Christian Cage's legacy, making him our deserving choice for Number 7. His longevity, influence, and championship pedigree are simply undeniable.

With the Prizefighter and the Instant Classic securing their places, the competition gets fierce as we enter the elite half of our Top Ten. Who could possibly rank higher than these decorated champions? Tune in next time as we reveal the legends who have taken the spots of Number 6 and Number 5!

Kimster AFW