The Great White North's Finest: Counting Down Canada's Top 10 Greatest Wrestlers of All Time
- Kimmie Funk
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
We’ve made it past the through the Honorable Mentions, and deep into the elite of Canadian professional wrestling! The competition has been fierce, but as we hit the final stretch, we are now standing face-to-face with two absolute cornerstones of the modern era. Today, we reveal the legends occupying the #4 and #3 spots—men who not only achieved the highest accolades but defined generations of the industry: Edge and Chris Jericho.
#4: Edge – The Ultimate Opportunist
Adam "Edge" Copeland has forged one of the most remarkable and resilient careers in professional wrestling history. Debuting in WWE in 1998, he initially captured attention as a mysterious loner before cementing his status in the iconic tag team with his long-time friend, Christian. The duo didn't just compete; they revolutionized the industry alongside The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz in groundbreaking Ladder and Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) matches—a brutal, high-risk style they pioneered.
Edge later transformed into the "Ultimate Opportunist," the "Rated-R Superstar," ascending to main event status as a truly detestable, must-see heel. His incredible run saw him amass 31 championships in WWE, becoming an 11-time World Champion and a revered WWE Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion.
His first forced retirement in 2011 due to a severe neck injury led to a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2012, only for him to make an improbable, emotional return at the 2020 Royal Rumble, demonstrating a passion for the squared circle few can match.
Born in Orangeville, Ontario, Adam Copeland has always worn his Canadian heritage as a badge of honor. His national pride is perfectly encapsulated in his simple yet powerful quote:
"In Canada, it's beer, hockey, and then everything else."
This connection to Canada also led to an amusing near-miss story: he once recounted almost missing a WWE match with Chris Jericho in 2010 because they were completely absorbed in watching Canada beat the USA for the gold medal in ice hockey at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
That dedication, whether to a championship reign or a passion for the national game, remains an unmistakable part of the legend of Edge.
#3: Chris Jericho – The Lionheart's Legacy
Chris Jericho is universally recognized as one of the most decorated and enduring professional wrestlers of all time, building a legendary career that has spanned multiple decades and promotions.
Before his famous debut in WWE in 1999, Jericho—The Lionheart—honed his craft internationally, competing across Canada, Mexico, and Japan, establishing himself as an incredibly skilled and charismatic performer.
His WWE resume is staggering: he holds a record nine reigns as the Intercontinental Champion and, perhaps his greatest feat, was the first-ever Undisputed WWF Champion, achieved by defeating both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night.
Jericho has consistently demonstrated an ability to reinvent himself, adopting personas from "Y2J" to "Le Champion," and later founding the Jericho Appreciation Society in AEW, proving his mastery of both technical wrestling and character work.
His influence extends far beyond the squared circle, as a successful rock musician with his band Fozzy, a respected media personality, and an author. Despite being American-born, Jericho was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has always fiercely embraced his Canadian identity. He once summed up his pride:
"I'm a very proud Winnipegger. Always have been, always will be. Everywhere I go around the world, I talk about Winnipeg and how great it is."
His status as a Canadian wrestling icon is cemented by his remarkable championship record and his continued, influential presence in the industry.
Who could possibly rank higher than Edge and Chris Jericho? Tune in next time as we reveal the final two, and the greatest Canadian wrestler of all time!
Kimster AFW
(These rantings are solely mine and do not depict the opinions of all the AFW NETWORK)
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