The Top Ten UK Wrestlers: TOP TWO

Welcome back to my countdown of the greatest UK wrestlers to ever grace the squared circle! So far, I’ve journeyed through a landscape of giants and innovators—from the sheer, immovable scale of Giant Haystacks (#10) and the flamboyant theatricality of Adrian Street (#9), to the dignified charm of Lord Alfred Hayes (#8) and the barrier-breaking brilliance of Saraya (#7). We’ve also paid tribute to the modern powerhouses who redefined British grit, Drew McIntyre (#6) and the technical wizard Nigel McGuinness (#5). I celebrated the "British Bulldog" himself, Davey Boy Smith, whose unmatched power and SummerSlam heroics made him a national hero, before turning my attention to the "Aerial Assassin" turned "Billy Goat," Will Ospreay—a man currently rewriting the record books and pushing the very limits of what is possible inside a wrestling ring.

Now for my top two. an absolute irish brute and a man I truly believes deserves to be in the hall of fame. These two icons didn't just wrestle; they fought. Their careers are so inextricably linked by mutual respect and a shared, stiff-as-a-board philosophy that you cannot tell the story of one without the other.

#4: Finlay

​The Belfast Bruiser’s Enduring Legacy

Born David Finlay Jr. in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the man known simply as Finlay has carved out a legendary career spanning over four decades. His journey began in the gritty circuits of the United Kingdom, where he quickly established a reputation as a hard-hitting, no-nonsense competitor.

Finlay’s early career saw him honing his craft in European promotions, capturing championships and earning the respect of his peers through sheer toughness. His distinctive aggressive style—incorporating elements of European catch wrestling and a relentless ground attack—eventually led him to the global stage. In the U.S., his accolades include reigns as WCW World Television Champion and WWE United States Champion, along with a pivotal role in the resurgence of WWE’s ECW brand.

Today, Finlay remains a vital force behind the scenes. As a coach and producer for WWE, he is instrumental in developing the next generation at the Performance Center. His expertise in psychology has made him one of the most respected trainers in history, particularly credited with revolutionizing the WWE women's division. While he has stepped away from the spotlight, the "Finlay" name thrives through his sons, David and Brogan, ensuring their four-generation dynasty remains a dominant force in NJPW and WWE.

​"I'm incredibly proud of where I come from," Finlay once remarked. "To have been able to make a career out of something I love... is something I wouldn't trade for anything."

​#3: William Regal

​The King of Blackpool and the Master of the Craft

If Finlay was the hammer, William Regal was the scalpel—though one that could still break your nose with a stray forearm. Born Darren Matthews, Regal began his journey at just 15 years old on the rugged carnival circuits of England. He sharpened his "catch" wrestling style in booths where he took on all comers, a trial by fire that gave him a technical precision few could match.

Regal’s in-ring career is defined by his reputation as a "wrestler’s wrestler." In WCW, he was the premier mid-card general, holding the World Television Championship four times. In WWE, his trophy cabinet grew to include two Intercontinental Championships, four European Championships, and five Hardcore Titles. He was also a decorated tag team specialist and reached a career pinnacle in 2008 when he was crowned King of the Ring.

​Beyond the gold, Regal’s greatest contribution is his mind for the business. After a prominent stint in AEW as the mentor of the Blackpool Combat Club, Regal returned to WWE in 2023. As of 2025, he serves as the Vice President of Global Talent Development. Whether he’s scouting new talent or providing gravitas to an NXT storyline, his primary focus remains the same: ensuring the future of the industry is as technically sound as the legacy he left behind.

I’m heading out for some holiday festivities, but don’t go anywhere! When I’m back, I’m dropping my Top 10 Puroresu & Joshi Puroresu wrestlers of all time. We’re talking the absolute gold standard of Japanese pro wrestling—stiff strikes, legendary fighting spirit, and the kind of high-octane drama you only find in rings like NJPW and STARDOM. Get ready

Kimster AFW