The Infinite Greatest Argument
Few subjects in professional wrestling generate as much discussion as who is deserving of the moniker “Greatest of All Time,” or “GOAT.” Pundits and fans have argued about the qualities of legendary wrestlers for many hours, ranging from The Rock’s charm to Bret Hart’s technical skill. Nic Nemeth, the TNA World Champion, feels that two names that are frequently forgotten amid this flurry of viewpoints are Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton.
Nic Nemeth Adds His Voice: The Viewpoint of a Champion
Dolph Ziggler, a.k.a. Nic Nemeth to WWE fans, recently discussed his opinions on this discussion on “Busted Open Radio.” Nemeth still has a strong connection to the WWE, even though he is currently the TNA World Champion. Nemeth maintains that Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton—two superstars who have completely reinvented what it means to be at the pinnacle of professional wrestling—deserve to be included when talking about the GOAT debate.
“When it comes to [Rey Mysterio] and Randy [Orton], it’s two people that should be on everyone’s list, but you don’t hear that that much,” Nemeth said. “As I sit here, it seems to me that everybody is curious about the best of all time. Rey Mysterio is still going, by the way, even if they usually say a small group of people. I listened to the interview that he recently conducted, which is 35 years old.”
Nemeth’s remarks serve as a pertinent reminder that longevity, consistency, and the capacity to adjust to changing times are just as important to greatness in wrestling as awards. Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio, each with their distinct journeys and contributions to the sport, are prime instances of this.
Rey Mysterio: The Ideal Opponent
It’s hard to talk about Rey Mysterio without admiring his amazing career. Despite being a mere 5’6″, Mysterio overcame the odds to emerge as one of the most adored and prosperous underdogs in WWE history. Mysterio has been enthralling viewers for more than three decades thanks to his daring style and never-say-die mentality; this accomplishment alone merits a spot in the GOAT debate.
Nemeth went on, “[Rey] is an absolute all-time great, beloved in any locker room.” One of my favorite people to beat up is this one because it’s the cutest thing in the world when you punch him and he squeaks. You’ll never find a better babyface to work with than him. Furthermore, he is capable of some of the most amazing feats ever.”
Nemeth has a personal as well as professional admiration for Mysterio. Throughout their many matches together in the ring, Mysterio’s tenacity and inventiveness have left a deep impression on Nemeth. What makes Mysterio stand out, though, is his capacity to succeed as a smaller opponent in a field dominated by giants, rather than just his prowess in the ring.
Larger-than-life characters were frequently promoted by WWE as its top performers in the early 2000s, both literally and figuratively. Nevertheless, Mysterio defied expectations despite his small stature by winning the WWE Championship and establishing himself as a world-class performer. Nemeth remembers how the WWE attempted to develop several stars to replace Mysterio, but none of them were able to duplicate the magic that Rey brought to the squared circle.
Randy Orton: The Ultimate Hunter
Conversely, Randy Orton is a Superstar whose career is characterized by absolute dominance. Known by his nicknames “The Viper” and “The Apex Predator,” Orton has established himself as one of the most decorated champions in WWE history. With 14 world titles under his belt, he stands in the company of legendary wrestlers Triple H, Charlotte Flair, and John Cena.
Whereas Orton’s story is about achieving one’s destiny, Mysterio’s is about overcoming obstacles. Randy had a history with wrestling since he was a young child, having been raised by WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton. But more than simply his ancestry helped him succeed—his in-ring IQ, his deadly RKO finisher, and his capacity to change with time also played a significant role.
“With 14 world titles under his belt, Randy Orton continues to be one of the most decorated champions in WWE history,” Nemeth said. Not only have Orton’s titles been impressive throughout his career, but he has also managed to stay relevant in a wrestling business that is constantly evolving. Orton has continually changed, demonstrating that he is much more than just a byproduct of his wrestling lineage, from his early days as the “Legend Killer” to his current position as an accomplished veteran.
The Underappreciated Legends: Why Orton and Mysterio Should Be Considered GOAT
Even with their illustrious careers, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio are frequently overlooked in debates about the greatest of all time. There are several causes for this. Mysterio’s aerial technique may not have the same impact as the power moves of bigger wrestlers, and because of his diminutive stature, he is sometimes taken advantage of. Because he has been dependable for so long, people may take Orton’s greatness for granted. This could be a disadvantage for him.
However, Mysterio and Orton each possess unique qualities that make them invaluable figures in WWE history, as Nemeth correctly notes. Mysterio is a special character because of his ability to relate to fans of all ages, his innovative impact on cruiserweight wrestling, and his underdog narrative. In the meanwhile, Orton’s longevity, domination, and versatility guarantee that future generations will talk about his legacy.
Redefining the GOAT Conversation in Conclusion
It’s unlikely that there will ever be a consensus on who the “Greatest of All Time” in wrestling is. Since wrestling is an art form, it is subjective to determine what is excellent. Nic Nemeth, however, is right when he calls for Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio to be discussed alongside the GOAT. It’s imperative.
Mysterio and Orton are two sides of the same coin; the former is a determined predator who has ruled for twenty years, while the latter is a daring underdog who overcame all obstacles. Both deserve their bouquets since they have left their marks on history.
It’s critical to recognize these heroes’ contributions as wrestling develops further. Even though there may never be a clear winner in the GOAT debate, we would be losing out on an important period of wrestling history if Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio weren’t mentioned.
