The 5 Most American WWE Stars

Happy 4th of July everybody! Whatever you do, remember not to stand too close to your pyrotechnics today.

America’s birthday is a time for perspective and nostalgia. While wrestling may not have much to offer the former, the latter is one the sport’s best exports. So it’s got us thinking, who are the most American wrestlers of all time?

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Wrestling and patriotism go hand-in-hand. For decades, professional wrestling has been profiting off of international tensions by having the local hero trump the foreign villain. It’s a formula that is still surprisingly relevant in today’s WWE. If we can gather anything, it’s that an arena full of Americans love to chant “U-S-A!”

Unsurprisingly, nearly every popular WWE superstar has uttered something patriotic on live television, so we have plenty to choose from. So take a minute to join us. Your beer still isn’t cold quite yet. The pie is still in the oven. The grill still has yet to reach the perfect temperature. Here’s the 5 Most American WWE Stars:

5. Sargent Slaughter/The Patriot

How could a ranking military officer not only be #5 on this countdown but have to share it with a glorified jobber? Well as American as Sargent Slaughter was, he had one diplomatic boo-boo. 

He was an outward Iraqi sympathizer in the early 90’s. While we forgive and forget here at PopCulture.com, that’s one that still pricks us today. Hey, we all go through weird phases in our lives – mine was Beanie Babies. But aligning oneself with Saddam Hussain in the middle of the Gulf War? Shame on you, Slaughter. 

Nonetheless, we have more fond, pro-American memories of you that outweigh your betrayal. However, don’t ever think you’re getting higher than five on this countdown, pal. 

The Patriot

Like Slaughter, the Patriot’s contribution to American pride is undeniable. But like Slaughter, the Patriot has his flaws. 

All though a luchador version of Captain America is thoughtful, it’s not exactly inspiring. You see, being the Patriot in professional wrestling is a bit like watching Dwight Howard dunk a basketball. It’s so easily accomplished that it’s not that special to watch. 

So the Patriot makes the list, but more so on principle than actual merit.  

4. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Perhaps no one has started more U-S-A chants on the face of this planet than Hacksaw Jim Duggan. 

Hacksaw is proof that all you need to spark a rally is a big piece of wood. If you have an American flag too, well you can start a revolution. 

If Duggan had more championships, he’d be higher up on this list, if America loves one thing, it’s a winner. 

Duggan and his perpetually blue tights were the perfect attraction for the blue collar American. When I watch a Jim Dugan match, I want to drink flat beer and work on my car. Here’s to you, Hacksaw.

3. Kurt Angle

What symbolizes American pride more than an Olympic Gold medal? Perhaps the Consitution. Or the Super Bowl,  or maybe 20 piece McNuggets from McDonald’s, but Olympic Gold is definitely on that list.

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Despite being booed during most of his time in WWE, Kurt Angle is certainly one of the most American wrestlers to ever lace up his boots. 

Whether it’s his stars and stripes tights or his affinity for the lifeblood of America, milk, we can’t help but associate Kurt Angle to all things USA. 

2. John Cena

How can a man who salutes every time he appears on WWE cameras, starred in a movie called The Marine and is the face of a show titled American Grit be #2 on our countdown?

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As patriotic as John Cena has been, his WWE character has never been dependent upon being an American ambassador. Being the defender of America has only been a recent development to the Cena character. That being said, he still makes for a fantastic representative of our country – I mean, the guy even looks like the perfect American soldier.

Who knows, in a few years time, Cena could bulldoze his way into becoming the most American wrestler of all time. But, he’ll have to wait at least year. 

Hulk Hogan

C’mon, was there ever a doubt?

His theme song is literally called “Real American.” He once competed in a Desert Storm Match dressed in full military fatigues. He spat on a USSR flag in the 80’s. He pinned the dastardly Iron Sheik in Madison Square Garden. In one of his parting gestures to wrestling, Hogan took on the secret persona of Mr. America. 

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Forget apple pie and baseball, Hulkamania (but not Terry Bollea) is what keeps this country running. 

Hulk Hogan’s victories in the 80’s were so monumental that the US military should use them to pad their win/loss record. No wrestler has waived the American flag more times or with more fervor than the Hulkster. 

For John Cena to surpass Hogan, he’d have to become president. And with a WWE HOFer already in the White House, we can only laugh so much at that notion.