The Ring Post: Maryland’s Best Wrestlers Ranked

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Ring Post! In this issue, we’ve got the latest news, including recent results, updates, and must-see videos. Our feature this week spotlights the top wrestlers in the modern era born in the state of Maryland, ranked based on their career impact. Thanks for staying connected with us!

This Weekend’s Results

• Federated Wrestling Alliance (FWA) returned to The State Theater on Sunday for Dominion 4.

• Pure Pro Wrestling held an event on Saturday at the Pelham Community Center in Pelham, North Carolina.

• Wrestling Revolver held its Square Game event on Friday in Indianapolis, Indiana.

• MCW Wrestling held its Winter Blast event on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Hollywood, Maryland.

Must-See Videos

• Watch the full event video from 3LW Holiday Bash, which took place on December 28, 2024, in Millersville, PA.

• The January 30 episode of WDWA Frontline features an action-packed lineup.

• The January 30 episode of Mid-Atlantic Territory Wrestling TV delivers exciting action.

• The AXW Kickoff Show on February 1 saw American Xcellence Wrestling return to the historic Hamburg Field House in Hamburg, Pennsylvania.

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Here’s our Top 10 ranking of pro wrestlers born in the state of Maryland. This list is completely subjective and based on the impact these wrestlers have had in the world of professional wrestling, from their time in major promotions to their influence on the industry. Whether it’s championship reigns, memorable moments, or their overall contributions to the sport, these athletes have left their mark. Of course, rankings like these are bound to spark debates, so if you have any disagreements or think someone else deserves a spot, feel free to add your thoughts in the comments!

1. Scott Hall (Razor Ramon) – St. Mary's County, MD

Scott Hall was a pivotal figure in the wrestling world, known for his charismatic persona as Razor Ramon in WWE and later his crucial role in the creation of the nWo in WCW, which helped redefine the landscape of professional wrestling during the 90s. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014 as part of the nWo. Tragically, Hall passed away in 2022 after complications from hip surgery.

2. LA Knight (Shaun Ricker) – Hagerstown, MD

LA Knight has made a major impact in recent years, gaining popularity in WWE with his dynamic promo skills and strong in-ring presence, quickly becoming one of the most charismatic figures in the company. He is a former NXT North American Champion, a former United States Champion, and has gained significant recognition for his work across multiple promotions.

3. Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) – Salisbury, MD

Jay Briscoe was one half of the Briscoe Brothers tag team, known for their intense and highly regarded work in Ring of Honor, where they became record-setting multiple-time tag team champions, solidifying their legacy as one of the best tag teams in wrestling history. He was inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022. Tragically, Jay Briscoe passed away in a car accident in January 2023, far too soon after achieving so much in the wrestling world.

4. Mark Briscoe (Mark Pugh) – Salisbury, MD

Mark Briscoe, as part of the Briscoe Brothers tag team, has had an influential career alongside his brother Jay, winning numerous tag team championships in Ring of Honor and becoming a fan favorite for his unrelenting style and charisma. Like his brother, Mark was inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022.

5. Stacy Keibler – Rosedale, MD

Stacy Keibler transitioned from a WWE Diva to a successful TV personality, appearing in shows like Dancing with the Stars and becoming a widely recognized figure in mainstream media while still maintaining her wrestling roots. She was named WWE Diva of the Year in 2004 and remains one of the most recognizable women in wrestling history. Keibler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023.

6. Moose (Quinn Ojinnaka) – Seabrook, MD

Moose made a name for himself in IMPACT Wrestling, where his dominant in-ring style and powerful persona earned him multiple championships, making him one of the standout stars in the promotion’s modern era. He is a former IMPACT World Champion and one of the most celebrated athletes in the company’s history.

7. Rich Swann – Baltimore, MD

Rich Swann has been a standout talent in IMPACT Wrestling, known for his high-flying, fast-paced wrestling style, and has won multiple championships, including the IMPACT World Championship, earning a reputation as one of the top performers in the company. He is also a former WWE Cruiserweight Champion and a two-time IMPACT X-Division Champion.

8. Lio Rush – Lanham, MD

Lio Rush rose to prominence with his agile and high-flying wrestling style in WWE, NXT, and the independent circuit, earning multiple titles and gaining recognition for his charisma and strong work ethic in and outside the ring. He is a former NXT Cruiserweight Champion and has been acclaimed for his exceptional athleticism and mic skills.

9. Doc Gallows (Andrew Hankinson) – Cumberland, MD

Doc Gallows is known for his time in WWE and NJPW as part of the Bullet Club and The Good Brothers. He has been a major force in tag team wrestling, winning multiple championships and playing a key role in the success of the Bullet Club’s global influence. Gallows is a multiple-time tag team champion, including stints in WWE, NJPW, and IMPACT Wrestling.

10. Axl Rotten (Brian Knighton) – Baltimore, MD

Axl Rotten made his mark in the hardcore wrestling scene, particularly in ECW, where he was known for his brutal and high-risk style, becoming a symbol of the promotion’s edgy, no-holds-barred approach to wrestling. He is remembered as one of the defining stars of ECW’s hardcore division. Tragically, Axl Rotten passed away in 2016 at the age of 44.

Honorable mention goes to “The Bruiser” R.J. Meyer (Parkville, MD) , Hack Meyers (Baltimore, MD) and Shane McMahon (Gaithersburg, MD).