When one uses a term like "once in a lifetime" to describe someone, to me, that means that there was nobody like this person before or since. So when you say names like Hulk Hogan, I can give you Superstar Billy Graham before and John Cena after. For Brock Lesnar, I can give you Goldberg before and Bobby Lashley after. For Bret Hart; just think of a technical wrestler that prides themselves on execution. Ric Flair? Buddy Rogers. Honestly, when I think about it, there are really only three that come to mind as "once in a lifetime", IMO.
The Undertaker:
Never before 'Taker was there a man of his size able to do the things that he could do. Before 'Taker, big men just used their size to dictate their character and their in ring performances. When 'Taker burst onto the scene though, he was an athletic and agile performer and was doing things that nobody had ever seen from a big man wrestler. Not only that, but he commanded respect from both his peers and the fans. Then there is his longevity. 'Taker has been able to perform near the top of his game for the better part of 25 years. That's amazing. He truly is once in a lifetime.
Stone Cold Steve Austin:
Stone Cold makes it onto my list because never before he came along was there that anti hero persona. Honestly, if one really sits down and thinks about it, Austin is not an ideal role model for children. He only cares about himself, doesn't trust anyone, uses foul language, drinks alcohol, and has a real problem with authority. Yet, despite all of that, he was the top babyface of the company and a hero to all that cheered for him. In the late 80s to mid 90s, he would've been a heel for sure. Since Stone Cold, people have tried to play that anti hero role, but nobody can quite get it down. So that's why Austin makes my list.
The Rock:
Before the Rock, there had been that over the top flamboyant character, however, the Rock took it to a whole other stratosphere. Also, before the Rock, there were catch phrases, sure, but the Rock took that to a whole other stratosphere as well. When it comes to fan participation, captivation, and inspiration, nobody can before or since can come close to the Rock. IMO, that makes him a once in a lifetime performer.
The Undertaker:
Never before 'Taker was there a man of his size able to do the things that he could do. Before 'Taker, big men just used their size to dictate their character and their in ring performances. When 'Taker burst onto the scene though, he was an athletic and agile performer and was doing things that nobody had ever seen from a big man wrestler. Not only that, but he commanded respect from both his peers and the fans. Then there is his longevity. 'Taker has been able to perform near the top of his game for the better part of 25 years. That's amazing. He truly is once in a lifetime.
Stone Cold Steve Austin:
Stone Cold makes it onto my list because never before he came along was there that anti hero persona. Honestly, if one really sits down and thinks about it, Austin is not an ideal role model for children. He only cares about himself, doesn't trust anyone, uses foul language, drinks alcohol, and has a real problem with authority. Yet, despite all of that, he was the top babyface of the company and a hero to all that cheered for him. In the late 80s to mid 90s, he would've been a heel for sure. Since Stone Cold, people have tried to play that anti hero role, but nobody can quite get it down. So that's why Austin makes my list.
The Rock:
Before the Rock, there had been that over the top flamboyant character, however, the Rock took it to a whole other stratosphere. Also, before the Rock, there were catch phrases, sure, but the Rock took that to a whole other stratosphere as well. When it comes to fan participation, captivation, and inspiration, nobody can before or since can come close to the Rock. IMO, that makes him a once in a lifetime performer.