The Best High-Flying Wrestlers of All Time
The Best Aerial/High-Flying Wrestlers of All Time
High-flying wrestling changed the way fans experienced the sport. Speed replaced size. Risk replaced routine. What once felt impossible inside the ring became the new standard of excitement.
From the moment aerial wrestlers began leaping from the ropes, wrestling entered a different era…
Jushin Thunder Liger is the bridge between tradition and innovation in wrestling. Image credits: Pinterest
Legends like Rey Mysterio proved that heart, timing and creativity could overcome any physical disadvantage. Across Mexico, Japan and the global wrestling stage, high flyers reshaped match pacing, storytelling and fan connection.
This list explores the greatest high-flying wrestlers of all time, how they influenced wrestling history, and why aerial wrestling still defines the modern era today.
1. Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is the most influential high flyer in wrestling history. He changed how the world viewed smaller wrestlers. Before Rey, size was seen as a limit. After Rey, speed and creativity mattered more.
Rey started his career in Mexico, where lucha libre shaped his style. He later moved to the United States and gained attention in ECW and WCW.
His matches in WCW brought lucha libre to a wider audience. Fans were amazed by his quick movement and fearless aerial attacks.
His biggest success came in WWE. Rey won the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Championship. His Royal Rumble win in 2006 proved he could reach the top. He also became a multiple-time Intercontinental Champion and United States Champion.
Rey's best work came through consistency. He delivered great matches for decades. His rivalries with Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho showed his range. His style inspired an entire generation of high flyers.
Career Overview of Rey Mysterio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1989-present |
| Top Moves | 619, West Coast Pop, Hurricanrana, Springboard Senton |
| Top Achievements | World Champion, Royal Rumble Winner 2006, Lucha Libre Icon |
2. Tiger Mask
Tiger Mask is the foundation of modern high-flying wrestling. Before his arrival, wrestling focused more on power and ground work. Tiger changed that idea completely. He brought speed, balance and aerial movement into the spotlight.
The character first appeared in Japan in the early 1980s. Inspired by a popular manga, Tiger Mask quickly became something special. His matches introduced flying kicks, dives and top rope attacks that fans had never seen before. Japanese crowds reacted instantly because his style felt new and exciting.
Tiger Mask's success proved that aerial wrestling could work at a high level. He won championships in Japan and became a major draw. More importantly, he inspired future stars. Wrestlers like Jushin Thunder Liger, Ultimo Dragon and many others followed his path.
His best work came through influence. Even wrestlers outside Japan copied his movements. Lucha libre and Japanese styles began to blend under his guidance.
Career Overview of Tiger Mask
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1981-present (multiple incarnations) |
| Top Moves | Tiger Driver, Flying Crossbody, High Kicks |
| Top Achievements | Founder of modern high-flying wrestling |
3. Jushin Thunder Liger
Jushin Thunder Liger is the bridge between tradition and innovation in wrestling. Liger proved that high flying could exist alongside discipline and structure; his style was fast but controlled.
Liger began his career in Japan and quickly became a key figure in junior heavyweight wrestling. He mixed aerial offence with strong technical skill. That balance made his matches feel serious and respected. He was equally excited and reliable as a performer.
He won multiple junior heavyweight championships and became one of the most decorated wrestlers in his division. His work in New Japan Pro Wrestling helped elevate the junior heavyweight style to main event quality. Fans trusted him to deliver every time.
Liger's best work came through consistency. He performed at a high level for decades. Many modern wrestlers studied his timing and movement. His influence reached Japan, Mexico and the United States.
For more wrestling profiles, check out our list of the top 10 greatest WWE heels of all time.
Career Overview of Jushin Thunder Liger
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1984-2020 |
| Top Moves | Brainbuster, Shooting Star Press, Diving Headbutt |
| Top Achievements | Multiple IWGP Junior Titles, Junior Heavyweight Legend |
4. Ultimo Dragon
Ultimo Dragon showed smooth movement and perfect balance in the ring whenever he appeared. He blended lucha libre speed with Japanese discipline better than anyone. His style looked clean, calm and controlled. Every move from Dragon's arsenal flowed into the next without pause.
Dragon began his career in Japan but trained in Mexico, which shaped his identity. That mix helped him stand out early. Ultimo Dragon became famous in Japan, WCW and other major promotions. His work showed that high flying could be precise and safe without losing excitement.
One of his biggest achievements came in WCW, when he held multiple championships simultaneously. That moment showed how trusted and respected he was. He wasn’t pushed because of hype. He earned his place through performance.
Ultimo Dragon's best work came through consistency. Night after night, he delivered clean matches. Many wrestlers learned from his footwork and timing.
Career Overview of Ultimo Dragon
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1987-present |
| Top Moves | Asai DDT, Dragon Sleeper, Frankensteiner |
| Top Achievements | Held multiple NJPW and WCW titles simultaneously |
5. Ricochet
Ricochet is the definition of modern high-flying wrestling. His athletic ability looks unreal even to experienced fans. He moves with speed, balance and control that few can match. His aerial attacks feel effortless and precise.
Ricochet built his name on the independent scene before gaining global attention in Japan and later major promotions like WWE and AEW.
His work in New Japan Pro Wrestling and other international circuits showed the world what peak athletic performance looks like in the ring. Fans saw flips, dives and counters that felt new every time.
His best work comes from pure execution. Ricochet doesn’t rely on character or long promos. His wrestling speaks for him. Matches against top high flyers like Mysterio, Ospreay and others proved he could keep pace and still stand out.
Ricochet's influence is clear across promotions today. Many younger wrestlers copy his movement and timing. His flips are world-famous and have garnered multiple views on social media.
Career Overview of Ricochet
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 2003-present |
| Top Moves | 630 Splash Shooting Star Press, Recoil |
| Top Achievements | Multiple championships in WWE, AEW, LU and NJPW |
6. Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero brought intelligence and emotion to high-flying wrestling. His style was fast but thoughtful. Eddie classified the cheating as a positive outcome in the wrestling. He didn’t just perform aerial attacks; he told stories through them.
Eddie began his career in Mexico, where lucha libre shaped his movement and creativity. He later wrestled in Japan, ECW and WCW before reaching his peak in WWE. That journey gave him depth and confidence inside the ring. His experience showed in every match.
Eddie won the WWE Championship and proved that a high flyer could lead the company. His matches blended speed, timing and psychology. Rivalries with Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar showed his range and courage.
Career Overview of Eddie Guerrero
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1987-present |
| Top Moves | Frog Splash, Three Amigos, Hurricanrana |
| Top Achievements | WWE Champion, storytelling master |
7. Rob Van Dam
Rob Van Dam brought innovation to high-flying wrestling in a way no one else did. His style looked different from the very start. He mixed martial arts kicks with aerial attacks. Every move felt sharp, controlled and impactful. Fans could tell he wasn’t copying anyone; he was creating something new inside the ring.
RVD first made his name in ECW. That is where his style truly stood out. The crowd reacted to his offence because it felt fresh and real. His matches became highlights of every show.
When he moved to WWE, many doubted whether his style would still work. He proved them wrong. He won major championships and stayed a top attraction. His offence worked on every stage.
Rob Van Dam also wrestled in several promotions across his career. He competed in ECW, WWE, TNA and other circuits. No matter where he went, his style stayed true. He did not change to fit trends.
Promotions adjusted to him. Many modern high-risk wrestlers borrowed parts of his movement and timing. Rob Van Dam did not follow wrestling trends; he created his own path.
Career Overview of RVD
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1990-2023 |
| Top Moves | Five Star Frog Splash, Rolling Thunder, Van Daminator |
| Top Achievements | ECW Icon, World Champion |
8. Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy is known for fearlessness and raw emotion. His high-flying style was unpredictable and risky. Fans never knew what danger he would face next. That uncertainty made every match feel intense and personal. His aerial attacks were not just moves; they were moments that stayed in memory.
Jeff first rose to fame in tag team wrestling alongside his brother Matt Hardy. Together, they changed tag team wrestling with speed and risk. Over time, however, Jeff grew into a successful singles star.
He won world championships and became one of the most popular wrestlers of his era. His high-risk moves often came at key moments, which made victories and losses feel meaningful.
Jeff Hardy also competed across many major promotions. He found success in WWE, TNA, AEW and NJPW. No matter where he wrestled, fans connected with his style and honesty. His best work came from emotion. Fans felt his pain, his courage and his fight. Jeff Hardy did not just perform. He made people feel every risk he took.
Career Overview of Jeff Hardy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1994-present |
| Top Moves | Swanton Bomb, Whisper in the Wind, Twist of Fate |
| Top Achievements | Multiple world championships, fan favourite |
9. AJ Styles
AJ Styles is the most complete high-flying athlete in wrestling history. He combined speed, timing and control better than anyone. His offence looked smooth and effortless. Every move flowed naturally into the next.
AJ built his legacy across many promotions. He became a top star in TNA, where his matches raised the company's profile. His work in Japan proved he could thrive at the highest technical level. When he reached WWE, he won world championships and delivered elite matches without changing his style.
His best work came from consistency. No matter the opponent or stage, AJ delivered. His aerial offence never felt forced. It felt natural and precise.
AJ Styles showed that high flying could be clean, powerful and championship level. He has all the tools as a wrestler, but he relied on high-flying moves during his TNA and NJPW days.
Check out our profile of WWE star Jake “The Snake” Roberts - Troubled but Loved.
Career Overview of AJ Styles
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1998-present |
| Top Moves | Styles Clash, Phenomenal Forearm, 450 Splash |
| Top Achievements | World titles across major promotions |
10. Will Ospreay
Will Ospreay represents the modern evolution of high-flying wrestling. He blends speed, power and athleticism at a level few can match. His movement looks unreal yet controlled. Every aerial sequence feels sharp and explosive.
Ospreay rose through the independent scene and made a name for himself in Japan. His matches pushed physical limits and changed expectations for modern wrestlers. He did not rely only on flips. He added strength and striking to his high-flying style.
His best work came through growth. He evolved from pure speed to a complete athlete. Fans respect his effort and intensity. Will Ospreay did not just modernise high flying. He redefined what is possible.
Career Overview of Will Ospreay
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 2012-present |
| Top Moves | Storm Breaker, Hidden Blade, Oscutter |
| Top Achievements | Modern high-flying evolution leader |
Honourable Mentions for High-Flyer Wrestlers
Mistico, Rey Fenix, Penta El Zero Miedo, Dynamite Kid, Hayabusa and Kota Ibushi.
Conclusion
High-flying wrestling is more than flashy moves. It is about timing, courage and connection with the crowd.
Rey Mysterio showed that heart and skill can overcome size and strength. His achievements, influence and longevity set a standard few can match.
High flyers continue to shape modern wrestling, but their foundation was built by legends who dared to fly first. Their impact will remain part of wrestling history for years to come.
The Greatest High-Flying Wrestlers of All Time: FAQs
Who is the greatest high-flying wrestler of all time?
Rey Mysterio is widely considered the greatest high flyer because of his longevity, championships and global influence on lucha libre and modern wrestling.
What makes a wrestler a high flyer?
A high flyer uses speed, balance and aerial moves like dives, springboards and top rope attacks as a core part of their style.
Which wrestling styles influenced high-flying wrestling?
Lucha libre from Mexico and junior heavyweight wrestling from Japan played the biggest role in shaping high-flying wrestling.
Is high-flying wrestling still important today?
Yes. Modern wrestling relies heavily on high-flying styles, and many current stars are inspired by legends like Rey Mysterio, Tiger Mask and Jushin Thunder Liger.
