The Greatest Formula One Drivers; Post Schumacher

2014 see's the end of an era: No more V8 engines, no more Mark Webber and no more Felipe Massa at Ferrari. What better time than now, to do a driver ranking article?

A lot of thought and work has gone into this list, and putting it into the order it is, was hard. No doubt some of you will disagree, but this list is spot on (at least in my opinion) and gives all the drivers in it their due credit.

THE LIST

10. Nico Rosberg

Titles: 0
Wins: 3
Podiums: 11
Poles: 4
Fastest Laps: 4


The son of former world champion Keke Rosberg, Nico debuted for Williams in 2006 and soon gained a reputation of a future world champion. While success was hard to come by at Williams, his move to Mercedes gained him 3 wins, and in a newly competitive Merceds car in 2013 he showed his speed, matching and beating new team mate Lewis Hamilton regularly. 2014 could well be the season Rosberg, and Mercedes live up to the promise.



9. Rubens Barrichello

Titles: 0

Wins: 11
Podiums: 68
Poles: 14
Fastest Laps: 17

The lovable Brazilian holds an F1 record for the most Grand Prix's at 326 (322 starts). He was most prominently Michael Schumacher's team mate at Ferrari during the dominant years, even finishing runner-up to him. 2009 saw him at Brawn reviving his career with Jenson Button before retiring in 2011.










8. Robert Kubica

Titles: 0
Wins: 1
Podiums: 12
Poles: 1
Fastest Laps:1

A hard choice. Whether to put Kubica above or below Rubens Barrichello, but one made on talent. Kubica had a staggering amount of talent and promise, arguably even more than Sebastian Vettel, however a life threatening accident caused Kubica to cut his F1 career short, and there is no doubt in anyones mind that the super-quick polish driver would have gone on one day to become world champion. Cut down in his prime.






7. Felipe Massa

Titles: 0
Wins: 11
Podiums: 36
Poles: 15
Fastest Laps: 14

Another lovable Brazilian, upon his first F1 season, Massa developed a reputation for being fast and erratic (Grosjean anyone?). He would go on to drive with Ferrari and challenge for the world championship in 2008, losing out to Lewis Hamilton at the last corner, in an F1 moment that will live forever. At the 2009 Hungarian GP Massa suffered a career and life threatening injury, and would not return until 2010. Massa partnered 3 of the greatest F1 drivers of them all; Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso; and Kimi Raikkonen. A very capable deputy indeed.





6. Jenson Button

Titles: 1
Wins: 14
Podiums: 49
Poles: 8
Fastest Laps: 8

The ever smiling Brit who debuted in 2000, many thought Buttons first win would never come, but it did; at the Hungaroring in 2006. 2009 was without doubt Buttons greatest year, as from the ashes of Honda, Brawn F1 took advantage of the technological changes thrust upon F1 and scored Jenson his first and so far only world title, despite a struggling car in the second half of the season. Known for his smooth and silky styles, Button notably excels in changing conditions. Button has just completed 2013 in an extremely poor McLaren car, will we ever see the Button of old again?






5. Mark Webber

Titles: 0
Wins: 9
Podiums: 42
Poles: 13
Fastest Laps: 19

Not bad for a number 2 driver. Dogged by perennial bad luck,  the man who should have won the 2010 world championship had he not crashed out in the Korean GP (greatest driver to never win the world title? Maybe not, but the debate is open), his farewell in Brazil shows how great Mr Webber is; called "the darling of the F1 paddock by Eddie Jordan", receiving a touching farewell pre-race by his Red Bull mechanics, fighting his way through the field with some excellent overtakes and finishing second, all before doing his cool down lap without a helmet in true Mark Webber style. Such a farewell had not been seen since Schumcaher left in 2006, and even then, there was not as rapturous celebrations. His team mate Sebastian Vettel (graciously after the Multi-21 events) and Red Bull celebrated with him after the race, allowing Mark to be interviewed first and bringing an Aussie flag onto the podium, before a team celebration in his honour atop the podium. Part of one of the most successful team partnerships ever, his no nonsense style and opinions will be missed, but who will ever forget his pass on his long time friend Fernando Alonso at Eau Rouge?




4. Lewis Hamilton

Titles: 1
Wins: 22
Podiums: 54
Poles: 31
Fastest Laps: 13

The talented Brit has speed that on its day, can beat anyone. Debuting in 2007 and missing out on the title by 1 point. Hamilton would redeem himself a year later, winning the title at the last corner of the final race. Since then he has never been able to find that magic, and left his boyhood team McLaren for Mercedes at the end of 2012, in what turned out to be an inspired move; McLaren had a poor 2013 whilst Mercedes were the best of the rest behind Red Bull.







3. Kimi Raikkonen

Titles: 1
Wins: 20
Podiums: 77
Poles: 16
Fastest Laps: 39

Simply put: on his day, the fastest driver in F1. In the right mood, no one can stop Kimi Raikkonen. The 2007 world champion (by 1 point) has had an illustrious career, from Sauber to McLaren (where he scored an emotional first win), to Ferrari for his world title, and then to Lotus-Renault after a sabbatical 2 years from the sport pursuing other ventures. Famous for his no nonsense style off the track, Raikkonen will always speak his mind, and is the highest earning F1 driver.




2. Fernando Alonso

Titles: 2
Wins: 32
Podiums: 95
Poles: 22
Fastest Laps: 21

Up until the end of 2013, many regarded him as greater than Sebastian Vettel, and many still do. However, you cannot deny Fernando Alonso's speed. Out performing his awful Ferrari car for years and still managing to finish runner-up in 2012 and 2013 (he should have probably won the 2012 title). Despite the unquestionable determination and pure speed, Alonso is far from perfect - witness an explosive season on and off the track at McLaren in 2007. 2014 will see him line up along side Raikkonen in one of the sports greatest ever teams, will we see Ferrari return to the too once more?

NUMBER ONE IS......

1. Sebastian Vettel

Titles: 4

Wins: 39

Podiums: 62

Poles: 45

Fastest Laps: 22

World Champion for four years running (the youngest to do that, and the youngest world champion ever!), who can stop Sebastian Vettel? His pace was clear even in his first full season; winning for Torro Rosso in the wet at the Italian GP, Vettel would go on to greatness and has now possibly fully surpassed the man at number 2 on this list. Supremely talented and given the best car, Vettel has destroyed all in his path on his way to greatness. However, it has not been without controversy, after the Multi-21 scandal Vettel was booed for most of the remaining 2013 season and is constantly criticised by pundits and fans alike for his unsportmanship behaviour and lack of respect during and occasionally after the scandal. Despite this, Vettel has dominated and silenced his critics with devastating performces. He also went some way to repairing the damage done by Multi-21, allowing his departing team mate, and fierce Multi-21 victim, Mark Webber to take the plaudits at the Australians F1 farewell. Vettel will head into the unknown that is 2014, confident of retaining his title, but wary that the changes may equal out the field. Has this year determined his true greatness? Will next year determine his true legacy? Or will we need to see him win with another team?

Thor: The Dark World Review

The sequel to Thor and set after the Avengers, this action heavy film is catered for 13-23 year olds.

In short, what you need to know before the film, is that Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is from the kingdom of Asgard, has a magical hammer, and is in love with an Earth-born scientist called Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Thor’s father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is king of Asgard and his evil adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is in prison for doing all manner of naughty things to New York.

Visually stunning, the film (which none of is set in America, a nice change), is a mix of drama and some nice comedic moments from the likes of Stellan Skarsgard, especially the as the plot revolves around an elf trying to destroy the universe. Chris Hemsworth as the the titular and lead character is, well, as can be expected from this kind of role. Nothing special, but by no means bad. Some of Natalie Portman's scenes share a passing resemblance to her scenes from Star Wars, in a reserved performance. The stage however belongs to the fantastic Tom Hiddleston, as Loki, his scene stealing prowess is up their with the enigmatic and encapsulating performance by Gary Oldman in 1994s "Leon".

Not being a huge fan of Marvel, i was dreading this a little, but, it wasn't as feared, despite Hiddleston carrying the film in parts. Better than than first film, it is definitly more for fans of Marvel, but its visual sights and action will provide an entertaining advert for some.

7/10 

Revolution: Season 1 Review - A house divided against itself cannot stand

"I'm a patriot, Rachel". Who else saw that coming? Not me for sure. Season 1 of Revolution ended with a bang as the now not so evil Randall Flynn set about blowing the east coast of America into a million pieces. So, If I'm following this right... and I'd like to think I am, this means he wasn't actually a villain (despite all the psycho-babble he would come out with). Plot twist or what?!

The real question for season 2 will ultimately be which side will Miles and co take. It wasn't exactly clear given, they probably don't know about the US colony in Cuba yet. Also, I quite like the about-face in Monroe's character. I'd like him and Miles to team up at some point next season, it would be good viewing and the storyline between them in the last episode was engaging on many levels. Nora dying left the way clear for Miles/Rachel to be a focus, and Neville switching sides yet again was no surprise, but given how amazingly well acted by Giancarlo Esposito, Neville is... this can only be good.

What of Texas and other nations which we have yet to see? We surely will get to see them in their full glory?
Whatever happens, the excitement for season 2 could not be higher.

Spoilers for Season 2, including big plot reveals: http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/07/20/revolution-season-2-trailer/

Muse Emirates Stadium Review

Flaming chimneys, a giant light bulb, a make-shift fake power station, oh, and a 10 foot robot. Muse aren't known for doing things by halves, and tonight is no different. The second of a 2 night residency at Arsenals Emirates Stadium had the promise to be the best gig of their enitre stadium tour. It was far from a let down.

Muse had chosen The 1975, who were really good, and Dizzee Rascal to support them. Here's the thing... many Muse fans did not like the choice of support, but I have to say, Dizzee far exceeded expectations.

  It's not every day you see your favourite band play, so my excitement for this gig was unparalleled. Muse had already played a bombastic set at Covetrys Ricoh arena, pulling out more than a few surprise songs along the way. Muse are a band for whom "second night syndrome" is common, so the crowd were buzzing with anticipation.

A part of The 2nd Laws dubstep homage "Unsustainable" opened things, before a band made bomb exploded at the end of the B-stage walkway. Things kicked off properly with "Supremacy" complete with fire spouting pyro from the aforementioned chimneys. Sounding as huge as ever, the 3 members of the Devon 3 piece can create a staggering amount of commotion considering they only have 3 (4 when live) members. Following up with the chart assaulting, Hendrix-via NYC nightclub, guitar driven "Supermassive Black Hole" before "Panic Station", tonight is already a hit with most fans singing word for word.

"Map of the Problematique" is as great as it ever was, truly a phenomenal live song, followed by the ever raucous and unhinged crowd pleasing "Hysteria". I forgot just how much fun that song is live! "Animals" features a banker throwing fake bank notes over the crowd and "Knights of Cydonia", well, it is what it is. The jewel in the Muse crown. You could feel the ground shake.

Next, I finally got the hear "Sunburn" from their debut album Showbiz. Sounding as meaty as ever, it is still arguably their best piano song. So, what would we get between the 2 piano songs? Dead Star was a massive treat for Coventry and the previous night... we weren't let down either. The intro to Absolutions album centre-piece "Butterflies & Hurricanes" always send chills down any Muse fans spine for the next 5 minutes. Muse at their very best, a great rock track with a piano solo in the middle. Only Muse. "Feeling Good" is wheeled out of whatever retirement home Muse should leave it in and "Follow Me", "Liquid State" and "Madness" are all brought out from the newest album. "Time is Running Out" which is preceded by "House of the Rising Sun" is as crowd pleasing as ever, before the main set ending sexy-thrash that is "Stockholm Syndrome".

Returning for a slowed down section of "Unintended" (with a stunning light backdrop, seen partially below), "Blackout" (with light bulb and acrobat), "Guiding Light" and "Undisclosed Desires", in which Matt walks the barrier and shakes hands with the fans! (A friend of mine finally got to shake his and Doms hand!), is actually not a bad section, especially if you are lucky enough to get on the barrier.

The second encore begins with a reprisal of "Unsustainabe" complete with Charles the robot, before the wailing, almost warning of things to come, air-raid siren intro of Muse' most recognisable song "Plug in Baby". The 2001 hit is still their most loved song for the majority of the audience and provides a huge moment in the set. Next is "Survival" complete with flames and triangular visuals worthy of a gig closing song (why they do not end with this is beyond me). Another break so Matt can change his clothes is taken before returning during "Isolated System" before an uplifting version of "Uprising" that has us all elated. Ending with "Starlight" which can be considered an odd choice, Muse have played to a crowd who are there simply to enjoy and be a part of one the greatest bands of modern times.

A great gig, with excellent energy, a loud crowd and an excellent set.

The Greatest GTA Characters

Insane missions, unbelieveable fun, gripping stories and legendary characters. Calling cards of the GTA series. In anticipation of GTA V later this year (September 17th), it's time to relive and celebrate the best of GTA's truly epic characters!

SPOILERS AHEAD

List Time!

 

10. Phil Bell
Phil Bell is a Major supporting character from GTA IV. Phil is the unofficial consigliere of the Pegorino Family in Alderney. He primarily ran their front operations, but was also involved in some wetwork - he accompanied Niko Bellic on three violent missions for the Pegorinos. Towards the end of the game, the Pegorino Family gets too much police attention, leading Jimmy Pegorino to believe the family has several rats. He contemplates which one of his capos he should kill - Phil and Ray Boccino each secretly suggest to Pegorino that he kill the other. Jimmy eventually decides to kill Ray. At the very end, whether Deal or Revenge is chosen, Phil chooses to leave organized crime for good in favor of a simple life in a small town. He calls Niko to wish him all the best and they leave on good terms.

9. Phil Cassidy
Phil Cassidy is a character in Grand Theft Auto series who appears as major character in GTA: Vice City Stories, GTA: Vice City,and minor character in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto III, chronologically.

In all of his appearances, Phil is featured as a war veteran and heavy artillery arms dealer, selling the protagonist military-grade weaponry such as Grenades, Rocket Launchers, Miniguns, etc. He presents himself as ex-military, regularly talking about his exploits in Vietnam. Cam Jones claims that he was never actually in the army, and army records indicate that Phil was repeatedly turned down for service due to his alcoholism and unstable personality. Ray Machowski refers to Phil as an old military buddy, but from Nicaragua rather than Vietnam.

He is voiced by the one and only Gary Busey in GTA Vice City, and Vice City Stories.

8. Packie McReary
Patrick "Packie" McReary  is a character in Grand Theft Auto series who appears as a main character and a friend in Grand Theft Auto IV, a cameo character in The Lost and Damned and a supporting character in The Ballad of Gay Tony. Packie is a 29-year old member of the McReary crime family and the youngest brother of the McReary clan itself.
Packie, on the surface, portrays himself as strong and without feeling. But when drunk or otherwise confiding in Niko, he is shown time and time again to be suppressing deeply painful emotions. For example, he will lament that "the world is ugly and unkind", question what being a man is all about, and contemplates suicide. He doesn't seem to seriously consider immediately and directly killing himself, but does glamourize the idea that he will die young of a drug overdose. Compared to Niko, Packie is equally capable of violence and criminal activity, and feels less guilt. He does, however, still hold certain moral standards; If you kill too many hostages during the mission Three Leaf Clover, the mission will fail and Packie would say that he doesn't take this bloody money.

7. Yusuf Amir
Yusuf Amir is a character that appears as the tritagonist in The Ballad of Gay Tony and mentioned in Grand Theft Auto IV. Yusuf is a wealthy real estate developer and is arguably the funniest GTA character. He wants to franchise Gay Tony's nightclub Maisonette 9, and hires Prince's bodyguard Luis Lopez as a mercenary. He takes a very fast shining to Luis in particular, seeking to impress him with his possessions and sometimes white lies (for example, in High Dive he claims that one week ago he was exhausted from test driving "sexy cars" and for two weeks, flew to Vice City with prostitutes). After only meeting Luis twice in Sexy Time, he is quick to say that they are like "brothers". Towards the end of the game, he gives Luis his gold-plated Super Drop Diamond (with a powerful gun in the glove compartment) and brings his machine gun helicopter to aid Luis in a large gunfight, somewhat rare and profound of his otherwise selfish nature.
Yusuf is very relaxed and carefree man. He almost never worries about the problems in his life. Yusuf is also very cheerful and hyperactive. He also likes to annoy his friends, as he likes to use the word 'nigga' when greeting Luis, much to the latter's annoyance.

6. Ricardo Diaz

Ricardo Diaz was a character who appears as a main character and the tertiary antagonist in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and as a main character in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.

Diaz is the leader of his own gang and, by 1986, is the drug baron of Vice City.

Sometime in between 1984 and 1986, Diaz establishes himself as the drug baron of Vice City and finishes the building of his mansion. His drug habit continues and he has become far more paranoid. Diaz sets up a number of foundations across Vice City and Latin America, although the Vice City Police Department believe them to be a front, whilst they also suspect him of eighteen murders. Diaz has also established a protection racket in the city. Diaz, continuing to use information from Gonzalez, has a drug deal between the Forelli Family and the Vance Crime Family ambushed, stealing both the drugs and money.

He later appears at one of Juan Cortez' parties, which was also attended by Forelli representative Tommy Vercetti. Cortez begins to investigate the deal and discovers Gonzalez' involvement and has him killed. Cortez openly suggests that Diaz may have been involved, but does not accuse him.

Cortez does employ Vercetti and Lance Vance to protect him in a deal with the Cubans from Haitians, which results in Diaz hiring the two for other jobs. Diaz first has the two deal with the Streetwannabe's, who have been stealing three percent of his profits, first following a gang member to an abandoned home and then attacking the home, killing a number of the gangs members. Later, Diaz has the two steal the fastest boat in the city and then use the boat to purchase drugs from a dealer, before escaping the other potential buyers. Lance eventually decides to avenge his brother’s death and kill Diaz. His plan backfires, however he is rescued from torture by Vercetti. The two of them later assault Diaz' mansion, killing all of his men and Diaz himself 

5. Mike Toreno
Michael "Mike" Toreno is an undercover agent from a "government agency," unknown, but his later dialogue rules out the FBI. Toreno disguises himself as a drug supplier for the Loco Syndicate. In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas he appear as a main character, and is voiced by James Woods.
Philosophically, Toreno is a highly cynical American imperialist. He primarily uses CJ as a courier, saboteur, and assassin. Though he knows of Tenpenny and Pulaski's dirty dealings, Toreno does not use his power to stop them — he tells CJ in one mission, "we have to make decisions, kid. You know, I try to set bad people on other bad people. And sometimes, I let good guys die." Toreno, like Tenpenny, seems to have gravitated toward committing heinous acts in the name of a greater good, but unlike Tenpenny, Toreno is not corrupted by his power. He equates maintenance of the American socioeconomic system with the continued survival of the free world. Toreno, like many major characters of San Andreas, appears in The Introduction.

4. Ken Rosenberg
Ken Rosenberg appears as a central character in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (set in 1986) and a main character in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (set in 1992). He is also mentioned in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (set in 1984).
Ken Rosenberg is voiced by William Fichtner and is based on David Kleinfeld, played by Sean Penn, from the 1993 film Carlito's Way. The two characters are defense attorneys, have a similar appearance and both are rendered increasingly paranoid and incoherent due to their cocaine addictions. The offices of both characters are also almost identical.

3. The Truth
The Truth appears as a main character in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The Truth is an aging hippie who lives in Flint County and had previously owned a cannabis farm there.
As a conspiracy theorist, The Truth is apparently well aware of conspiracies surrounding the government and related organizations (including law enforcement agencies and the police), which causes him to question CJ after doing missions for Mike Toreno. Truth also owns a van dubbed "The Mothership", although he claims to travel via his astral goat, Herbie, and is acquainted with mechanics Dwaine and Jethro, along with electronics expert Zero.

2. Tommy Vercetti
Tommy Vercetti appears as the main protagonist of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (set in 1986) and mentioned in The Introduction, a prequel of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (set in 1992).
Tommy is a former member of the Forelli Family, and the leader of the Vercetti Gang, based out of Vice City.
Tommy Vercetti is voiced by Ray Liotta, who has also starred in the blockbuster film Goodfellas. Tommy Vercetti is depicted as both intelligent but temperamental, easily angered and quick to resort to violence. He has no hesitation about killing, though many of his victims are in turn trying to kill Tommy as well, or have done something that requires to be killed. The story does not require Tommy to kill any innocent people. Tommy does also show a softer side as seen with his relations with Mercedes Cortez and Earnest Kelly, whom he views as a father figure due to his childhood memories of working with his father at a printworks. At some point prior to 1971, Tommy joined the Forelli Family. He continued to work with the Forelli Family, working his way up the rankings and, presumably, becoming a made man. In 1971, Sonny Forelli, growing apprehensive of Tommy's growing power, attempted to set up an ambush for him, under the guise of a hit in Harwood. However, Tommy not only survived, but killed all eleven men sent to kill him. He was arrested and convicted of eleven counts of murder, but since he kept quiet and turned no evidence on the Forelli Family, they used judicial connections to spare him the death penalty or life imprisonment. Tommy remained in prison for fifteen years, never informing the LCPD of any Forelli Family secrets. This earned him the monkiker "The Harwood Butcher".
Tommy Vercetti continued to run the criminal underworld after Vce City; during that time, Tommy's relationship with Ken Rosenbergbecame increasingly strained due to Ken's cocaine addiction. Tommy eventually got Ken into rehab at the Fort Carson Medical Center in Fort Carson, San Andreas, and refused to speak to Ken after he finished rehab.

1, Officer Frank Tenpenny
Officer Frank Tenpenny is a corrupt police officer of the Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) and the head of C.R.A.S.H., he serves as the main antagonist in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Tenpenny claims that his approach to the job is about "percentages" and that his philosophy calls for overlooking some crime to achieve a greater good. It appears that he believes what he says, but in reality Tenpenny and his unit are corrupt to the core and terrorize gang leaders in a fashion much like a gang themselves, except with the power of law enforcement behind them. They can kill indiscriminately and are skimming the profits from the rival gangs. Tenpenny himself is a polluting influence, convincing good cops to aid him in his pursuits.
With Big Smoke ruling Los Santos as its crack kingpin under C.R.A.S.H.'s control, Tenpenny's reach is expanding. Despite this, the FBI is becoming interested in the wave of drugs crippling the city. CJ finally outlives his usefulness to Tenpenny and Pulaski, who are becoming edgy and less tolerant of loose ends by the time CJ reaches Las Venturas. There they have him acquire an FBI dossier. After this he drives CJ out to the desert, where Tenpenny attacks Hernandez for cooperating with Internal Affairs and orders Carl to dig his own grave. He then leaves CJ and Hernandez for Pulaski to watch so he can "get drunk and get laid", so he is not present to see CJ murder Pulaski.
Upon taking back Madd Dogg's mansion, CJ learns that Tenpenny has been charged with racketeering, corruption, possession and use of narcotics and numerous sexual assaults. However, as all the prosecution's witnesses have either been killed by CJ or otherwise gone missing, Tenpenny is acquitted, which ignites a riot in Los Santos reminiscent of the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
Tenpenny seeks to escape Los Santos and the riot by plane (supposedly fleeing San Andreas) with a suitcase full of drug money. Tenpenny emerges just as CJ has killed Big Smoke and tells him he has new recruits in the force who are ready for him to "open their eyes" to his way of thinking. Tenpenny starts a fire in Big Smoke's Crack Palace downstairs, hoping to kill CJ in the blast, then flees in a fire truck. Carl's brother, Sweet, however, hangs on to the firetruck's ladder; CJ catches him in his car and continues the chase.
At the last cut scene of the "End of the Line" mission, Tenpenny's fire engine runs off an overpass, where it lands in a wreck right in the heart of Grove Street. A bloodied and broken Tenpenny crawls out calling for backup. Realizing no one is coming, he curses the police force, claiming that with "fifty of me", Los Santos would be saved, before dying from his injuries. CJ and the rest of his crew examine the body to make sure he's finished, but Sweet makes sure no one touches him so officials will blame a traffic accident for his death. Before they walk away from the body, The Truth tells CJ that he "beat the system" after Truth had been trying for 30 years. CJ then leans over, points his fingers at Tenpenny's body and smugly says, "See you around, officer." Tenpenny's corpse is reported on the radio to have been mutilated and stripped by the homeless, before officials found it once the riots had ended

People who just missed out on this list include: Sal Leone, Big Smoke and Carl Johnson.

Wrestling: Top Tens

This is a list of what i consider to be the greatest wrestlers of my lifetime. I started watching in 2004, having known about wrestling for about 5-6 years prior to that.

While the list is MY opinion, you wont get any unrealistic people on the list. For example - I love The Sandman, but he wont make this list over the people on it.

Firstly there are a few honourable mentions of wrestlers that i agonised over putting on this list, but could not commit to:

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Dolph Ziggler

The most talented athelete currently in the WWE, the  "Show Off" Dolph Ziggler has been one of my favourites over the last 2 years, putting on phenomenal match after phenomenal match. Selling like Shawn Michaels on a sugar rush, he is sure to be the breakout star of 2013 in the WWE if you don't already consider him one.



John Cena

Arguably the most controversial person left out of the top 10, John Cena is the face of the WWE. Love him or hate him he has had countless great matches over the years and his a work rate 2nd to none. However, his character is so stale and so annoying i have been forced to leave him off this list. I don't mind John Cena, but the others on this list in my eyes are far greater.

Chris Benoit

Controversial right? One of the greatest EVER, but sadly with a now tainted memory after the events of his death. Chris Benoit was a master in the ring and would go on to be a true legend of the business. Winning the World Championship in a fantastic triple threat match at Wrestlemania 20 and giving fans one of the most haunting images ever when celebrating in ring with WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero, both have now sadly passed on.

In writing this, i realised there are so many greats that i won't be able to fit into one list. The likes of Kurt Angle, Goldberg, JBL, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Brock Lesnar, Batista, Randy Orton, AJ Styles and Sting are all absent from the top 10.

THE TOP TEN

10. Edge

One of the most popular superstars of the late 90's onward, Edge won 31 championships in WWE, including eleven world championships (the WWE Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship a record seven times), five Intercontinental Championships, one United States Championship, 14 tag team championships (a record 12 World Tag Team Championships and two WWE Tag Team Championships), the 2001 King of the Ring tournament, the inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match in 2005, and the Royal Rumble match in 2010. Edge retired in 2011 after a career threatening injury to his neck. His last match was against Alberto Del Rio for the World Championship at Wrestlemania 27, which he won.

9. Jeff Jarrett

Jeff Jarrett has held seventy championships in various promotions throughout his career. Within TNA, he is currently recognized as an eleven-time world champion, having been a six-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and one-time AAA World Heavyweight Champion. He achieved notable championship success in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), becoming a six-time Intercontinental Champion (a record from 1999–2004), and one of three men to hold both the Intercontinental and European Championships simultaneously. While he never captured the WWF Championship, Jarrett challenged for the title (as wel as Stone Cold Steve Austin refusing to work with him)and is recognized by the promotion as a four-time world champion, given his four reigns with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, which is now a WWE trademark. He also wields wrestlings most lethal guitar.

8. CM Punk

CM Punk is a seven-time World Champion, having held the ROH World Championship and ECW Championship once, the World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWE Championship twice. Punk has also won the World Tag Team Championship (with Kofi Kingston) and the WWE Intercontinental Championship, making him the 19th WWE Triple Crown Champion and the man to achieve this honor fastest at 203 days. Between WWE and Ring of Honor (where he is a two-time World Tag Team Champion), Punk has won a total of 11 championships. He was also the winner of the 2008 and 2009 Money in the Bank ladder matches (the only wrestler to win the match twice in a row). He is recognized by WWE as the sixth-longest reigning champion of all time, and the longest-reigning since February 1988 (previously, multi-year title reigns had been standard) he was described by the organization in a December 2012 publication as "the longest-reigning WWE Champion in the modern era" as of the 3rd of January 2012.

7. Triple H

HHH has won 23 championships in WWE. He is a thirteen-time world champion, having won the WWF/E Championship eight times, and the World Heavyweight Championship five times. He was the first World Heavyweight Champion. In addition, HHH won the 1997 King of the Ring, the 2002 Royal Rumble, and was the second Grand Slam Championship winner. He was a founding memeber of D-Generation X and Evolution. HHH currently works in the offices of WWE, having almost retired from all in-ring action after a match with Brock Lesnar at Summerslam 2012. One of the greatest heels of all time, HHH gave WWE one of its greatest moments when returning at Madison Square Garden in 2002.

6. Eddie Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero wrestled in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Guerrero's gimmick was that of "Latino Heat", a crafty, resourceful wrestler who would do anything to win a match. His catchphrase became "I Lie! I Cheat! I Steal!," which was used in one of his entrance themes. Guerrero was widely regarded as one of the most respected and gifted technical wrestlers in history and even after his death is still one of the most loved wrestlers ever. Guerrero won 23 titles during his career, including the WWE Championship in an emotional victory over Brock Lesnar.

5. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Described by WWE chairman Vince McMahon as the most profitable wrestler in the company's history, he gained significant mainstream popularity in the WWF during the mid-to-late 1990s as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, a disrespectful, beer-drinking antihero who routinely defied McMahon, his boss. This defiance was often shown by Austin flipping off McMahon and incapacitating him with the Stone Cold Stunner, his finishing move. McMahon inducted Austin into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

Austin held twenty five championships throughout his professional wrestling career, and is a 6-time WWF Champion as well as the fifth Triple Crown Champion. He was also the winner of the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, as well as the 1997, 1998 and 2001 Royal Rumbles. He was forced to retire from in ring competition in early 2003 due to a series of knee and neck injuries . Throughout the rest of 2003 and 2004, he was featured as the Co-General Manager and "Sheriff" of RAW. Since 2005, he has continued to make occasional appearances.

4. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho, is a WWE superstar, and is also well known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and internationally in Canadian, Mexican and Japanese promotions.

Jericho has won 30 championships between WWF/E, WCW, and ECW - the three most prominent American promotions in the 1990s and early 2000s. He is credited as being the first Undisputed WWF Champion, having unified the WWF Championship and the World Championship (formerly the WCW Championship).

In WWE, Jericho is a six-time world champion, having won the WWF Championship once, the WCW/World Championship twice and the World Heavyweight Championship three times. He is also a record nine-time Intercontinental Champion, and the fourth WWE Grand Slam Champion. Outside of wrestling, Jericho formed the band Fozzy, in 1999, as their lead vocalist. He is arguably the greatest "total package" in wrestling history.

3. The Rock

The Rock held the WWF/E Championship seven times and the WCW/World Championship twice, the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice, and the WWF Tag Team Championship five times. He is the sixth WWF/E Triple Crown Champion, and the winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble. He was quickly pushed as a face in the WWF, originally billed as "Rocky Maivia", then as "The Rock". He turned heel as a member of the Nation of Domination in 1997. Two years after he joined the WWF, he won the WWF Championship and became one of the most popular wrestlers ever, primarily for his charismatic interviews and promos. Along with Stone Cold Steve Austin, he helped the WWF survive the Monday Night Wars.

2. The Undertaker

The Undertaker has performed under two contrasting personas. The first is the role of The Deadman, an undead, occult-like figure, which has consisted of many different styles. He debuted his original Deadman persona during his own on-camera debut at Survivor Series (1990). At this event, the Undertaker was clad as a Western mortician. Next, in October of 1998, the Undertaker appeared as the leader of the Ministry of Darkness (with similar apparel). Since WrestleMania XX, the Undertaker has appeared as a hybrid version of the Deadman character, using elements of the previous Deadman incarnations.

His other persona has been that of The American Bad-Ass, a biker, which he portrayed from May 2000 through November 2003. The Undertaker is also associated with various specialty matches: the Casket match, the Buried Alive match, the Hell in a Cell and the Last Ride match. An important part of the character is the Undertaker character's half-brother Kane, who has also played an important role in The Undertaker's character development. Kane was introduced in 1997, and has both feuded with The Undertaker and performed in a tag-team with him as the Brothers of Destruction.

The Undertaker holds an unrivaled record of being undefeated at WrestleMania, WWE's premier pay-per-view event, with a 20–0 record. Among other accolades, Undertaker has won the WWF/E Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship three times. The Undertaker is also a seven-time World Tag Team champion: a six-time WWF Tag Team Champion and one-time WCW Tag Team Champion. The Undertaker was the winner of the 2007 Royal Rumble and became the first man to enter the annual event last and win. 

and number one.......

1. Shawn Michaels



Michaels began his wrestling career with Mid-South Wrestling, now known as Universal Wrestling Federation, and American Wrestling Association (AWA). During his time with AWA, he performed in partnership with Marty Jannetty, as The Midnight Rockers; winning the AWA World Tag Team Championship twice. Hickenbottom and Jannetty briefly signed with World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1987, while in contract with AWA. They returned to AWA, only to go back to the WWF in 1988.
Michaels later worked as a singles performer, taking on a new persona of "The Heartbreak Kid" and, first as a heel and later as a face, became one of the industry's most prominent stars. He wielded considerable influence on booking decisions as the leader of The Kliq, a backstage group, which however fell apart in 1996. The following year, he teamed up with Hunter Hearst Hemsley, who often was referred to as Triple H (HHH), Chyna, and Rick Rude to form D-Generation X (DX). This group of wrestlers was known for their sophomoric crude humor. That same year, Michaels took part in one of the most controversial matches in wrestling history, dubbed as the "Montreal Screwjob." After a back injury forced him to retire following his WWF Championship loss at WrestleMania XIV, Michaels opened a wrestling academy, called The Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy, in which he trained upcoming wrestlers.

He made his in-ring return at SummerSlam in 2002. In 2006, Michaels and Triple H briefly reformed DX, but after an injury that Triple H sustained, Michaels returned to singles wrestling. Although as of 2009, the duo reunited as a tag team once more, with the two capturing the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship. At WrestleMania XXVI, Michaels was forced to retire from in-ring competition when he lost a career-threatening match. In December 2010, he signed a long-term deal with WWE, making his first live appearance at a WWE show since WrestleMania later that month. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2011. Following his induction, WWE said of Michaels, "Ask any Superstar on the WWE roster who the most gifted sports-entertainer of all time is and nearly everyone will have the same answer — Shawn Michaels."

 

Among other accolades, Michaels is a four-time world champion: a three-time WWF Champion and a former World Heavyweight Champion. He was also the winner of the 1995 and 1996 Royal Rumbles and was the company's first Grand Slam Champion. He has also won the PWI Match of the Year Award a record eleven times. HBK currently resides in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children.

Link to a great tribute found on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9aTyc6vHd8