The Most Underrated Luchadores in WWE History

When most fans think of lucha libre in WWE, names like Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero immediately spring to mind – and rightly so.

These trailblazers helped bring the Mexican wrestling style to the mainstream American audience. But for every Rey or Eddie, several other incredibly talented luchadores didn’t get the total spotlight they deserved.

Sometimes, it was due to poor booking decisions, and sometimes, they were saddled with stereotypical or comedic gimmicks. Other times, WWE simply didn’t know what to do with a style of wrestling that didn’t always fit the traditional American mold.

The team at Outplayed, which is a well-regarded company within the side hustle UK sphere, recently outlined the most underrated luchadores in WWE history. This list highlights those performers who brought incredible energy to the ring but were too often overlooked.

1. Juventud Guerrera

Juventud was a cornerstone of WCW’s cruiserweight division during the Monday Night Wars, but his WWE stint in the mid-2000s as part of The Mexicools felt like a missed opportunity.

Despite his dynamic in-ring style and undeniable charisma, Juvi was often bogged down by comedy angles and wasn’t allowed to shine like he did elsewhere.

His matches with Rey Mysterio in WCW were legendary, and he had the potential to bring that same energy to WWE – if only he’d been booked seriously.

2. Psicosis

Another member of The Mexicools, Psicosis, was one of the most innovative luchadores of his era.

His feud with Rey Mysterio in ECW and WCW set a high bar for lucha libre in the American circuit. In WWE, however, he was reduced to a comedic role, riding lawnmowers and cracking jokes.

The gimmick overshadowed his impressive aerial offence and fierce in-ring psychology. Psicosis deserved a stronger singles push that highlighted his legacy and experience.

3. Super Crazy

Super Crazy was a fan favourite with his blend of technical skill and fearless high-flying moves. Though he had standout matches – especially his triple-threat battles with Tajiri and Little Guido in ECW – his WWE run never hit the same heights.

Whether in the cruiserweight division or part of a tag team, Super Crazy had the talent to be a standout star, but he was rarely allowed to break through the glass ceiling.

4. Kalisto

Kalisto had all the tools to be a top-tier luchador in WWE: a compelling look, genuine lucha roots, and a highlight-reel finisher in the Salida del Sol.

He won the United States and Cruiserweight Championships but was never consistently positioned as a major player. His shocking victory over Alberto Del Rio for the U.S. title should have been a springboard – but inconsistent booking and stop-start pushes held him back. If given the sustained spotlight, Kalisto could’ve been the next big Lucha icon.

5. Sin Cara

The original Sin Cara, brought in with much fanfare as the next lucha sensation, had a rough run plagued by injuries and adjustment issues.

After his departure, Hunico took over the mantle and significantly improved the in-ring quality. But even then, Sin Cara never rose above midcard status.

Despite flashes of brilliance and some memorable moments, WWE never fully committed to the character’s potential. The Sin Cara legacy became more about missed chances than luchador excellence.

6. Gran Metalik

A finalist in the Cruiserweight Classic, Gran Metalik is arguably one of the most gifted luchadores in the world. Dubbed “The King of the Ropes,” he consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances – but was largely relegated to 205 Live and tag matches on Raw. In another era or under a different creative direction, Metalik could have become a true international sensation in WWE.

7. Lince Dorado

As part of the Lucha House Party, Lince Dorado was often pigeonholed into the same colourful, kid-friendly gimmick WWE has long used for luchadores. But underneath the glitter and the noise was a phenomenal athlete with deep roots in the lucha tradition. His performances in multi-man matches and cruiserweight bouts consistently impressed, but he never got the serious push he deserved.

Final Thoughts

WWE’s relationship with Lucha Libre has always been a bit complicated. While the company has occasionally featured luchadores and even celebrated the high-flying style, it often fails to fully embrace the rich culture, history, and storytelling that make lucha libre truly special. Too often, incredibly skilled performers are reduced to caricatures – defined more by their masks and accents than by their in-ring brilliance or personal narratives.

The luchadores on this list brought heart and undeniable talent to the WWE stage. They represented more than just flashy moves – they carried with them a wrestling tradition that spans generations. Despite often being placed in mid-card roles, stuck in comedic stables, or given minimal promo time, they still delivered when the bell rang. Week after week, they put their bodies on the line, entertaining crowds who may not have even realised they were witnessing greatness.

It’s time fans revisit their matches, appreciate their journeys, and acknowledge the legacy they quietly built. Sometimes, the most underrated are the ones who made the biggest impact when no one was watching closely. These luchadores deserve more than a passing mention – they deserve a permanent place in the conversation about what makes WWE, and wrestling as a whole, truly global and unforgettable.