In a recent discussion that has electrified wrestling fans, Idris Elba astonished the WWE community by unveiling his personal picks for a fantasy WWE Mount Rushmore, pointedly omitting The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. The conversation, which occurred during a relaxed exchange with John Cena, saw Elba name his top WWE legends, straying from the widely held consensus and making Idris Elba WWE Mount Rushmore picks the talk of the wrestling world.
The debate unfolded in the context of promoting the new political comedy “Heads of State,” where Elba and Cena, both stars of the film, were prompted to share their choices of the greatest of all time across different fields. When the conversation turned to wrestling, John Cena opted to hold back his list, but Elba stepped forward with his own selections, catching even Cena off guard.
The Controversial List and Fans’ Fiery Response
Idris Elba’s fantasy Mount Rushmore featured Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena himself, and The Rock. The Shock Factor did not stem from those included, but rather from legends—most notably The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels—who were left out. As soon as the list was revealed, Cena, sitting across from Elba, was visibly surprised yet signaled a thumbs up, perhaps more in a spirit of camaraderie than endorsement.
Reactions from the WWE fanbase were immediate and intense. Many fans took to social platforms, voicing their disapproval of Elba’s choices, particularly the inclusion of Hulk Hogan, a polarizing figure due to controversies after his wrestling career. The fan outrage was equally directed at Elba’s failure to recognize The Undertaker, famous for his iconic WrestleMania streak, and Shawn Michaels, celebrated for his high-octane performances and passionate legacy.
“That’s not what a Mount Rushmore is…”
—Somebody, WWE fan
“Hulk Hogan? Somebody show him that audio 😂”
—Somebody, WWE fan
“Replace Hogan with The Undertaker and you got a pretty great list!”
—Somebody, WWE fan
While Elba’s picks reflected his personal taste, the magnitude of criticism made it clear that many in the wrestling community disagreed, viewing the picks as lacking gravitas befitting the honor.
What Makes a WWE Legend Worthy of Mount Rushmore?
For long-time followers of WWE, measuring greatness is never as simple as adding up championship victories. The quality of a performer’s persona, the dedication they give to the company, and their ability to electrify the crowd distinguish true icons. The debate sparked by Idris Elba’s WWE Mount Rushmore picks underscores how personal and passionate such evaluations become among fans.
Many suggest that wrestlers like The Undertaker exemplify the Mount Rushmore ethos. His dominance in the ring and WrestleMania record set him apart in WWE lore. Similarly, Shawn Michaels, referred to by many as HBK, has not only delivered classic matches but is also currently shaping the next generation of superstars as a key figure in WWE NXT.
On the other hand, some of Elba’s selections, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, resonate with large segments of the fanbase. Austin’s impact both during and after his active wrestling days is considerable, helping maintain and grow a dedicated community of fans who remain passionate about the sport.
John Cena, who found himself unexpectedly on Elba’s list, has earned his place through relentless work ethic, persona, and connection with fans. Similarly, The Rock’s crossover appeal from the ring to Hollywood embodies the kind of legacy many aspire to. Hulk Hogan, despite being a major historical figure, divides opinion because of personal controversies that have lingered in recent years.
Alternative Legends Considered By Fans
In ongoing discussions, many in the WWE universe feel that Triple H naturally belongs among the all-time greats. Known both for his role as a fierce performer and as WWE’s current Chief Content Officer, Triple H, also called “The Game,” has greatly influenced the direction and future of the company. His tenure as wrestler and executive has helped launch careers, produce high-stakes matches, and ensure WWE’s continued evolution.
Ultimately, selecting a Mount Rushmore is never straightforward. Each fan or performer—as Idris Elba demonstrated—brings their own blend of passion, personal favorites, and memories. Every legend, from Hogan and Austin to The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and The Rock, has contributed uniquely, shaping WWE’s ongoing story.
As discussions continue online and within the wrestling community, Idris Elba’s WWE Mount Rushmore picks will remain a point of lively debate. While his list clearly fueled passionate reactions, the conversation itself reinforces how deep and emotional fandom runs in professional wrestling—reminding everyone that the legends, both included and omitted, are celebrated for making WWE what it is today.
