A silly season in the Formula One driver market could well be on its way, with several drivers weighing up their futures in the sport.

Several drivers, including Liam Lawson, Fernando Alonso, and Franco Colapinto, are out of contract at the end of the year, which could trigger mass changes. Even top drivers in underperforming teams could be looking elsewhere; the speculation over Max Verstappen‘s future has certainly been interesting.

However, as the summer break continues, and we edge closer to the return of F1, could we see a twist in the driver market?

Williams‘ lack of performance this season is not only frustrating, but also seems to be incredibly disappointing after the expectations coming into the season.

Many thought they would continue this upward trajectory and have another strong campaign. Formula One writer Lawrence Barretto even predicted them to pick up their first win since 2012. This has, of course, turned out to be far from reality, as the team currently reside ninth in the Constructors’ Championship.

Bernadett Szabo via Reuters

There has been a clear regression, with the team missing pre-season testing in Barcelona and creating an overweight car. The mistakes have been costly, and have left them on the back foot. Too many times already this season it has been a battle to get out of Q1; a sad indictment of the predicament they find themselves in.

Even off the track they are embroiled in other difficult situations. The Guardian’s article about the confusing mystery over who owns the team exposed some of the issues, with allegations of sexism, racism, and expenses fiddling all prominent. Furthermore, the contract situation with their drivers could also be problematic, though, they are looking to solve it with one major move.

Carlos Sainz is free to leave Williams at the end of this year, though, there is an option to extend until either 2027 or 2028. The 31-year-old holds an interest in other projects like Alpine and Aston Martin, but this, of course, hinges on which direction these teams decide to go.

Williams are desperate to keep the four-time race winner, with Autosprint reporting that they are preparing a substantial offer. A reported €30 million (£25.7m) contract extension has been put on the table; a significant increase to his current deal of £9.8m a season.

Not only is it almost double his current salary, but it also would put him on more money than some of the sport’s most notable names. Fernando Alonso and George Russell would be lower, while the salary would be equal to that of Charles Leclerc.

It seems like a major risk for a team on the decline, but someone of Sainz’s quality could easily drag them out of the mess. His two podium finishes in a midfield car during the 2025 season really highlighted how he can help a team punch above their weight.

While this may not be possible currently, in the near future, could Sainz bring Williams back into a consistent point-scoring position?

Chelsea will not entertain the permanent sale of Mykhailo Mudryk this summer, GIVEMESPORT understands. The Blues will only consider a loan, and keeping the Ukrainian winger as part of the first-team squad has also not been entirely ruled out.

It is looking more likely Mudryk departs on a loan, though, due to a desire to get the 25-year-old regular minutes following 20 months out with a doping ban.

Mudryk tested positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November 2024, but this summer he agreed a settlement with the FA. Had Mudryk been tested today, new protocols for substance thresholds would have resulted in no Anti-Doping Rules Violation (ADRV).

Mudryk has already returned to training with the Chelsea first team

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

As a result, Mudryk agreed to accept his ADVR and 20-month ban, since the new testing rules can’t be applied retroactively, while the FA decided to allow him to return to football immediately.

Mudryk, who has not played since November 2024, featured for the first time since returning to the Blues set-up in a pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong.

The €100million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk is now hoping for clarity on his future before the new Premier League season begins.

Several Premier League and European clubs have made inquiries, including Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg. Coventry City have also been credited with an interest, with manager Frank Lampard having worked with the Ukrainian briefly when he was caretaker manager at Stamford Bridge in 2023.

Mudryk continued to train away from Cobham during his ban in order to maintain his fitness levels and is now working on both reintegration and match sharpness.

Xabi Alonso speaks out on Mudryk’s future

REUTERS/David Klein

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso had said last week that Mudryk’s future was still under discussion. “No decision has been made,” said the new Chelsea boss. “Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of a team, and we need to assess. But for sure, he’s a special player. It’s a special case with him, so we need to be sensitive.”

Mudryk’s Chelsea contract runs until 2031, while an amendment to his contract was confirmed in a list of FA transactions in April last year.

Timeline of Mudryk’s Chelsea career:

January 2023 – Mudryk signs for Chelsea for £89m

October 2023 – Scores first Chelsea goal in 2-0 win over Fulham

March 2024 – Scores winning goal in the play-off against Iceland to send Ukraine to Euro 2024

December 2024 – Provisionally suspended by the FA for a positive doping test

June 2025 – Charged with breaking anti-doping rules

April 2026 – Banned for four years, to last until 2028

July 2026 – All charges were dropped and Mudryk was free to play again

WWE has been a conveyor belt for some of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment, producing larger‑than‑life heroes of the ’80s, rebellious anti‑heroes of the ’90s, and global megastars of the modern age.

Across every generation, performers have carried the company through peak periods and challenging times, breaking into the mainstream and leaving a legacy that continues to shape the world of professional wrestling.

By using AI to evaluate careers, achievements, and cultural impact, we have compiled a definitive ranking of the 20 greatest WWE Superstars of all time. Championship success and world titles remain key markers of greatness, but this list recognises that true influence extends beyond belts. Match quality, fan connection, storytelling ability, and cultural significance all play a crucial role in shaping a wrestler’s place in history.

These are the Superstars who set new standards, redefined the sport, and helped elevate WWE into one of the most recognised entertainment brands in the world.

10

Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Sammartino stands as one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, a wrestler whose extraordinary strength, charisma, and integrity made him a true legend of professional wrestling.

During his two reigns as WWWF Champion, Sammartino held the title for more than 11 years combined, including an unforgettable reign of nearly eight years – the longest in company history for decades. More than his remarkable longevity and athletic achievements, Bruno became a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and connection with the fans, particularly during WWE’s formative years. His legacy extends far beyond championship records: he helped establish the foundation upon which WWE was built and inspired generations of wrestlers who followed.

Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, Bruno Sammartino remains revered as “The Living Legend”, a testament to a career and character that left an enduring mark on professional wrestling.

9

Ric Flair

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair set the standard for professional wrestling greatness. With 16 recognised world championships across WWE, WCW, and the NWA, Flair’s career spanned decades and showcased immense charisma and storytelling. Known for his trademark “Wooo!” and flamboyant robes, he embodied the extravagant wrestling lifestyle while delivering legendary matches against a host of legendary performers.

One of the most emotional moments in WWE history came at WrestleMania 24 in Flair’s “career‑threatening match” against Shawn Michaels. Barely able to stand, Flair looked defiant yet vulnerable as Michaels mouthed “I’m sorry, I love you” before delivering the final Sweet Chin Music and embracing him after the three count. The moment highlighted Flair’s influence on generations of Superstars and solidified his status as the blueprint for excellence in wrestling history.

8

Triple H

Triple H built his legacy on constant reinvention. Starting in WWE as the aristocratic Hunter Hearst Helmsley, he evolved into The Game and The Cerebral Assassin, becoming one of the defining stars of the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Eras. A 14‑time world champion, he also fronted several of WWE’s most influential stables, including D‑Generation X, Evolution, and The Authority, each of which helped define major storylines and elevate future stars.

Known for his ability to make opponents look incredible through exceptional selling and in‑ring storytelling, Triple H delivered classics against the likes of The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels. Beyond his wrestling career, he now serves as WWE’s chief content officer, overseeing the creative direction of the entire company and continuing his lasting impact on professional wrestling.

7

Bret “The Hitman” Hart

Bret Hart was the backbone of WWE in the early ’90s, holding the company together when star power was lacking. Known for his pink and black attire and elite technical wrestling ability, Hart brought a realistic style to WWE that influenced countless performers who followed.

He became a five‑time WWE Champion and delivered classics against names like Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and his late brother Owen Hart. His unscripted mic-work also set him apart, making him beloved among purist fans. Beyond championships, Hart’s legacy is defined by his work ethic and the respect he commanded in every locker room he entered, ensuring his place as one of wrestling’s all‑time greats.

6

Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels is often hailed as the greatest in‑ring performer in WWE history. Nicknamed “Mr. WrestleMania” for his iconic performances on the grandest stage, Michaels revolutionised wrestling with his athleticism and ability to tell emotional stories in the ring. His rivalries with Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and Triple H remain legendary, and his comeback run from 2002 to 2010, after a four-year absence, proved he could deliver classics well into his 40s.

Michaels’ off-the-scale charisma, character evolution, and ability to connect with fans made him stand out in every era he was a part of. A four-time world champion and two‑time Hall of Famer, his influence on modern wrestling is undeniable, inspiring countless Superstars who grew up captivated by his matches.

5

The Rock

Nobody has achieved the crossover success The Rock has had. Rising to prominence in the late ’90s, his electrifying charisma and unbeatable mic skills made him a cornerstone of the Attitude Era. As an eight‑time WWE Champion, The Rock headlined numerous WrestleManias and engaged in iconic rivalries with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and, more recently, John Cena.

Just as captivating in the ring as on the microphone, he delivered unforgettable performances packed with intensity and crowd‑pleasing drama. His catchphrases and larger‑than‑life personality transcended wrestling, launching him into Hollywood superstardom. Even with sporadic returns, The Rock’s impact on WWE remains enormous, bringing mainstream attention whenever he appears.

4

The Undertaker

The Undertaker stands alone as WWE’s most enduring and mystical Superstar. For over 30 years, he captivated audiences worldwide with a presence that was both chilling and magnetic, drawing fans into every storyline and match. Combining supernatural elements with unique storytelling, he created a persona unlike any other in sports entertainment.

His legendary WrestleMania streak of 21 consecutive victories remains one of wrestling’s most celebrated achievements and a testament to his consistency at the highest level. A defining moment came at WrestleMania 20, when he returned as The Deadman after four years as The American Badass. This return, following his burial at the hands of his brother Kane at Survivor Series, signalled the beginning of a new, unforgettable chapter that would last until the end of his career.

The Undertaker adapted seamlessly across eras, from the eerie Deadman to the rebellious American Badass, always staying relevant while maintaining his aura of invincibility. A seven‑time world champion, he captivated fans not only with unforgettable singles matches but also as one half of the formidable Brothers of Destruction alongside Kane, with whom he won three tag team championships. His unwavering loyalty to WWE, combined with his ability to continually reinvent himself while preserving his mystique, cements his status as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time and a true icon of sports entertainment.

3

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin defined the Attitude Era and became the ultimate anti‑hero, connecting with fans through his rebellious and chaotic persona. His feuds with Vince McMahon and The Rock are cornerstones of wrestling history, as well as drawing massive television ratings during WWE’s battle with WCW.

Austin captured six world championships, but his cultural influence far outweighs numbers and records. His surprise entrances became legendary, with none louder than his 2001 appearance to save WWE from The Alliance, where he stormed the ring and stunned seven ECW and WCW stars in a row, getting one of the biggest crowd reactions in company history.

This moment, along with his “Austin 3:16” promo and beer‑soaked celebrations, remain some of WWE’s most replayed moments, and despite an injury‑shortened career, his impact on WWE’s survival and success is truly legendary.

2

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan’s influence on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. As the face of WWE in the ’80s, Hogan helped transform the company into a global phenomenon with his “Hulkamania” movement. A six‑time WWE Champion and six‑time WCW Champion, he is also one of only four Superstars in history to win back‑to‑back Royal Rumbles, achieving the feat in 1990 and 1991.

He headlined the first WrestleMania and became wrestling’s first mainstream icon, inspiring a generation of fans with his larger‑than‑life persona and catchphrases. The wrestling world was left saddened following the announcement of his passing at the age of 71, with tributes pouring in from across the industry. His impact on WWE and wrestling as a whole is incomparable, ensuring his legacy as one of the most significant figures in wrestling history.

1

John Cena

John Cena carried WWE on his shoulders for more than a decade, becoming the face of the company during the 2000s and 2010s. Winning a record‑breaking 17 world championships, Cena’s “never give up” mantra and tireless work ethic resonated with fans of all ages. Even though he wouldn’t be a fixture on WWE programming every week due to having parts in multiple films, he delivered countless classic matches against legends of the past as well as today’s biggest Superstars.

Beyond the ring, Cena’s charity work, including granting over 650 Make‑A‑Wish requests, firmly places him as one of WWE’s most admirable and beloved figures. His transition to Hollywood has not diminished his wrestling legacy at all, with fans continuing to celebrate his contributions to the company as well as his all-around greatness.