History Characters / RuthlessAggressionEra

* '''Wrestling/{{Rey Mysterio|Jr}}''', the resident KidAppealCharacter of the era. He cemented his legacy in 2006 after winning the Wrestling/BigGoldBelt.

* '''Wrestling/BookerT''', the five-time Wrestling/{{WCW}} Champion is a prominent figure for much of the era, mostly spend on Smackdown, eventually winning WWE's Wrestling/BigGoldBelt in July 2006.

*** '''Wrestling/RandyOrton''', a [[WrestlingFamily third-generation superstar]] and one of the era's breakout stars. He becomes the youngest World Champion in WWE history in 2004 by winning the [[Wrestling/BigGoldBelt World Heavyweight Championship]]. After leaving Evolution the same year, he formed a formidable TagTeam with Wrestling/{{Edge|Wrestler}} in 2006 dubbed '''Rated-RKO''', and was RAW's top {{Heel}} by the end of the era.

* '''Wrestling/DrewMcIntyre''', had a ''very'' brief early run in WWE in 2007. He would become more prominent [[MediaNotes/WWEPGEra in the following era]] but wouldn't find real success [[Wrestling/WWENewEra until much later]].

Wrestlers closely associated with the Wrestling/RuthlessAggressionEra include (see also Characters/WWERuthlessAggression page for a complete list of wrestlers who debuted in this period):

* '''Wrestling/JohnCena''', the most charismatic and ([[BaseBreakingCharacter initially]]) popular of the era's breakout stars, his tenure as the [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy "Dr. of Thuganomics"]] has made him WWE's BreakoutCharacter for the duration of the era and [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following one]].

* '''Wrestling/CMPunk''', debuted in 2006 and became one of WWE's up and coming stars towards the end of the era but would reach superstardom [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the next era]].
* '''Wrestling/JeffHardy''', departed early in the era but returned towards the end of 2006 to eventually reform the Hardy Boyz with his brother Matt. He mostly stayed in the upper midcard level but reached main event status [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the next era]].

** '''Wrestling/TheMiz''', the Season 4 runner-up spent most of the era as a JokeCharacter. His career would not start gaining traction until [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following era.]]

** '''Wrestling/{{Maryse}}''', the 2006 7th placer began her run as minor Heel before her career started gaining traction in [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following era]].
** '''Wrestling/EveTorres''', the 2007 winner began her run as backstage interviewer before becoming a wrestler in [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following era]].

* '''Wrestling/CodyRhodes''', made his debut near the end of the era but didn't become more prominent until [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following era]].
* '''Wrestling/SantinoMarella''', won the Intercontinental title in his first try, started his run as a comedy character by the end of the era, but would be most prominent [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following era]].

* '''Wrestling/DrewMcIntyre''', had a ''very'' brief early run in WWE in 2007. He would become more prominent [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra in the following era]] but wouldn't find real success [[Wrestling/WWENewEra until much later]].

* '''Wrestling/{{Melina}}''', began the era as a manager of the Heel Tag Team MNM before becoming one of the most prominent wrestlers of the era.

* This is the era were ''Wrestling/WWEToughEnough'' contestants started appearing.

* This is the era were the ''Wrestling/WWEDivaSearch'' was introduced. Some memorable contestants are;

* '''[[Wrestling/DwayneJohnson The Rock]]''', the company's top star by the start of the era, he slowly transitioned [[Creator/DwayneJohnson to acting]] and was CommutingOnAbus following his loss to Wrestling/BrockLesnar at ''Wrestling/SummerSlam 2002'' before officially (yet quietly) departing the WWE in 2004. Despite this, he managed to have memorable feuds with Wrestling/HulkHogan, Wrestling/StoneColdSteveAustin, Wrestling/{{Goldberg}}, and Wrestling/{{Evolution}} on his final year.

* '''Wrestling/BobbyLashley''', debuted in the middle of the era and made enough of an impact with his potential, though surprisingly left the company when the era ended.

* '''Wrestling/DrewMcIntyre''', had a ''very'' brief early run in WWE in 2007.

* '''Wrestling/MickFoley''', the Hardcore legend (a [[RedBaron moniker]] given to him during this era) appeared sporadically during the era but had memorable feuds against the likes of Wrestling/RandyOrton, Wrestling/{{Edge}}, and Wrestling/RicFlair.

* '''Wrestling/MattHardy''', beginning the era with a prototype-social media junkie gimmick, the era has him feud with Wrestling/{{Edge}} in a memorable LoveTriangle storyline involving Wrestling/{{Lita}}.

* '''Wrestling/{{Lita}}''', one of the biggest female stars of the era. She was involved in a high profile LoveTriangle feud with Wrestling/MattHardy and Wrestling/{{Edge}} in 2005. Retired in 2006.

*** '''Wrestling/RandyOrton''', a [[WrestlingFamily third-generation superstar]] and one of the era's breakout stars. He becomes the youngest World Champion in WWE history in 2004 by winning the [[Wrestling/BigGoldBelt World Heavyweight Championship]]. After leaving Evolution the same year, he formed a formidable TagTeam with Wrestling/{{Edge}} in 2006 dubbed '''Rated-RKO''', and was RAW's top {{Heel}} by the end of the era.

* '''Wrestling/{{Edge}}''', cemented his status as a single star in this era, being recognized as one of the greatest Heels of his generation after his infamous LoveTriangle storyline with Wrestling/MattHardy and subsequent OpportunisticBastard persona.

** '''Wrestling/{{Evolution}}''', HHH's PowerStable that was [[SpiritualSuccessor largely influenced by]] Wrestling/TheFourHorsemen.

* '''Wrestling/MuhammadHassan''', a wrestler with [[ForeignWrestlingHeel an Arab-American heel gimmick]] whose career [[RealLifeWritesThePlot came to a screeching halt]] after [[TooSoon a deadly terrorist attack in London]].

* '''Wrestling/TorrieWilson''', one of the resident [[MsFanservice sex symbols]] of the era.
* '''Wrestling/StacyKeibler''', one of the resident [[MsFanservice sex symbols]] of the era.

* '''[[Wrestling/CarlitoColon Carlito]]''', a prominent star in the midcard throughout the middle to end of the era.

* '''Wrestling/GregoryHelms''', began the era as a {{superhero}} KidAppealCharacter named "The Hurricane"
but wrestled under his real name later in the era following a FaceHeelTurn.

* '''Wrestling/MuhammadHassan''', a wrestler with an Arab-American heel gimmick whose career came to a screeching halt after a deadly terrorist attack in London.

* '''Wrestling/ShawnMichaels''', who made a miraculous comeback in 2002 after a sever GameBreakingInjury four years earlier and cemented his place as one of the all-time greats by having the best feuds of his career in this era.

* '''Wrestling/VinceMcMahon''', continued the evil boss gimmick he started in the Attitude Era, though became less prominent overall.

* '''Wrestling/ShaneMcMahon''', had a memorable Feud with Wrestling/{{Kane}} in 2003 as a face and with HBK and Bobby Lashley along with his father as Heels in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

* '''[[Wrestling/GregoryHelms The Hurricane]]''', an EnsembleDarkhorse KidAppealCharacter with a superhero gimmick.
*** '''Gregory Helms''', began to wrestle under his real name as a {{Heel}} later in the era.

*** '''Wrestling/RandyOrton''', a [[WrestlingFamily third-generation superstar]] and one of the era's breakout stars. He becomes the youngest World Champion in WWE history in 2004 by winning the [[Wrestling/BigGoldBelt World Heavyweight Championship]]. After leaving Evolution the same year, he formed a formidable TagTeam with Wrestling/{{Edge}} in 2006 dubbed '''Rated-RKO'''.

* '''Wrestling/BookerT''', the five-time Wrestling/{{WCW}} Champion is a prominent figure for much of the era, eventually winning WWE's Wrestling/BigGoldBelt in July 2006.

* '''Wrestling/BigShow''', a prominent figure in the era.
* '''Wrestling/RobVanDam''', the former Wrestling/{{ECW}} superstar is a prominent figure in the first half of the era, eventually cementing his legacy by winning the WWE Championship in June 2006.
* '''Wrestling/BobbyLashley''', debuted in the middle of the era and made enough of an impact with his potential.
* '''Wrestling/CMPunk''', debuted in 2006 and became one of WWE's up and coming stars towards the end of the era.
* '''Wrestling/JeffHardy''', departed early in the era but returned towards the end of 2006 to eventually reform the Hardy Boyz with his brother Matt. He mostly stayed in the upper midcard level.

* '''Wrestling/{{Christian}}''', a prominent figure in the upper midcard scene during the first half of the era.

* '''Wrestling/ScottSteiner''', a prominent figure in ''Raw'' from late 2002 to early 2003 before getting released in 2004.

* '''Wrestling/TheGreatKhali''', [[TheGiant a gargantuan]] [[WrestlingMonster Monster Heel]] who debuted towards the end of the era.
* '''[[Wrestling/BobHolly Hardcore Holly]]'''

* '''Wrestling/VinceMcMahon'''

* '''Wrestling/ShaneMcMahon''', had a memorable Feud with Wrestling/{{Kane}} in 2003 as a face and with HBK along with his father as Heels in 2006.

* '''Wrestling/PaulHeyman''', began the era as a Heel manager before becoming the General manager of [=SmackDown=]. Midway through the era, he became the GM of the revived ECW brand before leaving the company in 2006.

* '''Wrestling/VickieGuerrero''', Eddie's wife and eventual widow. She made appearances during the middle of the era before becoming a prominent Heel for the duration of it.

** '''Wrestling/SheltonBenjamin''', after the team split up, he became a prominent figure in the midcard scene.

* '''Wrestling/RonSimmons''', began the era as part of Wrestling/{{the APA}} Tag Team, he left in 2004 before making [[CommutingOnABus sporadic appearances since 2006]].

* '''Wrestling/GailKim''', won the Women's Championship in her debut.

** '''Wrestling/MattMorgan''', the early boot ([[NonGameplayElimination due to injury]]) had a brief run as part of Wrestling/BrockLesnar's Wrestling/SurvivorSeries team in 2003.

** '''Wrestling/ChristyHemme''', the 2004 winner spent most of her run as a manager and then wrestler, even fighting for the Women's Championship in ''Wrestling/WrestleMania 21''.

* '''Wrestling/JillianHall''', a female wrestler who debuted during the middle of the era first as a fixer for MNM then as Wrestling/JohnBradshawLayfield's "image consultant". She was mostly a comedy act though fans are aware of (and have respect towards) her wrestling skill.

* '''Wrestling/TripleH''', the most prominent {{Heel}} on ''[[Wrestling/WWERaw RAW]]'' during the first half of the era.

*** '''Wrestling/RicFlair''', spends most of the first half of the era as HHH's OlderSidekick. Made history in 2005 when he becomes the oldest Wrestling/TripleCrownChampion in history by winning the Intercontinental Championship. He retired from in-ring action ([[Wrestling/ImpactWrestling in the WWE, at least]]) following his loss to Wrestling/ShawnMichaels at ''Wrestling/WrestleMania XXIV''.
*** '''Wrestling/RandyOrton''', a [[WrestlingFamily third-generation superstar]] and one of the era's breakout stars. He becomes the youngest World Champion in WWE history in 2004 by winning [[Wrestling/BigGoldBelt the World Heavyweight Championship]]. After leaving Evolution the same year, he forms a formidable TagTeam with Wrestling/{{Edge}} in 2006 dubbed '''Rated-RKO'''.

* '''Wrestling/KurtAngle''', the most prominent {{Heel}} on ''[[Wrestling/WWESmackDown SmackDown!]]'' during the first half of the era. He left WWE in 2006.

* '''Wrestling/ChrisBenoit''', a respected veteran who finally cemented his legacy in March 2014 by winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, [[PaterFamilicide his actions]] in June 2007 has forever tainted his legacy.
* '''Wrestling/BrockLesnar''', [[LightningBruiser literally and figuratively]] the era's biggest breakout star, who became the youngest WWE Champion in history at the age of 25 only half a year after his debut. His original tenure with the company (he would return in a part-time basis eight years later) only lasted two years, but made enough of an impact to cement his legacy.
* '''Wrestling/JohnCena''', the most charismatic and ([[BaseBreakingCharacter initially]]) popular of the era's breakout stars, his tenure as [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy "the Dr. of Thuganomics"]] has made him WWE's BreakoutCharacter for the duration of the era and [[Wrestling/WWEPGEra the following one]].

* '''Wrestling/ChrisJericho''', a prominent figure in the first half of the era until his sabbatical in 2005. he made a comeback towards the end of the era in 2007.
* '''Wrestling/{{Edge}}''', cemented his status as a single star in this era, being recognized as one of the greatest Heels of his generations after his infamous LoveTriangle storyline with Wrestling/MattHardy and subsequent OpportunisticBastard persona.

* '''Wrestling/{{Goldberg}}''', the former WCW juggernaut had a short but memorable stint with the company from 200-2004.

* '''Wrestling/JimRoss''' and '''Wrestling/JerryLawler''', continued to be the signature commentators in this era, particularly in the ''RAW'' brand.
* '''Wrestling/MichaelCole''' and '''Wrestling/{{Tazz}}''', the signature commentators in this era in the ''[=SmackDown!=]'' brand.

* '''Wrestling/StephanieMcMahon''', [=SmackDown!=]'s original General manager from 2002-2003.

* '''Wrestling/EricBischoff''', RAW's General manager for the first half of the era.
* '''Wrestling/PaulHeyman''', began the era as a Heel manager before becoming the General manager of [=SmackDown!=]. Midway through the era, he became the GM of the revived ECW brand before leaving the company in 2006.
* '''Wrestling/TeddyLong''', began the era as a Heel manager, he became the most prominent Face authority figure in [=SmackDown!=] for much of the era.

* '''[[Wrestling/KenAnderson Ken Kennedy]]''', a prominent upper midcard wrestler during the latter half of the era.

* '''Wrestling/LondonAndKendrick'''; formed as a TagTeam during the middle of the era (though they debuted as singles competitors during the early years) and held the tag Championships for a year.

** '''Wrestling/{{Nidia}}''', the inaugural female winner spent the era first as a manager for Jamie Noble on [=SmackDown!=] before being drafted to Raw in 2004.
** '''Wrestling/JackieGayda''', the second winner began the era being involved in an infamous match on Raw before being transferred to [=SmackDown!=] where she spent the era as the manager to the aforementioned Wrestling/{{Rico|Constantino}} and eventual future husband Charlie Haas.

* '''Wrestling/JillianHall''', a female wrestler who debuted during the middle of the era first as a fixer for MNM then as Wrestling/JohnBradshawLayfield's "image consultant". She's mostly a comedy act though fans are aware of (and have respect towards) her wrestling skill.

*** '''Wrestling/RicFlair''', spends most of the first half of the era as HHH's OlderSidekick. Made history in 2005 when he becomes the oldest Triple Crown Champion in history by winning the Intercontinental Championship. He retired from in-ring action ([[Wrestling/ImpactWrestling in the WWE, at least]]) following his loss to Wrestling/ShawnMichaels in ''Wrestling/WrestleMania XXIV''.
*** '''Wrestling/RandyOrton''', a [[WrestlingFamily third-generation superstar]] and one of the era's breakout stars. He becomes the youngest World Champion in WWE history in 2004 by winning [[Wrestling/BigGoldBelt the World heavyweight Championship]]. After leaving Evolution the same year, he forms a formidable TagTeam with Wrestling/{{Edge}} in 2006 dubbed '''Rated-RKO'''.

* '''Wrestling/TheUndertaker''', the legendary wrestler began the era in his BadassBiker gimmick, but he eventually [[IncrediblyLamePun resurrected]] his "Deadman" gimmick in March 2004 and never looked back.

* '''Wrestling/{{Edge}}''', cemented his status as a single star in this era, and one of the greatest Heels in his generations after his infamous LoveTriangle storyline with Wrestling/MattHardy and subsequent OpportunisticBastard persona.
* '''Wrestling/JohnBradshawLayfield''', beginning the era as part of the APA Tag Team, he got [[ReTool a gimmick change]] in 2004 as a racist CorruptCorporateExecutive and became one of the biggest Heels of the era. He also had a short but memorable stint as a commentator from mid-2006 to the entire 2007.

* '''Wrestling/{{Lita}}''', one of the biggest female stars of the era. She was involved in a high profile LoveTriangle feud with Wrestling/MattHardy and Wrestling/{{Edge}} in 2005.

* '''Wrestling/StephanieMcMahon''', [=SmackDown!=]'s General manager from 2002-2003.

* '''Wrestling/RonSimmons''', began the era as part of the APA Tag Team, he left in 2004 before making [[CommutingOnABus sporadic appearances since 2006]].

* '''Wrestling/GailKim''', wins the Women's Championship in her dwbut.

** '''Wrestling/JackieGayda''', the second winner began the era being involved in an infamous match on Raw before being transferred to [=SmackDown!=] where she spent the era as the manager to the aforementioned Rico and eventual future husband Charlie Haas.

* '''Wrestling/{{Rikishi}}''', a notable figure in the midcard and tag team divisions during the first half of the era.

* '''Wrestling/BrookeAdams''', began her career as part of the {{Kayfabe}} dance group Extreme Exposé on the revived ECW before becoming a wrestler.

* '''Wrestling/JohnBradshawLayfield''', beginning the era in as part of the APA, he got [[ReTool a gimmick change]] in 2004 as a racist CorruptCorporateExecutive and became one of the biggest Heels of the era. He also had a short but memorable stint as a commentator from mid-2006 to the entire 2007.

* '''Wrestling/RobVanDam''', the Wrestling/{{ECW}} superstar cemented his legacy by winning the WWE Championship in June 2006.

* '''Wrestling/LondonAndKendrick'''; formed as a TagTeam during the middle of the era (though they debuted as singles competitors during the early years) and held the tag Championships for a year.

* '''Wrestling/ChrisBenoit''', a respected veteran who finally cemented his legacy in March 2014 by winning the World heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, [[PaterFamilicide his actions]] in June 2007 has forever tainted his legacy.

** '''Wrestling/TheWorldsGreatestTagTeam'''; began the era as members of Team Angle, they eventually became one of the era's noteworthy tag teams.
*** '''Wrestling/SheltonBenjamin''', after the team split up, he became a prominent figure in the midcard scene.

* '''Wrestling/DawnMarie''', feuded with Wrestling/TorrieWilson for much of 2002.