More and more, wrestling fans today are being re-introduced to personalities from WWE's storied (and perhaps not so storied) past. The likes of Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, Bubba Ray & Devon Dudley and the Hardy Boyz have all returned to wrestling relevancy after spells away from WWE action. Over the years, wrestling has evolved. Once upon a time, there was the Attitude Era; a time known for rebellion and recklessness. Then came the WCW Invasion and with it, an infusion of talent. On the female front, personalities such as Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler helped transform the Divas division during the Invasion angle.

Many of the talented stars who carried the promotion all those years ago continue to portray relevant characters today. Some have changed very little over the years while others have resorted to new gimmicks to capture the gaze of the ever-expanding WWE Universe. While we're happy to see some of the wrestlers we used to love still wrestling, there are also some characters we loved to dislike who still step in the ring regularly. Sometimes we can all enjoy watching them for the nostalgia trip, but in some cases, it is just sad to see them have to keep lacing up their boots. As is always the case in life, some decisions pay off while others can merely compound an existing problem.

Here are 10 stars wrestling fans continue to love and 10 more we wouldn't mind seeing disappear forever.

20 Loved: Rob Van Dam

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ROB!!......VAN!!......DAM!! A member of the Invasion in 2001, 'RVD' made a name for himself in ECW prior to coming to the WWE. A high-flyer with no concept of fear, he captivated audiences in every match he was in. Towards the end of his WWE career, Van Dam and Randy Orton had an epic showdown culminating in a Stretcher Match that Van Dam wound up winning. After the match Orton mounted an attack on him.

RVD would step away from WWE following the match, claiming he was tired and in need of a break.

He would go on to appear in several promotions, including TNA before returning to WWE briefly. He continues to wrestle sporadically on the independent circuit.

19 Didn't: Scott Steiner

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HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME!!! Scott Steiner, real name Rechsteiner, began his wrestling career in 1986. Prior to joining the WWF in 1992, he wrestled in the WCW. Initially, he formed one-half of the Steiner Brothers tag team with his brother, Rick (who now sells real estate). Steiner has wrestled all over the place, including two separate stints with the WWF/WWE.

Today he wrestles for Impact Wrestling, his second stint with that promotion.

Is it just me or does Steiner seem like a nightmare at the negotiation table? Some fans love Steiner, drawn to his eccentric persona... I'm not one of those fans. Although the sacrifice promo displayed that he may have a grasp of mathematics not seen in wrestlers to this point (and not in a good way).

18 Loved: Matt Sydal/Evan Bourne

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Call him what you please, Evan Bourne has wrestled with some of the greats during his career. Prior to WWE, he battled the likes of AJ Styles and CM Punk on the independent circuit. He went from TNA to Japan's Dragon Gate, even having a cup of coffee with a botched MTV wrestling experiment, Wrestling Society X – before finally winding up with the McMahons...

His time with WWE saw Bourne involved in a multitude of angles and arcs. Teaming with Rey Mysterio, feuding with legends such as Edge and Chris Jericho. He even had the privilege of participating in a Money in the Bank ladder match (He failed to win). Today, he can be seen in Impact Wrestling, and prior to that was wrestling for various promotions across Japan. His time in WWE showed promise, but he was unable to overcome an injury sustained in 2012 – ultimately resulting in WWE releasing him in 2014.

17 Didn't: Big Van Vader

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I think "Vader Time" is past its prime... At the age of 62, Leon White (real name) continues to appear at various independent events around the world. His last more high profile independent appearance took place last year and left him injured – a shocking result for a 62-year-old man wrestling, I know... My problem with Vader continuing to wrestle stems from a simple fact... HE'S 62 YEARS OLD! – It's time alright...time to hang them up!

A career that began back in 1985, Vader has not kept himself in the required shape to be still wrestling. Always a hefty heavyweight, his health is such that continuing to suffer the bumps and bruises that come with any form of wrestling service is not advisable. Do us all a favour BVV, and move onto the next chapter because the wrestling one should've been over a long time ago.

16 Loved: Último Dragón

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Yoshihiro Asai is his real name, and he's been entertaining wrestling crowds for more than 30 years. Último Dragón burst onto the wrestling scene with WCW, all the way back in 1986 – at the time known as Ultimate Dragón. Boasting an incredible array of high-flying maneuvers, few could match the roars he was capable of generating night in and night out. Dragón's WWE tenure was brief, about a year and it saw him battle the likes of the late Eddie Guerrero.

He failed to take-off as anticipated and wound up being released from his contract to allow him to return to Japan.

Today, he wrestles sporadically on Japan's independent circuit. Injuries and the accompanying surgeries have limited him in past years. While he never reached his true potential in WWE, Último Dragón will always be one of the likable characters in wrestling history.

15 Didn't: John Morrison

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Morrison was a co-winner of Tough Enough III (2002). Since winning the WWE's talent show, he's wrestled all over the world. Most fans likely remember him during his tag-team days, teaming up with Joey Mercury to form MNM (managed by smokeshow Melina). At the time, his ring name was Johny Nitro and he comprised half of one of WWE's most charismatic (good or bad) trios.

Along with the tag team titles, Morrison was involved in many title quests in his time with WWE but would leave in 2011. Today, he can be seen in Impact Wrestling and prior to that spent time with Lucha Libre AAA – along with several cameos for independent promotions. No longer under the bright lights, the former Tough Enough winner now resides in the shadow cast by WWE's growing monopoly within the wrestling landscape.

14 Loved: Chris Jericho

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The approaching millennium brought with it an ominous countdown – and on August 9, 1999, the WWE Universe finally found out what the countdown was for...Chris Jericho! Jericho made a name for himself in WCW before jumping ship to WWE. His first WWE feud pitted him up against a FEMALE (?!). That's right, Jericho would begin his WWE days battling it out with Chyna. The two would trade victories but Jericho would ultimately avenge the first-match loss and win the Intercontinental belt from Chyna in the rematch.

Few wrestlers past or present have had the charisma of Jericho. As babyface or heel, Y2J can tap into any crowd's emotional engine and make them love or hate him. Jericho has extended his shelf live as an in-ring entertainer through perpetual evolution. He's always looking for new ways to connect with and engage with wrestling audiences. His feud with Kenny Omega for NPJW was nothing short of spectacular. Despite nearing 50 years of age, he continues to hold his own in the rin and on the mic, feuding with some of wrestling's youngest and brightest talent. Never change Chris!

13 Didn't: Montel Vontavious Porter

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Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP for short, made an appearance on RAW's 25th Anniversary episode. A decade-plus removed from his first WWE experience, MVP is reportedly returning to the WWE sometime in 2018 – as a regularly featured talent. His first major feud happened to be with Kane – MVP's interviews were often highlighted by him interrupting commentators and being a general nuisance. He would eventually lose to the Big Red Machine in an inferno match, abruptly ending the war.

MVP's time away from WWE saw him wrestle in Japan, for TNA, and even a stint with Lucha Underground.

And through it all, I didn't even notice he was gone. More like an LVP if you ask me...

12 Loved: The Undertaker

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Perhaps the most iconic wrestler to ever live, The Undertaker was first introduced to WWE fans all the way back in 1990 (WWF at the time). Prior to that, Mark Callaway (his real name) was in WCW under the name "Mean Mark" Callous. Today, sightings of him are few and far between. He's not a full time or even a part-time wrestler at this stage, more like 'he comes when he pleases'...

John Cena recently suffered a bitter end to his WrestleMania 34 experience. His weeks of pleading for The Deadman to accept his WrestleMania challenge paid off in New Orleans. Taker shocked the WWE Universe and returned, demolishing Cena in minutes. We may only see him once a year but there remains nothing quite like seeing the Phenom in the flesh.

11 Didn't: Austin Aries

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Aries signed on with NXT in January 2016. He never gained the expected traction with fans and ultimately found his way out of WWE ring in the summer of 2017. Through it all, Aries found himself broadcasting on top of in-ring duties – it seemed writers were just unable to find a spot for him, stymied as to how to best use him and unleash him on the WWE universe. There are also reports of him being difficult to work with, so who knows #twosidestoeverystory.

Since leaving WWE, Austin Aries has appeared on independent circuits, Impact Wrestling (where he became a Grand Slam winner), and more recently returned to Ring of Honor.

Hopefully, they are able to unlock his true potential.

10 Loved: Brock Lesnar

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The WWE Universal champ has been around for quite some time, making his televised RAW debut back in 2002. Today, Lesnar's status is forever up in the air. He remains under contract with the UFC and has every intention of competing in an MMA in the near future – UFC President Dana White has suggested Lesnar may fight the winner of Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic.

While his in-ring skill set is limited to an array of suplexes and beatdowns, he remains one of WWE's most beloved personalities. Heyman's microphone wizardry and Lesnar's unmatched mean streak draw routine pops from crowds all over the world. If only he appeared more regularly rather than come and go as he pleases. Lesnar's lax schedule hasn't exactly endeared him others on the WWE's roster. Good thing Stephanie and Triple H value the opinions of fans more than those of subordinates. Brock is good for business.

9 Didn't: Chris Masters

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Chris Masters brought with him the "The Master Lock Challenge" whereby he dared any wrestler to try breaking his self-proclaimed unbreakable full nelson submission hold. Many tried and for a while, none succeeded, until the gimmick had run its course and everybody began breaking it, essentially.

Masters was involved in many high profile feuds, even participating in an Elimination Chamber match. His time with WWE would end in 2007 following a suspension for violating the wellness policy. He went on to compete in several independent promotions and even returned to WWE briefly in 2009. As of January 2018, Masters has left Impact Wrestling but continues to perform erratically on the independent tour with the door to a third WWE stint pretty well locked for the foreseeable future.

8 Loved: The Hardy Boyz

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Team Xtreme has been around for 20 years and counting. The Hardy Boyz debut in WWE back in 1998. Their journey hasn't been without its bumps – Jeff being released in 2003 due to erratic behaviour. Brother Matt was released a few years later due to personal issues with then-wife Amy Dumas (ring name 'Lita').

Following a WWE departure than lasted almost a decade, the Hardys returned to WWE making a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 33. Since their second stint began, the two have gone their separate ways. Once Jeff went down with a shoulder injury, brother Matt 'AWOKE'. He feuded with Bray Wyatt before they ultimately joined forces. Meanwhile, Jeff recently returned from his injury and appears ready to return to his high flying ways.

7 Didn't: Goldust

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There was a time that Goldust's charade made for entertaining TV. With that said, Shattered Dreams Productions should've stopped making movies years ago... The modern-day Goldust is nothing more than a jobber. His days of winning are long gone and now he's paraded out in front of audiences to act as a stepping stone win for younger more promising talent.

The Rhodes family is a wrestling family. Seeing Goldust in the ring brings out feelings of nostalgia for older fans but most would agree that WWE should've done more to keep Cody Rhodes around to carry the family torch. Goldust's flame burnt out long ago.

6 Loved: Randy Orton

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Orton has been in the WWE since 2001 – though he didn't appear on TV until 2002, facing Hardcore Holly on SmackDown. He's become an iconic figure in WWE, the son of Cowboy Bob Orton, has built a following with his in-ring awesomeness and RKO finisher. (RKO vines are reason alone to love Randy Orton)

Engaged in a perpetual feud with Jinder Mahal, Orton recently lost to him at Wrestlemania 34. Though in the same week on SmackDown saw him win a triple-threat match for the right to a rematch. I must say, I prefer Orton as a heel as opposed to being the 'good guy'. He's at his best when he can play off a hostile crowd.

5 Didn't: The Big Show

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Did anybody really like the Big Show after his WCW days? I remember digging him during his NWO days, but his time in WWE has been mostly boring and void of any real excitement. Too often he's placed in mundane storylines that do little to jerk the emotions of fans. His in-ring ability is extremely limited due to his size and when compared to the likes of Braun Strowman, another behemoth, one can see just how outdated Show is. Perhaps his best value is now in a developmental role. Once upon a time, Big Show was a thing (sort of). Those days are long gone...

4 Loved: Kurt Angle

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Angle's wrestling journey began long before his WWF/WWE days – he won an Olympic gold medal with a broken frickin' neck! Everyone's favourite Olympic athlete did not always appreciate wrestling as a form of sports entertainment. In one of his first encounters with Vince McMahon, he stated he would be unwilling to ever lose a match if he signed. Eventually, Angle's stance softened. What followed were some of the most captivating matches and rivalries in WWE's history – Angle squaring off against Stone Cold, Triple H, The Rock and countless other legends.

Circumstances would cause Angle to leave WWE – he would star with rival promotion TNA, also featuring in New Japan Wrestling and some others. Eleven years after leaving, Angle would return as the General Manager of Raw, bringing back everybody's favourite YOU SUCK chant. While his wrestling appearances are few and far between now, Angle played a major role in mentoring WWE's newest superstar, Ronda Rousey, prior to her impressive showing at WrestleMania 34.

3 Didn't: Kane

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Another larger than life star of the past... Kane burst onto the scene as Undertaker's half-brother and son of Paul Bearer. The two would battle in countless classic gimmick matches, none more brutal than the Inferno match that required somebody to burn for a winner to be declared.

Prior to becoming the Big Red Machine, Glenn Jacobs (real name) performed as other characters for WWE. Anybody remember Isaac Yankem? The evil dentist. That was Jacobs. Outside of the ring (and dentist's chair), Kane has pursued a career in politics, actively involved in libertarian efforts. Along with that, him and his wife work in the insurance business. Today, Kane continues to make brief appearances on RAW but he has become nothing more than a terrifying dressed jobber. The days of "Hellfire in Brimstone" are long gone...

2 Loved (To Dislike): John Cena

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John Cena is the most polarizing figure the WWE has seen in a decade...possibly longer. Cena is met with cheers, boos, chants of you suck along with other more colourful phrases – the mixed roar that coincides with a Cena entrance is perplexing, to put it mildly. Loving Cena kinda felt like a WWE fan's obligation. There are so many more likable personalities that draw your gaze but as the promotion's flag bearer of sorts, Cena must be respected.

Outside of the ring, Cena, and fiancée Nikki Bella recently called off their engagement – only three weeks before the wedding. At this point, Cena probably wishes people couldn't see him.

1 Didn't: Corporate Triple H

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Corporate Triple H is bad for business... Give me Degeneration-X Triple H any day over his suit counter-part. Having joined WWE back in 1995 after a cup of coffee in WCW, Triple H went on to become one of WWE's most beloved and despised personalities – depending on the year. His time with DX, in the heart of the Attitude Era was iconic. He's feuded with Stone Cold, The Rock, John Cena, and many more. And then there's his most recent feud with Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey. The work by him and Stephanie to build up Rousey, leading up to her debut, was masterful I'll give him that, otherwise, the company-man Triple H sucks compared to his tank-driving alter-ego. Regardless of how you feel about his present-day agenda, the man deserves legend status for what he's done for the WWE.