Who is on the WWE Mount Rushmore after John Cena's 17th World Title?

Wrestling icons such as Bret Hart, Kurt Angle, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker were all floated around as potential options. 

Active wrestlers like Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Edge and CM Punk were also plugged into the GOAT conversation by fans. 

Frankly, there is no right or wrong answer, as there has been a plethora of Hall of Fame-caliber wrestlers worthy of Mount Rushmore acclaim in the nearly 45 years since the WWE (formerly WWF) was founded. 

With that said, let's take a look at the four legendary wrestlers who form the WWE Mount Rushmore.

1. 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

Achievements: WWE champion (6), Intercontinental champion (2), Tag Team champion (2), King of the Ring (1996), Hall of Famer (2009)

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin's unapologetic nature, curb-stomping beatdowns and beer-chugging celebrations helped WWE win the vaunted Monday Night War over WCW, forever changing the landscape of the wrestling industry. 

The Texas Rattlesnake injected life into a dull WWE product that desperately needed a facelift and became the poster boy of WWE's Attitude Era.

Though his run as a full-time performer in WWE was limited to just seven years, his impact on WWE cannot be understated.

For seven years, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin dolled out beatdowns (and middle-finger taunts) to practically everyone in the main event scene, becoming a massive fan favorite along the way. 

His storied rivalry with The Rock still stands as one of the best in WWE history, while his matches with Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Booker T and The Undertaker help define his in-ring legacy. 

2. The Undertaker 

Achievements: WWE champion (4), World Heavyweight champion (3), Hardcore champion, Tag Team champion (6), Royal Rumble winner (2007), Hall of Famer (2022)

The company's longest-tenured in-ring performer, The Undertaker, captivated WWE fans with his daunting demeanor and bruising fighting style for over 30 years.

From the moment he debuted at Survivor Series in 1980, The Undertaker was a major draw. So much so that within a year of his debut, The Deadman took down Hulk Hogan to win his first WWE title.

Impressively, The Undertaker began his WrestleMania career with a perfect 21-0 record, including wins over legends Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Edge and Batista. 

Defined by his longevity and loyalty, The Undertaker is a no-brainer option for WWE's Mount Rushmore and could even contend for the top spot on the totem pole. 

3. John Cena 

Achievements: WWE champion (14), World Heavyweight champion (3), United States champion (5), Money in the Bank winner (2012), Royal Rumble winner (2008, 2013)

As The Rock said, following John Cena's record-breaking 17th World Title win at WrestleMania 41, the Boston native has undoubtedly earned a spot on WWE's Mount Rushmore. 

After "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock stepped down as full-timers, it was Cena who carried the torch into WWE's Ruthless Aggression Era. 

The only wrestler to attain all five iterations of the WWE Championship, including the illustrious spinner belt made famous by the 17-time World Champion, Cena, personifies what it means to be a champion.

For 23 years (and counting), Cena helped push WWE further into the forefront of mainstream media, inspiring millions along the way.

Now, as the winningest champion in WWE history, Cena takes his rightful place among WWE's Mount Rushmore. 

4. Jeff Hardy

Achievements: WWE champion, World Heavyweight champion (two), Intercontinental champion (two), Hardcore champion, United States champion, Tag Team champion (eight)

Despite not boasting the physicality and intimidation factor of others on this list, Jeff Hardy was instrumental to WWE's popularity spike and The Charismatic Enigma deserves a spot among the top four.

He won the top belts in the company, amassed immense popularity among fans and is responsible for some of the best spots and biggest pops in wrestling history.

His high-flying arsenal and fearlessness made him a must-see act for over two decades. Plus, he's had in-ring battles with a multitude of legends, including CM Punk, The Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero, Randy Orton and Edge.

He doesn't cut promos like The Rock, he isn't as strong as Brock Lesnar, and he doesn't evoke fear quite like The Undertaker, but Jeff Hardy still delivered some of the most memorable moments in WWE history. His legacy is marked by the fearlessness that made him the company's most beloved performer.