TTA’s Fave Tattoos to Celebrate 25 Years as a Wrestling Fan

As both a wrestling tragic and a tattoo collector (and archivist, hence The Tattooed Archivist) without a wrestling tattoo of my own, I’ve decided to share with you 25 of my favourite wrestling tattoos in order to celebrate 25 years as wrestling fan.

Everything about Chris Jericho’s original WWF entrance, Titantron and theme music is iconic.
Colour realism Chris Jericho portrait tattoo by @kylecotterman on fellow tattooer @mikeybrowntattoo
I absolutely loved Rhea Ripley’s look at this year’s WrestleMania XL, and despite being in the traditional tattoo style, it still translates so well to skin.
Traditional style Rhea Ripley tattoo by @tylerx_tat2
It’s a travesty that Rick Rude was never WWF Champion.
Psycho-trad Rick Rude tattoo by @__roy.g.biv__ (R.I.P.)
WCW had many ridiculous moments in the company’s final few years, but nothing stands out to me as much as Chucky antagonising Rick Steiner whilst promoting the impending release of Bride of Chucky.
Rick Steiner kewpie tattoo by @verylame
It’s also 25 years since Owen Hart’s untimely passing.
Owen Hart kewpie tattoo by @cheryldoestattoos
Along with the Dudley Boyz, and Edge and Christian, the Hardy Boyz put on some great matches back in the day and revitalised the tag team division.
Team Extreme logo tattoo by @bodie_oleary_tattoo
It was slightly before my time, but watching back old episodes of Raw and PPVs from around ’97, I love seeing what The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust would come out dressed as. But gold and white and/or black Goldust remains a classic, and I appreciate how the gold and sparkly the tattooer has managed to make this piece.
Goldust tattoo by @wavetattoos
I’m partial to kewpie tattoos and being able to make a hairy wrestler look adorable is quite the achievement.
George “The Animal” Steele kewpie tattoo by @shawnpattontattooer
I can literally hear Vince McMahon yelling “That’s gotta be… That’s gotta be Kane!” in my head whenever I look at this tattoo.
Colour realism Kane portrait tattoo by @kristiankimonides
HBK mooning the audience was a common occurrence in the late ’90s, as too other DX members, so why not display your love with a heart shaped booty tattoo.
HBK – DX love heart booty tattoo by @chris_jenko_tattooer
With both wrestling and tattooing having ties to Japan, this piece is the perfect blend between the two.
Japanese style Undertaker and Mankind tattoos by @richie_blackheart
When you can’t decide between Surfer Sting and The Crow Sting, you get a face split tattoo.
Traditional style Sting face split tattoo by @nate_sprenkle_tattoos
Moving houses and no longer being able to watch wrestling in 2005, I missed the last few months of Eddie Guerrero’s time in WWE before he passed away.
Colour realism Eddie Guerrero tattoo by @artofbuduo
The only wrestler to voice themselves on The Simpsons, Bret Hart is truly the best there is, was and ever will be in not just wrestling but also voice acting.
Bret Hart x Simpsons tattoo by @chris_jenko_tattooer
This contents of this tattoo always reminds me of one of the greatest WrestleManias of all-time, WrestleMania X-7.
Tables, Ladders and Chair, and WWF Women’s Championship title tattoo by @ashleyluka
A tattoo as bold and badass as Bull Nakano herself.
Bull Nakano pinup tattoo by @data81
There comes a time in life when it’s no longer socially acceptable to bring toys with you, but turning 18 means you can tattoo them on your body and have them with you wherever you go.
Macho Man Randy Savage wrestling buddies tattoo by @flatearthsocialclub
Ministry Undertaker will forever be my favourite version.
Black and grey realism Undertaker tattoo by @kotynymantattoo
A pin-up with a subtle ode to CM Punk’s pipe bomb promo transforms a single moment in wrestling history into a classic piece of tattoo imagery.
CM Punk pipe bomb promo pin-up tattoo by @chris_oakwood
I love a good mash up tattoo, especially when it’s two things that couldn’t be any more different from one another: wrestling and children’s animation.
Chip ‘n Dale x Road Warriors mash up tattoo by @matthufftattoo
With Austin’s recent comments about not believing in CTE, perhaps the beers and middle fingers is what’s swirling around in his brain.
Stunned new school Stone Cold Steve Austin tattoo by @onemanriet
There’s nothing more 4 life than permanently inking your skin with an nWo inspired tattoo.
nWo 4 life. Spray painted Macho Man tattoo by @thomaslheureux
WWE incorporating the supernatural themes with Bray Wyatt and The Fiend brought me back the time where I first became a wrestling fan. Sadly, another career and life cut short.
Dark trash realism The Fiend (Bray Wyatt) tattoo by @anrijsstraume
Who says wrestling fans don’t appreciate the finer things in life?
Wine me, dine me, 619 me. Rey Mysterio themed traditional tattoo by @drewmorgantattoo
Ever wished you could tell people in your everyday life to “suck it” with no consequences? With this tattoo hidden under your clothing, you can!
Traditional style DX Suck it arms tattoo by @junction_tattoo


To see all the wrestling tattoo content on TTA, click here.

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