The Walking Dead: Unleashing Undeniable Power - Who Reigns Supreme in Combat?

The most formidable characters in The Walking Dead are those who either aided the survivors until the conclusion of their journey or nearly terminated them before they even reached that point. The Walking Dead depicts the consequences of the zombie apocalypse on ordinary individuals who are thrust into chaos and destruction, where survival becomes paramount. To endure in such a world, these individuals must possess the capability to defend themselves. The perils they face do not solely arise from the undead but also from the darkest aspects of humanity set loose in a lawless realm.

At the onset of the show, the zombie apocalypse was fresh and novel, prompting numerous individuals to band together for safety. However, very few possessed the necessary survival skills or knowledge to prolong their lives. It was not until the former police officer, Rick Grimes, reunited with his family among the survivors that they acquired an ally who could help them combat and persevere. As the series progressed, additional characters joined their ranks, and many perished. Nevertheless, the most resilient characters in The Walking Dead proved to be those who could fend off hordes of walkers while also dispatching any human adversaries that impeded their path. Though only a small group endured, the most powerful characters in The Walking Dead left an indelible mark on the show.

25 Eugene Porter

When it comes to the toughest characters in The Walking Dead, Eugene Porter is often overlooked. Throughout most of the series, he was seen as a coward, always hiding and shrinking away from any conflict. Initially, he even lied about his true identity to gain protection from Abraham. However, with Abraham's death, Eugene lost his safeguard and had to learn how to survive on his own. His greatest asset in staying alive was his scientific prowess, which enabled him to outlast many others.

Despite facing near-death encounters with Negan and the Commonwealth, Eugene managed to survive. But it was during his time in the Commonwealth that a noticeable change took place. He found the courage to fight for those he cared about, such as Rosita and his future wife, Max. Although he still didn't win many battles, he displayed a newfound level of competency compared to his early days.

24 Father Gabriel Stokes

Father Gabriel Stokes was widely despised in The Walking Dead due to his non-combative nature, even more so than Eugene. He selfishly locked people out of his church, leading to their demise, and attempted to betray Rick and the other survivors solely for his own survival. Unexpectedly, Gabriel managed to outlive numerous formidable fighters on the series, persevering until the finale and beyond. Unlike Eugene, he gleaned some combat skills from Negan and Daryl, enabling him to defend himself when necessary, albeit briefly before requiring assistance.

23 The Governor

The Governor's formidable combat skills were greatly enhanced by his volatile personality, making him an exceedingly perilous adversary. Along with his expertise in manipulation and strategic planning, he possessed an aptitude for waging large-scale wars, if necessary. He came dangerously close to vanquishing Rick Grimes and his group before meeting his demise at the hands of Lilly, one of his own. In hand-to-hand combat, he proved to be a lethal force by accessing his unbridled aggression and uncontrolled rage. During a confrontation, he nearly took Michonne's life and emerged victorious in a one-on-one brawl against Merle, an impressive achievement. However, the most severe beating he administered was to Rick, whose injuries required considerable time to heal.

22 King Ezekiel

21 Carl Grimes

King Ezekiel was not only a ruler, but also a lover, possessing a greater affinity for leadership than combat. Initially, he made his debut as the leader of his own community, accompanied by a majestic tiger. Furthermore, he played a significant role in assembling a formidable army of fighters for his community, showcasing Ezekiel's preference for leading over fighting, yet displaying his prowess as a skilled warrior when necessary. Throughout the course of the show, he continually proved his mettle by eliminating numerous Saviors and confronting Commonwealth soldiers head-on. Undeniably, there exist individuals on The Walking Dead who surpass him in terms of combat prowess, but Ezekiel's resilience allowed him to survive until the very end, never timidly occupying his throne.

Throughout his time on The Walking Dead, Carl Grimes was a divisive character among fans. He frequently made ill-advised choices that jeopardized the safety of his father, Rick, and the other survivors. However, as time went on, Carl matured, particularly after losing his eye. His bravery even earned recognition from Negan. By the time of his unfortunate demise, fans had shifted their opinion of Carl, with the lamentations over his death nearly matching the complaints about his past missteps. Ultimately, Carl transformed into one of the most formidable characters in The Walking Dead series, capable of holding his own against virtually anyone.

20 Tyreese

19 Glenn Rhee

Not many dared to challenge Tyreese during his lifetime, and it's evident why. He not only possessed an imposing stature but was also a formidable combatant, unafraid to dive headfirst into dangerous situations. Yet, beneath his ferocious nature, he retained a gentle soul and always recognized the sanctity of human life. However, when the time for battle arrived, Tyreese transformed into an unstoppable force, plowing through obstacles with the strength of a raging bull. Those unfortunate enough to oppose him either lived to regret their decision or met their demise too swiftly to fully comprehend it. One factor that restrained him was the fact that his counterpart in the comic books stood as one of the most dominant characters in The Walking Dead series, while his TV portrayal exhibited a slightly more passive inclination, lacking the same fervor for constant conflict.

Glenn garnered a devoted following as a result of his lively personality and affectionate demeanor, solidifying his role as a moral compass within the series. Despite his initial preference for enjoying life rather than fighting for it, Glenn's character development revealed his emergence as a skilled warrior who remained true to his compassionate nature. Prior to the apocalyptic events, he occupied the role of a novice pizza delivery boy, still adapting to the challenges of adulthood, which translated to limited combat experience. Nevertheless, through perseverance, training, and a strategic mindset, he transformed into an adept tactician and an imposing adversary, with only physical strength being his sole shortcoming.

18 Carol

Despite her lack of size and strength, Carol compensates with unwavering conviction and unwavering dedication. Within the group, she stands alone in her willingness to go to extreme measures to safeguard those she holds dear. Regrettably, this has resulted in her making painful choices that have taken a toll on her fragile psyche. Consequently, Carol has become desensitized, if not entirely devoid, of empathy. This allows her to remain fully focused during combat, only experiencing the emotional aftermath once the chaos subsides. Additionally, Carol excels at diverting her adversaries' attention during fights and adeptly exploits societal stereotypes to deceive them.

Over time, Carol has proven that she will stop at nothing to defeat malevolent individuals and protect the survivors. She has dispatched numerous adversaries using explosives and firearms, and her relentless tactics even led to the death of a child due to her relentless coercion. Although she may not possess the physical prowess of some of the strongest characters in The Walking Dead, Carol remains a formidable opponent whom nobody wishes to confront in battle.

17 Sasha Williams

Sasha Williams embarked on her journey in The Walking Dead alongside her brother Tyreese and boyfriend Bob. Out of the three, Sasha appeared to possess the greatest inclination towards combat. Tyreese adopted a more passive approach while Bob proved to be quite inept in battle. Despite this, Sasha established herself as an indomitable warrior, even forming a romantic relationship with Abraham and earning the respect of Negan. Her fighting skills rivaled those of most male characters in the show, and although not as physically robust as others, she never surrendered. Sasha ultimately made the harrowing decision to end her own life, in order to increase her chances of assassinating Negan when she turned.

16 Shane Walsh

In just a few seasons, Shane Walsh became known as a formidable fighter in The Walking Dead. As Rick's closest friend and fellow sheriff's deputy, Shane was quick to realize the harsh reality of the apocalypse and the need to do whatever it takes to protect Lori and Carl from both the undead and other survivors. He excelled not only in his handling of firearms but also in hand-to-hand combat. Shane's unpredictable and aggressive nature, combined with his inherent strength, only enhanced his effectiveness in the ever-evolving story.

15 Jerry

Jerry started his journey in The Walking Dead as the devoted guardian of the Kingdom's ruler, Ezekiel. While viewers might initially dismiss him as a cheerful and secondary character, Cooper Andrews gradually won over the hearts of fans, appearing on the show until its finale. Despite Jerry's typically amiable and carefree nature, encountering the sharp end of his battle axe is definitely not desirable. As Ezekiel's trusted right-hand man, Jerry possessed an impressive level of physical strength that surpassed many other characters on the show. In fact, he demonstrated his ability to effortlessly cleave a man in half when necessary, solidifying his position as the strongest fighter in the Kingdom's army. Therefore, it goes without saying that Jerry was undeniably one of the most formidable characters in The Walking Dead.

14 Elijah

Upon Maggie's return to the series following a long absence, Elijah emerged as a loyal and cherished member of her dwindling community. Considered family by his leader, he stands out for his unparalleled devotion. While his involvement in combat scenes may be limited, Elijah's remarkable proficiency with his pair of Japanese kama is undeniable. Enhanced by his twin scythes and a striking mask, he undoubtedly ranks amongst the most formidable fighters in the entire series, solidifying his status as one of the strongest characters introduced later on in The Walking Dead.

13 Aaron

Aaron started off as a mild-mannered individual, but with the passing years, he accumulated a series of grievances that permanently altered his personality. The tipping point arrived when he tragically lost his hand, compelling Aaron to replace it with a mechanical device designed for combat. This transformation turned him into an exceptionally formidable warrior. His embittered demeanor grants him the capacity to eliminate adversaries without remorse or compassion, proving advantageous during life-or-death confrontations. Losing his beloved has undoubtedly changed him, but it has also solidified his place as one of the most powerful characters in The Walking Dead series.

12 Rosita Espinosa

Rosita, although not always receiving a significant amount of screen time, consistently demonstrated her competence as a fighter. Initially a member of Abraham's group, both he and Rosita took it upon themselves to safeguard Eugene from various threats. Abraham had full confidence in her ability to look after herself and assist in fulfilling his mission of escorting Eugene to Washington, D.C. Later on, after joining Rick's group, Rosita showcased her formidable combat skills in confronting diverse adversaries, including Negan's Saviors. Despite not surviving the finale, she undoubtedly established herself as one of the most resilient characters in The Walking Dead.

11 Maggie Rhee

10 Merle Dixon

Maggie Rhee, a beloved character in The Walking Dead since its second season, has captivated fans for over a decade. Her relationship with Glenn Rhee was a highlight of the early seasons, and her journey after her husband's tragic death has been both heart-wrenching and empowering. Despite lacking the same physical prowess as some other survivors, Maggie's unwavering determination grants her an advantage in combat. In battles, she outshines her opponents who often struggle to keep up. Maggie's exceptional strength and resilience were vividly showcased in Walking Dead: Dead City, solidifying her as one of the show's most formidable characters.

Daryl's older brother, Merle Dixon, found himself on the opposing side of Rick's conflict with the Governor. Despite his troublesome nature, Merle became a beloved character, thanks to his bond with Daryl and Michael Rooker's captivating portrayal. Known for his distinctive prosthetic forearm with a small blade, Merle was a formidable force in combat. He effortlessly eliminated approaching walkers and also took down numerous human adversaries. His final confrontation with the Governor was a brutal and violent encounter, but by then, Merle was a broken version of his former self.

9 Negan

Negan, prior to the apocalypse, lacked a violent nature. However, the devastation of losing his beloved wife during the outbreak proved to be overwhelming. He soon realized that besides the undead, there were also sinister individuals who posed greater threats. Consequently, he toughened himself to face the challenges ahead. Negan excels in using intimidation tactics and is also skilled in combat. Whether facing the undead or the living, he becomes a force to be reckoned with. Even without his iconic baseball bat, Lucille, he can defeat formidable opponents in hand-to-hand combat, making him a constant danger.

Nevertheless, due to relying on others to fight on his behalf for so long, Negan's skills have diminished with time. He was defeated in a fight against Rick Grimes, who spared his life. Since that encounter, Negan gradually regained his strength and demonstrated his lethality when he successfully assassinated Alpha, albeit through a surprise attack. Despite his previous malevolence, Negan is depicted in a more positive light in Dead City, where he continues to exhibit his deadly prowess and has reclaimed his position as one of the most formidable characters in The Walking Dead.

8 Rick Grimes

Rick Grimes, a sheriff's deputy, possessed more survival skills than most individuals in the apocalypse. However, his initial commitment to ethics and benevolence hindered him, jeopardizing the lives of himself and his group. It took time for him to find a suitable equilibrium. Although not as physically formidable or extensively trained as others in the Walking Dead universe, Rick undeniably displayed unmatched ferocity.

When faced with adversity, Rick was fearless, unafraid to cross any boundaries, rendering him highly unpredictable in combat. In an unforgettable episode, he mercilessly eliminates an opponent by ruthlessly tearing out their throat, amidst one of The Walking Dead's most savage battles. Despite appearing defeated in The Walking Dead finale, Rick's resilience has been proven time and again, demonstrating his ability to triumph in any just confrontation. This quality is expected to persist in his upcoming spinoff series alongside Michonne.

7 Abraham Ford

Abraham always favored sheer strength over tactical combat techniques, especially when compared to other characters, yet it consistently proved effective for him. He possessed an intimidating presence, whether confronting humans or walkers, and his extensive military training and sharp mental acuity served him tremendously throughout the apocalypse. While his fiery temper had its advantages and disadvantages, it drove him to unleash all his might in a confrontation. Few dared to enter the arena with Abraham and expect to emerge victorious, let alone with their teeth intact. The only drawback he faced was his imposing stature, which hindered his agility.

6 Beta

While Alpha may have taken the spotlight in The Walking Dead, Beta served as a formidable presence, embodying sheer ferocity and unbridled power. With no attachments or constraints holding him back, Beta became the ultimate enforcer within the Whisperers, dutifully carrying out Alpha's commands and fostering unwavering loyalty to their shared ideology. In the realm of combat, few could rival Beta's might. His remarkable blend of raw strength and expert fighting techniques allowed him to dispatch multiple adversaries simultaneously. His close-quarters combat prowess made him a relentless and formidable adversary, capable of enduring severe injuries long enough to choke or fatally strike down his opponents.