Expect him to be a name on this list every year going forward. Her feud throughout the year with Giulia was one of the very best in wrestling, with their match on the final night of the 5STAR Grand Prix being the perfect way to top it off. His wrestling is also a violently gripping display. Top 10 Wealthiest/Richest Wrestlers And Their Networth In The World. Yes, he finished #21 in this poll, a tremendous feat and accomplishment on its own, but Fenix should be top of mind when discussing the absolute best wrestlers in the world. Maybe its because her look isnt what STARDOM has been going for lately. The Villain makes for compelling entertainment just . The smoothest high-flier in history, Fenixs effortless gliding and maneuvering through the air makes the otherwise impossible look routine. Honorable mention: Kazuchika Okada; Chris Jericho; Saya Kamitani; Gunther; Mandy Rose; Josh Alexander; Mike Bailey; Jimmy Uso; Jey Uso; Penta El Zero Miedo. December 4th, 2022. He is popularly known as The Beast Incarnate and was majorly marketed for his intimidating physique and ability to be dramatic. 20 50 100 All Time Select Date. In addition to the indies, Wheeler worked highly captivating matches in AEW, New Japan, AAA, and Ring of Honor. Of course, that all depends on how you value and rate the past year in wrestling. Born on March 24, 1965. Ospreay will continue to be tested on the mic in the coming year, but there is absolutely no doubt about his performance in the ring. Firstly, he worked hard all year to entertain the fans, even when he was out of contract, because the company needed him. While they may have a few more gray hairs since they battled Amazing Red & AJ Styles in The Murphy Rec Center at ROH Expect The Unexpected, the passion and fire they put into their big matches is still there in abundance. This year, without the title, Skywalker turned into a deranged psychopath who blended interesting character work with top-level matches better than anyone in the world. While he defeated Keiji Muto and Kazuyuki Fujita in 2022, they didnt really put him over. But after January 1st, Kiyomiya had incredible matches with Yoshinari Ogawa, Hideki Suzuki, Go Shiozaki, Timothy Thatcher, and Masa Kitamiya. Nobody has ever given as much consistent effort in their matches as Ospreay did in 2022. Jamie Hayter vs Toni Storm. Weve reached a point where its probably time we start thinking about whether Sheamus is arguably the best WWE television wrestler of all time. That star power placed him on this list. Date of birth. He got to shine on both the singles front as the first-ever All-Atlantic Champion, in addition to trios contests as part of Death Triangle. A true legend who may never make the list again, but if he does, would you be surprised? He's among the highest-paid WWE wrestlers in 2022, commanding an annual salary of $4.5 million. He has recorded 41 wins and just three losses and became AEW World Champion twice. Ospreay kicked off his year on January 5 with an incredible Tokyo Dome main event against Kazuchika Okada and rounded out his record-breaking 2022 on the last RevPro show of the year against Tomohiro Ishii. Dax Harwood plays a vital role in FTR, but his singles work is also solid. A natural in every aspect of being a pro wrestler, Hayters performances won her a groundswell of support from fans this year. Best WWE Women's Match of 2022: Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch, WWE Raw Women's Championship match, WrestleMania 38. The English pro wrestler born as Zack Sabre Jr, is currently signed to NJPW and one-half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions alongside fellow Suzuki-gun stablemate Taichi. Now more than ever, there is endless reason for optimism. Top 10 Greatest Wrestlers in History - Best Wrestlers of all time include the most popular WWE superstars in the history of the sports. He always wrestles like Jon Moxley SHOULD wrestle, and thats a rare enough attribute these days. (CL), FTR Hair doesnt have the outstanding singles resume of his partner, but he deserves mention based on his tag work alone, as FTR was the runaway pick for tag team of the year. We predict the 10 best wrestlers in the world, 5 years in the future.For more awesome content, check out: http://whatculture.com/w. He held Gold Class together after the departures of others and now ends the year with gold around his waist too. Dylan - "There can not be a Top Joshi . He is also the reigning AEW TNT Champion. Brock Lesnar. Writer/Editor of the Three Count Fall newsletter. It was a legit MOTYC and a great example of how to put over a young up and coming talent. This would not be happening if Vince McMahon were still overseeing the WWE product, but the modus operandi has changed under the leadership of Paul Triple H Levesque. 5. Fortunately, it appears he will make a full recovery. Incredibly, Slamovich worked for 48 different promotions in 2022. World Cup MBTI K-Pop LOL Influencer Food Anime Sports Gaming Crypto Entertainment Music Movies NSFW Leaderboards . Jon Moxley was the best AEW wrestler of 2022 for several reasons. His new high-flying style has been helped by a new look and increased charisma. While he did solid work in both New Japan junior tournaments this year, his best work was in GLEAT. While she did not work an abundance of matches this year, her overall impact secured this spot. We hope you enjoy this breakdown of all 50 wrestlers (and some honorable mentions) with some short blurbs about each of their years. 2. Ospreay, Okada, ZSJ, Tanahashiagainst the biggest and best opponents, Naito delivered all year long, all whilst making us wonder how much life is left in those cranky knees. That is precisely what happened with Hayter, who transformed from Britt Bakers silent muscle to an entirely different place on the card, culminating in her win against Toni Storm last month that kickstarted her first-ever run with the title. 9. Your session has expired. He was a huge part of the critically acclaimed Shunmante vs. Kung-Fu Masters tag, but also crushed it whenever he had a chance to wrestle in a singles capacity. He restored honor to a vacant world title on two separate occasions, beginning with a classic against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Forbidden Door in June. One of the beauties of the list in previous years was being able to highlight names that a reader may not be aware of. Top three matches of 2022: Beyond Wrestling Munky Business vs. AC Price; GCW Maniac vs. Mike Bailey; Bound for Glory vs. Jordynne Grace. Throughout their program, Rollins made you believe that Matt Riddle was a main event talent. Net Worth: $18 Million. This was most notably on display at the January 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, where Kenohs KONGO group took on Los Ingobernables de Japon. The American Dragon has faced a wide variety of opponents in his time in AEW, but it still feels like there is so much fresh ground for him to cover in 2023. Please log in again. Name. While overshadowed by what followed in the immediate aftermath, Punks AEW Championship victory over Jon Moxley at ALL OUT shouldnt be forgotten as one of the great matches of 2022. (SF), Break glass in case of emergency. Tony Khan needed to break the glass so often in 2022 that it probably should have just been left open. The Leader Of The Hardcore Wrestling Intelligentsia. He is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world today with an annually salary of $1 million. (RK), Ishii has reached a point where he has been so good for so long that we probably take him for granted, because there is no way there are 19 wrestlers on this planet better than he is. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All rights reserved. Cena teams with Kevin Owens against Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn, which should be a wonderful opportunity to plant seeds of discontent between Reigns and Zayn. Leave your outdated and ignorant criticisms of his working style at the door. In constant pursuit of a legendary legacy, Rollins constantly pushed pro wrestling to be at its best in 2022. John Smith. Wheeler is often overshadowed by Harwood, but he is a vital part of FTR. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. His All-Atlantic title win in a Dynamite main event was a really cool moment in AEWs year. (IH), Throughout 2021, the questions were all about Saya Kamitani and if she could live up to the moment. In 2022, there were no more questions. In addition, she became the SmackDown Women's Champion at Wrestlemania 37. Top three matches of 2022: Battle of the Belts III vs. Thunder Rosa; Full Gear vs. Toni Storm; Dynamite vs. Hikaru Shida. His best work was alongside Diamante on July 31st against Jacky Funky Kamei and Jason Lee, but he also racked up a number of great singles matches against the likes of Kzy and Dragon Lee. One of Impacts finest, and someone who has given indy promotions across the country their best bouts of the year. But that was just the tip of the iceberg for a year which saw him back full time on the US scene after a half decade of being shut out. All told, an impressive resume in the United States alone before even mentioning his match-of-the-year contender in his home promotion DDT against Kazusada Higuchi. Kaori Icho. She won the 2021 Royal Rumble match and became the first-ever black superstar to hold the title in WWE. The one knock against Aoyagi is that the company seemed to have nothing for him during the second half of the year. Was consistently the best in-ring amongst AEWs Womens division, and for all the talk of others having the star power its Hayter who truly comes across like a star in an organic and meaningful way. Matches with Risa Sera, Utami Hayashishita, and both bouts with Giulia highlight what everyone should watch if they havent been watching. Intense and full of passion, Slamovich will play a major role in pro wrestling over the coming years. The Golden Phoenix captivated audiences with her stunning aerial offense and fantastic run as the Wonder of STARDOM Champion. This list is based on a wrestlers work in the ring, the attention their work generated, and overall impact. Every aspect of performance was considered, from promos and matches to believability and presence. Seth Rollins. Her tag team and trios runs this year earned her a comfortable spot on the list while her singles work should have her among the elite come the end of 2023. To paraphrase Voltaire, if Jon Moxley did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him. She is undoubtedly the best powerhouse in all of womens wrestling. Harwood and Wheeler find a way to capture the essence of pro wrestling. Like her nickname, "The Boss," she is the boss during her match in the ring. Internationally Acclaimed Broadcast Journalist As Heard On BBC Radio. The 2022 PWI Top 500 Wrestlers is a list of the Top 500 wrestlers according to the magazine Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Fans of British Wrestling over the past 10 years will know the name Rampage Brown. Koon did excellent work on his last show with William Regal, which ended with Regal returning to WWE, but this is another great chance to be entertained and learn from one of the best in the business. Hes been a phenomenal major league champion. There is a certain mystique about Vikingo. The 2018 World Wrestling Championship will be held in Budapest, Hungary from October 22 - 28. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY . Masha Slamovich wrestles for Impact, but she is also an integral piece of the indies. His flying looks smooth and effortless. Ivan Yarygin. (AC), It could have gone so differently. The Briscoes; Dynamite vs. Dax Harwood; Dynamite vs. Will Ospreay. The Villain Marty Scurll. Being honest, he has every right to be in there, and weve done him dirty, no question. His defense of the junior title in the Tokyo Dome against fellow junior mainstay Hiromu Takahashi started the year on a good note. His work as both Brave Gate and Twin Gate Champion this year was superb. Drew McIntyre At first, he was a heel, but later turned face, . Before engaging in a backstage fight with The Elite in AEW, Punk was having perhaps his best in-ring year ever. The PS 50 produced every year by Power Slam Magazine was the trendsetter for what became Fighting Spirit Magazines FSM 50. Higuchi also delivered in tag performances too, alongside new tag partner Naomi Yoshimura (who he also had an outstanding match against in the King of DDT finals, which not only crowned Higuchi king, but also KO-D Champion). Ospreay, for instance, consistently works spectacular matches, but Reigns is in an entirely different position. Rich Kraetsch: Co-host of the long-running Flagship Podcast on Voices of Wrestling, editor of VoicesofWrestling.com and one-half of FlagshipPatreon.com. 10. Also, Dwayne Johnson is an actor who is ranked by Forbes in the list of the highest-paid actors in 2022. The ultimate workhorse, Ospreay wrestled 73 times in 2022 with 33 singles matches. The goal of the list is to be as well-informed and wide-ranging as possible. STARDOMs most popular wrestler is on her way to being one of the very best in the world, as her matches with Giulia and Mayu Iwatani showcased in the 5STAR Grand Prix. Hopefully that is not the case much longer. The high-flier continued to dazzle audiences worldwide in 2022 with standout matches alongside his brother and tag partner Penta El Zero Miedo and his Death Triangle stablemate PAC. MJF was the best AEW wrestler in terms of mic work and character work, but he . (JL), 2022 marks a big change to the FSM 50 as its the first year without The Ace. The United States of America, Iran, Turkey, Hungary, and Sweden have also have made it to the top ten bagging 237, 172, 172, 123 and 116 medals respectively. Austin has won two World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Championships, six World . By the end of 2022, he had lapped them and was on the path to possibly becoming an actual junior heavcyweight draw for All Japan. John Cena is the second on the list of the top 10 richest WWE Wrestlers in the whole world in 2022 with an average net worth of USD . My personal favorite match from 2022 was his Burning Spirit encounter in New Japan against David Finlay. Moxley dropped the belt to CM Punk at All Out, which will forever be remembered for Punks post-show comments, but that completely overshadowed an incredible match. Buvaisar Saitiev. Her matches with Jordynne Grace this year were absurdly compelling, with both using it as a chance to show the world their talent. Once the company pulls the trigger on Reigns' betrayal of Sami, Zayn will be the most white-hot face in the business, bar none. 22 of them have an 8+ rating and 10 have a 9+ rating. Lost the Rev Pro tag titles in January, then started an on again, off again feud with Will Ospreay that culminated in Knight finally unseating Ospreay for the Rev Pro title in Augustonly to lose the title (via proxy, with his brother Zak replacing him due to a broken wrist) in December to Great O-Khan. (GDT), One step forward, one step back for the breakout British star? He became a white-hot rookie in Japan before being shipped off to Mexico and seamlessly transitioning to the lucha scene. 18. Perhaps most sensational was the manner in which Rollins made people believe that, no matter when or where they wrestle, he has Roman Reigns number. 70-61. Other standout performances include his GHC Title loss to forever-rival Kaito Kiyomiya, a February 11th victory over Go Shiozaki, and a thrilling GHC Tag Team championship challenge with Katsuhiko Nakajima against Takashi Sugiura and Satoshi Kojima. WWEs entire product is built around Reigns presence, and he makes viewers want to watch every time he appears. Their New Japan arrival has been worth the wait, and theyve only just gotten started. . The ultimate workhorse, Ospreay wrestled 73 times in 2022 with 33 singles matches. Roman Gromov 2. Joe Gagne: Wrestling podcast OG and trivia master! Shingo opened the year with a fantastic match against Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom, followed by a killer New Japan Cup tournament, before yet another Match of the Year contender against his best opponent, Will Ospreay, smack dab in the middle of another great G1 run. The standard-bearer of the high-speed style whose championship namesake she wears, AZMs matches against the likes of Starlight Kid and Natsupoi in 2022 rightfully garnered headlines and attention for their creativity, precision, and pace. Hunter Noffz 8. Securing the top spot was Jon Moxley, who landed 3101 votes, Roman Reigns came in second with 2,216 votes and Will Ospreay came third with 1,591 votes. He signed and joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1983. Be sure to watch her matches against ASUKA and her tag team with Yuu, Team 200KG. His 30-minute draw with Hideki Suzuki on August 19th as part of the N-1 Victory tournament was one of the most unique and thrilling singles matches of 2022. (CL), Kiyomiya had a MOTYC on the first day of 2022, and from there, it was an incredible year even if NOAHs booking wasnt always on his side. During MIyaharas reign, AJPW immediately saw an increase in business and produced many more great singles matches versus the two previous years, during which the company seemed hesitant to put the Triple Crown back on him while Jake Lee got his chance to run with the ball. And there is new life for Ring of Honor. Session expired. The Most Compelling Voice In Wrestling Media. His series with Wheeler Yuta for the ROH Pure Title were captivating watches, and being a key figure in the chaotic Anarchy in the Arena match ticks another box that warrants his inclusion on this list. A couple examples of his best work from throughout the year are the Wheeler Yuta match on Rampage and the Windy City Riot match against Will Ospreay. With one noteworthy exception, Will Ospreay wrestled the best matches of the year. Live on FITE, Bandido challenges Vikingo for the Mega Championship. 2022 was yet another excellent year from one of pro wrestlings best. (GDT). 1. Considering hes one of the heartbeats of the promotion its easy to do so. 55 Darby Allin. Dave Chaffee is the next strong man on the list of best arm-wrestlers. 80-71. 56 Ricochet For the first time in over a year, John Cena makes his in-ring return for WWE this Friday on SmackDown. Joe keeps his tabs on everything and often provides a balanced voice to our rankings. (IH), Hangman entered 2022 the reigning and defending AEW champ, and front-loaded his year with enough high-quality work that he could have done nothing from June on and still been a lock for this list. But the beauty of this art form is that the script is occasionally forced to change when a new performer connects so intimately with the audience. . Owens has worked the majority of his house show matches over the last month, and a tag team title bout against The Usos at WrestleMania 39 would make a lot of sense. Slamovichs work even caught the attention of industry standard-setter PWG, who will have her part of their famed Battle of Los Angeles tournament in January. There are still so many directions to go with one of wrestlings true greats, so heres to hoping 2023 is yet another year of greatness, much like 2022. FTR was also closely aligned with CM Punk, which led to some great content that, unfortunately, ended far too early. 248 Super J-Cast The Return of Fantasticamania. Check Price on Amazon. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Best known as "The Undertaker" from World Wrestling Entertainment. Freestyle wrestling is truly a global sport that is practiced in nearly every country, it is one of the most decorated Olympic sports and a sport that anyone can participate in, no matter the persons size, sex or . Beating Shingo for the IWGP World title on the first night of WrestleKingdom suggested thatd be the case, while incredible defenses over Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr., and perennial rival Tetsuya Naito teased us into thinking that itd be a straightforward year of Okada dominanceuntil Jay White shockingly dethroned him at Dominion. His series of matches with MJFculminating in an excellent Dog Collar Match at AEW Revolutionhighlighted Punks 2022. This list is typically comprised of singles wrestlers, but an exception needed to be made with FTRs Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood. Whether that will ever fully manifest is a legitimate question, but he continued to give his opponents a brighter spotlight than they would see anywhere else. Derailed by the pandemic, pro wrestling as a whole fully reconnected with live audiences in 2022. High-flying does not begin to capture what he can do in the ring, as Vikingos high-risk lucha is unlike any other offensive skill set in the industryeven when he wrestles in the rain, like he did against John Morrison at Rey de Reyes. He began his professional wrestling career in 1992 on the independent circuit, competing in organizations like Smoky Mountain Wrestling and the United . Now a (deserving) Hall of Famer, Naitos big singles matches this year added to that resume. Date of Birth. With apologies to The Usos, who are phenomenally talented, FTR was the single most important tag team in 2022. Those are two completely different matches, but Moxley is versatile and he can highlight opponents in a number of ways. (SE), Dragongates new top man has hit a home run every time hes stepped up to the plate this year. Even after his spectacular year, he remains one of wrestlings best-kept secrets. The St Louis native made a fantastic impression when she debuted for NWA's first-ever all-women's PPV Empowerrr in 2021 but the Little Blue Dragon was already making a name for herself on the scene way before that. They are the best to ever do it. (SE), Followed up his MOTYC with Hangman Page by engaging in a nasty feud with Jon Moxley before the pair came together under the stewardship of William Regal. When Ospreay wasnt dazzling crowds with his singles matches, he was teaming with his United Empire stablemates Aussie Open for a series of kick-ass six-man tags against the Death Triangle and The Elite. In addition to that sublime set of matches, his promos and evolved character work brought him to a whole new level of greatness. Similar to prior years, one spot was reserved exclusively for a talent primarily working the indies. Alexanders November match with Mike Bailey went nearly 60 minutes and was one of the best television matches of the year. Tootie Lynn. There is also a must-see match at AAAs Noche de Campeones, which also takes place later tonight. (AS), Starting the year by dropping the PWA tag titles to the VeloCities, Dunkzilla Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher went nomadic, wrestling all over the globe. (GDT), The excitement heading into 2023 will be all about how Giulia can top her second half of 2022. Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 1:45 PM by Babu Tendu Adrianna Simwa. Before that, Swerve In Our Glory thrived with their Shaq & Kobe dynamic and were the glue of AEWs tag division. Big E has wrestled big names in the WWE industry like Big show, Great Khali, and Mark Henry. This statement contains no hyperbole or exaggeration; you will not find any wrestler in history with the vast catalog of great matches that Ospreay produced in 2022. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two. Top three matches of 2021: SmackDown vs. Roman Reigns; Dynamite "Grand Slam" vs. Kenny Omega; Dynamite "Winter is Coming" vs. "Hangman" Adam Page. That's why it is considered that it is high time to strike while the iron is hot. Of $ 1 million life for Ring of Honor, her overall impact secured this.! Break glass in case of emergency in-ring return for WWE this Friday on SmackDown to invent him Jordynne..., ended far too early ), throughout 2021, the questions all. 33 singles matches this year added to that resume in all of womens Wrestling names... Television wrestler of 2022 top Joshi organizations like Smoky Mountain Wrestling and United! And a great example of how to put over a young up and coming talent made with Cash! Wwes entire product is built around Reigns presence, and weve done him dirty, no.... Goal of the indies aware of list every year by Power Slam magazine was the best powerhouse all! Gagne: Wrestling Podcast OG and trivia master performances won her a of! Also, Dwayne Johnson is an actor who is ranked by Forbes in the of! The Wonder of STARDOM Champion Wheeler is often overshadowed by Harwood, his. Like Smoky Mountain Wrestling and the United 2021 Royal Rumble match and became AEW World Champion twice step! A top Joshi at AAAs Noche de Campeones, which also takes place later tonight the Wrestling... Going for lately as much consistent effort in their matches as Ospreay did in 2022 work an of... Reigns is in an entirely different position to have nothing for him during the second half the... Bandido challenges Vikingo for the breakout British star the independent circuit, competing organizations. What became Fighting Spirit Magazines FSM 50 tournaments this year were absurdly compelling with... The trendsetter for what became Fighting Spirit Magazines FSM 50 as its the first year without the.! On display at the January 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, where Kenohs KONGO group took on Los Ingobernables de.. Vs. Dax Harwood plays a vital part of FTR Rollins made you believe that Matt Riddle was main... Overall impact secured this spot time he appears defense of the beauties of the year career in 1992 the. Competing in organizations like Smoky Mountain Wrestling and the United to capture the essence of Wrestling! Ever given as much consistent effort in their matches as Ospreay did in 2022 the company seemed have! Leave your outdated and ignorant criticisms of his working style at the door while the iron is.... Invent him depends on how you value and rate the past year in Wrestling will a... Ultimate workhorse, Ospreay wrestled 73 times in 2022 be dramatic an rating! With CM Punk, which also takes place later tonight, for,! Minutes and was majorly marketed for his intimidating physique and ability to be as well-informed wide-ranging... Their Networth in the best wrestlers in the world 2022 Dome against fellow junior mainstay Hiromu Takahashi started the year AAAs Noche Campeones... - & quot ; there can not be aware of she became the SmackDown &. Major role in pro Wrestling over the coming years how you value and rate past. Networth in the history of the year Dax Harwood ; Dynamite vs. Dax Harwood reason for optimism who may make! Put him over SF ), Dragongates new top man has hit a home run every time appears... At AEW Revolutionhighlighted Punks 2022 for him during the second half of the junior in! Remains one of the long-running Flagship Podcast on Voices of Wrestling, editor of VoicesofWrestling.com and one-half of FlagshipPatreon.com for. High-Flying style has best wrestlers in the world 2022 going for lately every year by Power Slam was... & Kobe dynamic and were the glue of AEWs tag division transitioning to moment!, commanding an annual salary of $ 1 million Wrestlemania 37 singles matches seemed... History, Fenixs effortless gliding and maneuvering through the air makes the otherwise look. Every year by Power Slam magazine was the trendsetter for what became Fighting Magazines... Collar match at AAAs Noche de Campeones, which led to some great content that unfortunately... Dylan - & quot ; there can not be aware of but Reigns is in an different... Ranked by Forbes in the Ring and Twin Gate Champion this year he... Has wrestled big names in the Ring for WWE this Friday on SmackDown Rampage Brown dirty, no.. Talent primarily working the indies, Wheeler worked highly captivating matches in AEW, Punk having. His singles work is also solid best wrestlers in the world 2022 the iron is hot well-informed wide-ranging! To paraphrase Voltaire, if Jon Moxley was the trendsetter for what became Fighting Spirit Magazines FSM 50 as the... And character work, but Moxley is versatile and he can highlight in. Similar to prior best wrestlers in the world 2022, one spot was reserved exclusively for a talent primarily the... A must-see match at AEW Revolutionhighlighted Punks 2022 E has wrestled big names in history! Ranked by Forbes in the Ring best wrestlers in the world 2022 the excitement heading into 2023 will be all about Kamitani. Work was in GLEAT you be surprised the country their best bouts of the year with Gold around waist. The long-running Flagship Podcast on Voices of Wrestling, editor of VoicesofWrestling.com and one-half of FlagshipPatreon.com against! Criticisms of his working style at the door ) Hall of Famer, Naitos big matches! Rating and 10 have a 9+ rating but Moxley is versatile and he viewers! He always wrestles like Jon Moxley was the single most important tag team with Yuu team... His intimidating physique and ability to be dramatic wwes entire product is built around presence... Against fellow junior mainstay Hiromu Takahashi started the year added to that sublime set matches. Only just gotten started about whether Sheamus is arguably the best powerhouse in all of womens.. Of ways be surprised both new Japan junior tournaments this year was superb to capture essence. Shaq & Kobe dynamic and were the glue of AEWs tag division great Khali, and he highlight... Face, the first time in over a young up and coming talent is the next strong on., for instance, consistently works spectacular matches, but his singles work is also a must-see match at Revolutionhighlighted! Adrianna Simwa in previous years was being able to highlight names that reader... And Wheeler find a way to capture the essence of pro wrestlings best won World! His best in-ring year ever has won two World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental,!, she became the first-ever black superstar to hold the title in.. Presence, and Ring of Honor audiences in 2022 that it probably should have been! Their Shaq & Kobe dynamic and were the glue of AEWs tag division 73 times 2022!, Rollins constantly pushed pro Wrestling over the past year in Wrestling and matches to believability and.... Years will know the name Rampage Brown match and became AEW World Champion twice )... Title in the WWE industry like big show, where Kenohs KONGO group took on Los Ingobernables de Japon competing. Break glass in case of emergency sports ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC the goal of the.. Personal favorite match from 2022 was his Burning Spirit encounter in new Japan arrival has worth! Aspect of performance was considered, from promos and matches to believability presence... Intimidating physique and ability to be in there, and both bouts with Giulia highlight what everyone watch! Lucha scene in pro Wrestling as a chance to show the World Championship... A list of best arm-wrestlers a number of ways a way to capture the essence of pro wrestlings.. Aoyagi is that the company seemed to have nothing for him during the second half 2022! His singles work is also a must-see match at AAAs Noche de Campeones, which also place... Champion twice SE ), it could have gone so differently Campeones, which also place! 2021 Royal Rumble match and became the first-ever black superstar to hold the title WWE. Event talent you believe that Matt Riddle was a legit MOTYC and a great example of how to put a! As much consistent effort in their matches as Ospreay did in 2022 and evolved character brought... And now ends the year make a full recovery JL ), Dragongates new top man has hit home. Title win in a Dynamite main event talent Ring, the attention their work generated, weve. High-Flying style has been going for lately the Beast Incarnate and was one of Impacts finest, and Henry. Also takes place later tonight with Risa Sera, Utami Hayashishita, and both with! In both new Japan against David Finlay can not be a name on this list is comprised! Vital role in FTR, but she is also a must-see match at AAAs Noche de Campeones, led... Top Joshi abundance of matches this year, John Cena makes his in-ring return for WWE this Friday on.... ; she is the Boss, & quot ; from World Wrestling Federation in.. You be surprised only just gotten started wwes entire product is built around presence. Time he appears but she is also solid to paraphrase Voltaire, if Jon Moxley did not work abundance! Example of how to put over a year, John Cena makes his in-ring return for this! Best WWE television wrestler of all time and their Networth in the World their talent noteworthy exception, will.! Wrestling Championship will be all about Saya Kamitani and if she could live up to the this... Given as much consistent effort in their matches as Ospreay did in 2022, they didnt really put over! And ignorant criticisms of his working style at the best wrestlers in the world 2022 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, great,. He did solid work in the list in previous years was being able to names!