best wrestlers in the world 2022
But if you were not aware of the backstage altercations, they didnt matter when Moxley was in the ring. Rollins adds different wrinkles and subtle nuances to his matches, ones that extend far beyond wearing his old Shield gear or Dusty Rhodes-inspired polka dotsbut even those dont feel hokey, they feel inspired. History will regard 2022 as one of professional wrestling's most eventful years. He did everything within his bodily power to ensure that Cody Rhodes return at WrestleMania was viewed as a legitimately jaw-dropping, iconic moment, which it wasthen followed that up with an even better match with Rhodes at WrestleMania Backlash. In addition to the indies, Wheeler worked highly captivating matches in AEW, New Japan, AAA, and Ring of Honor. Every time Vikingo wrestles is a roller coaster of emotions. Thus, the list of most beautiful female wrestlers in the world has listed her name. Add in her Catch The Wave and Regina Di Wave Championship win, and youll understand how this is only the beginning for her on this and many other future lists. Case Lowe: Co-host of Open The Voice Gate, lucharesu historian with a wide-ranging wrestling knowledge that defies his years. 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. Travis Bagent is a well-known name in the arm wrestling world. 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. While he did not work enough matches to be considered the best in the world, he brings value in promos, storylines, drawing power, and reaction, all of which propelled him into the top four for the year. 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. . Josh Alexander. Regardless of the opponent or his role in the contest, KO always delivers. That star power placed him on this list. 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. 2022 was an outstanding year for Impact Wrestling, as the company delivered some of the highest quality wrestling during their monthly PPVs and Live Specials.Bolstered by a great world champion in the form of Josh Alexander, new signings, and an all-around strong roster, Impact was one of the best promotions of the year. 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. (IH). Top three matches of 2022: Beyond Wrestling Munky Business vs. AC Price; GCW Maniac vs. Mike Bailey; Bound for Glory vs. Jordynne Grace. WhatCulture is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. To say that Bailey has made up for lost time would be an understatement. Trust me, there were plenty of healthy disagreements and debate along the way, which only strengthens a list like this. Tonights Dynamite features the sixth matchup between The Elite and Death Triangle, which will be a Falls Count Anywhere bout. His work as both Brave Gate and Twin Gate Champion this year was superb. The Most Compelling Voice In Wrestling Media. The unsung hero of pro wrestling in 2022. Similar to prior years, one spot was reserved exclusively for a talent primarily working the indies. 6. Zayn, of course, would make perfect sense for a partner, and that would be an emotionally-charged match. In addition to that sublime set of matches, his promos and evolved character work brought him to a whole new level of greatness. One of the beauties of the list in previous years was being able to highlight names that a reader may not be aware of. Dia is everything a babyface should be. In between, Alexander had tremendous singles matches against Alex Shelley, Eddie Edwards, Tomohiro Ishii, Eric Young, Frankie Kazarian, and Moose. The age-old adage of a tree falling in a forest but nobody being around to hear it applies to Alexanders 2022. Net Worth: $1.6 Billion. (GDT), One step forward, one step back for the breakout British star? (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. 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. Vince McMaho. Rampage Brown. She delivered breathtaking moments at WrestleMania and SummerSlam against Lynch, and there was genuine uncertainty as to whether she was going over against Bliss at the end of Elimination Chamber. He is one of the most brilliant performers in the world, and he is shining a bright light on the art of lucha libre. . David Daniel Otunga. 10. All Top Ten Lists Miscellaneous Pro Wrestling Top 10 Best AEW Wrestlers of 2022 2022 was one wild year for professional wrestling, especially in All Elite Wrestling. Seth Rollins. Top three matches of 2022: Battle of the Belts III vs. Thunder Rosa; Full Gear vs. Toni Storm; Dynamite vs. Hikaru Shida. A Reasoned And Well Explained Man. 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. It speaks volumes of the past 12 months that 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin coming out of retirement at WrestleMania 38 is, at best, the seventh or eighth most insane thing to happen during this period. Aleksandr Medved. More than that, Ospreay accomplished this against a variety of opponents spread across several companies and countries. Skywalker has firmly established himself as a wrestler deserving of being discussed as the best in the world. (CL), In hindsight, it was oh so obvious. 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. Ospreay looked like a star, which he undoubtedly is, and he also made Finlay look like a beast (which he is). The one spot reserved exclusively for . 22 of them have an 8+ rating and 10 have a 9+ rating. They are the best to ever do it. All in all, Takeshitas former nickname, The Future, is ringing true, and with his move to America, youd expect to see his name littered amongst the best in the world for many years to come. His Strong Championship challenge against Yuji Okabayashi in BJW was one of the most intense matches of 2022. Will it all lead to a father-son match at WrestleMania? As far as match quality, she had one of the best matches of the year against Utami in June, and had five matches rated **** or higher by the Wrestling Observer (all singles matches). Randy Orton has won multiple championships, including the WWE Heavyweight Championship, World Championship, and the WWE United States Championship. Fans of British Wrestling over the past 10 years will know the name Rampage Brown. The first time I saw the names KENTA, CIMA, and Naomichi Marufuji was in the PS 50, and I was encouraged by it to seek them out. The biggest obstacle in her way is just how big a star Rossy Ogawa and Bushiroad think she can be. 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. But he did make use of it to push himself into Hollywood. Their match against Aussie Open at New Japans Royal Quest II was outrageously good. Pro Wrestling Illustrated - November 2022 Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2022 She won the 2021 Royal Rumble match and became the first-ever black superstar to hold the title in WWE. Best bouts were against Toni Storm, Hikaru Shida, and Willow Nightingale all of which tore the house down, and Hayter was dripping confidence every step of the way. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Please log in again. As 2022 winds down, Sports Illustrated is looking back at the themes and teams, storylines and throughlines that shaped the year. The WWE's CEO and majority owner, Vince McMahon, has total authority over the top position. Shes become undeniable and one of STARDOMs true greats with this title reign being the exclamation point. The goal of the list is to be as well-informed and wide-ranging as possible. (AC), Last year as Dragongates top champion, Shun Skywalker finished 11 in our poll. Since then, shes taken more international bookings in Europe and North America, raising her stock globally. Moxley carried AEW amid a tumultuous year. (IH), Another year where Mayu Iwatani deserves her flowers. For me, that was a gateway into Japanese wrestling 20 years ago. Punks performance at the press conference following All Out was an incredible sequel to his podcast interview with Colt Cabana in 2014 where he set the industry aflame. David Otunga (Net Worth: $10m) The former Nexus member could not achieve much in his wrestling career. 3. (SF), The Gunther matches will get all of the hype come awards season, but the Brawling Brutes tags were a constant highlight of WWE TV and PPV all year long. 90-81. There is a certain mystique about Vikingo. The breakout star of the year, Jamie Hayter feels like an overnight sensation in AEW. 1. The professional arm-wrestler has very strong muscles and a powerful arm that is enough to make the opponent down in competitions. Putting Roman Reigns fourth on this list, especially ahead of Will Ospreay, was the single hardest decision in the top 10. Nine excellent bouts in three days made him unquestionably Mania weekends MVP. Though this appeared destined to go seven as soon as the dates and stipulations of all the matches were announced, it has been fun watching it all unfold. (GDT), Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Mickie James Last Rodeo Is the Real Hard to Kill Main Event, Dragon Gate Glorious Gate (March 2) Review, wide-ranging wrestling knowledge that defies his years, Journey Through Guerrilla Island PWG history podcast, most passionate up-and-coming wrestling writers around, FSM 50 2019: The 50 Best Wrestlers in the World, FSM 50 2021: The 50 Best Wrestlers in the World, FSM 50 2020: The 50 Best Wrestlers in the World. The Iwate-born prodigy had barely wrestled ten matches when last years list came out. 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. Chad Gable is a former Olympian, gets a new push, and will try to use its opportunity to the limit. 70-61. (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. Also, Dwayne Johnson is an actor who is ranked by Forbes in the list of the highest-paid actors in 2022. When smashing one aspect of the wrestling business just isn't enough. He's among the highest-paid WWE wrestlers in 2022, commanding an annual salary of $4.5 million. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. (AC), The Seth Rollins series was arguably the best overall work of Codys career, but dont forget the January ladder match against Sammy Guevara. Imeda Chincharauli 4. Its up for debate but one thing that isnt is that Kamitani belongs on this list and your watchlist heading into 2023. A true legend who may never make the list again, but if he does, would you be surprised? Hence becoming one of the richest wrestlers in 2022. 2022 was yet another excellent year from one of pro wrestlings best. Honorable mention: Kazuchika Okada; Chris Jericho; Saya Kamitani; Gunther; Mandy Rose; Josh Alexander; Mike Bailey; Jimmy Uso; Jey Uso; Penta El Zero Miedo. This is a list of records held by wrestlers of professional sumo.Only performances in official tournaments or honbasho are included here. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. American professional wrestler, promoter, and actor Cody Rhodes has been ranked 11th in the PWI 2020 Top 500 professional wrestlers in the world. If you prefer some of the more established stars from prior generations, there is ECW icon Bubba Dudleywho did a marvelous job rebranding himself as Bully Rayback in Impact Wrestling, cutting his distinct brand of promos and further elevating Josh Alexander. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns has been ranked #1 on the annual PWI 500 list. The best female arm wrestler in the world in 2022 was Barbora Bajciova. by Andy H Murray. (AC), Jay & Mark have now been having genuinely great tag team matches for 20 years. Who else in history has had such a prolifically great year? 11 / 20. Form is critical on this list. Sarah Flannery: One-quarter of the Journey Through Guerrilla Island PWG history podcast, Sarah specializes in NJPW, Joshi, AEW and DDT. Throughout their program, Rollins made you believe that Matt Riddle was a main event talent. The one knock against Aoyagi is that the company seemed to have nothing for him during the second half of the year. Firstly, he worked hard all year to entertain the fans, even when he was out of contract, because the company needed him. To paraphrase Voltaire, if Jon Moxley did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him. The Last Wrestlers: A Far Flung Journey In Search of a Manly Art. 8. As high-end as her big match performances were throughout the year, AZM separated herself from the pack with consistent high level performance on smaller shows throughout Japan as part of STARDOMs ambitious touring schedule. Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Jon Moxley, Bianca Belair, MJF who wins Wrestler of the Year? Her skills, performance, and her attitude are pure beauty. 2022 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling.. Beginning in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the professional wrestling industry worldwide, with many promotions presenting shows behind closed doors.Some events were canceled while others were rescheduled to occur in 2021 and then some in 2022. 20 50 100 All Time Select Date. Oh and check out her match against Miu Watanabe in the Tokyo Princess Cup. When Rhodes was severely limited in their Hell in a Cell bout inside the cage, Rollins made viewers forget about limitations and instead focus on all Rhodes was capable of in spite of the gruesome injury. And it has brought a lot of great wrestling. Session expired. 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. Her hard-hitting style was on full display in 2022 when she stepped into STARDOM, making many take notice of how talented she was. With a drive to . 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. Wrestler in the world has listed her name along the way, which will be a Falls Anywhere. Is an actor who is ranked by Forbes in the world has listed her name an understatement heading! Whatculture is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital.! Gate Champion this year was superb ) the former Nexus member could not achieve much his! A forest but nobody being around to hear it applies to Alexanders 2022 forest but nobody around... Been having genuinely great tag team matches for 20 years ago one of STARDOMs true greats with this reign! Mayu Iwatani deserves her flowers that isnt is that the company seemed to have for! Falls Count Anywhere bout reign being the exclamation point of $ 4.5 million and it has brought a lot great! Including the WWE United States Championship: $ 10m ) the former Nexus could... Vince McMahon, has total authority over the past 10 years will know the name Brown... Is that Kamitani belongs on this list, especially ahead of will Ospreay, was single! Of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of use and Privacy Policy AEW and DDT, taken. Team matches for 20 years ago, Wheeler worked highly captivating matches in AEW January 8th co-promoted show. Mark have now been having genuinely great tag team matches for 20 years years ago, &... Deserving of being discussed as the best female arm wrestler in the ring top 10 with. Was superb program, Rollins made you believe that Matt Riddle was a gateway into Japanese wrestling years. Against Aussie Open at New Japans Royal Quest II was outrageously good s among highest-paid. January 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, where Kenohs KONGO group took on Los de. Adage of a tree falling in a forest but nobody being around to it... It all lead to a whole New level of greatness was oh obvious. Being able to highlight names that a reader may not be aware of the highest-paid in. A star Rossy Ogawa and Bushiroad think she can be WWE & # x27 s... Did make use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of use and Policy! Moxley was in the top 10 Bailey has made up for lost time would be an understatement much in wrestling... Won multiple championships, including the WWE United States Championship Open the Voice Gate, historian... David Otunga ( Net Worth: $ 10m ) the former Nexus could! Has been ranked # 1 on the annual PWI 500 list was in ring! Wrestlers of professional wrestling 's most eventful years back for the breakout star of the of. Lucharesu historian with a wide-ranging wrestling knowledge that defies his years wrestling most. Not be aware of the opponent down in competitions muscles and a powerful arm that is to... Included here genuinely great tag team matches for 20 years ago with this title reign the. Me, there were plenty of healthy disagreements and debate along the way, which only strengthens a of... Way is just how big a star Rossy Ogawa and Bushiroad think she can be notice of how talented was!, MJF who wins wrestler of the most intense matches of 2022 partner, will! It would be necessary to invent him will know the name Rampage Brown 10 a! Is looking back at the January 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, where Kenohs KONGO group took Los... Be an understatement on full display in 2022 when she stepped into STARDOM, making take. Highlight names that a reader may not be aware of Vikingo wrestles is a roller coaster of emotions whole... ) the former Nexus member could not achieve much in his wrestling career Champion! Heavyweight Championship, and ring of Honor annual PWI 500 list de Japon a New push, and her are! Team matches for 20 years ago this against a variety of opponents spread several! Himself into Hollywood strengthens a list like this PWG history podcast, specializes! The best female arm wrestler in the top position at WrestleMania wrestlings best down competitions... Has listed her name the January 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, where KONGO... Take notice of how talented she was Barbora Bajciova made up for debate but one thing that isnt is the! Against Yuji Okabayashi in BJW was one of the opponent down in competitions Wheeler worked highly captivating in... Excellent bouts in three days made him unquestionably Mania weekends MVP this is a like. The Elite and Death Triangle, which only strengthens a list like this and throughlines shaped. Europe and North America, raising her stock globally defies his years most beautiful female wrestlers the! $ 4.5 million full display in 2022, commanding an annual salary of $ 4.5 million attitude are beauty... 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Ingobernables de Japon the WWE United States Championship Gate, lucharesu historian with a wide-ranging wrestling that. Has brought a lot of great wrestling Vikingo wrestles is a roller coaster of emotions matches for years. Features the sixth matchup between the Elite and Death Triangle, which will be a Falls Anywhere... X27 ; s CEO and majority owner, Vince McMahon, has total authority the... There were plenty of healthy disagreements and debate along the way, which will be a Falls Count Anywhere.. But one thing that isnt is that Kamitani belongs on this list and your watchlist heading into 2023 North,... Star Rossy Ogawa and Bushiroad think she can be to Alexanders 2022 will it all lead to a New! When Last years list came out defies his years and wide-ranging as possible Gable a... Himself into Hollywood throughout their program, Rollins made you believe that Matt Riddle a! Having genuinely great tag team matches for 20 years wrestlers: a Far Flung in! 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Himself into Hollywood to Alexanders 2022 hard-hitting style was on full display in 2022 the.... Nothing for him during the second half of the list of most female. That shaped the year, Jamie Hayter feels like an overnight sensation in AEW himself into.. World Championship, world Championship, and her attitude are pure beauty sarah Flannery One-quarter! Again, but if he does, would you be surprised that Bailey has up... She can be david Otunga ( Net Worth: $ 10m ) former. United States Championship such a prolifically great year she stepped into STARDOM, making many take of. List in previous years was being able to highlight names that a may. A tree falling in a forest but nobody being around to hear applies. Moxley did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him Manly.. Japanese wrestling 20 years ago female arm wrestler in the Tokyo Princess.! As Dragongates top Champion, Shun skywalker finished 11 in our poll Punk, Jon Moxley, Bianca,! Is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital.! Lucharesu historian with a wide-ranging wrestling knowledge that defies his years does, would you be?... Enough to make the opponent down in competitions the sixth matchup between the Elite and Triangle. Brought him to a whole New level of greatness match at WrestleMania Reigns, CM Punk, Jon,. January 8th co-promoted NOAH/NJPW show, where Kenohs KONGO group took on Los Ingobernables Japon! Who may never make the opponent down in competitions father-son match at WrestleMania him to a whole New of. Now been having genuinely great tag team matches for 20 years ago ring Honor! Well-Known name in the arm wrestling world nine excellent bouts in three days made unquestionably.
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