9 Ups & 11 Downs For WWE In 2025
5. Penta
An unqualified success story for WWE in a year where the creative wheels went from spinning at warp-speed to nearly falling off completely, the former AEW Tag Team Champion has finally had a mainstream US singles run that he can hold up against his peak years nearly a decade ago.
Understanding the assignment impeccably after signing with the market leader, Penta turned his flamboyance up to a hundred while forging a brand new bond with a brand new audience. Spending a year in the Raw midcard without getting remotely stale, he improbably flirted with top title contention during a summer series with The Vision, and managed to be one of the only babyfaces to still get cheered when challenging for the beloved Dominik Mysterio's Intercontinental Championship.
It's reached the point where he could reunite with Rey Fenix next year, but doesn't need it half as much as his high-flying brother. The two would likely fall into the tag team sinkhole within a matter of weeks; on his own, Penta stands every chance of becoming a heel's first challenger or even an outside shot for next year's Money In The Bank. At 40, he's got half a decade-plus on most of the main event crew - there's more time and creative energy on 'El Zero Miedo's side than many might have assumed.