10 Best Non-WWE Wrestlers Of 2017 (So Far)
7. Travis Banks
Few wrestlers have seen their stock soar in 2017 like New Travis Banks. Operating primarily in the UK, ‘The Kiwi Buzzsaw’ was a tremendous wrestler from the moment he arrived on these shores, but his tireless workrate has seen him forge a reputation as one of the country’s most sought-after performers this year.
Banks is remarkably consistent. He has appeared for almost every major UK promotion in 2017, with his work in PROGRESS and Trent Seven’s Fight Club Pro standing out the most. Travis spent the bulk of 2017 as FCP’s champion, stealing the show with outstanding title defences against the likes of Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr., and recently won PROGRESS’ Super Strong Style 16 tournament, establishing himself as the promotion’s top babyface.
What sets Banks apart is his versatility. Strikes and submissions are his bread and butter, but he can mix it up with some high-flying when needed, and his tag work alongside Chris Brookes and TK Cooper shows he’s just as comfortable in that environment as he is on his own.
With a PROGRESS Title shot against Pete Dunne in his future, New Zealand’s most intense wrestler is on the verge of breaking out in a major way, and his excellent 2017 will continue.