10 Best Non-WWE Wrestlers Of 2017

5. Zack Sabre Jr.

Kazuchika Okada Kenny Omega
WCPW

It's tough to beat Zack Sabre Jr.'s 2017 output as far as sheer volume of quality matches go. The English technician is the most consistent wrestler in the world, and this year has seen him diversify his game immensely, performing admirably on the American indies and the thriving British scene, as well as debuting for New Japan.

While Zack's ceiling is a tad lower than those further up on our list, his highs were still incredible. His bout with Michael Elgin for Chicago's AAW promotion was a near perfect clash of styles, but his G1 Climax work with Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi garnered more attention, and understandably so. More recently, ZSJ delivered a late British MOTY candidate against Will Ospreay at RevPro's Global Wars event.

Sabre is a technical wrestler par excellence. Grappling is his wheelhouse, but while his bouts often taken on an exhibition-like tone, ZSJ's strongest output comes when he performs with a chip on his shoulder. These bouts bring out a nasty, ruthless side that isn't always apparent in the Englishman's style, but always carries his work to the next level, particularly against sympathetic opposition.

He's also a massive Corbynite, and one of only a few performers with the sense to turn WWE down in the modern era. What's not to love?

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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. 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. 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.