10 Best Non-WWE Wrestlers Of 2017

4. WALTER

Kazuchika Okada Kenny Omega
Twitter, @ThisIs_Progress

Now that the big, burly Austrian is finally making waves outside the central European scene that has been his base for the bulk of his career, it's time to recognise WALTER for what he really is: one of the best wrestlers on the planet.

Another three-dimensional giant, 'Der Ringgeneral' commands the squared circle like none other. He's a cold, steely character who works with the confidence and swagger of a man possessing twice his 12 years' experience, and his elite psychology means he could likely wrestle a parking cone and still make it enjoyable.

WALTER's chops are among the stiffest around, as are his suplexes, but he's best defined by his ring IQ and technique. These skills have helped him deliver countless great matches throughout 2017. From attritional early-year battles with Ilja Dragunov and Matt Riddle to more recent bouts with David Starr and Zack Sabre Jr., the big man's on fire, and pushes in PROGRESS, PWG, and EVOLVE should see him shoot to new levels of prominence in 2018.

Get on the bandwagon now, because the Austrian's finally on the cusp of blowing up, and you'll want to be there when it happens.

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.