10 Best Non-WWE Wrestlers Of 2018 (So Far)

7. The Young Bucks

Cody Wrestle Kingdom 12
NJPW1972.com

Matt and Nick Jackson's 2018 has become a giant middle to finger to anyone who ever claimed they couldn't sell. At best, these complaints have been exposed as willfully ignored, and at worst, outright contrarian. Those who make them can't be watching their New Japan bouts. Yes, the Bucks will still fart around in indie matches and Korakuen Hall house shows, but never in big-game situations, with their NJPW work built almost entirely around expert body-part selling.

Poor old Matt Jackson's back was wrecked ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 12, when the Young Bucks faced Roppongi 3K in an excellent Junior Heavyweight Tag Title clash. It has been "hurting" ever since, curtailing his in-ring ambitions, thus adding a whole new dynamic to their work. They're telling stories out there, not indulging in mindless spotfests, and are currently on the hottest run of their career, with 25 March's battle against Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi among 2018's finest

The duo scored their first gold since going heavyweight by defeating EVIL and SANADA in another selling masterclass at Dominion 6.9. Now united with Omega and Ibushi as the Golden Elite, and with All In already a certified business smash, the Bucks are on top of the world.

In this post: 
Kenny Omega
 
Posted On: 
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.