10 Best Wrestlers Of 2019 (So Far)
1. Will Ospreay
Though your writers spent time debating dozens of wrestlers' inclusion and placement on this list, one opinion was unanimous: that Will Ospreay is unquestionably the best wrestler in the world today.
Even in 2019 alone, the Englishman's growth is staggering. Though he hasn't been a spot-dependent, one-dimensional flier for years (those who cling to those complaints simply aren't watching), the past six months have seen him edge even closer to physical, mental, and intangible eliteness. The 26-year-old is evolving. While he's still a world-class athlete, his style is becoming less dependent on gif-worthy moments. He has become a master in-ring storyteller, seller, bumper, and, indeed, psychologist, with his new Hidden Blade finisher (an exposed back elbow to the opponent's skull) a perfect representation of his upgraded pseudo-heavyweight style. 'The Assassin' still gets 'Aerial': he's just adapting his approach to preserve his body and ready him for a place amongst the all-time greats.
No other candidate even comes close to touching Ospreay for volume. Shingo Takagi, Dragon Lee, Bandido, and PAC have all had their best matches with him this year. Bouts with Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jay White, and Rey Fenix hit similar standards. The depth of Will's résumé is so outstanding, even an obscure Spanish indie clash with the 22-year-old A-Kid stands as a Match of the Year candidate.
The scariest thing about Ospreay's 2019? The G1 Climax is still to come. He'll be untouchable if his standards continue throughout NJPW's signature round robin.