10 Best Wrestlers Of 2019 (So Far)

8. Matt Riddle

Best In The World Johnny Gargano
WWE

Scintillating performances on the high-pressure TakeOver stage augmented by spirited television performances have expedited Matt Riddle's NXT progress quicker than a Bill Goldberg squash match, but the 'Original Bro's second half of 2019 could be even more important than all he's achieved thus far.

A brutal and creative battle with Kassius Ohno wrong-footed Mauro Ranallo at TakeOver: Phoenix before Riddle advanced beyond banterific beginnings to absolutely kick the f*ck out of matches with Velveteen Dream and Roderick Strong on TakeOvers New York and XXV respectively.

Presenting both sides of his offering, the former MMA star pumped nuance by the bowlful into his battle with Dream, babyfacing the cocky youngster with his offence until the North American Champion picked his spot to retain his title. In contrast, the contest with Strong was a back and neck-cracking war of attrition, won by Riddle at his most earnest following a breathtaking sequence that wouldn't be topped until the show's transcendent main event.

Riddle is an NXT Champion-in-waiting for whoever escapes the epic Adam Cole/Johnny Gargano feud with the strap, particularly if any of the current crop get a call-up.

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.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett