10 Best Wrestlers Of 2019 (So Far)

7. Adam Cole

Best In The World Johnny Gargano
WWE

So much more than just the other half of an instantly iconic series, Adam Cole's 2019 can't be discussed without mention of somebody else on this list. But more in detail on him later. As for their matches though...whew.

Stepping in for the injured Tomasso Ciampa for a match initially crafted to pay off a three year story, Cole instead wrote his own one with Johnny Gargano, redrafting every wrestling headline in the process. Their TakeOver: New York 2-Out-Of-3 Falls Title match was a masterpiece of all the genres it straddled, popping the f*cking hearts out of an explosive Brooklyn crowd whilst earning Dave Meltzer's highest ever WWE/NXT star rating.

The leader of the Undisputed Era started 2019 making big promises about his group grabbing all the gold, and made good on his end of the deal with a TakeOver: XXV victory over 'Johnny Wrestling' in a match almost as good as their frenzied first. That they managed to deliver on that expectation was another unfathomable personal and professional victory.

The best character and all-round worker on the entire roster, howls for his call-up are perhaps misguided - WWE has now proven itself so dreadful at this bit of the process that it's far more satisfying to see the likes of Cole shine on this "smaller" stage than be dulled by supposedly grander ones.

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