10 Best Wrestlers Of 2019 (So Far)

5. Kota Ibushi

Best In The World Johnny Gargano
NJPW

Your take on Kota Ibushi's 2019 likely depends on your tolerance for what we at WhatCulture HQ call Neck Stuff ("Neck Sturf," if you're nasty): the wild, reckless, career-shortening head drops and bumps that so often push NJPW's modern take on Strong Style through dangerous, controversial territory.

Those who can stomach it would be hard pressed to argue Ibushi's place among the best in the world. Teetering perilously on the edge of control while well as highlighting obvious safety concerns, the violent Naito series has won widespread critical acclaim, with each instalment somehow escalating the intense psychology. Elsewhere, matches with Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. have hit similar high notes sans the terrifying risks.

Having finally signed the 'Golden Star' to a full-time deal, NJPW are about to strap the rocket to Ibushi. Shedding the IWGP Intercontinental Champion makes him a clear G1 Climax favourite. The bracket layout means potential barnstormers with Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ospreay, and more already lie in wait, and if he triumphs, the enigmatic daredevil will ascend into the main event slot that has eluded him for so long. Miss the electrifying, eye-popping wrestling genius' rise at your peril.

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