10 Best Wrestlers Of 2020
8. Io Shirai
There's a compelling argument to be made that the reigning NXT Women's Champion is the best pure wrestler in the world, regardless of gender.
This has merit. Shirai is a sure thing who was already amongst the planet's elite years before signing with WWE, and has since evolved into a well-rounded Sports Entertainer fit to flourish under Vince McMahon and Triple H's bright lights. She projects so well that there's no need for her to cut endless rambling promos or engage in wacky angles: her work communicates everything it needs to and more, and her position as the doyenne of the best women's division in American wrestling is earned.
2020 has seen Shirai evolve beyond her tormented heel act, allowing her to flourish as a tweener-like figure in most scenarios, swinging towards babyface when positioned opposite a devious personality like Dakota Kai or Candice LeRae. This versatility has served her extremely well and preserved her longevity.
And of course, the in-ring has been on point as well. Io was the best performer in TakeOver: In Your House's Triple Threat with Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair, tore it down with LeRae twice in October, delivered one of the year's best WWE matches against Ripley last month, and was only undone by a shoddy, cack-handed finish against Sasha Banks in the summer. No NXT wrestler is as consistent as she is - and think of that ground that covers.