10 Best Wrestlers Of 2022
8. Bianca Belair
A banner year for Bianca Belair, who has spent the bulk of 2022 outlining her public case to be WWE's next franchise player.
The increasing volumes of John Cena comparisons popping up in online discussions over Belair's strong push, winning record, and lengthy title reign are appropriate, but not for the reasons purveyed by 'EST' sceptics. Bianca isn't the next John Cena because she is overpushed, eats opponents alive, and occupies screentime at others' expense, stifling natural growth. No, Bianca is the next John Cena because nobody else is better equipped to become the public-facing, industry-dominating megastar the promotion should build around if it's ever to enter a new golden area, business-wise.
Although Bianca's qualities were already well-defined pre-2022, she has improved everywhere this year. Her personality is more charming and affable than ever, inside the ring and out. The 'EST' character exudes confidence without arrogance and overcomes the odds without making a mockery of them. In the ring, she is close to mastering WWE's house style, having proven herself capable of the big, bombastic epics this company demands at the highest level. In particular, the WrestleMania match with Becky Lynch will sit near the top of any credible WWE MOTY list.
It helps that the booking wobbles of 2021 have largely given way to a strong, concerted push, the likes of which made many a star for Vince McMahon before he lost that power. It'd take a few more matches the calibre of Belair's best work with Bayley and Lynch in 2022 to push her further up this list, too. Nonetheless, a standout year for the Stamford centrepiece.