10 Best Wrestlers Under 30 In The World Today

6. Utami Hayashishita

MJF AEW
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At just 23, Utami Hayashishita has done much to inform STARDOM's rise to a height of critical acclaim that has outshined New Japan Pro Wrestling this decade.

She worked what was considered in many taste-making circles the very best match of 2021, against Syuri, at Tokyo Dream Cinderella Special Edition. Frighteningly brutal and immersive, it was worked within Syuri's MMA-influenced sphere - which, if anything, put Hayashishita's immense versatility over. She was incredible on the sell and in the full thrust of what effectively scanned as full-on combat.

Utami's stern, mean face is the perfect reflection of her fearsome presence. She's an ideal opponent for everybody, and is both utility worker and star; against the clinical, creative strikes of Arisa Hoshiki, she knows exactly where to place her chin to absorb a worked blow and how to convincingly sell the barrage. Hoshiki, incidentally, is an honourable mention here.

Fond of a demented apron bump, she is also incredible at released throws; building her character in addition to waves of terrifying excitement, she works a style that only seems dangerous.

In reality, she is just incredible at her craft.

 
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Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!