10 Most Improved Wrestlers Of 2017

5. Beretta

Braun Strowman Survivor Series
ROHWrestling.com

It's a shame that Beretta's work has largely flown under the radar this year, because the former WWE lower-carder is having an incredible year in NJPW, ROH, and beyond.

Beretta's Roppongi Vice tag team engaged in a lengthy feud against The Young Bucks, with their Dominion 6.11 clash standing as one of 2017's best tag title matches, though him and Rocky Romero had split by summer's end. Nonetheless, Beretta was clearly operating at a higher level than before. His workrate was (and still is) through the roof, and while not exactly conducive to his long-term health, the former Dude Buster's newfound recklessness has help elevate many a bout from good to great.

As a singles wrestler, Beretta has produced breathtaking performances against the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Rey Fenix, and Jeff Cobb on the indies, with his true breakout performance coming at NJPW Power Struggle in November. He was unsuccessful in capturing Kenny Omega's IWGP United States Champion, but both men went all out to throw an effective coming out party.

Still only three months into his heavyweight singles push, it was a sign of things to come for Beretta, who should find many similar opportunities coming his way in the future.

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.