10 Most Incredible Wrestling Moments Of 2019 (So Far)

8. The Assassin Ascends

Cody Dustin Rhodes Double or Nothing
NJPW

2019 has been a banner year for Will Ospreay, who, on his current trajectory, is on the verge of entering one of the most impressive 12-month runs the sport has ever seen.

'The Aerial Assassin' is in phenomenal form. At 26-years-old, he has evolved his game well beyond his basic beginnings, having worked systematically to remove almost every flaw from his game. Now, he's one of the best sellers in the business, a sharp psychologist, world-class storyteller, and still an excellent athlete. Is he perfect? No, the ear-piercing shrieks accompanying most major bumps need to go, but even those are on the way out.

Up to this point, Ospreay's 2019 peaked in the Best of the Super Juniors finals. A stunning tournament run that saw him have almost every B Block participant's standout match brought him to the undefeated Shingo Takagi. Presented as the underdog, Ospreay entered one of his career's most compelling performances, handing New Japan's 'Dragon' his first loss in an instant classic destined to feature on many a 'Best Of' list come year's end, scoring his second BOSJ crown in the process.

A stunning moment, but the best is still to come from this gifted Englishman.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.