10 Most Underrated Wrestlers Of 2023

6. Wes Lee

Athena underrated
WWE.com

Despite it being a growth product for going on two years now, NXT is only really part of the wider wrestling conversation when WWE decided to arm it to the teeth to beat AEW in a one-week ratings battle, or the show features something bizarre-looking enough to penetrate the online discourse.

More fool the masses, because those still indulging in the various Tuesday night delights are being gifted the best-ever balance of quality in-ring and joyously stupid shtick.

Wes Lee has walked the tightrope between both sides since the brand switched to "2.0" in late 2021. As one half of MSK, he was forced into months of skits as if to make him pass a Sports Entertainment test, but he's thrived since overcoming his biggest yet - going solo.

The North American title's prestige was upheld and enhanced by a run of fantastic open challenges and thrilling bouts against the likes of Ilja Dragunov and Nathan Frazer were proof positive he could hold his end up when it came to contemporary NXT classics. As of writing, he's in the frame for attacking Trick Williams too, which elevates him to his rightful place atop that show if the main roster doesn't already beckon.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett