10 Reasons Why Roman Reigns Topped PWI's Top 500 Wrestlers 2022
Behold the best all-rounder WWE (and the industry at large) has in 2022.
Brace yourselves for an article full of gushing praise.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated handpicked Roman Reigns as the best pro wrestler in the world - WWE's main man topped the annual PWI 500 for 2022, and with good reason. His peerless rise from much-maligned babyface to swaggering heel sensation was lauded in 2020, but things have been getting better with each passing year for the 'Tribal Chief'.
PWI's evaluation period for the 2022 list ran between 1 July 2021-30 June 2022. Remarkably, that discounts Roman's bonkers 'Last Man Standing' bout vs. Brock Lesnar from this year's SummerSlam (30 July) and his run opposite Drew McIntyre heading into the UK stadium show Clash At The Castle.
It says everything about Roman that few on socials are able to properly dispute the rankings too. That's...uncommon in wrestling circles, but even a blind man could see that the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion is the best all-rounder going.
Here's how Reigns achieved his lofty status. Again, ready yourself for a whistle stop tour through some of the best character work anybody has ever showcased in WWE. There are no negatives to be found within...
10. The Acid Test In Front Of Fans
Much was made of WWE's promo style during the 'ThunderDome Era'. Without crowds there to chant things like, "What?!" or generally distract, several workers came into their own and started to show off personalities that were previously hidden.
Roman Reigns was one of those workers, but successfully performing a new persona in front of fans will always be wrestling's acid test. WWE welcomed people back to ringside for the 17 July 2021 SmackDown, and it was there that Roman confirmed his status as the most must-see superstar in the biz.
He refused to pander to the masses despite many showing support. Instead, Reigns briefly paused during a six man tag (with The Usos vs. Edge and The Mysterios) to bask in the spotlight and look like hot sh*t doing it. These were peak era John Cena/Steve Austin/Hulk Hogan levels of noise.
PWI's decision-makers must've been watching with a keen eye. Roman had passed the ultimate test.