10 Strongest Champions In Wrestling Today
A gang of great title-holders, and not a 'Maharaja' to be found.
Becoming a champion is supposed to be the apex of a wrestler's career. Titles give performers a clear goal to work towards, and holding one should not only signify their superiority, but provide a sense of accomplishment in a grueling sport, elevating both the wrestler and the belt in the process.
Unfortunately, promotions don't always do a great job of making these moments feel special anymore, with WWE among the worst offenders. Illogical title changes, bland storylines, and an inability to keep the belt-holders strong has diminished many a championship run over the years, and sullied what should be a standout moment in the champion's career.
Coupled with the sheer volume of titles within major wrestling organisations at the moment, these failings have dulled the achievement. Nonetheless, being a champion still means something. Not everyone gets to make it to the top, and there are dozens of wrestlers around the world whose title runs have placed them on a pedestal high above their peers, making them true standard-bearers.
Their success proves that championship runs still have value in 2017, and much of it is down to the way they've been booked, with promoters presenting them the way they should be: like the most effective performer in their respective division.
10. Zack Sabre Jr. (PWG/RevPro/EVOLVE Champion)
Few independent wrestlers have been as consistently excellent as Zack Sabre Jr. in 2017. The British technician never fails to dazzle in the ring, putting on countless great matches with opponents as diverse as Michael Elgin, Katsuyori Shibata, and Marty Scurll throughout the year, accumulating plenty of gold along the way.
ZSJ currently holds three indie ‘world’ titles. His most recent triumph came from taking Shibata’s RevPro British Heavyweight Title in March, and he has since defended the belt against KUSHIDA and Penta El Zero M. In February, his long road to the EVOLVE Title finally concluded with a win over Timothy Thatcher, and he has been PWG Champion for close to 500 days, with his last defence coming against Trent Barreta.
Sabre’s work is largely restricted to the world’s smaller stages, but he is booked like a star everywhere he goes. He’s exactly the kind of wrestler an independent company can build their title scene around, and while it’s tough to see him making much of an impact in NJPW’s heavyweight division, he’ll remain an indie wrestling MVP, and one of the scene’s most decorated stars.