10 Wild Outside Bets To Win Wrestler Of The Year 2022

3. Thunder Rosa

Thunder Rosa
AEW

When it comes to women's wrestling, AEW's chief failure has been its inability to build meaningful connections between wrestlers and the crowd. This is down to a number of reasons, from insufficient character development to the general lack of stories outwith the immediate title picture. While Britt Baker is a clear, obvious exception, some of the scene's most talented figures aren't over to the level they should be, through no fault of their own.

Thunder Rosa is immune to this.

A building-shaking pop awaits the former NWA Women's Champion whenever she hits the stage. Rosa can go weeks without wrestling a substantial match on Dynamite and Rampage and still receive an incredible reaction, which speaks to her in-built ability to connect. People love her. Her fire, spirit, and style translate, no matter how strongly she is featured, and 2022 should see her hit a similar level of stardom to her greatest rival.

The Baker/Rosa story is already well established. With her existing popularity and clear ability to lead the women's division, Rosa should be the person to wrest the Women's World title from Britt's bloody clutches in a big-time match next year. The increased television time should provide increased opportunities for a WOTY-worthy body of work, though AEW must sharpen its focus on the division as a whole.

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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.