10 Wrestlers Having An Incredible 2022

Full disclosure: when compiling this list, your writer initially put this guy down as “Cesaro”. After years of the “Swiss Superman” as perennial WWE midcarder, this new(old) name and persona is taking a minute to get used to.

Few would have predicted such a banner year for Claudio, especially after such a lukewarm start. 2021 briefly felt like la breakthrough year, the former Bar man tangling with Universal Champion Roman Reigns and finally chalking up a singles win at WrestleMania. Sadly it didn’t last.

As recently as this February, this website included him in a list of stars set to miss out on WrestleMania 38. What hadn’t been predicted is that rather than wait and be left off the card, Claudio would take matters into his own hands, opting not to renew his contract. What followed was four months out of the spotlight and while AEW seemed likely, rumours of a coffee company also swirled.

Even his eventual re-emergence could have been so different. Earmarked for ROH, perhaps we would have seen a few showcase matches on Rampage or Dynamite followed by a spot on the sidelines with Samoa Joe. Instead, an unfortunately timed injury to Bryan Danielson allowed Castagnoli to arrive at Forbidden Door to a hero’s welcome before playing a key role in Blood and Guts II.

Now, whether picking up his first major singles title at Death Before Dishonour or simply teaming with his Blackpool Combat Club buddies, the man looks like he’s having the absolute time of his life.