10 Wrestlers We're Most Thankful For In 2019

9. Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston
WWE.com

WWE did Kofi Kingston dirty on 4 October.

Yes, his WWE Championship reign hadn't panned out as well as he'd hoped and Brock Lesnar was the right choice to lead SmackDown into its FOX era, but losing in just seven seconds? Weak. Weak as hell. Kingston should have at least been afforded a few hope spots and a couple of hot near-falls as a reward for the hard work he put forth throughout his reign.

That hard work is the reason Kofi finds a spot on this list, as few wrestlers have busted their *ss to the same extent as Kofi in 2019. Sheer graft and force of will helped craft one of the year's best stories in KofiMania, with Kingston delivering at career-high levels en route to a truly classic WrestleMania 35 title fight, peaking with the perfect emotional climax as he felled Daniel Bryan. It was a beautiful, beautiful moment, and while the ensuring run wasn't as spectacular, Kingston did everything in his power to make it work.

Here's hoping that his 2019 will be remembered more for the highs than the lows.

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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.