10 Wrestlers We're Most Thankful For In 2019

7. Cody

Cody Rhodes
Scott Lesh Photography/AEW

'The American Nightmare' is included as much for his feats behind the scenes as for what he does on our screens.

As one of the driving forces behind All Elite Wrestling, Cody has helped give American wrestling a much-needed shot in the arm in 2019. Even if you aren't into the product, AEW's formation has given fans a genuine alternative, created a compelling Wednesday night battle as Dynamite and NXT try to outdo each other, and scratched various itches that the WWE product, for better or worse, does not. It isn't perfect, but it's different, and that's worth celebrating.

Onscreen, Cody has been positioned as the ace of AEW and blown away any and all ill-conceived Jeff Jarrett comparisons by virtue of being one of the most over babyfaces in wrestling today. Those crowds treat Cody like a folk hero, justifying his lofty card position.

As a performer, 'The American Nightmare' is peaking, delivering compelling performances against brother Dustin Rhodes in their Double Or Nothing bloodbath, versus Darby Allin at Fyter Fest, and more recently in his bout with Chris Jericho at Full Gear. If the matches don't tickle your pickle, how about that "same silver spoon" promo in the Full Gear build?

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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.