10 Wrestlers Who Are Enjoying A Career-Best Year In 2020
2020 has been a stinker for most of us - but not for this lot!
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a tricky year for all of us. The professional wrestling business has seen its product hit hard by audience-free programming since spring, and the conduct of some companies has come under fire for its treatment of employees during such difficult circumstances. And even without that, there have been the usual baffling booking decisions and mismanagement of talent - we’re looking at you, Retribution.
Amid the mayhem, however, some stars have managed to make lemonade out of 2020’s particularly sour batch of lemons, and have the finest years of their careers. New stars have broken through or continued to ascend. Veterans have finally found the gimmick to push them over the edge, or have been given the shot they deserve at the big time. And some performers approaching the twilight of their careers have even freshened things up for the new decade.
2020 is going to go down in history as a seriously rotten 366 days, but these wrestlers will find something to smile about when they reminisce on their careers. In spite of it all, they’ve taken their work and themselves to another level.
10. Jon Moxley
Vince McMahon’s loss has been Tony Khan’s gain. Dean Ambrose was clearly a star when on WWE’s books, but a mixture of company apathy and goofy storylines sent the once and future Jon Moxley scurrying for pastures new.
The moment he arrived in AEW a rocket was strapped to him, and he has repaid their belief with some of the best performances in his career. 2019 saw wild brawls with the likes of Kenny Omega; in 2020, he has been focused on the title, and as the face of the company, he has barely put a foot wrong.
His programme with Chris Jericho was fantastic on the mic and in the ring, and as the holder of the belt he has put on clinics with MJF, Darby Allin, Brodie Lee, and Eddie Kingston. Every instance has seen Moxley and his opponent elevated significantly.
Moxley’s excellence has been well recognised, with Pro Wrestling Illustrated naming him the best pro wrestler of 2020 in their annual round up. With his grit, charisma, and grasp of character, it’s tough to argue with that.