20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

9. Kota Ibushi

Daniel Bryan Best In The World
njpw1972.com

Where Kota Ibushi's future lies remains to be seen.

Famously reluctant to tie himself down to long-term contracts, it looked like 'The Golden Star' was written out of New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 13, where a bruising encounter with Will Ospreay culminated with a stretcher angle. His association with Cody, The Young Bucks, and especially Kenny Omega makes All Elite Wrestling a likely destination. Working for both AEW and the 'King Of Sports' isn't out of the question, though we won't know the answer for months.

Regardless, if the Ospreay loss does result in the expected hiatus for Ibushi, he enters the oncoming period of inactivity at the height of his powers. Though his hard-bumping style continues to raise concerns over his long-term future, this master of Neck Stuff is one of the most exciting in-ring presences in the world. A wild, reckless energy permeates his every bout. Part of this can be attributed to his willingness to let opponents ragdoll him, but Ibushi, at his best, is downright spectacular, and a varied skillset allows him to play a myriad of roles, from comedy wrestler to lightning bruiser, and NJPW will lose one of its top-tier workers if he walks.

2018 ranking: 15.

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.