20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now
4. Kenny Omega
The argument that Kenny Omega is the best wrestler in the world is undermined only by his inconsistent character work. This came to the forefront this summer, when 'The Best Bout Machine' followed a cathartic babyface triumph over Kazuchika Okada by straddling the line between "cool heel" and tweener, muddling his IWGP Heavyweight Title run. It didn't click, and this, coupled with his relaxed schedule, made the reign a disappointment.
Regardless, Omega remains a wrestling genius. He's a cutting-edge in-ring performer who thinks like nobody else in the buisness, and is continually devising new ways to push this weird little sport forward. Combined with his versatility, athleticism, charisma, and look, this is why the Canadian is about to become one of the most sought-after free agents in wrestling history.
Of course, Omega's record between the ropes speaks for itself. 4 January's showdown with Hiroshi Tanahashi was his eighth to break Dave Meltzer's controversial star rating system, and critical acclaim inevitably follows wherever Kenny goes. All Elite Wrestling would undoubtedly give him a platform to continue doing this, though he'd be a sore, sore loss for New Japan.
2018 ranking: 3.