20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

3. Kento Miyahara

Kento Miyahara
AJPW

A perennial Wrestler of the Year candidate for the latter third of the last decade, All Japan ace Kento Miyahara has been in the form of his life since growing into his headlining skin.

Miyahara is the man keeping the lights on in what used to be Japan's biggest promotion. He's their Hiroshi Tanahashi. This isn't because he's destined to lead AJPW from struggle to glory like 'The High-Flying Star' did, as that would take a miracle, but because of his role and style. Kento is as clear a top guy as you'll find today. His fourth Triple Crown Championship reign has already broken 440 days and while the likes of Zeus and Suwama have taken it from him in the past, no one has come close to matching his status.

AJPW's next big problem is finding a 1B to go alongside 1B, with Jake Lee the latest to fall short in this regard. It's a considerable issue, though there's no shame in not being able to meet the standards of one of the most charismatic, intelligent, and subtle big-match wrestlers in Japan.

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.