20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

15. PAC

Kazuchika Okada Io Shirai Adam Cole best in the world
Twitter (AEWrestling)

The professional wrestling commentariat didn't give PAC enough credit for his outstanding 2019, throughout which 'The Bastard' re-established himself as one of the best on the planet.

Rightly protecting himself from unnecessary, aura-denting defeats in other promotions enhanced a prestigious Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Title reign peppered with outstanding defences, boosting Ben-K's rub when the young bruiser finally unseated PAC in July, putting him over as the company's new ace. A true World Champion who understood and respected the belt's value, PAC's Dragon Gate return was a home run.

Away from Japan, PAC earned plaudits for matches with the likes of WALTER and Will Ospreay on the independents, before jumping to AEW for feuds with Kenny Omega and Hangman Page. There, he's a ruthless, domineering heel who understands his role perfectly. He imposes his will on opponents with a grinding, wolf-like onslaught peppered with flashes of elite athleticism. On any given night, PAC could flip the switch and steal the show with high-flying acrobatics. That's not his job, though. He's there for heat, and he fills this spot as well as anyone.

Fireworks are promised in the anticipated Omega rubber match. PAC won't slow down in 2020.

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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.