20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

14. Io Shirai

Kazuchika Okada Io Shirai Adam Cole best in the world
WWE.com

Those with their eye on Japan's joshi scene already knew Io Shirai was one of the best wrestlers in the world long before she joined WWE, though it's only recently that 'The Genius of the Sky' has found her way in the planet's biggest promotion.

The babyface run wasn't quite working out. Shirai was entering strong performances while struggling to find her identity on WWE's most stacked women's roster. Turning heel on Candice LeRae changed everything, and now, armed with her erratic heel character, Io is a weekly NXT highlight and amongst WWE's most consistent performers, regardless of gender.

Capable of elevating anyone she works with, Shirai is a special talent who may not have even peaked get, given she's still only 29 years old. That's a scary prospect. The character is great too, and totally unique from everything else in the promotion. Io has gone dark. Doublecrossing Candice has left her wrestling with the shadows in her head. It's material that would come off hokey in the hands of a lesser worker but Shirai makes it work arming her with another tool that should lead to years of WWE prosperity.

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.