20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

12. Mayu Iwatani

Though 2021 saw Stardom's ace largely removed from the biggest spotlight so the likes of Syuri and Utami could bask in it, 29 January was a reminder of why Mayu Iwatani is held in such high regard in the first place.

Wrestling the phenomenal, ultra-magnetic Giulia to a time-limit draw, Iwatani entered a phenomenal selling showing. She is one of the industry's best in this regard. As she ragdolls herself around the ring, conveying levels of exhaustion and struggle in ways that barely register as a performance, she pulls even the most jaded, seen-it-all pro wrestling consumers in. This, coupled with her fire, make Mayu almost impossible to root against.

Even more impressive than her selling is Iwatani's ability to lay out her matches and time her big spots. Never does it feel like Mayu is spamming. Instead, she always seems to pick the perfect moment to blast back, doing so for maximum drama and heft. She doesn't need 30 minutes to do this, either: give Iwatani 10-15 in the 5★Star Grand Prix and she'll hit similar levels. Refreshing, in this era of main-event bloat.

Coming through at the same time as the more celebrated Io Shirai and Kairi Hojo, recent years have helped Iwatani stand out on her own as a world-class professional wrestler and a true ace figure. Long may she reign.