20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

1. CM Punk

Eight years removed from leaving WWE and embarking on a hiatus many thought would never end, CM Punk is the best wrestler in the world once more.

The current Punk run is grounded in reality. Inactive for the best part of a decade, he returned older, slower, greyer, and yes, rusty. Levels of precision and cardio weren't quite where he'd want them to be. If it looked like he was struggling in the ring, it's likely because his incredible wrestling mind was attempting to drag his body back to where it used to be, which was reflected in the story.

Comfortable in his 'Best in the World' role, Punk was learning if he still had what it took to reach that level again. He was working it, too. Cognizant of his real-life situation, he gave the young up-and-comers he was primarily facing plenty, showing holes in his game they could exploit, never sacrificing his industry-standard, Bret Hart-esque eye for the little things that matter the most.

The new CM Punk is not quite the same as the old CM Punk, and that's why he's so great. He is honest. The first MJF match was a psychological masterclass, the promos are searing when they need to be without losing sight of Punk's newfound role as an elder pro wrestling statesmen, and he remains the most over person in his home promotion. The magic is still very much there - and the magician still has plenty left up his sleeve.

Punk vs. MJF II has the potential to be one of the nastiest matches mainstream American wrestling has seen in a long time. The feud is unmatched in the current landscape, too, though this alone wouldn't be enough for Punk to land the top spot if his performances hadn't been exemplary.

Which they have been. This is real.

Enjoy the ride.