20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

13. Syuri

Syuri Stardom
Stardom

Crowned World of Stardom champion by dethroning rookie monster Utami Hayashishita in another match showered with effusive praise, Syuri has been atop the market-leading joshi promotion since December, having spent much of 2021 putting together a diverse range of contests that never wavered in quality.

Her work in elevating what was once Stardom's awkward "other" belt, the SWA World Championship, was particularly impressive. Now that she has the top strap, it's hard to bet against her doing something similar, leading what is already one of the world's most celebrating in-ring products to new heights. March will certainly give her every opportunity to do that, yielding, as it will, potential MOTY candidates against Mayu Iwatani and Giulia.

Though far from the first person to do this, Syuri's fusion of mixed martial arts (stemming from her combat sports career) and traditional pro wrestling is close to seamless. She is a fierce, credible fighter who looks like she's busting her opponents up, almost negating the need for emphasised selling, but equally great at generating emotion and drama too. A great performer and a credible ass-kicker, her recent surge in popularity is understandable from the moment you first lay eyes on her.

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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.