PWI Top 500 Wrestlers Of 2018 - 10 Names REVEALED
Alpha Males
Kenny Omega has topped this this year's Pro Wrestling Illustrated PWI 500, according to reveal from 'Good ol' JR' on the most recent edition of his 'Jim Ross Report' podcast.
Shortly before the official release of the annual argument-starter in the next issue of the long-standing magazine, the former WWE announcer reported the Top 10 wrestlers as ranked by the publication between 1st July 2017 and 30th June 2018. 'The Best Bout Machine' moved up four slots from his fifth place finish last year, displacing last year's winner Kazuchika Okada just as he did at June's NJPW Dominion 6.9
The kayfabe/reality hybrid list always generates controversy for what appears arbitrary but is in fact based on complex criteria such as the wrestler's win/loss record, the Championships won and lost, the quality of the competition, prevalence in major feuds and the individual's prominence in whichever promotion they ply their trade. All these particular headings aren't the easiest to discern in a worked environment of course, but it's this that generates such fervent debate amongst fans.
Omega's 2018 award gives NJPW it's second consecutive winner, following #1 spots awarded to WWE stars Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, CM Punk and The Miz earlier this decade. After a string of transcendent displays, it's hard to argue Kenny's placement, but the remainder of the top ten are sure to ruffle all the usual feathers. Click Next to see how the best of the rest lined up...
9. The Miz
Perhaps the most controversial PWI 500 #1 choice in the history of the list, The Miz has only improved since his divisive 2011 winning finish, with a #10 slot in 2018 a long way removed from the similar debate.
Inarguably the best WWE all-rounder, few have his grasp of harnessing what's required to remain over amongst the tumult of main roster booking, particularly as a believable heel in the era of the booed babyface.