The Complete A-Z Of Wrestling In 2017

23. D - Dave Meltzer

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Dave Meltzer's long-standing penchant for the exemplary work emanating from Japan has in recent years birthed the "Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?" debate of the Internet Wrestling Community. It's been with increasing familiarity that the Wrestling Observer doyen has thrown shade at WWE and stars at NJPW, leading to bias accusations against the man anointed (by his audience, rather than himself) as the linchpin of wrestling journalism.

Meltzer's opinions are just that, but he's punished by his own prestige. Those that catcall still turn to him as an influencer, then furiously rebel again when he doesn't see things their way. It results in followers and trolls alike suggesting he'd 'Give (insert match) five stars if it was in the Tokyo Dome', but frankly, that might be true. Home only to Wrestle Kingdom, those that work there theoretically have the best chance of creating something special - they are the elite. Kenny Omega literally wears it on his chest.

It's Omega and Kazuchika Okada's legendary rivalry that has elevated Meltzer's status more than usual this year. Dishing out an ultra-rare six stars for their maiden outing, he was forced to go even higher when their sequel surpassed it. Six-and-a-quarter stars is the new full monty, but don't bet against 2017's best and brightest getting near it yet again in 2018.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett