5. Alberto Del Rio
Arguably the top technical in-ring worker in the WWE, Alberto Del Rio has consistently been booked as a main eventer in 2013. There is a good reason for that, he is ultra reliable in delivering exciting wrestling matches. He has the art of pro wrestling down to perfection. His athleticism and toughness stand him out in the locker room, he is a versatile worker with great psychology and administration of moves. Del Rio's ability to work mat based and submission style transitions have made for some of the most consistently watchable matches of 2013. The year started with a World title win and enjoyable program with The Big Show. The title run was substantial, but Del Rio admittedly struggled in his babyface role. Nevertheless, he was a top match at Wrestlemania 29 and managed to get a decent contest out of Jack Swagger at the event. He went on to drop the title to Dolph Ziggler before winning it back when he returned to his more natural heel persona. The character was now as enjoyable as the in ring product, Del Rio's promo work got much better and his vicious streak made him a top act once again. Title defenses against Rob Van Dam and Christian were of the quality you would expect from such experienced workers. The autumn led to a high profile feud with John Cena, to whom Del Rio dropped the title. The Mexican star is now perhaps left struggling for relevancy as 2014 approaches, he dominated as world champion in 2013 but is now well and truly out of the title picture. Whatever happens with Alberto, his in-ring work is so superior he will always be a top guy in the company.
Highlight of the year: Defending the World Championship at Wrestlemania 29