Pro Wrestling Illustrated has released their PWI 500 list for the 29th time, listing and ranking the best pro wrestlers in the world according to the respected magazine. Without further adieu, here’s the top ten:
- Seth Rollins
- Daniel Bryan
- AJ Styles
- Kofi Kingston
- Kazuchika Okada
- Johnny Gargano
- Roman Reigns
- Kenny Omega
- Hiroshi Tanahashi
- Will Ospreay
Keep in mind that this list is largely kayfabe-oriented, and is based on the accomplishments of the characters more than the performers themselves. It’s also not a calendar year, but from June 2018 to June 2019. In that time frame, Seth Rollins has been Intercontinental Champion twice, the Universal Champion twice, the Raw Tag Team Champions, won the Royal Rumble, and been the first man in six years to defeat Brock Lesnar cleanly. So from an in-universe perspective, there’s really nobody more deserving of the top honor than the Beastslayer.
In a rare move, WWE acknowledged the existence of a non-WWE wrestling entity, and congratulated Rollins on his accomplishment:
#UniversalChampion @WWERollins has been revealed as No. 1 in the 29th annual “Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500.” #PWI500https://t.co/TEAJNn2OuX
— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2019
Six spots in the top 10 go to WWE Superstars, while New Japan Pro Wrestling is represented by three wrestlers. AEW makes the list with Kenny Omega.
Congratulations to everybody on PWI’s list this year!
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