Top 100 Wrestlers Of 2019: 60-41

In honor of the PWI 500, we’ve decided to present our own ranking of the greatest wrestlers over the past year.

(Full disclosure: Juan Bautista suggested compiling a list of 500 wrestlers by himself, but we can’t afford to have any more writers die.)

Our ranking differs from the PWI 500 because we use math. Well, at least we try to. Sam Gladen pitched the idea that we all submit our own list of the top 100 wrestlers of 2018, and each ranking represents points. For example, #1 = 100 points, #2 = 99 points, etc.

At the end, we’d calculate who had the most points and assign ranking from there.

Here are 100-81.

Here are 80-61.

Without further ado, here are 60-41.

60. James Storm (221)

I was not very familiar with James Storm before the beginning of the year, but I am very grateful for the NWA bringing him to my attention. A.J. Styles without the flash and double the substance, Storm is an incredible mat wrestler and one of the best storytellers I’ve seen. – Sam Gladen

59. Santana (225)

The former LAX dominated the tag team scene this year, collecting Tag Team Titles in nearly every promotion they competed in. After carrying Impact’s division for two years, Santana and Ortiz went out on a high note with a thrilling series against the Lucha Bros. Then, they jumped to AEW and instantly became bigger stars by attacking the Young Bucks and aligning with Chris Jericho. – John Corrigan

58. Tetsuya Naito (227)

Tetsuya Naito is the man. This time last year I was explaining how Naito has always been the bridesmaid but never the bride. And I can say the same again this year. Naito has more personality than Okada and more charisma than Tanahashi. Naito is wonderful and I challenge anyone to disagree. Watch and learn. – Steven Jackson

57. Mustafa Ali (231)

The year started off like it was going to be Mustafa Ali’s year. Unfortunately, a concussion before the Elimination Chamber derailed his push and big break. Ali has still had a good run, steadily moving along while being near the upper mid-card. 2020 may be the year that Ali finally breaks out after a tease in 2019. – Chad Gelfand

56. Jay Lethal (232)

The “Franchise of Ring of Honor,” Jay Lethal has helped new stars grow while also keeping himself fresh. Great matches throughout the year and awesome feuds have helped Lethal and Ring of Honor hugely in 2019. – Steven Jackson

55. Shinsuke Nakamura (234)

Nakamura has been given a new lease on life as Intercontinental Champion and his partnership with Sami Zayn and Cesaro. He no longer seems just to be going through the motions and is reinvested. – Chad Gelfand

54. Tommaso Ciampa (243)

Similar to Roman Reigns, I gave Ciampa a bump for his big return from anterior cervical fusion. Not an easy thing to do. And remember, he was a main player over the first quarter of the year, “debuting” on the main roster and competing during the Super Bowl halftime show. Unfortunately, the injury cut his time short, but I was pleased to see how seamlessly he returned at the beginning of October. Fundamentally, he’s one of the most talented guys on this list, and that is not up for debate. But his accolades before going down are more than enough to justify his ranking. – Jack Goodwillie

53. RUSH (245)

RUSH has come on leaps and bounds throughout his tenure in Ring of Honor. The most underappreciated world champion in ROH history, RUSH’s style and move set is explosive yet classic lucha libre. A great hybrid wrestler to watch in 2020. – Steven Jackson

52. Rhea Ripley (249)

At 23 years old, Ripley is rapidly becoming one of my favorite current wrestlers and she is now the youngest NXT Women’s Champion. – Sam Gladen

51. Taya Valkyrie (251)

It’s a shame that Tessa Blanchard gets all the attention because Taya Valkyrie has quietly become the women’s wrestler of the year. Defeating Blanchard in January, Valkyrie has become the longest-reigning Knockouts Champion of all time. She has answered challenges from all over the country and even south of the border, consistently being one of the most entertaining performers in Impact. – John Corrigan

50. PCO (252)

PCO is the author of the greatest comeback story in pro wrestling history. Reinventing himself as the French-Canadian Frankenstein has paid off, as the 52-year-old is now ROH World Champion. That remarkable victory came after a dominant year with Villain Enterprises, snatching up gold wherever they loomed. – John Corrigan

49. Scorpio Sky (254) / Zack Sabre Jr. (254)

Rising to the occasion during the AEW tag team tournament taking Christopher Daniels’ place Scorpio Sky has stepped out of his partners’ shadows at least to the mainstream audience. – Juan Bautista

Who doesn’t love Tekkers? Zack Sabre Jr. has finally made New Japan his permanent home and proved to everyone why he deserves to be there. Strong performances in the G1 Climax, the World Tag League and on big PPVs have made everyone pay attention to British wrestling’s greatest export. – Steven Jackson

48. Rey Mysterio (271)

Mysterio had a great second half of the year delivering great promos in his feud with Brock Lesnar as well as winning the United States Championship. – Chad Gelfand

47. Nick Jackson (277)

Aside from one losing effort against Fenix, Nick Jackson competed in tag team action all year. The Young Bucks held the AAA Tag Team Titles for a few months, but surprisingly, have yet to hold gold in their own promotion. Regardless, they remain the top duo in the world of wrestling and continue to deliver 5-star performances. – John Corrigan

46. Matt Jackson (283)

Matt Jackson competed in tag team action all year. The Young Bucks held the AAA Tag Team Titles for a few months, but surprisingly, have yet to hold gold in their own promotion. Regardless, they remain the top duo in the world of wrestling and continue to deliver 5-star performances. – John Corrigan

45. Marty Scurll (292)

The CEO of Villain Enterprises, Marty Scurll has continued to bring much needed personality to Ring of Honor. One of the most versatile wrestlers around today, Marty has made huge waves by throwing curveballs at fans, while also delivering constantly in the ring. – Steven Jackson

44. Jeff Cobb (293)

Jeff Cobb will be a world champion for a major company before the end of 2020. This guy is incredible. – Sam Gladen

43. Juice Robinson (295)

His match with a debuting Moxley in NJPW for the U.S. Title was my favorite match in the past year. – Sam Gladen

42. Riho (309)

Debuting for AEW at Double or Nothing, Riho burst onto the scene in a six-woman tag match. She continued her hot streak and rode it all the way to the first Woman’s Title match against Nyla Rose. She came out victorious and is the reigning AEW Women’s Champion. – Matthew Smith

41. Matt Taven (314)

I’m a huge Matt Taven fan. I know a lot of people can’t stand him, but I’m all for him. Taven finally climbed the mountain to the ROH World Title this year and although his reign was far from memorable, he has always proven why he’s such a huge commodity to Ring of Honor. Plus, his relationship with CMLL and Lucha Libre promotions have really helped his international stock leaps and bounds. Don’t overlook Taven! – Steven Jackson