Top 100 Wrestlers Of 2019: 80-61

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.

Without further ado, here are 80-61.

80. Candace LeRay (146)

Indy darling Candace LeRae’s run in NXT hasn’t been my favorite. Compared to her PWG slug fests, she seems to be playing it safe. And yet she is still one of the most consistently entertaining people on the current NXT roster. – Sam Gladen

79. Dustin Runnels (162) / Sammy Guevara (162)

Add Dustin Rhodes to the list of people proving you can still wrestle at the highest level into your 50s, as long as you know your body, your style and how to pick your spots. Rhodes’ intense bloodbath against his brother Cody gave AEW the dark baptism it needed to become a true wrestling promotion. – David Gibb

If you were in a keeper league, you’d want to lock down Sammy Guevara this year. His potential is through the ceiling, especially under the mentorship of Chris Jericho and other veteran heels backstage at AEW. – David Gibb

78. Shingo Takagi (163)

In the Best of the Super Juniors, Takagi emerged as the winner of A block, setting a record for the most points won in one block. He then took on Will Ospreay in the finals and although he came up short, Takagi didn’t lose any confidence as he plans to transition into the heavyweight division. – Matthew Smith

77. Frankie Kazarian (164) / Tomohiro Ishii (164)

According to CAGEMATCH, Kazarian wrestled only one singles match this year (defeating Chase Owens), so his ranking is based upon the success of SCU. Due to the trio winning the AEW Tag Team Titles, they’ve clearly had a very good year. – John Corrigan

The Stone Pitbull has had a stellar year thanks to an impressive showing in the G1 Climax and tons of great matches in between. A staple of the NJPW roster, Ishii still proves why he’s one of the best wrestlers today. – Steven Jackson

76. Kay Lee Rae (169)

The current NXT U.K. Champion is a stalwart of ICW and has a knowledge of the business that one expects from someone who is 37 or 47 not 27. – Sam Gladen

75. Lio Rush (170)

A reborn Rush rejoined the cruiserweight division now on NXT and even spent time as champion. As he tries to make another run at the title, he also looks to grow as a bigger face of the brand and truly be the man of the hour. – Juan Bautista

74. Asuka (175)

A new partnership with Kairi Sane has saved her main roster career. As one half of the Women Tag Team Champions, this new team is doing wonders for Asuka. – Juan Bautista

73. Tama Tonga (176)

While either slaying his competition on Twitter or in the ring as one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Tama Tonga has kept himself relevant and continues to prove he’s one of the best wrestlers. – Juan Bautista

72. Christopher Daniels (183)

The Fallen Angel had more singles matches than Kazarian, but wasn’t very successful in those endeavors. However, the SCU rule still applies – before winning the AEW Tag Team Championship, the trio headlined several events throughout the independent scene, usually emerging victorious. It’s remarkable that Daniels continues to compete at a high level despite pushing 50. – John Corrigan

71. Jonathan Gresham (186)

I love Jonathan Gresham. The Octopus is the best technical wrestler around today and one of the hardest working wrestlers, too. Also, training up and coming wrestlers in the Ring of Honor Dojo shows me just how selfless and special Jonathan Gresham is. – Steven Jackson

70. Rich Swann (190)

Criminally underrated after such a terrific year. Rich Swann fulfilled his potential, kicking off 2019 by winning the X-Division Championship, and then elevating that title with jaw-dropping defenses against Sami Callihan, Teddy Hart and Johnny Impact (MOTY contender). Since the summer, Swann has ascended into the main event scene, consistently having great matches with a variety of opponents. His frenetic energy, amazing athleticism and resilience has become a staple of Impact. Perhaps he’ll win the world title in 2020. – John Corrigan

69. Andrade (193)

Andrade, despite not winning a title this year, set himself up nicely for the future in 2019. Andrade consistently put on great in-ring performances, and he’s been presented as a star on the verge of breaking out. I expect big things from him in 2020. – Chad Gelfand

68. Cesaro (197)

Cesaro is perpetually underrated and underutilized, and 2019 was no different. He floated around doing nothing of significance before he found himself in a group with Sami Zayn and Nakamura. Hopefully, Cesaro will have more direction in 2020. – Chad Gelfand

67. Io Shirai (199)

Io Shirai continues to tear it up in the WWEs women division every time she enters the ring. Wonderful storytelling, fabulous wrestling ability and great chemistry with everyone she faces. Excellent. Simply excellent. – Steven Jackson

66. Bandido (203)

He’s one of the most talented young luchadors I have ever had the privilege of watching live. The emotion he can convey in the ring and under the mask are truly incredible. – Sam Gladen

65. Kevin Owens (209)

Owens is another wrestler who had an odd year where it seemed like every few months he would get a start and stop push. Owens had some bright spots this year, but he was never able to build any consistency in 2019. – Chad Gelfand

64. Aleister Black (212)

Black started the year off by winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and putting on amazing matches with Ricochet on whatever brand WWE decided to throw the pair on for the week. They came close to capturing the Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania, but ultimately came up a little short. Since then, Black has been moved to SmackDown, then right back to Raw, but no matter what brand he is on, the message is the same: “Someone pick a fight with him.” – Matthew Smith

63. Ortiz (213)

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

62. Darby Allin (216)

Allin made a huge splash this year when he locked horns with Cody Rhodes taking him to the limit and forcing a draw. Since then, he has had the AEW world in his hands, competing in hardcore match after hardcore match with zero fear. Darby also showed zero fear when he accepted Mox’s open challenge for a fight and although he came up short, 2020 could be the year of Darby Allin. – Matthew Smith

61. Samoa Joe (219)

Samoa Joe has had an odd year. He successfully defended his U.S Championship in under a minute at WrestleMania against Rey Mysterio, he fought for the WWE Championship on PPV and he’s had some really good matches. However, his year has still felt a bit underwhelming. Missing several months with a thumb injury hasn’t helped, but his stint on Raw’s commentary team has kept him relevant. – Chad Gelfand