Top 10 Talkers Of 2019
Who cut the best promos this year?
In the digital age, the art of the promo has resurrected.
If you look beyond WWE’s micromanaged, overly-scripted verbiage, you’ll see many promotions that allow and even foster creativity. Even though AEW, Impact Wrestling, MLW and Ring of Honor have to adhere to the constraints of television, their talent have the freedom to express themselves. Of course, wrestlers on the indie scene don’t have that luxury of national exposure, so they have to create and distribute their own compelling content in order to build their character and develop a following.
With so much media available for consumption, wrestlers have to think outside-the-box to get people talking. That competition has brought out the best in many talents, especially these top 10 talkers.
10. Sami Zayn
After returning to active competition in April, Sami Zayn made a drastic personality change. The popular resilient fighter turned his back on the fans, deeming WWE a toxic environment because of its passionate audience. Over the next few weeks, Zayn ranted about wrestling fans having become critics, bashing everything online rather than simply enjoying the show. It’s pretty much the company stance; Zayn simply became the instrument to voice it. Nowadays, he’s the mouthpiece for Shinsuke Nakamura, which has been a fun pairing thus far.
9. Teddy Hart
The Hart Foundation, specifically Teddy Hart, is so entertaining that MLW has rightfully granted the group its own segment: H2tv. Perpetually cloaked in his lavish robe either puffing a cigar or clutching a glass of wine, Hart extols the virtues and accolades of his brethren. Then, he trash talks whoever is in their crosshairs. And it’s always hilarious.
8. Samoa Joe
Since coming to WWE, Samoa Joe has improved his promo skills tenfold. He speaks with conviction, bursting through the overly scripted homogeny. People took notice of his skills during his pursuit of Brock Lesnar in 2017, and then last year, he became the highlight of SmackDown as he nestled in AJ Styles’ head, accusing the champion of being a poor family man – a role that Joe was all too happy to replace him in. In 2019, Samoa Joe has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, questioning the gumption of anyone who stands in his way. His greatest line was to Jeff Hardy: “Why don’t you act like this is an AA meeting and you shut your mouth while I’m sharing with the group?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMCDNFfBWC8&t=412s
7. Daniel Bryan
The “New” Daniel Bryan carried SmackDown heading into WrestleMania, bellowing his genuine beliefs on consumerism, the environment and WWE’s fickle audience. Humor has always been part of Bryan’s charm, even when he’s a heel. Roasting the fans for destroying their bodies with unhealthy food and destroying the planet with their non-sustainable purchases was brilliant and fun. It’s a shame that his character has fizzled out after inconsistent booking.
6. Killer Kross
Killer Kross has been cruelly kept off TV since the beginning of July during his contract dispute with Impact Wrestling. That doesn’t mean he’s been quiet, though. Kross continues to captivate and terrify through YouTube and social media, pontificating on society and threatening his opponents on the indie scene. He’s wrestling’s merciless philosopher, giving soliloquies on the mental anguish and physical torment soon to come.
5. Mance Warner
Conrad Thompson has launched a crusade to get Mance Warner signed by either WWE or AEW, feeling he’s the next big thing in pro wrestling. Perhaps it’s a southern bias, but as the “Podfather,” Thompson clearly knows who can talk and man, oh man, can Warner talk. Anachronistic in modern-day MLW, with his drawl, profanity and family tales, the “Southern Psychopath” came into wrasslin’ 40 years too late. Luckily, we’re here for the ride.
4. Salina de la Renta
Hell hath no fury like Salina de la Renta scorned. Since her former associate Low Ki lost the MLW World Heavyweight Title in February, de la Renta has been on a war path to reclaim the gold. Regardless of which member of Promociones Dorado she accompanies, her flare on the mic and her mere presence at ringside instantly elevates that competitor. At only 22 years old, the malevolent impresario is undoubtedly the cornerstone of MLW, holding her own against veteran verbal jousters like Konnan and Josef Samael, as well as lifting everyone else around her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9VjlSCgA3s
3. MJF
MJF is the personification of entitled millennial, dressing like a preppy douchebag, espousing his misinformed opinions, shitting all over everybody on social media and somehow, always getting the girl. MJF is not the cool heel – he draws heat. Old-school, slash his tires, throw a cup of piss, tune-in-to-watch-his-ass-get-kicked heat. He doesn’t care who he rubs the wrong way, as a matter of fact, he enjoys it. Whether he’s a sexist pig, a racist prick or a backstabbing friend, MJF is never at a loss for words. He’s better than everyone. And we know it.
2. Cody
Comparisons to his father have been stronger than ever this year because Cody has been hitting home runs every time he talks. Relying upon YouTube videos to help build AEW, Cody has tiptoed across the tight rope between fantasy and reality, inviting viewers into his home to hear his thoughts on his opponents, his family, his fans and the overall wrestling landscape. By completely opening up, Cody has established such a bond with fans that he’s easily the most popular performer in AEW, if not the entire industry. Whether it was his monologue about ending the Attitude Era, calling out Chris Jericho’s hypocrisy or pleading for his brother’s help, Cody has proven that he’s a chip off the old block.
1. Chris Jericho
Finally the top guy of a promotion, Chris Jericho has spent 2019 illustrating why he’s the G.O.A.T.
The master of reinvention, Jericho started out as a proud defector to AEW, easily the biggest signing for the startup. Not feeling the gratitude for a star of his stature to jump ship, he aired his grievances, demanding a thank you from AEW brass, talent and fans. After winning the AEW World Championship, he became the pompous, greedy Le Champion, celebrating with a little bit of the bubbly and surrounding himself with the Inner Circle to protect his title.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHhsT2FTiiI
While still fun to watch in the ring, the living legend truly shines on the mic, in vignettes, on social media, etc. In a company built upon “workrate” and five-star matches, Jericho stands out due to his vivacious personality. Everything he says becomes a catchphrase and everybody gets over when he’s talking about them. Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t deny he’s the MVP of AEW.
Thank you, Chris Jericho.
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