Top 10 Talkers Of 2020
Who cut the greatest promo 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. 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. Chris Jericho
Although he was the top talker of 2019, 2020 has been all fun and games for Chris Jericho. The inaugural AEW World Champion fully embraced his comedic nature, engaging in wacky storylines with Matt Hardy, Orange Cassidy and MJF. From yelling at a drone and remaking The Hangover to obsessing over demographics and performing a musical number, Le Champion has injected AEW with a heavy dose of sports-entertainment. He’s also found a new calling: commentary.
9. Britt Baker
Did you know that Britt Baker is a dentist? After AEW shoved that fun fact down our throats for more than six months, Baker decided to lean into it, becoming an arrogant, self-absorbed vixen. Her personality shone while recovering from injury, and her friendship with Tony Schiavone is amusing. She’s already the face of the AEW women’s division, and now we’re just waiting for championship gold to cement it.
8. Sonya Deville
The former Tough Enough contestant came into her own this year, splitting up Fire and Desire. Jealous of her ex-BFF’s popularity, Deville snapped on Mandy Rose and vented about being trapped in the shadow of The Goddess, a relatable story for girls across the country. No offense to Rose, but Deville strummed up interest in a feud that nobody expected to care about. Unfortunately, a real-life nightmare halted her momentum, but we can’t wait for her to come back to WWE TV in 2021.
7. Randy Orton
Randy Orton has been on his A game this year. He’s had plenty of mic time and despite the challenges of COVID-19, he’s kept viewers invested in all of his feuds. The Legend Killer has the rare ability to take WWE’s scripts and breathe life into them, making you believe that he believes what he’s saying. Perhaps that’s because Orton truly is deranged.
6. Taz
Perpetually pissed off, nobody was spared Taz’ wrath this year. The former world champion made headlines with his “sloppy shop” remark, bitched about Tony Khan playing favorites and diagnosed Jon Moxley with a case of the “chicken shits.” He’s hilarious, yet intimidating, and he’s added a whole lot to Brian Cage, Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs.
5. Roman Reigns
He’s come a long way from sufferin’ succotash. Since returning at SummerSlam, Roman Reigns has become the best part of WWE. Finally embracing his roots, Reigns has transformed into the Tribal Chief, demanding your respect and obedience. He either speaks softly, forcing you to listen, or he cuts monologues during his matches, adding insult to injury.
4. Nick Aldis
The NWA may have been the biggest victim of the pandemic. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Billy Corgan’s revitalized company was on fire, winning fans over with its retro show Powerrr and preparing for the Crockett Cup. Nick Aldis, the NWA World Champion, was at the forefront of the promotion. A throwback to the cocky, well-dressed, heel champion of yesteryear, Aldis played off the studio crowd well, dishing out a few one-liners every so often and remaining honest in his assessment of every situation. It’ll be a tall task for Aldis to rejuvenate the brand once again in 2021.
3. MJF
Even the failing New York Times has gushed over MJF. His comedy skits with Jericho aside, the entitled millennial remained a master of the mic this year, targeting Cody, Moxley, Jungle Boy and of course, the fans. An old-fashioned, chicken-shit heel, MJF blends the right amount of humor into his vitriol, entertaining us while we pray that somebody punches him in the face.
2. Jon Moxley
After bashing WWE’s scripted environment for so long, Jon Moxley had a lot to back up with all his newfound freedom in AEW. Well, he did it. On any given Dynamite, you’ll find the former AEW World Champion on a staircase, in the boiler room or anywhere the cameraman can find him, weaving an incredible tale. He usually opens with some detail about his past, moves onto his opponent and then ties it altogether in a nice barbed wire bow. His promo with Eddie Kingston heading into Full Gear was one of the best segments of the year.
1. Eddie Kingston
Eddie Kingston talked himself not only into a contract this year, but a world title shot in the main event of a pay-per-view. There’s a lot of comedy on Dynamite, but the grizzled veteran is the reality check. He’s gruff, unpredictable, unadulterated. He’s the edge the company has desperately needed. You believe every word that comes out of his mouth. It’s remarkable that Eddie Kingston was going to retire last year. Thankfully, he kept grinding and the industry is better off for it. Even before signing with AEW, he was spitting hot fire in the NWA and on the indie scene. Check out his airing of grievances from PROGRESS in February…
About Author
