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Men like Omega, Reigns, and Styles are at the top. But who is coming up in the new generation to become the dominant sensation?
As it has every year since 1991, PWI released its list of the top 500 wrestlers in the world today.
Men like Kenny Omega, Roman Reigns, Okada, and Cody have all claimed top ten rankings. These are the elite stars of the sport, the men who not only sell a lot of tickets and merchandise but potentially influence the sport in its ever continuing evolution.
But what about the next generation? Back in the 2000s, many speculated that Brock Lesnar would be the next big thing, but then he abruptly left the wrestling world for many years, clearing a path for John Cena to become the top name in sports entertainment.
While the present may belong to Okada, Reigns, and Omega, the future will belong to a new generation. We present ten wrestlers who might become sports entertainment's Next Big Thing.
#1 Kyle O'Reilly
Kyle O'Reilly fought against childhood disease and became a multi-sport athlete. As a sign of how fantastic of a wrestler O'Reilly is, the WWE decided to push him 'as is', with no extra gimmick or embellishment. This is an honor rarely given to wrestlers who come in from the independent circuit.
Why he might be the next big thing: Kyle is well versed in martial arts, and with MMA beginning to push its stamp into sports entertainment he will mesh well with the stars of tomorrow.
Kyle can strike, mat wrestle, and utilize submissions at a world-class level, and is one of those athletes who can have a great match with any wrestler but truly excels against another light heavyweight.
Why he might not be the next big thing: Traditionally, WWE hasn't pushed smaller athletes at as high a rate as the larger ones.
While this is changing, slowly, with the addition of men like AJ Styles, Kyle might have arrived a few years to early to truly become the next big thing.
#2 Tetsuya Naito
The bad boy delinquent of New Japan has certainly made his mark. He's already been named the top NJPW wrestler of 2017, and his compelling persona and top-notch skills have gotten him over with the fans on both sides of the Pacific.
Why he might be the next big thing: While many fans enjoy the work of Okada and Omega in NJPW, Naito is the 'connoisseur's choice' for a top grappler. His character flows very naturally, and he's every bit as skilled as the men he beat out for top grappler award.
Why he might not be the next big thing: For the most part, the top wrestler in the world has been an American wrestler, even if they work in Japan. However, with more fans streaming international wrestling than ever, this could change.
3. Otis Docovic
Heavy Machinery are one of the most beloved attractions of NXT, and it is in no small part because of this man. Otis the Dozer Dozovic has already garnered legions of fans just in his small role on the developmental brand.
Why he might be the next big thing: When Triple H was asked about which NXT wrestlers he thought were going to be major stars, the Game was quick to drop Dozovic's name. The Dozer's charisma is such that he packed high school gymnasiums when he was an amateur wrestler--a highly decorated amateur wrestler.
What he might not be the next big thing: Otis is massive and broad, but not particularly tall. His unique body size means that many athletes will have an awkward time trying to pick him up for moves. He also has a more 'goofy' persona, and WWE tends to push more 'serious' characters like Roman Reigns and AJ Styles.
#4 Ricochet
Rumor has it NXT hired Ricochet because the fans practically demanded it on social media. His high flying antics and supreme athleticism have already made him a star in several other promotions.
Why he might be the next big thing: The last time we saw an athlete of this caliber in WWE, he was Neville and he would become the longest reigning NXT champion. Ricochet is one of the most breathtaking performers in the world today.
Why he might not be the next big thing: Ricochet is on the smaller side for wrestlers on the main WWE roster. Given his high-risk style, it's possible he could become injured and kill his own momentum.
#5 Punishment Martinez
If you took AJ Styles and the Undertaker and put them into a science fiction combiner machine, you'd end up with Punishment Martinez. He has both the size and the agility of both men, and the presence to match.
Why he might be the next big thing: Young, big, powerful, and athletic, Martinez has all the physical tools to be the top dog in sports entertainment. He also has a ton of charisma, and his presence is often compared to Undertaker for a reason.
Why he might not be the next big thing: His mike skills aren't terrible, but speaking robs him of his mystique. He needs a Paul Bearer type manager to do his talking for him or a significant character change.
#6 WALTER
Wrestling promoters love the big guys, and they don't come much bigger than WALTER. Huge, but agile enough to keep up with light heavyweights like Zach Sabre Jr.--with whom he had a five-star match--WALTER is the best-kept secret in pro wrestling today.
Why he might be the next big thing: WALTER has a great gimmick, fantastic ring skills, and a credible presence on the mic.
Why he might not be the next big thing: WALTER's looks are unconventional, to say the least, and his character may not play as well on the larger Sports Entertainment stages.
#7 Dragon Lee
Dragon Lee was going to be a boxer, but during his first match, he body slammed his opponent! Obviously more drawn to pro wrestling, Lee has become an indie sensation.
Why he might be the next big thing: He can--and has--kept up with Ricochet move for move, and his martial arts background is in keeping with the evolution of the sport. Plus, lucha libre stars are gaining wider acceptance outside of Mexico.
Why he might not be the next big thing: Dragon Lee's main drawbacks are his smaller size and the fact that promoters--rightly or wrongly--often surmise that a masked wrestler may have trouble resonating with the fans.
#8 Adam Cole
Often compared to Shawn Michaels, Adam Cole is the bad guy you love to hate. He is just so fantastically skilled that he gets a lot of cheers in spite of being a heel wrestler in a heel stable.
Why he might be the next big thing: Cole collects gold like some people collect comic books, has been a two-time ROH world heavyweight champion while still relatively young. He has a near perfect blend of striking, technique, and timing.
Why he might not be the next big thing: Adam Cole is nearly without flaw, and the only one who could stop him from being the biggest star in the business is catastrophic injury at this point.
#9 Tommaso Ciampa
Some are already calling Ciampa the next big thing in wrestling. His heel persona has truly come into its own and he appears poised for greatness.
Why he might be the next big thing: Few athletes have the grit, the perseverance, or the intensity of Ciampa.
Why he might not be the next big thing: Ciampa is a light heavyweight, but eschews high flying moves for the most part and uses a ground-based attack.
This might be confusing for fans who are expecting the smaller wrestlers to fly. Also, his knees have already suffered significant damage, and he may have problems keeping them healthy working the various dates the WWE requires.
#10 Matt Riddle
The King of Bros has made perhaps the most successful transition from MMA to pro wrestling next to Shayna Bayszler. His acquisition by NXT is considered to be a real coup.
Why he might be the next big thing: Riddle brings no-questions-asked tough guy status due to his former career as a UFC fighter. His laid-back persona and good looks resonate well with both male and female fans, and his style is in keeping with the evolution of the sport. Plus, he's already a household name outside the wrestling business.
Why he might not be the next big thing: Riddle's counterculture credibility may hinder him with a more mainstream audience. Plus, he sometimes seems to be trying too hard on social media to get himself over, putting a # on almost everything he says.
There you have it: Ten wrestlers who might be the next big thing. Which wrestler do you think will become the next top star of the sport? Please comment and let us know, and thanks for reading!
