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Which of the major wrestling promotions has the 'best' champion?
It's a debate that has been going on almost as long as there's been professional wrestling.
Which federation boasts the 'best' wrestler? Who truly represents what all professional wrestlers should aspire to?
In the 1980s the question mainly pertained to the NWA and the WWF. Hogan was the champion of the WWE, while Flair reigned in the NWA. No one would debate that Flair was the superior technical wrestler, but Hogan was a household name even to people who didn't watch wrestling.
The question of who is the 'best' is quite subjective. In order to minimize that subjectivity, we will utilize three criteria when we analyze the current holders of wrestling's 'big belts.' One will be technical ability, because wrestling is athletic and therefore physical aptitude counts. The second is how well the wrestler resonates with the crowd, whether as a face or a heel. The third is promotional skills and interview aptitude, because wrestlers have to be able to get fans emotionally invested in their matches before the bell tolls.
Here are the grades of the champions, in no particular order.
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Pro Wrestling Guerrilla--WALTER
Call him Big Van Walter, Big Daddy Walter, or just plain WALTER, the fact is Australian Walter Hahn has been impressive in PWG.
For those who don't know Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, or don't believe it's a major promotion, here's a list of some former Champions: Kyle O'Reilly, Ricochet, Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles. It seems like PWG is a stopping point on the way to greatness, hence its inclusion on our list.
Now, for WALTER'S scores.
Technical Ability: At six and a half feet tall and well over three hundred pounds, you might think WALTER relies on a power game, and you'd be right. However, he also can utilize technical wrestling and is one of the smoothest, most agile big men since Mike Awesome. Grade: A
Popularity: WALTER is definitely over wherever he wrestles. He has a great look and resonates well with the crowd, but he's certainly not on the level of, say, the Rock. Grade: B
Promo/Interview skills: Walter has developed a fantastic character for PWG, but the indie scene was never known for a lot of talking. Grade: B
Overall Grade: B+ WALTER represents PWG quite well and earns high marks as their champion.
WWE (RAW Brand)--Brock Lesnar
The Beast Incarnate continues to dominate Monday Night Raw with his mix of brutality and athleticism.
Technical Ability: It's kind of a shame because 2003 era Brock Lesnar would probably earn an A, but 2018 Lesnar barely passes muster any longer when it comes to technical moves. German suplexes and the F5 are what he mainly relies on these days. Grade: C
Popularity: When Lesnar's music hits, it always causes a stir. However, his part-time status has eroded his status with the fans a bit, and they chanted 'this is awful' during his match with Roman Reigns as Wrestlemania. Grade: C
Promo/Interview Skills: Brock isn't the worst talker, but he's not the best, either, hence the need for Paul Heyman. Grade: C
Overall Grade: C With all apologies to a tremendous athlete, it seems like Lesnar is just doing the bare minimum at this point in his career, and his grade reflects this.
Ring of Honor--Dalton Castle
The Party Peacock has truly come into his own, being one of the most popular and dynamic ROH champions since Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan.)
Technical Ability: As you might imagine, the ROH crowd demands a high level of technical expertise in their champions, and Dalton Castle certainly delivers with his deep and exciting moveset. Grade: A
Popularity: From the "fan up" chants to the hundreds of streamers tossed into the ring upon his arrival, Dalton has the ROH fans eating from his hand. Grade: A
Promo/Interview Skills: Dalton has a unique and entertaining personality, and it carries over well into his promos. He can get fans emotionally invested while making them laugh, which is not easy. Grade: A
Overall Grade: A Dalton Castle has all the elements to make a nearly perfect wrestler, and his grade reflects this.
WWE (Smackdown Live Brand)--AJ Styles
Phenomenal doesn't even touch the tip of the iceberg with AJ Styles. This international superstar has worn the big belt of every single promotion he has ever wrestled for.
Technical Ability: Simply put, AJ's in ring game is without flaw. He can mat wrestle, utilize submissions, and fly with the best of them. Grade: A
Popularity: AJ has been over in the WWE almost since day one. Though he struggled to resonate with the fans during his early career, he's become one of the most celebrated athletes in the business today. Grade: A
Promo/Interview skills: AJ comes across as earnest and determined, or goofy and approachable as the need arises. However, he's not on the same level as Austin or the Rock. Grade: B
Overall Grade: B+ AJ Styles is one of the greatest wrestlers in the world, and his grade reflects this.
New Japan Pro Wrestling--Kenny Omega
The amazing Kenny Omega has been the talk of the wrestling world ever since his performance at Wrestle Kingdom in 2017.
Technical Ability: Much like ROH, NJPW fans demand excellence of execution from their champions. Omega is truly amazing in this category with his deep moveset and vicious striking ability. Grade: A
Popularity: Omega is mostly cheered in Japan, where he is a Gaijin--outsider. The fact that an American is so popular in a Japanese federation cannot be overstated. Grade: A
Promo/Interview skills: Omega is comfortable and confident on the mike, yet displays a lot of passion and energy. Grade: A
Overall Grade: A Kenny Omega is the talk of the wrestling world for a reason. His recent performance against Okada cements his legacy as one of the greatest of all time, and he's still got a lot of good years left in his career.
Impact wrestling--Austin Aries
The Greatest Man who Ever Lived has become a belt collector of late, holding several other titles along with the Global Force world championship.
Technical Ability: Austin Aries is smooth as silk in the ring, and can utilize nearly any wrestling hold with precision. That, and he can fly! Grade: A
Popularity: Despite WWE's claims that Aries wasn't over, fans all over the world appreciate his ability and gumption. Grade: A
Promo/Interview Skills: Austin Aries isn't bad on the mic, and can tell a story quite well, but he isn't the dynamo that the Hogans and Rocks have been. Grade: B
Overall Grade: B+ Aries represents Impact wrestling quite well and is deservedly thought of as one of the best in the world, and his grade reflects this.
WWE (NXT Brand)-- Aleistair Black
The Dutch Destroyer has captured the NXT championship, and holds onto it with an iron fist...or should we say iron foot?
Technical Ability: Black is far above average in terms of technical ability, but he is primarily a striker. Grade: B
Popularity: While Black is cheered by the NXT audience, he lacks the massive appeal of former champions like Finn Balor or Shinsuke Nakamura. Grade: B
Promo/Interview skills: Black recently proved he can speak quite well on the mike, and his presence makes up for any lack of English speaking skills he may possess. Grade: B
Overall Grade: B Black represents NXT very well, but his look and persona play into his success more than in-ring ability.
And the winner is...a TIE!
Both Kenny Omega from NJPW and Dalton Castle from ROH earned perfect grades, making this contest a tie.
Omega's greater experience probably edges him a little ahead of Dalton, but it's a very close call. Both men are truly two of the finest professional wrestlers on the planet, and represent their promotions at the highest level.
There you have it...the greatest champions in any major promotion. Comments? Please leave them below.
