'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
2017 has been a great year for wrestling; not just WWE but the entire industry has seen a major boost. Promotions like ROH and NJPW have been thriving and a lot of newer independent promotions have made a huge name for themselves.
A lot of the credit goes to the tremendous athletes and performers that have been making waves throughout the world.
Many people have claimed that 2017 has been one of the best years for independent wrestling and that is quite true.
Here is a list of 5 top Indy Superstars who might make their way into WWE in the coming year:
#5 War Machine
Hanson and Raymond Rowe, together make up the team known as War Machine. The two behemoths have been pairing together since 2014 and have already managed to make a mark on the independent circuit becoming recognised names in NJPW and ROH.
The Duo are former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions and have also held Tag Team Gold in Ring Of Honor among other accolades.
This Tag Team comprising of two behemoths has a hard-hitting approach and seek to decimate their opponents in a matter of minutes.
There are rumours floating around that the team is almost certain to join WWE in 2018 and it has also been corroborated by Dave Meltzer of WON.
With the Tag Team division thriving, this could be a huge addition to the WWE Roster. War Machine against teams like Usos, The Bar and Bludgeon Brothers is something we will all look forward to.
#4 Will Ospreay
The 24-year-old Will is certainly a prodigy; he has managed to achieve great feats in a short span, like becoming the winner of the NJPW Super Juniors tournament (2016). A former one time ROH TV Champion, he has also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
He has been making huge waves on the independent circuit and has been a fixture in popular promotions like PWG, ROH and NJPW.
Will can be a perfect fit for 205 live as his high flying skills and charismatic personality will definitely draw attention and help the show as well. Matches with the likes of Hideo Itami, Cedric Alexander and Naom Dar will be absolutely phenomenal.
#3 Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle is one of the top wrestlers currently not signed with ROH or NJPW as of now. Even without wrestling for any of the major promotions, he is undoubtedly one of the most popular wrestlers today.
A former contestant on the show Ultimate FIghter and a trained MMA fighter working with promotions like Bellator and UFC, Matt transitioned into the world of Pro-Wrestling in 2014.
He is currently one half of the PWG Tag Team Champions along with Jeff Cobb.
Seeing as to how WWE are interested in so many former UFC stars to join, it is quite possible we see this hard-hitting striker in WWE next year.
#2 Ricochet
Also known as Prince Puma from his stint in the promotion Lucha Underground where he was the first ever Lucha Underground Champion, Ricochet is one of the biggest names in the Indy circuit.
Ricochet is a former two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and also managed to win the Best of Super Junior's tournament in 2014. He is also a former PWG World Champion.
It is being reported that Ricochet is not taking independent wrestling dates after the end of January next year, leading to speculation that he is almost certainly heading to WWE.
#1 Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is a former 3-time World Champion in WWE and is one of the most popular wrestlers on the planet. He is undoubtedly a pioneer when it comes to popularising Lucha Libre style in the USA.
Mysterio left WWE in 2015 and has been active on the independent circuit ever since; wrestling for promotions such as AAA and Lucha Underground as well.
Rey Mysterio in a recent interview with ESPN stated that he would like to return to WWE even if it was a limited schedule as he has a lot that he owes to the company.
However, a limited schedule wouldn't be the best news for WWE fans to hear. Regardless,it is indeed possible that we will see the master of 619 back in the WWE sooner rather than later.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
