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These are the wrestlers who could bring the sport into the future.
In the world of pro wrestling, there are always going to be different tiers of talent. On the bottom, you have the low card or preliminary wrestlers. These athletes are usually young and/or inexperienced, or relatively new to the company. Then there's the mid card tier, where oftentimes the most technically gifted wrestlers seem to gravitate toward and remain mired in. Finally, there's the main event tier, which is often populated not with the best wrestlers, but those whom the company believes to be the most marketable and likely to draw ratings and ticket sales.
Unfortunately, this system means that a lot of really talented wrestlers get lost in the shuffle. These are men and women who could be top draws if only given the opportunity and the right booking, but instead they dwell much further down the card, often placed into comedy gimmicks or demeaning angles.
It's past time for this practice to change. With the advent of the internet and social media, wrestling fans are making their voices heard more loudly than ever. Here are six underrated wrestlers who need to be pushed now.
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#1.Buddy Murphy
If you've seen Buddy Murphy's recent forays into 205 Live, then you know that he is a top-tier athlete and performer easily on the level of AJ Styles and Kenny Omega.
With grace, strength, and incredible conditioning, there really seems to be no flaws in Murphy's game whatsoever. So why is he languishing on WWE's lowest-rated brand? Is it because WWE boss Vince McMahon believes that he isn't handsome enough for a higher spot on the card?
Buddy Murphy deserves better. He belongs in the Intercontinental title picture, and beyond, and fans are starting to realize it. Hopefully, management does so as well in the near future.
#2. Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger may be one of the smallest non-mini wrestlers in the world--he barely weighs 150 pounds soaking wet--but he has the biggest heart in the sport. His natural charisma and perennial underdog status have made him quite popular in Ring of Honor--where he has yet to hold a championship.
It's not just the fans who love Cheeseburger. Japanese wrestling legend Jushin Thunder Liger has said Cheeseburger is his favorite wrestler, and even taught him the dreaded, deadly palm strike! It's time for Cheeseburger to win the ROH World Television title and enjoy a long reign.
#3. Zack Ryder
It sometimes seems that the more popular Ryder becomes with the fans, the less management wants to use him.
Despite being one of the most popular wrestlers on social media, Ryder was demoted to NXT where he was part of the dreadful Hype Brothers gimmick. When the Brothers were brought to the main roster, it was mainly so they could push his partner Mojo Rawley--a man of limited experience and ability.
Sadly, the clock is ticking for Ryder as he ages out of his prime. But he still has a few good years left in him, and he could be a major draw if booked correctly.
#4. Kairi Sane
At first it seemed Kairi Sane would have a bright future with NXT, as she won the Mae Young classic and seemed poised to become the brand's next major female star.
Then, slowly, she was pushed down the card, and now is rarely used on television in favor of less experienced and talented women such as Lacey Evans. Kairi Sane is considered one of the best wrestlers in the world, male or female, and has the potential to be even more popular than Asuka because her character is more approachable and relatable.
#5. Trent Baretta
Talented yet down to Earth, confident yet humble, Trent Baretta is a man of contradictions. When he was fired by WWE, he went to Japan to hone his craft, and was mentored by one of the greatest junior heavyweights in the world--Rocky Romero.
After spending years in Roppongi Vice, he recently struck out on his own, but has failed to break into the upper echelon. With his youth, good looks, skills, and fan-friendly personality he could be a major draw if given the chance.
#6. James Ellsworth
James Ellsworth is possibly the most criminally underrated wrestler on the WWE roster. Despite his willingness to go along with any gimmick or storyline angle, no matter how humiliating, he doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Not to mention his fantastic technical wrestling ability, and willingness to take brutal bumps--like when AJ Styles Clashed him from the ring steps onto the arena floor. Yes, Ellsworth is supremely dedicated to his craft, and manages to be entertaining in spite of being buried by management and used as a punchline for most of his career.
Pro wrestling fans LOVE the underdog. Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, and the Rock and Roll Express all prove that. Ellsworth has a unique look, to put it mildly, and just the sight of him competing against men like Braun Strowman is entertaining in and of itself. He could be the biggest breakout star of our generation--if given a chance.
There you have it; Six underrated wrestlers who need a push now. Please comment and let us know which wrestlers you believe to be underrated.
