Some of the very best athletes in the entire world are under a WWE contract. They range from the massive, larger than life monsters, such as Braun Strowman, all the way down to the smaller, high-flying daredevils like Neville. Regardless of your preference, there's someone on one of the WWE rosters just for you.
WWE Superstars represent the largest, most successful and most sought after company in the entire sport of professional wrestling. For the most part, every wrestler has had dreams of signing a WWE contract. Becoming a WWE Superstar signifies that you have indeed made it to the highest pinnacle of your craft. You are a member of the juggernaut of sports entertainment. From there, it gets no higher.
Also read: 7 of the best wrestlers outside WWE
While the WWE is, in fact, the largest company in pro wrestling, it’s certainly not the only show in town, so to speak. In fact, there are many wrestlers who are making a tremendous living within the industry, despite never stepping foot into a WWE ring. Some have accumulated such a cult-like following, that they have become just as popular, or in some cases, even more popular than many of today's WWE Superstars. That is the reason for this column. Today we will take a look at the top 10 most popular non-WWE wrestlers of today.
Honorable Mention
Marty Scurll
Joey Ryan
There are several respectable stars who just barely missed this list. However, either of the names could've easily made the final 10. These guys already have top-notch careers, and at any moment, any of them could grab the attention of a WWE officials, and the rest would be history. The bottom line, don't be surprised if any of the names mentioned in this article end up on one of the WWE rosters in the not-so-distant future!
#10 Kazuchika Okada
His name is Kazuchika Okada, but you can refer to him simply as “The Rainmaker.” The current IWGP Heavyweight Champion is no stranger to being on top. In fact, this is Okada’s fourth reign with Japan’s top prize.
Some may recall Okada’s short stint with TNA. Kazuchika Okada signed with TNA in 2010, but creative officials couldn't see a “true character” with Okada. I’m certain that someone from that company has kicked themselves a time or two since letting this big fish get away. Okada used his TNA experience as motivation to improve, once he returned to Japan. Kazuchika credits that experience for helping him come up with ‘The Rainmaker’ persona.
Upon his return to Japan, Okada’s career simply exploded. He has become one of the best pure showmen and overall performers in the entire professional wrestling industry. His in-ring work has been so flawless, that he has been awarded five different 5-Star matches by Dave Meltzer. He has also had one 6-Star match and a 6¼-Star match as well. Both of those bouts were against Kenny Omega.
#9 Zack Sabre Jr.
This 29-year-old phenom from the UK is one of the most gifted in-ring technicians in the business today. Zack Sabre Jr. has come on very strong in the past couple of years and has gained the attention of many, including WWE officials.
Zack has seen a great deal of success with EVOLVE, New Japan Pro Wrestling, PWG and several other promotions. He recently lost the PWG Championship after holding the title for almost 500 days. One of the key reasons for Sabre’s sudden rise to fame was his work in the 2015 PWG Battle for L.A. During that tournament, Zack defeated Ricochet, Pentagon JR., Marty Scurll, Chris Hero and Mike Bailey en route to the crown.
#8 Ricochet
Ricochet is considered by many to be one of the best-kept secrets in independent wrestling. For nearly 15 years now, Ricochet has been entertaining fans with his in-ring wizardry and top-notch matches against the very best talent on the scene.
One of the things that have given Ricochet such a huge boost has been his work with Dragon Gate and Dragon Gate USA. With those promotions, he has won around a dozen titles. He also saw a great deal of success with Luch Underground, where he became the first ever Lucha Underground Champion as "Prince Puma.”
It's also worth noting that Ricochet has been in a long-term relationship with third generation star Tessa Blanchard, who is the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard. Tessa is also currently competing in the WWE Mae Young Classic.
#7 Jay Lethal
At 32 years old, Jay Lethal has been a professional wrestler for over half of his entire life. Lethal is one of the most talented and charismatic performers on the planet today. For quite some time now, Jay has been one of the most underrated and underutilised stars in all of professional wrestling.
Lethal originally made his debut with Jersey All-Pro Wrestling, but since then, he has had major success all over the globe, including Ring of Honor, and TNA. Jay has been a Ring of Honor World Champion, as well as an ROH Pure Champion. He has also held the ROH TV Title twice as well.
During his time with TNA, Jay had one of the most memorable feuds in that company's history, when he worked a lengthy storyline with ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. That particular program is considered by many, including this writer, to be Jay Lethal’s greatest work.
#6 Will Ospreay
At only 24 years young, Will Ospreay’s career has taken off like a rocket. The pride of London has already dominated the competition in all of the UK’s top promotions, including Progress Wrestling and Revolution Pro, just to name a couple. Ospreay has also had a great deal of success with New Japan Pro Wrestling and lately has started turning heads in America, with Ring of Honor.
Will has also been involved in a number of 5-star matches, which indicates a nearly flawless contest between two or more participants. In 2016, PWI named Will Ospreay the number 16 overall wrestler in the publications annual PWI 500, for the year of 2016.
In an interesting side note, many people within the WWE have tried to persuade Will to consider coming on over. One, in particular, is Paul Heyman, who happens to be very high on the youngster from London. Don't be too surprised if the dollar signs become too much for Ospreay to resist soon.
#5 Alberto El Patron
My oh, my has controversy followed this gentleman since leaving the WWE. The latest drama in Albertoland involves an incident with his better half, Paige. Apparently, the couple had a falling out inside of the terminal at Orlando International Airport. Airport police were initially dispatched to what was described as a domestic violence issue between Paige and Alberto. There is an audio recording that was leaked where Alberto and Paige are heard arguing. At one point, Paige can be heard telling Alberto to leave her alone, and Alberto is heard telling a bystander to call the police.
Despite his ongoing personal problems, Albert El Patron remains as one of the highest demanded stars in the business today. Alberto has also been a very vital component in the overhaul and rebranding of Impact Wrestling. Alberto is currently the unified GFW/TNA Champion as well.
#4 Dalton Castle
He is described as a mixture of Adrian Adonis, Ric Flair and a little Jesse Ventura all rolled into one dynamite performer. Dalton Castle is one of the most eccentric wrestlers today, but he has found a way to take all of his quirkiness and use it to his advantage, which results in great entertainment value for the fans.
Castle hasn't always been very popular. In fact, it has taken quite some time for fans to come around and not only accept, but embrace this one-of-a-kind star. Together with his two-man entourage known simply as “The Boys,” Dalton Castle is only getting better as time goes by.
I'm not sure if Castle is currently on any WWE watch list, but even if he never steps foot inside a WWE ring, he has the talent to do perfectly fine without the luxury of the big brand.
#3 Cody Rhodes
Several fan favourites have left the WWE over the past few years. Damien Sandow, Ryback, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley, Wade Barrett and of course, Cody Rhodes(Stardust) were just a few notable names that departed in 2016. While some of those names have drifted off into obscurity, Cody Rhodes has landed flat on his feet and may have become more popular than he was at any point during his time with WWE.
Cody is currently the Global Force Wrestling NEX*GEN Champion, but if things continue to go as they currently are, Cody could be shooting for much higher accolades in the near future.
#2 Young Bucks
Matt and Nick Jackson may come off a little cocky and perhaps somewhat arrogant. However, when you’re as good as the Young Bucks, you've earned the right to flex your ego a little.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a tag team that comes along once in a lifetime. These guys do things in the ring that no one has ever thought was possible. They have essentially revolutionised the sport as we know it.
Since their 2004 debut, The Young Bucks have literally travelled the world, cracking backs and cashing checks. Their list of title wins is too much to list here, but among those wins include winning the Ring of Honor tag titles three times, 4-time PWG tag champs, and they are currently the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, which they have been now 6 times.
#1 Kenny Omega
WWE fans are chomping at the bits, in anticipation that one day Kenny Omega will finally jump ship and join his former Bullet Club brothers in the WWE. However, it appears Omega may hold off on that for a while.
Kenny Omega is red hot and has been for quite some time now. Kenny is an extremely valuable asset to any promotion....and he knows that. He has gained the adoration and utmost respect from the Japanese fan base, which is not that simple. At this point, he risks a pretty lavish life by leaving NJPW.
Kenny is currently the reigning IWGP United States Champion, and he is also the inaugural title holder for. He has also held the IWGP Intercontinental Title once. Omega has also been an IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion on two different occasions. He is also a former PWG Champion.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
