I recently did a post on the best female wrestlers of 2017, so now it is time to look at the best male wrestlers of 2017! Below, you will find my list of personal favorites. How does it measure up to yours?
AJ Styles
Even though I’m a big AJ Styles fan and not entirely neutral when it comes down to putting him on this list, I don’t think people will disagree with me. AJ Styles is still one of the best in-ring performers in the world, and the WWE should count their blessings he is currently on their roster. Without AJ Styles, I believe SmackDown would have gone under in 2017.
Aleister Black
Aleister Black may be in NXT at this time; he is honestly one of the more interesting people to watch for me on a personal level. His entrance is epic, and the entire persona he invented for himself in the ring is brilliant too. I can’t wait to see what he will do once he gets his main roster upgrade.
The Bar
I could mention Sheamus and Cesaro separately, but they have been doing such a smashing job as a tag team. Despite the news, Sheamus is suffering from spinal stenosis, I hope this tag team can be around for a long time to come.
The Usos
I have to confess. When the Usos came out with their new personas, I hated it. They reminded me of something we call “chavs” in England; this is slang for a younger lower-class person that behaves in a brash and loutish manner. However. I was pleasantly surprised because their in-ring work has undoubtedly been among the best of the year.
Roman Reigns
Agree or disagree with me, but I believe Roman Reigns has made some strides this year. Reuniting with the Shield was an excellent career move, but I think he’s getting more confident in the ring too, and it shows! However, I would like to see him develop more moves and be a little more versatile in 2018.
Samoa Joe
Despite being injured for some time, Samoa Joe put himself on the proverbial map during his rivalry with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman. The promo he took with Paul Heyman was pure gold, and he brought Brock Lesnar to the limit.
Neville
Neville’s persona and his in-ring ability really got to shine this year on 205 Live. Unfortunately, the WWE had to mess it all up by making him lose to the likes of Enzo Amore. The status of this wrestler and his position within the company is still unclear.
Braun Strowman
Anyone who can flip an ambulance on its side and make a lengthy rivalry with Roman Reigns interesting deserves a spot on this list. He is undoubtedly one of the wrestlers to watch in the coming years.
The Miz
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 12: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Pro wrestlers Maryse Ouellet and Michael Mizanin (aka The Miz) attend the 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
I have a particular fondness for the Miz, so I’m happy to see him doing well in 2017. Unfortunately, I believe things will be a little quieter around him in 2018, especially with some of his side-projects and his wife giving birth in the coming year.
Who are your favorites? Let us know in the comment section below!