PWI 500 top 10 revealed as Omega takes the crown

Pro Wrestling Illustrated has today revealed that Kenny Omega tops their latest PWI 500 list. The announcement was made on Busted Open Radio. Omega last appeared at #1 in 2018.

PWI confirmed ‘The Cleaner’ placed #1 ‘on the strength of three simultaneous world championship reigns in AEW, IMPACT Wrestling, and Lucha Libre AAA.’

The criteria for the PWI rankings are as follows; win-loss record, technical ability, influence on the sport, success against the highest grade of competition, success against the most diverse competition and activity.

WWE’s Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Finn Balor made the top ten. Aside from Omega, Jon Moxley (who was last year’s #1) made the top ten for AEW. Kota Ibushi, Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi are NJPW’s representation on the list, and Rich Swann from IMPACT Wrestling.

The PWI 500 December 2021 edition of the ever-popular annual rankings is available HERE

The PWI 500 top 10 revealed

1. Kenny Omega
2. Roman Reigns
3. Bobby Lashley
4. Drew McIntyre
5. Kota Ibushi
6. Jon Moxley
7. Will Ospreay
8. Finn Balor
9. Shingo Takagi
10. Rich Swann

PWI 500 get it right for top ten

There is no doubt that Kenny Omega deserves the top spot after the year he has had. He’s been one of the best wrestlers in the world for many years now, and it’s great to finally see him reclaim his throne.

The top ten itself is extremely strong when it comes to the talent involved. What is noticeable is that the top ten only feature two AEW stars and four from WWE. WWE has done a tremendous job with the talent featured. Come next year, we may see an AEW heavy PWI 500 top ten, with CM Punk, Adam Cole, and Bryan Danielson now set to play key roles for the company. Furthermore, it is great to see Rich Swann’s work at IMPACT Wrestling recognized by making the elite annual list.

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