LAST YEAR, AS a certain Universal champion began building what would become the most dominant world title reign that WWE had seen in decades, many PWI readers—and countless more casual observers—assumed Roman Reigns would top our annual “500” list for a second time. “The Tribal Chief” first ranked #1 back in 2016 as a top talent who, like John Cena before him, drew as many jeers as he did cheers. Surely, considering the incredible work done by Reigns in late-2020 and early-2021, he was worthy of being acknowledged.
"I expected it … It should've been happening for years now."
Instead, Reigns, who was (and is) the top box office draw in the industry, came in a close second to AEW’s Kenny Omega. After all, we reasoned, this was Pro Wrestling Illustrated, and we had to give the slight edge to Omega based on his three simultaneous world title reigns and instant-classic matches. It was an admittedly difficult choice to make.
This year, there was no such debate … no extensive deliberating or playing devil’s advocate. With Roman Reigns unifying his Universal title with the WWE World championship to cap off a year of utter dominance, no one else was even seriously considered for the top spot. And the Unified WWE champ, in all his effortless, well-earned confidence, saw this latest honor coming from miles away.
“I expected it,” said Reigns, when asked how he felt about topping the “500” once again. “What am I supposed to feel? It’s what I expected. It should’ve been happening for years now.”
As the top-ranked wrestler in the 2022 PWI “500,” Reigns joins an elite group of current and future hall-of-famers who’ve earned the #1 spot more than once: Bret Hart, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena, Seth Rollins, and Kenny Omega.
Though he was already a main-eventer and multi-time world champion by 2016, few would argue with the notion that “The Head Of The Table” has finally hit his prime in his current in-carnation. If proof were needed, one need look no further than his incredible Universal title reign that, at press time, was nearing 800 days. He has fully leveled up.
“I think I’ve evolved as I’ve needed,” Reigns admits. “I think, back in 2016, I was head-and-shoulders better than everybody else. And I’ve done the exact same thing to continue to grow and evolve as a performer, as a professional wrestler, as a sports entertainer, to remain head-and-shoulders above everyone else.”
There’s no doubt about it: Reigns is a truly special, generational talent. And, for all the talk about his recently reduced schedule, WWE still seems to have faith in him to represent the company in the months and years ahead.
That’s important. Because, of the six other wrestlers who’ve been #1 in the “500” more than once, only one wrestler has done so thrice. Can Roman Reigns be the first man to live up to the high standard set by his predecessor, John Cena?
We wouldn’t bet against him. In Reigns’ own words: “When it comes to the PWI ‘500’ … I’m the one.”
THE FINE PRINT
Since 1991, the PWI “500” has evaluated and enumerated the world’s top professional wrestlers. Today, it stands as the most hotly debated list in the sport. The oldest in our triumvirate of yearly rankings—now including our Women’s and Tag Team lists—the “500” is an expansion of our weekly and monthly Heavyweight Top 10.
EVALUATION PERIOD:
July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022
PRIMARY CRITERIA:
• IN-RING ACHIEVEMENT —W-L records, championships, tournaments won.
• INFLUENCE—Visibility and prestige within a promotion and/or the industry.
• TECHNICAL ABILITY—Quality of moves, matches, and ring psychology.
• COMPETITION—Success against the most varied and highest quality opponents available.
• ACTIVITY—Minimum 10 matches total (or six matches in separate months).
RANKING COMMITTEE: Al Castle, Brian R. Solomon, Harry Burkett, Righteous Reg, Kristen Ashly, Candace Cordelia, and Kevin McElvaney. (Special thanks to STRIGGA, Kris Zellner, Francesco Mandolini, Jason McVeigh, Pat Laprade, and Marek Indyka, who consulted on international rankings!)
BIOS WRITTEN BY: Al Castle, Harry Burkett, Brian R. Solomon, Lou DiPietro, Mike Bessler, Kevin McElvaney, Righteous Reg, Francesco Mandolini, Ashley Morris, Jason McVeigh, Kristen Ashly, Brady Hicks, Jake Joyce, and Candace Cordelia.
NOTE: This list prioritizes success in singles competition and in vying for heavy-weight singles accolades (and, to a lesser extent, those in lower weight classes).
1. ROMAN REIGNS
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Conquered Brock Lesnar in what was billed as “The Biggest WrestleMania Match Of All-Time” to unify the WWE World and Universal champion-ships on April 3.
2. Speared and pinned 16-time world champion John Cena to retain his Universal title in the main event of SummerSlam on August 21, 2021.
3. Beat Raw brand world champion Big E in a non-title match at Survivor Series on November 21.
4. Rendered Goldberg unconscious in their long-awaited match at Elimination Chamber on February 19, taking the match by referee’s decision.
5. Defeated Finn Balor at the September 26 Extreme Rules event, pinning “The Demon” after a spear.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 1
He is the one … Roman Reigns is in the midst of one of the most dominant runs by any American wrestler in modern history … As of press time, the “Tribal Chief” was closing in on 1,000 days since his last pinfall loss, which came at the hands of Baron Corbin in December 2019 … But that was a very different Roman Reigns from the one who has been on a warpath since winning the Universal championship two years ago … Turned back a murderer’s row of challengers during the evaluation period, ranging from legends like Edge and Cena, to emerging contenders like Riddle and Sami Zayn, and behemoths like Goldberg and Lesnar … Always has his “Bloodline” cronies nearby, even if he’s shown that he’s more than capable of defeating most opponents cleanly … Transitioned into a lighter work-load, which was well-earned … New schedule has served to keep his body healthy and his act fresh … Despite his two years of dominance, still has some of his biggest challenges ahead, potentially including Cody Rhodes and Reigns’ cousin The Rock.
2. KAZUCHIKA OKADA
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Defeated Shingo Takagi at night one of Wrestle Kingdom on January 4 to win his first IWGP World heavyweight title (his sixth New Japan world title overall).
2. Returned to the Tokyo Dome the very next night to successfully defend his title against Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom, night two.
3. Won his third G1 Climax tournament in 2021, going 7-1 and defeating Kota Ibushi in the final.
4. Beat Zack Sabre Jr. in a technical classic at Hyper Battle on April 9 to retain the IWGP strap.
5. Advanced to the semifinals of the 2022 New Japan Cup tournament, winning matches against El Desperado, Master Wato, Taichi, and CIMA.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 2
After spending two years away from NJPW’s top prize, “The Rainmaker” reminded fans and fellow wrestlers why he’s on the shortlist of the greatest performers in Japanese wrestling history … That fact was evidenced by his first-ballot induction into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame, having been selected on 92% of ballots … His return to the top of the New Japan mountain was well-earned, and, perhaps, a little overdue … Although NJPW was wise to invest in new main event talent in recent years, no one was able to fill the boots of Okada, who had become almost synonymous with Tokyo Dome main events since winning his first IWGP heavyweight title in 2012 … Amazingly, 10 years and six world titles later, Okada is only now entering his mid-30s … His inaugural reign with the IWGP World heavyweight title—created from the unification of the heavyweight and Intercontinental titles—lasted just over five months … While it’s true that Okada may have lost a little something off his fastball in recent years, he’s also improved in other ways, and could be on the cusp of conquering a whole new audience with NJPW’s new working relationship with AEW.
3. CM PUNK
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Defeated “Hangman” Adam Page in the main event of Double or Nothing on May 29 to capture the AEW World championship.
2. Handed MJF a major defeat in a grueling dog collar match at AEW’s Revolution event on June 3.
3. Won his first wrestling match in more than seven years when he beat Darby Allin at AEW’s All Out pay-per-view on September 5.
4. Beat Eddie Kingston in a highly personal grudge match at AEW Full Gear on November 21.
5. Bested Powerhouse Hobbs in front of 20,000 fans in New York City at AEW’s Grand Slam event on September 22, 2021.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 3
Ten years ago, CM Punk topped this list; a year later, he fell to #2 … And now, in his first PWI “500” appearance since 2013, he drops another spot … Try not to be too hard on yourself, Punk … Indeed, even after being away from the ring for nearly 2,800 days, there was little sign of deterioration in the Chicago legend’s skills, but for the extra gray in his beard … Any ring rust was worked off through a busy schedule that saw him battle both veterans like Dustin Rhodes and up-and-comers like Max Caster … Bell-to-bell, and on the microphone, Punk remained at an elite level, despite his time away—as evidenced by his winning the world title less than a year after returning … Unfortunately, Punk’s momentum came to a grinding halt when he suffered a foot injury just three days later, which kept him on the shelf well into the summer … Any lingering questions over Punk’s love for pro wrestling—and fans’ love for him—have long been put to rest.
4. ADAM PAGE
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Beat Kenny Omega to capture the AEW World championship at Full Gear on November 13—culminating a two-year storyline involving the former Elite partners.
2. Used his signature Buckshot Lariat to finish Adam Cole in a world title defense at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view on March 6.
3. Retained his world title in a match against Bryan Danielson on the January 5 edition of Dynamite.
4. Won a wild and bloody Texas Death Match against Lance Archer on Dynamite, February 9.
5. Won a seven-man Casino ladder match that included Andrade El Idolo, Jon Moxley, Lance Archer, Matt Hardy, Orange Cassidy, and PAC on the October 6 Dynamite to become top contender to the World title.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 4
When AEW was created in January 2019, many observers predicted that Page would one day be the centerpiece of the promotion … That day came in November 2021, when Page bested last year’s top-ranked wrestler, Kenny Omega, to begin a six-month reign as AEW World champion … Showed tremendous versatility in quality outings against similar-sized technicians like Danielson and massive brawlers like Archer … Withmatineeidollooksand Texas toughness, Page has long exhibited the makings of a top guy … But, even during his championship reign, he struggled to be taken seriously as the focal point of AEW in a locker room overflowing with star power—including that of the man who beat him for the title, CM Punk … Although his lone-wolf persona has served him well, Page could also stand to benefit from showing off his leadership chops, whether it’s teaming with his former Elite team-mates, The Young Bucks, or his unlikely allies in The Dark Order … Still in his early-30s, and with an upside yet to be realized, Page could start a serious bidding war when his AEW contract is up for renewal.
5. BOBBY LASHLEY
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. With an assist from Roman Reigns, won the WWE championship for a second time by defeating Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble on January 29.
2. During his first WWE championship reign, beat Goldberg by referee’s decision to retain the title at SummerSlam 2021, August 21.
3. Beat Randy Orton to retain the WWE championship on the September 13, 2021, edition of Raw—minutes before being dethroned by Big E.
4. Dealt Omos his first singles pinfall loss in WWE at WrestleMania 38 on March 2.
5. Won a four-way bout with Big E, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins on the January 3 edition of Raw to become #1 contender to Lesnar.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 5
“The Almighty” continues to rack up wins and championships, even at the age of 46—although, thanks to his incredible conditioning, you’d be forgiven for thinking he’s much younger … In the conversation for the most powerful wrestler in WWE, as evidenced by his ability to manhandle most opponents and match strength with the likes of Lesnar and Omos … Though it was the killer instinct that he showed as part of the rulebreaking Hurt Business that elevated Lashley to a new level, the former U.S. Army sergeant has also shined in the babyface role, displaying the kind of confidence and explosive ring style that fans can easily get behind … With the Raw and Smackdown world titles unified around the waist of Roman Reigns, Lashley kept busy in the mid-card, including in feuds over the U.S. belt … Still, a return to the main event scene and a showdown with Reigns seem inevitable.
6. CODY RHODES
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Made a memorable surprise return to WWE after six years at WrestleMania on April 2 and defeated Seth Rollins.
2. Gutted through a torn right pectoral tendon to beat Rollins in Hell in a Cell match on June 6.
3. Defeated Sammy Guevara to capture the AEW TNT championship for a third time on the January 26 edition of Dynamite.
4. Won an Atlanta Street Fight against Andrade El Ido-lo on the December 1 episode of AEW Dynamite.
5. Handed Malakai Black his first AEW loss at Saturday Night Dynamite on October 23rd.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 6
Six years ago, Cody Rhodes shook up the wrestling world and elevated his standing in the industry by leaving WWE … In 2022, he did the same by going back … The thought that a senior vice president (and co-founder) of All Elite Wrestling would return to the company he so overwhelmingly renounced seemed unthinkable when rumors began stirring early in the year … But, as he has before, Rhodes proved to be a step ahead of everyone else in plotting a path for his career … AEW departure came after months of heckling from fans, who appeared to tire of Rhodes’ act … AEW fans’ loss was WWE fans’ gain, as “The American Nightmare” became a top attraction—and world title contender—on his first night back in the company … Rhodes’ thrilling return even earned him an ESPY award for Best WWE Moment … As if he weren’t popular enough, the grandson of a plumber achieved almost mythical status with his performance against Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match … Unfortunately, the torn pectoral that made that performance so inspirational also forced him onto the sidelines for several months, killing his momentum … Has a knack for inspiring fans like few others this side of his late dad, Dusty Rhodes … Cody’s dream of winning the WWE world championship that his father coveted seems very much within reach.
7. BRYAN DANIELSON
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Went to a thrilling, 30-minute draw with World champion Kenny Omega in his first match in AEW at the Dynamite Grand Slam event on September 21 in New York City.
2. Took another AEW World champion to the limit when he battled Adam Page to a 60-minute draw at the “Winter Is Coming” edition of Dynamite on December 15.
3. Won an eight-man, single-elimination tournament in November to earn a shot at the AEW World title, beating Dustin Rhodes, Eddie Kingston, and Miro.
4. Beat Minoru Suzuki in a hard-hitting match on the Buy-In portion of the October 15 edition of Dynamite.
5. Downed future Blackpool Combat Club teammate Wheeler YUTA by referee’s decision on the March 30 episode of Dynamite.
WHY HE’S NUMBER 7
It takes a special person to earn a top 10 ranking in the PWI “500,” despite not wearing any championships during the evaluation period and coming up short in consecutive title challenges … And they don’t get much more special than “The American Dragon” … After working for WWE for a dozen years, Danielson made the leap to AEW last fall—hellbent on cementing his reputation for technical excellence in a company that put a premium on wrestling … Although he’s stumbled on occasion, including in high-profile losses to Adam Page and Jon Moxley, Danielson has looked as good in the ring as he has in years, now free from some of the constraints on his wrestling style that were in place in WWE … Appears to be biding his time before inevitably making another run at the AEW World championship, and has lately focused much of his effort on his team, the Blackpool Combat Club … The group’s leader, William Regal, has fittingly dubbed Danielson “The Perfect Wrestler” … Seems to relish pushing his physical limits in AEW … But Danielson, at 41 years old and with a history of concussions, would be forgiven for slowing down his pace, especially if it meant potentially lengthening his career.
8. EL HIJO DEL VIKINGO
TOP FIVE MOMENTS DURING EVALUATION PERIOD:
1. Won a five-way match that included Bandido, Bobby Fish, Jay Lethal, and Samuray Del Sol to win the vacant AAA Mega championship at Triplemania on December 4 in Monterrey, Mexico.2. Captured The Crash heavyweight title from Ban-dido in a four-way match that included Willie Mack and Dragon Lee at The Crash’s 10 Anniversary event in Tijuana, Mexico, on November 5.3. Retained the Mega championship in a defense against John Superstar (John Hennigan) at AAA’s Rey de Reyes event on February 19.4. Beat Aramis to keep the AAA Mega championship5. Downed Flip Gordon in defense of The Crash title on January 28 in Tijuana.
