The year 2023 has witnessed the emergence of several talented wrestlers in both WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). These rising stars have been working hard to establish themselves as the best in the business and have become favorites amongst bettors on the best WWE betting sites on the internet. As the year’s halfway mark has just passed, it’s time to rank the top wrestlers in WWE and AEW based on the quality of their work and the historical significance of their performances.
Sheamus
Kicking off this list is the Irish powerhouse, Sheamus. With his hard-hitting style and impressive performances, Sheamus has made a strong impact in 2023. His defining moment came in the men’s Royal Rumble match, where he set a record for the longest appearance. Sheamus followed it up with a five-star contest against Drew McIntyre. He also had a captivating David vs. Goliath showdown with Mustafa Ali at WrestleMania 39. These matches elevated the secondary title to new heights.
Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley has showcased her incredible talent and dominance in the women’s division of WWE. Known for her unique look and fierce in-ring style, Ripley has become a force to be reckoned with. Her performances have been consistent and memorable, solidifying her position as one of the top female wrestlers in WWE.
Orange Cassidy
Orange Cassidy brings a unique and entertaining style to the ring. With his laid-back demeanor and incredible in-ring abilities, Cassidy has won the hearts of fans worldwide. Despite his relaxed approach, Cassidy has proven to deliver outstanding performances when it matters most. This has earned him a well-deserved spot on this list.
Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes has been a consistent performer throughout 2023. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to connect with the audience has made him a fan favorite. Rhodes has been involved in compelling matches and has played a crucial role in developing AEW.
Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson, formerly known as Daniel Bryan, transitioned seamlessly into AEW in 2023. His technical prowess and intensity in the ring have captivated audiences. Danielson has engaged in memorable matches, including a phenomenal Iron Man match against MJF. His arrival in AEW has injected new life into his career, and he continues to excel on a grand stage.
A closer look at the top five wrestlers who have stood out in 2023
Gunther
Gunther, a rare NXT export who has thrived on the main roster, has impressed with his hard-hitting and no-nonsense wrestling style. He can make any match feel like a grueling war of attrition. Gunther’s dominance in the ring has exceeded expectations. If he continues to deliver quality performances and receives strong bookings, he could climb even higher in the rankings by the end of 2023.
Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn experienced a resurgence in 2023. His in-ring performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Zayn has delivered emotionally charged matches, including a memorable main event against Roman Reigns in Montreal and a highly acclaimed tag team match against The Usos at WrestleMania 39. Zayn has established himself as one of the workhorses of WWE this year, captivating audiences with his in-ring skills and compelling storytelling.
MJF
MJF may not wrestle frequently, but his in-ring performances have been exceptional in 2023. As the AEW World Champion, he has delivered standout matches, including an unforgettable Iron Man match against Bryan Danielson. MJF’s ability to captivate the audience with his heel persona and engage in high-quality matches has solidified his position as one of the elite performers in professional wrestling.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has proven himself to be a masterful performer in 2023. While some may criticize his reliance on signature moves, Reigns understands the subtleties and intricacies that make a wrestling match truly great. His facial expressions, body language, and storytelling abilities have elevated his performances to another level. Reigns’ mastery of the art of pro wrestling has made him the measuring stick in the industry, and his character work has been exceptional.
Seth Rollins
Claiming the top spot on our list is Seth Rollins. Rollins has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into the total package. His character development, in-ring skills, and ability to connect with the audience have propelled him to the forefront of WWE. Rollins has been delivering some of his best work, consistently delivering outstanding matches against various opponents. Rollins has established himself as the best wrestler on any show in WWE or AEW with his recent victories and impressive performances.