WB’s Top 10 Male Wrestlers of 2022

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Wrestle Buddy proudly introduces our Top 10 Male wrestlers for 2022! 

The team has diligently compiled who we felt deserved to be on such a decorated list of extraordinary athletes. These gentlemen have achieved so much in one year & not to mention previously. We’re celebrating them in true WB fashion. Let’s honor each man who transcended expectations throughout 2022.

Time to see how they are ranked!!!

1. Jon Moxley

Credit: AEW

This wrestler adapted beneficially post-WWE after becoming one of AEW’s biggest stars! Former World Champion Jon Moxley’s 2022 impresses fans considerably. Mox has an undeniable consistency within pro wrestling by securing championships outside of All-Elite Wrestling as well. The former Shield member began wrestling another ex-WWE star, Bryan Danielson ( Daniel Bryan), and their memorable feud culminated at Revolution (March 2022). Thanks to the surprise debut of William Regal, both men had aligned with him to form-“ The Blackpool Combat Club! “ Moxley defeated future BCC teammate Wheeler Yuta on an episode of Rampage. 

Circa Double or Nothing: Mox & Danielson teamed with Eddie Kingston, Santana & Ortiz to wrestle The Jericho Appreciation Society in a wild Anarchy in the Arena spectacle-type match. Mox encountered Hiroshi Tanahashi & won the AEW Interim Title via Forbidden Door (June). His success flourished as he beat CM Punk in record time during the August 24 edition of Dynamite. 

Moxley won the AEW World Championship for the second time. He would lose the belt back to Punk at All Out! Later after AEW vacated it, Mox survived against Danielson to win the belt back at Grand Slam (September). He lost his championship to MJF-Full Gear. Moxley also competed In NJPW & GCW, where he was a champion. Moxs’ achievements-three times AEW Champion, a 1-time WWE Champion, one-time United States & 3-time Intercontinental Champion previously for WWE! 

2. Seth Rollins

He is one of the best to wrestle inside the ring. Seth Rollins’ nicknames include Architect, Visionary, & many other notable titles wrestling historians might aptly give him. Since Rollins’s Ring of Honor days, fans knew this wrestler was impeccable. The WWE consciously builds its sophisticated brand of sports entertainment around him. Seth “ Freakin “ Rollins even overcame defeats to improvise for 2022! Beginning at PLE-Day 1 in January: Rollins faced Champion Big E, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, & Brock Lesnar. 

Seth fought former ally & Universal Champion Roman Reigns via the Royal Rumble. He survived only to win by DQ but not win the belt. Rollins took on returning Cody Rhodes per WrestleMania 38! It began one of wrestling’s better modern trilogies as each wrestler squared off at WrestleMania Backlash & Hell in a Cell! Seth & AJ Styles wrestled phenomenally & Rollins defeated Styles-Money in the Bank. 

He then engaged in battle by opposing Matt Riddle circa SummerSlam. Seth outsmarted ‘ The Orginal Bro’ to score a victory hence Clash at the Castle. Rollins fought Riddle in a fight-pit-style bout for Extreme Rules. Rollins made history after winning the United States Championship on a Raw in October, beating Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar helped. Seth successfully defended the U.S. Title against challenger Austin Theory. Later Rollins lost it in a Triple Threat Match at Survivor Series as Theory won. Rollins’s reign encompassed forty-seven days. Accolades entail two-time WWE World Champion, twice Universal Champion, & Intercontinental Champion twice & that is not all.

3. Will Ospreay 

Wrestling enthusiasts often select eaches favorites from either WWE or AEW! However, New Japan Pro Wrestling can argue they also have some of the world’s best talent. Will Ospreay is synonymous as it concerns this celebrated industry. Not many pro wrestlers are more advanced regarding their skill set than Ospreay. He’s viewed by those who follow wrestling as the best through various perspectives.

Ospreay’s unique style has resonated with immediate popularity among those observing the British athlete. Will attain a superstar status, especially overseas in the UK & Japan. North American audiences quickly recognized his abilities. IWGP World Champion Kazuchika Okada opposed Will Ospreay in the main event instant classic on January 5th. The United Empire put up a great effort, but Okada won & unified the Championships. 

2022 remained crucial for Ospreay. Numerous highlights showcased Ospreay’s enduring in-ring presence. New Japan Cup Tournament featured him winning over Bushi, El Phatasmo & IWGP U.S. title-holder Sanada. A significant moment transpired as Will fractured Sanada’s orbital bone during their third-round match. He wrestled Zach Sabre Jr. & Jon Moxley when NJPW toured the United States. Ospreay routed Sanada to become the IWGP United States Champ. Ospreay & friends shocked the wrestling world by debuting in AEW. 

They attacked Trent Beretta and FTR on an episode of Dynamite. Beretta, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler faced Ospreay & Aussie Open during AEW Rampage. At Road Rager: Dax Harwood and Will Ospreay tore the house down. Ospreay would be victorious. He defended the IWGP World Title contra to Orange Cassidy-( Forbidden Door). Ospreay & Aussie Open vied for an opportunity at the AEW Trios Titles. Death Triangle found out just how tough this group was. The Elite wrestled Ospreay and Aussie Open in a momentous affair. He is a 3-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion for Revolution Pro Wrestling. An IWGP World Champion once. 

4. Josh Alexander

Josh Alexander made the wrestling community respect & take notice of Impact Wrestling recently as World Champion! Alexander’s technical expertise has reinvigorated a brand that experienced past success. 

Many could debate how stars like Alexander assisted this brand’s relevancy once more. We all realize Canada produces fundamentally sound athletes who express themselves naturally in-ring. Bret & Owen Hart are prime illustrations. Alexander follows that long-standing tradition of excellence. He submitted Jonah’s (Bronson Reed) at Hard to Kill. The franchise player challenged Moose & won the Impact World Title for a second time via Impact Rebellion. Alexander welcomed any obstacles. New Japan’s Tomohiro Ishii wasn’t successful when facing Alexander ( Under Seige). Eric Young and Joe Doering tried, but this fighting champion learned to overcome. 

At Ric Flair’s Last Match, Josh Alexander faced MLW’s Jacob Fatu. His success rate continued as Alexander beat Alex Shelley! Alexander joined forces with Heath & Rich Swann to encounter Honor No More ( Eddie Edwards, Matt Taven, & Mike Bennett) concerning a 6-man tag team contest during Bound for Glory. Alexander retained the Championship after outlasting Frankie Kazarian at OverDrive. His accomplishments equal Impact World Champion twice, one-time X-Division Champion, & 2-time Impact World Tag Team Champion.

5. Gunther

Current WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther defines what a professional wrestler should exemplify. He leads Imperium ( Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) into excruciating perils. Globally he’s called the ‘ Ring General’ of wrestling. Many can’t measure up in size & wrestling IQ. The IC Champion demands that wrestlers respect that prestigious ring. Just from his presence alone, the Austrian competitor energizes fans with a more classical approach by describing his style. Gunther showed LA Knight why one must honor this high-ranking officer of in-between-the-ropes warfare. NXT Stand & Deliver engaged its viewers with a glimpse of the destructive force that depicts this former NXT Champion.

He looked to teach newer generations lessons in wrestling techniques. Bron Breakker soon comprehended the European strategist who combines power with the mechanical capacity every wrestler should possess. Gunther challenged Bron for his NXT title on a specific April episode where the brand took over the USA Network & that date was April 5th. 

A new career chapter began as Gunther officially made his main roster debut on April 8th at SmackDown. Ludwig Kaiser accompanied him. Later this year, Gunther humiliated Joe Alonzo & dominated the opposition in less than three minutes. June proved rewarding. Gunther crushed Ricochet. Such victory would crown a new Intercontinental Champion. Other prosperous wins included Ricochet once more and Shinsuke Nakamura. He defended opposite Sheamus in what seemingly everybody concurred was this year’s great matches per Clash at the Castle. Gunther retained the title in the process. Gunther impressed onlookers after beating legendary opponent Rey Mysterio back circa a November Smackdown.

6. Roman Reigns 

Roman Reigns overwhelmingly controls wrestling’s interest. Since 2020, The Tribal Chief’s accomplishments have driven WWE into a must-see TV product recently. The Bloodline storyline continues its multi-dimension layered arc that breathes new life with mainstream wrestling programming. Reigns utilized a bizarre era of sports entertainment regarding the Thunderdome era! His reinvention originated there. 2022 has benefited magnificently from a Bloodline Evolution. 

Roman lost via DQ. This battle against a familiar comrade in Seth Rollins at the Royal Rumble. The Universal Champion did finish the war after all. Roman caused the WWE Hall of Famer to submit at Elimination Chamber. A mighty Beast named Brock Lesnar had fallen when Reigns unified both Championships at WrestleMania 38. Now, he was to be titled- Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. The family’s preeminence ensued. 

We saw RK-Bro ( Randy Orton & Matt Riddle even teamed with Drew McIntyre to face Reigns & The Usos ( WrestleMania Backlash). Riddle tried stopping his progress, only for Roman to smash him via SmackDown. He & Lesnar refueled their rivalry ending at SummerSlam in a Last Man Standing Match. The Champ survived. Cardiff Wales/ Clash at the Castle, Reigns proved successful against Drew McIntyre. Social

Media celebrity Logan Paul wrestled Reigns via Crown Jewel but couldn’t dethrone ‘The One!’ Sami Zayn let his adopted brethren know where his allegiance lies & made sure The Bloodline walked out winners concerning the Survivor Series War Games Main Event over The Brawling Brutes. A once-in-a-lifetime Title reign of over 840 plus days!

7. Dax Harwood

Dax Harwood embodies what professional wrestling is. That physical hard-hitting/ specialized style has easily transcended tag team & singles-based matchups. I can’t remember too many contemporaries talking so favorably about a modern athlete using an old-school mentality as those referring to Harwood. Usually, spectators think of FTR being a dominant team. Dax illustrated his tremendous profundity inside the ring. We visualized a great pro wrestler regularly outperforming his competition across multiple promotions.

Haywood & Bryan Danielson wrestled a technical masterpiece regarding a November episode of AEW Dynamite. He defeated Mike Bailey at this year’s Wrestle Cade Supershow! Dax challenged ROH Champion during an edition of AEW Rampage. Jay Lethal and Harwood’s conflicts drew you in. 

Will Ospreay learn about the IWGP Tag Team Champion & Triple A Tag Team Champion’s toughness when they fought? Both CM Punk and Cash Wheeler know this solemn truth. Each faced off with Dax Harwood. FTR’s rivalries are always prominent. Their memorable encounters contra to The Briscoes involving the Ring of Honor Tag Team Belts instantly created necessary excitement for the wrestling business! 

PWI ranked Harwood number 103 out of their top 500 singles wrestlers in 2019. He & Cash Wheeler continue building a Hall of Fame legacy together & Dax reinforces his current singles run & why he’s one of the best. 

8. Bobby Lashley

If the Greek Gods created a professional wrestler? Then his name shall be Bobby Lashley. Picture this physique made from granite. Lashley returned to WWE with a vengeance. From joining The Hurt Business to adding the United States & WWE Championship!!! He received another Title opportunity at WWE Day 1. The Almighty faced Champion Big E, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, & Brock Lesnar. Fast forward to the Royal Rumble, Lashley slayed the Beast Brock Lesnar & became WWE Champion. Lashley ended Omos’s undefeated streak circa WrestleMania 38. Austin Theory would lose the United States Championship to Bobby Lashley at Money in the Bank. His SummerSlam title defense was rewarding after defeating Theory. Lashley feuded with Brock because he cost Bobby the United States Championship after attacking him. Seth Rollins triumphed as a result & win the U.S. Title. The WWE Universe witnessed Lashley versus Rollins versus Theory via Survivor Series WarGames. So 2022 gave Mr. Lashley enormously great success.

9. Sheamus

https://twitter.com/wwesheamus/status/1566134103552004096?s=46&t=8dBkjFkGQGxotdSMwsXkZA

The Celtic Warrior loves a good fight. Since being drafted to Friday Night SmackDown, Sheamus constructed this new faction titled The Brawling Brutes. It rejuvenated his stellar career. Sheamus aided a protege named Ridge Holland in winning matches. Suddenly, an Irish/ English connection started. They made examples of Richocet & Cesaro on Friday evenings. Sheamus had entered the Royal Rumble matchup coming in at number 17. Bad Bunny versus Sheamus was astonishing. Butch ( Pete Dunne) becomes a team member with Ridge & Sheamus. Holland and his mentor outsmarted The New Day to score a staggering attainment as part of WrestleMania 38! He went back and forth between competing in tag team & singles bouts.

Sheamus transitioned back into a single competitor at Money in the Bank. Additional noteworthy moments comprised two friends fighting in a “ Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook “ themed match. Sheamus brawled against Drew McIntyre to determine the No. 1 Contender for Champion Roman Reigns concerning Clash at the Castle. Following his loss, He earned an Intercontinental Title shot when WWE invaded Great Britain. Saturday, September 3rd, Sheamus faced Gunther in a grueling & intense wrestling classic & both quieted any detractors. The Cardiff crowd applauded his valiant endeavor in opposing Gunther during Clash at the Castle! The Brawling Brutes gained revenge by countering Imperium. The playing field evened up as Extreme Rules accentuated a Six Man Tag Team Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook matchup. The Brutes we’re triumphantly contrasting their nemesis. Sheamus & the Brawling Brutes & Kevin Owens & Drew McIntyre fought The Bloodline in the men’s main event of Survivor Series War Games. PWI ranked him number 5 out of their top 500 wrestlers for 2012. 

10. Bron Breakker

NXT Champion Bron Breakker maintains a great power & speed combination that thrills current wrestling audiences. Before earning his spot on television. This young man came from an athletic background & being a second-generation wrestler. One might notice Steiner-like mannerisms when you watch his matches. Hearing Breakker talk reminds people of his father, Rick Steiner, and uncle Scott Steiner. Yes, the legendary Steiner Brothers. Bron is exceptionally directing a futuristic path to superstardom which crowds are taking note of now. The Champ brings contagious energy into the NXT arenas. He’s establishing himself as somebody who will be great for a long time.

Breakker shocked everybody via NXT New Year’s Evil back in January 2022! He made Tommaso Ciampa submit to become NXT Champion. Born impressively beat Santos Escobar while retaining the title-(Vengeance Day). Let’s discuss the main roster arrival for Breakker circa March seventh on Raw. He & Ciampa teamed to defeat Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. He kept momentum until losing the belt to Ziggler in an intriguing triple-threat contest that featured him, Ciampa, & Dolph-( Roadblock). Breakker had the privilege of inducting his famed father & uncle into WWE’s 2022 Hall of Fame! Breakker feuded with Ziggler, eventually winning the NXT Championship from Dolph Ziggler on a Raw in April. His conquest of worthy adversaries was Joe Gacy, Cameron Grimes, and J. D. McDonagh. More history followed when the Champion unified the NXT & NXT UK titles after surviving his match opposite Tyler Bate at Worlds Collide. October’s Halloween Havoc, Bron’s experience grew remarkably. He routed Ilja Dragunov & McDonagh. To close out the year, Breakker was victorious against veteran wrestler Apollo Crews. That happened at December’s NXT Deadline. 

Bron ranked No. 26 out of the top 500 singles wrestlers in PWI 500 for 2022. He’s a two-time NXT Champion.

On behalf of our staff and this informative pro-wrestling news media publication, the team conveys its heartfelt thanks to everyone. Stay tuned for more future wrestling-related news regarding articles, podcasts, & features 

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