Pro Wrestling Illustrated recently revealed its Top 500 of 2022, which lists the best wrestlers in the world. In case there are any questions, let's clarify PWI's criteria for determining this ranking. The evaluation period is between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, and primarily takes into account win-loss record, titles won, influence on the sport, and technical ability.
Roman Reigns was named as number one in the top 500, and it makes sense considering the above criteria. Below we explain why Roman Reigns deserves to be #1 on PWI's Top 500 of 2022, but we'll also take a look at other wrestlers who could have topped the list.
9 Could Be Number 1: Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley was 12th in PWI's Top 500, which is obviously amazing, but he should have been ranked higher, and it wouldn't have been unreasonable if he was at the top of the list. Moxley had a phenomenal season, he won 29 singles matches, while only losing once (to Lance Archer). Moxley even won the AEW Interim World Championship after defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi. In addition, Moxley was very influential in the sport, being loved by the fans, and giving his best in every match.
8 Why Roman Reigns Deserves To Be #1: Undefeated Streak
Roman Reigns has not been pinned in over 1000 days, so obviously he was not pinned between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. The Tribal Chief had a win-loss record of 19-1, with his only loss being via disqualification, to Seth Rollins at Royal Rumble 2022.
Reigns not only held the Universal Title, but unified it with the WWE Title after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. This undefeated streak, and the historic title run are the main reason Roman Reigns topped the PWI’s top 500.
7 Could Be Number 1: Adam Page
Adam Page is nowhere near Roman Reigns in terms of greatness, but according to PWI's criteria, Adam Page could be number one this year. In singles action, Hangman had nine wins, one loss and one draw. Page was the one who dethroned Kenny Omega, and held the AEW World Title for over six months, retaining the title against Bryan Danielson (twice), Adam Cole (twice), Lance Archer and Dante Martin, putting on excellent performances in each bout.
6 Why Roman Reigns Deserves To Be #1: He Is The Biggest Draw Right Now
Roman Reigns is an authentic needle mover, he was the biggest draw in professional wrestling/sports entertainment during the evaluation period by far, and he still is. When Roman Reigns is on TV, everyone watches, even the simplest segment featuring the Tribal Chief is entertaining. Reigns is synonymous with high TV ratings, ticket sales and merchandising. Roman Reigns’ influence on the sport has been huge.
5 Could Be Number 1: Kazuchika Okada
Kazuchika Okada was second in the 2022 PWI Top 500, well deserved. In fact, he could have been number one, as he had an excellent year. It's no secret to anyone that Okada is one of the best wrestlers of this generation, and some think he is one of the best of all time, a respectable opinion, as Okada is simply a phenom in the ring.
Between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, Okada had a 22-4 record in singles matches. He was IWGP World Heavyweight Champion for 159 days, taking the title from Shingo Takagi, and retaining against Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr. and Tetsuya Naito.
4 Why Roman Reigns Deserves To Be #1: He Delivered Great Matches
This is not the main criteria for PWI, but according to Fightful it is taken into account. Haters say Roman Reigns can't wrestle, which is absolutely wrong. Certainly, Roman Reigns has a limited moveset, but that doesn't mean his matches are bad. In fact, Reigns' in-ring work has been terrific. Reigns doesn't botch, he does an amazing character work, and he's a top-notch storyteller. Maybe Roman Reigns didn't have five-star classics, but his matches were awesome.
3 Could Be Number 1: CM Punk
These days many fans want nothing to do with CM Punk, after everything that happened backstage in AEW, so seeing him as third in the ranking generated a lot of controversy on social media. However, CM Punk deserves that spot, and maybe he could have topped the list. Punk had a 20-1 record in the evaluation period, and one of those wins was against Adam Page to become AEW World Champion, which is more impressive if we consider he hadn't wrestled in seven years. Like it or not, CM Punk had an excellent year, and his position in the top 500 makes sense.
2 Why Roman Reigns Deserves To Be #1: He Has Defeated Amazing Wrestlers
From a kayfabe standpoint, it matters a lot who you defeat, it elevates you as a wrestler, it gives you momentum and credibility. Roman Reigns has defeated so many great wrestlers that he is on another level, and from a kayfabe standpoint, Roman Reigns is untouchable. Between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, Roman Reigns defeated legends such as Brock Lesnar (twice), Goldberg, Edge and John Cena, in addition to defeating the great threat the Demon Finn Balor, and other great wrestlers such as Big E and Riddle. Reigns proved his superiority by defeating high-caliber opponents, and that means a lot to Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
1 Could Be Number 1: Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes didn't have the best start to the season, as he had a 10-5 record in his last few months in AEW, he did win the TNT Title, but it was a lackluster reign. However, when Cody Rhodes returned to WWE, he changed the game. Cody had an 8-0 record, defeating none other than Seth Rollins three times, in three memorable matches by the way. The American Nightmare made a huge impact, and he gathered merits to be number one.