who is the best wrestler right now
The arena lights flicker, the crowd roars, and history is made in an instant. That moment—when a wrestler transcends the sport, becoming more than a performer but a cultural icon—is what defines greatness in wrestling. But in 2024, with the industry more fragmented than ever, who is the best wrestler right now? The answer isn’t just about wins or championships; it’s about influence, innovation, and the ability to redefine what it means to be a star in an era where wrestling is both a spectacle and a social phenomenon.
The debate rages across fan forums, social media threads, and late-night talk shows. Is it the technical virtuoso who bends physics with every move? The charismatic showman who commands crowds without uttering a word? Or the underdog whose rise has redefined the business itself? The truth is, the title of "who is the best wrestler right now" isn’t monolithic—it shifts with the audience’s pulse. But one name consistently emerges as the benchmark: Cody Rhodes, whose blend of athleticism, storytelling, and unapologetic star power has cemented him as the face of modern wrestling.
Yet, the conversation isn’t settled. Behind Rhodes, a new generation of wrestlers—some seasoned, some fresh—are challenging the status quo. From the technical precision of Will Ospreay to the emotional depth of Bryan Danielson, the landscape is richer than ever. So, who truly holds the crown? To answer that, we must dissect the sport’s evolution, the mechanics of stardom, and the metrics that separate legends from the rest.
The Complete Overview
The question "who is the best wrestler right now" is less about raw dominance and more about cultural resonance. Wrestling in 2024 is a global phenomenon, with promotions like WWE, AEW, and NJPW competing for dominance in a digital-first world. The criteria for greatness have expanded beyond in-ring ability to include social media influence, storytelling, and even political commentary. But at its core, the debate hinges on three pillars: technical skill, charisma, and impact.
Historical Background and Evolution
Wrestling’s golden eras—from Hulk Hogan’s 1980s dominance to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s attitude revolution—have always been defined by a single, undeniable star. But today, the sport thrives on collective storytelling, where multiple wrestlers can coexist as top-tier talents. The rise of independent wrestling and streaming platforms has democratized access, allowing wrestlers like Jon Moxley and New Japan’s top stars to build global followings without relying solely on WWE or AEW.
Yet, the question "who is the best wrestler right now" still demands a singular answer because wrestling, at its heart, is a solo performance. The crowd doesn’t just cheer for a team—they cheer for the guy who makes them feel something. That’s why Cody Rhodes, despite his polarizing persona, has redefined what it means to be the face of wrestling in the 21st century.
Core Mechanisms: How It Works
So, how do we determine who is the best wrestler right now? The answer lies in three key mechanisms:
- In-Ring Ability – The technical foundation. Wrestlers like Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada are revered for their high-flying, precise styles, but even the most athletic wrestlers need more to sustain dominance.
- Storytelling and Character Work – The best wrestlers don’t just perform; they act. Bryan Danielson and CM Punk mastered the art of making audiences feel their characters’ struggles.
- Cultural Impact – In 2024, a wrestler’s reach extends beyond the ring. Cody Rhodes’ feud with Seth Rollins wasn’t just a match—it was a cultural moment, amplified by social media and mainstream media coverage.
Key Benefits and Impact
The wrestler who answers "who is the best wrestler right now" isn’t just a sports figure—they’re a cultural arbiter. Their influence shapes trends, business models, and even the future of entertainment.
"Wrestling is the only sport where the crowd decides the rules. The best wrestler isn’t just the best in the ring—they’re the one who makes the audience believe in the impossible." — Dave Meltzer (Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Major Advantages
The wrestler who dominates in 2024 enjoys several key advantages:
- Global Branding – Cody Rhodes isn’t just a wrestler; he’s a lifestyle icon, with endorsements, a podcast (The Rhodes Scholars), and a fanbase that spans continents.
- Storyline Control – The ability to dictate narratives (e.g., AEW’s "Blood and Guts" era) ensures longevity in an industry where trends shift rapidly.
- Social Media Dominance – Wrestlers like Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar leverage platforms like TikTok and Twitter to maintain relevance outside PPV events.
- Business Acumen – The best wrestlers today understand merchandising, streaming deals, and even political messaging (see: CM Punk’s involvement in labor rights).
- Legacy Building – Whether through documentaries (e.g., Beyond the Mat) or autobiographies, top wrestlers ensure their impact lasts beyond their careers.
Comparative Analysis
To truly answer "who is the best wrestler right now", we must compare the top contenders across key metrics:
| Wrestler | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes |
|
| Will Ospreay |
|
| Bryan Danielson |
|
| Brock Lesnar |
|
While Will Ospreay and Bryan Danielson excel in technical and emotional storytelling, Cody Rhodes stands out as the complete package—a wrestler who dominates in-ring, on-screen, and in the boardroom.
Future Trends
The wrestling industry is evolving at a breakneck pace. By 2025, "who is the best wrestler right now" may look entirely different due to:
- The Rise of Streaming-Exclusive Talent – Wrestlers like Darby Allin and Jungle Boy are building careers outside traditional promotions, forcing established stars to adapt.
- AI and Virtual Wrestlers – Could we see a digital wrestler (like WWE’s AI-generated stars) challenging human competitors?
- Global Expansion – Wrestlers from Lucha Libre (Mexico), UFC crossover stars (e.g., Colby Covington), and Asian promotions (NJPW, ROH) will continue reshaping the landscape.
- Fan Control – Platforms like Patreon and OnlyFans allow wrestlers to bypass promotions, making independent wrestling a viable career path.
- Political and Social Commentary – Wrestlers like CM Punk and Karrion Kross are using the squared circle as a soapbox, which may redefine what audiences expect from top stars.
Conclusion
So, who is the best wrestler right now? The answer is Cody Rhodes—not because he’s perfect, but because he embodies the total package of what wrestling demands in 2024. He’s the technician, the showman, the businessman, and the cultural force all in one. But the beauty of wrestling is that the conversation never ends. Tomorrow, it could be Will Ospreay’s precision, Bryan Danielson’s emotional depth, or an entirely new name that redefines greatness.
One thing is certain: The wrestler who answers "who is the best wrestler right now" in 2025 will be the one who adapts, innovates, and makes the audience believe in something bigger than themselves.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Cody Rhodes really the best wrestler right now, or is this just hype?
While hype plays a role, Rhodes’ dominance is backed by box office numbers, streaming views, and cultural influence. His ability to carry multiple promotions (WWE, AEW, All In) and maintain relevance across social media and mainstream media sets him apart. However, "best" is subjective—some argue Will Ospreay’s technical skill or Bryan Danielson’s storytelling makes them more deserving of the title.
Q: Can a wrestler from outside WWE or AEW (like NJPW’s Kazuchika Okada) be considered the best?
Absolutely. Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay are among the most technically gifted wrestlers in the world, with undisputed championships (IWGP) and global followings. However, their limited mainstream exposure in the U.S. means they’re often overlooked in the "who is the best wrestler right now" debate. The answer depends on whether you value technical purity or cultural impact.
Q: How does social media influence the answer to "who is the best wrestler right now"?
Social media is everything in 2024. Wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar leverage platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to maintain relevance outside PPVs. A single viral moment (e.g., Lesnar’s "Suspicious Minds" promo) can elevate a wrestler’s stock overnight. Meanwhile, wrestlers with strong indie followings (e.g., Darby Allin, Jungle Boy) thrive on Patreon and OnlyFans, bypassing traditional promotions.
Q: Is there a wrestler who could dethrone Cody Rhodes in the next year?
Yes—Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose) is the most likely candidate. His technical skill, mic work, and emotional storytelling make him a fan favorite, and his AEW contract gives him creative freedom. If he secures a main-event push, he could challenge Rhodes’ dominance. Other dark horses include Will Ospreay (if he gets more U.S. exposure) and Bryan Danielson (if he returns to WWE as a top star).
Q: Does being a champion automatically make someone the best wrestler right now?
Not necessarily. Brock Lesnar holds the WWE Universal Championship, but his limited mic skills and reliance on hype prevent him from being universally regarded as the best. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has held multiple titles but is celebrated for his charisma, business savvy, and ability to carry storylines. The best wrestler isn’t always the one with the belt—it’s the one who commands the narrative.
Q: How does the rise of streaming affect who we consider the best wrestler?
Streaming has democratized wrestling, allowing independent wrestlers (e.g., Karrion Kross, Mark Henry) to build careers without WWE or AEW. This means the "who is the best wrestler right now" debate now includes streaming-exclusive talent, not just PPV stars. Platforms like AEW’s TNT deal and WWE’s Peacock streaming also give promotions more control over who gets spotlighted, further complicating the answer.
Q: Will AI or virtual wrestlers ever challenge human stars for the title of "best wrestler right now"?
It’s possible—but unlikely in the near future. While WWE has experimented with AI-generated wrestlers, fans still crave authenticity. A virtual wrestler could never replicate the emotional connection, physicality, and unpredictability of a human performer. However, if AI advances to the point where digital wrestlers can tell compelling stories, we may see a hybrid future where human stars and AI performers coexist**.
