From breakout stars to title-dominating veterans, 2025 has already delivered jaw-dropping moments in pro wrestling. Whether it’s WWE, AEW, or indie brilliance, these are the wrestlers who’ve defined the year so far. Vote for your favorites and help shape the official Votters 2025 Wrestling Rankings.
Will Ospreay (born 7 May 1993) is an English wrestling star, known for his high-flying "Aerial Assassin" style. He rose to prominence in NJPW, winning IWGP junior, US, and world titles, leading the United Empire faction. Since 2024 he's been under full-time AEW contract, a two-time AEW International Champion, beloved for elite matches and electrifying athleticism.
Iyo Sky, born Masami Odate in Japan on May 8, 1990, is a dynamic WWE Superstar performing on Raw as a high-flying technician. Formerly known as Io Shirai in NXT, she’s a multi-time champion—NXT Women’s, WWE Women’s, Women’s World, Women’s Tag Team (twice with Dakota Kai), and Money in the Bank winner.
Swerve Strickland (Stephon Strickland, b. Sept 30, 1990) is an American AEW star and former WWE NXT North American Champion. A dynamic high-flyer and rapper, he’s captured the MLW, CZW, and Evolve heavyweight titles. Debuting in AEW in 2022, he became its first Black World and Tag Team Champion, blending vibrant charisma with intense athleticism
Cody Rhodes is an American professional wrestler known for his charisma, storytelling, and legacy as the son of Dusty Rhodes. After rising in WWE, he reinvented himself on the independent scene and helped launch AEW. Returning to WWE in 2022, he became a top star, headlining major events and capturing championship gold. Rhodes is celebrated for his resilience, leadership, and role in reshaping modern wrestling.
Jey Uso is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE’s Raw brand. Part of the legendary Anoa’i dynasty and twin brother to Jimmy Uso, he debuted in June 2007 and rose to fame as one half of The Usos, a record-setting tag team with eight WWE Tag titles and a 622‑day SmackDown reign.
Gunther, an Austrian professional wrestler, is known for his imposing presence, intense in-ring style, and unmatched discipline. Formerly known as WALTER, he made his mark in NXT UK before dominating WWE’s main roster. Leading the Imperium faction, Gunther is respected for his no-nonsense approach and commitment to the art of wrestling, earning recognition as one of WWE’s most formidable competitors.
Orange Cassidy is an American pro wrestler known for his laid-back persona, comedic style, and surprising in-ring skill. A standout in AEW, he’s a former International Champion with one of the longest title reigns in company history. With his hands-in-pockets antics and sharp athleticism, Cassidy has become a fan favorite and a unique figure in modern wrestling.
Born Ilja Rukober, Ilja Dragunov is a Russian‑born, German‑naturalised professional wrestler known as "The Mad Dragon." Debuting in 2012, he rose through Europe’s indie scene—especially wXw—before signing with WWE in 2019. He became the first Russian‑born male in WWE history to win championships, claiming both the NXT UK and NXT titles through epic, intense rivalries. Dragunov is celebrated for his hard‑hitting style, resilience, and emotional storytelling in the ring.
Roman Reigns is a dominant WWE Superstar and former football player. Known as “The Tribal Chief,” he leads The Bloodline faction with hallmark strength, commanding presence, and hit moves like the Spear and Superman Punch
Julia Hart is an American professional wrestler signed to AEW. A former cheerleader and two‑time national champion, she debuted in 2019. Initially part of the cheer‑themed Varsity Blondes, Hart underwent a dramatic character transformation in 2022 when she joined the House of Black (now Hounds of Hell). She’s a former AEW TBS Champion known for her gothic persona, evolving in‑ring skill, and rapid rise within the women’s division
Tiffany Stratton is an American WWE Superstar and former gymnast. Debuting in 2021, she became NXT Women’s Champion, Money in the Bank winner, and current SmackDown Women’s Champion. Known for her “Prettiest Moonsault Ever” and glam-rich “Tiffy Time” persona, Stratton blends athleticism with confidence, marking her as a standout rising star.
Kazuchika Okada is a Japanese pro wrestler and AEW’s current Continental Champion. Best known as “The Rainmaker,” Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers ever. A four‑time G1 Climax winner, he earned acclaim in legendary bouts against Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenny Omega—his 2018 match received the highest-ever seven-star rating.
Rhea Ripley (Demi Bennett, born October 11, 1996 in Adelaide) is an Australian WWE Superstar known for her gothic-metal aesthetic, immense in-ring strength, and intense, no-nonsense persona. A former NXT UK Women’s Champion, Royal Rumble winner, and multi-time Raw, SmackDown, Women's World, and Tag Team Champion, she’s a Triple Crown and Grand Slam winner, and a dominant force in WWE’s women’s division
Bryan Danielson, formerly known as Daniel Bryan in WWE, is a highly respected professional wrestler known for his technical mastery, intense passion, and underdog spirit. A multi-time world champion, he gained global fame in WWE before joining AEW, where he continues to deliver acclaimed performances. Beloved for his "Yes!" movement and environmental advocacy, Danielson is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential wrestlers of his generation.
Trick Williams is an American WWE NXT Superstar and current TNA World Champion. A former college football standout, he debuted in NXT in 2021, winning the North American title and becoming a two-time NXT Champion, plus 2023 Iron Survivor winner. Known for his “Whoop That Trick” catchphrase and athletic intensity, Williams is viewed as a future WWE main-eventer
Sami Zayn is a Canadian-Syrian WWE Superstar known for his charisma, in-ring versatility, and past as indie favorite El Generico. A former NXT, Intercontinental, and Tag Team Champion, he’s also recognized for his role in The Bloodline and humanitarian work. Zayn blends passion, storytelling, and athleticism into one of WWE’s most compelling characters.
Mercedes Moné is an American pro wrestler and actress known for her success in WWE, NJPW, Stardom, and AEW. Nicknamed “The CEO,” she’s the only woman to win titles in all three major promotions. Also known for her role in The Mandalorian, Moné is a groundbreaking figure in wrestling and entertainment.
Jonathan “Jon Moxley” Good is an American pro wrestler best known as Dean Ambrose in WWE, where he shined as part of The Shield and became a Grand Slam Champion. Also successful in NJPW as an IWGP World Heavyweight and U.S. Heavyweight champ, Moxley is celebrated for his raw intensity, gritty brawls, and genuine passion for storytelling in the ring
Logan Alexander Paul is an American internet star, boxer, and WWE Superstar known for his viral fame, “Impaulsive” podcast, and co-founding Prime hydration. He joined WWE in 2022, quickly capturing the U.S. Championship. Despite past controversies, Paul is a prominent media figure, praised for his athleticism and crossover success in sports entertainment.
Becky Lynch, born Rebecca Quin, is an Irish professional wrestler and WWE Superstar known for her charisma, resilience, and in-ring prowess. Rising to fame as "The Man," she became the first woman to headline WrestleMania and hold both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships simultaneously. A fan favorite, Lynch is celebrated for breaking barriers in women’s wrestling and remains one of WWE’s most influential and accomplished performers.
