Microstatistics

#159 Naomichi Marufuji My #64. Unquestionably one of the most influential wrestlers of modern era. I think the theory is sound that a bunch of modern wrestling (for better or worse) is just attempts to replicate Marufuji and KENTA. His peak was the early 2000s but I have found him compelling pretty much his whole career, including the recent physically broken down performances. #155 Nobuhiko Takada I remember the rabid backlash in 2016 that contributed to him getting catapulted out of the Top 100. I guess his standing has never really recovered since. I thought he was second tier to the absolute greats of his styles (shoot-style/NJPW hybrid) but that doesn't mean he wasn't exceptional. #42 was a reasonable placement I feel.

#167 MJF Speak of the devil. I put him at #68. I agree with the versatility and heel work assessments, moreover the work with Darby, Bryan, and Mistico is some of the most compelling from this decade. I thought his obnoxious heel act worked if incorporated into the in-ring product, otherwise I don't personally care for his promotional work.

#189 Chihiro Hashimoto Was tempted to say she is a contender for the future but she has had a considerable, nearly-a-decade long run already. One to explore further. #187 Randy Orton My #82. A curious case, with a dearth of in-your-face classics but enough high quality output once you dig around. Absolutely polished fundamentals and overlooked charisma. #175 "Timeless" Toni Storm I was the one to nominate her and fairly late in the game (though ended up not voting for her), so am surprised she finished this high. Still like her a good bit, largely on the strength of the Mariah feud, but after watching Mariah in NXT, I am beginning to wonder if she was the better worker and should have been nominated too. Also, to the initial point, nice to see MJF (another of my nominees) still kicking. #174 Pirata Morgan Top 10 wrestler in the world in the late 80s-early 90s, one of the most competitive periods? Put him at #61. #172 Roman Reigns Ah, I was hoping for a Top 100 finish. Two #1 votes are cool though and that description for one of 'em might be tongue-in-cheek. I placed him at #34 before submitting and was wondering if that was too low and he should be in the late 20s or something. One of the best big match workers of the last 15 years with the Shield, Big Dog, and Tribal Chief runs. #178 Jeff Hardy #171 Ultimo Dragon These two finishing exactly at or within a couple of spots of their 2016 placement is funny.

Yes looking at magnitude of the WoS drops, I don't think even Breaks is going to make it at this point. Buddy Rose might be ok based on that clear stand-out of an ecosystem premise (one I largely agree with) but we'll see. The territory guys and US mid-carders are clearly on thin ice. #219 Rey Hechicero My heaviest hitter (#29) to drop yet. Already one of the all time great luchadors. The August 2013 Charles Lucero match is a zenith very few wrestlers have reached. #212 Cody Rhodes Probably better than his dad and definitely better than his brother. My #83. #210 Steve Grey Slotted him at #44 as my highest British wrestler. Contender for best babyface in history. #209 Edge He already had a solid resume by 2005 but that's when he really hit his straps and was one of the better wrestlers in North America for the second half of the decade. Put him at #74 even without getting to practically any of his AEW run.

#223 Tam Nakano Tam getting a #1 vote is something at least. With these placements, Giulia languishing in the 440s is worse. #220 Ron Garvin Another former Top 100 drops off. Another old school territory/US guy.

#232 "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels #231 Verne Gagne These two were in my 105-101. I might be totally imagining it but they seem to have similar careers with clustered peaks early on but acquired longevity across regions/promotions.

#245 Mima Shimoda I naively thought I was gonna be the high vote for her at #50 until the high vote placement for Mita dropped and knew what was to be. One of the great tag wrestlers AND a solid singles catalog. I think people (including me) voted for Mima but not Etsuko. Probably not fair or accurate but still. #239 Triple H I know he is satan around here but I put him at #54 and was considering the 40s at one point. Fundamentally great wrestler with a rich career.

#295 "Classy" Freddie Blassie Definitely someone I overlooked. The #1 vote is compelling. #259 Koji Kanemoto Polarizing figure to an extent, but I think he is pretty great. #92 for me. #252 Keita Yano Finished much higher than I would have expected, in a good way. Didn't know about him until last year but has been impressive thus far.

#425 Azumi Hyuga Put her at #97. Honestly, if you value enough of her JWP ace run during the Dark Ages of Joshi, those Top 25 votes are sound. #408 Jim Londos Had him at #87. Can't argue with #2 placement on historical importance. #388 Miu Watanabe Best wrestler of 2025? That was enough for a #91 spot for me. One to watch for by 2036 #366 Naoki Sano I'll echo the disappointments of others regarding the fall. My #76 and that's likely an underestimation. #363 Marty Jones My #63. A top 10 vote is awesome.

#449 Dolph Ziggler #446 Giulia #444 Mocho Cota I had them in the 89-93 range so funny they ended up near each other. I'll take a Top 450 finish I suppose.

I don't know, I think Lizmark was one of Satanico's best opponents over the years. I might be the only one super high on it, but the 7/14/1998 title bout is one of the best lucha bouts of the 90s and Lizmark is a beast in it particularly on offense. #664 Melina Glad she got votes, I was nearly one of them. #639 Otto Wanz One of the most effective local aces. #613 Gabe Kidd Huh, interesting one for the recency. The Omega Dome match is a modern classic, but if you value enough of the NJPW run, I could see a case I suppose. #612 Togi Makabe A deceptively comprehensive career. #595 Josh Barnett My #67. Guy had great matches across three decades.

#714 Tamon Honda #693 Brazo de Oro #689 "La Galáctica" Pantera Sureña These dropped surprisingly early. I know Honda has his fans so really thought he'd be closer to the Top 200, but I guess those voices are niche. But Brazo and Sureña falling this soon is disappointing. Brazo was legit one of the best luchadors of the late 80s/early 90s and Sureña's work across AJW and EMLL was substantial. #684 The Miz This is rubbing salt in the wound. #674 Axel Dieter My #86. Glad he got five votes. A European legend, that Morowski LLT is absolute must-see.

#867 Johnny Ace Hmm, only one #100 vote. A harbinger for potential decline of 90s All Japan? #822 Alberto del Rio His offensive performance in the Dolph Ziggler Payback match was a thing of beauty. #810 René Ben Chemoul One of my favorites from the French footage, glad he got votes. #776 Mickie James I like her more than a lot of the newer generation. #730 Seiji Sakaguchi New Japan legend of the 70s and 80s.

Yes, if you value enough of Inoki's catalog from the late 60s to the mid 90s, I think a case for the top spot is pretty straightforward. The "problem" for me was that a number of Inoki matches didn't quite hit the heights I wanted them to, hence he languished relative to other greats. Still had him at #30. Truly a singular pro wrestler.

Slotted him at #80. Not one of my favorites, but some very high quality work across distinct three promotions made him hard to objectively leave out.