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The PWI 500 has been published for nearly 3 decades from Pro Wrestling Illustrated. For the first time in it’s storied history a Japanese wrestler has made it to the number one spot.
“The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada has been selected as the best wrestler of the past 12 months (June 2016-July 2017)
Okada provided a statement regarding his number one position on the list.
“Well, I think I did what those other guys (Keiji Muto, Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Hiroshi Tanahashi) did not. What this award signifies is that wrestling fans and media worldwide are thinking about what promotion and what wrestler deserves their attention, and the answer is Okada. It’s an indication that finally the world at large is realizing just how great Japanese wrestlers and Japanese wrestling is, and that’s special. Heel By Nature”
Here’s a look at the Top 10 wrestlers according to Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
- Kazuchika Okada
- A.J. Styles
- Kevin Owens
- Roman Reigns
- Kenny Omega
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Dean Ambrose
- Samoa Joe
- Bobby Roode
- The Miz
Order a copy of the “PWI 500” Collectors Edition
