Top 10 Wrestlers on the 2025 PWI 500

Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins

10- Will Ospreay (AEW/NJPW)

The "Aerial Assassin" is ranked based on his superior match quality and success across multiple major promotions. He held the AEW International Championship twice and recorded the highest number of 5-star+ rated matches globally. His competitive wins against main event talent in both AEW and NJPW, including challenging for the IWGP World Title, solidified his standing as the world's elite in-ring performer.

9- Místico (CMLL)

Místico's high ranking recognizes his unparalleled status as the premier figure in Lucha Libre. His dominance was evidenced by his defense of the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship and his successful mask defense in a high-profile Mask vs. Hair/Mask match. As a consistent international draw and champion, his competitive success in CMLL justifies this prominent position in the global rankings.

8- Seth Rollins (WWE)

Seth Rollins maintained top-tier status due to his continued main event presence and significant kayfabe achievements. His year included an extended run with the World Heavyweight Championship and a record-tying second Money in the Bank contract win in 2025. His ranking reflects his ability to deliver high-quality, relevant feuds and capture critical objectives throughout the PWI evaluation window.

7- Swerve Strickland (AEW)

Swerve Strickland cemented himself as an elite, high-quality singles wrestler. His year featured a strong win-loss record, holding the AEW International Championship for an extended period. His success in technical and high-stakes bouts against competitors like Bryan Danielson and Adam Page pushed him into the top 10. His high ranking is directly correlated to his consistent ring work and competitive dominance in a deep roster.

6- Jey Uso (WWE)

Jey Uso achieved the highest singles ranking of his career by capitalizing on two massive kayfabe achievements. He won the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble and went on to capture the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41, becoming a first-time singles world champion. His immense popularity and main event placement in WWE were key factors, validating his extraordinary competitive push.

5- Hirooki Goto (NJPW)

A high-ranking NJPW entry, Goto's year was defined by major tag team success as IWGP Tag Team Champion (Bishamon) and consistent competitive showings in major tournaments, including the G1 Climax. His strong win-loss record, ability to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his reliability as a top-level, hard-hitting performer in Japan earned him this significant placement in the PWI 500.

4- “Hangman" Adam Page (AEW)

Page's PWI surge culminated with him capturing the AEW World Championship at All In in the final month of the evaluation, a major kayfabe achievement. He maintained a strong win-loss record against top stars throughout the year, driven by his high-stakes feud with Jon Moxley and The Elite. His championship victory and ability to deliver consistently high-rated performances secured his place in the top five globally.

3- Gunther (WWE)

The "Ring General" utilized championship longevity as his main driver, with his record-shattering 660+ day Intercontinental Title run spanning most of the period. After his loss, he immediately recaptured main event status, winning the 2024 King of the Ring and the World Heavyweight Championship. His ranking reflects his phenomenal competitive strength, match quality, and consistent high-profile presence on television in WWE.

2- Jon Moxley (AEW)

Jon Moxley secured this rank through sheer competitive consistency and high-stakes victories. He held the AEW World Championship for nine months, marking his record fourth reign, and spearheaded the Death Riders' dominance. His PWI year was defined by numerous 5-star rated, hardcore matches, securing an exceptional win-loss record against AEW's deepest talent pool, solidifying his stature as an unstoppable main event force.

1- Cody Rhodes (WWE)

"The American Nightmare" tops the PWI 500 for the second straight year, a historic feat achieved via unprecedented main event dominance. He held the Undisputed WWE Championship for over ten months, defending it against top rivals like Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Key stats include his 2024 Crown Jewel and 2025 King of the Ring wins, cementing his kayfabe status as the world's absolute number one wrestler in the evaluation period.