The renowned wrestling magazine Pro Wrestling Illustrated has revealed that Cody Rhodes secured the top spot on its PWI 500 2024 list of the 500 best male wrestlers. The announcement was made through the publication’s Twitter/X account. The Evaluation Period is August 1, 2023– July 31, 2024
PWI 500 2024 Primary Criteria:
- In-Ring Achievement: Wins and losses, championships held, and tournaments won.
- Influence: Prominence and reputation within a promotion or the wrestling industry as a whole.
- Technical Ability: Skill level in executing moves, delivering high-quality matches, and in-ring storytelling.
- Competition: Success against diverse and top-tier opponents.
- Activity: Must have competed in at least 10 singles matches, or alternatively, six singles matches spread across different months.
1. Cody Rhodes – PWI 500 2024
In 2024, Cody Rhodes stands as one of the top figures in professional wrestling. The son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, Cody has forged his own legacy, becoming a multi-time champion and a key player in both WWE and AEW. After helping establish AEW as a major promotion, he made a high-profile return to WWE in 2022, quickly rising to main event status. Known for his exceptional in-ring ability, storytelling, and leadership, Rhodes is celebrated for his contributions to modern wrestling, earning the #1 spot on Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s top 500 male wrestlers list in 2024.
2. Swerve Strickland – PWI 500 2024
Swerve Strickland, a dynamic and innovative professional wrestler, has made significant waves in the industry by 2024. After a trio of matches with Bryan Danielson, Will Ospreay and on-going blood feud with HANGMAN Adam Page; Known for his charismatic persona and unique in-ring style, blending high-flying agility with technical prowess, Strickland has gained prominence in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). A former champion in multiple promotions, and time in WWE’s NXT as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, he has carved out a reputation for delivering standout performances and memorable feuds. With his versatility and creativity, Swerve continues to be a major force in modern wrestling, recognized for pushing boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide.
3. Will Ospreay – PWI 500 2024
Will Ospreay, one of the most accomplished and versatile wrestlers in the world by 2024, has earned global recognition for his extraordinary in-ring skills. Known for his breathtaking high-flying maneuvers and technical mastery, Ospreay has excelled in promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he became a multi-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He has also competed in AEW, a 2 time International Champion already, and other major international promotions, further elevating his reputation. Ospreay’s ability to deliver show-stealing matches against top-tier opponents has cemented his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation, with a legacy that continues to grow. Outstanding matches in this period include the Gauntlet on Dynamite 238, matches with Roderick Strong at Double Or Nothing, and Michael Oku at Rev Pro
4. Seth Rollins – PWI 500 2024
By 2024, Seth Rollins remains one of WWE’s top stars and a central figure in modern professional wrestling. Known for his incredible versatility, Rollins has evolved from his early days as a member of The Shield to becoming a multi-time world champion and a Grand Slam Champion in WWE. His character work, blending arrogance with charisma, has made him a fan favorite and a key player in both heel and face roles. Rollins is renowned for his technical skill, athleticism, and ability to deliver high-caliber matches on the grandest stages, including WrestleMania. His consistent excellence keeps him at the forefront of WWE’s main event scene. Matches with Solo Sikoa on RAW in April, and a run with the World Heavyweight Championship before injury keeps him in goodsted with the rest of the 10 and top runners. Had time off after January 2024.
5. Tetsuya Naito
Tetsuya Naito, a legendary figure in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), continues to thrive in 2024 as one of the promotion’s top stars after an outstanding run in the G1 2024, and winning the IWGP Championship from Jon Moxley in June. Known for his “Tranquilo” attitude and rebellious charisma, Naito is the leader of the popular faction Los Ingobernables de Japón. Over the years, he has achieved numerous accolades, including being a multi-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and IWGP Intercontinental Champion. Naito’s blend of technical prowess, unique in-ring psychology, and storytelling has made him a fan favorite. His career-defining moments, including headlining Tokyo Dome shows, have cemented his legacy as one of NJPW’s all-time greats.
6. Damian Priest
Priest has established himself as a major player in WWE, known for his imposing presence and versatile in-ring style. A member of the popular faction Judgment Day, Priest has captured multiple championships, including the United States Championship, a high-profile Money in the Bank win which led to his first World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40. Matches with Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins and Gunther showcased his mix of power, agility, and striking ability makes him a standout performer, with memorable rivalries and matches across the main roster. Priest’s cool, brooding persona, combined with his undeniable athleticism, has solidified his role as a rising main event star in WWE, with a bright future ahead.
7. Maxwell Jacob Friedman
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), by 2024, is one of the most captivating and controversial figures in professional wrestling. As a former AEW World Champion, MJF has become synonymous with his sharp wit, unapologetic arrogance, and old-school villainy. Known for his masterful promo work and psychological tactics, MJF expertly blurs the line between character and reality, making him one of the industry’s top talkers. Despite his often underhanded methods, he is also recognized for his in-ring skill, delivering standout performances in high-stakes matches. MJF’s meteoric rise in AEW has made him one of the brightest young stars in wrestling, continuing to push the boundaries of what a modern heel can be. Returned in June after a 6 month lay off, matches with Rush, Hechicero, Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, Michael Oku showed he hadn’t missed a step. Won the International Championship this year, renamed it the American Championship, and dropped it at Wembley Stadium.
8. Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley, a cornerstone of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) by 2024, is renowned for his tough, no-nonsense persona and a career defined by grit and intensity. After leaving WWE, where he was known as Dean Ambrose, Moxley reinvented himself in AEW, quickly becoming a multi-time AEW World Champion, winning the IWGP Championship, and going across the world to Japan, Mexico, England and more. One of the promotion’s most popular and respected figures. Known for his hardcore style and brawler mentality, Moxley has also competed in Japan and various independent promotions, cementing his reputation as a global wrestling icon. His raw authenticity, willingness to take risks, and consistent high-caliber matches make him a fan favorite and a dominant force in modern wrestling. Took time off after dropping the IWGP Championship to Naito in June.
9. GUNTHER
GUNTHER, formerly known as WALTER, has established himself as a dominant force in WWE by 2024. Renowned for his imposing size, fierce striking ability, and technical prowess, GUNTHER has made a significant impact in WWE’s main roster. As a former Intercontinental Champion for 666 days, a King of the Ring in 2024, he has showcased his brutal, hard-hitting style in high-profile matches, drawing praise for his powerful in-ring performances and commanding presence. His rigorous discipline and unique approach have set him apart as one of the most formidable competitors in WWE, continuing to build on his reputation as a top-tier performer. Current World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Damian Priest at Summerslam and defended the Championship in Germany with Randy Orton.
10. Mistico
The renowned luchador remains a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his incredible agility, high-flying maneuvers, and charismatic presence, Mistico has garnered acclaim in various promotions, particularly in Mexico’s CMLL and WWE under the name Sin Cara. His masked persona and technical skill have made him a standout performer, captivating audiences with his dynamic matches and dramatic storytelling. Mistico’s influence in lucha libre and his international appeal continue to solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s most exciting and respected figures.
