Seth Rollins has topped Sports Illustrated’s top wrestlers of 2022 list.
The Raw star saw off competition from Jon Moxley and Bianca Belair who rounded out the top three to claim the number one spot. 2022 has been a banner year for Rollins, despite the star never winning the World Championship.
The Visionary has battled with the likes of Cody Rhodes, Bobby Lashley, Matt Riddle and Austin Theory while he also on the United States Title. In ranking Rollins at number one, Sports Illustrated noted that it was his ability to shine, even in defeat that made him standout.
“For 12 months, Rollins has consistently wrestled the most compelling, convincing, and effective matches throughout all of pro wrestling. In addition to that sublime set of matches, his promos and evolved character work brought him to a whole new level of greatness.
An element of Rollins’ transcendent 2022 was his ability to shine while putting others over. He did everything within his bodily power to ensure that Cody Rhodes’ return at WrestleMania was viewed as a legitimately jaw-dropping, iconic moment, which it was–then followed that up with an even better match with Rhodes at WrestleMania Backlash. When Rhodes was severely limited in their Hell in a Cell bout inside the cage, Rollins made viewers forget about limitations and instead focus on all Rhodes was capable of in spite of the gruesome injury…
Perhaps most sensational was the manner in which Rollins made people believe that, no matter when or where they wrestle, he has Roman Reigns’ number. Rollins adds different wrinkles and subtle nuances to his matches, ones that extend far beyond wearing his old Shield gear or Dusty Rhodes-inspired polka dots–but even those don’t feel hokey, they feel inspired. A true master of the craft, Rollins is a throwback who could thrive in any era, and he is a joy to watch on a weekly basis.”
Seth Rollins Comments On “Honour” Of Being Named Number One
Posting on his Instagram Stories in response to being named number one, Rollins described it as an honour.
“Thanks for the love. An honour to be part of this list.”
You can find the full Sports Illustrated top ten below.
- Seth Rollins
- Jon Moxley
- Bianca Belair
- Roman Reigns
- Will Ospreay
- Jamie Hayter
- El Hijo del Vikingo
- Dax Harwood
- Cash Wheeler
- Masha Slamovich