The VOW 30 Under 30 2024: #15-1

Last year, led by the charge of Voices of Wrestling contributor Griffin Peltier, we began a new yearly wrestler ranking list: The VOW 30 Under 30. The 2023 list saw an expert panel come together to nominate and vote on the top pro wrestlers under the age of 30. This year, we’re back with an all-star panel to create wrestling’s most comprehensive 30 Under 30 list for 2024.

Much like the critically acclaimed FSM 50 list, the goal of this list is to be as well-informed and wide-ranging as possible. Our panelists are plugged into various styles of wrestling across the globe, including American TV, lucha libre, deathmatch, Joshi wrestling, and everything in between.

Every wrestler under thirty years old was eligible for this year’s list.

We’ve separated our list into several parts. This is Part 3. Part 1, featuring Honorable Mentions and all wrestlers who received votes, is here. Part 2, revealing Nos. 30-16 is here.

Without further ado, here are the 15 best wrestlers under 30:

#15
Rhea Ripley

Age: 27
Years Active: 10
Promotion: WWE
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: WWE Women’s World Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 2
Last Year’s Ranking: 8

“Still one of the few people in WWE able to command buzz outside of the wrestling sphere, mega popular and able to put in the work to back it up.” – Will Young

“Ripley is one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE, which defacto makes her one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. Her popularity remains somewhat puzzling though, as it’s unclear if she is popular as a wrestler, or as a sex symbol for WWE fans, as her matches have been pretty bland and lifeless, but her segments are always well-received by fans.” – Jesse Collings

“It’s been a jagged year for Ripley: An impressive year-plus title reign as WWE Women’s Champion, but most defenses were against mostly midrange to wholly unspectacular opponents. Second year in a row with a marquee match at WrestleMania, but ends up with an injury and she’s stripped of her title. She’s undeniably a special talent, and WWE understands that with the nature of her push, which should clearly just restart once she returns.” – Warren Hayes

#14
Atlantis Jr.

Age: 26
Years Active: 6
Promotion: Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 7
Last Year’s Ranking: NR

“This was an awesome year for the luchador in CMLL, and I’m betting he’ll break into the 30 Under 30 list this year. I particularly enjoyed his work with Soberano Jr. and their long-running feud has the potential to go on for years.” – Warren Hayes

“I find myself enjoying Altantis Jr.’s work on a week-to-week basis. At this point, he might have the highest Q Score of any CMLL in the English speaking market outside of Mistico. That feels justified. It’s exciting to see a second-generation star thrive like this.” – Case Lowe

“Atlantis Jr. has set the world on fire since taking Stuka Jr.’s mask in 2022. He’s always reliable and has become a mainstay of Friday Arena Mexico shows. Atlantis Jr. has all the talent needed to live up to his father’s name… or even surpass him.” – Griffin Peltier

#13
Toni Storm

Age: 28
Years Active: 14
Promotion: All Elite Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: AEW Women’s World Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 3
Last Year’s Ranking: 12

“On the run of her young career, hard to believe she’s still in her 20s.” – Will Young

“A true character in pro wrestling, really one of the very few left in the business. Over-the-top gimmicks have largely aged out of the industry, and for good reason as almost all of them are hokey and awful. Some people definitely feel that way about Storm, but over the past year she has lived and breathed the Timeless Toni gimmick, and added a lot of spice to AEW’s women’s division in the process. She’s also been very steady in the ring, despite a relatively lackluster string of opponents, and assisted in helping Mariah May get introduced to AEW and likely on a path to a major feud and the title picture.” – Jesse Collings

“I feel like people keep waiting for Toni Storm to hit that next gear as a worker, but ultimately I don’t think that next gear exists. She’s a good wrestler that exists on the cusp of being great. Her character work is divisive, although I think she’s tightened up the work the last few months. But I think Toni has hit her peak as a solid champion for a US TV promotion.” – Suit Williams

“The main problem I had with a good part of the Timeless Toni stuff is that it got in the way of Toni’s matches. She is one of the best women’s wrestlers on the planet and we were stuck watching her do schtick with Japanese Deathmatch Butler Luther, leading to some bad-to-mid matches, which is unthinkable when you consider this is Toni Storm we’re talking about. Granted, this has been a showcase for her entertainment chops, but the gimmick seems to be loosening its grip and Toni has started to have a return to in-ring form.” – Warren Hayes

#12
Kyle Fletcher

Age: 25
Years Active: 10
Promotion: All Elite Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: ROH World Television Champion, ROH World Tag Team Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 6
Last Year’s Ranking: 13

“While Kyle Fletcher has been primarily a tag team wrestler for many years as part of Aussie Open, an injury to Mark Davis last year has given Fletcher the opportunity to go out on his own, and he’s definitely shown that he’s got the potential to be a big singles star down the line. He hasn’t had the greatest win/loss record in AEW, but his performances in the Survival Of The Fittest Finals at Final Battle (including an incredible closing stretch vs. Komander) and against Will Ospreay earlier this year showed off the incredible strides he’s made as a wrestler.” – Sean Sedor

“Whenever AEW wants to pull the trigger, Fletcher has the goods to be a major star.” – Tyler Forness

“From an Ospreay clone to his own man, Fletcher took the bad fortune of his partner’s injury and has taken the spotlight ably for himself.” – Will Young

“A Will Ospreay protege with the potential to be as big of a star as he is, Fletcher comes in at 8 on my ballot. Fletcher is a top-line worker ready to go, as seen in his Survival of the Fittest performance at Final Battle last year alongside his surprising matchup against Lee Johnson at Supercard of Honor. Fletcher is another potential star AEW has simmering on the backburner, and one with the potential to break out into superstardom should he get the chance.” – Suit Williams

#11
Mascara Dorada

Age: 22
Years Active: 3
Promotion: Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: World Historic Welterweight Champion, Torneo Incredible De Parejas 2024 Winner, Campeon Universal Del CMLL 2024 Winner
Highest Panel Ranking: 1
Last Year’s Ranking: 28

“Hype is a funny thing. At this time last year, people were salivating over Dorada’s potential. 12 months later, it feels like the narrative around Dorada has turned and I’m not sure why. Since the last time we put a list together, Dorada crushed it on the Fantastica Mania tour, turned heads in AEW, and continued to be one of the many bright spots on Friday night in Arena Mexico. Dorada is nowhere near reaching his apex, but he is obviously one of the most exciting and brightest prospects in all of wrestling.” – Case Lowe

“Winning the 2024 Campeon Universal Del CMLL seems to be a sign the company is ready to get behind the incredibly talented and incredibly young Mascara Dorada. It’s been a terrific year where he’s always seemed to be in the mix, but now it truly feels he’s got the wind in his sails.” – Warren Hayes

“Mascara Dorada is the best young wrestler in the world right now. Last year I wrote that his execution in the ring was nearly flawless – and somehow he has improved since then. His match with Titan at last year’s Night of Champions show was full of drama, big moves, and had a flow that made both men look strong despite the finish. Dorada is the future of CMLL and will continue to impress as he ascends to the top of the card alongside Mistico.” – Griffin Peltier

#10
Daniel Garcia

Age: 25
Years Active: 7
Promotion: All Elite Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: PWG World Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 7
Last Year’s Ranking: 11

“AEW is taking the long route in developing Garcia, but it’s clear that he is ready for it. He has built a real crowd connection and should be a real homegrown star for AEW should they stay the path.” – Suit Williams

“Criminally under-used, a charismatic youngster with incredible wrestling acumen.” – Will Young

“Daniel Garcia has emerged from a flood of early 20s signings that AEW made during its first few years to become a standout prospect in the ever-crowded AEW roster. It says a lot about Garcia, who has combined excellent technical wrestling with underrated promos and intensity, to have come out of that competitive environment and stand out as one of the cornerstones of the future for AEW. Garcia may not be at the top of the card in the next couple of years, but he will almost assuredly be one of the most consistent and dependable workers in America if all goes well.” – Jesse Collings

#9
Gabe Kidd

Age: 27
Years Active: 12
Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling, Revolution Pro Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion, NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 2
Last Year’s Ranking: NR

“A dynamic performer with a wild charisma that can translate past the ring.” – Will Young

“Kidd walks the line of running too far into schtick, but there is no denying that he has something in pro wrestling. Kidd has the aggression and physical presence that many of his fellow young gaijin in NJPW lack, and could emerge as the top foreigner in the company before the end of the year.” – Jesse Collings

“The question isn’t if Gabe Kidd will be the next major foreign star in New Japan, it’s when. He’s gotten highlight singles matches all over the world, including in different promotions. He’s shown up big in those matches too, having stormers with Shingo Takagi and Kaito Kiyomiya. Kidd also has a passion that informs his wild rants on the mic, a passion that could easily be turned into babyface fire should they choose to take that route. Part of this is me stumping for the guy I saw on BritWres shows as a standout teenage star, but most of this is seeing what New Japan sees in him: the next foreign ace of the promotion.” – Suit Williams

“He’s a madman.” – Gerard Di Trolio

“Gabe Kidd is unique in today’s wrestling in that he actually comes off as unhinged and scary in a very real way. At the time of this writing, his recent title match against Kaito Kiyomiya in NOAH really showed his potential as a main eventer.” – Kelly Harrass

“Gabe Kidd’s intensity and savage ways were a breath of fresh air in a year where NJPW felt stiff and musty and rose above many of his contemporaries.” – Warren Hayes

“Gabe has come so incredibly far in the last year. His presence has been there pretty much since the moment he came back as a War Dog, but this year he’s consistently been the best in-ring worker in New Japan, showing he had another level to get to (just in time for a G1 where he should be a major focal point). He’ll be the top gaijin in that company before too long, unless he bolts for AEW money first.” – John Carroll

#8
Yuma Aoyagi

Age: 28
Years Active: 9
Promotion: All Japan Pro Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: Triple Crown Champion, AJPW World Tag Team Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 3
Last Year’s Ranking: 15

“Aoyagi’s Triple Crown reign last year was a big success with great matches and attendances. He’s taken a backseat so far in 2024, but there’s no denying he’s now established himself as a main event player and will be a big part of All Japan for years to come.” – Gerard Di Trolio

“Aoyagi had a great year, finally getting over the hump to win the Triple Crown from Yuji Nagata and having a noteworthy reign as champion. He’s one of the guys All Japan have successfully built up to carry the company into its next generation, and he’s worthy of being in that group.” – Suit Williams

“Aoyagi churned out a monster last year, fully asserting himself as a true equal of longtime company ace Kento Miyahara. Aoyagi arguably had the best world title run in all of wrestling in 2023, and while things have been a tad slower for him in 2024, he remains one of the most dependable figures in all of wrestling and a much-needed elite talent for All Japan.” – Jesse Collings

#7
Utami Hayashishita

Age: 25
Years Active: 5
Promotion: Dream Star Fighting Marigold
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: Goddesses Of Stardom Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 4
Last Year’s Ranking: 16

“Stardom’s super rookie seemed to flounder a bit after she lost the World of Stardom Championship back in December 2021 but she was too young and too damn good to write off. The creation of Marigold gives her another chance to become an ace, especially once Giulia heads off to WWE. The next year will be a big determinate in just how big a star over the long term Hayashishita can be.” – Gerard Di Trolio

“Just a couple months ago, I felt like Utami had hit her ceiling in Stardom. Now with Marigold, she has a whole new frontier to grow and thrive in. The jump was the best possible thing she could have done for her career.” – Kelly Harrass

“Moving to Marigold will probably be great for Hayashishita’s career. She was getting a bit lost in the mix in STARDOM (which is strange, honestly), and with Giluia soon departing the Japanese scene, she is in the best spot to hit the heights she once had and be the beacon to guide Rossy’s new promotion.” – Warren Hayes

#6
Shota Umino

Age: 27
Years Active: 7
Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: N/A
Highest Panel Ranking: 2
Last Year’s Ranking: 10

“Umino is another young NJPW wrestler who has taken major steps in the last year. His in ring work has been a little more consistent, and perhaps more importantly his connection with the crowds has greatly improved since last year’s G1 Climax. He looks like a wrestler who’s more than capable of helping to carry New Japan into a new era, even if you’re still left wondering sometimes if he could be THE guy or not.” – John Carroll

“This past year, Shota Umino has finally begun to overcome the identity crisis that troubled him since he graduated from his Young Lion days. He feels more confident and has a clearer sense of direction. His in-ring work is sharper and has started to show signs of what one expects from a top tier wrestler. He’s started to show the potential everyone’s seen in him. Maybe he is, indeed, the guy?” – Warren Hayes

“Umino was going to get every chance to be a star in New Japan with his family name, but he’s worked his ass off to earn the right to be called one. He had a solid G1 and a great match with Will Ospreay in the fall before falling into the House of Torture orbit for most of the last year. He has grown a crowd connection in the meantime, and had a damn good IWGP Title match with Jon Moxley that was inexplicably in America instead of Dominion. The only Musketeer on my ballot – Tsuji aged out, Narita stinks – Umino has a strong chance to beat the other two to the peak of New Japan.” – Suit Williams

“Has all of the tools to become the next guy and is seemingly being positioned to do so.” – Will Young

“Umino has a lot of Kiyomiya in him, as he has been tabbed by NJPW as the next future star even before he was entirely ready. The difference right now is Umino hasn’t been pushed all the way to the top, but he’s been able to thrive in big matches for the most part over the past year, and along with Yota Tsuji, feels like the best bet to make it as the next generation star for NJPW. “ – Jesse Collings

#5
MJF

Age: 28
Years Active: 9
Promotion: All Elite Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: AEW World Champion, ROH World Tag Team Champion, Blind Eliminator Tag Team Tournament Winner
Highest Panel Ranking: 1
Last Year’s Ranking: 1

“Of the crop of young wrestlers out there, undeniably leads the way in star power.” – Will Young

“While MJF’s world title run last year was imperfect and polarizing, it is still hard to deny that he remains the most talented wrestler in the business under the age of 30. When it comes to having a big match, few are better (as long as the opponent isn’t Adam Cole) and he is arguably the most charismatic wrestler on American television. There is definitely more skepticism about MJF than there was a year ago, but he still remains a generational talent, leaps and bounds ahead of most of his peers.” – Jesse Collings

“The Brochachos shit nearly made me give up on US wrestling altogether.” – Griffin Peltier

“Brochacho’s bullshit aside, MJF has everything to be an all-timer. He just needs someone to be a filter for his ideas, because when they land, they are incredible.” – Tyler Forness

“Nothing about MJF himself has changed. The problem is that he allowed his worst instincts to guide him in the back half of 2023. The Brochacho storyline was antithetical to the concept that AEW was supposed to portray, and worst off, it overstayed it’s welcome for those who did enjoy. All for a flat, obvious payoff and a revenge storyline dropped due to both MJF and Adam Cole being injured. MJF returned at Double or Nothing with a promise to leave 2023 in the rear view and cut the bullshit. If he does, I can easily see him returning to the top of my ballot. This is the same guy who had the incredible Ironman match with Bryan Danielson, and made chicken salad in the Four Pillar Four Way. If he can tweak those instincts to be more to the tone of an alternative product, he should win back even the most burnt AEW fans out there with his overwhelming talent.” – Suit Williams

“MJF only has himself to blame for falling off the top of this list due to his multitude of creative missteps last year. He now has the opportunity to remind everyone why they thought so highly of him in the first place. His resume can’t be ignored, and I’m still intrigued to see what he does next.” – Adam Berger

“Our scumbag slips down a few pegs for me this year because of a 2023 that caused him more harm than good. The Brochachos stuff with Adam Cole was a showcase of his worst instincts, which had me shaking my head like a disappointed father whose kid tripped at the five yard line because he started celebrating too soon. I knew Max was better than the capers he subjected us to, which made the whole thing equal parts frustrating and baffling. His post-injury return in 2024 seems to be under a refocus on what he does best, which I’m ready to welcome back even if I’m standing on eggshells.” – Warren Hayes

“I’m really torn on MJF. Over the last year plus, he’s done some of the best in-ring work of his entire career, and has really become an awesome wrestler. At the same time, while he still had some very solid promos here and there, his outside of the ring shenanigans were some of the worst things that AEW has put on television in the five year existence of the company. It’s actually sort of ironic given his reputation when he first signed in 2019 was that he really good promo, but his in-ring still needed a lot of work. I still consider him to be one of the best all around guys in the business right now (and he’s done some absolutely insane things in some of his matches over the last year or so), though he definitely showed that his creative instincts (when completely left to his own devices) are….less than stellar. Hopefully he learned from the mistakes of his 2023 run, but time will tell on that one.” – Sean Sedor

#4
Shun Skywalker

Age: 28
Years Active: 8
Promotion: Dragongate Japan Pro-Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: Open The Triangle Gate Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 1
Last Year’s Ranking: 9

“Shun Skywalker – The unequivocal “main character” of Dragongate. Skywalker has gone from extremely promising high flyer with dashes of “this could go wrong,” to flawed babyface champion, to the most charismatic wrestler working today. There’s no weakness in Skywalker’s tool kit after discovering the fountain of charisma after he turned heel in 2022. What makes Skywalker special right now is the fact that he found the Fountain of Rizz and he has Mad Blankey-era YAMATO level fandom as a heel. Whenever Shun turns face again, and it shouldn’t be any time soon, he will erase whatever bad feelings I had about Masquerade and his previous lacking babyface run.

Since the departure of Stronghearts in 2018 and the retirements and exits over the last six years, Dragongate dealt with the giant existential question of what will Dragongate look like after the Toryumon originals all retire. The promotion attempted to answer this in May of 2023 with the Reiwa New Generation Leaders (the “new” Big Six) and included Shun Skywalker in that group. What’s become abundantly clear in the year since is that although the others are strong, no one else in Dragongate is on the level of Shun Skywalker and it is his era we are living through.” – Mike Spears

“Skywalker is the heart and soul of Dragongate these days and even if he isn’t directly in the title picture, the company still largely revolves around his actions. He’s come a long way since his original push as a youngster, solidifying his in-ring work and really growing into his psychotic persona that has set him apart from a lot of the very good wrestlers in Dragongate. It’s hard to envision Dragongate’s future over the next decade that doesn’t involve Skywalker in a pivotal role.” – Jesse Collings

“Last year I wrote, “Not only the best wrestler under 30, but arguably the most complete wrestler in the world.” Guess what? Shun Skywalker only got better since then. The leader of Dragongate’s Z-Brats routinely weaves high-level character work with an exquisite match catalog. For the last three years, Dragongate has been at its best when it revolves around Skywalker. There is no one doing what he’s doing, at the hit rate he’s doing it at. In many ways, Shun Skywalker is the wrestler that people claim that they desperately want on American TV wrestling. The interesting thing about him, though, is that I have no doubt that he’d command the same level of attention if he bounced to any other wrestling promotion in the world. He’s a good enough wrestler that he’d be able to hang with top AEW talent, bold enough that he’d be able to clash with CMLL’s big stars, and undeniably talented enough to hang at the top of the New Japan card. He’s tailor-made for DG, but his talents are otherworldly. He is unquestionably the complete package.” – Case Lowe

“The most captivating man in wrestling. The straw that stirs the drink in Dragongate. One of the most underrated wrestlers in the world. Shun Skywalker belongs in conversations for the best wrestler in the world, as his talent somehow pales in comparison to his ability to make his home promotion revolve around him in a way that isn’t overbearing or title-reliant. Skywalker hasn’t been Dream Gate Champion in a year, yet Dragongate still feels like his promotion. His betrayal of Diamante last year directly led to the man now known as Luis Mante winning the Dream Gate Title at Final Gate. His constant pursuit of former unit member Jason Lee led to his betrayal of long-time partner Jacky Kamei, leading to the Dead or Alive cage match this year in which he was a major part of. He is the somehow the axis of attention in Dragongate while not hogging all the air or parking himself in the main event scene. And the fact of the matter is that he should park himself in the title scene, because he’s an excellent wrestler to boot. He had the best match of Mante’s reign as champion in January, all while being an excellent tag and trios wrestler as the leader of the Z-Brats unit. Shun Skywalker is a singular talent in the world of wrestling, and it’s about time he starts getting the recognition that he has earned.” – Suit Williams

#3
Yuma Anzai

Age: 25
Years Active: 1
Promotion: All Japan Pro Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: Triple Crown Champion
Highest Panel Ranking: 1
Last Year’s Ranking: NR

“Saving All Japan from evil outsider, beating the ace at Korakuen. Yuma Anzai is only 25 years old and just have 22 months of in-ring experience, but still he’s the Triple Crown Champion. He’s one of the most exciting talents in the land of the rising sun and someone we’ll hear a lot from in the future.” – Chris Gascoigne

“More exciting than his AJPW cohort, Yuma Aoyagi, given his youth and relative lack of experience, Anzai has been rocketed to the top of AJPW in some of the most progressive booking that AJPW has done in the past decade. Anzai possesses all the tools to make that a wise decision, quickly excelling in pro wrestling almost from his first match.” – Jesse Collings

“Yuma Anzai may be young from a world standpoint, but he is a baby in the wrestling world. He has not reached his second anniversary as a pro wrestler, yet he stands as a confident and worthy Triple Crown Champion. He is main eventing shows, doing good business as a marquee name, and leading All Japan into its next generation. His title defense over Kento Miyahara on May 29th proved that not only is All Japan hitching their wagon to this super rookie, but that he is more than capable of bearing the weight. At 25 years old, All Japan may have found a star for the next 20 years.” – Suit Williams

“The supernova. Has just recently cemented himself atop All Japan by defeating Kento Miyahara to retain the Triple Crown. Less than two years into the business and he’s already one of the best bumpers and sellers out there.” – Gerard Di Trolio

#2
Konosuke Takeshita

Age: 29
Years Active: 11
Promotion: All Elite Wrestling, DDT Pro Wrestling
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: N/A
Highest Panel Ranking: 1
Last Year’s Ranking: 2

“Konosuke Takeshita is not only the best wrestler under the age of thirty, but he’s one of the best wrestlers in the world period. While his booking in AEW in the last year has been….far from perfect….the guy is still an incredibly exciting performer who can put together amazing matches when given the opportunity. His singles bout with Kenny Omega (all All Out 2023, a show which I went to live) and Will Ospreay (at Revolution this past March) are two that stick out to me from the last year (the latter of which being a legit MOTYC). He’ll now be entering the G1 Climax for the very first time, and I cannot wait to see how he does!” – Sean Sedor

“Konosuke Takeshita, like Kiyomiya last year, is one of the best in the world who is currently being held back by his promotion. Will he break through? Only time will tell, but he is more than capable of being a main event player if he is given the chance.” – Brady Trappett

“Takeshita is the textbook definition of a wrestler in their prime. Explosive, hard-hitting, polished, skilled beyond belief. He has everything one looks for when looking for the next biggest pro wrestler in the world. The sky’s the limit for his talent, now all he needs is to be placed in big spots for him to shine.” – Warren Hayes

“While it can be argued that Takeshita is underutilized by his current home promotion, he has racked up so many great matches in the past year. His presence on this list is undeniable.” – Kelly Harrass

“An incredible in-ring performer that still seems to be stifled in catching fire like a lot of fans want him to.” – Will Young

“Takeshita is one of the very best wrestlers in the world and capable of headlining both in the US and Japan. As great as he’s been, he still has the potential to get even better. An incredible talent.” – Adam Berger

“Takeshita’s seemingly constant losses has become a point of consternation among many fans. Despite AEW not taking full advantage of his talents, he’s simply too good to keep off this list. He’s still one of the best wrestlers in the world.” – Gerard Di Trolio

“Konosuke Takeshita is a once in a lifetime talent who had incredible performances in Japan, but also came to the USA and became a big asset to the AEW shows.” – Chris Gascoigne

“AEW looks to have Takeshita slotted as a heel gatekeeper right below the main event scene, which is both a good spot and a shame, as Takeshita is capable of being a World Champion in the US. After an odd end of 2023, where his wins over Kenny Omega weren’t immediately followed up on, he’s been a constant on AEW TV in 2024 with great matches against Darby Allin, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley. His peak was the otherworldly Revolution match with Will Ospreay, which is the greatest professional wrestling match I’ve ever seen live. Add in his appearances in DDT, and you have a guy who is great while somehow being capable of so much more.” – Suit Williams

“Will he ever be a major star in the US? I have real concerns about that with his recent booking but there is a lot to work with. He could be an all-time great.” – Tyler Forness

“Takeshita is the best in-ring wrestler under the age of 30, and also one of the most charismatic wrestlers in the industry. He’s thrived working major American matches and moves around the ring with the well-earned confidence of a superstar.” – Jesse Collings

#1
Kaito Kiyomiya

Age: 27
Years Active: 8
Promotion: Pro Wrestling NOAH
Accomplishments Over The Last Year: GHC Heavyweight Champion, Open The Twin Gate Champion, Victory Challenge Tag League 2024 Winner
Highest Panel Ranking: 1
Last Year’s Ranking: 4

“Weathered the storm of humiliations in 2022 and is still the young face of Pro Wrestling NOAH.” – Will Young

“Insane to think that Kiyomiya is wrestling for eight years now, but it felt never like NOAH was fully invested in him. Nevertheless he’s finally back on top of the NOAH ark and hopefully he will be on top for long(er). He’s a natural gifted talent and would he have been booked properly the last years, he would be an absolute superstar across the country.” – Chris Gascoigne

“Kiyomiya remains a conundrum in a lot of ways. In terms of decorated accomplishments, he laps pretty much every other talent under the age of 30. At the same time, much of Kiyomiya’s success came at times during his career where he didn’t feel like a complete performer and were made in hopes that things like winning the GHC Heavyweight Championship would make him into a top guy. A long and not-particularly-fruitful feud with Keiji Mutoh followed, which put Kiyomiya in the spotlight, but not always in the best way. This past year has been stabilizing for Kiyomiya, as he has been critical to a rebuilding NOAH, with enough time now spent on top of the promotion that his status feels earned.” – Jesse Collings

“Kiyomiya is so close to being a big star and is turning into the ace that NOAH believed he can be.” – Tyler Forness

“It’s amazing what happens when a promotion actively gets behind the supposed ace of the promotion. Kiyomiya has gotten his confidence back after Keiji Mutoh used him as a stepping stone to another check, and has reached the potential so many fans saw in him. He had a successful tag run with Ryohei Oiwa before winning the GHC Heavyweight Title from Wagner 3 and having an incredible defense against Gabe Kidd. Add that alongside a noteworthy set of matches in Dragongate alongside Alejandro as Twin Gate Champions, and you have a year a talent of his caliber should be having. I can’t say I trust NOAH to keep it going, which is why I don’t have him higher. But if NOAH fumbles him again, at least we had this last year to look back on.” – Suit Williams

“Kiyomiya has managed to rebuild himself after the Okada feud last year and then quickly losing the GHC title to an uninspiring Jake Lee. His tag team with Ryohei Oiwa has been a major factor in dramatically improving the NOAH mid-card. And despite all of his ups and downs, he remains one of the best workers in the business. His continued use of Keiji Muto moves and mannerisms may come back to bite him in the future as he still does need to define who he is, but things are looking better than they were last year. Hopefully he has a lenghty reign with the GHC title.” – Gerard Di Trolio

“Finally freed from the grasp of Keiji Mutoh, Kiyomiya has convincingly become the true-to-form company ace for NOAH that most of us had seen in him. He always had the axiomatic “it,” but whether he had the stomach and confidence to live up to those expectations was the question. It’s crazy what good booking can do for someone with such immense talent.” – Warren Hayes