WWE released their Top 10 superstars and divas of 2015 just in time for the New Year 2016! Below are the WWE links and my take including thumbs up, thumbs up mildly and thumbs down.
10. Sting
I’m a fan of Sting and was glad to see him wrestle at Wrestlemania against Triple H and later against Seth Rollins; no fan speculated Sing Vs. Undertaker though. Sting is a future WWE Hall of Famer and it’s great he is ending his storied career in WWE. Despite the OMG factor of Sting being in WWE, he doesn’t warrant being on the Top 10 list for 2015. The Undertaker, who didn’t make the list, is more deserving for his matches with Brock Lesnar and Bray Wyatt moreso than Sting and his tired outings in 2015. Even Mr. McMahon has had a greater impact on WWE and fans in the last few weeks of 2015 than Sting did at any point this year, sorry to say. And, I would argue, Cesaro was more over and relevant to 2015 than Sting was despite WWE trying to ignore him.
9. Dean Ambrose
I think Dean Ambrose is VERY over and deserves his current push and run as Intercontinental Champion. My only issue with Dean Ambrose is that he isn’t higher on this list.
8. Charlotte
Whether face or heel, Charlotte delivers despite being so new, relatively and like Roman Reigns, to wrestling. She is also a physical specimen.
7. Kevin Owens
I have loved seeing a non-traditional looking modern era wrestler evoking a classic wrestler look and slugger style. The fact that he delivers and looks different are big pluses. Perfect heel and a physical specimen.. in a different way.
6. Nikki Bella
The unlikely long-reigning Diva’s champion. Part of her tenure was due to WWE wanting to take A.J. Lee’s record-setting tenure away, but also due to Nikki’s fierceness and determination to stick to the fans who doubted the in-ring skills and potential longevity of the Bella Twins.
5. John Cena
I think John Cena either shouldn’t be on this list or should be #10 at best. He is a good hand and sells lots of merchandise plus his charitable efforts are inspiring, like really inspiring. However, fans don’t really look forward to John Cena matches. That said, he did add a shine to the U.S. title with his weekly TV open challenge. He also deserves credit for putting over new talent, but doesn’t deserve being in the Top 5 of this best of 2015 list.
4. Brock Lesnar
I was torn on this pick, but no one can deny the excitement and anticipation of ANY Brock Lesnar match. The beast delivers the best.
3. Seth Rollins
Was curious why he wasn’t #1. He probably should be #1 or #2, but was happy to see WWE’s iron man make it so high. He was the unlikely champion who could wrestle and get good matches out of anyone. A mainstay on WWE’s upper tier for years to come.
2. The New Day
Was surprised, but pleased to see this trio make it to #2. Well deserved. Like Seth Rollins, an unlikely set of champions who deliver between the ropes and on the mic.
1. Roman Reigns
Not surprised that in WWE’s Roman Empire marketing efforts he’d be their #1 for 2015. I think he deserves to be on this list, but around mid-list with Dean Ambrose one above or one below. He has grown this year and fought for fan respect. Sheamus helped him get over because fans may not have been so embracing with Seth Rollins is champ. 2016 starts with Roman Reigns as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Will he take the baton from John Cena as the face of the WWE? Will he be actually over in 2016 against all opponents or get Cena’s mixed reactions? Time will tell.
In conclusion, I would say, that it is almost criminal that Cesaro is nowhere on this WWE list. A sad way to end 2015, but there is always 2016!
Happy New Year!
