My Top 5 WWE Wrestlers of 2026 So Far
Everyone has their own way of judging who is having the best year in WWE. For me, it comes down to three things: match quality, consistency, and, most importantly, the impact they’ve had on me as a fan.
So, after way too much thought, rewinding matches, yelling at my TV, and probably defending some questionable takes online… here are my Top 5 WWE wrestlers of 2026 so far.
5. Penta
Cero Miedo! Penta has had the kind of year that proves he belongs among WWE’s best.
Penta has been one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch in WWE this year. From championship success to incredible in-ring performances and a major opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship, he has continued to show why he deserves a spot on this list.
One of the biggest moments of Penta’s year came at WrestleMania 42, where he successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship in a chaotic ladder match against Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Rey Mysterio. Penta brings to the table: his athleticism, creativity, charisma, and willingness to put everything on the line. Retaining the championship on one of WWE’s biggest stages only added to an already impressive title reign.
Penta continued to establish himself as a fighting champion throughout the summer, defending the Intercontinental Championship against a variety of challengers before finally losing the title to Chad Gable at SummerSlam. While that defeat ended his run with the championship, it certainly didn't define his year.
In fact, some of Penta’s biggest moments were still ahead of him.
His World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns on Raw in September was an absolute showcase. The two delivered an incredible main event filled with dramatic near-falls, hard-hitting offense, and the kind of intensity that made it feel like Penta could actually pull off the upset. Although. For me, this was WWE's TV Match of the year and the strongest performances of Penta’s career in WWE.
Then came Money in the Bank. Penta outlasted a stacked field that included CM Punk, Kevin Owens, Bron Breaker, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans to climb the ladder and secure the briefcase. Winning Money in the Bank was another major milestone in his WWE career, giving him a guaranteed opportunity to challenge for a world championship whenever he chooses within the contract’s terms.
He went from establishing himself as Intercontinental Champion to delivering a potential Match of the Year contender against Roman Reigns and winning one of WWE’s most important annual ladder matches. He has consistently delivered memorable performances while continuing to build his reputation as a legitimate star.
Penta comes in at No. 5 because of his championship success, his consistency in the ring, and the major moments he has delivered throughout the year. With the Money in the Bank briefcase now in his possession, his biggest moment of 2026 might not have even happened yet.
4. Oba Femi
This man is truly the “Next Big Thing.”
Oba Femi has felt like a monster this year.
From his Royal Rumble performance to his rivalry with Brock Lesnar to his victory in the 2026 King of the Ring tournament, WWE has continued to present him as a major force.
What really stands out to me is that feeling of potential. Every time Oba comes out, there’s a sense that you’re watching someone who will become a huge part of WWE’s future.
His promo work gets better week in and week out, and it truly feels real and authentic. You can see the growth every time he comes out. He knows who he is, and it works!
He’s powerful, he’s believable, he's badass and when he starts throwing people around, I suddenly remember that my couch is not actually a wrestling ring.
3. Roman Reigns
The Tribal Chief remains the Tribal Chief.
Roman had an absolutely massive year, starting with his victory in the 2026 Royal Rumble. He eventually defeated CM Punk at WrestleMania to become World Heavyweight Champion, followed by feuds with Jacob Fatu, Seth Rollins, Penta, and LA Knight.
What I appreciate about Roman is that he doesn’t need to wrestle every week for his appearances to feel important. When he shows up, it feels like an event.
Even though I do wish he was on my weekly TV more often, when Roman is involved, the match feels important. He understands how to make everything feel BIG.
For me, his year has been about presence. You know you’re watching Roman Reigns when the music hits, the crowd reacts, and suddenly everybody’s paying attention.
Acknowledge him.
2. Chad Gable
Chad Gable deserves this spot for me — no pun intended.
If there is one wrestler who has made the most of his opportunities in 2026, it is Chad Gable. Gable has always been one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in WWE, but this year has felt different. He has combined his incredible in-ring ability with a compelling redemption story, championship success, and the kind of consistency that makes him one of the best wrestlers on the roster.
His year has continued to evolve, from his classic Mask vs. Mask match to eventually winning the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam. He’s also delivered workhorse performances week after week against the likes of Dragon Lee, Rey Mysterio, Rey Fénix, and many others.
When you tune into Monday Night Raw, one of the main things I’m looking forward to is watching Chad Gable put on weekly bangers.
At No. 2, Chad Gable represents everything I look for when putting together a list like this: excellent match quality, meaningful character development, memorable moments, and a body of work that makes me want to keep watching.
1. CM Punk
The Best in the World is back on his nonsense — and I’m here for it.
CM Punk has given me everything I want from a wrestler this year: great matches, great promos, big moments, and that feeling that something is going to happen whenever he’s on screen.
His rivalry with Roman Reigns leading into WrestleMania was one of the biggest stories of the year, and their WrestleMania match delivered on the big-match atmosphere. This is still my Pro Wrestling match of the year of 2026.
From his match against Bron Breaker at the start of the year to his heated feud with returning Kevin Owens, Punk has delivered nothing short of magic. In the ring, this could be one of his best years ever, and that’s saying a lot.
What puts Punk at No. 1 for me is he’s been very consistent with both his in-ring work and his promos. His matches feel big, & with energy. He’s always made me care. Whether I’m cheering him, yelling at him, or wondering what kind of ridiculous thing he’s going to say next, Punk has kept me invested in the product on both Raw & Smackdown.
And honestly, that’s what wrestling is supposed to do. Keeps you invested and making you want to tune in every single Monday or Friday.
CM Punk is No. 1 because he is the best in the world at what he does.
Final Thoughts
This list isn’t about who WWE says is the biggest star or who has the most championships.
It’s my list.
It’s based on the matches that entertained me, the moments I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and the wrestlers who consistently kept my attention. Most importantly, it’s about the people who made me feel something as a fan.
That’s what it’s really all about for me.
Could this list change by the end of the year? Absolutely.
Will I pretend I was always right?
Also absolutely.
Gabe out.
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