ESPN 30 under 30

[RedTwoster]

Apparently this isn’t the first time they’ve done this, but ESPN has produced a 30 under 30 list for pro wrestlers for 2024, which I thought would be an interesting point of discussion. Their criteria, they say, is ‘merit’ rather than potential. You can read the full list here, but the top 10 is, in reverse order:

10. Shota Umino

9. Daniel Garcia

8. Kyle Fletcher

7. Jack Perry

6. Takeshita

5. Mariah May

4. Rhea Ripley

3. Toni Storm

2. MJF

1. Dominic Mysterio

So…what do you reckon? It’s kind of striking that so few WWE wrestlers make the top 10, Bron Breakker, Tiffany Stratton and Logan Paul being the obvious omissions for me - but aside from that, it’s a list that has me feeling pretty optimistic about the future of wrestling. There’s so much talent on that list - and Austin Theory.

[The King Of Swing]

Cool to see that Utami Hayashishita, made the list.

Considering she got that Iyo match, I wouldn't be shocked if WWE have their eye on her. 

[Mr Butternut Squash]

Fucking Jack Perry? He's the biggest shitter of the year.

[DavidB6937]

8 minutes ago, Mr Butternut Squash said:

Fucking Jack Perry? He's the biggest shitter of the year.

Better than Theory though.

[RedTwoster]

5 minutes ago, Mr Butternut Squash said:

Fucking Jack Perry? He's the biggest shitter of the year.

This is how they outline their criteria:

’The criteria included drawing power, popularity, skills, position on the roster and accomplishments, including championships and tournament victories.’

Which might explain his positioning, but also draws into question several others - such as Fletcher, and even Dom.

But heck, I’m glad that Mysterio is number one. His transformation from bland babyface to his current character has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am genuinely willing him on to win a World title in 2025. He’s the kind of character the Money in the Bank briefcase was made for. 

[Mr Butternut Squash]

8 minutes ago, DavidB6937 said:

Better than Theory though.

Nah, at least Theory has found his role as a midcard goofball and he seems to 'get it' to some extent. And he's barely on the show. Perry is useless.

[SwayWays]

I've seen some reactions that applaud dom's ranking , but feel MJF was slighted. I don't mind MJF, but I don't feel like he's evolved since he won the AEW title. Dom on the other hand has been nothing but incredible, he doesn't have the approach that MJF has as a foul mouth edge lord.. Dom does next to nothing and it works. You could argue that Dom is simply playing his part in the overall WWE presentation, but he hits everything he's given out of the park and he's so much better than someone as new as him as any right to be. His evolution alone warrants his ranking. Even in interviews he's a fearless, effortless heel. 

[DavidB6937]

If MJF had been better recently I'm pretty sure he would've had that top spot but he's off the boil and Dom's only going from strength to strength. What a guy. Chicken tenders all round.

[RIDDUM_N_STYLE]

Mad to think that Dom’s first match was over 4 years ago and his heel turn was over two years ago. The kid has gotten better and better every year and it really wouldn’t be a shock if he finally gets a singles title in 2025

[CDM]

3 hours ago, Mr Butternut Squash said:

Fucking Jack Perry? He's the biggest shitter of the year.

I don't know mate. I think he's been the best he's ever  been since his return. The jungle boy gimmick was great fun but it had its limit. I'd argue he's been one of the most improved of 2024 in aew. 

Edited November 25, 2024 by CDM

[JLM]

Definitely forget that Toni Storm is still only 29. It's partly because she completely disappears into the Timeless character, who is definitely meant to be older than that. It think it's also because she's done so much already. Progress, NXT UK, Stardom, NXT US and WWE main roster. Then in AEW it almost feels like two runs because the reinvention has been so drastic and such a massive step up from any of her previous work. I also forget that the Timeless character hasn't even been around for that long. 

[Lion_of_the_Midlands]

Not a bad list but having Perry in the top 10 and not Bron Breakkkkkkkker is madness to my eyes. Perry hasn't learned anything despite hanging around with Okada and The Bucks. Painfully average matches and a gimmick that doesn't suit him. CSN&Y in the post above says he has improved, but I dont see it. There are more than a few AEW wrestlers who would be above him in terms of current talent, Fletcher, Hook, and Statlander for starters. Perry's position on the list is because he is a nepobaby, no other reason. 

[Mr Butternut Squash]

1 hour ago, CDM said:

I don't know mate. I think he's been the best he's ever  been since his return. The jungle boy gimmick was great fun but it had its limit. I'd argue he's been one of the most improved of 2024 in aew. 

Turning Perry heel stripped away the few strengths and unique qualities he had. He was a perfectly likeable in-ring underdog babyface, in a world of where there's few of them. Now he's what . . . 5th rate Malakai Raven? He hasn't clicked at all as a heel.

Obviously he had wore out his babyface run too, but like I said, he's shit. Seemingly didn't pick up anything from all that time with Christian.

Edited November 26, 2024 by Mr Butternut Squash

[CDM]

@Mr Butternut Squash Your welcome to your opinion mate but I'm not sure how many would agree with. Most of the aew fans I've spoken to have said this is the best version they have seen of him. Personally I just feel I'm interested in the character but maybe everyone doesn't feel the same. 

Edited November 26, 2024 by CDM

[CDM]

45 minutes ago, JLM said:

Definitely forget that Toni Storm is still only 29. It's partly because she completely disappears into the Timeless character, who is definitely meant to be older than that. It think it's also because she's done so much already. Progress, NXT UK, Stardom, NXT US and WWE main roster. Then in AEW it almost feels like two runs because the reinvention has been so drastic and such a massive step up from any of her previous work. I also forget that the Timeless character hasn't even been around for that long. 

Did you go to all in or dynamite in Wales? The reaction from the crowd for her was amazing. She's probably the most popular ever aew female wrestler. The gimmick is great but she still has to make it work. Which she did very well in my opinion