The Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine is one of the oldest still in circulation. Among its annual tops is the one of the best 50 wrestlers in the world, which was recently published.
According to the PWI list, the best wrestler of this year is Asuka, who is undefeated in WWE having been NXT Champion from April 1, 2016, until August 24 of this year, as she resigned due to an injury. Asuka made her debut at TLC, where she achieved her first victory in the main roster by defeating Emma. The Japanese wrestler is one of the most talented in the industry, having had great matches.
The complete top is as follows:
1. Asuka (WWE)
2. Charlotte Flair (WWE)
3. Alexa Bliss (WWE)
4. Sasha Banks (WWE)
5. Bayley (WWE)
6. Io Shirai (Stardom)
7. Natalya (WWE)
8. Sienna (TNA)
9. Naomi (WWE)
10. Kairi Sane (WWE)
11. Mercedes Martinez (WWE)
12. Shayna Bazsler (WWE)
13. Rosemary (TNA)
14. LuFisto (Indies)
15. Mayu Iwantani (Stardom)
16. Mia Yim (WWE)
17. Allie (TNA)
18. Ember Moon (WWE)
19. Becky Lynch (WWE)
20. Madison Eagles (Indies)
21. Nicole Savoy (Indies)
22. Nia Jax (WWE)
23. Candice LeRae (WWE)
24. Toni Storm (WWE)
25. Hiroyo Matsumoto (Oz Academy)
26. Chelsea Green (TNA)
27. Saraya Knightn (Indies)
28. Shazza McKenzie (Indies)
29. Kay Lee Ray (WWE)
30. Mickie James (WWE)
31. Dakota Kai (WWE)
32. Nicole Matthews (Indies)
33. Alex Windsor (Indies)
34. Deonna Purrazzo (Indies)
35. Abbey Laith (WWE)
36. Risa Sera (Indie)
37. Viper (WWE)
38. Carmella (WWE)
39. Ruby Riot (WWE)
40. Nikki Cross (WWE)
41. Vanessa Kraven (Indies)
42. Santana Garrett (Indies)
43. Tessa Blanchard (Indies)
44. Arisa Nakajima (Seadlinnng)
45. Lady Lory (Indies)
46. Shotzi Blackheart (Indies)
47. Veda Scott (TNA)
48 Alpha Female (Indies)
49. Marti Belle (WWE)
50. Zoey Skye (Indies)
The top features 26 WWE wrestlers, 5 from TNA, and 19 independents and Japanese companies.
Obviously, like the PWI male top, there will be many criticisms, as Japanese wrestlers are much more talented than American ones. It's practically a country of Asukas. And yet, very few were included.