Best of British: Top 10 British Wrestlers

Wrestling in the United Kingdom has been on the up the last couple of years. Gone are the days of Big Daddy battling Giant Haystacks and WWE rip-offs. Now Britain hosts a wealth of talented home grown wrestlers who compete not just in the UK but also internationally in America and Japan. Here I look at who I think are the best ten British wrestlers competing today. This excludes the likes of Finn Balor, Sheamus and Becky Lynch who are from the Republic of Ireland.

*Side note there are plenty of links in this article to wrestling matches and other related videos. Check them out to see what all the fuss is about.

10) Jimmy Havoc: The story of Havoc from fan favourite to violent psychopath was done masterfully by Progress Wrestling. It was reminiscent of Jimmy Jacobs evolution into the Age of the Fall leader. Havoc has now become a heat magnet with the fans chanting "Die Jimmy Die" at him and he has come close. Buckets of blood has been lost by this man inside a wrestling ring as he continues to bring something different to the UK independent scene.

9) Noam Dar: One of two Scotsman on the list. Dar is a regular on the UK independent scene. He's best friends with TNA's Grado but don't hold that against him. Although he can be funny, Darrs strength's lie in his technical wrestling and loves to tie his opponent up in holds. The charismatic Scot hasn't had much exposure outside of TNA's British Bootcamp Season 2. Hopefully that will change because despite being young, Dar has plenty of experience under his belt.

8) Bad News Barrett: This is a low placement for someone competing in the top wrestling promotion in the World. After winning NXT Season 1 and leading the Nexus it seemed we would finally see a English WWE World Champion in Wade Barrett. That didn't work out but he has had some decent runs in the company and is currently part of Sheamus's stable (although he only seems to be there to take the pin). He's out injured at the moment and there's talk of him leaving WWE. I can't see him WWE main event material now but he could still play an important midcard role. But if he goes elsewhere he may get the starring role he desires.

7) Paige: Sticking with WWE and the only woman on the list (Although there are plenty of talented British female wrestlers see: Kay Lee Ray and Nixon Newell). There's no understating Paige's impact on the rise of female wrestling. Although her matches are not always the best, whenever she's on screen you pay attention. She's still young and could carry the division for many years to come. She's got charisma by the bucket load. You can see there's potential for her to have some really good matches like she did in NXT, when she does, she'll climb up the list.

6) Drew Galloway: The big Scot is great example of a wrestler leaving WWE and becoming better. Despite being "hand picked" by Vince McMahon, Drew never achieved much in the WWE. However, since leaving he's captured titles and put on some great performances. He's also decent on the mic and has worked with TNA. But that doesn't stop him returning home to battle for the likes of Insane Championship Wrestling. After achieving so much since leaving the WWE, the big question is where does he go from here?

5) Mark Andrews: I'm probably being a bit biased with the only Welsh wrestler on the list but there are plenty of matches that back up Mandrew's high ranking. Some people may have only seen his short performances for TNA but Mandrews' best work has been in the UK, with the likes of his home promotion ATTACK Wrestling and Progress Wrestling. He's also been part of the European crew who started taking part in PWG which will hopefully be the catapult to get him noticed on the American Indies. Hopefully, Mandrews'' gets more of a chance to shine in the future.

4) Marty Scurll: This lad has grown so much in the last few years. He's really killed it in his "Villain" character. It's very old school and shouldn't work but Scurll pulls it off perfectly. Add in that he is a fantastic technician and you have yourself one of the best the UK has to offer. The match that really emphasised how good Scurll is was his match against Will Ospreay at RPW's High Stakes this year. Scurll played he heel perfectly, there was hard hitting, technical wrestling and brilliant storytelling. If you haven't checked it out, it's a must watch.

3) Will Ospreay: That leads me nicely to this man, who I must admit I hadn't seen much of before this year. After a few matches, I was hooked. Ospreay is a great highflyer, is young and very likable. I think he has all the tools to be a big success. He was on TNA's recent UK tour but then was snapped up by NJPW before he could sign for TNA. It's a big move and I can't wait to see him against some of the best NJPW has to offer. He has so much going for him. Unlike the typical highflyer like Ricochet, ACH, Rich Swann, Ospreay is a tall guy and I think WWE should keep an eye on this young lad. Apart from the aforementioned match, check out his series of highflying battles against Mark Andrews.

2) Neville: "The Man that Gravity Forgot" and the man formally known as PAC. Neville is struck in WWE limboland with no real direction but in terms of wrestling, you know you can rely on the former NXT Champion. He'll always put in a good performance and get the crowd on his side. Ironically for someone who is such a highflyer there may be a glass ceiling for Neville. Realistically, he's not going to become WWE Champion (Although Barrett seems to think so according to his appearance on WWE Ride Along) but I think he has an important role to play in both WWE and NXT.

1) Zack Sabre Jr: Who better to have at number one than one of my favourite wrestlers and a guy who proudly wears the Union Jack on his way to the ring? Sabre just nails it, every time he steps in the ring, I think 2015 was when people started to realise this. He has stolen every PWG and Evolve show he performed on and was even mentioned by WWE as a guy to watch. He brings something different to the table which in 2016 is easier said than done. He's a joy to watch whoever he's across the ring from due to his crisp technical style, he just makes it look effortless. With Evolve's link to WWE, he could find his way to the biggest stage in wrestling. But honestly, I think he's better off where he is, at least for the moment. He's the hottest name on the Indies and a regular in Japan with Pro Wrestling NOAH. One things for sure, wherever he's wrestling, I'll be watching.

 

Extreme Rules 2015 Predictions

We are in the fallout from WrestleMania where we saw the “Vigilante” crushed, the Deadman return and the World Champion losing the title without being pinned or submitted. But forget all those storylines, none of them matter for Extreme Rules, the so called “one night of the year when WWE gets Extreme”. Of course, this event has changed a lot from its roots as “ECW’s One Night Stand”, you only got to look at the match stipulations which include a “Kiss Me Arse” match. Yeah, really.

 

WWE Tag Team Championships:

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (C) vs. The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston)

Story Arc: A new tag team on the block (the Lucha Dragons) steal the spotlight from The New Day. But with some new heel tactics, the New Day win themselves a title opportunity.

Prediction: I would have loved to have seen the Lucha Dragons challenge for the titles but it’s good booking by WWE to have the New Day slowly turn heel and earn themselves the number one contenderships. Kidd and Cesaro should go over here to set up a future bout with Sin Cara and Kalisto. Although, equally in storyline terms, the masked duo facing The New Day would also work. However, Kidd and Cesaro are an excellent team and the longer the two have the titles, the better the tag division will be.

Winners: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Chicago Street Fight:

Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper

Story Arc: The monster keeps on destroying the man. But this is no normal man.

Prediction: I’m glad to see these two on the card. Not only are these two too good to be left off a PPV but also it shows the WWE giving their midcarders a chance. With both mens past, I expect this to be pretty brutal. It’s not going to be all barbed wire and week-whackers but there should be at least one bump that deserves a Joey Styles “OH MY GOD!” That is, as long as they get enough time. It really depends on who the WWE wants to push. Knowing WWE, neither. I’m hoping Ambrose goes over here. He’s been losing a lot of big matches since breaking from the Shield, this is one he can win.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Kiss Me Arse Match:

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

Story Arc: The returning Irishman, with a fresh new attitude and look tries to bully all. One man stands against him.

Prediction: Did we really need this stipulation? I mean really? Both men are good workers, so regardless of the 90’s stipulation, this should be a good match. I don’t know what the WWE are trying to do with Sheamus. He came back as a badass but this stipulation kind of diminishes that. Since he just returned, Sheamus should win this to keep his momentum going. I don’t know what’s next for him. Maybe he goes for Bryan’s IC title? Maybe Cena’s US title?

Winner: Sheamus

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship:

Daniel Bryan (C) vs. Bad News Barrett

Story Arc: The former king of the hill claims the second most coverted prize in wrestling but the former champ wants his belt back.

Prediction: The real question in this match is whether Bryan will be able to wrestle. He’s been injured and it’s currently unknown whether the “YES” man will be able to compete. There are two ways around this. If they know Bryan will be out for a long period then he will have to relinquish the belt. Alternatively, if they think Bryan will be out for only a week or so, then they can have him attacked backstage and cancel the bout. If the match goes ahead, it should be a fun match. Bryan can have a good bout with everybody, even if he is not 100% (just watch some of his ROH matches, he even competed with his eye half hanging out). If Bryan is fit, then Bryan should retain. If not, then he may lose it quickly, either by handing the belt back or losing quickly.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

WWE Divas Championship

Nikki Bella (C) vs. Naomi

Story Arc: Umm... I don't know actually

Prediction: What has happened to the Divas division? First AJ Lee retires then Paige leaves kayfabe injured. It’s a little bit muddled. Naomi heel turn was done well but with the Divas division lacking a face, I’m unsure whether this was done at the right time. If the Bella’s have turned face, then that just adds to the confusion. I’m unsure what to make of this. Like the tag title bout, it makes better business sense to keep the titles on Nikki.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Last Man Standing:

Roman Reigns vs. Big Show

Story Arc: Former challenger takes on the giant (in a lame build up)

Prediction: Let’s first point out that Extreme Rules will take place in Chicago, which is usually quite a rowdy crowd, so expect Roman to be boo’ed. They may even boo the entire match. Although the build-up could be better, this is the right move for Reigns. There’s no point in Reigns remaining in the title picture and throwing the championship on him. The problem is that The Big Show shouldn’t be in one of the main feuds at his age. That said, it could be a decent enough match. As long as these two just slug it out and hit a few big spots. With it being a Last Man Standing bout there should be a big finish. The winner is in no doubt.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Russian Chain Match

WWE United States Championship

John Cena (C) v Rusev

Story Arc: American hero captures the belt but the angry foreigner wants a rematch in his terms

Prediction: One thing WWE has done right is the Cena/Rusev feud. I’m surprised they haven’t built this up more as the rubber match, Rusev won at Fast Lane, Cena won at WrestleMania. So what happens at Extreme Rules? Cena winning would be the sensible call, he’s bringing prestige to the belt and defending regularly. However, another loss for Rusev would damage the previously unbeaten Russian. The best call would be for Rusev to pass out from some chain submission move, possibly the Accolade or STF.

Winner: John Cena

Steel Cage Match

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Seth Rollins (C) vs. Randy Orton

Story Arc: Fresh off his shocking title win, the new champ finds himself a new challenger with a familiar face

Prediction: This is a proper main event. Maybe a little bit overbooked with the RKO banned and Kane at ringside but other than that this has all of the makings of a stellar cage match. Steel Cage matches have lost that thrill they used to have but Rollins and Orton have excellent chemistry. Rollins is also very inventive so I’m looking forward to see what he can come up with inside a cage. Kane being at ringside should change something. I’m unsure at the moment whether he’ll help the champ or not. If I had to guess, I’d say he’d be against Rollins all match then screw Orton at the end, allowing Rollins to get the win. It’s a shame the RKO and the Curb Stomp are banned because both off the cage would be excellent spots.

Winner: Seth Rollins