Roman Reigns Tops 2022 PWI 500

Pro Wrestling Illustrated have acknowledged him.

It was announced today that Roman Reigns has topped the 32nd annual PWI 500, being ranked as the number one wrestler in the world for the second time in his career. He was previously awarded the accolade in 2016. 

During the evaluation period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, Roman reigned as Universal Champion and then Undisputed WWE Universal Champion following a unification match in the main event of WrestleMania 38. He remained undefeated throughout the year too, picking up wins over the likes of John Cena, Edge, Finn Balor, and Goldberg, alongside three victories against Brock Lesnar. 

Finishing just below Reigns are New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Kazuchika Okada and AEW's CM Punk, who came second and third respectively. 

Wrestlers were ranked using a criteria based on in-ring achievement, influence, technical ability, and competition.

The top 10 for the 2022 PWI 500 is as follows:

1. Roman Reigns - WWE
2. Kazuchika Okada - NJPW
3. CM Punk - AEW
4. Hangman Page - AEW
5. Bobby Lashley - WWE
6. Cody Rhodes - AEW/WWE
7. Bryan Danielson - AEW
8. El Hijo del Vikingo - AAA
9. Big E - WWE
10. Jonathan Gresham - ROH/Independent Wrestling