BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) DOLPH ZIGGLER
I was going to include Cody Rhodes here as a tie, but Dolph edges him out just a tad bit. Dolph Ziggler is the next big thing in wrestling. He’s consistently having the best matches of the night, his character is evolving right before our eyes, and it feels like he’s only getting started. He sells his ass off and is athletic as fuck. He works well with everyone too as he’s proven by carrying Zack Ryder into a convincing upper mid carder. People compare him to a Mr. Perfect and even sometimes Billy Gunn. Well, he’s already better than Billy Gunn and I HATE to say it, but he has potential to eclipse even Perfect. To me, he’s more comparable to a young Shawn Michaels or even a young Stunning Steve Austin. Yeah, I’ll go THAT far with my praise.
(THREE) MARK HENRY
Mark Henry is the best heel champion the WWE has seen in a very long time. Mark Henry deserves to be named the best wrestler in wrestling. He had a GREAT year. I know it’s cliché to say, but I have always been a big fan of his. He’s been a great monster heel and has turned tons of non believers into supporters. He’s been around for so long. He’s always been a steady hand and has done anything the company has wanted. Still, I don’t feel like this is a “lets reward him for his dedication” thing so much as a “finally! It all clicks!” I’ve read that he’s going to retire soon, but I think this newfound awesomeness will help keep him around at least another year or two.
(TWO) CM PUNK
I’m not really so much a fan, but I can’t deny his output in 2011. He got people really talking about wrestling this past summer with that massive promo, taking the belt and going on a mini-tour with it, that crazy insane match at MITB, and just his overall work quality. He’s really stepping up and is becoming a leader of a new era. I’m sure someone will over take him and be the next big thing sooner than later, but for right now CM Punk is a money machine.
(ONE) RANDY ORTON
I’m sure people won’t agree with this one. People are going to say Punk or Dolph or even Mark Henry was the “wrestler of the year”. All are fair arguments, but to me the true number one wrestler in 2011 is EASILY Randy Orton. He carried Smackdown by himself while putting over tons of people. The argument is that he didn’t lose ENOUGH, but that’s bullshit. He doesn’t have to lose to put someone over and give them a rub. Still, he lost to and gave rubs to Christian, Cody Rhodes, Sheamus, Dolph, and especially Mark Henry. Without Randy Orton I don’t think Mark Henry would have been as over as a monster, Cody as an upper mid carder, and he certainly didn’t do really anyone any career harm in 2011. He’s been wishy washy in the past, but if you really pay attention to him now a days it’s a million times better. Randy Orton is currently performing at his career peak and I recommend taking it in and appreciating it.
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