Who made the biggest leap in pro wrestling in 2026?
Blade Daily and Books and Bodyslams—still inexplicably answering to Kendra Omega—look at the wrestlers whose stock has skyrocketed this year across AEW, NJPW and ROH.
From Will Ospreay reaching the top of AEW and Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight emerging as major players, to Willow Nightingale, Thekla, Andrade El Ídolo, Maya World and Persephone climbing the ranks, 2026 has produced an incredible collection of breakout stars and newly established main-eventers.
And then there's Ryohei Oiwa, who went from having to qualify for the G1 Climax to winning the whole damn tournament, while Yuya Uemura reached the finals of both the New Japan Cup and G1 Climax.
Who has raised their stock the most? Who surprised us? And which of these wrestlers could be sitting at the very top of the industry a year from now?
Plus, we recap the highlights of AEW Dynamite and break down the developing AEW All Out 2026 card, including Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley, Kazuchika Okada vs. Tommaso Ciampa, Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla and more.
Think we missed someone? Think one of our picks is completely insane? Good. That's what we're here for.
Follow Sit Down Shut Up Mark Out on your podcast app so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review—it helps more wrestling sickos find us.
Then come find Jobber Underground and join the argument. Wrestling is better when you've got people to argue about wrestling with.
Sit Down. Shut Up. Mark Out.
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