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It is often believed that the absolute pinnacle in pro wrestling is finding yourself in WWE. For the past few decades WWE has been the undisputed leader in the wrestling business but the idea of it being the ultimate goal is quickly changing.
In the last couple of years, multiple stars have made it big by working in various independent companies. The adage of you can make it anywhere if you can make it in WWE just doesn't really seem to apply anymore.
Promotions like Ring of Honor, PWG and New Japan Pro Wrestling have been around for some time and with more promotions cropping up there's more options for the wrestlers. In fact, independent wrestlers are currently thriving because of the flexibility of their schedule and the fact that they can truly express themselves in any ring.
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#5 Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes' journey is remarkable for a couple of reasons for someone that has been with WWE for a decade it takes strong character and conviction to leave the company and try to make it as a top indie wrestler. Cody has completely reinvented himself on the indie scene.
Instead of being complacent with the WWE and collecting big money for doing very little, Rhodes went back to the Indies and is now one of the hottest commodities in the pro wrestling world today.
As the American Nightmare Rhodes has been doing a phenomenal job for ROH & New Japan and became one of the few wrestlers to earn a seven-figure paycheck while not working for WWE. While choosing to leave the global leader in sports entertainment can seem kind of like a death sentence. Rhodes has open doors for superstars to go about doing the same.
#4 Kazuchika Okado
Impact Wrestling regrets not utilizing the Okada services better and their mistreatment of the star soured the relationship between New Japan and Impact Wrestling.
Over the past few years, Okada has been a true revelation putting on five-star matches with different opponents while cementing his place as the true face of New Japan. The Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion also headline new Japan's biggest annual event wrestle Kingdom for four consecutive years running and is one of the biggest names on the planet.
The Rainmaker also became the first Japanese wrestler to top the PWI's 500 list in 2017 and is the longest reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history.
#3 Will Ospreay
Will Osprey is currently one of the best English wrestlers in the world. In the past few years, he has earned the reputation of being one of the best high-flying wrestlers. His matches with Ricochet for New Japan Wrestling have received critical acclaim.
He is a former Ring of Honor TV champion, IWGP junior heavyweight champion. Will is the first English wrestler to have won the IWGP junior heavyweight championship and the prestigious best of the super juniors tournament.
Osprey is already one of the best performers in the world and still has a few years left to truly hit his peak. Will is setting the world on fire while working on the Indies and would want to continue that for a couple of years before signing up with WWE.
#2 Tetsuya Naito
It is not easy for the talent in New Japan to break away from the rest of the superstars but that is exactly what Naito has done over the past few years.
While the focus has always been on the likes of Tanahashi and Okada, Naito has quickly cemented his status as one of the top wrestlers in the world.
He won the IWGP Heavyweight title in 2016 and won the G1 Climax tournament last year. He is also part of one of the most popular stables in pro wrestling today and was named the MVP of the year for 2017 by Tokyo sports. Naito is now one of the biggest stars in New Japan.
#1 Kenny Omega
If there's one star that has been making all the right noises over the past couple of years it has to be Kenny Omega. From leaving WWE's developmental territory over a decade ago to headlining the biggest shows outside the WWE and putting on five-star matches Omega has indeed come a long way.
Omega was also the leader the Bullet Club and is considered to be the best pro wrestler in the world today. Kenny has won numerous titles in New Japan and was also involved in an outstanding match with Chris Jericho earlier this year.
Kenny has been linked with a return to WWE multiple times and the superstar said that he declined the company's offers. With the freedom he has on the indie scene the opportunity to put on incredible matches will undoubtedly entice Kenny to stay away from the WWE.
