5 hottest pro-wrestlers of 2017

The professional wrestling landscape garnered a great deal of attention, generating lots of stories throughout the year. It should also be noted that a number of men and women had incredible years, whether that consisted of solid matches, heightened confrontations, great booking or winning and retaining of championships. A great deal of talent rose to the top. Assembling a top five was very difficult, as the likes of The Miz, Braun Strowman, Zack Sabre Jr and Roman Reigns all made tremendous contributions throughout the year.

However, when assembling this list we isolate their impact, and how their year stood above others. That those that were selected had that kind of impact, over and above their colleagues. They achieved global success and turned heads, not just in the ring, but on social media as well. While we can't predict what their 2018 will be like, we can be assured that their 2017 was hot! Here are the five hottest pro-wrestlers in 2017.

---

#5. Asuka

The longest reigning NXT champion (man or woman) had a tremendous 2017.

The Empress of tomorrow had a tremendous run during her time with the NXT brand. As the longest reigning NXT Women's champion, Asuka smashed down barriers and has been the threat that others around her aspire to be. Despite having an injury that kept her out of action for about 12 weeks, Asuka has yet to be defeated in any capacity. She was the sole survivor on the Raw women's team during Survivor Series and has continued to be a daunting opponent for anyone and everyone she has stepped into the ring with.

Whether it was Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss or the Absolution faction, Asuka has laid waste to any and all comers. She was brought to Raw after successfully retaining her NXT women's championship once again, at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III against Ember Moon. She was also voted as Pro Wrestling Illustrated top female wrestler of 2017. Is there anything Asuka can't do? We'll see what 2018 brings for the Empress.

#4. ‘The American Nightmare' Cody

Everything the American Nightmare touched this past year turned to gold.

Cody has had a tremendous year. He has not only competed for New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor, he also captured titles and was prevalent on social media throughout the year. From capturing the WhatCulture Pro Wrestling championship to winning the Ring of Honor world championship, and then helping to elevate Dalton Castle by losing the ROH championship to him, Cody has demonstrated not just incredible wrestling ability, but an insatiable amount of ambition. He has also accrued greater popularity for not just himself, but his Bullet Club team members.

He is not only capable of showcasing how much of a top heel he can be, but he works well within the context of a faction as well. He has faced the likes of Okada and competed in top feuds as well. He has brought a star quality to Ring of Honor, and has been a valued top challenger anywhere and everywhere he competes. What does 2018 hold for the American Nightmare? If 2017 is any indication, achieving ever greater heights is certainly within reach.

#3. AJ Styles

Styles was one of the greatest wrestlers in the world in 2017.

He doesn't claim to be the best in the world because he doesn't need to. Time and time again the 39-year-old Styles continues to raise the quality of matches that he is a part of, regardless of whom he is in the ring with.

He began 2017 as the WWE champion and ended 2017 as the WWE champion. His year began with a match of the year candidate-- his championship match against John Cena at the Royal Rumble. In the process, he transitioned from being a heel to becoming the face, feuding with Shane McMahon, feuding with Kevin Owens, capturing the United States championship, losing the United States championship and regaining the WWE championship.

Styles is someone fans want to see and love to watch compete. He has elevated the likes of Jinder Mahal, turning their rivalry into one fans' wanted to see the end with the Phenomenal One as Champion. As 2018 has arrived, it is impossible to believe that Styles won't continue to have another phenomenal year.

#2. Kazuchika Okada

Okada once ruled the ring in 2017.

The Rainmaker continues to make his reign as IWGP Heavyweight champion a historic one. He has had stellar matches against Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Minoru Suzuki, Katsuyori Shibata and ‘The American Nightmare' Cody.

Okada may have lost a G1 Climax match against Kenny Omega, but that doesn't in any way take away from the type of year he had. Okada's crossover appeal to not just fans in Japan but those in North America and worldwide has led to his having an interesting blend of fans that have come to see why he becomes Japan's latest star, perhaps taking over where Shinsuke Nakamura left off when he departed Japan for the WWE.

Okada's match against Tetsuya Naito to kick off 2018 was everything fans of the two, and fans of New Japan Pro Wrestling, in general, we're hoping to see and more. Okada is now the longest reigning IWGP Heavyweight champion in the promotion's history. He had an exceptional 2017, and only appears to be getting better.

#1. Kenny Omega

Omega was clearly elite in the wrestling world.

Nicknamed "The Cleaner", Omega has done just that. He captured the inaugural IWGP United States championship, and throughout the year managed to elevate not just himself, but those around him as well. The Bullet Club leader has always been known for a whimsical side when it came to wrestling, but he is on a completely different playing field today. He had three all-time great matched against Kazuchika Okada, kicking off the year with a 45-minute classic, followed by a rematch that ended in a 60-minute draw and a third match in the G1 Climax tournament.

As 2017 ended, a challenge was issued to Okada by the ‘Alpha,' Chris Jericho. The prospect of this momentous match-up in New Japan Pro Wrestling brought several eyes on the company from fans that otherwise may not have followed it. Omega's year featured championship match after championship match and one high calibre matchup after another. ‘The Cleaner' was listed among Pro Wrestling Illustrated's best wrestlers of the year, and it is impossible to dispute that fact.