In the fast-paced world of professional wrestling, a new generation of stars is always waiting in the wings, ready to take the industry by storm. For the second year in a row, ESPN has taken on the task of identifying the top 30 wrestlers under the age of 30, highlighting the most promising young talents from promotions around the globe.
Criteria and Methodology
To determine the rankings, ESPN’s panel of wrestling experts considered several factors, including:
- In-ring skills and performance
- Charisma and star power
- Accomplishments and accolades
- Popularity and fan engagement
- Potential for future success
The final list represents a diverse array of wrestlers from promotions such as WWE, AEW, NJPW, and AAA, showcasing the depth of talent in the industry today.
Top 10 Revealed
Leading the pack at number one is none other than Dominik Mysterio, the 27-year-old son of legendary luchador Rey Mysterio. Dominik’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, as he’s transformed from a fresh-faced rookie to a bona fide main eventer in record time.
Hot on Dominik’s heels is MJF, the 28-year-old AEW star known for his scathing promos and undeniable in-ring talent. Despite facing some setbacks in 2024, MJF remains one of the most captivating personalities in all of wrestling.
Rounding out the top five are Toni Storm, Rhea Ripley, and Mariah May, three women who have been at the forefront of the ongoing revolution in women’s wrestling. Each has made a significant impact in their respective promotions, and their futures look brighter than ever.
Next Generation Superstars
Among the other notable names on the list are second-generation stars like Bron Breakker and Hook, both of whom have already begun to carve out their own legacies in the shadow of their famous fathers.
International talents such as El Hijo del Vikingo, Shota Umino, and Yuma Anzai also earned spots on the list, highlighting the global nature of today’s wrestling landscape.
This year’s crop of young wrestlers is absolutely incredible. The level of talent and potential we’re seeing is unparalleled, and I can’t wait to see how these performers continue to evolve and shape the future of our industry.
– Veteran wrestler and producer, speaking anonymously
The Future is Now
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the future of the industry is in very capable hands. With talents like those featured on ESPN’s list leading the charge, fans can expect to be treated to a new golden age of professional wrestling in the years to come.
From high-flyers to powerhouses, technicians to brawlers, the top 30 wrestlers under 30 represent the very best of what the sport has to offer. As they continue to hone their craft and build their legacies, there’s no telling how high they’ll soar.
The Complete List
For those eager to see where their favorite young stars landed, here’s the complete top 30 ranking:
- Dominik Mysterio
- MJF
- Toni Storm
- Rhea Ripley
- Mariah May
- Konosuke Takeshita
- Jack Perry
- Kyle Fletcher
- Daniel Garcia
- Shota Umino
- Bron Breakker
- Kaito Kiyomiya
- El Hijo del Vikingo
- Kris Statlander
- Austin Theory
- Jordynne Grace
- Hook
- Tiffany Stratton
- Mascara Dorada 2.0
- Roxanne Perez
- Wheeler Yuta
- Logan Paul
- Yuma Aoyagi
- Gabe Kidd
- Utami Hayashishita
- Julia Hart
- Jamie Hayter
- Shun Skywalker
- Dragon Lee
- Yuma Anzai
With rising stars like these leading the charge, the future of professional wrestling has never looked brighter. Fans can expect to see these talented young performers continue to revolutionize the industry in the years ahead, and ESPN will be there every step of the way to chronicle their journeys to superstardom.
International talents such as El Hijo del Vikingo, Shota Umino, and Yuma Anzai also earned spots on the list, highlighting the global nature of today’s wrestling landscape.
This year’s crop of young wrestlers is absolutely incredible. The level of talent and potential we’re seeing is unparalleled, and I can’t wait to see how these performers continue to evolve and shape the future of our industry.
– Veteran wrestler and producer, speaking anonymously
The Future is Now
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the future of the industry is in very capable hands. With talents like those featured on ESPN’s list leading the charge, fans can expect to be treated to a new golden age of professional wrestling in the years to come.
From high-flyers to powerhouses, technicians to brawlers, the top 30 wrestlers under 30 represent the very best of what the sport has to offer. As they continue to hone their craft and build their legacies, there’s no telling how high they’ll soar.
The Complete List
For those eager to see where their favorite young stars landed, here’s the complete top 30 ranking:
- Dominik Mysterio
- MJF
- Toni Storm
- Rhea Ripley
- Mariah May
- Konosuke Takeshita
- Jack Perry
- Kyle Fletcher
- Daniel Garcia
- Shota Umino
- Bron Breakker
- Kaito Kiyomiya
- El Hijo del Vikingo
- Kris Statlander
- Austin Theory
- Jordynne Grace
- Hook
- Tiffany Stratton
- Mascara Dorada 2.0
- Roxanne Perez
- Wheeler Yuta
- Logan Paul
- Yuma Aoyagi
- Gabe Kidd
- Utami Hayashishita
- Julia Hart
- Jamie Hayter
- Shun Skywalker
- Dragon Lee
- Yuma Anzai
With rising stars like these leading the charge, the future of professional wrestling has never looked brighter. Fans can expect to see these talented young performers continue to revolutionize the industry in the years ahead, and ESPN will be there every step of the way to chronicle their journeys to superstardom.
