PWI 500 2026: MJF on top, but Cody Rhodes and CM Punk rankings spark controversy

The annual PWI 500 has released its ranking of the most outstanding wrestlers for the August 1, 2025–July 31, 2026 evaluation period, with Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) in first place. The publication has ignited wide discussion on social media, particularly over several surprising placements in the top 10.

As Bleacher Report notes, the criteria Pro Wrestling Illustrated uses for the ranking include in-ring achievement, influence within the promotion, technical ability, quality of competition and activity level, while this year’s top 10 are: MJF (AEW), Cody Rhodes (WWE), CM Punk (WWE), Místico (CMLL/AEW), Konosuke Takeshita (AEW), “Hangman” Adam Page (AEW), Yota Tsuji (NJPW), Trick Williams (WWE), Oba Femi (WWE) and Gunther (WWE). The full list will appear in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s December issue and its digital edition.

It can be argued MJF deserves first place: as a three-time AEW champion he had a very strong year and was the most consistent attention-grabber during the evaluation period. His rivalry with “Hangman” Adam Page and his involvement in major storylines with names like Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay contributed to his impact as a top star.

On the other hand, there are names that rose notably during the year: Yota Tsuji as IWGP champion, Oba Femi and Trick Williams as rising stars of WWE’s main roster, and Místico, who remains a major draw in Mexico and crossed into collaborations that boosted his visibility. Also recognized were the reinventions of Cruz Montana (No. 13) and the international-scene successes of Callum Newman (No. 14) and Kevin Knight (No. 24).

The ranking also produced startling omissions: Darby Allin, who won AEW’s top title and had several standout defenses, fell short of expectations; Jon Moxley’s absence from the top 10, despite his wins and dominance during the period, was considered glaring; and Roman Reigns’ non-appearance on the list sparked reactions, as he failed to reach the required minimum number of matches despite his prominent role.

The fiercest debate concerns Cody Rhodes’ ranking ahead of CM Punk. Punk won three world titles during the evaluation period, had standout matches such as the one with Gunther at SummerSlam 2025 and a highly rated clash against Roman Reigns during the WrestleMania season; his July return to win the Undisputed title reinforced his main-event significance on SmackDown. While Rhodes remains a big name who belongs in the top 10, the No. 2 ranking raises questions about the criteria balancing influence and activity.

In the end, this year’s PWI 500 list is one more cause for debate among fans and analysts, with strong arguments for several risers and omissions. Bleacher Report notes these discussions are expected to continue as fans analyze the results and individual performances during the evaluation period.