20 Wrestler List
Since Trash Talking is about independent wrestling for the most part, I will abstain from choosing any current WWE competitors.
1. “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels
This choice really does not need an explanation, as Daniels is the consummate professional wrestler. He is well rounded and versed with tremendous ring psychology. Being able to work convincingly as either a heel or a face gives the booker that much more freedom to construct a good storyline for him. A fine choice to represent a new company, as seen in his prominent role in Ring of Honor.
2. “King of Old School” Steve Corino
Being a strong proponent of old-school myself, Corino is an easy choice for a new company looking to establish a strong heel capable of turning a crowd not only with wrestling but words as well. Never one to shy away from competition, he can make wrestling “real” again, as evidenced by his recent feud with Homicide.
3. Raven
Not only valuable as a wrestler, Raven is known for being one of the brightest guys in the sport, and can be invaluable to a new company backstage as well as in the squared circle. His ability to paint a picture with words and actions can make the biggest Internet geek suspend belief, and his verbal wordplay can make the smartest intellectual stop and think. Definitely a must have guy.
4. Masato Tanaka
Words do not do Tanaka justice. He has shown that he can excel in both the hardcore, extreme style as well as the hard hitting strong style. He shows no fear, and has taken some of the most brutal beatings in history, only to get right back up and deliver one of his fearsome Roaring Elbows. A favorite no matter where he goes, Tanaka immediately gives any show he is on a sense of legitimacy.
5. “Hi Flyin” Chris Hamrick
Classic heel, Southern style. Chris Hamrick always gives the fans 110% and will not stop until he has stolen the show. Hamrick knows every trick in the book, and every way to get the crowd involved in his match as well. Truly a locker room MVP, Hamrick is a must for a company looking to provide great action.
6. Low Ki
A perfect combination of someone who respects the “old-school” nature of wrestling, while being able to compete in a style that is refreshingly new. Low Ki is the most intense wrestler I have ever seen in person, and his sheer will to be a success makes him welcome in any locker room in the world.
7. Jack Victory
Many people may scratch their heads at the inclusion of “The Lord of Old School”, but if you have never been around Jack then you don’t know the real deal. Mr. Victory, as I am always sure to call him, knows more about wrestling than any of us ever will. He is full of ideas on how to get guys over, and he also throws the meanest right hand in the sport. A true legend, this veteran commands respect wherever he goes.
8. “Dynamite” Josh Daniels
As someone who also looks up to Dynamite Kid and Chris Benoit, I admire the development of Josh Daniels in the last 2 years. He has hit the gym harder than anyone, and it shows, as he consistently impresses me with new moves and counters, not to mention his incredible physique. I can not think of anyone that deserves to be a success more than “Dynamite”, so he definitely can be on any show I would ever have.
9. Homicide
What more can be said of the Notorious 187 that hasn’t been said already? He is the Wrestler of the Year for 2003 in my opinion, and there is nowhere to go but up from here on out. He can brawl, he can fly, he can stretch you, he can wrestle you, he can do it all. Just hope that he doesn’t get you in position for the dreaded Cop Killa...
10. Tracy Smothers
I don’t know how active Tracy is right now, but if you want to incite a crowd, simply have Tracy on the card. This rugged veteran can really get the people going, as his charisma has a way of getting on fans’ nerves. Plus, he is a Grade A athlete and would make the perfect partner for Chris Hamrick, reforming their XPW team.
11. The Amazing Red
Currently out of action with an injury, this young man has (no pun intended) amazing potential to revolutionize the sport much the same way that Rey Misterio Jr. did back in the ‘90s. Perfect as the underdog babyface, this competitor can pull off a win against anyone, and can be used to draw young fans and females alike.
12. Rapid Fire Maldonado
Look up underrated in the dictionary, and the odds are you will see a picture of Rapid Fire. With backgrounds in boxing, martial arts, and wrestling, he can adapt to any style and is known for making others look like a million bucks. His varied skills also provide him with an arsenal of offensive maneuvers to allow him to go toe-to-toe with anyone of any size. A double bonus is the fact that he can be equally effective as a face or heel, making him a valuable member of any company.
13. American Dragon
This young man, who was initially trained at the Texas Wrestling Academy, is one determined wrestler. He has trained with WWE developmental agents, frequently competes on both coasts, not to mention foreign tours and he continues to grow and improve everywhere he goes. His submission style is intense, and his ability impresses even the most cynical of fans. A definite must-have.
14 & 15. Jay & Mark Briscoe
Noticing that my promotion was lacking tag-teams, I would love to have the Briscoes on the roster. These two young bucks have all of the talent and ability in the world, and are not shy about breaking out the death defying moves that are gaining popularity among the new breed of wrestling fan.
16. Chi Chi Cruz
Every promotion has always had the one really sneaky heel, the guy that could generate heat as soon as he stepped through the curtain. If you are looking for a heat-seeking missile, then Chi Chi is your guy. He can sell with the best of them, has an innovative set of offensive maneuvers, and can work the microphone like nobody’s business. He is a real asset to any locker room, and can elevate anyone he is working with.
17. Samoa Joe
This young man is the hardest hitter on the independent scene today. The ROH champion has left matches with enormous bumps and bruises, along with the respect of the wrestling world. An international player, Joe can be the meanest hired assassin imaginable, or the model fighting champion. Any time you have someone who can make people cower in fear, you have the ability to make a company money by matching him up with the crowd’s favorites. Joe is that man for my promotion.
18. Dan Maff
Dan Maff has shown that hard work and determination do indeed pay off, as he is now one of the best-known wrestlers on the independent circuit. His massive lariats and crushing Burning Hammer are feared by all, and he has the charisma to really connect with any crowd. Maff is a superb addition to any locker room.
19. Quiet Storm
Told by everyone that he was too small, Quiet Storm persevered and has become one of the most talented junior heavyweights on the indies today. He has been in Japan for almost a year, training in the Kaientai Dojo, and later getting a contract with Michinoku Pro. The Storm Cradle Driver spells defeat for all who fall victim to it…making this young man a staple of my roster.
20. A.J. Styles
Nothing short of phenomenal, Styles was the NWA champion and could be on his
way to superstardom, as he gets more and more exposure each week on TNA. His
series of matches with Jerry Lynn helped him develop as a wrestler, and he will
be wowing crowds for many years to come with his innovative offense.