Cody Rhodes Makes History As He Tops PWI 500 List

Cody Rhodes has taken his place in wrestling history as he tops the PWI500 list once again.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual list of the top 500 male wrestlers around the world causes a great deal of discussion every year.

The newest list, just announced, puts Cody Rhodes in the top spot once again. This makes The American Nightmare only the fourth wrestler in history to top the list in back-to-back years.

The evaluation period for this year’s award ran from August 1st 2024, to July 31st 2025. During that time, Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa and Kevin Owens multiple times to retain his WWE Championship, teamed with Roman Reigns to defeat The Bloodline, captured the Crown Jewel Championship against Gunther in Saudi Arabia, headlined WrestleMania for the third year in a row, and won the King of the Ring tournament.

Second place in the list went to former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, with third place being given to Gunther. Hangman Adam Page scooped fourth, followed by NJPW’s Hirooki Goto, Jey Uso, Swerve Strickland, Seth Rollins, Mistico, and Will Ospreay rounded out the top ten.

Cody Rhodes Joins Great Company In PWI500 History

Many fans are already asking questions about notable absences in the top ten, including IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and 2024 G1 Climax winner, Zack Sabre Jr.

The three other wrestling stars to have clinched top spot in back-to-back years are Bret Hart, who was the first to achieve the feat in 1993 and 1994. Stone Cold Steve Austin followed suit in 1998 and 1999 before John Cena went back-to-back in 2006 and 2007.

The full list will be available in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s special edition to celebrate the 35th edition of the PWI500.