It's been an interesting six months for wrestling fans to say the very least. We got our first official All Elite Wrestling (AEW) pay-per-view event with Double or Nothing, which was followed up by an exhilarating Fyter Fest PPV, and the company is quite clearly putting the pressure on World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to try something entirely new and bring their younger viewers back; or at least pull some material from the Attitude Era archives.
The indie scene is more exciting than ever before, with mind-bending matches being put on for the entertainment of countless fans across the globe. There has been Twitter drama, break-ups and make-ups, but what we're really interested in is the work that each of these men and women do when they're inside the squared circle, and behind-the-scenes.
With all of that in mind, we've put together a list of the top seven MVPs in wrestling, so far this year...
7. Adam Cole
No list like this would be complete without Adam Cole, bay bay! Putting on a clinic inside the ring against Johnny Gargano, Cole would go on to claim the NXT Championship a little earlier this year, making Cole only the second Triple Crown Champion in NXT history. Fire on the mic, and undeniably one of the best in the world when competing, Cole has an electric charisma that forces you to root for his success, even if he's playing heel.
6. MJF
Cocky, self-assured, and a little R-rated, MJF brings to AEW everything that has been missing from modern-day wrestling from the last decade. You cannot stand his character, but you love him all the more for it. He claims he's "better than you", and let's face it; he's better than all of us. Willing fans into submission with his consistent belittling of anything from their faces, to their hometown, to their pet pooches, he's a one-of-a-kind villain who should always be given the spotlight.
5. Jon Moxley
Formerly known as Dean Ambrose during his run in WWE, it's clear that Jon Moxley is having the time of his life now he's decided to move on to different pastures. Making his AEW debut at Fyter Fest in an unsanctioned match, he brought hardcore back to mainstream wrestling, alongside fellow death match legend Joey Janela. The passion for his craft is clearly back; Moxley's wrestling is at an all-time high and his confidence in front of the camera surpasses much of the work we saw prior to his quitting WWE. He's going to be one to watch in the coming months for sure.
4. Kenny Omega
When Kenny Omega hits the ring, you know you're going to be in for a treat of a match. Every move looks clean and Omega really takes charge of the moment, before running away with it. His clear love for this industry makes him a real standout; he's not just doing this for his next cheque, but because he adores the beauty of this sport.
3. Becky Lynch
She took the women's revolution and ran with it in a way we've not seen any other female Superstar in WWE do for some time. Rebranding herself as 'The Man', Becky Lynch walked away from WrestleMania as the only person to have ever defeated Ronda Rousey in WWE, claiming both the Raw and SmackDown Women's Championships in the process. With the public on-side, it's hard to imagine her shine ever dimming. She will without a doubt be the face of the company for the foreseeable future.
2. Will Ospreay
His match at NJPW: Best Of The Super Juniors XXVI against Shingo Takagi is without a doubt the best of the year. Consistently hailed as one of the most exciting young talents of the modern day, Ospreay goes from strength-to-strength, pumping up the fans whenever he steps between the ropes, who know they'll be in for a treat.
1. Cody and Brandi Rhodes
Cody Rhodes may have only competed in a small number of matches this year, but it's his work alongside Chief Brand Officer and wife Brandi Rhodes in bringing AEW to life that has earned them the top spot on this list. He serves as Executive Vice President of the company, and has had a huge hand in making it the major success it's already become today. The future looks incredibly bright for AEW, and with the new first couple of wrestling at the helm, it's in very safe hands!