Cody Rhodes and the other WWE Superstars in top 10 of 2024 PWI 500
Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) has been recognized by the WWE Universe as one of the most respected wrestling-related publications for many years. Dating back to the early 1990s, the PWI 500 has been one of the most anticipated rankings of the year.
The PWI 500 was recently revealed, and the top half of the ranking included several WWE Superstars. The wrestling world has been buzzing about the top 10, which consists of a few surprises.
Let's look at the list of WWE Superstars who made the top 10 of the 2024 PWI 500:
#4. The Ring General Gunther makes the top 10 for the second straight year (Rank 9)
Gunther started his journey at the 2019 NXT UK Takeover: Blackpool event under his real name, Walter. He went on to carry the UK brand during its short existence, becoming the longest-reigning UK Champion with an unprecedented 870 days as the title holder.
The year 2024 started with a series of disappointments for Gunther as he failed to win the Men's Royal Rumble Match and dropped the Intercontinental Title to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL. However, the Austrian star fought back in stunning style during the summer as he went on to win the King of the Ring tournament before claiming the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam.
Gunther was ranked fourth in the 2023 PWI 500, and while he didn't manage to better it, the reigning King of the Ring retained his spot in the top 10 this year, finishing at the ninth position.
#3. Former World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest climbs 65 spots to make the top 10 (Rank: 6)
There is no doubt that 2024 has been Damian Priests' best year as a WWE Superstar. The Archer of Infamy cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 40 and claimed the World Heavyweight Title.
Priest has held a top spot on the RAW roster all year. After holding the title for over 100 days, the former Judgment Day member was dethroned by Gunther at SummerSlam.
Damian Priest signed with WWE in 2018, and after a successful NXT run, he made his main roster debut at the 2021 Royal Rumble. The Punisher eventually became one of the founding members of The Judgment Day. After causing chaos for over a year, Priest and Rhea Ripley were forced out of the faction at The Biggest Party of The Summer last month.
Hence, the RAW Superstar made a massive jump in the PWI 500 rankings as he leapfrogged 65 spots to claim the sixth position this year.
#2. Seth Rollins remains in the PWI 500 top 5 for the second year in a row (Rank: 4)
After causing chaos as a member of The Shield between 2012 and 2014, Seth Rollins became a dominant singles competitor, winning multiple titles along the way. In May 2023, Rollins captured the revamped World Heavyweight Championship and went on to have a 316-day reign. The Messiah was ranked number one in last year's PWI 500.
The Visionary played a significant role at WrestleMania XL as he joined forces with Cody Rhodes for a tag-team match against The Rock and Roman Reigns in the main event of Night One. On the following night, he dropped his title to Drew McIntyre before playing a significant role in The American Nightmare's victory over Roman Reigns.
Following WrestleMania 40, Seth Rollins went on a hiatus for a couple of months. Since returning, he has been a major part of the Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk storyline. He was the Special Guest Referee in the first match of the bitter rivalry at SummerSlam 2024. Seth finished in the fourth spot in the PWI 500.
#1. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes claims the top spot in the 2024 PWI 500 (Rank: 1)
The year 2016 proved to be pivotal in Cody Rhodes' career. Fed up with his creative direction, Cody decided it was time to move on. After leaving WWE, he went on to reinvent himself, and when he returned, he was set on becoming the main event guy.
Cody came in at number 10 in the 2023 PWI 500. However, The American Nightmare has claimed the numero uno spot in this year's rankings. The 39-year-old won the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble Match and went on to finish his story at WrestleMania 40, defeating Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Cody has been embroiled in a feud with Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline lately, as he continues to write the next chapter in his new story.