Top 5 WWE Superstars under 30 as ranked by ESPN
ESPN recently dropped a ranking list, showcasing the top 30 wrestlers under 30. The list included several WWE Superstars. Interestingly, the first person on the list is somebody most fans love to hate.
WWE is filled with talent from all over the world, varying in age, nationality, and gender. The majority of the champions are veterans of the sport who have been wrestling for more than a decade. That said, several young stars have impressed with their talent this year.
Here's a look at the top five WWE Superstars who made it to ESPN's 30 Best Pro Wrestlers Under 30 list:
#5. Ms. Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton: Rank 18
Several top NXT names found a place on WWE's main roster this year. While Carmelo Hayes and Lyra Valkyria are a couple of names who are part of this group, Tiffany Stratton has made one of the most successful transitions to the main roster.
The 25-year-old moved to SmackDown in February and quickly got involved in the Women's Championship scene, with The Buff Barbie's popularity skyrocketing after her incredible performance at this year's Elimination Chamber. She has since been featured regularly on the Friday Night Show.
Stratton became Ms. Money in the Bank at the titular PLE in July 2024. Now, she is set to compete in the upcoming Women's WarGames Match at Survivor Series: WarGames. The SmackDown Superstar is ranked 18th on ESPN's list.
#4. Austin Theory: Rank 15
Austin Theory may not be having the most successful time in WWE under Triple H's regime, but his character has improved, with many even looking forward to his eventual feud with Grayson Waller.
At 27, Austin already has three championship reigns under his name. He is a two-time United States Champion and a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion. He also won the Men's Money in the Bank briefcase in 2022. The SmackDown star is ranked 15 on ESPN's list.
#3. Bron Breakker: Rank 11
Aside from Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker made a successful transition to the main roster this year. The 27-year-old was one of the most successful NXT Champions, and it's no wonder he has replicated the success on the main roster. The talented star has been ranked 11th on ESPN's list.
Bron joined the main roster in February. The Dog of WWE was later drafted to RAW and was immediately inserted into the Intercontinental Championship scene against Sami Zayn. Although his first attempt at the gold failed, Breakker was successful in his rematch at SummerSlam.
The 27-year-old lost the title to Jey Uso in September but won it back the following month. He is set to defend his title against Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser in a Triple Threat Match at Survivor Series: WarGames.
#2. Former WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley: Rank 4
One of the biggest stars in the Stamford-based promotion today is arguably Rhea Ripley. The Eradicator has achieved a lot in the past few years, and she continues to remain on top in 2024 despite a couple of injuries. For some, it might be shocking to know she has achieved so much success at only 28.
The Nightmare is one of the few female Grand Slam Champions in WWE. She is a one-time Women's World Champion, a one-time WWE Women's Champion, a one-time Women's Tag Team Champion, and a one-time NXT Women's Champion. Ripley was also the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion. She won the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble as the first entrant. In 2023, Rhea was ranked first on the PWI Women's 250 list. The RAW star is ranked fourth on ESPN's list.
#1. Dominik Mysterio tops this year's ESPN 30 under 30 list
Dominik Mysterio became the top heel in the company after he betrayed his father, Rey Mysterio, at the 2022 Clash at the Castle. Since turning heel, the 27-year-old has grown more confident in his promos and has honed his in-ring skills. In a unique turn of events, The Latino Cheat betrayed Rhea Ripley for Liv Morgan at this year's SummerSlam.
Dom is a one-time SmackDown Tag Team Champion and a two-time NXT North American Champion. Although he has not won much gold compared to the other stars in this list, it's clear that the younger Mysterio has a bright future ahead of him.