Top Wrestling MVPs 2020

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Hi guys,

How crazy has 2020 has been? With everything going on in the world, it seems as if 2021 couldn't come any sooner. However, even with all of this negativity, I think it's vital to try and find some positives. 

Despite conditions making it hard for the wrestling industry, many companies have thrived during the pandemic. In particular, some wrestlers have managed to make the best out of a bad situation and continue trying to put on shows for fans whether in person or through streaming sites. 

To mark the end of another year, I'm back with my annual wrestling MVP list of the wrestlers who have stood out this year. Just a quick note, most of the stuff I've watched this year is Japanese wrestling (NJPW, DDT and TJPW)!

Yuka Sakazaki

2020 has been a great year for in the sense that I've had the time to fully get into Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. For me, it's something I regret not doing earlier because it is full of some amazing wrestlers from Miu, Miyu Yamashita and Maki Ito. However, one person has stood out for me and it's someone I've seen before I even started watching TJPW: Tokyo Joshi Champion Yuka Sakazaki.

I first saw Yuka on an episode of AEW and I was automatically hooked. From the way she held herself in the ring to her varied moves, she just seemed to ooze professional wrestler in every way. On the surface, she looked so cute but when she got in that ring, she kicked major ass. It's also something I've noticed in TJPW. One minute, she can have an amazing main event title match with everything except the kitchen sink thrown into it. The next, she can have a lighthearted multi-man tag match with her bestie and tag partner Shoko Nakajima.

It's because of this that she is on her second reign as Princess of Princess Champion at over 420 days (only beaten in length by Miyu at 484 days). She is the perfect representative for TJPW and has been so dominant with some amazing matches. I can't wait to watch even more and see how much more she can accomplish.

Tomohiro Ishii

Can you ever have an annual wrestling MVP list without Tomohiro Ishii on it? For some reason, year after year, Ishii manages to have yet another stand out year in wrestling despite not winning any huge titles *bitter*. It's like even if the company doesn't realise it, they are making Ishii more and more of a star in the eyes of the fans. 2020 was no exception.

As always, Ishii has been a workhorse this year despite the circumstances. However, this year seemed more prominent. With both the New Japan Cup and G1 tournament within months of each other, Ishii seemed to be putting on MOTY candidates almost every week. He has showcased just how talented and diverse he is, I mean the man is a beast in the ring. However, through the New Japan Together series, we also saw a cuter and more charismatic side to the Stone Pitbull (just watch the CHAOS Talkshow with Toru Yano). 

So, whilst the only title Ishii has held this year is the 6-man titles, it should not take away from the amazing year he has had. With the high quality of matches throughout the year, you would hope that someone in the office will realise that it's time for IWGP Heavyweight Champion Ishii! Even if that doesn't happen, I am so excited to see what 2021 brings and hopefully, it's more titles.

Jay White

Is it even a wrestling list of mine if Jay White isn't in it? No, so that's why he has made it onto 2020 MVPs list and his year can probably speak for itself! Of course, he had a minor blip at Wrestle Kingdom losing to Naito... but he beat Ibushi. Then, when the pandemic hit, he just got mega jacked and returned to wrestle in America (which got me too excited). However, it was the end of the year which proved why Jay White is a star.

Despite not winning the G1, White put on amazing performance throughout and picking up some big wins against the likes of Minoru Suzuki, Kazuchika Okada and Shingo Takagi. However, it was his win over eventual winner Kota Ibushi which sealed his fate. Challenging the Golden Star for his briefcase at Power Struggle, White became the first man to take the opportunity away from the G1 winner. Jay has cemented his main event match on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom. He did all this while EVIL was being a dick and trying to mess with Jay's leadership.
I don't want this to just end up being a Jay White fangirl entry... even though it probably already has become one. But, Jay White has once again shone in New Japan and whether you love him or not, you can't deny that he has talent and the charisma to make it to the top of the company.

Remember, Breathe With the Switchblade.

Tetsuya Endo

For anyone who, like me, is a massive fan of DDT Pro-Wrestling, you will understand why Tetsuya Endo's name is on the list. I mean Endo has always been extremely talented and put on spectacular matches throughout the years as both a singles wrestler and member of Damnation. However, this year has been especially amazing in every way for one of the most handsome wrestlers (and sweetest) in the world.

After beating Masato Tanaka at Wrestle Peter Pan in June for his second K-OD Openweight Championship reign, it seemed as if nothing could stop Endo. He then went on to win the King of DDT Tournament as Champion and got to pick his next challenger. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him face Kenny Omega and it led to a heartbreaking split of Damnation when Daisuke Sasaki challenged for the title... it was a hard time. Luckily, everything is back to normal and I can smile again. Yet, even I couldn't deny that it was a great storyline which resulted in an amazing match and then a hot streak in the D-Oh Grand Prix.

On top of the amazing year, I can't emphasise just how good a wrestler he is generally to watch. He has this style which is so spectacular combining speed, strength, agility, power and like literally everything - he is the perfect example of a wrestler. However, he can also have a bit of fun which is a must in DDT which just shows how diverse he actually is.

Guys, just fall in love with Endo like me because he is amazing!

YOSHI-HASHI

Whether you love or are indifferent towards him, there is no denying that 2020 has been YOSHI HASHI's year. For his entire career, the Head Hunter has been hidden in the background of New Japan. Whether being the man always taking the falls, consistently injuring himself or being the brunt of a certain Bullet Club members jokes, nobody seemed to take any interest in YH. Until now...

For the first part of 2020, his career seemed to feel the same and people just weren't invested in him. However, after the NEVER 6-man titles were vacated, I saw a glimpse of something special in his eye. With the help of Goto and Ishii, YOSHI HASHI was able to build his confidence up and actually put on some great matches. With each win, I could feel the crowds warming up to him and this came to its the pinnacle when the trio actually beat their fellow CHAOS teammates for the title. 

I'm going to be honest, I got pretty emotional. For me, HASHI is like a representative of the people. Since he debuted, he worked his ass off and rarely got anything in return apart from being seen as a bit of a joke. However, after all that work, he has finally proved that he is worthy of a spot in New Japan and inspires me. If YOSHI HASHI can keep getting back up after being knocked down, why can't we? Since that win, no matter what happens, YH keeps putting his heart and soul into everything he does.

And with that, we can say goodbye and good riddance to a year which we would probably prefer to forget. Although wrestling has been a great bit of escapism for many, it would be nice to get back and watch some live wrestling and hopefully, that can happen sooner rather than later. Also, 2021 wrestling promises to be even better with some amazing tours and shows already announced by various companies.

Thank you so much for joining me in 2020 for a year full of Puroresu, amazing matches and a whole lot of banter! I will be back in 2021 with more quality content and, with Wrestle Kingdom on the horizon, I will be as busy as ever trying to bring you the best and most up-to-date content!

As always, make sure to talk to me and let me know what your thoughts have been about 2020 wrestling and obviously, your MVPs. You can find me on my social media: (@Wrestling_Chat on Twitter and Wrestling Chatter on FB and WrestlingChatter96 on IG)! Also, with 2020 coming to an end, I'm going to plug my YouTube Channel so you should all subscribe to SonalsLife96 because I've just posted a 2020 wrestling review!

Until next time, Happy New Year!

Bye

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