Seth Rollins Tops The 2019 PWI 500 List, Which Other Wrestlers Made The Top 10?

By Marc Middleton

WWE Universal and RAW Tag Team Champion Seth Rollins has received the #1 spot in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 for 2019.

The annual PWI 500 list is a hot topic each year, but it's interesting to note that WWE touted Rollins' #1 spot on their website this year. Rollins topped the list, followed by Daniel Bryan, WWE United States Champion AJ Styles, WWE Champion Kofi Kingston and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada at #5.

"As difficult as it can be, this is all I ever wanted to be in this position, to be having this conversation with you talking about being the absolute best wrestler on the entire planet," Rollins told PWI. "I don't think there is a single part of me that would trade any second of it."

Rollins joins John Cena and WWE Hall of Famers Triple H, Steve Austin and Bret Hart as the only Superstars to earn the #1 spot twice. He previously topped the list in 2015. The Architect spoke to PWI and commented on joining that elite group.

"Those guys obviously are elite," Rollins said. "They are in a class all their own. They are Hall of Famers. So, to be mentioned amongst them is pretty special."

You can order the full PWI 500 magazine in print or digital format in the latest issue at pwi-online.com. You can see the top 10 below:

1. Seth Rollins
2. Daniel Bryan
3. AJ Styles
4. Kofi Kingston
5. Kazuchika Okada
6. Johnny Gargano
7. Roman Reigns
8. Kenny Omega
9. Hiroshi Tanahashi
10. Will Ospreay

Below is WWE's congratulatory announcement on Rollins taking the #1 spot, along with the cover:

Seth Rollins tops the "PWI 500"

Burn it down, earn the top spot.

Universal Champion Seth Rollins joined a very elite club when it was revealed today that he topped the 2019 "Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500" ? the publication's annual ranking of the top 500 sports-entertainers of the year.

The 29th edition of the "PWI 500" sees Rollins in the No. 1 spot, as selected by the staff of "Pro Wrestling Illustrated." The selection process is based on achievements during the evaluation period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. WWE Superstars earned the top four spots on the list, with Rollins being followed by Daniel Bryan, United States Champion AJ Styles, and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston.

Rollins' notable achievements during the timeframe include his two victories over Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title at WrestleMania 35 and SummerSlam, winning the 2019 Royal Rumble and capturing the Raw Tag Team Championship twice, as well as the Intercontinental Title.

A thrilled Rollins told "PWI," "As difficult as it can be, this is all I ever wanted ? to be in this position, to be having this conversation with you ? talking about being the absolute best wrestler on the entire planet. I don't think there is a single part of me that would trade any second of it."

The Beastslayer joins Bret Hart, "Stone Cold" Austin, Triple H, and John Cena as the only Superstars to earn the No. 1 spot twice.

"Those guys obviously are elite," Rollins said. "They are in a class all their own. They are Hall of Famers. So, to be mentioned amongst them is pretty special."

WWE.com congratulates Rollins on this incredible accomplishment.

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