Swerve Strickland sits atop the list.
Swerve Strickland was named number one in the 2024 Black Wrecellence 500. This list celebrates 500 of the best black wrestlers in the world.
Swerve has spent the last year at or near the top of AEW, having classic matches with Adam Page, Bryan Danielson, and Samoa Joe. In 2024, Swerve Strickland made history and became the first black AEW World Champion by defeating Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty.
Swerve came in third on last year's list. Right behind him last year was Willow Nightingale, who sits behind him again this year, taking the second spot on the list. Rounding out the top five this year are Athena at number three, Mercedes Mone at number four, and Michael Oku, who finished fifth.
2024 #BW500. 500 of the Best Black Wrestlers in the world. REPRESENTATION MATTERS. pic.twitter.com/i2eD6r1BE8
— Righteous Reg (@RighteousReg) October 6, 2024
Top 10:
1. Swerve Strickland
2. Willow Nightingale
3. Athena
4. Mercedes Mone
5. Michael Oku
6. Myron Reed
7. Darius Carter
8. Suge D
9. Oba Femi
10. Calvin Tankman
AEW's Bryan Keith was #1 in 2023, Bianca Belair was #1 in 2022, Trish Adora topped the list in 2021, and Sasha Banks was #1 in 2020. Reg started the list in 2019 as the BW 250 and expanded to 500 in 2020. Kofi Kingston was #1 in 2019. The BW 250 was used to change and influence Pro Wrestling Illustrated's annual PWI 500.
The list is put together annually by Righteous Reg of Grapsody. Catch Grapsody every Saturday on Fightful's YouTube channel. You can also check out the audio feed wherever you get your podcasts.
