WWE/TNA: The Top 20 Wrestlers Today Regardless of Organization

While the WWE is recovering from two above average Monday night performances and a pay per view event that was lackluster and average, IMPACT is starting to show some fire with two outstanding shows the last two weeks and a pay per view that had people talking about it as the next best thing.

Wrestling like all other markets, is cyclic and while WWE will remain at the top of the heap in terms of marketing, and name brand, there are some of us that think IMPACT can stay in the ballpark and give them a run for its money with talent and more focus on the bigger picture (cruiserweights, Knockouts, tag teams).

This is a look at twenty of the hottest stars in the business. There is no real ranking here, although you have to think Randy Orton, Christian and John Cena are the class of the field right now.

Cody Rhodes

He is getting better with each match and should challenge for singles gold soon.

His dark image and scary sounding voice makes his character that more dangerous.

His feud with Daniel Bryan is a good thing for both of the two right now.

Ezekiel Jackson

He won the Intercontinental Championship so that should put him next in line for a crack at Randy Orton, right?

Well not so fast.

He is strong and athletic and has taking a face turn. I would love to see the match. But he is robotic as many big men are and the idea of face vs. face may not work so well this time.

He will continue to feud with Wade Barrett, maybe Mark Henry (a great concept) and others.

Kofi Kingston

Although he lost the U.S. Title to Dolph Ziggler, the high flyer can still bring down the house.

Look for him to continue to chase gold in WWE, but will have to get back in line with the other

WWE superstars to claim his change at the title. A feud with Cody Rhodes or Ted DiBiase would be something to see.

Wade Barrett

For some reason, he has lost his way.

Barrett can be one of the most dominating wrestlers if given a chance. The split of the Corre and his battle with Ezekiel Jackson prove that he needs to be a lone wolf to be something special.

It will be interesting to see how he fares now that he has no one to turn to.

Crimson

He beats Samoa Joe at Slammiversary.

This kid is on a win streak, if anyone has noticed and has beaten some good competition along the way.

Could gold be in his near future?

Matt Morgan

My choice to with the Bound for Glory tournament.

Maybe with a win and some momentum, he can finally show what he is made of.

Feuds with Scott Steiner and Hernandez do little to help his world title hopes.

Rob Van Dam

He just beat Samoa Joe, who I think is losing his appeal in TNA circles.

He can still wrestle with the best of them, but you have to wonder if all the high flying and the battles to his body will finally catch up with him.

Still a contender to win gold at any given time.

The Miz

He lost the title and has a great thing going with Alex Riley.

But also showed he was still a player this week in the six-man tag match.

He may have lost some steam, but The Miz is still in the thick of the title situation and with CM Punk leaving, this opens another door for him.

CM Punk

He is on a roll now and looks to carry his momentum toward Money in the Bank.

He announced on Monday he would leave with the world title. Don't bet against him.

There is something about him that makes people think he really does what he says he will do.

I am one of them.

Gunner

Oh, what a hot streak he is on. Beats Sting then topples Mr. Anderson.

He is the favorite son right now of Immortal and has Eric Bischoff smiling ear to ear.

Look for him to get more opportunities and will be part of the Bound for Glory series.

I'd like to see him in a match with Kurt Angle or maybe Bobby Roode when he comes back from injury.

Kurt Angle

Even in his 40s, he is still one of the best.

I would not put it past him to see him win Olympic gold in 2012.

A story line with Mr. Anderson should be interesting with his training schedule, but don't bet against him winning the world title again.

If the battles with Jeff Jarrett are behind him, then he can focus on Anderson.

R-Truth

He won more by losing to John Cena then he thinks.

The crazed superstar is climbing the charts. Once a mid card thought—now he can headline anywhere.

If he cleans up some of his act and is more polished, he could become the best heel of the next few years.

And that is the truth

Mr. Anderson

He has no friends. He has not reason to make them. And now, he has three men hot on his trail for his title.

Oh, Mr. Anderson, what have to you gotten yourself into?

A whole lot of great things for IMPACT, that's what.

Anderson is the popular SOB much like Stone Cold, but does not have that kind of stroke.

Alberto Del Rio

I'll admit I do not like his character. But when you beat the Big Show, you get some attention from me.

Del Rio is the kind of wrestler (like Gino Hernandez or Tully Blanchard used to be) that gets under your skin and then stays there.

But the man can wrestle and that is the bottom line in this business.

Dolph Ziggler

Finally won the U.S. Title. He may be the best wrestler in the business, if not for his "boss" Vickie Guerrero.

When he gets it all together, there is no doubt he will will a world title.

Sheamus

He may be the baddest man in WWE.

Sheamus can win the world title again and figures to be part of the Orton-Christian war as well.

Strong, determined and driven. He has come to the WWE and ever since has made his presence known to everyone.

Sting

Lost the world title, but still a force to be dealt with.

His darker side and "Joker" image in TNA shows he is still able to work with new material.

His robotic style needed a transformation. Now we will see how he handles Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff as he fights for the honor of TNA.

John Cena

He will still be top dog on RAW.

His battle with R-Truth is fresh and new and is gaining on the fans. He needs to keep this momentum going into Money in the Bank. There is a certain Straight Edge Superstar who may want his title.

He can be champion as long as he wants with his kind of popularity.

He is the Hulk Hogan of this generation.

Christian

He was robbed at Capital Punishment. A great heel change means more championship chances for him.

If he can focus on Randy Orton and not himself, he could find gold sooner than he thinks. Sheamus may have something to say about it, however.

Randy Orton

He is the best of the best.

A great wrestler who can play face and heel. Either way, the fans love The Viper.

His concussion has left him looking a little rough lately, but it will be interesting to see if he can withstand Christian's pursuit and any other opponent in the next few weeks.

Money in the Bank should be quite a ride.