Cody Rhodes has claimed the top spot in the PWI 500 for the second year in a row.
The American Nightmare has joined the select few that also include Bret Hart and John Cena to hit number one in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s rankings for the second consecutive year. The evaluation period for eligibility ran from August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025 with the win-loss record, technical ability, influence on the sport, success against the highest grade of competition, success against the most diverse competition, and activity being the parameters that needed to be met to be considered in the rankings.
Former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley claimed the second spot with former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther rounding out the top 3. The top 10 from the 2025 rankings is below:
- Cody Rhodes
- Jon Moxley
- Gunther
- Hangman Page
- Hirooki Goto
- Jey Uso
- Swerve Strickland
- Seth Rollins
- Mistico
- Will Ospreay
The full rankings will be revealed when the next issue is published.
Cody Rhodes Adds PWI Accolade To Accomplishments
Rhodes reigned as WWE Champion for most of the evaluation period following his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 back in April 2024. The WWE star held the title until April the following year, losing to a heel John Cena in the main event of night 2 to begin Cena’s record-breaking 17th title reign in the process. Notable victories for Rhodes during the evaluation period included those against Kevin Owens, Gunther and Randy Orton. Rhodes also competed on a full-time schedule for most of that time with appearances on just about every Premium Live Event and most of the house shows.
At the time of writing, Rhodes still reigns as the WWE Champion after winning the title back from John Cena at SummerSlam. Rhodes’ most recent title defence was against Drew McIntyre in the main event of Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
Featured image: WWE
