Most Improved WWE Superstars of 2018

It’s official, I have kick-started “Of the Year” season here on my blog! Throughout the next four weeks, I will be taking a trip down memory lane looking back at the last twelve months in the world of pro wrestling listing some of the best WWE moments, matches, and superstars! In today’s edition, we are going to be focusing on a little piece I always enjoy writing annually, my top six most improved WWE Superstars of the year. This is where we dive into the talents who have climbed the ladder in terms of booking quality, in-ring performances, mic work, and character development and with such an interesting list upon us lets dive right into the list!

Rhea Ripley

A woman I have written quite a bit about recently is the current and first ever WWE UK Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley. The transformation the Australian star has received over the past twelve months has truly been something special and the next year ahead promises to be even greater. A new look was debuted during the second annual Mae Young Classic where the twenty-two-year-old impressed fans with her in-ring performances in bouts against opponents such as Io Shari and Kacy Catanzaro. During the first MYC Ripley impressed fans early but her generic character and babyface persona meant she didn’t stand out from the crowd half as much as she does now proving that her heel image and change in direction was a perfect move. The later months of twenty eighteen have seen Rhea climb to the very top of the UK Women’s division and have cemented herself as a history maker, the most dominant force in the division and a top superstar to watch over the coming months!

Shayna Baszler

Keeping on the theme of the WWE Women’s division we next must focus our attention on Miss Shayna Baszler. I’ve gone on record to say previously that I am a big Baszler fan and over the last year that has not changed what so ever. Two thousand and eighteen have seen Shayna prove herself time and time again after still receiving criticism for her in-ring work and experience. The dominant champion has gone on to make history by becoming the first ever two-time NXT Women’s champion as well as competing in an array of standout matches against the likes of Kairi Sane, Dakota Kai, and Nikki Cross. Baszler has shown amazing improvements in the ring throughout the year but has also added so much more to her character. The more we are seeing of Shayna the more impressive she gets and the more depth we see added.

Lars Sullivan

Another personal favourite of mine is, of course, Lars Sullivan. Throughout the past year I have sat here and spoke highly of Sullivan on multiple different occasions and I conclude the year still massively high on the up and coming talent. Twenty eighteen has seen Sullivan truly prove to be one to watch with amazing potential and a lot to bring to the table. Representing an old school type of talent he’s the big guy with an intense and traditional move set. A night that massively turned things around for Lars was without a shadow of a doubt the North American Championship ladder match in which his performance was the breakout of his career turning heads greatly! From that point, Sullivan has competed in several memorable and impressive bouts including a singles NXT Championship Match against Aleister Black. With a main roster debut on the horizon, Sullivan remains a superstar to keep a close eye on!

Tommaso Ciampa

Up next is a man I have been totally obsessed with over the last twelve months, the current NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa. Now, to say that there has been an improvement in Ciampa’s in-ring work is a total lie. The former NXT Tag team champion has always shown to be an excelling wrestler and there have never been any doubts there, however, what we have seen from him this year in terms of changes to his character have seen a huge change in how many believe his future with the company will play out. While in recent years many have speculated exactly what will happen with Tommaso on the main roster we now know that after the last year he will play a huge part either on RAW or Smackdown LIVE and there is no denying that Tommaso Ciampa is a future face of the company.

Becky Lynch

Similarly to what we just mentioned in regards to Tommaso Ciampa, Becky Lynch has always been a fan favourite, always shown to have great potential and been a leader in an evolution, however, what we have seen from her this year has been on a completely different level. Her heel turn back in the summer took Becky to brand new heights making her the new face of the women’s division and the hottest talent in the WWE regardless of gender altogether. Lynch has been a part of some of the best matches of the year, made history, and stole the show at the first ever all women’s pay per view. Ending the year with rumours of her main eventing Wrestlemania Becky is at the top of her game and gone from the woman with all the potential to the new face of the biggest company in pro wrestling.

Mandy Rose

And the final name I want to discuss is of course, Mandy Rose. Now, it may be a touch “controversial” to include this superstar in today’s list considering we haven’t seen all too much of Rose throughout the year in comparison to everybody else we have discussed, however, her in-ring improvements and general changes must be noted! Throughout the year Rose has had standout moments that have ensured fans know she is a talent to keep your eyes on from her solid performance in the first ever Women’s Elimination Chamber match as well as solid promos, general mic work, character development, and the relationship between her and Sonya Deville. In recent months Mandy has played an even bigger role within the Smackdown LIVE women’s division and I’m predicting Rose will be a much more important and key factor within the division heading into the new year.

And there we go, that was my list! It was a touch on the more random side of things but I honestly did enjoy writing this one and I’m glad I was able to write about a few names we don’t get to discuss all too much. As always I would love to know what you guys think so let me know who you would have included in this list by leaving a comment below or by tweeting me over at @TezangiVictoria. 

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