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THE BEST YOUNG WRESTLERS UNDER 25

The Best Young Wrestlers Under 25

An article for yesdates.com.

Modern professional wrestling is a fast-developing and highly acrobatic kind of sport. Some might predict the rising numbers of those commonly called the “spot monkeys,” still the days of all those trading headlocks and chops are gone and are probably never to return. These modern maestros of their business appear to be more into the springboard moonsaults, suicide dives and other MMA-influenced moves rather than simple hammerlocks or elbow drops. Along with all that, wrestling becomes more and more dominated by young and already tough athletes who may be looking like high school teenagers compared to those mid-sized talents of the 90s. Furthermore, quite large segment of those new up-and- coming fighters are currently 25 and even under.

1. Lio Rush (21 y.o.)

Being no older than 21, this DC native has already drawn the attention of the IWC. It was back in 2014 when Rush debuted for almost unknown Combat Zone Wrestling and began his long journey to major championships. In 2015, Rush conquered the CZW Wired Championship right after defeating Joey Janela.

2. Pete Dunne (23 y.o.)

Alternatively known as the “Bruiserweight,” Dunne is now a promising part of a rich British crop of great young wrestlers. The tough-faced Pete has plenty of skills in his arsenal, thanks to which he has already crowned himself the “King of British Wrestling.” And indeed, each and every Pete Dunne’s match is full of forearm strikes, rolling elbows, lightning-like knee strikes and hard chops. For those hating the “spot monkey” stuff, Dunne must definitely be a breath of fresh air. The British “Bruiserweight” possesses a genuine rough style that can be applied quite successfully both in North America and Japan. Do not let his short stature fool you – the dude is a real heavy hitter.

3. Mandy Leon (24 y.o.)

Mandy Leon aka the “Queen of Honor” can be seen everywhere you look on ROH television.  This Brooklyn-born chick can hardly be called a weak lady. Unfortunately for Leon and some other female wrestlers currently in ROH, the company doesn’t have a belt for them to fight over as for the moment. But if they did, you can bet your life that Mandy would make it to the top as quick as you switching channels!

4. Daichi Hashimoto (24 y.o.)

Daichi Hasimoto definitely has some even bigger shoes to fill. The son of the great Shinya Hashimoto, Daichi is stubbornly working his way up the higher ranks in Japan. The fact this pure Japanese talent wrestles in the classic “Strong Style” will undoubtedly endear Hashimoto to the country’s major promoters, in addition to the fact Daichi has already shared the ring with some local Japanese superstars will only help his future career prospects. Hashimoto’s fights are an absolute must-see for all fans of old school wrestling.

5. Sasha Banks (24 y.o.)

A totally unbelievable fact - Sasha Banks is only 24! The former NXT and RAW Women’s Champion has recently celebrated her six years in professional wrestling. Banks has surely made herself into one of the most recognizable and highly appreciated female wrestlers in the world. Sasha is also a hell of a fighter inside of the squared circle. If all said above is not enough for you to believe in this gal, just go and watch some of her best matches, including ones against Bayley in NXT.

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