Who truly deserves the title of wrestling's best? That's the question at the heart of the Cageside Community Wrestler Rankings, where every fan's voice matters. Season 14, Week 39 is in the books, and the results are in! But before we dive into this week's vote, let's revisit the drama that unfolded last week, shaping the race for the prestigious Cageside Cup – our annual award for the Performer of the Year. And this is the part most people miss: the intricate dance of rankings, where every vote counts and every performance is scrutinized.
Last week's voting was a rollercoaster, with some surprising shifts in the standings. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights:
- Mike Santana claimed the top spot, thanks to his impressive title win and defense, edging out WWE’s United States champ, who delivered another show-stopping performance in London.
- Toni Storm and Trick Williams tied for third, proving that even in the tag division, AEW’s Timeless starlet can captivate audiences. Meanwhile, a recently-promoted SmackDown star stole the show in the UK.
- The new AEW Trios champs secured spots five through seven, showcasing their dominance.
- The Career Killer took a few metaphorical chops out of AJ Styles’ career, finishing just ahead of TNA’s Knockouts champ after a successful title defense.
- Finally, the new CMLL Japan Women’s champion shared the final point with the new #1 contender for the Undisputed WWE title, adding to the excitement.
Here’s how the CCWR: 2025-26, Week 39 shaped up:
- Mike Santana
- Carmelo Hayes
- (tie) Toni Storm
- (tie) Trick Williams
- Hangman Page
- Mike Bailey
- Kevin Knight
- Gunther
- Lei Ying Lee
- (tie) Hazuki
- (tie) Sami Zayn
These weekly rankings are more than just numbers – they’re the building blocks for our annual competition, culminating in the Cageside Cup next April. But here's where it gets controversial: Do these rankings truly reflect the best performers, or are they influenced by fan biases and fleeting moments of glory?
Now, let’s shift gears to Week 40. We’re voting on performances from nationally televised and internet-streamed shows that aired from January 18-24, 2026. This includes Raw, NXT, Evolve, Dynamite, Impact, ROH on HonorClub, SmackDown, Collision, Saturday Night’s Main Event, CMLL, AAA’s weekend shows, and more.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Cast your vote in the comments! Share the five performers who entertained or impressed you the most this week, and don’t hesitate to explain your choices. Every vote counts, and every opinion matters.
Before you do, take a moment to reflect on the full Cageside Cup Performer of the Year Standings through the week ending January 17. With the Royal Rumble on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher.
Ready to make your voice heard? Remember, you have five spots on your ballot, and while you can’t vote for the same person twice, you can split votes between multiple wrestlers. Need a refresher? Check out our voting guide or ask questions in the comments.
Now, let’s see those ballots! We’ll tally the results and meet back here next week for another round of rankings and votes.
Thought-provoking question for you: With so many promotions and performers vying for attention, is the Cageside Cup truly a measure of the best, or does it favor those with the loudest fanbases? Let us know in the comments – we’re eager to hear your take!
See More:
- AEW
- AEW Collision
- AEW Dynamite
- Cageside Community Wrestler Rankings
- Cageside Seats Features
- Impact Wrestling
- Indies
- Lucha Libre (AAA/CMLL)
- MLW
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- NWA
- TNA
- WWE
- WWE NXT
- WWE Raw
- WWE SmackDown
