#1, Really? Really?

Courtesy: PWI

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Let me start this off for all the new readers, I am a big fan of the Miz.  I think he is one of the best overall performers in the WWE right now in terms of wrestling and mic skills.  You have to consider both of those elements to truly be a superstar these days.  The Miz has that "it" factor as far as I'm concerned.

That being said though, I'm a bit surprised to see that Pro Wrestling Illustrated has named him #1 in it's annual Top 500 ratings for 2011.  The magazine has been rating wrestlers for 21 years now.  I have issues of the first several years.  Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Sting, Shawn Michaels, and Steve Austin were in the top spot in the early years.

Randy Orton, Triple H, John Cena, and AJ Styles have been number one most recently.  Some names that never made the top spot: "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Ric Flair, Edge, the Undertaker, and the Rock.  Since this rating system started in 1991, I can almost see why Savage and Flair weren't number 1.  But both men did have reigns as WWF champion in 1992.  And they each held the WCW world title in the late 90's.

The 2011 issue isn't out on stands yet, and so far PWI has only announced the Miz as #1.  He's certainly improved a lot over the last year.  But to qualify him as the #1 wrestler in the world, I question.  Of course I know I'm getting caught up in the technicality that wrestling is predetermined.  This isn't "real".  I know I get it.  Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill.  Again, big fan of the Miz.  Just not sure why he's been named the best.

Look at his world title reign.  He struggled in his feud with Jerry Lawler.  I wouldn't have had a problem with that if it was 1985.  Lawler is an announcer primarily (at least in the WWE) and the fact that he had come up with wins over a young, up and coming champion really bothered me.  The way he won the belt was also "questioned" by the WWE, cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase and taking advantage of an injured Randy Orton.  Did he have one credible title defense outside of the match with John Morrison on Raw?

Me & the Miz in 2010

Even though he got the win over Cena at Wrestlemania, it was marred by interference by Alex Riley and the Rock.  Since losing the title back to Cena, he's had his ass handed to him by A-Ry and was pinned by Roddy Piper on Raw recently.  (I know that was with A-Ry as the special guest referee).  I also understand this was AFTER the editors made their selection.

I'm not sure if the magazine bases this honor on the calendar year or the accomplishments so far of that year.  By those standards, I would (as much as I hate to say it) go with either Randy Orton or John Cena.  Based on the last month or so, I'd put CM Punk as #1, but I'm kind of a mark like that.  Again, don't get me wrong, the Miz is one of my favorites, but to put him at the top of the mountain, I just struggle with that.

So who would you put at the top?  Does my argument against the Miz make sense?  Miz, if you're reading this, it's nothing personal.  One day I think you will deserve the honor of being #1.

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