Who Really Is The Best?

Anytime there is more than one big wrestling promotion at a time, its top stars, particularly its World Champions, are going to be compared. Thanks to WWE buying its competition in 2001, it has been a while since fans have been able to make that comparison, at least when it comes to major wrestling companies in North America. Now that AEW is around and business appears to be booming, the comparisons can once again commence.

Surprisingly, the comparisons have been few and far between for the most part during AEW's first two years. However, Jim Ross claiming Randy Orton is a better wrestler than Kenny Omega has got fans talking, and some of them arguing. Since Omega is AEW Champion, those conversations have evolved into a comparison between The Cleaner and WWE's Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. Two very different wrestlers, so many comparisons to make, but who really is better?

Camp Roman Reigns

Had this argument been made a few years ago prior to Omega's return to the US and Reigns' long-overdue heel turn, very few people will have been on The Big Dog's side. Unfair since if you go back, The Tribal Chief's in-ring work has been better than most give him credit for. You'll struggle to find a bad Reigns match, especially on big stages. We're focusing on today's Reigns though, and that version of WWE's face has far more supporters than the persona he left behind.

Reigns returned with a bang at last year's SummerSlam and very much piqued the attention of the wrestling world. Many didn't believe that the heel turn had happened, not wanting to get their hopes up. Reigns' actions since then have solidified him as not just one of the best heels in the business, but one of the best wrestlers full stop. WWE put the Universal Title on him a week later and it has remained over his shoulder ever since.

The Universal Title isn't all that old and hasn't been held by many Superstars. However, Reigns has done more for it than anyone else thus far. He also continues to raise the status of Superstars who were previously stuck in the mid-card. Most notably Jey Uso and Cesaro. The one area fans are honing in on is Reigns' promo ability. The thing is, just because he doesn't talk much doesn't mean that he can't. Paul Heyman cut Brock Lesnar's promos for years, but every time Lesnar decided to speak it was worth listening to. Reigns is very much the same.

Camp Kenny Omega

In terms of top guys in wrestling right now, there probably aren't two performers more different than Omega and Reigns. That's what makes this comparison so fascinating, and also why it is so divisive. Omega was hyped for years when he wrestled in New Japan. The hype surrounding him when he finally arrived in AEW was very real. However, those who had not been exposed to his six-star matches on the other side of the world didn't get what all the fuss was about.

Whether Omega knew what he was doing or it took him a while to realize how to please the bulk of western fans, the tides have turned. Since winning the AEW Championship, The Cleaner has easily been doing his best work since signing with the fledgling promotion. Much like Reigns, the improvement hasn't come via his in-ring work. Not because Omega isn't a good in-ring performer, but because what he does between the ropes has never been in question.

It's his character that has changed the perception of Omega to people who are new to him. Up until recently, Omega was just a guy who wrestled good matches in Japan. That isn't enough in AEW. His Belt Collector persona where he openly admits he thinks he is the best wrestler in the world is perfect. It's almost a reaction to AEW fans not fully accepting him. "Oh you don't like what I do? Well, watch this." It's great stuff, and it continues to elevate AEW's richest prize to even higher levels.

We're Not So Different, You And I

Despite previously stating Reigns and Omega couldn't be more different, the last six months of their respective careers have actually shared a lot of the same DNA. Both wrestlers appear to be reacting to fans. Fans who questioned why they are treated like some of the best in the world. This is why. When the two of them find something that works and really commit to it, magic happens.

The two of them are also heels most fans can't help but stand back and admire. Yes, we're not meant to like them for the sake of the show, but damn they are entertaining. As for who the better all-around wrestler is, hopefully, you have a better idea of that after reading this. Wrestling is very much subjective, and it's ultimately up to the individual who they think is better. In terms of picking what you like, there has never been a better time to be a wrestling fan than right now. Whether you love Reigns, Omega, or someone else, there's a product and a World Champion out there for everyone right now.

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