Maxwell Jacob Friedman Topped the PWI 500 Rankings
Maxwell Jacob Friedman secured the top spot in the 36th annual PWI 500, ending Cody Rhodes two-year reign at number one.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Wrestling
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Professional wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman has been named the top performer in the 36th annual PWI 500. He ascended to the first position after ranking 30th in the previous year, displacing Cody Rhodes.
Why it matters
The ranking serves as a benchmark for professional wrestling talent based on in-ring success and industry influence. Achieving the top spot highlights a shift in dominance among the world's elite professional wrestlers.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated evaluated 500 wrestlers based on performance between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026. Candidates were required to compete in at least 10 singles matches or six matches across separate months to qualify.
The players
Maxwell Jacob Friedman
He is a prominent professional wrestler who earned the number one rank in the PWI 500.
Cody Rhodes
He is a high-profile professional wrestler who placed second after holding the top spot for two years.
CM Punk
He is a veteran professional wrestler who secured the third position in this year's rankings.
Mistico
He is a renowned professional wrestler who ranked fourth globally in the PWI 500.
Konosuke Takeshita
He is a top-tier professional wrestler who rounded out the top five in the list.
The details
The rankings were determined by considering in-ring achievements, such as championships and tournament victories, alongside technical ability and overall influence. Following Friedman, the top five was rounded out by Cody Rhodes in second, CM Punk in third, Mistico in fourth, and Konosuke Takeshita in fifth.
Timeline
August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026: The performance window used for the rankings.
September 24, 2026: The PWI 500 results were published.
December 2026: The dedicated magazine issue featuring the rankings is scheduled for release.
Season Trajectory
The emergence of MJF as the top-ranked wrestler marks a significant departure from the previous year's hierarchy. This shift redefines the current competitive landscape and indicates a major change in the sport's professional standing and top-level talent dominance.
Fans tracking industry hierarchy can use these rankings to gauge the relative push and prominence of top wrestlers heading into the final quarter of the year. The shift from Rhodes to Friedman signifies a changing of the guard in main-event status for major wrestling promotions.
The takeaway
The PWI 500 demonstrates how activity and championship gold remain the most critical factors for professional wrestling success. Readers can track these annual results to identify rising stars and veterans maintaining their dominance in the ring.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the industry, view the latest coverage on Wrestling.
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