The last time I wrote about the squared circle, I was lamenting the plight of my then favorite grappler, one CM Punk. And in my screed, I laid bare why he no longer stood atop my list of favorites. Since then, I’ve continued to watch All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and keep loose tabs on the WWE. Punk defected back to the company that burnt him out — but now being run by Paul “HHH” Levesque instead of Vince “Likely Sexual Abuser” McMahon. In a way, I’m happy for Punk. In another, I remain disappointed. He’s already injured himself since rejoining the roster, and is amidst an interesting-if-frustrating feud with Drew McIntyre. Good for him, I guess. I’m not invested, but happy everyone must be making money.

So, with my favorite faux-fighter no longer filling his spot, who has taken it? Well, it’s not Bryan Danielson. He’s still amazing in the ring, and passionate on the mic. He also announced not too long ago he’s in the middle of his final full-time run in the ring. As such, he remains a favorite, but not the favorite. It’s also not Hangman Adam Page, who is rising in my personal ranks like a rocket. His recent comeback with a mean streak has been fun to watch. The anger and ire offer him an edge that is vastly superior to his previous moniker as The Millennial Cowboy. As good as Page has been, even if he’s able to finish his beef with current AEW Champion Swerve Strickland, he would only occupy my silver spot.

The gold belongs solely to Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

I suppose I should apologize to Mr. Friedman that it took 2 full paragraphs of mewling about others before declaring my admiration. In a perfect world, he’ll one day read this article, and I could pray that I get a “you’re right, idiot, you should have mentioned me earlier. And you’re writing sucks too” tweet about it. Nevertheless, let the ass kissing begin! Continue reading “So Long and Thank For The Fish, Man 91: He’s Better Than Me, and I Know It” →