This Week's Wrestling Power Rankings

The dust has barely settled on a wild weekend of action that saw major shifts in status across the industry. From legacy stars facing the twilight of their careers to bizarre crossovers, this week served as a stark reminder that wrestling remains beautifully, chaoticly unpredictable.

#1. The Asuka Retirement Rumors

The wrestling world felt a collective gut punch this week following news that the legendary Asuka is reportedly moving toward semi-retirement after Backlash. Watching peers like IYO SKY and Charlotte Flair shower her with tributes confirms the end of an era for one of the greatest strikers to ever step between the ropes. Losing a performer who could make a mere armbar look like a death sentence leaves a massive void in the women's division.

#2. Jacob Fatu vs. Roman Reigns

History repeats itself, but the intensity surrounding this Bloodline-adjacent feud feels fresh enough to actually matter. Roman Reigns heading into Backlash demanding acknowledgment from Fatu was the standard formula, yet the physicality they brought to the main event was undeniable. If this is where the storyline is headed, they need to stop teasing a Bloodline implosion and actually pull the trigger on a full-scale civil war.

#3. Danhausen’s Bizarre WWE Appearance

In the most confusing booking decision of the year, Danhausen appeared at Backlash to defeat The Miz and Kit Wilson in a bout that felt like a fever dream. While comedy is a part of the game, seeing a staple of the indie scene integrated into a premium live event so randomly makes me wonder if Triple H is just messing with us. It was a 0.5 star spectacle that provided nothing for the long-term direction of either team involved.

#4. Konosuke Takeshita in AEW

Getting the call to replace Kazuchika Okada in a high-stakes World Title match is a massive spot for Takeshita. He is one of the few talents who can realistically provide the same level of in-ring workrate that fans expect from an Okada showcase. Losing the Rainmaker for such a clash is a bummer, but keeping the match quality high is the saving grace for the upcoming card.

#5. Trick Williams on the Rise

Trick Williams is handling the inevitable tension with Carmelo Hayes with the right amount of swagger and cryptic skepticism. Whether this leads to a main event showdown or a tag team implosion, his trajectory remains one of the most organic success stories in NXT. He needs to move on from being the sidekick, and this slow-burn tease is exactly what he needs to cement his status as a singles face.

#6. AEW Women’s Title Picture

The move to a four-way at Double or Nothing feels like a necessity given the lack of depth in the current title feud. While four-way matches often devolve into messy spot-fests, it allows for fresh interactions that a traditional one-on-one might lack right now. Let’s hope the booking keeps it coherent rather than just a scramble for pinfalls.

#7. Bayley’s AAA Incursions

Bayley is currently acting as a nomad, popping up in AAA to assist Lola Vice and La Catalina while simultaneously throwing shade at Tatum Paxley. It is cool to see a main roster veteran play the gatekeeper for younger talent, but I hope this isn’t a distraction from her own place in the WWE hierarchy. She is too talented to be relegated to a mentor role while others take the spotlight.

#8. Thekla’s Controversy

The fact that Thekla received death threats over a wrestling angle is a horrifying indictment of a portion of the fanbase. Wrestling is supposed to be performance art, not a reason for harassment, and her speaking out about the toxicity is important. It is a grim reminder that some fans have lost all grip on reality.

#9. Karrion Kross Speaks Out

Kross pulling back the curtain on WWE trying to lower his value before contract talks is a classic tale of corporate wrestling tactics. When the company tries to devalue you, it is usually a sign they are preparing for a cheap exit or a pivot in creative direction. He has been given multiple chances, but his transparency here makes his next move quite interesting.

#10. The Steiner Legacy

Brock Steiner expressing a desire to eventually join WWE is a reminder that the wrestling business often runs in the blood. While the industry is flooded with legacy acts, there is always room for another powerhouse who knows the ropes. Expect to see him in the Performance Center within the next 24 months as his training ramps up.

Ones to Watch

Keep a close eye on the Owen Hart Foundation bracket reveals, as the path to the finals could set up some unexpected feuds for Double or Nothing. Also, watch the NJPW Dominion card closely; with five title matches on the docket, it is likely to be the highest-quality card of the month. Don't sleep on the ROH TV title changes, as they are often a precursor to bigger call-ups.