Wrestling mid-year awards: Who are the best of the best in 2026 so far?

As 2026 moves into its second half in July, four pro wrestling writers—Robert Jackman, Raj Prashad, Drake Riggs and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger—rank the year’s standout moments from the first six months. In their mid-year debate, Riggs highlights several major matches, but centers his pick on Ospreay vs. Strickland at Forbidden Door, describing it as a match that checks every box. Jackman echoes the same result, pointing to technical excellence, pacing, and effective use of the Death Riders storyline element. Sulla-Heffinger instead selects CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42, arguing it delivered an exceptionally notable main event on WWE’s biggest stage. Prashad’s top choice is Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland, noting it edges out Reigns vs. Punk for emotional storytelling.