We’re well underway in bringing you our very own top 100 wrestlers of 2008.

The concept was simple. Six of our very best writers sat down and discussed names to be put on a preliminary list for the Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year. That preliminary list totalled to around 145 names, stretching from wrestlers in the WWE to TNA to PWG. Those six writers then drew up their own personal Top 100 and from here, the scores of each wrestler were tallied based on their placement in each writers list. It was as simple as that.

If you’ve missed earlier pieces, you can find them below:

- Click here to read who we voted in places 91-100
- Click here to read who we voted in places 81-90
- Click here to read who we voted in places 71-80

61. Brent Albright

Michael Campbell: Some people still insist that Albright doesn’t belong in ROH. I think you’re insane to suggest that if you’ve seen his NWA title match with Adam Pearce at Death Before Dishonor. Provides something different to everyone else there, and provided they continue to book him favourably, there’s much left for him to do. I can imagine offers coming in from elsewhere this time next year though…

Martin Smith: Love this guy. Solid worker with a great future ahead of him. I’m surprised McMahon has never come back for him. I’m actually surprised he didn’t rank higher and I would like to think that he could break the top 30 next year.

Mark Bright: I really like him. I think now he’s out of WWE and not trying to be a Chris Benoit clone (and boy did that mean something different in 2005 than it does now), he’s settled into a strong midcard role in ROH with the potential to be pushed higher.

James Mustoe: While he had shown flashes of briliance during 2007 in the earlier part of his ROH run, 2008 truly was a breakout year for the former Gunner Scott. Went through a bit of a low perido in the Hangman 3 group but then rebounded with a fantastic match with GO Shiozaki at the Double Shot card, before cementing his main event position with a blow away match against Adam Pearce of all people in August.

Phil Lowe: I like him. With some charisma (or at least the chance to show it) his WWE tenure could have worked out differently. Solid worker who could end up main eventing ROH shows in 2009.

62. Tomko

James Mustoe: This ranking is mainly due to his strong showing in TNA ealier this year, as to be honest with you I haven’t seen any of his Japan stuff outside of the match with Bernard against the Steiners. Looked on course to become a breakout rebel style babyface in the Steve Austin mode, before Russo stupidly swerved his audience and didn’t turn him. Still, holds victories over Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe, no mean feat…

Michael Campbell: Tomko is a dude that Vinnie Mac should be busting the door down to get back in the WWE. His improvements have been utterly immeasurable. Was doing superb stuff in TNA, until the company (as usual), botched his run with an unnecessary turn that went against what the fans wanted to see. Should have been the Batista of Jarrett-land.

Phil Lowe: There’s renewed talk of WWE looking to bring him back which is great news. TNA dropped a bollock by not pushing him when he and Christian split as at the time they had a potential main-eventer on their hands. Regardless of whether or not Christian ends up returning to WWE, Tomko should definitely be given another shot up there.

Mark Bright: Probably finishing about the right place on the list, but it’d have been interesting to see how he’d have fared if TNA hadn’t screwed up the Tomko/Christian breakup so badly.

Martin Smith: TNA messed his push up right when he was getting quite popular. No doubt he’ll head back to the WWE eventually, and despite a poor run last time, I think he’d get over quite well second time round. It’s the nature of the beat. TNA made this guy what he is today and then killed all the momentum around him with some awful booking. Great worker who deserves his chance to shine.

63. Mark Henry

Michael Campbell: Finally ,after ten years of trying, we’ve seen something decent out of The World’s “Strongest” man! Adding Tony Atlas to his act prove to be career-saving, and his run with the ECW belt wasn’t half-bad. Still a poor worker, but this has been well masked by solid booking in recent months. I can’t imagine there’s much left in the tank though.

Martin Smith: He’s made a bit of an improvement over the years but I prefer his stuff from 2003/04 rather than what he’s doing now. He should be a wrecking machine who wrestles to destroy rather than a guy who is forced into a storyline. Still, major improvements.

James Mustoe: Has had his highest profile year so far, crtainly his best from an in ring point of view. Many had written him off after years of not doing very much but in my eyes has shown great heel potential since his character makeover in 2003. Has gotten better in the ring (well it as bound to happen sooner rather than later after 12 years under contract), and is also an underated promo-guy. Should get the ECW Title back in 2009 or could also be a strong heel challenger aganist John Cena post Wrestlemania.

Mark Bright: He’s gone from being embarassingly bad to being a servicable big man able to play the monster heel very well on the C-brand. Wrestling Matt Hardy for weeks on end helps the match quality, of course.

Phil Lowe: One of the highlights of ECW programming this year. Having Tony Atlas with him on the road has definitely helped and there’s no doubt that the guy is motivated. If I was Vince, I’d be pissed its taken so much time and money to get Henry to look like a top guy.

64. Homicide

Michael Campbell: Made a successful return to Ring of Honor, though I think many fans were as excited to see Hernandez. LAX gimmick continues to be wasted in TNA, and I can’t see him ever been hot there like he was a couple of years back.

Mark Bright: I disagree with him being ranked higher than Hernandez. His running tope con hilo is spectacular every time I watch it, and he plays the street thug role very well, so if he was booked well I could see him shooting up this list bigtime next year, even if it means heading back to ROH on a more regular basis.

Phil Lowe: Another potential top star being misused by his employers and his career (at least in TNA) may well suffer as I can’t see LAX getting back to being the hot act they were a year or two ago.

James Mustoe: Tragically underutilised in TNA. After wowing everyone on the independent scene for the earlier part of the decade, Homicide has had to settle to playing second fiddle to Hernandez, thus sharing all of hi partner’s highlights of the year. Is an incredible promo man, not that you’d know if you’ve seen his TNA stuff. Could be so much more than how he is portrayed and I would imagine that his ROH double shot later in the voting period will refute this.

Martin Smith: Solid worker who is still relatively over with the fans. Can’t help but feel himself and Hernandez would’ve been huge if it hadn’t been for Konnan leaving LAX a few years ago now. He’s had a good year but I have a slight suspicion that the act might get broken up soon. A singles push would do his stale character the world of good.

65. Naruki Doi

Mark Bright: Overshadowed by the awesome Masato Yoshino, but still excellent and a big part of Dragon Gate tags. However the best role i’ve seen him in is definitely the short lived big man/small man tag team with Shingo in ROH.

Phil Lowe: Makes the list due to his Ring of Honor work. He’d fit in quite well in TNA I think, but until they get serious about the X Division, he’d likely be wasted there.

Michael Campbell: Doi is a dazzling performer. Shone when he appeared in TNA, and had a blinder in Florida for Ring of Honor. But anyone who hasn’t seen his work in Dragon Gate should treat themselves to some good times.

Martin Smith: Not seen much of the guy but his TNA work was really impressive.

James Mustoe: Another wrestler who is on this list on the strength of his ROH fly over. Competed in great matches Steen and Generico and in the ‘traditional’ Dragon’s Gate Rules’ match in March and also had a rather disappointing run in TNA in the World X Cup. Deserves more Stateside exposure and would be a good fit in TNA if they gave the X Division a serious push. An incredible athlete who can really go in the ring and another highl ight in a seemingly endless run of Dragon Gate people who get here on the strength o just a few matches.

66. Jack Evans

James Mustoe: Has competed mostly in tag team action in ROH this year, with his Vulture Squad faction. While manager Julius Smokes was really annoying, the matches generally delivered. Evans’s high spots are just amazing to watch as you never know what move he’s going to pull off next, and the fact that he’s managed to keep this pace up for several years, while also being able to have decent singles matches along the way (see Roderick Strong), makes Evans a real enigma of the business.

Mark Bright: Charismatic, fun to watch midcarder, and wrestling needs more of that, ROH really misses him and the change of pace he would bring to their shows where everyone else is trying to wrestle like a hard-hitting main eventer who’s overdosed on Japan heavyweight tapes.

Martin Smith: He always entertains. I’m surprised TNA didn’t pick him up at one point. Next year might be an interesting one and McMahon-land may very well beckon for this talent one day. A solid spine to the ROH roster.

Phil Lowe: Fun to watch but his style could shorten his career considerably.

Michael Campbell: Jack continues to be over-and under-rated in equal measure, much live Jeff Hardy has often been. Injuries may end up being a constant issue with the guy though, thanks to his style, which he could tone down a bit, because he connects with fans even in second gear.

67. Shelton Benjamin

Mark Bright: Very athletic, and has grown into his current heel role very well. I’ve been very critical of him in the past, but this could be the break he needs.

Michael Campbell: Another topsy-turvy year for Shelton, who at least has spent much of it with Gold around his waist. Instead of criticising his weaker aspects (character, promos, etc…), the WWE should stop being bitches, and get behind this guy and really help him out in those respects. He’s certainly in a great spot right now, but there’s something missing preventing fans buying him in anything other than a popcorn match. I say get him a quality manager.

James Mustoe: Career appears to be on the up (finally) with a renewed push on Smackdown as WWE US Champion. Has competed in standout television matches against Jeff Hardy, MVP and Matt Hardy, and has also come along nicely as a character. It also helps that he’s stopped blowing quite so many spots as well!

Martin Smith: Honestly? I can’t stand the guy. Only good as a heel in my eyes and although he does well, I can’t stand his gimmick or his wrestling ability. Charlie Haas is twice the wrestler. Very over-rated and never willing to improve.

Phil Lowe: I’ve always been a huge fan of him but his lack of promo has held him back. Why the hell WWE didn’t give him a mouthpiece a few years back when he was first making it as a singles star is beyond me. His current gimmick suits him perfectly so hopefully his push continues. If that push is ended again, however, then I don’t see him getting many more opportunities in WWE.

68. The Miz

Michael Campbell: Finest year yet for the Miz, thanks to his high-profile, exciting partnership with John Morrison. They should keep these guys together for another year let, and give them a feud to really sink their teeth into. Often wasted because Vince has no respect for tag wrestling ,and admittedly it’s difficult to see what Miz could do as a solo performer.

Phil Lowe: Remember when this guy debuted on WWE programming and was panned by all? Amazing to see the improvement Miz has made. Whether he can make it to the next level remains to be seen though.

Martin Smith: Has improved hugely in the last three years. Interesting team with Morrison has propelled this guy to a high midcard spot. I’d expect him to place higher next year.

James Mustoe: His placing on this list shows how much he has come on in the last year or so. Once the most hated (and not in a good way) performer in the WWE, has improved to be part of one of the most entertaining double acts in the WWE in years, and always a highlight of whatever show they appear on, I’m talking about his tag team with John Morrison. While he is still overshadowed by his partner, The Miz should have a good career ahead of him, after proving the haters wrong and showing that he is a natural heel.

Mark Bright: Never thought he’d be this good. Tag team with Morrison should be tag champions in the WWE and it’s a travesty that they’re not. I think he’s in the spot he’s in and never gets higher, but hell it’s a good spot to be in and one i never thought he’d reach.

69. CIMA

Michael Campbell: CIMA continues to be a star wherever he goes, and has been involved in elevating the other guys in DG. Just as well, because injuries are really starting to pile up for this charismatic performer.

James Mustoe: Frequent fly in is always the highlight of ROH’s Dragon Gate Invasion style shows. Is a polished pro on a level above his compatriots and deserves to be the centrepiece of the Dragon Gate promotion. Has also impressed in PWG and is always a joy to watch.

Mark Bright: Most charismatic of the Dragon Gate guys, the only one who really knows how to carry himself like a STAR.

Martin Smith: Interesting matches and great performer. I’d like to see more of this guy in the future.

Phil Lowe: Best of the DG guys who has also impressed in PWG.

70. Jay Lethal

Michael Campbell: What can be said about Lethal that hasn’t already been? Great talent, bucket loads of potential, and a comedy gimmick that everyone thought would go nowhere, but has proven everyone wrong. There’s still mileage in the gimmick right now, but his year’s been bungled by the horrible, horrible Sonjay Dutt feud. Hopefully moves into something better before he eventually ditches the Macho Man act.

Martin Smith: A really good worker. As himself, he was bland but the Machismo thing got us interested. Not anymore. It ran its course over six months ago and is in danger of ruining this guys career forever unless he turns heel on the gimmick and the fans.

Mark Bright: He was boring as himself, and Black Machismo is a joke run into the ground that’s been going far too long.

James Mustoe: One of a number of TNA’s X Division wrestlers to be handicapped by moronic booking this year. Randy Savage impression was funny for five minutes but was then dragged on way past its shelf life. On the other hand did manage to have a great ladder match with Sonjay Dutt that crucially did not feel like a retread, and also had a probably hidden gem of a match against Petey Williams at Destination X. Could have potential in TNA’s headline feud as a ‘TNA Original’ but has so far been treated as a jobber.

Phil Lowe: The feud with Sonjay Dutt has hurt him badly. Dutt will never be a money-maker for TNA but Lethal had the potential to be. ‘Had’ is a little harsh as Lethal could still become a big name for TNA, but with no sign of him being put into the main storyline in the company right now (as a TNA Original) then who knows what he’ll be doing in the company over the next few months.