The roar of the crowd, the visceral impact of a perfectly executed maneuver, the captivating power of a story told within the squared circle – these are the elements that define professional wrestling, an art form that continually evolves and captivates audiences worldwide. In an industry brimming with talent and relentless competition, discerning who truly stands out as the most impactful performer of any given period is a challenge, yet a deeply engaging one for the passionate fanbase. This collective passion finds its voice through initiatives like the annual Performer of the Year competition, an ongoing, season-long endeavor designed to crown the individual who has most consistently enthralled and impressed the global wrestling community. As the year 2025 draws to a close, with the holiday season in full swing and major events punctuating the calendar, the race for this prestigious fan-voted accolade intensifies, with every weekly performance shaping the narrative and shifting the landscape of who might ultimately claim the coveted Cageside Cup.
The Cageside Cup represents more than just a trophy; it symbolizes sustained excellence, fan connection, and a wrestler’s ability to transcend their peers across a diverse and fragmented professional wrestling ecosystem. Throughout the year, fans are invited to cast their ballots, nominating up to five performers who have left the most significant impression during a specific seven-day window. These weekly votes accumulate, creating a dynamic leaderboard that tracks the top contenders for the ultimate annual prize. It’s a testament to the democratic spirit of the wrestling community, allowing individual preferences and diverse criteria – from in-ring mastery and captivating character work to compelling promo delivery and undeniable star presence – to collectively determine who truly shines brightest. The current season, Season 14, has been a rollercoaster of ascents and descents, with established veterans and surging newcomers alike vying for supremacy, each striving to etch their name into the annals of fan-voted history.
As of the week concluding December 20, 2025, the Cageside Cup standings revealed a compelling picture of the year’s dominant forces, showcasing both the consistent brilliance of perennial favorites and the surprising surges of breakout stars. Leading the pack with a substantial 107 points was the incomparable Toni Storm. Her "Timeless" persona had clearly resonated deeply with the audience throughout the year, marking a period of sustained creative brilliance and in-ring prowess. Storm’s unique blend of vintage Hollywood glamour, comedic timing, and fiercely competitive wrestling had positioned her as a standout, likely backed by a strong championship reign and memorable storylines within All Elite Wrestling. Her lead was not just significant but also reflected a performer who had mastered the art of character immersion, delivering week after week.
Trailing Storm, but still firmly in contention, was the legendary John Cena, sitting comfortably in second place with 67.5 points. Cena’s appearances, though often limited due to his demanding schedule outside the wrestling world, invariably brought an unparalleled level of excitement and gravitas. Each time the sixteen-time world champion stepped back into a WWE ring, it became an event, generating immense fan engagement and critical discussion. His points total underscores the enduring power of his star appeal and his ability to deliver impactful performances even in a part-time capacity, proving that quality over quantity can still propel a legend to the upper echelons of fan recognition.
The third spot in the Cageside Cup rankings was held by Stephanie Vaquer, an internationally acclaimed talent, amassing 61.5 points. Vaquer’s presence in the top three speaks volumes about the expanding global reach and appreciation for diverse wrestling styles. A standout performer, likely making waves in promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling Strong and CMLL, her technical expertise, hard-hitting style, and undeniable charisma had clearly captured the attention of a worldwide audience, highlighting the fact that fan sentiment transcends promotional boundaries. Her strong showing demonstrates a growing recognition for talent making significant impacts beyond the traditional North American mainstream.
Just behind Vaquer, the "Ring General" Gunther commanded fourth place with 60 points. Gunther’s reputation for intensely physical matches and his imposing presence as a dominant champion in WWE continued to earn him widespread acclaim. His sustained excellence in delivering brutal, technically sound contests, often holding a championship for an extended period, meant he was a constant fixture in discussions of top performers. His inclusion so high in the annual standings was a testament to his consistent ability to deliver main-event quality encounters and maintain an aura of undeniable dominance.
Rounding out the top five, Seth Rollins, with 52 points, demonstrated his continued relevance as a top-tier performer in WWE. As a multi-time world champion and a character known for his flamboyant entrances and incredible in-ring creativity, Rollins consistently delivered memorable moments. His year would likely have been characterized by high-profile feuds and pivotal championship defenses, reinforcing his position as one of the industry’s most dynamic and entertaining stars, capable of captivating audiences with both his athleticism and his unique persona.
The remainder of the Cageside Cup Top Ten through December 20, 2025, continued to showcase a blend of established and rising stars. CM Punk, with 51 points, had undoubtedly made a significant splash with his highly anticipated return to a major promotion, whether AEW or WWE, injecting a jolt of energy and controversy that always surrounds his presence. His performances, whether in the ring or on the microphone, were clearly drawing considerable attention and debate, reflecting his enduring star power and unique connection with the fanbase. Hangman Page, securing 50 points, represented the heart and soul of AEW for many, with his emotional storytelling and consistent delivery of high-quality matches keeping him in the annual conversation. Naomi, with 49 points, had likely made a triumphant return or enjoyed a career resurgence, her athletic prowess and vibrant personality resonating strongly with fans. Dominik Mysterio, accumulating 41.08 points, had undeniably cemented his status as one of the most effective heels in the business, masterfully generating unparalleled levels of crowd heat and proving himself as a critical component of WWE’s weekly programming. Finally, the powerful Bron Breakker, with 39.75 points, continued to impress with his raw athleticism and undeniable potential, likely dominating the NXT landscape or beginning to make his mark on the main roster.
The Cageside Cup standings, while offering a snapshot of the year-long journey, are constantly influenced by the week-to-week performances that capture the immediate attention of the wrestling world. For the week ending December 20, 2025 (Week 35), the community’s collective opinion highlighted a fresh set of impactful individuals, a mix of established names and emerging talents who had truly shined in the preceding seven days. Topping this particular weekly ranking was Thea Hail, an NXT standout who had clearly delivered a breakout performance or advanced a compelling storyline, capturing the hearts and minds of the voting audience. Her rise to the number one spot underscores the importance of character development and the emotional investment fans place in the journeys of up-and-coming stars.
Hot on Hail’s heels, Gunther once again proved his unwavering consistency, securing the second spot in the weekly rankings. His presence here, alongside his high standing in the annual Cup race, speaks volumes about his relentless dedication to his craft and his ability to consistently deliver memorable, hard-hitting matches that resonate with the fan base. His methodical, dominant style rarely fails to impress, solidifying his status as a true powerhouse performer.
The third position was occupied by Leon Slater, a high-flying sensation whose electrifying performances had clearly made a significant impact. Often celebrated for his incredible athleticism and daring maneuvers, Slater’s inclusion here highlights the appreciation for dynamic, fast-paced action and the excitement generated by rising stars, particularly those making waves in the independent scene or smaller national promotions. Following Slater, Alex Windsor, a formidable presence from the UK wrestling circuit, claimed fourth place. Her strong showing reflected the growing global acknowledgment of talent beyond the major North American companies, showcasing her compelling in-ring skills and captivating presence.
Kevin Knight, an athletic and exciting competitor often associated with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Strong brand, rounded out the top five, further emphasizing the international scope of fan appreciation. Knight’s agility and technical prowess had evidently struck a chord, demonstrating that impactful performances come from all corners of the wrestling globe.
The latter half of the weekly top ten for Week 35 featured a blend of global sensations and main event players. Mercedes Moné, a name synonymous with star power and groundbreaking career moves, landed in sixth. Her presence indicates a major return, a high-profile debut, or a particularly impactful performance since her highly anticipated re-emergence into the professional wrestling landscape, instantly commanding attention whenever she steps into the spotlight. Carmelo Hayes, a charismatic and immensely talented performer from NXT, secured seventh place. Hayes, known for his "Him" persona and incredible in-ring acumen, consistently delivers high-stakes matches and captivating promos, making him a perennial favorite among those who follow the developmental brand closely.
Finally, in a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer magnitude of their star power, a three-way tie for eighth place saw MJF, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes all garner significant weekly votes. Each of these individuals represents a different facet of main-event wrestling: MJF, the masterful heel and unparalleled promo specialist; CM Punk, the returning icon whose every move generates immense buzz; and Cody Rhodes, the "American Nightmare" on a quest for ultimate glory. Their simultaneous high ranking underscores the significant impact they each had in their respective storylines and matches during Week 35, driving narratives and delivering performances that captivated a broad spectrum of the wrestling audience.
The period between December 21-27, 2025, which forms the basis for the next round of weekly voting, promises to be an even more fertile ground for standout performances. This crucial week includes a plethora of nationally televised and internet streaming wrestling shows that regularly shape the discourse of the industry. From WWE’s flagship programming like Raw and SmackDown, which consistently deliver high-stakes drama and character development, to the innovative action of NXT, showcasing the stars of tomorrow, the WWE ecosystem offers ample opportunities for performers to shine.
Across the competitive landscape, All Elite Wrestling’s offerings, including the dynamic Dynamite and the hard-hitting Collision, are integral to the weekly wrestling calendar. This specific period is particularly notable as it encompasses AEW’s highly anticipated Worlds End pay-per-view event. A major PPV event at the close of the year invariably features title changes, significant storyline advancements, and career-defining matches, providing a prime stage for wrestlers to deliver performances that will undoubtedly influence the upcoming weekly rankings and, by extension, the Cageside Cup standings. The fallout from Worlds End alone could dramatically reshape the top ten, as impactful victories, shocking betrayals, or incredible displays of athleticism during such a high-profile show often leave a lasting impression on the voting community.
Beyond the two industry giants, the week also features compelling content from Impact Wrestling, a promotion known for its diverse roster and compelling storytelling, and Ring of Honor (ROH) on HonorClub, which continues to uphold its legacy of high-quality technical wrestling and intense rivalries. Furthermore, the inclusion of promotions like Evolve, which often serves as a proving ground for future stars and a showcase for independent talent, ensures that the voting process captures the full breadth of the professional wrestling world. The sheer volume and variety of wrestling presented during this specific week means that fans have an abundance of choices when it comes to identifying their top five performers, making the upcoming vote particularly exciting and potentially unpredictable.
The methodology for participating in this ongoing fan-driven ranking system is straightforward, yet designed to allow for nuanced expression of opinion. Each participant is asked to submit a ballot comprising their top five performers for the designated week. The cardinal rule is simple: no single performer can occupy more than one spot on a ballot, ensuring a diverse spread of recognition. However, to acknowledge truly exceptional weeks where multiple individuals contribute equally to a standout moment or match, the rules allow for splitting a single spot or multiple spots between several wrestlers. This flexibility ensures that the voting accurately reflects the complex tapestry of professional wrestling, where sometimes a tag team’s synergy or a faction’s collective dominance can be just as impactful as an individual’s solo effort.
As the professional wrestling year of 2025 winds down, the anticipation for the final Performer of the Year winner builds to a crescendo. Each weekly vote, each passionate debate in the comment sections, contributes to a collective narrative that celebrates the incredible athleticism, captivating storytelling, and undeniable charisma of the men and women who dedicate their lives to this unique form of entertainment. The Cageside Cup is not merely an abstract award; it is a living, breathing reflection of the audience’s engagement, a testament to the power of shared experience and the enduring connection between performers and their fans. With the latest weekly results now revealed and a fresh voting period opened for the pivotal week of December 21-27, which includes the significant Worlds End pay-per-view, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to Season 14. The wrestling world watches with bated breath, eager to see which stars will rise, which narratives will culminate, and who among the vast array of talent will ultimately stand tall as the fan-anointed Performer of the Year, forever enshrined as a testament to their impact in a truly unforgettable year.
