What do you think of this week's POWER 25 rankings?
Send your comments to The Academy now.
WWE.com, in conjunction with The Academy of Wrestling Arts & Sciences (AWAS), ranks the Top 25 Superstars in wrestling each week with POWER 25. The rankings are based on victories, quality of opponents, momentum and overall in-ring dominance, as well as intangibles. Be sure to check back every Saturday for the latest POWER 25. Here are the rankings for May 26:
Also, find out what the number next to the Superstar name means. Continue...
| This Week | Movement | Superstar | Last Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
BOBBY LASHLEY (16) Count ‘em … FIVE wins in just over 24 hours. This dominating performance by the former ECW World Champion earned Lashley the P25 top spot and a man-to-McMahon Street Fight for the gold. |
1 | |
| 2 |
JOHN CENA (2) The Champ finally finds the chink in The Great Khali’s armor, getting a disputed submission victory over the colossus at Judgment Day. |
2 | |
| 3 |
EDGE (1) The World Heavyweight Champion successfully defended his newly won title at Judgment Day, then watched at ringside as Batista fought to earn a title rematch in the steel cage at One Night Stand. |
3 | |
| 4 | 5 | ||
| 5 |
Whether it was ring strategy or just luck, Khali’s size 18EEEE boot found its way under the ring ropes at Judgment Day, putting Cena’s win in question. |
4 | |
| 6 |
A leg injury led to Edge’s win at Judgment Day, but The Animal had the leg up in a Fatal Four Way Match on SmackDown, becoming the No. 1 contender for Edge’s World Heavyweight Championship. |
8 | |
| 7 |
The franchise playa rises seven spots after becoming the new United States Champion. He celebrated in style at SmackDown, but the Rabid Wolverine aims to make Porter’s title run a short one. |
14 | |
| 8 |
Toppling New Breed leader Elijah Burke at Judgment Day, the Straightedge Superstar continued his recent hot streak with a disqualification win over Burke and Marcus Cor Von. |
10 | |
| 9 |
The McMahons might want to find some valium for the Samoan Bulldozer. His impulsive chair-swinging against Bobby Lashley might end up costing Mr. McMahon his ECW World Title. |
9 | |
| 10 |
Shawn Michaels has never backed down from a fight in his life, but his valiant effort against Randy Orton at Judgment Day and subsequent concussion might lead to the end of a brilliant career for HBK. |
7 | |
| 11 |
Sure, the Rabid Wolverine will shake your hand if you beat him the way MVP did, but as MVP learned, don’t disrespect the former United States Champion. |
6 | |
| 12 |
Mr. McMahon’s savvy stipulation switching kept the ECW World Title around his waist, despite a team McMahon loss at Judgment Day. Now, he stares down a one-on-one Street Fight at One Night Stand. |
13 | |
| 13 |
The Big Red Machine held his own in the No. 1 Contender Fatal Four Way on SmackDown, but came up short. The locker room should keep their distance, as the loss probably didn’t sit well with the giant. |
11 | |
| 14 |
This ECW Original is determined to end the reign of terror that the demented Snitsky is inflicting on the extreme Superstars. He came to the rescue of fellow ECW Original Tommy Dreamer this week. |
15 | |
| 15 |
The high-flying duo scored a disqualification win over Regal & Taylor as the WWE Tag Team Champions interfered. If Deuce & Domino aren’t feeling the heat from this rising team, they should be. |
16 | |
| 16 |
The deranged Snitsky is blazing a path through the ECW locker room. Who will step up to take on this beast (and live to tell the tale)? |
19 | |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| 18 |
The self-proclaimed “Legend Killer” might have done just that, knocking out Shawn Michaels at Judgment Day. |
22 | |
| 19 |
The Women’s Champion was stunned by Candice Michelle on Raw in a non-title tilt. Now, these two seem destined for a collision for the ladies’ crown in the near future. |
18 | |
| 20 |
The Intercontinental Champion waits patiently for his next title challenger. A little time to rest and reflect on his unlikely title reign was welcomed. |
21 | |
| 21 |
The blue-collar boys looked impressive against the Hardys at Judgment Day, but fell just short in their World Tag Team Championship match. Seeking better karma, they saved the Hardys from a beat down. |
23 | |
| 22 |
The SmackDown silverback had his opponents’ hands full in the Fatal Four Way Match for the No. 1 Contendership. This behemoth has to be on the radar of SmackDown’s top Superstars. |
24 | |
| 23 |
The cowboy crossover debuts on the P25 after beating the Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero in a non-title match. His impressive string of wins has him ready to brand that title as his own. |
NR | |
| 24 |
This beautiful Diva debuts on the P25 after pinning the Women’s Champion on Raw. The increased training regimen by this Milwaukee goddess is paying off in the ring. Could it soon pay off in gold? |
NR | |
| 25 |
Three words: Fear the Pounce! The Alpha Male returns to the P25 after leveling the team of Rob Van Dam & CM Punk with his feared finisher. |
NR |
What do you think of this week's POWER 25 rankings?
Send your comments to The Academy now.
"How does Lashley not clean up all 19 first place votes?" - Andrew
The Academy replies: His five wins certainly make up a case to be No. 1, but he's at a disadvantage as long as there is no gold around his waist.
"Undertaker is already gone from the P25? That's a little harsh." - Cris
The Academy replies: It's a tough call when it comes to injured Superstars, but don't worry. Undertaker has risen from the dead before.
"How does Mr. McMahon jump a spot after a loss?" - Michelle
The Academy replies: The Chairman may have lost, but he found a way to retain the ECW World Title. That's worth a spot in itself.
The following Superstar(s) failed to maintain their spot on the POWER 25 this week:
Undertaker - The Deadman got a Druid-filled sendoff to Death Valley two weeks ago. We expect he’ll rise again.
Mr. Kennedy - Rehabbing his injury in Green Bay, Wisc., Mr. Kennedy is brushing up on his trademark microphone skills.
Boogeyman - The Bottomless Pit dweller slips out of the rankings. But we can still smell those worms he dumped all over Jillian Hall.
The following Superstar(s) also received votes from members of the Academy:
Ric Flair - "The Nature Boy" is back on the radar after schooling Carlito on the effects of the Figure Four at Judgment Day.
Elijah Burke - The New Breed leader is in striking range, despite a disappointing loss to CM Punk.
Matt Striker - The teacher taught a lesson to Brett Major on ECW on Sci Fi, ending his bad luck streak.