Chicago’s Top 25 of 2025 #Chi25

The Top 25 Wrestlers That Performed in the Chicagoland Area in 2025

In case you are unaware, we are now a retired podcast. However, it has been requested that we do one final #Chi25 list for the people. So here it is…

PLEASE READ THE LIST CRITERIA BELOW!

• They performed consistently for companies local to Chicago and the surrounding area (Freelance, AAW, BLP, Galli, CSW, S2cond Wrestling, etc)
• As a podcast our bias lies with Freelance Wrestling & AAW but we would encourage readers to support all indie promotions
• They were involved in main events
• They were important in the title scene, winning and defending titles
• Wrestlers in tag teams will take up 1 spot together

Also!

The wrestlers don’t need to be from or currently reside in Chicago, they do not need to have trained in Chicago either to have made this list.

And lastly, this list is just an opinion, not fact, if you agree or disagree please politely let us know and share with a friend!

When sharing this list on social media, please use the hashtag #Chi25.

Honorable Mentions

• Darius Lattrell
• Jake Parnell
• Victor Iniestra
• Gringo Loco
• Stallion Rogers
• Shazza Mckenzie
• Mat Fitchett
• Alfredo Albiter
• Bruss Hamilton
• CJ Martin/Rj Sowa/Sean Galloway — COCK’s
• Darin Corbin
• David Ali
• Home Cooking (Dan The Dad & Koko Lane)
• Jake Something
• Trip Jordy (Just an overall bad dude according to Podding with Ego)

Special Mention — Mustafa Ali

So it’s obvious that Ali is a fantastic wrestler, and he has wrestled locally this year, although not often due to out of state bookings. We are making an editorial choice to leave him off the list because we think other people need the shine. However, please check out Ali’s wrestling school called the “Chicago Wrestling Center” and you can check out Ali on the Podding with Ego podcast.

#25 Axel Rico (Last year’s rank = Honorable Mention)

Axel Rico claimed the Galli Championship this year with a win over local legend Mecha Wolf. He’s also held gold for CSW and could use this momentum to continue to propel him in the local scene. Also, as a fun fact, Charley once met Axel at a now closed Karaoke bar called “Hidden Cove” and I didn’t mark out.

#24 Rafael Quintero (Last year’s rank = Not Ranked)

We had the pleasure of talking to Rafael this year on the podcast. Quintero ended his year getting a shot at AAW’s big gold belt, and then beat Stallion Rodgers at the Windy City Classic. This definitely shows he’s got a bright future with big matches around the corner. Look for Rafael to be a huge player for AAW and other companies in 2026.

#23 Davey Vega (Last year’s rank = #9)

Davey had an exceptional 2024, so it’s only natural to take a step back from the main spotlight and be involved in other types of matches. What’s really cool is that he got to tag with Shazza McKenzie and has reformed the Besties in The World with a new attitude. This gives him an Fitchett a new avenue to explore with these characters.

#22 Aminah Belmont (Last year’s rank = Not Ranked)

Aminah Belmont stayed busy across the Midwest indie scene with matches in promotions such as Chicago Style Wrestling, AAW, and Uprising Women Athletes. From 7 way ladder matches, to all out brawls with La Pescadita, Aminah proved she’s a badass with a mean streak.

#21 Robert “Ego” Anthony (Last year’s rank = #6)

If Rob is reading this right now it’s probably a good time to mention that Cris has purchased us tickets to Ego Pro’s show on March 6th at the Hollywood Casino in Joliet, Illinois. Go see “Winner’s Win”, ticket link in the bio for this Instagram profile. Also, Egotistico Fantastico is a “good looking dude” and should consider removing his mask.

#20 Sierra (Last year’s rank = #10)

In 2025, Sierra stayed in the mix in AAW, beginning the year by losing the AAW Women’s Title to Maggie Lee in a Street Fight at Chi-Town Rumble 2025 and later working marquee shows like Crush & Destroy (vs. Heather Reckless) and Smokeshow (vs. Scarlett Bordeaux). She’s a trusted top dog in that women’s locker room.

#19 Russ Jones & Schaff (Last year’s rank = #19)

2025 for Russ Jones & Schaff sent them on a roller coaster. After dropping the AAW tag team titles they fought back to win them again near the end of the year. Having the same rank as last year’s list seems fitting in a sense.

#18 Regan Lydale (Last year’s rank = #25)

Regan did things that she has never done before in 2025, showing she’s ready to keep growing and taking on new challenges. I mean, c’mon…she wrestled Devon Monroe for the Freelance World Championship! If you ask us, that’s a big step forward.

#17 Isaiah Moore (Last year’s rank = Honorable Mention)

Isaiah Moore climbed to a new high this year capturing the AAW Heritage championship from Robert “Ego” Anthony! He then put the belt in the spotlight on big cards like Smokeshow (11/22), where he retained vs. Ace Perry. Isaiah is someone that could be fast-tracked into more title scenarios very soon if he keeps having great matches.

#16 La Pescadita (Last year’s rank = Not Ranked)

When you wrestle La Pescadita, you’re dealing with an absolute firecracker. At the time of writing this, Lilli Ruiz is the current CSW Women’s champion winning it in a last woman standing match. As of recent she’s also wrestled Deonna Purazzo, and participated in triple threat matches, ladder matches, gauntlets, scrambles, you name it. Please check out her interview with us this year.

#15 Laynie Luck (Last year’s rank = #25)

When we spoke to Laynie Luck in 2025, we asked her this paraphrased question. “What’s it going to take for Laynie Luck to catch her break?”. And by golly, she answered that question by winning the WWE ID Women’s title! Plus, she’s defended it at least 4 times thus far. This is the break she deserves and this is what’s going to propel her to big and better things.

#14 Sabin Gauge (Last year’s rank = #15)

The most impressive thing about Sabin in 2025 was not his inability to show up to a carpool on time or constant narcolepsy when making the towns, it was his heel work. He shined in the feud vs Koda Hernandez and really did Koda’s dad dirty by beating him until his pants fell off. It’s the best version we have seen of Sabin Gauge thus far in a Freelance Wrestling ring.

#13 Chico Suave (Last year’s rank = #22)

To see Chico Suave win the Freelance Legacy Championship had us feeling like proud parents. Only because we’ve seen Chico come so far. And every year he continues to build and add to his legacy. Every year he gets better and better. In 2025 he got to wrestle JAH-C, Doctor Redacted in a hardcore match and followed that up with a match vs Jimmy Jacobs in early 2026!

#12 Bang & Mathews (Last year’s rank = #12)

Much like the Besties in The World, Bang & Mathews have re-branded to heels in their home promotion which gives them new creative freedom to express themselves in a new championship run. This team has to be the next to be noticed by a brand that’s on TV, it’s only a matter of time before IMPACT, AEW, etc etc comes knocking on their door.

#11 Trevor Outlaw w/ Frank The Clown (Last year’s rank = #13)

Enough wallowing in the middle, 2026 is the year of Trevor Outlaw. Mark our words, Trevor Outlaw will be Freelance World Champion in 2026. The Legacy championship seems too small for what Trevor and Frank the Clown want to accomplish. Trevor spent most of 2025 climbing back up the Freelance ranks. He’s primed and ready, this is his year.

#10 Missa Kate (Last year’s rank = #3)

Firstly, congrats to Missa Kate on an amazing career. To go out wrestling a local legend like Steve Boz and have some fun in her last match performing WWE finishers, is a fantastic way to go out. She also went out on her terms, which has to feel empowering. The world is now her oyster, she can do what she pleases knowing she left an impact on the local scene.

#9 Blair Onyx (Last year’s rank = Special Mention)

We’re declaring it now, Blair Onyx is the most improved wrestler of 2025. She found herself again. She’s hitting her stride. She’s defined her character very well. She made 35 local appearances, which is by our count, the most??? It’s not about doing certain moves, it’s about the lasting effect she has on a crowd. And for that, she deserved a spot in the top 10. We caught up with her this year too!

#8 Devon Monroe (Last year’s rank = Not Ranked)

Some would say unexpectedly, but Devon Monroe has quietly had an amazing run beating the likes of Wes Barkley, Regan Lydale, Alfonso Gonzalez, Dani Luna, Allie Katch, and battling Bryan Keith to a NO CONTEST. In 2026, Devon started hot by taking on a fan favorite in Effy for the very same title. Devon isn’t someone we would have expected to be champion so soon in Freelance but that decision and the performances that have followed have completely fit the brand of Freelance Wrestling.

#7 Koda Hernandez (Last year’s rank = #1)

What can we say about ole marble mouth this year? Well, a lot of cool things have happened, which is usually the case with Koda. Koda is usually booked against someone menacing or a big name and god damnit the dude delivers every single time. Koda defended the Freelance Legacy Championship valiantly this year against Calvin Tankman, Sabin Gauge, Mustafa Ali, and Chico Suave. All while making towns in the midwest to win and compete for tag titles. Convinced that there’s nothing Koda can’t do.

#6 Alfonso Gonzalez (Last year’s rank = #5)

Alfonso is a gahd damn creative genius. A Christmas album!!??? I mean, the marketing and creativity skills are off the charts. If you look at Freelance Wrestling’s cards throughout the year he’s all over them. Competing for titles, being the son of Matt Knicks, wrestling big names, and simply being entertaining. If you’re running a show, and you include Alfonso, you instantly add value to your show.

#5 Joe Alonzo (Last year’s rank = #8)

Karl Alan Media (taken from Instagram)

Whatever your opinion might be on Joe Alonzo, objectively he’s only gotten better in 2025. He’s become even more diabolical than expected and is an expert at getting under the skin of those that don’t like him. I mean he shaved a kids head…in front of his dad…and then turned the kid heel…and…god damn man that’s ruthless lol.

#4 Solomon Tupu — “Uncle T”, if ya nasty (Last year’s rank = #17)

From Black & Brave Instagram

Tupu left a huge impression on the Chicagoland area in 2025. Propped up by Ego Pro and AAW, Tupu went from being “another samoan” to a wrestler with flair, attitude and bundles of charisma. Tupu figured that the best version of himself in the ring, is a version of who he really is as a person. Confident, risk-taking and unapologetically himself. According to our count he made 32 local appearances if you count Iron Spirit Pro.

#3 Trevor Lee (Last year’s rank = Not Ranked)

Karl Alan Media Image

172 days spent as AAW Heavyweight Champion, watch this video and you’ll realize there’s nothing more left to say.

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#2 Maggie Lee (Last year’s rank = #7)

Photographer is tagged here: https://x.com/justmaggielee/status/1904684315838939368

Remember back at this beginning of this article when we mentioned “wrestles consistently”, well nobody is more consistent than Maggie Lee. We counted at least 31 local appearances if you factor in Lasalle, IL (which isn’t terribly far), plus doing IMPACT, plus making social content, plus holding championships for AAW, Dreamwave, IMPACT etc etc etc. The list goes on and on, nobody can quite match the amount of impressions Maggie Lee has on the average local wrestling fan.

#1 Sean Logan/Login (Last year’s rank = #18)

2HAAF Custom Image

We went back and forth on who should be #1 this year, and ultimately our gut told us it was Sean. Unsure if there’s a competitor that has wrestled for all of the following in one year.

• Freelance
• AAW
• Iron Spirit
• 2nd Wrestling
• Dreamwave
• and BSW

29 local appearances, multiple championships and he has played multiple characters! That’s a huge asset to have, Sean can tailor himself to what is needed on the card and become extremely valuable. He was the last #BuffetBracket winner and he’ll be the last winner of the #Chi25.

Agree? Disagree?

When sharing your opinion on social media, use the hashtag #Chi25