“Mat-NESS RanKINGs”
Not your typical rankings. At Wrestle MATNESS, we do things differently. Our dedicated staff—myself and a team of monkeys working around the clock—have selected the Top 10 Most Entertaining Wrestlers across all weight classes. Past legends include David "DT" Taylor, Bryce Andonian, Yianni Diakomihalis, and Jason Nolf to name a few.
The award, named after Dylan NESS, carries the legendary description: "Highly Combustible Material" (Shane Sparks). After all, Dylan puts the NESS in MATNESS—a true icon of wrestling entertainment.
We have crowned our champion just before the NCAA Championships, read on as we are celebrating the Wrestlers who electrify the sport!
Honorable Mention: Beau Mantanona (Michigan), Shannon Hanna (Campbell), Rafael Hipolito (Virginia Tech), Lenny “Ford” Pinto (Nebraska)
10. Meyer SHAPIRO (Cornell) - 157 lbs.
Unfortunately, due to an injury we didn’t get to watch this human highlight reel much this season. That’s the ONLY reason “KAZ-Meyer” fell down this list. Shapiro can do it all. Perhaps this weekend at the NCAA’s, he re-stakes his claim as one of the elite entertainers in our sport.
Check out this short clip of Shapiro vs Bryce Andonian (one of our absolute favorites!) 👇 👇
9. Shayne VAN NESS (Penn State) - 149 lbs.
SVN is in your face and tough as nails. His pace–relentless. He has a real shot at winning the title but has slowed a little. Therefore, he’s slipped down the list since the beginning of the year. Elite chain-wrestling, Van Ness uses a full arsenal of attacks to get in on his opponent’s legs.
8. Keegan O’TOOLE (Missouri) - 174 lbs.
Keegan O’Toole is regarded as the greatest “scrambler” in the NCAA today. As he put on display against Levi Haines (Penn State) in an early season super-battle of former NCAA champs. It’s well documented that “KOT” comes from the AWA (Askren Wrestling Academy) just like M. Mesenbrink, so he brings that soul and funk to every mat he dances on.
No need to ✂️ this video, INSTANT CLASSIC!
⬆️ KOT vs HAMITI ⬇️ (Big 12 Championships)
7. Dean HAMITI (Oklahoma State) - 174 lbs.
He’s got legs and he knows how to use them. Hamiti’s length has always been a lethal weapon and he’s not afraid to deploy it. We’ve had the opportunity to watch Dean “DJ” Hamiti for several years now and it’s been a pleasure. This feels like it could be his year too. I can speak for ALL wrestling fans when I say, we want Hamiti vs Mesenbrink III at some point in the future.
6. Brock HARDY (Nebraska) - 141 lbs.
The leader of the Hardy boys has been on 🔥 lately. Brock has not only avenged the loss to Mendez (remember “The incident”?), but won the Big 10’s in superior fashion! This MAN can score from anywhere and his creativity is Beethoven-esque. Will the ‘25 NCAA’s be his masterpiece?
5. Wyatt HENDRICKSON (Oklahoma State) - 285 lbs.
Aptly dubbed “The Great American Hero,” Wyatt led the NCAA in FALLS for (3) straight years at Air Force. He’s now the Oklahoma St. heavyweight and has the size and athleticism that brings Pokes fans to their feet. An intimidating presence w/ a cool name to boot. If we’re forced to pick a weakness, it would have been style—but the sleeve tattoo and new “stache” took care of that!
🇺🇸 🤼 🤠
4. Matt RAMOS (Purdue) - 125 lbs.
Yep, we believe that Mr. Ramos is still able to ride the effect of the biggest pinfall in NCAA semifinal history for a bit while longer. The way he pinned Spencer Lee from essentially a “feet to back” move and a legendary celebration afterwards, is unforgettable. Matt has only continued the MUST SEE TV since then. Recently, Ramos unveiled a new celebration (smooth side flip) after winning the CKLV.
🥉 Gable STEVESON (Minnesota) - 285 lbs.
Gable simply makes it look too easy to be crowned the KING of these rankings. Nonetheless, he is wrestling royalty. Back from retirement, Steveson has only struck fear in ALL competitors in the 285 lbs. weight class. Again, I think we have some more backflips in our spectating future.
🥈 Ridge LOVETT (Nebraska) - 149 lbs.
Ridge Lovett never lacks on style. It’s subtle and there isn’t one specific aspect that stands out more than another. Great look, great scoring, great scrambling and great shoes. Everything is awesome! Ridge is a top contender in arguably the most entertaining weight (149) in the NCAA. He’s got some BIG matches coming up and we hope he gets the chance to flash a signature winning pose.
ENJOY!
🥇 Mitchell MESENBRINK (Penn State) - 165 lbs.
“Exhaust the Scoreboard” - Shane Sparks.
When asked, the fans responded most favorably for Mesenbrink more than any other wrestler. Relentless pace and a bottomless gas tank teamed up with a NO FEAR attitude makes for some fun matches to watch. Certainly helps that Mitchell is heavily favored to win the National Title in his weight class too.