There was a time, not so long ago, when WWE was the only respected promotion amongst wrestling fans.
Even still today, there's no denying that the company is miles ahead of its competitors - in more ways than one.
But recently, the independent circuit has seen a resurgence and now - some of the best wrestlers in the world don't even perform in WWE.
THE BEST IN THE WORLD
The likes of Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada have never stepped foot on WWE's main roster - but are all renowned as some of the worlds best.
They compete in promotions including TNA and NJPW - two of the biggest challengers to Vince McMahon's business.
And in more recent years, these independent promotions have actually managed to poach a few former WWE stars.
FROM WWE TO THE INDY CIRCUIT
Chris Jericho is probably the wrestler who made the highest profile move away from WWE to the indy circuit.
He left the US towards the end of 2017 and has been doing pretty well in NJPW ever since.
But he wasn't the first, because, before him, Cody Rhodes made the decision to leave WWE himself in 2016.
He was never given a real chance by the company, but since leaving, has become one of the biggest pro-wrestling stars in the world.
In fact, he's become so big, even in his own mind, that Rhodes thinks he's the best in the world right now.
RHODES TOP 5 WRESTLERS
Speaking recently, Cody revealed who he thinks are the top five wrestlers in the world.
“In the modern era of 'reality is reality' versus 'perception is reality', it’s simple," he said, per Sports Illustrated.
“I am the best in the world. It’s 1: Cody; 2: Kenny [Omega]; 3: Okada; 4: Charlotte; 5: [John] Cena, with [Will] Ospreay creeping up on the list."
It should be noted that Rhodes was cutting a promo during the interview - so it's perhaps not too surprising that he's named himself as number one.
But it is odd that he's got John Cena into a list of the top five wrestlers in the word. Because, well that just doesn't seem right - when you compare him to the likes of AJ Styles, who doesn't even get a mention.