I wouldn't go as far as to say that nothing is better than WoW, depends on your likes and playstyle. WoW is clearly the dominant mmorpg in the subscription area with something like 9 million subs.
LOTRO seems to be creating a bit of stir in the MMORPG world. I am currently a fan of Vanguard, but I also love EQ1 and it gives that style of gameplay with updated graphics, a questing system similiar to WoW's, and some new classes and a new world. It is by Sigil games, Mcquaid is onboard with VG:SOH as he was with EQ1. It got a bad rep at release because it was released early due to financial restrictions, the game is getting pretty nice and there is content update/release every week.
Basically I'm a VG:SOH fan as stated, but not sure if it will hold my attention when WAR comes out (Warhammer Online, Age of Reckoning). My advice, esp since you played Shadowbane, a PvP based game is to find a game to hold your attention until WAR makes it to shelves.