List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
(Redirected from Most Outstanding Wrestler)
This is a list of both active and inactive Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards created by professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) journalist Dave Meltzer. The first fourteen awards were created in 1980 as an informal poll between Meltzer and his friends and others he corresponded with on the subject of professional wrestling at the time. After starting the Wrestling Observer in 1982, the awards took on a greater life, with an increasing number of awards given out every year.[1]
The awards were created to recognize the individual achievements of a select few wrestlers who exemplified a specified criterion. The awards are given every year in various categories such as Wrestler of the Year,[2] Most Outstanding Wrestler, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, etc.; there are also a handful of awards to recognize the dubious distinctions in the business during that year such as Most Overrated and Worst Match. There are currently forty-five categories that are actively assessed every year and twenty that are no longer active. The awards are voted for by the newsletter's paying readership, primarily wrestling fans, although it is claimed that some industry workers also vote.
The awards are organized into two categories. For "Category A" awards, voters indicate their top three choices. First choices are awarded five points, second places three points, and third places two points. The choice with the most points overall wins. For "Category B" awards, voters simply indicate their top choice. For the "Category B" Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award, the recipients are chosen by a committee headed by Meltzer.
Over the years, various MMA promotions or individual mixed martial artists were deemed eligible to win some awards when it seemed as though they were more deserving to win than the conventional wrestler or wrestling promotion. This led to, in 1997, the creation of Shootfighter of the Year and Shoot Match of the Year to recognize MMA achievement specifically. Still, some primarily professional wrestling-focused awards remained intact for MMA promotions/fighters to win, due to the similar business aspect between both sports (i.e. Best Box Office Draw and Promotion of the Year). In the December 3, 2007 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was announced that from that year onwards, mixed martial artists are no longer eligible for the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award, thus reserving it for professional wrestlers only. Shootfighter of the Year was renamed to Most Outstanding Fighter and Shoot Match of the Year was renamed to MMA Match of the Year to match a new award called Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable, which is similar to the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award except it is for mixed martial artists.
Current awards
[edit]"Category A" awards
[edit]Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Harley Race | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1981 | ||
| 1982 | Ric Flair | |
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | ||
| 1985 | Jim Crockett Promotions | |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Riki Choshu | New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1988 | Akira Maeda | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Ric Flair | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | Jumbo Tsuruta | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1992 | Ric Flair | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Big Van Vader | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Toshiaki Kawada | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1995 | Mitsuharu Misawa | |
| 1996 | Kenta Kobashi | |
| 1997 | Mitsuharu Misawa | |
| 1998 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | Mitsuharu Misawa | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2000 | Triple H | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Keiji Muto | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2002 | Kurt Angle | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Kenta Kobashi | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | Místico | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2007 | John Cena | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho | |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | John Cena | |
| 2011 | Hiroshi Tanahashi | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | Shinsuke Nakamura | |
| 2015 | A.J. Styles | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2016 | WWE | |
| 2017 | Kazuchika Okada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | Kenny Omega | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2019 | Chris Jericho | New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Elite Wrestling |
| 2020 | Jon Moxley | |
| 2021 | Kenny Omega | All Elite Wrestling Impact Wrestling |
| 2022 | Jon Moxley | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2023 | Will Ospreay | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable
[edit]
| Year | Fighter | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Randy Couture | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2008 | Brock Lesnar | |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | Georges St-Pierre | |
| 2012 | Anderson Silva | |
| 2013 | Georges St-Pierre | |
| 2014 | Ronda Rousey | |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Conor McGregor | |
| 2017 | Georges St-Pierre | |
| 2018 | Conor McGregor | |
| 2019 | Jorge Masvidal | |
| 2020 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | |
| 2021 | Kamaru Usman | |
| 2022 | Israel Adesanya | |
| 2023 | Jon Jones |
Most Outstanding Wrestler
[edit].jpg)
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Ric Flair | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | Tatsumi Fujinami | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1989 | Ric Flair | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Jushin Thunder Liger | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1991 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | Kenta Kobashi | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | Manami Toyota | All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling |
| 1996 | Rey Misterio Jr. | Extreme Championship Wrestling World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Mitsuharu Misawa | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1998 | Koji Kanemoto | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1999 | Mitsuharu Misawa | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2000 | Chris Benoit | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Kurt Angle | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | Chris Benoit | |
| 2005 | Samoa Joe | Ring of Honor Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan | Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | Dragon Gate USA Ring of Honor | |
| 2010 | Chikara Dragon Gate USA Evolve World Wrestling Entertainment | |
| 2011 | Davey Richards | Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Ring of Honor |
| 2012 | Hiroshi Tanahashi | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | A.J. Styles | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | WWE | |
| 2017 | Kazuchika Okada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | Kenny Omega | |
| 2019 | Will Ospreay | |
| 2020 | Kenny Omega | All Elite Wrestling Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2021 | Shingo Takagi | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2022 | Will Ospreay | |
| 2023 |
Most Outstanding Fighter of the Year
[edit]Note: Was known as "Shootfighter of the Year" until 2008.
| Year | Fighter | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Maurice Smith | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 1998 | Frank Shamrock | |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | Kazushi Sakuraba | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2001 | Wanderlei Silva | |
| 2002 | Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira | |
| 2003 | Randy Couture | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2004 | Wanderlei Silva | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2005 | Fedor Emelianenko | |
| 2006 | Mirko Filipović | |
| 2007 | Quinton Jackson | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2008 | Georges St-Pierre | |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | Jon Jones | |
| 2012 | Anderson Silva | |
| 2013 | Cain Velasquez | |
| 2014 | Ronda Rousey | |
| 2015 | Conor McGregor | |
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | Demetrious Johnson | |
| 2018 | Daniel Cormier | |
| 2019 | Israel Adesanya | |
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | Kamaru Usman | |
| 2022 | Alexander Volkanovski | |
| 2023 | Islam Makhachev |
Tag Team of the Year
[edit]
Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane became the first tag team to win the award consecutively.
| Year | Tag Team | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts) |
Mid-South Wrestling Georgia Championship Wrestling |
| 1981 | Jimmy Snuka and Terry Gordy | All Japan Pro Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | Stan Hansen and Ole Anderson | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1984 | The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) |
American Wrestling Association National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1985 | The British Bulldogs (Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith) |
World Wrestling Federation All Japan Pro Wrestling Stampede Wrestling |
| 1986 | The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton) |
Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) |
Universal Wrestling Federation Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | Jim Crockett Promotions | |
| 1989 | The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) |
World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) |
World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1992 | The Miracle Violence Connection (Terry Gordy and Steve Williams) |
All Japan Pro Wrestling World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) |
World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | La Pareja del Terror (Eddy Guerrero and Art Barr) |
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1995 | Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1996 | Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama | |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | Shinjiro Otani and Tatsuhito Takaiwa | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1999 | Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2000 | Edge and Christian | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Tencozy (Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan) | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2002 | Los Guerreros (Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero) |
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2003 | Kenta and Naomichi Marufuji | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) |
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez) | |
| 2007 | The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe) |
Ring of Honor |
| 2008 | John Morrison and The Miz | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | The American Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) |
Ring of Honor |
| 2010 | The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli) | |
| 2011 | Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) |
New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2012 | Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) |
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2013 | The Shield (Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) |
WWE |
| 2014 | The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) |
New Japan Pro-Wrestling Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Ring of Honor |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | Lucha Brothers (Pentagón Jr. and Rey Fénix) |
All Elite Wrestling Impact Wrestling Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2020 | The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) |
All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) |
All Elite Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2023 |
Best on Interviews
[edit]
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Lou Albano | World Wrestling Federation |
| Roddy Piper | National Wrestling Alliance | |
| 1982 | ||
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | Jimmy Hart | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1985 | Jim Cornette | Mid-South Wrestling World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1986 | Jim Crockett Promotions | |
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Terry Funk | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Arn Anderson | |
| 1991 | Ric Flair | |
| 1992 | World Wrestling Federation | |
| 1993 | Jim Cornette | Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
| 1994 | Ric Flair | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Cactus Jack | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | The Rock | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | |
| 2002 | Kurt Angle | |
| 2003 | Chris Jericho | |
| 2004 | Mick Foley | World Wrestling Entertainment Hustle Ring of Honor |
| 2005 | Eddie Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | Mick Foley | |
| 2007 | John Cena | |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho | |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | Chael Sonnen | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | CM Punk | WWE |
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | Paul Heyman | |
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | Conor McGregor | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | Daniel Bryan | WWE |
| 2019 | Chris Jericho | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2020 | Eddie Kingston | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | MJF | |
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | Eddie Kingston |
Promotion of the Year
[edit]
| Year | Promotion |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1984 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1985 | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1986 | Mid-South Wrestling/Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1988 | |
| 1989 | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | |
| 1992 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1993 | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1994 | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1995 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1996 | |
| 1997 | |
| 1998 | |
| 1999 | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | |
| 2001 | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2002 | |
| 2003 | |
| 2004 | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2005 | |
| 2006 | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2007 | |
| 2008 | |
| 2009 | |
| 2010 | |
| 2011 | |
| 2012 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | |
| 2014 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2023 | WWE |
Best Weekly TV Show
[edit]
| Year | Program | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | World Pro-Wrestling | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1984 | ||
| 1985 | Mid-South Wrestling | Mid-South Wrestling |
| 1986 | Universal Wrestling Federation | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | 90 Minute Memphis Live Wrestling | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1988 | World Pro-Wrestling | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1989 | All Japan Pro Wrestling | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | Hardcore TV | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | World Pro Wrestling | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1998 | Raw is War | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | World Pro-Wrestling | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2002 | SmackDown! | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Power Hours | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2004 | Monday Night Raw | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2005 | The Ultimate Fighter | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | Friday Night SmackDown | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Ring of Honor Wrestling | Ring of Honor |
| 2011 | Friday Night SmackDown | WWE |
| 2012 | Impact Wrestling | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2013 | NXT | WWE |
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | NXT | WWE |
| 2019 | Dynamite | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 |
Pro Wrestling Match of the Year
[edit]_(cropped).jpg)
Bob Backlund and Ken Patera were the inaugural winners of the category, for their 1980 Texas Death Match in WWF.
| Year | Match | Promotion | Venue Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera Texas Death Match |
World Wrestling Federation | WWF on MSG Network New York, New York May 19 |
| 1981 | Pat Patterson vs. Sgt. Slaughter Alley Fight |
WWF on MSG Network New York, New York May 4 | |
| 1982 | Tiger Mask vs. Dynamite Kid | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Summer Fight Series II Night 19 Tokyo, Japan August 5 |
| 1983 | Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood vs. Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle Steel Cage match |
Jim Crockett Promotions | The Final Conflict Greensboro, North Carolina March 12 |
| 1984 | The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs Anything Goes Match |
World Class Championship Wrestling | Independence Day Star Wars Fort Worth, Texas July 4 |
| 1985 | Tiger Mask II vs. Kuniaki Kobayashi | All Japan Pro Wrestling | AJPW Special Wars in Budokan Tokyo, Japan June 21 |
| 1986 | Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham | Championship Wrestling from Florida | Battle of the Belts II Orlando, Florida February 14 |
| 1987 | Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Randy "Macho Man" Savage | World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania III Pontiac, Michigan March 29 |
| 1988 | Sting vs. Ric Flair | Jim Crockett Promotions | Clash of the Champions I Greensboro, North Carolina March 27 |
| 1989 | Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair Two out of Three Falls match |
World Championship Wrestling | Clash of the Champions VI New Orleans, Louisiana April 2 |
| 1990 | Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Naoki Sano | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | New Spring Gold Series Osaka, Japan January 31 |
| 1991 | Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Steiner Brothers | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Championship Wrestling |
Starrcade in Tokyo Dome Tokyo, Japan March 21 |
| 1992 | Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Doug Furnas and Dan Kroffat | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Super Power Series Night 8 Sendai, Japan May 25 |
| 1993 | Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs. Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi Ozaki | All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling | Dream Slam II Osaka, Japan April 11 |
| 1994 | Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels Ladder match |
World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania X New York, New York March 20 |
| 1995 | Manami Toyota vs. Kyoko Inoue | All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling | G*Top 2nd Tokyo, Japan May 7 |
| 1996 | Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama vs. Steve Williams and Johnny Ace | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Super Power Series Night 15 Tokyo, Japan June 7 |
| 1997 | Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin Submission match |
World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania 13 Rosemont, Illinois March 23 |
| 1998 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa | All Japan Pro Wrestling | October Giant Series Night 18 Tokyo, Japan October 31 |
| 1999 | Super Power Series Night 14 Tokyo, Japan June 11 | ||
| 2000 | Atlantis vs. Villano III | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre | Juicio Final Mexico City, Mexico March 17 |
| 2001 | Keiji Mutoh vs. Genichiro Tenryu | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Super Power in Budokan Tokyo, Japan June 8 |
| 2002 | Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit vs. Edge and Rey Mysterio | World Wrestling Entertainment | No Mercy North Little Rock, Arkansas October 20 |
| 2003 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa | Pro Wrestling Noah | Navigate for Evolution Night 9 Tokyo, Japan March 1 |
| 2004 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama | Departure Tokyo, Japan July 10 | |
| 2005 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa Joe | Ring of Honor | Joe vs. Kobashi Manhattan, New York October 1 |
| 2006 | Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi vs. Cima, Masato Yoshino and Naruki Doi | Supercard of Honor Chicago Ridge, Illinois March 31 | |
| 2007 | Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson | Manhattan Mayhem II Manhattan, New York August 25 | |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels Ladder match |
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE | No Mercy Portland, Oregon October 5 |
| 2009 | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania XXV Houston, Texas April 5 | |
| 2010 | WrestleMania XXVI Glendale, Arizona March 28 | ||
| 2011 | CM Punk vs. John Cena | Money in the Bank Rosemont, Illinois July 17 | |
| 2012 | Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | King of Pro-Wrestling Tokyo, Japan October 8 |
| 2013 | Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada | Invasion Attack Tokyo, Japan April 7 | |
| 2014 | A.J. Styles vs. Minoru Suzuki | G1 Climax 24 Night 7 Tokyo, Japan August 1 | |
| 2015 | Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi | Wrestle Kingdom 9 Tokyo, Japan January 4 | |
| 2016 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi | Wrestle Kingdom 10 Tokyo, Japan January 4 | |
| 2017 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | Wrestle Kingdom 11 Tokyo, Japan January 4 | |
| 2018 | Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada Two out of three falls match |
Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall Osaka, Japan June 9 | |
| 2019 | Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi | Best of the Super Juniors 26 Final Tokyo, Japan June 5 | |
| 2020 | Kenny Omega and Adam Page vs. The Young Bucks | All Elite Wrestling | Revolution Chicago, Illinois February 29 |
| 2021 | The Young Bucks vs. Lucha Brothers Steel Cage match |
All Out Chicago, Illinois September 5 | |
| 2022 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | G1 Climax 32 Final Tokyo, Japan August 18 |
| 2023 | Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay | Wrestle Kingdom 17 Tokyo, Japan January 4 |
MMA Match of the Year
[edit]Note: Was previously known as the "Shoot Match of the Year" and is sometimes referred to as "Fight of the Year".
| Year | Fight | Promotion | Venue Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Maurice Smith vs. Mark Coleman | Ultimate Fighting Championship | UFC 14 Birmingham, Alabama July 27 |
| 1998 | Jerry Bohlander vs. Kevin Jackson | UFC 16 New Orleans, Louisiana March 13 | |
| 1999 | Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz | UFC 22 Lake Charles, Louisiana September 24 | |
| 2000 | Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie | Pride Fighting Championships | Grand Prix 2000 Finals Tokyo Dome May 1 |
| 2001 | Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo | Ultimate Fighting Championship | UFC 31 Atlantic City, New Jersey May 4 |
| 2002 | Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama | Pride Fighting Championships | Pride 21 Saitama, Japan June 23 |
| 2003 | Wanderlei Silva vs. Hidehiko Yoshida | Final Conflict Tokyo, Japan November 9 | |
| 2004 | Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson | Pride 28 Saitama, Japan October 31 | |
| 2005 | Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar | Ultimate Fighting Championship | The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale Las Vegas, Nevada April 9 |
| 2006 | Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan | Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Parisyan Las Vegas, Nevada August 17 | |
| 2007 | Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia | UFC 68 Columbus, Ohio March 3 | |
| 2008 | Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson | UFC 86 Las Vegas, Nevada July 5 | |
| 2009 | Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida | The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale Las Vegas, Nevada June 20 | |
| 2010 | Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung | World Extreme Cagefighting | WEC 48 Sacramento, California April 24 |
| 2011 | Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua | Ultimate Fighting Championship | UFC 139 San Jose, California November 19 |
| 2012 | Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier | UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier Fairfax, Virginia May 15 | |
| 2013 | Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego Sanchez | UFC 166 Houston, Texas October 19 | |
| 2014 | Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler | UFC 171 Dallas, Texas March 15 | |
| 2015 | Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald | UFC 189 Las Vegas, Nevada July 11 | |
| 2016 | Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit | UFC 195 Las Vegas, Nevada January 2 | |
| 2017 | Cub Swanson vs. Doo Ho Choi | UFC 206 Toronto, Ontario December 10, 2016 | |
| 2018 | Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje | UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje Glendale, Arizona April 14 | |
| 2019 | Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum | UFC 236 Atlanta, Georgia April 13 | |
| 2020 | Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk | UFC 248 Las Vegas, Nevada March 7 | |
| 2021 | Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler | UFC 268 New York City, New York November 6 | |
| 2022 | Jiří Procházka vs. Glover Teixeira | UFC 275 Kallang, Singapore June 11 | |
| 2023 | Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev | UFC 284 Perth, Australia February 12 |
"Category B" awards
[edit]United States/Canada MVP
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | AJ Styles | WWE |
| 2019 | Chris Jericho | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2020 | Jon Moxley | |
| 2021 | Kenny Omega | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2022 | Jon Moxley | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2023 | Cody Rhodes | WWE |
Japan MVP
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Kenny Omega | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2019 | Kazuchika Okada | |
| 2020 | Tetsuya Naito | |
| 2021 | Shingo Takagi | |
| 2022 | Kazuchika Okada | |
| 2023 | Will Ospreay |
Mexico MVP
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | L.A. Park | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2019 | Rey Fénix | All Elite Wrestling Impact Wrestling Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2020 | All Elite Wrestling Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide | |
| 2021 | El Hijo del Vikingo | Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | Místico | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
Europe MVP
[edit].jpg)
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Walter | Over the Top Wrestling Progress Wrestling Westside Xtreme Wrestling |
| 2019 | WWE | |
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | Will Ospreay | Revolution Pro Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 |
Danny Hodge Memorial Award (Non-Heavyweight MVP)
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Will Ospreay | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Progress Wrestling Revolution Pro Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Hiromu Takahashi | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2021 | Darby Allin | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2022 | El Hijo del Vikingo | Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2023 |
Women's Wrestling MVP
[edit].jpg)
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Becky Lynch | WWE |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Bayley | |
| 2021 | Utami Hayashishita | World Wonder Ring Stardom |
| 2022 | Syuri | |
| 2023 | Rhea Ripley | WWE |
Women's MMA MVP
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Amanda Nunes | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | Rose Namajunas | |
| 2022 | Zhang Weili | |
| 2023 | Alexa Grasso |
Best Box Office Draw
[edit]
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Hollywood Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | The Rock | |
| 2001 | Kazushi Sakuraba | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2002 | Bob Sapp | K-1 Pride Fighting Championships New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | Kenta Kobashi | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | Místico | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2007 | John Cena | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Brock Lesnar | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | The Rock | WWE |
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | Georges St-Pierre | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2014 | Ronda Rousey | |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Conor McGregor | |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | Chris Jericho | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2020 | Conor McGregor | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2021 | MMA: Conor McGregor | |
| Pro Wrestling: CM Punk | All Elite Wrestling | |
| 2022 | MMA: Israel Adesanya | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| Pro Wrestling: Roman Reigns | WWE | |
| 2023 | MMA: Jon Jones | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| Pro Wrestling: Roman Reigns | WWE |
Feud of the Year
[edit]
| Year | Feud | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | André the Giant vs. Killer Khan | |
| 1982 | Ted DiBiase vs. Junkyard Dog | Mid-South Wrestling |
| 1983 | The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1984 | World Class Championship Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance | |
| 1985 | Ted DiBiase vs. Jim Duggan | Mid-South Wrestling |
| 1986 | Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | Austin Idol & Tommy Rich vs. Jerry Lawler | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1988 | The Fantastics vs. The Midnight Express | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Jumbo Tsuruta | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | Mitsuharu Misawa and company vs. Jumbo Tsuruta and company | |
| 1992 | Jeff Jarrett & Jerry Lawler vs. The Moondogs | United States Wrestling Association |
| 1993 | Bret Hart vs. Jerry Lawler | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Los Gringos Locos vs. Asistencia Asesoría y Administración | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1995 | Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | New World Order vs. World Championship Wrestling | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Hart Foundation | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon | |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | Mick Foley vs. Triple H | |
| 2001 | Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Wanderlei Silva | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2002 | Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2003 | Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H | |
| 2005 | Batista vs. Triple H | |
| 2006 | Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2007 | Batista vs. The Undertaker | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels | |
| 2009 | Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk | |
| 2010 | El Generico vs. Kevin Steen | Ring of Honor |
| 2011 | John Cena vs. CM Punk | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2012 | Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2015 | José Aldo vs. Conor McGregor | |
| 2016 | Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz | |
| 2017 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa | WWE |
| 2019 | Adam Cole vs. Johnny Gargano | |
| 2020 | Jon Moxley vs. Eddie Kingston | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | Kenny Omega vs. Adam Page | |
| 2022 | FTR vs. The Briscoes | Ring of Honor |
| 2023 | Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. The Bloodline | WWE |
Most Improved
[edit]
Brock Lesnar and The Miz are record two-time winners of the category.
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Larry Zbyszko | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | Adrian Adonis | American Wrestling Association |
| 1982 | Jim Duggan | Mid-South Wrestling |
| 1983 | Curt Hennig | American Wrestling Association Pacific Northwest Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | The Cobra | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Stampede Wrestling |
| 1985 | Steve Williams | Mid-South Wrestling |
| 1986 | Rick Steiner | |
| 1987 | Big Bubba Rogers | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Sting | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | Lex Luger | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Kenta Kobashi | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | Dustin Rhodes | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | El Samurai | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1993 | Tracy Smothers | Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
| 1994 | Diesel | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1995 | Johnny B. Badd | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Diamond Dallas Page | |
| 1997 | Tatsuhito Takaiwa | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1998 | The Rock | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | Vader | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2000 | Kurt Angle | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Keiji Mutoh | New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2002 | Brock Lesnar | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | Randy Orton | |
| 2005 | Roderick Strong | Ring of Honor |
| 2006 | Takeshi Morishima | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2007 | Montel Vontavious Porter | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2008 | The Miz | |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | Sheamus | |
| 2011 | Dolph Ziggler | |
| 2012 | Kazuchika Okada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | Roman Reigns | WWE |
| 2014 | Rusev | |
| 2015 | Bayley | |
| 2016 | Matt Riddle | Evolve Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2017 | Braun Strowman | WWE |
| 2018 | Adam Page | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2019 | Lance Archer | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2020 | Britt Baker | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | Tay Conti | |
| 2022 | The Acclaimed | |
| 2023 | Julia Hart |
Most Charismatic
[edit]
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Ric Flair | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1981 | Michael Hayes | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1982 | Ric Flair | National Wrestling Alliance |
| Dusty Rhodes | ||
| 1983 | Ric Flair | |
| 1984 | ||
| 1985 | Hulk Hogan | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | Sting | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1989 | Hulk Hogan | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | Sting | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Ric Flair | World Wrestling Federation World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Atsushi Onita | Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling |
| 1995 | Shawn Michaels | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | |
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | The Rock | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | ||
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 | Bob Sapp | New Japan Pro-Wrestling K-1 |
| 2004 | Eddie Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | John Cena | |
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | The Rock | |
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | Hiroshi Tanahashi | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2014 | Shinsuke Nakamura | |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Conor McGregor | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2017 | Tetsuya Naito | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | Chris Jericho | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2020 | MJF | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | CM Punk | |
| 2022 | MJF | |
| 2023 |
Bryan Danielson Award (Best Technical Wrestler)
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Bob Backlund | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | Ted DiBiase | Mid-South Wrestling |
| 1982 | Tiger Mask | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | Dynamite Kid | Stampede Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| Masa Saito | American Wrestling Association New Japan Pro-Wrestling | |
| 1985 | Tatsumi Fujinami | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Nobuhiko Takada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1988 | Tatsumi Fujinami | |
| 1989 | Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder Liger | |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | Hiroshi Hase | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1994 | Chris Benoit | Extreme Championship Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1995 | Extreme Championship Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1996 | Dean Malenko | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | Kiyoshi Tamura | Fighting Network Rings |
| 1999 | Shinjiro Otani | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2000 | Chris Benoit | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Minoru Tanaka | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2002 | Kurt Angle | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Chris Benoit | |
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan | Ring of Honor |
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | Dragon Gate USA Ring of Honor | |
| 2010 | Chikara Dragon Gate USA Evolve World Wrestling Entertainment | |
| 2011 | WWE | |
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | Zack Sabre Jr. | Progress Wrestling Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Pro Wrestling Noah Westside Xtreme Wrestling |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Progress Wrestling Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Revolution Pro Wrestling Westside Xtreme Wrestling WWE | |
| 2017 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Progress Wrestling Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Revolution Pro Wrestling | |
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Revolution Pro Wrestling | |
| 2020 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | |
| 2021 | Daniel Bryan/Bryan Danielson | WWE All Elite Wrestling |
| 2022 | All Elite Wrestling | |
| 2023 |
Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Bruiser Brody | All Japan Pro Wrestling World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions National Wrestling Association |
| 1981 | ||
| 1982 | ||
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | ||
| 1985 | Stan Hansen | All Japan Pro Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1986 | Terry Gordy | All Japan Pro Wrestling Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | Bruiser Brody | World Wrestling Council World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Terry Funk | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Stan Hansen | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick Foley | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | World Championship Wrestling Extreme Championship Wrestling | |
| 1994 | Extreme Championship Wrestling International Wrestling Association of Japan | |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | World Wrestling Federation | |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | |
| 2002 | Yoshihiro Takayama | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2003 | Brock Lesnar | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Chris Benoit | |
| 2005 | Samoa Joe | Ring of Honor Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | Takeshi Morishima | Ring of Honor Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2008 | Necro Butcher | Ring of Honor Combat Zone Wrestling |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | Kevin Steen | Ring of Honor Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2011 | Pro Wrestling Guerrilla | |
| 2012 | Ring of Honor Pro Wrestling Guerrilla | |
| 2013 | Katsuyori Shibata | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2014 | Tomohiro Ishii | |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Jon Moxley | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 |
Best Flying Wrestler
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Jimmy Snuka | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1982 | Tiger Mask | New Japan Pro-Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance World Wrestling Federation |
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | Dynamite Kid | |
| 1985 | Tiger Mask II | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Owen Hart | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Stampede Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder Liger | New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Star Wrestling BWF |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | The Great Sasuke | Michinoku Pro Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1995 | Rey Misterio Jr. | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Extreme Championship Wrestling World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1997 | World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1998 | Juventud Guerrera | World Championship Wrestling AAA |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | Jeff Hardy | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Dragon Kid | Toryumon Japan |
| 2002 | Rey Mysterio | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | A.J. Styles | Ring of Honor Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | Místico | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | Evan Bourne | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Kota Ibushi | DDT Pro-Wrestling |
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | Ricochet | Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2012 | Kota Ibushi | DDT Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | DDT Pro-Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling | |
| 2014 | Ricochet | Dragon Gate Lucha Underground Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Will Ospreay | Progress Wrestling Revolution Pro Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | |
| 2020 | Rey Fénix | All Elite Wrestling Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2021 | All Elite Wrestling | |
| 2022 | El Hijo del Vikingo | Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2023 |
Most Overrated
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Mr. Wrestling II | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1981 | Pedro Morales | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1982 | ||
| 1983 | Bob Backlund | |
| 1984 | Big John Studd | |
| 1985 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Dusty Rhodes | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | The Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | Erik Watts | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Sid Vicious | |
| 1994 | Hulk/Hollywood Hogan | |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | Kevin Nash | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | Triple H | |
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | Jeff Jarrett | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | Batista | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | The Great Khali | |
| 2008 | Vladimir Kozlov | |
| 2009 | Triple H | |
| 2010 | Kane | |
| 2011 | Crimson | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2012 | Ryback | WWE |
| 2013 | Randy Orton | |
| 2014 | Kane | |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Roman Reigns | |
| 2017 | Jinder Mahal | |
| 2018 | Baron Corbin/King Corbin | |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Bray Wyatt | |
| 2021 | Evil | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2022 | Ronda Rousey | WWE |
| 2023 | Sanada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
Most Underrated
[edit]
Bobby Eaton and Cesaro, the latter now known as Claudio Castagnoli, are four-time winners each of the category, Cesaro consecutively.
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Hossein Arab | National Wrestling Alliance World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | Buzz Sawyer | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | Adrian Adonis | American Wrestling Association |
| 1983 | Dynamite Kid | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Stampede Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | B. Brian Blair | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Bobby Eaton | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Brad Armstrong | |
| 1988 | Tiger Mask II | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1989 | Dan Kroffat | |
| 1990 | Bobby Eaton | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Terry Taylor | |
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | Bobby Eaton | |
| 1994 | Brian Pillman | |
| 1995 | Skip | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1996 | Leif Cassidy | |
| 1997 | Flash Funk | |
| 1998 | Chris Benoit | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Chris Jericho | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | World Wrestling Federation | |
| 2001 | Lance Storm | World Wrestling Federation World Championship Wrestling |
| 2002 | Booker T | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2003 | Último Dragón | |
| 2004 | Paul London | |
| 2005 | Shelton Benjamin | |
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | Montel Vontavious Porter | |
| 2009 | Evan Bourne | |
| 2010 | Kaval | |
| 2011 | Dolph Ziggler | |
| 2012 | Tyson Kidd | |
| 2013 | (Antonio) Cesaro | |
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | Rusev | |
| 2018 | Finn Bálor | |
| 2019 | Shorty G | |
| 2020 | Ricochet | |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | Konosuke Takeshita | All Elite Wrestling DDT Pro Wrestling |
| 2023 | Chad Gable | WWE |
Rookie of the Year
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Barry Windham | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1981 | Brad Armstrong | |
| Brad Rheingans | ||
| 1982 | Steve Williams | |
| 1983 | The Road Warriors | |
| 1984 | Tom Zenk | AWA |
| Keiichi Yamada | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | |
| 1985 | Jack Victory | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1986 | Bam Bam Bigelow | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1987 | Brian Pillman | Stampede Wrestling |
| 1988 | Gary Albright | |
| 1989 | Dustin Rhodes | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Steve Austin | United States Wrestling Association |
| 1991 | Johnny B. Badd | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Rey Misterio Jr. | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1993 | Jun Akiyama | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1994 | Mikey Whipwreck | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Perro Aguayo Jr. | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 1996 | The Giant | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Mr. Águila | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 1998 | Goldberg | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Blitzkrieg | |
| 2000 | Sean O'Haire | |
| 2001 | El Hombre Sin Nombre | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2002 | Bob Sapp | K-1 |
| 2003 | Chris Sabin | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Ring of Honor Pro Wrestling Zero-One Max |
| 2004 | Petey Williams | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2005 | Shingo Takagi | Dragon Gate |
| 2006 | Atsushi Aoki | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2007 | Erick Stevens | Ring of Honor |
| 2008 | Kai | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2009 | Frightmare | Chikara |
| 2010 | Adam Cole | Ring of Honor Combat Zone Wrestling |
| 2011 | Daichi Hashimoto | Pro Wrestling Zero1 |
| 2012 | Dinastía | Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2013 | Yohei Komatsu | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2014 | Dragon Lee | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2015 | Chad Gable | WWE |
| 2016 | Matt Riddle | Evolve Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2017 | Katsuya Kitamura | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | Ronda Rousey | WWE |
| 2019 | Jungle Boy | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2020 | Pat McAfee | WWE |
| 2021 | Jade Cargill | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2022 | Bron Breakker | WWE |
| 2023 | Yuma Anzai | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
Best Non-Wrestler
[edit]
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Paul Heyman | |
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | |
| 2004 | Paul Heyman | |
| 2005 | Eric Bischoff | |
| 2006 | Jim Cornette | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | Larry Sweeney | Ring of Honor |
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | Vickie Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | Ricardo Rodriguez | |
| 2012 | Paul Heyman | |
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | Dario Cueto | Lucha Underground |
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | Daniel Bryan | WWE |
| 2018 | Paul Heyman | |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Taz | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | Paul Heyman | WWE |
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | Don Callis | All Elite Wrestling |
Best Television Announcer
[edit]
| Year | Announcer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Gordon Solie | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | ||
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | Lance Russell | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1989 | ||
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation | |
| 1994 | Joey Styles | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | Mike Tenay | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | ||
| 2002 | Mike Tenay | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | Matt Striker | |
| 2009 | Jim Ross | |
| 2010 | Joe Rogan | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | ||
| 2012 | Jim Ross | WWE |
| 2013 | William Regal | |
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | Mauro Ranallo | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2016 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling WWE | |
| 2017 | WWE Bellator MMA | |
| 2018 | Kevin Kelly | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Excalibur | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | Kevin Kelly | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2023 | Excalibur | All Elite Wrestling |
Worst Television Announcer
[edit].jpg)
| Year | Announcer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Angelo Mosca | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Gorilla Monsoon | |
| 1986 | David Crockett | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Ed Whalen | Stampede Wrestling |
| 1990 | Herb Abrams | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | Steve McMichael | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Dusty Rhodes | |
| 1998 | Lee Marshall | |
| 1999 | Tony Schiavone | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Michael Cole | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | Jerry Lawler | |
| 2003 | Jonathan Coachman | |
| 2004 | Todd Grisham | |
| 2005 | Jonathan Coachman | |
| 2006 | Todd Grisham | |
| 2007 | Don West | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | Mike Adamle | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2009 | Michael Cole | |
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | ||
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | Taz | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2014 | John "Bradshaw" Layfield | WWE |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | David Otunga | |
| 2017 | Booker T | |
| 2018 | Jonathan Coachman | |
| 2019 | Corey Graves | |
| 2020 | Michael Cole | |
| 2021 | Corey Graves | |
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | Booker T |
Best Major Wrestling Show
[edit]
| Year | Show | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Great American Bash | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Wrestling Summit | World Wrestling Federation/New Japan Pro-Wrestling/All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | WrestleWar | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Wrestlemarinpiad | All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling |
| 1993 | Dream Slam I | |
| 1994 | Super J-Cup | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1995 | Bridge of Dreams[3] | Weekly Pro Wrestling |
| 1996 | Super J-Cup: 2nd Stage | Wrestle Association R |
| 1997 | In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Heat Wave | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Anarchy Rulz | |
| 2000 | Juicio Final | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2001 | WrestleMania X-Seven | World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2002 | SummerSlam | |
| 2003 | Final Conflict | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2004 | Departure | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2005 | Destiny | |
| 2006 | Glory By Honor V: Night 2 | Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | Man Up | |
| 2008 | WrestleMania XXIV | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Open the Historic Gate | Dragon Gate USA |
| 2010 | UFC 116 | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | Money in the Bank | WWE |
| 2012 | King of Pro-Wrestling | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | G1 Climax 23: Day 4 | |
| 2014 | G1 Climax 24: Day 7 | |
| 2015 | Wrestle Kingdom 9 | |
| 2016 | Wrestle Kingdom 10 | |
| 2017 | Wrestle Kingdom 11 | |
| 2018 | Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall | |
| 2019 | Double or Nothing | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2020 | Revolution | |
| 2021 | All Out | |
| 2022 | Forbidden Door | All Elite Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2023 | Revolution | All Elite Wrestling |
Worst Major Wrestling Show
[edit]| Year | Show | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | WrestleMania V | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Clash of the Champions XII | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | The Great American Bash | |
| 1992 | Halloween Havoc | |
| 1993 | Fall Brawl | |
| 1994 | Blackjack Brawl | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1995 | Uncensored | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Uncensored | |
| 1997 | nWo Souled Out | |
| 1998 | Fall Brawl | |
| 1999 | Heroes of Wrestling | Heroes of Wrestling |
| 2000 | Halloween Havoc | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Unleashed | Women of Wrestling |
| 2002 | King of the Ring | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Backlash | |
| 2004 | The Great American Bash | |
| 2005 | The Great American Bash | |
| 2006 | UFC 61 | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2007 | December To Dismember | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Survivor Series | |
| 2009 | Victory Road | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2010 | Hardcore Justice | |
| 2011 | Victory Road | |
| 2012 | UFC 149 | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2013 | Battleground | WWE |
| 2014 | Battleground | |
| 2015 | Triplemanía XXIII | Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2016 | WrestleMania 32 | WWE |
| 2017 | Battleground | |
| 2018 | Crown Jewel | |
| 2019 | Super Showdown | |
| 2020 | Super Showdown | |
| 2021 | Survivor Series | |
| 2022 | Royal Rumble | |
| 2023 | Crown Jewel |
Best Wrestling Maneuver
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Maneuver | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Jimmy Snuka | Superfly splash (Diving Splash) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1982 | Super Destroyer | Superplex | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Jimmy Snuka | Superfly splash | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | British Bulldogs | Military press followed by a missile dropkick | |
| 1985 | Tiger Mask II | Tope con Giro | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1986 | Chavo Guerrero | Moonsault block | World Wrestling Association |
| 1987 | Keiichi Yamada | Shooting star press | Stampede Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Star Promotions |
| 1988 | |||
| 1989 | Scott Steiner | Frankensteiner | World Championship Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1990 | |||
| 1991 | Masao Orihara | Moonsault to the outside of the ring | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1992 | 2 Cold Scorpio | 450° splash | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Vader | Moonsault | |
| 1994 | The Great Sasuke | Sasuke Special | Michinoku Pro Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1995 | Rey Misterio Jr. | Flip dive into a frankensteiner on the floor | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Último Dragón | Running Liger bomb (Running Sitout Powerbomb) | World Championship Wrestling Wrestle Association R |
| 1997 | Diamond Dallas Page | Diamond Cutter (Jumping Cutter) | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Kenta Kobashi | Burning Hammer (Inverted Death Valley Bomb) | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1999 | Dragon Kid | Dragonrana (Somersault Hurricanrana) | Toryumon Japan |
| 2000 | |||
| 2001 | Keiji Mutoh/The Great Muta | Shining Wizard/Sensou Yojutsu | New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2002 | Brock Lesnar | F-5 (Fireman's Carry Facebuster) | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | A.J. Styles | Styles Clash (Belly-to-back inverted mat slam) | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2004 | Petey Williams | Canadian Destroyer (Flip Piledriver) | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2005 | |||
| 2006 | Kenta | Go 2 Sleep | Pro Wrestling Noah Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | |||
| 2008 | Evan Bourne | Air Bourne (Shooting star press) | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | The Young Bucks | More Bang for Your Buck (Rolling Fireman's Carry slam followed by a 450° splash followed by a moonsault) | Chikara Dragon Gate USA Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Ring of Honor Total Nonstop Action |
| 2010 | Ricochet | Double rotation moonsault | Dragon Gate USA Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2011 | |||
| 2012 | Kazuchika Okada | Rainmaker (Short-arm lariat) | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2013 | |||
| 2014 | The Young Bucks | Meltzer Driver (Springboard Somersault Senton Spike Kneeling Belly-to-belly piledriver) | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Ring of Honor |
| 2015 | A.J. Styles | Styles Clash | New Japan Pro-Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2016 | Kenny Omega | One-Winged Angel (One-handed Electric Chair Driver) | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2017 | |||
| 2018 | |||
| 2019 | Will Ospreay | Storm Breaker (Double Underhook Canadian Backbreaker Rack followed by a modified Corkscrew Neckbreaker) | |
| 2020 | Kenny Omega | One Winged Angel | All Elite Wrestling Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide |
| 2021 | "Hangman" Adam Page | Buckshot Lariat (Slingshot flipping lariat) | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2022 | Will Ospreay | Hidden Blade (Running high impact swinging back elbow to the back of a kneeling opponent's head) | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2023 |
Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic
[edit]| Year | Promotional Tactic | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Monster character (Tony Hernandez) | LeBelle Promotions |
| 1982 | Bob Backlund as WWF Champion | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1983 | Eddie Gilbert re-breaking his neck in an angle after having done so legitimately | |
| 1984 | Blackjack Mulligan fake heart attack | Championship Wrestling from Florida |
| 1985 | Usage of Mike Von Erich's near-death to sell tickets | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1986 | Comparing Chris Adams' blindness angle with the death of Gino Hernandez | |
| 1987 | Exploitation of the death of Mike Von Erich | |
| 1988 | Fritz Von Erich's fake heart attack | |
| 1989 | José González babyface push one year after Bruiser Brody stabbing case | World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions |
| 1990 | Atsushi Onita stabbed by José González two years after Bruiser Brody stabbing case | Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling |
| 1991 | Exploiting the Persian Gulf War (Sgt. Slaughter Iraqi sympathizer angle) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Pushing Erik Watts | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Cactus Jack gets amnesia | |
| 1994 | Ric Flair retirement angle | |
| 1995 | Gene Okerlund's 900 hotline advertisements | |
| 1996 | Fake Diesel and Razor Ramon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | Melanie Pillman interview on Raw the day after Brian Pillman's death | |
| 1998 | Exploiting Scott Hall's alcoholism | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Over the Edge pay-per-view continuing after the death of Owen Hart | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | David Arquette wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Stephanie McMahon comparing her father's indictment to September 11 attacks | World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2002 | Triple H accusing Kane of murder and necrophilia (Katie Vick) | |
| 2003 | McMahons all over the product | |
| 2004 | Kane and Lita pregnancy/wedding/miscarriage angle | |
| 2005 | Not editing out a terrorist angle (Muhammad Hassan attacking The Undertaker) for air on day of London bombings | |
| 2006 | Exploitation of the death of Eddie Guerrero | |
| 2007 | Signing of Adam "Pacman" Jones and having him "Make It Rain" on television when his doing so in a strip club led to the paralysis of a wrestler | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | Teasing a Jeff Hardy drug overdose to garner late interest in a PPV show | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2009 | Mickie James' "Piggy James" angle making fun of her weight | |
| 2010 | Stand Up For WWE campaign launched in conjunction with Linda McMahon's US Senate run | |
| 2011 | Promoting an anti-bullying campaign despite blatant mistreatment of Jim Ross | |
| 2012 | CM Punk and Paul Heyman exploiting Jerry Lawler's real-life heart attack, playing footage of him near death | |
| 2013 | Exploitation of the death of Bill Moody (Paul Bearer) | |
| 2014 | Insulting fans who purchased PPVs | |
| 2015 | Using Reid Fliehr's death in an angle | |
| 2016 | Kimbo vs. Dada 5000 fight | Bellator MMA |
| 2017 | Promoting Jimmy Snuka as a hero in death not long after his trial over the death of Nancy Argentino | WWE |
| 2018 | Relationship with Saudi Arabia | |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Firing people during a global pandemic while setting profit records | |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | Vince McMahon appearing on television for a crowd pop after sexual misconduct allegations came out | |
| 2023 | WWE enabling Vince McMahon and him being back in power, and TKO keeping him in a position of power |
Worst Television Show
[edit]| Year | Program | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | All-Star Wrestling | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Championship Wrestling from Florida | Championship Wrestling from Florida |
| 1986 | California Championship Wrestling | California Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | World Class Championship Wrestling | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1988 | Championship Wrestling | American Wrestling Association |
| 1989 | ICW Wrestling | International Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Championship Wrestling | American Wrestling Association |
| 1991 | Fury Hour | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Global Wrestling Federation on ESPN | Global Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | Saturday Night | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | Warriors of Wrestling | American Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | United States Wrestling Association | United States Wrestling Association |
| 1998 | Monday Nitro | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Thunder | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Excess | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | Monday Night Raw | |
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | Friday Night SmackDown! | |
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | Monday Night Raw | |
| 2007 | Impact!/Impact Wrestling | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | ||
| 2012 | Monday Night Raw | WWE |
| 2013 | Impact Wrestling | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2014 | Monday Night Raw | WWE |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | NWA Powerrr | National Wrestling Alliance |
Worst Match of the Year
[edit]Note: Named "Worst Worked Match of the Year" until 2018.
| Year | Match | Promotion | Venue Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Wendi Richter vs. The Fabulous Moolah | World Wrestling Federation | The Brawl to End It All New York, New York July 23 |
| 1985 | Freddie Blassie vs. Lou Albano Steel cage match |
WWF House Show Uniondale, New York September 20 | |
| 1986 | Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper Boxing match |
WrestleMania 2 Uniondale, New York April 7 | |
| 1987 | Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant | WrestleMania III Pontiac, Michigan March 29 | |
| 1988 | Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tom Magee | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Champion Carnival Kawasaki, Japan April 21 |
| 1989 | André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation | Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV Topeka, Kansas October 31 |
| 1990 | Sid Vicious vs. The Nightstalker | World Championship Wrestling | Clash of the Champions XIII Jacksonville, Florida November 20 |
| 1991 | Bobby Eaton and P. N. News vs. Terrance Taylor and Steve Austin Capture the Flag scaffold match |
The Great American Bash Baltimore, Maryland July 14 | |
| 1992 | Rick Rude vs. Masahiro Chono | Halloween Havoc Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 25 | |
| 1993 | The Bushwhackers and Men on a Mission vs. Bam Bam Bigelow, Bastion Booger, and The Headshrinkers | World Wrestling Federation | Survivor Series Boston, Massachusetts November 24 |
| 1994 | The Royal Court vs. Clowns R' Us | Survivor Series San Antonio, Texas November 23 | |
| 1995 | Sting vs. Tony Palmora | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Battle 7 Tokyo, Japan January 4 |
| 1996 | Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution Tower of Doom match |
World Championship Wrestling | Uncensored Tupelo, Mississippi March 24 |
| 1997 | Hollywood Hogan vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper | SuperBrawl Daly City, California February 23 | |
| 1998 | Hollywood Hogan vs. The Warrior | Halloween Havoc Las Vegas, Nevada October 25 | |
| 1999 | Al Snow vs. The Big Boss Man Kennel from Hell Match |
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment | Unforgiven Charlotte, North Carolina September 26 |
| 2000 | Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco Hardcore Evening Gown Match |
King of the Ring Boston, Massachusetts June 25 | |
| 2001 | The Brothers of Destruction vs. KroniK | Unforgiven Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 23 | |
| 2002 | Bradshaw and Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda | Monday Night Raw Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 8 | |
| 2003 | Triple H vs. Scott Steiner | Royal Rumble Boston, Massachusetts January 19 | |
| 2004 | Tyson Tomko vs. Stevie Richards | Unforgiven Portland, Oregon September 12 | |
| 2005 | Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore Long | Survivor Series Detroit, Michigan November 27 | |
| 2006 | Reverse Battle Royal | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Impact! Orlando, Florida October 26 |
| 2007 | James Storm vs. Chris Harris Six Sides of Steel Blindfold match |
Lockdown St. Louis, Missouri April 15 | |
| 2008 | Edge vs. Triple H vs. Vladimir Kozlov | World Wrestling Entertainment | Survivor Series Boston, Massachusetts November 23 |
| 2009 | Jenna Morasca vs. Sharmell | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Victory Road Orlando, Florida July 19 |
| 2010 | Kaitlyn vs. Maxine | World Wrestling Entertainment | NXT Edmonton, Alberta, Canada October 19 |
| 2011 | Sting vs. Jeff Hardy | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Victory Road Orlando, Florida March 13 |
| 2012 | John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis No Disqualification match |
WWE | Over the Limit Raleigh, North Carolina May 20 |
| 2013 | Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Natalya, Naomi, Cameron, Eva Marie, and JoJo vs. AJ Lee, Tamina Snuka, Kaitlyn, Alicia Fox, Aksana, Rosa Mendes, and Summer Rae | Survivor Series Boston, Massachusetts November 24 | |
| 2014 | John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt Steel Cage match |
Extreme Rules East Rutherford, New Jersey May 4 | |
| 2015 | Los Psycho Circus (Monster Clown, Murder Clown and Psycho Clown) vs. Los Villanos (Villano III, Villano IV and Villano V) | Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide | Triplemanía XXIII Mexico City, Mexico August 9 |
| 2016 | Shelly Martinez vs. Rebel | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | One Night Only: Knockouts Knockdown Orlando, Florida March 17 |
| 2017 | Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton | WWE | WrestleMania 33 Orlando, Florida April 2 |
| 2018 | D-Generation X vs. Brothers of Destruction | Crown Jewel Riyadh, Saudi Arabia November 2 | |
| 2019 | Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt Hell in a Cell match |
Hell in a Cell Sacramento, California October 6 | |
| 2020 | Braun Strowman vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt Wyatt Swamp Fight |
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules Orlando, Florida July 19 | |
| 2021 | The Miz vs. Damian Priest Lumberjack match |
WrestleMania Backlash Tampa, Florida May 16 | |
| 2022 | Pat McAfee vs. Mr. McMahon | Wrestlemania 38 Night 2 Arlington, Texas April 3 | |
| 2023 | Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight Mountain Dew Pitch Black match |
Royal Rumble San Antonio, Texas January 28 |
Worst Feud of the Year
[edit].jpg)
Adam Cole/The Devil and MJF are the most recent winners of the award, for the 2023 MJF/Devil storyline in AEW.
| Year | Feud | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | André the Giant vs. Big John Studd | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris Zhukov | American Wrestling Association |
| 1986 | The Machines vs. King Kong Bundy and John Studd | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | George Steele vs. Danny Davis | |
| 1988 | The Midnight Rider vs. Tully Blanchard | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard Dog | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango | |
| 1993 | The Undertaker vs. Giant González | |
| 1994 | Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the Clown | |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon of Doom | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Big Bubba vs. John Tenta | |
| 1997 | The D.O.A. vs. Los Boricuas | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Hollywood Hogan vs. The Warrior | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Big Boss Man vs. Big Show | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | WWF vs. The Alliance The Invasion storyline |
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE |
| 2002 | Triple H vs. Kane | |
| 2003 | Kane vs. Shane McMahon | |
| 2004 | Kane vs. Matt Hardy and Lita | |
| 2005 | McMahon Family vs. Jim Ross | |
| 2006 | McMahon Family vs. D-Generation X | |
| 2007 | Kane vs. Big Daddy V | |
| 2008 | Kane vs. Rey Mysterio | |
| 2009 | Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero | |
| 2010 | Edge vs. Kane | |
| 2011 | Triple H vs. Kevin Nash | |
| 2012 | John Cena vs. Kane | |
| 2013 | Big Show vs. The Authority | |
| 2014 | Brie Bella vs. Nikki Bella | |
| 2015 | Team PCB vs. Team B.A.D. vs. Team Bella | |
| 2016 | Titus O'Neil vs. Darren Young | |
| 2017 | Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton | |
| 2018 | Sasha Banks vs. Bayley | |
| 2019 | Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt | |
| 2020 | Braun Strowman vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt | |
| 2021 | Randy Orton vs. The Fiend & Alexa Bliss | |
| 2022 | The Miz vs. Dexter Lumis | |
| 2023 | MJF vs. The Devil | All Elite Wrestling |
Worst Promotion of the Year
[edit]
| Year | Promotion |
|---|---|
| 1986 | American Wrestling Association |
| 1987 | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1988 | American Wrestling Association |
| 1989 | |
| 1990 | |
| 1991 | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Global Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | |
| 1995 | |
| 1996 | American Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | United States Wrestling Association |
| 1998 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | |
| 2000 | |
| 2001 | |
| 2002 | Xtreme Pro Wrestling |
| 2003 | Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2004 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2005 | |
| 2006 | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling |
| 2008 | |
| 2009 | |
| 2010 | |
| 2011 | |
| 2012 | |
| 2013 | |
| 2014 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2018 | WWE |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2023 | National Wrestling Alliance |
Best Booker
[edit]
Jim Cornette (top) and Paul Heyman (bottom) are the only winners of the category who won the award for work in two separate promotions.
| Year | Booker | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Dusty Rhodes | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1987 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Eddie Gilbert | Continental Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | Riki Choshu | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1993 | Jim Cornette | Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
| 1994 | Paul Heyman | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Jim Cornette | Ohio Valley Wrestling |
| 2002 | Paul Heyman | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Jim Cornette | Ohio Valley Wrestling |
| 2004 | Gabe Sapolsky | Ring of Honor Full Impact Pro |
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | Joe Silva | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | Gedo and Jado | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | Paul Levesque and Ryan Ward | WWE (NXT) |
| 2016 | Gedo | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Tony Khan | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | Paul Levesque | WWE |
Promoter of the Year
[edit]| Year | Promoter | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Akira Maeda | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | Riki Choshu | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Antonio Inoki | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2002 | Kazuyoshi Ishii | K-1 |
| 2003 | Nobuyuki Sakakibara | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | ||
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | Takaaki Kidani | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2015 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | Takaaki Kidani | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | Tony Khan | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | Nick Khan | WWE |
Best Gimmick
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Adrian Street | Continental Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | Ted DiBiase | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Rick Steiner | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | Jushin Liger | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1990 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | Disco Inferno | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | nWo | |
| 1997 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | The Rock | |
| 2000 | Kurt Angle | |
| 2001 | The Hurricane | |
| 2002 | Matt Hardy | |
| 2003 | John Cena | |
| 2004 | John "Bradshaw" Layfield | |
| 2005 | Mr. Kennedy | |
| 2006 | The Latin American Xchange | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2007 | Santino Marella | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | CM Punk | |
| 2010 | Alberto Del Rio | |
| 2011 | CM Punk | |
| 2012 | Joseph Park | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2013 | The Wyatt Family | WWE |
| 2014 | Rusev and Lana | |
| 2015 | The New Day | |
| 2016 | "Broken" Matt Hardy | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2017 | Los Ingobernables de Japón | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2018 | Velveteen Dream | WWE |
| 2019 | "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt | |
| 2020 | Orange Cassidy | All Elite Wrestling |
| 2021 | Roman Reigns | WWE |
| 2022 | Sami Zayn | |
| 2023 | "Timeless" Toni Storm | All Elite Wrestling |
Worst Gimmick
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Adrian Adonis | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | Midnight Rider | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | The Ding Dongs | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | The Gobbledy Gooker | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Oz | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Papa Shango | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | The Shockmaster | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Dave Sullivan | |
| 1995 | Goldust | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1996 | Fake Diesel Fake Razor Ramon The Real Double J | |
| 1997 | The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust | |
| 1998 | The Oddities | |
| 1999 | The Powers That Be | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2000 | Mike Awesome | |
| 2001 | Diamond Dallas Page | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | The Johnsons | NWA: Total Nonstop Action |
| 2003 | Rico Constantino | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Mordecai | |
| 2005 | Jillian Hall | |
| 2006 | Vito | |
| 2007 | Black Reign | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | The Great Khali | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Hornswoggle | |
| 2010 | Orlando Jordan | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2011 | Michael Cole | WWE |
| 2012 | Aces & Eights | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | Adam Rose | WWE |
| 2015 | Stardust | |
| 2016 | Bone Soldier | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 2017 | Bray Wyatt/Sister Abigail | WWE |
| 2018 | Constable Corbin | |
| 2019 | Shorty G | |
| 2020 | "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt | |
| 2021 | Alexa Bliss | |
| 2022 | Maximum Male Models | |
| 2023 | The Devil | All Elite Wrestling |
Best Pro Wrestling Book
[edit]| Year | Book | Author(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Death of WCW | Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds |
| 2006 | Tangled Ropes | "Superstar" Billy Graham and Keith Elliot Greenberg |
| 2007 | Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling | Bret Hart |
| 2008 | Gorgeous George: The Bad Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture | John Capouya |
| 2009 | Midnight Express 25th Anniversary Scrapbook | Jim Cornette |
| 2010 | Countdown to Lockdown | Mick Foley |
| 2011 | Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps | Chris Jericho |
| 2012 | Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling | Jonathan Snowden |
| 2013 | Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling | Pat Laprade and Bertrand Hébert |
| 2014 | The Death of WCW – 10th Anniversary Edition | Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds |
| 2015 | Yes!: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania | Daniel Bryan and Craig Tello |
| 2016 | Ali vs. Inoki | Josh Gross |
| 2017 | Crazy Like a Fox: The Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later | Liam O'Rourke |
| 2018 | Eggshells: Pro Wrestling in the Tokyo Dome | Chris Charlton |
| 2019 | 100 Things a WWE Fan Should Know & Do Before They Die | Bryan Alvarez |
| 2020 | Killing the Business | The Young Bucks |
| 2021 | Mox | Jon Moxley |
| 2022 | Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik | Brian Solomon |
| 2023 | The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of "Nature Boy" Ric Flair | Tim Hornbaker |
Best Pro Wrestling DVD/Streaming Documentary
[edit]Note: Was previously known simply as the "Best Pro Wrestling DVD" award.
| Year | DVD/Streaming Documentary | Publisher(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Rise and Fall of ECW | World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE |
| 2006 | Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be | |
| 2007 | Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen | |
| 2008 | "Nature Boy" Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection | |
| 2009 | Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection | |
| 2010 | Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho | |
| 2011 | Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart: WWE's Greatest Rivalries | |
| 2012 | CM Punk: Best in the World | |
| 2013 | Jim Crockett Promotions: The Good Old Days | EllBow Productions Highspots.com |
| 2014 | Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name Is Paul Heyman | WWE |
| 2015 | Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes! | |
| 2016 | WWE 24: Seth Rollins (Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim) | |
| 2017 | 30 for 30: Nature Boy | ESPN |
| 2018 | André the Giant | HBO |
| 2019 | Dark Side of the Ring | Viceland |
| 2020 | Dark Side of the Ring: Owen Hart | |
| 2021 | Dark Side of the Ring: Brian Pillman | |
| 2022 | Tales From the Territories: Lawler/Kaufman | |
| 2023 | Dark Side of the Ring: Chris and Tammy |
Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award
[edit]Note: This award is given to participants in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts who make contributions outside the ring for the betterment of society.
| Year | Recipient(s) | Contribution(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020[4] | Shad Gaspard | Sacrificed himself to save his son's life after being swept out to sea |
| Ettore Ewen Big E |
Contributed to racial justice during the Black Lives Matter movement and following the murder of George Floyd | |
| Rami Sebei Sami Zayn |
Runs Sami for Syria, a medical relief organization assisting ill and injured people during the Syrian civil war | |
| Tracy Smothers | Assisted young independent wrestlers | |
| Margaret Stalvey | Assisted the Huber family during Jon Huber's illness and after his death | |
| Megha Parekh | ||
| 2021[5] | Jonathan Good Jon Moxley |
Chose to step away from professional wrestling to enter into a rehabilitation program for alcoholism |
| Thaddeus Bullard Titus O'Neil |
The child of a rape victim, O'Neil went on to help underprivileged children through his charitable work, especially in his hometown of Tampa, Florida | |
| 2022[6] | Dustin Poirier | Through his Good Fight Foundation, Poirier provided assistance to underserved and vulnerable communities in South Louisiana |
| 2023[7] | Steve McMichael | McMichael, who has been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis since 2021, has provided inspiration to those battling illnesses due to his continued determination to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony after being elected to the hall |
| Pugh family | The family showed class and resiliency after the death of Jamin Pugh in a car accident; despite the driver of the other car being at fault for the accident, they publicly asked people to stop attacking them on social media and fundraised for the driver's family | |
| Valerie Coleman | The widow of late Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, Coleman is credited with saving Graham's life on multiple occasions |
Defunct awards
[edit]Class A awards
[edit]Most Impressive Wrestler
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Ken Patera | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | Don Muraco | |
| 1982 | Tiger Mask | New Japan Pro-Wrestling World Wrestling Federation Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre |
| 1983 | Dynamite Kid | Stampede Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1984 | Stampede Wrestling New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Japan Pro Wrestling | |
| 1985 | World Wrestling Federation All Japan Pro Wrestling |
Most Washed Up Wrestler
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Baron Scicluna | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | Peter Maivia | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | "Superstar" Billy Graham | World Wrestling Federation New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1983 | Chief Jay Strongbow | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | Jimmy Snuka | |
| 1985 | Sgt. Slaughter | American Wrestling Association |
Strongest Wrestler
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Tony Atlas | World Wrestling Federation National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | Ken Patera | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1983 | Hulk Hogan | American Wrestling Association New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1984 | Butch Reed | Mid-South Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1985 | Road Warrior Animal | American Wrestling Association National Wrestling Alliance All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Steve Williams | Jim Crockett Promotions Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Jim Crockett Promotions/World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1989 | ||
| 1990 | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
Best Three-Man Team
[edit]| Year | Team | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) |
World Class Championship Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance |
Most Unimproved
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Jimmy Snuka | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Sgt. Slaughter | American Wrestling Association |
| 1986 | Bob Orton | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | Butch Reed | |
| 1988 | Bam Bam Bigelow | |
| 1989 | Jim Duggan | |
| 1990 | Sting | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Davey Boy Smith | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Randy Savage | |
| 1993 | Rick Rude | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan[8] | |
| 1995 |
Most Obnoxious
[edit]
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Gene LeBell | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | David Crockett | |
| 1983 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | ||
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | David Crockett | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | Dusty Rhodes | |
| 1989 | World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1990 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Herb Abrams | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Bill Watts | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 |
Best Babyface
[edit]Note: "Best Babyface" and "Best Heel" were combined in 1997 to create "Best Box Office Draw"
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Dusty Rhodes | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1981 | Tommy Rich | |
| 1982 | Hulk Hogan | American Wrestling Association New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | World Wrestling Federation | |
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | ||
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | Sting | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Atsushi Onita | Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling |
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | Perro Aguayo | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1996 | Shawn Michaels | World Wrestling Federation |
Best Heel
[edit]
.jpg)
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Larry Zbyszko | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1981 | Don Muraco | |
| 1982 | Buzz Sawyer | Georgia Championship Wrestling |
| 1983 | Michael Hayes | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1984 | Roddy Piper | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | Michael Hayes | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | Ted DiBiase | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Terry Funk | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Ric Flair | |
| 1991 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Rick Rude | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Vader | |
| 1994 | Art Barr | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1995 | Masahiro Chono | New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
| 1996 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation |
Biggest Shock of the Year
[edit]
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Tommy Rich winning the NWA World Championship from Harley Race |
| 1982 | Otto Wanz winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1983 | Ric Flair losing the NWA Championship to Harley Race |
| 1984 | The death of David Von Erich |
| 1985 | WWF getting on network television |
| 1986 | Magnum T. A.'s car accident |
| 1987 | Jim Crockett Jr. purchasing the Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | The murder of Bruiser Brody |
| 1989 | Dusty Rhodes joining the WWF |
Hardest Worker
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ric Flair | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Dynamite Kid | Stampede Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1984 | Ric Flair | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1985 | Jim Crockett Promotions | |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Terry Funk | World Championship Wrestling |
Manager of the Year
[edit]| Year | Manager | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Jimmy Hart | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1984 | Jim Cornette | Mid-South Wrestling World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1985 | Jim Crockett Promotions | |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | Sherri Martel | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Jim Cornette | Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | World Wrestling Federation Smoky Mountain Wrestling | |
| 1996 |
Class B awards
[edit]Best Color Commentator
[edit]
| Year | Commentator | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Michael Hayes | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | Jesse Ventura | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | ||
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | Paul E. Dangerously | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Bobby Heenan | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1995 | Jerry Lawler | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1996 |
Readers' Favorite Wrestler
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Ric Flair | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation | |
| 1992 | World Wrestling Federation | |
| 1993 | World Wrestling Federation World Championship Wrestling | |
| 1994 | Sabu | Extreme Championship Wrestling Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling |
| 1995 | Manami Toyota | All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling |
| 1996 | Ric Flair | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Chris Benoit | |
| 1998 | Mick Foley | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | Chris Jericho | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Chris Benoit | |
| 2001 | Keiji Mutoh | New Japan Pro-Wrestling All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2002 | Kurt Angle | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 |
Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Ivan Putski | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | Dusty Rhodes | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 1992 | Erik Watts | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Sid Vicious | |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | ||
| 2000 | Kevin Nash | |
| 2001 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | Triple H | |
| 2003 |
Worst Wrestler
[edit]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Ivan Putski | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Uncle Elmer | |
| 1986 | Mike Von Erich | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | Junkyard Dog | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Ultimate Warrior | |
| 1989 | André the Giant | |
| 1990 | Junkyard Dog | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | André the Giant | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | The Equalizer | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Dave Sullivan | |
| 1995 | The Renegade | |
| 1996 | Loch Ness | |
| 1997 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 1998 | Warrior | |
| 1999 | Kevin Nash | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Big Show | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 | Nathan Jones |
Worst Tag Team
[edit]| Year | Tag Team | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Crusher and Baron von Raschke | American Wrestling Association |
| 1985 | The Hillbillies (Uncle Elmer and Cousin Junior) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1986 | George Steele and Junkyard Dog | |
| 1987 | Jimmy Valiant and Bugsy McGraw | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1988 | The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord) | |
| 1990 | Giant Baba and André the Giant | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | The Bushwhackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | The Colossal Kongs (King Kong and Awesome Kong) | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | The Bushwhackers | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1995 | Dick Slater and Bunkhouse Buck | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | The Godwinns (Henry Godwinn and Phineas Godwinn) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | The Oddities (Golga and Kurrgan) | |
| 1999 | The Corporate Ministry (Viscera and Mideon) | |
| 2000 | KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark) | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation | |
| 2002 | 3-Minute Warning (Rosey and Jamal) | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | La Résistance (René Duprée and Sylvain Grenier) |
Worst Manager
[edit].jpg)
| Year | Manager | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Mr. Fuji | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | Paul Jones | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1987 | Mr. Fuji | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | ||
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | Sonny Onoo | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 |
Worst on Interviews
[edit]
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Jimmy Snuka | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Thunderbolt Patterson | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1986 | Mike Von Erich | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | Bugsy McGraw | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | Steve Williams | |
| 1989 | Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | Mr. Fuji | |
| 1994 | Dave Sullivan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 1996 | Ahmed Johnson | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | Warrior | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Sid Vicious | |
| 2000 | Vince Russo | |
| 2001 | Stephanie McMahon | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 |
Most Embarrassing Wrestler
[edit]| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Adrian Adonis | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | George Steele | |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | André the Giant | |
| 1990 | Dusty Rhodes | |
| 1991 | Van Hammer | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Papa Shango | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Bastion Booger | |
| 1994 | Doink the Clown | |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Warrior | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Hulk Hogan | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | Buff Bagwell | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Big Show | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2003 | Nathan Jones |
Worst Non-Wrestling Personality
[edit]
| Year | Personality | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Vince Russo | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Stephanie McMahon | World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment |
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 |
Wrestling Observer Decade Awards
[edit]
2000s
[edit]- Best Wrestler: Kurt Angle
- Most Outstanding Wrestler: Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan
- Best Box Office Draw: Místico
- Best Tag Team: Rey Bucanero and Último Guerrero
- Best Interviews: Chris Jericho
- Most Charismatic: John Cena
- MMA Most Valuable: Randy Couture[9]
2010s
[edit]- Best Wrestler: Hiroshi Tanahashi
- Most Outstanding Wrestler: Kazuchika Okada
- Best Box Office Draw: Brock Lesnar
- Best Tag Team: The Young Bucks
- Best Interviews: Paul Heyman
- Most Charismatic: Hiroshi Tanahashi
- Best Technical Wrestler: Zack Sabre Jr.
- Best Brawler: Tomohiro Ishii
- Best Flyer: Ricochet
- Best Promotion: New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- Best Matches: Kazuchika Okada
- Best Non-Wrestler: Paul Heyman
- Best Television Announcer: Kevin Kelly
See also
[edit]- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame
- List of professional wrestling awards
- List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards
- Slammy Award
References
[edit]- ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 19, 1998). "Jan. 19, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 18th Annual Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (February 18, 2022). "February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW". Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online. www.f4wonline.com. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ "Bridge Of Dreams ~ Dome Spring Full Bloom". Cagematch. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (March 15, 2021). "AEW REVOLUTION, WRESTLEMANIA 37 TICKET DETAILS". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (April 4, 2022). "TRIPLE H ANNOUNCES IN-RING RETIREMENT, WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (March 6, 2023). "MJF VS. BRYAN DANIELSON PREVIEW, WRESTLEMANIA 39 UPDATES". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (March 4, 2024). "LIFE AND CAREER OF OLE ANDERSON, WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ "Jan 22 1996 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 1995 Observer Newsletter Awards, 1995 Record Book, tons more". The Wrestling Observer. January 22, 1996.
- ^ Beltrán, William (August 3, 2010). "Según el Wrestling Observer… ¿Quiénes son los mejores los mejores de la década?". Superluchas (in Spanish). Retrieved October 30, 2015.
Sources
[edit]- Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter (5). Campbell, California: 1–40. ISSN 1083-9593.
The following are the results of the 31st annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter readership awards, along with a listing of the previous winners in the various categories.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 30, 2012). "Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 1–29. ISSN 1083-9593.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 23, 2013). "The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 1–52. ISSN 1083-9593.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "The 2013 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 1–36. ISSN 1083-9593.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2015). "2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 1–35. ISSN 1083-9593.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 25, 2016). "January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 1–49. ISSN 1083-9593.
| Key people | |
|---|---|
| Publications | |
| Awards | |
| Related | |
