List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

Last updated

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]

Contents

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 There are currently forty-five categories that are actively assessed every year and twenty that are no longer active.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

"Category A" awards

Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)

Ric Flair is an eight-time winner and co-namesake of the category. Ric Flair 2016.jpg
Ric Flair is an eight-time winner and co-namesake of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(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
1989Ric Flair World Championship Wrestling
1990
1991 Jumbo Tsuruta All Japan Pro Wrestling
1992Ric Flair World Wrestling Federation
1993 Big Van Vader World Championship Wrestling
1994 Toshiaki Kawada All Japan Pro Wrestling
1995 Mitsuharu Misawa
1996 Kenta Kobashi
1997Mitsuharu Misawa
1998 Stone Cold Steve Austin World Wrestling Federation
1999Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Triple H World Wrestling Federation
2001 Keiji Muto New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Entertainment
2003Kenta Kobashi Pro Wrestling Noah
2004
2005
2006 Místico Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007 John Cena World Wrestling Entertainment
2008 Chris Jericho
2009
2010John Cena
2011 Hiroshi Tanahashi New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2012
2013
2014 Shinsuke Nakamura
2015 A.J. Styles New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2016WWE
2017 Kazuchika Okada New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018 Kenny Omega New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2019Chris JerichoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling
2020 Jon Moxley
2021Kenny OmegaAll Elite Wrestling
Impact Wrestling
2022Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
2023 Will Ospreay New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable

Georges St-Pierre.jpg
Brock Lesnar in March 2015.jpg
Georges St-Pierre and Brock Lesnar are three-time winners of the category.
YearFighterPromotion(s)
2007 Randy Couture Ultimate Fighting Championship
2008 Brock Lesnar
2009
2010
2011 Georges St-Pierre
2012 Anderson Silva
2013Georges St-Pierre
2014 Ronda Rousey
2015
2016 Conor McGregor
2017Georges St-Pierre
2018Conor McGregor
2019 Jorge Masvidal
2020 Khabib Nurmagomedov
2021 Kamaru Usman
2022 Israel Adesanya
2023 Jon Jones

Most Outstanding Wrestler

Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan is a record five-time winner of the category. Daniel Bryan October 2016 (crop).jpg
Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan is a record five-time winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion
1986Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions
1987
1988 Tatsumi Fujinami New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1989Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1990 Jushin Thunder Liger New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1991New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1992
1993Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1994
1995 Manami Toyota All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1996 Rey Misterio Jr. Extreme Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1998 Koji Kanemoto New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1999Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Chris Benoit World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2001Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003
2004Chris 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
2012Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013
2014A.J. StylesNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2015
2016WWE
2017Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Kenny Omega
2019 Will Ospreay
2020Kenny OmegaAll Elite Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2021 Shingo Takagi New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Will Ospreay
2023

Most Outstanding Fighter of the Year

Note: Was known as "Shootfighter of the Year" until 2008.

Georges St-Pierre is a three-time winner of the category. Georges St-Pierre crop.jpg
Georges St-Pierre is a three-time winner of the category.
YearFighterPromotion(s)
1997 Maurice Smith Ultimate Fighting Championship
1998 Frank Shamrock
1999
2000 Kazushi Sakuraba Pride Fighting Championships
2001 Wanderlei Silva
2002 Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
2003Randy CoutureUltimate Fighting Championship
2004Wanderlei SilvaPride Fighting Championships
2005 Fedor Emelianenko
2006 Mirko Filipović
2007 Quinton Jackson Ultimate Fighting Championship
2008Georges St-Pierre
2009
2010
2011 Jon Jones
2012Anderson Silva
2013 Cain Velasquez
2014Ronda Rousey
2015Conor 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

Bobeaton.jpg
Stan Lane, 1988.png
Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane became the first tag team to win the award consecutively.
YearTag TeamPromotion(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
1988Jim 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
1991Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki KawadaAll 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
1994La Pareja del Terror
(Eddy Guerrero and Art Barr)
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1996Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama
1997
1998 Shinjiro Otani and Tatsuhito Takaiwa New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1999Kenta Kobashi and Jun AkiyamaAll 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

Jim Cornette is a record five-time winner of the category. Jim Cornette ROH.jpg
Jim Cornette is a record five-time winner of the category.
YearPerformerPromotion(s)
1981 Lou Albano World Wrestling Federation
Roddy Piper National Wrestling Alliance
1982Roddy PiperNational Wrestling Alliance
1983
1984 Jimmy Hart Continental Wrestling Association
1985 Jim Cornette Mid-South Wrestling
World Class Championship Wrestling
1986Jim Crockett Promotions
1987
1988
1989 Terry Funk World Championship Wrestling
1990 Arn Anderson
1991Ric Flair
1992World Wrestling Federation
1993Jim Cornette Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1994Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1995 Cactus Jack Extreme Championship Wrestling
1996Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1997
1998
1999 The Rock
2000
2001Stone Cold Steve Austin
2002Kurt Angle
2003Chris Jericho
2004Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Hustle
Ring of Honor
2005Eddie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2006Mick Foley
2007John Cena
2008Chris Jericho
2009
2010 Chael Sonnen Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011 CM Punk WWE
2012
2013 Paul Heyman
2014
2015Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2016
2017
2018Daniel BryanWWE
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020 Eddie Kingston All Elite Wrestling
2021 MJF
2022
2023Eddie Kingston

Promotion of the Year

WWE is the most recent winner, receiving the award in 2023 for the first time in 23 years. WWE official logo.svg
WWE is the most recent winner, receiving the award in 2023 for the first time in 23 years.
YearPromotion
1983Jim Crockett Promotions
1984New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1985All Japan Pro Wrestling
1986Mid-South Wrestling/Universal Wrestling Federation
1987New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1988
1989 Universal Wrestling Federation
1990All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991
1992New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1993All Japan Pro Wrestling
1994Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1996
1997
1998
1999World Wrestling Federation
2000
2001Pride Fighting Championships
2002
2003
2004Pro Wrestling Noah
2005
2006Ultimate Fighting Championship
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020All Elite Wrestling
2021
2022
2023WWE

Best Weekly TV Show

The Ultimate Fighter is the only non-wrestling TV show to win the category. The Ultimate Fighter logo.svg
The Ultimate Fighter is the only non-wrestling TV show to win the category.
YearProgramPromotion
1983World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1984
1985Mid-South WrestlingMid-South Wrestling
1986 Universal Wrestling Federation Universal Wrestling Federation
198790 Minute Memphis Live WrestlingContinental Wrestling Association
1988World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1989All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994 Hardcore TV Extreme Championship Wrestling
1995
1996
1997World Pro WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1998 Raw is War World Wrestling Federation
1999
2000
2001World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002 SmackDown! World Wrestling Entertainment
2003Power HoursPro Wrestling Noah
2004Monday Night RawWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005 The Ultimate Fighter Ultimate Fighting Championship
2006
2007
2008
2009Friday Night SmackDownWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010 Ring of Honor Wrestling Ring of Honor
2011Friday Night SmackDownWWE
2012 Impact Wrestling Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013 NXT WWE
2014
2015
2016New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017
2018NXTWWE
2019 Dynamite All Elite Wrestling
2020
2021
2022
2023

Pro Wrestling Match of the Year

2015-03-26 17-28-48 ILCE-6000 DSC01727 (17121089828) (cropped).jpg
Ken Patera 1972.jpg
Bob Backlund and Ken Patera were the inaugural winners of the category, for their 1980 Texas Death Match in WWF.
YearMatchPromotionVenue 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 KidNew Japan Pro-WrestlingSummer Fight Series II Night 19
Tokyo, Japan
August 5
1983Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood vs. Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle
Steel Cage match
Jim Crockett PromotionsThe Final Conflict
Greensboro, North Carolina
March 12
1984The 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 WrestlingAJPW Special Wars in Budokan
Tokyo, Japan
June 21
1986Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham Championship Wrestling from FloridaBattle of the Belts II
Orlando, Florida
February 14
1987Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Randy "Macho Man" Savage World Wrestling Federation WrestleMania III
Pontiac, Michigan
March 29
1988 Sting vs. Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions Clash of the Champions I
Greensboro, North Carolina
March 27
1989Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair
Two out of Three Falls match
World Championship Wrestling Clash of the Champions VI
New Orleans, Louisiana
April 2
1990Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Naoki Sano New Japan Pro-WrestlingNew Spring Gold Series
Osaka, Japan
January 31
1991 Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Steiner BrothersNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
Starrcade in Tokyo Dome
Tokyo, Japan
March 21
1992Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Doug Furnas and Dan Kroffat All Japan Pro WrestlingSuper Power Series Night 8
Sendai, Japan
May 25
1993Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs. Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi Ozaki All Japan Women's Pro-WrestlingDream 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
1995Manami Toyota vs. Kyoko Inoue All Japan Women's Pro-WrestlingG*Top 2nd
Tokyo, Japan
May 7
1996Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama vs. Steve Williams and Johnny Ace All Japan Pro WrestlingSuper 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
1998Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro WrestlingOctober Giant Series Night 18
Tokyo, Japan
October 31
1999Super 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
2001Keiji Mutoh vs. Genichiro Tenryu All Japan Pro WrestlingSuper Power in Budokan
Tokyo, Japan
June 8
2002Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit vs. Edge and Rey MysterioWorld Wrestling Entertainment No Mercy
North Little Rock, Arkansas
October 20
2003Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu MisawaPro Wrestling NoahNavigate for Evolution Night 9
Tokyo, Japan
March 1
2004Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama Departure
Tokyo, Japan
July 10
2005Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa JoeRing of HonorJoe 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 DanielsonManhattan Mayhem II
Manhattan, New York
August 25
2008Chris 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
2011CM Punk vs. John Cena Money in the Bank
Rosemont, Illinois
July 17
2012Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki New Japan Pro-Wrestling King of Pro-Wrestling
Tokyo, Japan
October 8
2013Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada Invasion Attack
Tokyo, Japan
April 7
2014A.J. Styles vs. Minoru Suzuki G1 Climax 24 Night 7
Tokyo, Japan
August 1
2015Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi Wrestle Kingdom 9
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2016Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi Wrestle Kingdom 10
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2017Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega Wrestle Kingdom 11
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2018Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada
Two out of three falls match
Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall
Osaka, Japan
June 9
2019Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi Best of the Super Juniors 26 Final
Tokyo, Japan
June 5
2020Kenny Omega and Adam Page vs. The Young BucksAll Elite Wrestling Revolution
Chicago, Illinois
February 29
2021The Young Bucks vs. Lucha Brothers
Steel Cage match
All Out
Chicago, Illinois
September 5
2022Kazuchika Okada vs. Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling G1 Climax 32 Final
Tokyo, Japan
August 18
2023Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay Wrestle Kingdom 17
Tokyo, Japan
January 4

MMA Match of the Year

Note: Was previously known as the "Shoot Match of the Year" and is sometimes referred to as "Fight of the Year".

Robbie Lawler is a three-time winner of the category. Robbie Lawler.png
Robbie Lawler is a three-time winner of the category.
YearFightPromotionVenue Information
1997Maurice 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
1999Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz UFC 22
Lake Charles, Louisiana
September 24
2000Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie Pride Fighting Championships Grand Prix 2000 Finals
Tokyo Dome
May 1
2001Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 31
Atlantic City, New Jersey
May 4
2002 Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro TakayamaPride Fighting Championships Pride 21
Saitama, Japan
June 23
2003Wanderlei 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
2007Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia UFC 68
Columbus, Ohio
March 3
2008Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson UFC 86
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 5
2009Diego 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
2012Chan 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
2015Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald UFC 189
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 11
2016Robbie 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
2018Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje
Glendale, Arizona
April 14
2019Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum UFC 236
Atlanta, Georgia
April 13
2020 Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk UFC 248
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 7
2021Justin 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

United States/Canada MVP

Cody Rhodes was the most recent winner of the US//Canada MVP award, winning for his 2023 work in WWE. Cody Rhodes November 2018.jpg
Cody Rhodes was the most recent winner of the US//Canada MVP award, winning for his 2023 work in WWE.
YearWrestlerPromotion(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

Tetsuya Naito is one of five New Japan Pro Wrestling wrestlers to be named Japan MVP, in addition to being the oldest winner of the category. Tetsuya naito 2018.jpg
Tetsuya Naito is one of five New Japan Pro Wrestling wrestlers to be named Japan MVP, in addition to being the oldest winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
2018 Kenny Omega New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019 Kazuchika Okada
2020 Tetsuya Naito
2021 Shingo Takagi
2022 Kazuchika Okada
2023Will Ospreay

Mexico MVP

L. A. Park was the inaugural Mexico MVP. LA Park at LuchaTO Jan 2016.jpg
L. A. Park was the inaugural Mexico MVP.
YearWrestlerPromotion(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
2020All 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

Walter, better known as Gunther, was the inaugural Europe MVP, and overall is a record three-time winner. Walter 16 Carat Gold 2020 N3 (cropped).jpg
Walter, better known as Gunther, was the inaugural Europe MVP, and overall is a record three-time winner.
YearWrestlerPromotion(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)

Danny Hodge was the namesake for the award, a multi-time amateur and professional champion. Danny Hodge crushing an apple.jpg
Danny Hodge was the namesake for the award, a multi-time amateur and professional champion.
YearWrestlerPromotion(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

Rhea Ripley was the most recent winner of the Women's Wrestling MVP award, winning for her 2023 work in WWE. Rhea Ripley in 2019 (cropped).jpg
Rhea Ripley was the most recent winner of the Women's Wrestling MVP award, winning for her 2023 work in WWE.
YearWrestlerPromotion(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

Alexa Grasso was the most recent winner of the Women's MMA MVP award, winning for her 2023 work in UFC. Alexa Grasso 2023 01.png
Alexa Grasso was the most recent winner of the Women's MMA MVP award, winning for her 2023 work in UFC.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
2018 Amanda Nunes Ultimate Fighting Championship
2019
2020
2021 Rose Namajunas
2022 Zhang Weili
2023 Alexa Grasso

Best Box Office Draw

Roman Reigns won the award in 2022 and 2023. Roman Reigns Tribute to the Troops 2016.jpg
Roman Reigns won the award in 2022 and 2023.
YearPerformerPromotion(s)
1997 Hollywood Hogan World Championship Wrestling
1998Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation
1999
2000The Rock
2001Kazushi SakurabaPride Fighting Championships
2002 Bob Sapp K-1
Pride Fighting Championships
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2003
2004Kenta KobashiPro Wrestling Noah
2005
2006MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2009
2010
2011The RockWWE
2012
2013Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2014Ronda Rousey
2015
2016Conor McGregor
2017
2018
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2021MMA: Conor McGregor
Pro Wrestling: CM PunkAll Elite Wrestling
2022MMA: Israel AdesanyaUltimate Fighting Championship
Pro Wrestling: Roman ReignsWWE
2023MMA: Jon JonesUltimate Fighting Championship
Pro Wrestling: Roman ReignsWWE

Feud of the Year

Jerry Lawler was the first wrestler to win the category three different times. 10.9.10JerryLawlerByLuigiNovi.jpg
Jerry Lawler was the first wrestler to win the category three different times.
YearFeudPromotion(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
1984World 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
1991Mitsuharu 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

Brock Lesnar in March 2015.jpg
The Miz Dec 2017.jpg
Brock Lesnar and The Miz are record two-time winners of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980Larry ZbyszkoWorld Wrestling Federation
1981 Adrian Adonis American Wrestling Association
1982Jim DugganMid-South Wrestling
1983 Curt Hennig American Wrestling Association
Pacific Northwest Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984 The Cobra New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
1985Steve WilliamsMid-South Wrestling
1986Rick Steiner
1987 Big Bubba Rogers Universal Wrestling Federation
1988StingJim Crockett Promotions
1989 Lex Luger World Championship Wrestling
1990Kenta KobashiAll 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
1997Tatsuhito TakaiwaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1998The RockWorld Wrestling Federation
1999VaderAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Keiji MutohNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002Brock LesnarWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003
2004 Randy Orton
2005 Roderick Strong Ring of Honor
2006Takeshi MorishimaPro Wrestling Noah
2007 Montel Vontavious Porter World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008 The Miz
2009
2010 Sheamus
2011 Dolph Ziggler
2012Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Roman ReignsWWE
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

Hulk Hogan.jpg
Dwayne Johnson 2, 2013.jpg
Hulk Hogan and The Rock are six-time winners of the category.
YearPerformerPromotion(s)
1980Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1981 Michael Hayes World Class Championship Wrestling
1982Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
Dusty Rhodes
1983Ric Flair
1984
1985Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1986
1987
1988StingWorld Championship Wrestling
1989Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1990
1991
1992StingWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Ric FlairWorld Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
1994 Atsushi Onita Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1995Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1996
1997Stone Cold Steve Austin
1998
1999The Rock
2000
2001
2002
2003Bob SappNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
K-1
2004Eddie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2005
2006John Cena
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011The Rock
2012
2013Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Shinsuke Nakamura
2015
2016Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2017 Tetsuya Naito New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020 MJF All Elite Wrestling
2021 CM Punk
2022MJF
2023

Bryan Danielson Award (Best Technical Wrestler)

Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan is a 12-time winner and namesake of this category. Daniel Bryan April 2012.jpg
Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan is a 12-time winner and namesake of this category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980Bob BacklundWorld Wrestling Federation
1981Ted DiBiaseMid-South Wrestling
1982Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1983
1984Dynamite KidStampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
Masa Saito American Wrestling Association
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1985Tatsumi FujinamiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1986
1987 Nobuhiko Takada New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1988Tatsumi Fujinami
1989Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder Liger
1990
1991New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1992
1993Hiroshi HaseNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1994Chris BenoitExtreme Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1995Extreme Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1996Dean MalenkoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997
1998 Kiyoshi Tamura Fighting Network Rings
1999Shinjiro OtaniNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2000Chris BenoitWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2001 Minoru Tanaka New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Chris Benoit
2004
2005Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2006
2007
2008
2009Dragon Gate USA
Ring of Honor
2010Chikara
Dragon Gate USA
Evolve
World Wrestling Entertainment
2011WWE
2012
2013
2014 Zack Sabre Jr. Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Pro Wrestling Noah
Westside Xtreme Wrestling
2015
2016Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Revolution Pro Wrestling
Westside Xtreme Wrestling
WWE
2017New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Revolution Pro Wrestling
2018
2019New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
2020New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021Daniel Bryan/Bryan DanielsonWWE
All Elite Wrestling
2022All Elite Wrestling
2023

Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)

Bruiser Brody is the inaugural recipient, seven-time winner and namesake of the category. Bruiser Brody - Big Time Wrestling Dallas - 28 June 1977.jpg
Bruiser Brody is the inaugural recipient, seven-time winner and namesake of the category.
Mick Foley is 10-time winner of the category. Mick Foley at Destiny Wrestling.jpg
Mick Foley is 10-time winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980 Bruiser Brody All Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
National Wrestling Association
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985Stan HansenAll Japan Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1986Terry GordyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
Universal Wrestling Federation
1987Bruiser BrodyWorld Wrestling Council
World Class Championship Wrestling
1988
1989Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Stan HansenAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Championship Wrestling
1992
1993World Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling
1994Extreme Championship Wrestling
International Wrestling Association of Japan
1995
1996World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001Stone Cold Steve Austin
2002 Yoshihiro Takayama Pro Wrestling Noah
2003Brock LesnarWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004Chris Benoit
2005Samoa JoeRing of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006
2007Takeshi MorishimaRing of Honor
Pro Wrestling Noah
2008 Necro Butcher Ring of Honor
Combat Zone Wrestling
2009
2010Kevin SteenRing of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2011Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2013 Katsuyori Shibata New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014 Tomohiro Ishii
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021
2022
2023

Best Flying Wrestler

Rey Mysterio (aka Rey Misterio Jr.) is a six-time winner of the category. ReyWHC.jpg
Rey Mysterio (aka Rey Misterio Jr.) is a six-time winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1981Jimmy SnukaWorld Wrestling Federation
1982Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1983
1984Dynamite Kid
1985Tiger Mask IIAll 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
1992New 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
1996Extreme Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997World Championship Wrestling
1998 Juventud Guerrera World Championship Wrestling
AAA
1999
2000 Jeff Hardy World Wrestling Federation
2001Dragon Kid Toryumon Japan
2002 Rey Mysterio World Wrestling Entertainment
2003
2004
2005 A.J. Styles Ring of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007
2008 Evan Bourne World Wrestling Entertainment
2009Kota Ibushi DDT Pro-Wrestling
2010
2011 Ricochet Dragon Gate
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012Kota IbushiDDT Pro-Wrestling
2013DDT Pro-Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014RicochetDragon Gate
Lucha Underground
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2015
2016Will OspreayProgress Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2017
2018
2019New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Rey FénixAll Elite Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2021All Elite Wrestling
2022El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2023

Most Overrated

Hulk Hogan is a seven-time winner of the category. Hulk Hogan.jpg
Hulk Hogan is a seven-time winner of the category.
SANADA is the most recent winner of the category, receiving the award in 2023. SANADA (52828750906).jpg
SANADA is the most recent winner of the category, receiving the award in 2023.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980 Mr. Wrestling II National Wrestling Alliance
1981 Pedro Morales World Wrestling Federation
1982
1983Bob Backlund
1984 Big John Studd
1985Hulk Hogan
1986
1987Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1988
1989 The Ultimate Warrior World Wrestling Federation
1990
1991
1992 Erik Watts World Championship Wrestling
1993 Sid Vicious
1994Hulk/Hollywood Hogan
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999 Kevin Nash
2000
2001The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Triple H
2003
2004
2005Jeff JarrettTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006BatistaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2007 The Great Khali
2008 Vladimir Kozlov
2009Triple H
2010 Kane
2011 Crimson Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2012 Ryback WWE
2013Randy Orton
2014Kane
2015
2016Roman Reigns
2017 Jinder Mahal
2018 Baron Corbin/King Corbin
2019
2020 Bray Wyatt
2021 Evil New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Ronda RouseyWWE
2023 Sanada New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Most Underrated

Bobeaton.jpg
Cesaro in September 2016.jpg
Bobby Eaton and Cesaro, the latter now known as Claudio Castagnoli, are four-time winners each of the category, Cesaro consecutively.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980 Hossein Arab National Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1981 Buzz Sawyer National Wrestling Alliance
1982Adrian AdonisAmerican Wrestling Association
1983Dynamite KidNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984 B. Brian Blair World Wrestling Federation
1985Bobby EatonJim Crockett Promotions
1986
1987 Brad Armstrong
1988Tiger Mask IIAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1989Dan Kroffat
1990Bobby EatonWorld Championship Wrestling
1991 Terry Taylor
1992
1993Bobby Eaton
1994Brian Pillman
1995 Skip World Wrestling Federation
1996 Leif Cassidy
1997 Flash Funk
1998Chris BenoitWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Chris JerichoWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2000World 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
2008Montel Vontavious Porter
2009Evan Bourne
2010 Kaval
2011Dolph Ziggler
2012 Tyson Kidd
2013 (Antonio) Cesaro
2014
2015
2016
2017Rusev
2018 Finn Bálor
2019 Shorty G
2020 Ricochet
2021
2022 Konosuke Takeshita All Elite Wrestling
DDT Pro Wrestling
2023Chad GableWWE

Rookie of the Year

Barry Windham was the inaugural winner of the award in 1980. Barry Windham 1986.jpeg
Barry Windham was the inaugural winner of the award in 1980.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980Barry WindhamNational Wrestling Alliance
1981Brad Armstrong
Brad Rheingans
1982Steve Williams
1983The 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
1987Brian PillmanStampede Wrestling
1988 Gary Albright
1989Dustin RhodesWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Steve AustinUnited States Wrestling Association
1991Johnny B. BaddWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Rey Misterio Jr.Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1993Jun AkiyamaAll 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
2001El Hombre Sin NombreConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2002Bob SappK-1
2003 Chris Sabin Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Zero-One Max
2004 Petey Williams Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2005Shingo TakagiDragon Gate
2006 Atsushi Aoki Pro Wrestling Noah
2007 Erick Stevens Ring of Honor
2008 Kai All Japan Pro Wrestling
2009 Frightmare Chikara
2010Adam ColeRing 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
2016Matt RiddleEvolve
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2017 Katsuya Kitamura New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Ronda RouseyWWE
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

Paul Heyman is a ten-time winner of the category. Paul Heyman is the happiest man in the world.jpg
Paul Heyman is a ten-time winner of the category.
YearPerformerPromotion(s)
1999Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2000
2001Paul Heyman
2002
2003Stone Cold Steve Austin
2004Paul Heyman
2005 Eric Bischoff
2006Jim CornetteTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2007 Larry Sweeney Ring of Honor
2008
2009 Vickie Guerrero World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010
2011 Ricardo Rodriguez
2012Paul Heyman
2013
2014
2015 Dario Cueto Lucha Underground
2016
2017Daniel BryanWWE
2018Paul Heyman
2019
2020 Taz All Elite Wrestling
2021Paul HeymanWWE
2022
2023 Don Callis All Elite Wrestling

Best Television Announcer

Jim Ross is a 14-time winner of the category. Jim Ross No Mercy 2007.jpg
Jim Ross is a 14-time winner of the category.
YearAnnouncerPromotion(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
1993World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1994 Joey Styles Extreme Championship Wrestling
1995
1996
1997 Mike Tenay World Championship Wrestling
1998Jim RossWorld Wrestling Federation
1999
2000
2001
2002Mike TenayTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2003
2004
2005
2006Jim RossWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2007
2008 Matt Striker
2009Jim Ross
2010 Joe Rogan Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011
2012Jim RossWWE
2013 William Regal
2014
2015 Mauro Ranallo New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2016New Japan Pro-Wrestling
WWE
2017WWE
Bellator MMA
2018 Kevin Kelly New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019
2020 Excalibur All Elite Wrestling
2021
2022Kevin KellyNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023ExcaliburAll Elite Wrestling

Worst Television Announcer

Gorilla Monsoon won the award in five straight years and is a record six-time winner of the category. Gorilla Monsoon - Wrestling Program WWWF n.74 1977 (cropped).jpg
Gorilla Monsoon won the award in five straight years and is a record six-time winner of the category.
YearAnnouncerPromotion(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
1991Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996 Steve McMichael World Championship Wrestling
1997Dusty Rhodes
1998 Lee Marshall
1999 Tony Schiavone
2000
2001 Michael Cole World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Jerry Lawler
2003 Jonathan Coachman
2004 Todd Grisham
2005Jonathan Coachman
2006Todd Grisham
2007 Don West Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008 Mike Adamle World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009Michael Cole
2010
2011
2012
2013 Taz Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2014 John "Bradshaw" Layfield WWE
2015
2016 David Otunga
2017Booker T
2018Jonathan Coachman
2019 Corey Graves
2020Michael Cole
2021Corey Graves
2022
2023Booker T

Best Major Wrestling Show

WrestleMania X-Seven, the first of two editions of WrestleMania to win this award. WMX-Seven2.jpg
WrestleMania X-Seven, the first of two editions of WrestleMania to win this award.
YearShowPromotion
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
1992WrestlemarinpiadAll Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1993Dream 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

YearShowPromotion
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

Jimmy Snuka was the first winner of the award, winning in 1981 Jimmy Superfly Snuka Paparazzo Photography.jpg
Jimmy Snuka was the first winner of the award, winning in 1981
Kenny Omega performing the One Winged Angel, the move which has won this award the most times at four Kenny Omega Katayoku no Tenshi.JPG
Kenny Omega performing the One Winged Angel, the move which has won this award the most times at four
YearWrestlerManeuverPromotion(s)
1981Jimmy Snuka Superfly splash (Diving Splash) World Wrestling Federation
1982 Super Destroyer Superplex National Wrestling Alliance
1983Jimmy SnukaSuperfly splashWorld Wrestling Federation
1984British Bulldogs Military press followed by a missile dropkick
1985Tiger Mask II Tope con Giro All Japan Pro Wrestling
1986 Chavo Guerrero Moonsault block World Wrestling Association
1987Keiichi Yamada Shooting star press Stampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Star Promotions
1988
1989Scott Steiner Frankensteiner World Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1990
1991 Masao Orihara Moonsault to the outside of the ringNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1992 2 Cold Scorpio 450° splash World Championship Wrestling
1993VaderMoonsault
1994The Great SasukeSasuke SpecialMichinoku Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1995Rey Misterio Jr. Flip dive into a frankensteiner on the floorExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996Último Dragón Running Liger bomb (Running Sitout Powerbomb) World Championship Wrestling
Wrestle Association R
1997Diamond Dallas Page Diamond Cutter (Jumping Cutter) World Championship Wrestling
1998Kenta Kobashi Burning Hammer (Inverted Death Valley Bomb) All Japan Pro Wrestling
1999Dragon Kid Dragonrana (Somersault Hurricanrana) Toryumon Japan
2000
2001Keiji Mutoh/The Great Muta Shining Wizard/Sensou Yojutsu New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002Brock Lesnar F-5 (Fireman's Carry Facebuster) World Wrestling Entertainment
2003A.J. Styles Styles Clash (Belly-to-back inverted mat slam) Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2004Petey Williams Canadian Destroyer (Flip Piledriver) Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2005
2006Kenta Go 2 Sleep Pro Wrestling Noah
Ring of Honor
2007
2008Evan BourneAir Bourne (Shooting star press)World Wrestling Entertainment
2009The Young BucksMore 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
2010Ricochet Double rotation moonsault Dragon Gate USA
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2011
2012Kazuchika Okada Rainmaker (Short-arm lariat) New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013
2014The Young BucksMeltzer Driver (Springboard Somersault Senton Spike Kneeling Belly-to-belly piledriver)New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2015A.J. StylesStyles ClashNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2016Kenny Omega One-Winged Angel (One-handed Electric Chair Driver) New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017
2018
2019Will OspreayStorm Breaker (Double Underhook Canadian Backbreaker Rack followed by a modified Corkscrew Neckbreaker)
2020Kenny OmegaOne Winged AngelAll Elite Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2021"Hangman" Adam PageBuckshot Lariat (Slingshot flipping lariat)All Elite Wrestling
2022Will OspreayHidden 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

YearPromotional TacticPromotion(s)
1981Monster character (Tony Hernandez)LeBelle Promotions
1982 Bob Backlund as WWF ChampionWorld 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
1985Usage of Mike Von Erich's near-death to sell ticketsWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1986Comparing Chris Adams' blindness angle with the death of Gino Hernandez
1987Exploitation 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 caseWorld Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
1990Atsushi Onita stabbed by José González two years after Bruiser Brody stabbing caseFrontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1991Exploiting the Persian Gulf War (Sgt. Slaughter Iraqi sympathizer angle)World Wrestling Federation
1992Pushing Erik Watts World Championship Wrestling
1993 Cactus Jack gets amnesia
1994Ric 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
1998Exploiting Scott Hall's alcoholism World Championship Wrestling
1999 Over the Edge pay-per-view continuing after the death of Owen HartWorld 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
2002Triple H accusing Kane of murder and necrophilia (Katie Vick)
2003 McMahons all over the product
2004Kane and Lita pregnancy/wedding/miscarriage angle
2005Not editing out a terrorist angle (Muhammad Hassan attacking The Undertaker) for air on day of London bombings
2006Exploitation of the death of Eddie Guerrero
2007Signing 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 wrestlerTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008Teasing 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
2010Stand Up For WWE campaign launched in conjunction with Linda McMahon's US Senate run
2011Promoting an anti-bullying campaign despite blatant mistreatment of Jim Ross
2012CM Punk and Paul Heyman exploiting Jerry Lawler's real-life heart attack, playing footage of him near death
2013Exploitation of the death of Bill Moody (Paul Bearer)
2014Insulting fans who purchased PPVs
2015Using Reid Fliehr's death in an angle
2016 Kimbo vs. Dada 5000 fight Bellator MMA
2017Promoting Jimmy Snuka as a hero in death not long after his trial over the death of Nancy ArgentinoWWE
2018 Relationship with Saudi Arabia
2019
2020Firing people during a global pandemic while setting profit records
2021
2022Vince McMahon appearing on television for a crowd pop after sexual misconduct allegations came out
2023WWE enabling Vince McMahon and him being back in power, and TKO keeping him in a position of power

Worst Television Show

YearProgramPromotion
1984 All-Star Wrestling World Wrestling Federation
1985Championship Wrestling from FloridaChampionship Wrestling from Florida
1986California Championship WrestlingCalifornia Championship Wrestling
1987World Class Championship WrestlingWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1988 Championship Wrestling American Wrestling Association
1989 ICW Wrestling International Championship Wrestling
1990Championship WrestlingAmerican 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
1997United States Wrestling AssociationUnited States Wrestling Association
1998 Monday Nitro World Championship Wrestling
1999 Thunder
2000
2001 Excess World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Monday Night Raw
2003
2004Friday Night SmackDown!
2005
2006Monday Night Raw
2007 Impact!/Impact Wrestling Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012Monday Night RawWWE
2013Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2014Monday Night RawWWE
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 NWA Powerrr National Wrestling Alliance

Worst Match of the Year

Note: Named "Worst Worked Match of the Year" until 2018.

Hulk Hogan won the award for a record three straight years. Hulk Hogan.jpg
Hulk Hogan won the award for a record three straight years.
YearMatchPromotionVenue 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
1987Hulk 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
1989André the Giant vs. The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV
Topeka, Kansas
October 31
1990Sid Vicious vs. The Nightstalker World Championship Wrestling Clash of the Champions XIII
Jacksonville, Florida
November 20
1991Bobby 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
1994The Royal Court vs. Clowns R' Us Survivor Series
San Antonio, Texas
November 23
1995Sting vs. Tony PalmoraNew Japan Pro-Wrestling Battle 7
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
1996Hulk 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
1997Hollywood Hogan vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper SuperBrawl
Daly City, California
February 23
1998Hollywood 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
2000Pat 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 7
2003Triple H vs. Scott Steiner Royal Rumble
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19
2004 Tyson Tomko vs. Stevie Richards Unforgiven
Portland, Oregon
September 12
2005Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore Long Survivor Series
Detroit, Michigan
November 27
2006 Reverse Battle Royal Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Impact!
Orlando, Florida
October 26
2007James Storm vs. Chris Harris
Six Sides of Steel Blindfold match
Lockdown
St. Louis, Missouri
April 15
2008Edge vs. Triple H vs. Vladimir KozlovWorld 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 EntertainmentNXT
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
October 19
2011Sting vs. Jeff HardyTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling Victory Road
Orlando, Florida
March 13
2012John 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
2014John 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
2017Bray Wyatt vs. Randy OrtonWWE WrestleMania 33
Orlando, Florida
April 2
2018 D-Generation X vs. Brothers of Destruction Crown Jewel
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
November 2
2019Seth 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
2021The Miz vs. Damian Priest
Lumberjack match
WrestleMania Backlash
Tampa, Florida
May 16
2022Pat McAfee vs. Mr. McMahon Wrestlemania 38 Night 2
Arlington, Texas
April 3
2023Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight
Mountain Dew Pitch Black match
Royal Rumble
San Antonio, Texas
January 28

Worst Feud of the Year

Adam Cole, June 2022 (cropped).jpg
MJF May 2019.jpg
Adam Cole/The Devil and MJF are the most recent winners of the award, for the 2023 MJF/Devil storyline in AEW.
YearFeudPromotion
1984André the Giant vs. Big John StuddWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris Zhukov American Wrestling Association
1986The Machines vs. King Kong Bundy and John StuddWorld Wrestling Federation
1987 George Steele vs. Danny Davis
1988 The Midnight Rider vs. Tully Blanchard Jim Crockett Promotions
1989André the Giant vs. The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard DogWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. SlaughterWorld Wrestling Federation
1992The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango
1993The Undertaker vs. Giant González
1994Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the Clown
1995Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon of Doom World Championship Wrestling
1996Big Bubba vs. John Tenta
1997 The D.O.A. vs. Los Boricuas World Wrestling Federation
1998Hollywood Hogan vs. The WarriorWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Big Boss Man vs. Big ShowWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman World Championship Wrestling
2001WWF vs. The Alliance
The Invasion storyline
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2002Triple H vs. Kane
2003Kane vs. Shane McMahon
2004Kane vs. Matt Hardy and Lita
2005McMahon Family vs. Jim Ross
2006McMahon Family vs. D-Generation X
2007Kane vs. Big Daddy V
2008Kane vs. Rey Mysterio
2009 Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero
2010Edge vs. Kane
2011Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
2012John Cena vs. Kane
2013Big Show vs. The Authority
2014Brie Bella vs. Nikki Bella
2015Team 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
2019Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
2020Braun Strowman vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
2021Randy Orton vs. The Fiend & Alexa Bliss
2022The Miz vs. Dexter Lumis
2023 MJF vs. The Devil All Elite Wrestling

Worst Promotion of the Year

Impact Wrestling, formerly and currently known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, is an 11-time winner of the category, having won every year from 2007 to 2017. TNA ring.jpg
Impact Wrestling, formerly and currently known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, is an 11-time winner of the category, having won every year from 2007 to 2017.
YearPromotion
1986American Wrestling Association
1987World Class Championship Wrestling
1988American Wrestling Association
1989
1990
1991 Universal Wrestling Federation
1992Global Wrestling Federation
1993World Championship Wrestling
1994
1995
1996American Wrestling Federation
1997United States Wrestling Association
1998World Championship Wrestling
1999
2000
2001
2002 Xtreme Pro Wrestling
2003 Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling
2004New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2005
2006World Wrestling Entertainment
2007Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018WWE
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023National Wrestling Alliance

Best Booker

JimCornette2015Cropped.jpg
Paul Heyman WrestleMania 32 Axxess.jpg
Jim Cornette (top) and Paul Heyman (bottom) are the only winners of the category who won the award for work in two separate promotions.
Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, is the most recent winner of the category and is a two-time winner overall. Triple H November 2017.jpg
Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, is the most recent winner of the category and is a two-time winner overall.
YearBookerPromotion(s)
1986Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1987Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Eddie Gilbert Continental Wrestling Federation
1989 Shohei Baba All Japan Pro Wrestling
1990
1991
1992Riki ChoshuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1993Jim CornetteSmoky Mountain Wrestling
1994Paul HeymanExtreme Championship Wrestling
1995
1996
1997
1998Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1999
2000
2001Jim Cornette Ohio Valley Wrestling
2002Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Jim CornetteOhio Valley Wrestling
2004 Gabe Sapolsky Ring of Honor
Full Impact Pro
2005
2006
2007
2008Joe SilvaUltimate Fighting Championship
2009
2010
2011 Gedo and Jado New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2012
2013
2014
2015 Paul Levesque and Ryan WardWWE
2016GedoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017
2018
2019
2020 Tony Khan All Elite Wrestling
2021
2022
2023Paul LevesqueWWE

Promoter of the Year


YearPromoterPromotion(s)
1988 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1989Akira Maeda Universal Wrestling Federation
1990Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995Riki ChoshuNew 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

The Undertaker is a five-time winner of the category. Undertaker with Fire.jpg
The Undertaker is a five-time winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1986 Adrian Street Continental Championship Wrestling
1987Ted DiBiaseWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Rick SteinerJim Crockett Promotions
1989Jushin LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1990The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 Disco Inferno World Championship Wrestling
1996 nWo
1997Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
1998
1999The Rock
2000Kurt Angle
2001 The Hurricane
2002Matt Hardy
2003John Cena
2004John "Bradshaw" Layfield
2005 Mr. Kennedy
2006 The Latin American Xchange Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2007 Santino Marella World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008
2009CM Punk
2010 Alberto Del Rio
2011CM Punk
2012 Joseph Park Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013 The Wyatt Family WWE
2014Rusev and Lana
2015 The New Day
2016"Broken" Matt HardyTotal 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

Dustin Runnels is a three-time winner of the category under three different gimmicks (Goldust, The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust and Black Reign). Dustin Rhodes Mar 2019.jpg
Dustin Runnels is a three-time winner of the category under three different gimmicks (Goldust, The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust and Black Reign).
Adam Cole/The Devil won the category in 2023 for his work in AEW under his alter ego, The Devil. Adam Cole, June 2022 (cropped).jpg
Adam Cole/The Devil won the category in 2023 for his work in AEW under his alter ego, The Devil.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1986Adrian AdonisWorld 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
1992Papa ShangoWorld 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
1997The 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
2017Bray Wyatt/Sister AbigailWWE
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

YearBookAuthor(s)
2005 The Death of WCW Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds
2006Tangled Ropes "Superstar" Billy Graham and Keith Elliot Greenberg
2007 Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling Bret Hart
2008Gorgeous George: The Bad Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop CultureJohn Capouya
2009Midnight Express 25th Anniversary ScrapbookJim Cornette
2010Countdown to LockdownMick Foley
2011Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy StepsChris Jericho
2012Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional WrestlingJonathan 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
2015Yes!: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleManiaDaniel Bryan and Craig Tello
2016Ali vs. InokiJosh Gross
2017 Crazy Like a Fox: The Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later Liam O'Rourke
2018Eggshells: Pro Wrestling in the Tokyo DomeChris Charlton
2019 100 Things a WWE Fan Should Know & Do Before They Die Bryan Alvarez
2020 Killing the Business The Young Bucks
2021Mox Jon Moxley
2022Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling’s Original SheikBrian Solomon
2023The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of "Nature Boy" Ric FlairTim Hornbaker

Best Pro Wrestling DVD/Streaming Documentary

Note: Was previously known simply as the "Best Pro Wrestling DVD" award.

WWE has won the award a record 11 times. WWE official logo.svg
WWE has won the award a record 11 times.
YearDVD/Streaming DocumentaryPublisher(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
2007Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen
2008"Nature Boy" Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection
2009Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection
2010Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho
2011Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart: WWE's Greatest Rivalries
2012CM Punk: Best in the World
2013Jim Crockett Promotions: The Good Old DaysEllBow Productions
Highspots.com
2014Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name Is Paul HeymanWWE
2015Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!
2016 WWE 24: Seth Rollins (Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim)
2017 30 for 30: Nature BoyESPN
2018 André the Giant HBO
2019 Dark Side of the Ring Viceland
2020Dark Side of the Ring: Owen Hart
2021Dark Side of the Ring: Brian Pillman
2022Tales From the Territories: Lawler/Kaufman
2023Dark Side of the Ring: Chris and Tammy

Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award

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.

Shad Gaspard WWE CrymeTyme.jpg
Brodie Lee at Alpha 1 crop.jpg
Shad Gaspard and Jon Huber are the co-namesakes of the category.
YearRecipient(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 StalveyAssisted 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 ColemanThe 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

Class A awards

Most Impressive Wrestler

Dynamite Kid is a three-time winner of the category. Dynamite Kid British Bulldogs.jpg
Dynamite Kid is a three-time winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980Ken PateraWorld Wrestling Federation
1981 Don Muraco
1982 Tiger Mask New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre
1983Dynamite KidStampede Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1984Stampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
1985World Wrestling Federation
All Japan Pro Wrestling

Most Washed Up Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion(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
1984Jimmy Snuka
1985Sgt. SlaughterAmerican Wrestling Association

Strongest Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1981 Tony Atlas World Wrestling Federation
National Wrestling Alliance
1982Ken PateraWorld Wrestling Federation
1983Hulk HoganAmerican 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
1987Steve WilliamsJim Crockett Promotions
Universal Wrestling Federation
1988Jim Crockett Promotions/World Championship Wrestling
1989
1990All Japan Pro Wrestling

Best Three-Man Team

YearTeamPromotion(s)
1983The Fabulous Freebirds
(Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts)
World Class Championship Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance

Most Unimproved

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1984Jimmy SnukaWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Sgt. SlaughterAmerican Wrestling Association
1986 Bob Orton World Wrestling Federation
1987Butch Reed
1988Bam Bam Bigelow
1989Jim Duggan
1990StingWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Davey Boy SmithWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Randy Savage
1993Rick RudeWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Hulk Hogan [8]
1995

Most Obnoxious

Vince McMahon is a six-time winner of the category. Vince McMahon 2.jpg
Vince McMahon is a six-time winner of the category.
YearPerformerPromotion(s)
1981 Gene LeBell National Wrestling Alliance
1982David Crockett
1983Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1984
1985
1986
1987David CrockettJim Crockett Promotions
1988Dusty Rhodes
1989World Championship Wrestling
1990Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1991Herb AbramsUniversal Wrestling Federation
1992 Bill Watts World Championship Wrestling
1993Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Hulk HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1995

Best Babyface

Note: "Best Babyface" and "Best Heel" were combined in 1997 to create "Best Box Office Draw"

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980Dusty RhodesNational Wrestling Alliance
1981 Tommy Rich
1982Hulk HoganAmerican Wrestling Association
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1983
1984World Wrestling Federation
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992StingWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Atsushi OnitaFrontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1994
1995 Perro Aguayo Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1996Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Federation

Best Heel

The Million Dollar Man - Ted DiBiase.jpg
MCCC 15 - Roddy Piper (17472387653).jpg
Ted DiBiase and Roddy Piper are two-time winners of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1980Larry ZbyszkoWorld Wrestling Federation
1981 Don Muraco
1982Buzz SawyerGeorgia Championship Wrestling
1983Michael HayesWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1984Roddy PiperWorld Wrestling Federation
1985
1986Michael HayesWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Ted DiBiaseWorld Wrestling Federation
1988
1989Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Ric Flair
1991The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Rick RudeWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Vader
1994Art BarrAsistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995Masahiro ChonoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1996Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation

Biggest Shock of the Year

Harley Race has been named in two Biggest Shock of the Year. Harley race.jpg
Harley Race has been named in two Biggest Shock of the Year.
YearEvent
1981Tommy Rich winning the NWA World Championship from Harley Race
1982 Otto Wanz winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship
1983Ric Flair losing the NWA Championship to Harley Race
1984The death of David Von Erich
1985WWF getting on network television
1986 Magnum T. A.'s car accident
1987 Jim Crockett Jr. purchasing the Universal Wrestling Federation
1988The murder of Bruiser Brody
1989Dusty Rhodes joining the WWF

Hardest Worker

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1982Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Dynamite KidStampede Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1984Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1985Jim Crockett Promotions
1986
1987
1988
1989Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling

Manager of the Year

YearManagerPromotion(s)
1983Jimmy HartContinental Wrestling Association
1984Jim CornetteMid-South Wrestling
World Class Championship Wrestling
1985Jim Crockett Promotions
1986
1987
1988
1989World Championship Wrestling
1990
1991 Sherri Martel World Wrestling Federation
1992Jim CornetteSmoky Mountain Wrestling
1993
1994
1995World Wrestling Federation
Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1996

Class B awards

Best Color Commentator

Jesse Ventura is a four-time winner of the category. Esse Ventura 2000.jpg
Jesse Ventura is a four-time winner of the category.
YearCommentatorPromotion(s)
1986Michael 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
1994World Championship Wrestling
1995Jerry LawlerWorld Wrestling Federation
1996

Readers' Favorite Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1984Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989World Championship Wrestling
1990
1991World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1992World Wrestling Federation
1993World Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
1994 Sabu Extreme Championship Wrestling
Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1995Manami ToyotaAll Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1996Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Chris Benoit
1998Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Chris JerichoWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2000Chris Benoit
2001Keiji MutohNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003

Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1984 Ivan Putski World Wrestling Federation
1985Hulk Hogan
1986
1987Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1988
1989Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1990
1991Hulk Hogan
1992Erik WattsWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Sid Vicious
1994Hulk Hogan
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000Kevin Nash
2001The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Triple H
2003

Worst Wrestler

Andre the Giant is a three-time winner of the category. Andre the Giant in the late '80s.jpg
André the Giant is a three-time winner of the category.
YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1984Ivan PutskiWorld Wrestling Federation
1985 Uncle Elmer
1986Mike Von ErichWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Junkyard DogWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Ultimate Warrior
1989André the Giant
1990Junkyard DogWorld Championship Wrestling
1991André the GiantAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992
1993 The Equalizer World Championship Wrestling
1994Dave Sullivan
1995 The Renegade
1996 Loch Ness
1997Hulk Hogan
1998Warrior
1999Kevin Nash
2000
2001Big ShowWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003 Nathan Jones

Worst Tag Team

YearTag TeamPromotion(s)
1984 The Crusher and Baron von Raschke American Wrestling Association
1985The Hillbillies (Uncle Elmer and Cousin Junior)World Wrestling Federation
1986George 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)
1990Giant Baba and André the GiantAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991
1992The Bushwhackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller)World Wrestling Federation
1993The Colossal Kongs (King Kong and Awesome Kong)World Championship Wrestling
1994The BushwhackersWorld Wrestling Federation
1995 Dick Slater and Bunkhouse Buck World Championship Wrestling
1996 The Godwinns (Henry Godwinn and Phineas Godwinn)World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998The Oddities (Golga and Kurrgan)
1999 The Corporate Ministry (Viscera and Mideon)
2000KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark)World Championship Wrestling
2001World 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

Mr. Fuji is an eleven-time winner of the category. Mr Fuji (cropped).jpg
Mr. Fuji is an eleven-time winner of the category.
YearManagerPromotion(s)
1984 Mr. Fuji World Wrestling Federation
1985
1986 Paul Jones Jim Crockett Promotions
1987Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996 Sonny Onoo World Championship Wrestling
1997
1998
1999

Worst on Interviews

The Ultimate Warrior is a five-time winner of the category. The Ultimate Warrior.jpg
The Ultimate Warrior is a five-time winner of the category.
YearPerformerPromotion(s)
1984Jimmy SnukaWorld Wrestling Federation
1985 Thunderbolt Patterson National Wrestling Alliance
1986Mike Von ErichWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Bugsy McGrawJim Crockett Promotions
1988Steve Williams
1989Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1990
1991
1992
1993Mr. Fuji
1994Dave SullivanWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Hulk Hogan
1996 Ahmed Johnson World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998WarriorWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Sid Vicious
2000 Vince Russo
2001Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003

Most Embarrassing Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion(s)
1986Adrian AdonisWorld Wrestling Federation
1987George Steele
1988
1989André the Giant
1990Dusty Rhodes
1991 Van Hammer World Championship Wrestling
1992Papa ShangoWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Bastion Booger
1994Doink the Clown
1995Hulk HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1996
1997 The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust World Wrestling Federation
1998WarriorWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Hulk Hogan
2000
2001 Buff Bagwell World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2002Big ShowWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Nathan Jones

Worst Non-Wrestling Personality

Stephanie McMahon is a three-time winner of the category. Sephanie WWF - King of the Ring 2000 cropped.jpg
Stephanie McMahon is a three-time winner of the category.
YearPersonalityPromotion
2000Vince RussoWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003

Wrestling Observer Decade Awards

Kurt Angle, best wrestler of the 2000s Kurt Angle 2005-08-21.jpg
Kurt Angle, best wrestler of the 2000s
Hiroshi Tanahashi, best wrestler of the 2010s Hiroshi Tanahashi.JPG
Hiroshi Tanahashi, best wrestler of the 2010s

2000s

2010s

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puroresu</span> Japanese professional wrestling

Puroresu (プロレス) is the predominant style of professional wrestling that has developed in Japan. The term comes from the Japanese pronunciation of "professional wrestling", which is shortened to puroresu. The term became popular among English-speaking fans due to Hisaharu Tanabe's activities in the online Usenet community. Growing out of origins in the traditional US style of wrestling, it has become an entity in itself. Japanese pro wrestling is distinct in its psychology and presentation of the sport. It is treated closer to a legitimate competition, with fewer theatrics; the stories told in Japanese matches are about a fighter's spirit and perseverance. In strong style, the style most typically associated with puroresu, full contact strikes and submission holds are implemented. Pro wrestling in Japan led to the development of shoot wrestling and has been closely related to mixed martial arts (MMA) starting with Shooto and Pancrase, organizations which predate the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), along with influencing subsequent promotions such as RINGS and PRIDE. It is common for pro wrestlers and MMA fighters in Japan to cross over.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryan Alvarez</span> American professional wrestler, editor, publisher, radio/podcast host

Bryan Alvarez is an American independent professional wrestler, martial artist, satellite radio host, podcaster, and journalist. Alvarez is the editor and publisher of Figure Four Weekly, a fan run, online newsletter that has covered professional wrestling since 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gedo (wrestler)</span> Japanese professional wrestler

Keiji Takayama is a Japanese professional wrestler and manager, currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) under the ring name Gedo. Gedo has been the main booker of NJPW since the early 2010s. As a wrestler, Gedo is best known for his tag team work with partner Jado, forming a very successful tag team from 1990 through the mid-2010s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mauro Ranallo</span> Canadian sports commentator

Mauro Domenico Ranallo is a Canadian sports announcer, commentator and mental health advocate. He is currently signed as a play-by-play announcer with MMA organization Bellator, and also performs play-by-play duties for boxing broadcaster Showtime. He is also known for his time with WWE on the NXT and SmackDown brands. He has experience in Canadian football, ice hockey, professional wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jado</span> Japanese professional wrestler

Shoji Akiyoshi is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Jado (邪道). He is best known for his work in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as part of a tag team with his partner Gedo. Jado and Gedo's careers have largely paralleled each other, except for a brief period Jado spent in Universal Lucha Libre in 1993, a stint in Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) in 1997 where they were on opposing sides, and Jado not having emulated Gedo's tour of North America with World Championship Wrestling. The World Class Tag team has held numerous championships in wrestling, including NJPW's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, the Universal Wrestling Association's UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Title, and Dragon Gate's International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, as well as having won NJPW's Super J Tag League once. Jado and Gedo are co-head bookers of NJPW.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katsuyori Shibata</span> Japanese professional wrestler and trainer

Katsuyori Shibata is a Japanese professional wrestler, mixed martial artist and professional wrestling trainer currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He also makes appearances for AEW's sister promotion Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH Pure Champion. In professional wrestling, he is known for his hard hitting offense. He spent most of his career with NJPW as both a wrestler and trainer. In NJPW, he is a former three-time NEVER Openweight Champion, a one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion, and the winner of the 2017 New Japan Cup. He is also a former holder of Revolution Pro Wrestling's RPW British Heavyweight Championship. From March 2018 to July 2023, Shibata served as the head coach of NJPW's dojo in Los Angeles.

Henri Deglane was a French wrestler. He was an Olympic Champion in Greco-Roman wrestling and AWA World Champion.

Enter the Dragon / Open the Historic Gate is the first professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by Dragon Gate USA that was taped on July 25, 2009 at The Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and aired September 4, 2009.

Jado & Gedo were a professional wrestling tag team that currently work in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where they are also the head bookers. One of the most accomplished tag teams in puroresu, the team has won numerous tag team titles and six-man tag team titles in over seven promotions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrestle Kingdom VI</span>

Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion, which took place at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on January 4, 2012. It was the 21st January 4 Tokyo Dome Show and the sixth held under the "Wrestle Kingdom" name. This was the final Wrestle Kingdom where a Roman numeral was used as part of the event's name. The event featured twelve matches, three of which were contested for championships. Wrestle Kingdom is traditionally NJPW's biggest event of the year and has been described as their equivalent to WWE's WrestleMania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JWP Joshi Puroresu</span> Japanese professional wrestling promotion

JWP Joshi Puroresu, also known as JWP Project or simply JWP, was a Japanese joshi puroresu promotion, founded in 1992 as a splinter promotion of Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling. Celebrating its 25th anniversary at the time of its folding in 2017, JWP was the oldest joshi puroresu promotion in Japan and its Openweight Championship was the oldest championship in all of joshi. Command Bolshoi, who had worked for the promotion since the beginning, served as the final president of JWP. The promotion's slogan was "Pure Heart, Pure Wrestling".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King of Pro-Wrestling (2012)</span>

King of Pro-Wrestling (2012) was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took place on October 8, 2012, in Tokyo at Ryōgoku Kokugikan. The event featured nine matches, five of which were contested for championships. This event marked the first time a NJPW PPV could be bought outside Japan, through Ustream. It was the first event under the King of Pro-Wrestling name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Invasion Attack (2013)</span>

Invasion Attack was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took place on April 7, 2013, in Tokyo at Ryōgoku Kokugikan. The event featured nine matches, five of which were contested for championships. As part of the "invasion" theme, the event featured title matches involving championships from Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as well as participation from outside workers Akebono and Bob Sapp. It was the first event under the Invasion Attack name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back to the Yokohama Arena</span> 2014 New Japan Pro-Wrestling pay-per-view event

Back to the Yokohama Arena was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took take place on May 25, 2014, at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Kanagawa and marked NJPW's first event at the arena in eleven years. The event, considered one of NJPW's biggest of the year, following Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome and the finals of the G1 Climax, featured four championship matches and was headlined by a match for the promotion's top title, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The event aired domestically as a regular PPV and internationally as an internet PPV. While the show was praised for its match quality, it was considered a disappointment due to poor attendance numbers. NJPW did not return to the Yokohama Arena until 8 years later, on the third night of Wrestle Kingdom 16 in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrestle Kingdom 7</span>

Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion, which took place at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on January 4, 2013. It was the 22nd January 4 Tokyo Dome Show and the seventh held under the "Wrestle Kingdom" name. The event featured eleven matches, five of which were contested for championships. Wrestle Kingdom is traditionally NJPW's biggest event of the year and has been described as their equivalent to WWE's WrestleMania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supercard of Honor XI</span> Professional wrestling event

Supercard of Honor XI was the 11th Supercard of Honor professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by American promotion Ring of Honor (ROH). It took place Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida. With an attendance of 3,500, the event set a new ROH attendance record.

The Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards are Japanese professional wrestling, or puroresu, awards that have been handed out by the Tokyo Sports magazine annually since 1974. The most publicized awards in Japanese professional wrestling, they are recognized by all the major promotions in the country, including All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Noah.

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  4. Meltzer, Dave (March 15, 2021). "AEW REVOLUTION, WRESTLEMANIA 37 TICKET DETAILS" . Wrestling Observer Newsletter .
  5. Meltzer, Dave (April 4, 2022). "TRIPLE H ANNOUNCES IN-RING RETIREMENT, WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND" . Wrestling Observer Newsletter .
  6. Meltzer, Dave (March 6, 2023). "MJF VS. BRYAN DANIELSON PREVIEW, WRESTLEMANIA 39 UPDATES" . Wrestling Observer Newsletter .
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Sources