This is a list of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards, current and defunct. The awards are given on a yearly basis in various categories such as Wrestler of the Year, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Best Tag Team, Most Improved, etc. Currently, there are 37 active categories and 10 that are inactive. The awards are voted for by the readership of the newsletter, which includes various professional wrestling insiders, such as promoters, agents, and performers, as well as journalists, historians, and fans.
The awards are organized into two classes. For class 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 class B awards, voters simply indicate their top choice.
In the December 3, 2007 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was announced that from 2007 onwards Mixed Martial Artists are not eligible for the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award and will be for wrestlers only. Shootfighter of the year will be renamed to Most Outstanding Fighter. A new award has been created called MMA Most Valuable Fighter which is similar to the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award except it is for Mixed Martial Artists.
Current awards
Class A awards
This award is given to the professional wrestlers who have the ability to carry an entire promotion by themselves by means of being in the main event of every major show, having the best matches, and being the most compelling, iconic figure in the business at the moment; it could be seen as a most valuable player award by many. Before 2007, mixed martial artists were eligible for this award, but it became exclusive to professional wrestlers after mixed martial artists were given their own award to recognize similar aspects for their sport.
MMA Most Valuable Fighter
This is for a combination of the physical credibility of the fighter as well as the fighter's significance as far as a business aspect is concerned, as they are seen as an asset to where ever they compete. This award was developed in 2007 to recognize a mixed martial artist who exemplified these qualities. Prior to that, they were eligible for the Lou Thesz/ Ric Flair Award, which recognized similar qualities, but has since become exclusive to professional wrestlers with the advent of this award.
Most Outstanding Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who has had some of the best-performed matches that year by way of a high workrate among others. These wrestlers are known for having solid foundations in their abilities, which aid them into having these lauded matches. It has also become a hallmark for wrestlers who have revolutionized in-ring competition with their own individual panache in the matches. The award was developed in 1986 to distinguish between the wrestler of the year on grounds of overall wrestling skills.
Best Box Office Draw
This award is given to the wrestler/ mixed martial artist who can easily get people to attend a show by simply having their name on the card, regardless of their position on it. This is seen as a pinnacle to the term of a wrestler's "drawing power" to having potential high attendance.
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- 2003: Bob Sapp (K-1/ NJPW)
- 2004: Kenta Kobashi (Pro Wrestling NOAH)
- 2005: Kenta Kobashi (Pro Wrestling NOAH)
- 2006: Místico (CMLL)
- 2007: John Cena (WWE)
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Feud of the Year
This is given to the feud/ storyline that is the most engaging to the crowd for its, among many aspects, intensity, realism, matches, build up, and quality. The vast majority of these feuds were at least six months, which is a good amount of time to establish the intensity, as well the three-dimensional nature that lots of feuds have been developing in professional wrestling. Mixed martial arts, however, can have the chance to win this award based on the legitimate heat two people have towards each other before a fight.
Tag Team of the Year
This is given to the tag team who could carry an entire tag team division by itself through their cohesiveness and ability to have excellent matches and feuds. Some actually see the team in question as the focal point of the company, as many have gone on to main event many shows or be the biggest-drawing attraction.
Most Improved
This is given to the wrestler who had shown the greatest improvement since prior years. It could be seen as an overall improvement, or in some cases, an improvement in overall wrestling skills after years of mediocrity, depsite being in a good card place, but there is a desire to improve. It has also been use to herald wrestlers that have a younger career that have continued to learn and become better.
Best on Interviews
This award is given to the wrestler who has delivered some of the most interesting, crowd-engaging interviews and promos in the respective year they won. These individuals who have won this award have been able to get over immensely with the crowd by being able to speak well. It was more traditionally a role for managers, but has since progressed onto wrestlers who are well-versed enough.
- 1981: Lou Albano and Roddy Piper (WWF)
- 1982: Roddy Piper (NWA)
- 1983: Roddy Piper (NWA)
- 1984: Jimmy Hart (WWF)
- 1985: Jim Cornette (Mid-South)
- 1986: Jim Cornette (NWA)
- 1987: Jim Cornette (NWA)
- 1988: Jim Cornette (NWA)
- 1989: Terry Funk (WCW)
- 1990: Arn Anderson (WCW)
- 1991: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1992: Ric Flair (WWF)
- 1993: Jim Cornette (SMW)
- 1994: Ric Flair (WCW)
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- 1995: Cactus Jack (ECW)
- 1996: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 1997: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 1998: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 1999: The Rock (WWF)
- 2000: The Rock (WWF)
- 2001: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 2002: Kurt Angle (WWE)
- 2003: Chris Jericho (WWE)
- 2004: Mick Foley (WWE/ HUSTLE)
- 2005: Eddie Guerrero (WWE)
- 2006: Mick Foley (WWE)
- 2007: John Cena (WWE)
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Most Charismatic
This is given to the wrestler who can garner the loudest, most intense reaction from a crowd during a respective year. The wrestler who wins this award is generally well-spoken or can tell a story throughout their match, which can make good reactions from the spectators.
- 1980: Ric Flair (NWA)
- 1981: Michael Hayes (WCCW)
- 1982: Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes (NWA)
- 1983: Ric Flair (NWA)
- 1984: Ric Flair (NWA)
- 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1987: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1988: Sting (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1990: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1991: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1992: Sting (WCW)
- 1993: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1994: Atsushi Onita (FMW)
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- 1995: Shawn Michaels (WWF)
- 1996: Shawn Michaels (WWF)
- 1997: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 1998: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 1999: The Rock (WWF)
- 2000: The Rock (WWF)
- 2001: The Rock (WWF)
- 2002: The Rock (WWF)
- 2003: Bob Sapp (K-1/ NJPW)
- 2004: Eddie Guerrero (WWE)
- 2005: Eddie Guerrero (WWE)
- 2006: John Cena (WWE)
- 2007: John Cena (WWE)
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Best Technical Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who has displayed the best pure wrestling skills over the past year that contains, innovation, intelligence, and most importantly, realistic credentials. This award is generally reserved for professional wrestlers, but a handful of mixed martial artists have gone on to win the award for their ability to grapple extraordinarily well in their sport, enough to be lauded over a wrestler. Conversely, though, most wrestlers who win this award have some form of a legitimate grappling background.
- 1980: Bob Backlund (WWF)
- 1981: Ted DiBiase (NWA)
- 1982: Tiger Mask (NJPW)
- 1983: Tiger Mask (NJPW)
- 1984: The Dynamite Kid (NJPW)
- 1985: Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW)
- 1986: Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW)
- 1987: Nobuhiko Takada (UWF)
- 1988: Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW)
- 1989: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1990: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1991: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1992: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1993: Hiroshi Hase (NJPW)
- 1994: Chris Benoit (NJPW/ ECW)
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- 1995: Chris Benoit (ECW/ WCW/ NJPW)
- 1996: Dean Malenko (WCW)
- 1997: Dean Malenko (WCW)
- 1998: Kiyoshi Tamura (PRIDE)
- 1999: Shinjiro Otani (NJPW)
- 2000: Chris Benoit (WWF/ WCW)
- 2001: Minoru Tanaka (NJPW)
- 2002: Kurt Angle (WWE)
- 2003: Chris Benoit (WWE)
- 2004: Chris Benoit (WWE)
- 2005: Bryan Danielson (ROH)
- 2006: Bryan Danielson (ROH)
- 2007: Bryan Danielson (ROH)
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This is given to the wrestler who has the most skill at performing strike-based moves or heavy shots. It should be noted they are able have very intense, realistic fights that engage the crowd when they perform. The name for this award was given to the considered father of the brawling style, Bruiser Brody, known for his bloody fights that won him the honor four times before his murder.
- 1980: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1981: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1982: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1983: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1984: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1985: Stan Hansen (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1986: Terry Gordy (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1988: Bruiser Brody (WWC)
- 1989: Terry Funk (WCW)
- 1990: Stan Hansen (WCW)
- 1991: Cactus Jack (WCW/ IWA Japan)
- 1992: Cactus Jack (WCW/ IWA Japan)
- 1993: Cactus Jack (WCW/ IWA Japan/ ECW)
- 1994: Cactus Jack (ECW/ WCW/ SMW)
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- 1995: Cactus Jack (ECW)
- 1996: Mankind (WWF)
- 1997: Mankind (WWF)
- 1998: Mankind (WWF)
- 1999: Mick Foley (WWF)
- 2000: Mick Foley (WWF)
- 2001: Steve Austin (WWF)
- 2002: Yoshihiro Takayama (NJPW)
- 2003: Brock Lesnar (WWE)
- 2004: Chris Benoit (WWE)
- 2005: Samoa Joe (ROH/ TNA)
- 2006: Samoa Joe (ROH/ TNA)
- 2007: Takeshi Morishima (ROH)
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Best Flying Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who has displayed the most exciting aerial-based offense in his matches.
- 1981: Jimmy Snuka (WWF/AJPW)
- 1982: Tiger Mask (NJPW)
- 1983: Tiger Mask (NJPW)
- 1984: The Dynamite Kid (NJPW)
- 1985: Tiger Mask II (AJPW)
- 1986: Tiger Mask II (AJPW)
- 1987: Owen Hart (NJPW)
- 1988: Owen Hart (NJPW)
- 1989: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1990: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1991: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1992: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1993: Jushin Liger (NJPW)
- 1994: The Great Sasuke (MPW)
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- 1995: Rey Misterio Jr. (AAA/ECW/WCW)
- 1996: Rey Misterio Jr. (WCW)
- 1997: Rey Misterio Jr. (WCW)
- 1998: Juventud Guerrera (WCW)
- 1999: Juventud Guerrera (WCW)
- 2000: Jeff Hardy (WWF)
- 2001: Dragon Kid (Toryumon)
- 2002: Rey Mysterio (WWE)
- 2003: Rey Mysterio (WWE)
- 2004: Rey Mysterio (WWE)
- 2005: A.J. Styles (TNA)
- 2006: Místico (CMLL)
- 2007: Místico (CMLL)
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Most Overrated
This is given to the wrestler that is considered to be the most over-hyped when their overall performance is taken into consideration.
- 1980: Mr. Wrestling II (NWA)
- 1981: Pedro Morales (WWF)
- 1982: Pedro Morales (WWF)
- 1983: Bob Backlund (WWF)
- 1984: Big John Studd (WWF)
- 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1987: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1988: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1990: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1991: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1992: Erik Watts (WCW)
- 1993: Sid Vicious (WCW)
- 1994: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
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- 1995: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1996: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1997: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1998: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1999: Kevin Nash (WCW)
- 2000: Kevin Nash (WCW)
- 2001: The Undertaker (WWF)
- 2002: Triple H (WWE)
- 2003: Triple H (WWE)
- 2004: Triple H (WWE)
- 2005: Jeff Jarrett (TNA)
- 2006: Batista (WWE)
- 2007: The Great Khali (WWE)
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Most Underrated
This is given to a wrestler who has performed memorably throughout the year, but hasn't been hyped up by their company, or who has performed mainly on the undercard.
- 1980: Iron Sheik (WWF)
- 1981: Buzz Sawyer (NWA)
- 1982: Adrian Adonis (WWF)
- 1983: The Dynamite Kid (NJPW)
- 1984: B. Brian Blair (WWF)
- 1985: Bobby Eaton (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1986: Bobby Eaton (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Brad Armstrong (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1988: Tiger Mask II (AJPW)
- 1989: Dan Kroffat (AJPW)
- 1990: Bobby Eaton (WCW)
- 1991: Terry Taylor (WWF)
- 1992: Terry Taylor (WWF)
- 1993: Bobby Eaton (WCW)
- 1994: Brian Pillman (WCW)
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This is given to the most valuable promotion each year.
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- 2007: Ultimate Fighting Championship
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Best Weekly Television Show
This is awarded for the best Wrestling/MMA show on TV.
- 1983: New Japan World Pro Wrestling
- 1984: New Japan World Pro Wrestling
- 1985: Mid South Wrestling
- 1986: Universal Wrestling Federation
- 1987: CWA 90 Minute Memphis Live Wrestling
- 1988: New Japan World Pro Wrestling
- 1989: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1990: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1991: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1992: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1993: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1994: ECW Hardcore TV
- 1995: ECW Hardcore TV
- 1996: ECW Hardcore TV
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This award is given to the best mixed martial artist each year. This was formerly an award to recognize overall fighters, but came to represent the sport of mixed martial arts similar to how "Most Outstanding Wrestler" represents professional wrestling.
Match of the Year
This is given to the best professional wrestling match each year.
- 1980: Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera (Texas Death match, New York City, Madison Square Garden, May 19)
- 1981: Pat Patterson vs. Sgt. Slaughter (Alley Fight, New York City, Madison Square Garden, April 21)
- 1982: Tiger Mask vs. The Dynamite Kid (Tokyo, August 5)
- 1983: Harley Race vs. Ric Flair (Steel Cage match, Starrcade, Greensboro, North Carolina, November 24)
- 1984: The Freebirds (Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts, and Michael Hayes) vs. The Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin, and Mike) (Anything Goes match, Fort Worth, Texas, July 4)
- 1985: Tiger Mask II vs. Kuniaki Kobayashi (Tokyo, June 12)
- 1986: Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham (Battle of the Belts II, Orlando, Florida, February 14)
- 1987: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (WrestleMania III, Pontiac, Michigan, March 29)
- 1988: Ric Flair vs. Sting (Clash of the Champions I, Greensboro, North Carolina, March 27)
- 1989: Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat (WrestleWar, Nashville, Tennessee, May 7)
- 1990: Jushin Liger vs. Naoki Sano (Osaka, January 31)
- 1991: Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Steiner Brothers (WCW/New Japan Supershow, Tokyo, March 21)
- 1992: Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Doug Furnas and Phil Lafon (Sendai, May 25)
- 1993: Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs. Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi Ozaki (Dream Slam II, Osaka, April 11)
- 1994: Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (Ladder match, WrestleMania X, New York City, Madison Square Garden, March 20)
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- 1995: Manami Toyota vs. Kyoko Inoue (Tokyo, May 7)
- 1996: Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama vs. Steve Williams and Johnny Ace (Tokyo, June 7)
- 1997: Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (Submission match, WrestleMania 13, Rosemont, Illinois, March 23)
- 1998: Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi (Tokyo, October 31)
- 1999: Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi (Tokyo, June 11)
- 2000: Atlantis vs. Villano III (Mexico City, March 17)
- 2001: Keiji Mutoh vs. Genichiro Tenryu (Tokyo, June 8)
- 2002: Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle vs. Edge and Rey Mysterio (No Mercy, North Little Rock, Arkansas, October 20)
- 2003: Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi (Tokyo, March 1)
- 2004: Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama (Tokyo, Tokyo Dome, July 10)
- 2005: Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa Joe (New York City, October 1)
- 2006: Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito, & Genki Horiguchi vs. Naruki Doi, CIMA, & Masato Yoshino (Chicago, March 31)
- 2007: Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima (New York City, August 25)
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Fight of the Year
This is given to the best MMA match each year.
- 1997: Maurice Smith vs. Mark Coleman (Birmingham, AL, July 27)
- 1998: Jerry Bohlander vs. Kevin Jackson (New Orleans, March 13)
- 1999: Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz (Lake Charles, LA, September 24)
- 2000: Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie (Tokyo, Tokyo Dome, May 1)
- 2001: Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo (Atlantic City, NJ, May 4)
- 2002: Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (Saitama, June 23)
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Rookie of the Year
This is given to the most talented relative newcomer to their respective sport.
Best Non-Wrestler
This is given to the person who can be just as important, if not more, than the wrestlers.
- 1999: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 2000: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 2001: Paul Heyman (WWF)
- 2002: Paul Heyman (WWE)
- 2003: Steve Austin (WWE)
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Best Television Announcer
This is given to the best television announcer at calling a match clearly and concisely.
- 1981: Gordon Solie (NWA)
- 1982: Gordon Solie (NWA)
- 1983: Gordon Solie (NWA)
- 1984: Lance Russell (CWA)
- 1985: Lance Russell (CWA)
- 1986: Lance Russell (CWA)
- 1987: Lance Russell (CWA)
- 1988: Jim Ross (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Jim Ross (WCW)
- 1990: Jim Ross (WCW)
- 1991: Jim Ross (WCW)
- 1992: Jim Ross (WCW)
- 1993: Jim Ross (WWF)
- 1994: Joey Styles (ECW)
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- 1995: Joey Styles (ECW)
- 1996: Joey Styles (ECW)
- 1997: Mike Tenay (WCW)
- 1998: Jim Ross (WWF)
- 1999: Jim Ross (WWF)
- 2000: Jim Ross (WWF)
- 2001: Jim Ross (WWF)
- 2002: Mike Tenay (TNA)
- 2003: Mike Tenay (TNA)
- 2004: Mike Tenay (TNA)
- 2005: Mike Tenay (TNA)
- 2006: Jim Ross (WWE)
- 2007: Jim Ross (WWE)
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Worst Television Announcer
This is given to the most annoying and least exciting announcer of the year.
- 1984: Angelo Mosca (WWF)
- 1985: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)
- 1986: David Crockett (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: David Crockett (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1988: David Crockett (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Ed Whalen (Stampede Wrestling)
- 1990: Herb Abrams (UWF)
- 1991: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)
- 1992: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)
- 1993: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)
- 1994: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)
- 1995: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)
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Best Major Show
This is given to the card that is a must-see for all wrestling/MMA fans.
Class B Awards
Worst Major Wrestling Show
This is given to the least enthralling event of the year.
Best Wrestling Maneuver
This is given to the most innovative wrestler for coming up with an exciting move.
This is given to the most distasteful wrestling storyline/event.
Worst Television Show
This is given to the least enthralling weekly television broadcast.
- 1984: WWF All-Star Wrestling
- 1985: Florida Championship Wrestling
- 1986: California Championship Wrestling
- 1987: World Class Championship Wrestling
- 1988: American Wrestling Association on ESPN
- 1989: ICW Wrestling
- 1990: American Wrestling Association on ESPN
- 1991: UWF Fury Hour
- 1992: GWF on ESPN
- 1993: GWF on ESPN
- 1994: WCW Saturday Night
- 1995: WCW Saturday Night
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- 1996: AWF Warriors of Wrestling
- 1997: United States Wrestling Association
- 1998: WCW Monday Nitro
- 1999: WCW Thunder
- 2000: WCW Thunder
- 2001: WWF Excess
- 2002: WWE Raw
- 2003: WWE Raw
- 2004: WWE SmackDown!
- 2005: WWE SmackDown!
- 2006: WWE Raw
- 2007: TNA Impact!
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Worst Worked Match of the Year
This is given to the poorest match performance or that with less enthusiasm than anything else that year.
- 1984: The Fabulous Moolah vs. Wendi Richter (New York, NY, July 23)
- 1985: Fred Blassie vs. Lou Albano (Nassau Coliseum)
- 1986: Roddy Piper vs. Mr. T - Boxing Match (WrestleMania 2, Uniondale, NY, April 7)
- 1987: Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant (WrestleMania III, Detroit, MI, March 29)
- 1988: Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tom Magee (Kawasaki, April 21)
- 1989: André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior (Topeka, KS, October 31)
- 1990: Sid Vicious vs. the Night Stalker (Clash of the Champions XIII, Jacksonville, FL, November 20)
- 1991: Bobby Eaton & P.N. News vs. Terrance Taylor & Steve Austin (The Great American Bash, Baltimore, MD, July 14)
- 1992: Rick Rude vs. Masahiro Chono (Halloween Havoc, Philadelphia, PA, October 25)
- 1993: The Doinks vs. Bigelow, Booger, & Headshrinkers (Survivor Series, Boston, MA, November 24)
- 1994: Lawler & Mini Lawlers vs. The Doinks (Survivor Series, San Antonio, TX, November 23)
- 1995: Sting vs. Tony Palmore (Battle 7, Tokyo, January 4)
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- 1996: Hulk Hogan & Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution - Tower of Doom match (Uncensored, Tupelo, MS, March 24)
- 1997: Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper (SuperBrawl, San Franscisco, CA, February 23)
- 1998: Hulk Hogan vs. The Warrior (Halloween Havoc, Las Vegas, NV, October 25)
- 1999: Al Snow vs. The Big Boss Man - Kennel from Hell Match (Unforgiven, Charlotte NC, September 26)
- 2000: Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco - Evening Gown Match (King of the Ring, Boston, MA, June 25)
- 2001: The Undertaker & Kane vs. KroniK (Unforgiven, Pittsburgh, PA, September 23)
- 2002: Bradshaw and Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda(Philadelphia, PA, July 7)
- 2003: Triple H vs. Scott Steiner (No Way Out, Montreal, February 23)
- 2004: Steven Richards vs. Tyson Tomko (WWE Unforgiven, Portland, OR, September 12)
- 2005: Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore Long (Survivor Series, Detroit, MI, November 27)
- 2006: TNA Reverse Battle Royal (TNA Impact!, Orlando, FL, October 26)
- 2007: Chris Harris vs. James Storm - Six Sides of Steel Blindfold match (TNA Lockdown, Saint Charles, MO, April 15)
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Worst Feud of the Year
This is given to the more offensive or least exciting feud.
- 1984: André the Giant vs. Big John Studd (WWF)
- 1985: Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris Zhukov (AWA)
- 1986: The Machines vs. King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (WWF)
- 1987: George Steele vs. Danny Davis (WWF)
- 1988: The Midnight Rider vs. Tully Blanchard (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1990: Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard Dog (WCW)
- 1991: Hulk Hogan vs. Sergeant Slaughter (WWF)
- 1992: The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango (WWF)
- 1993: The Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez (WWF)
- 1994: Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the Clown (WWF)
- 1995: Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon of Doom (WCW)
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This is given to the promotion that needs lots of improvement.
Best Booker
This is given to the person who can book matches best.
- 1986: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 1988: Eddie Gilbert (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1990: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1991: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1992: Riki Chōshū (NJPW)
- 1993: Jim Cornette (SMW)
- 1994: Paul Heyman (ECW)
- 1995: Paul Heyman (ECW)
- 1996: Paul Heyman (ECW)
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- 1997: Paul Heyman (ECW)
- 1998: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 1999: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 2000: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 2001: Jim Cornette (OVW)
- 2002: Paul Heyman (WWE)
- 2003: Jim Cornette (OVW)
- 2004: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH)
- 2005: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH)
- 2006: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH)
- 2007: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH)
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This is given to the person who can run a company better than anyone else.
- 1988: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 1989: Akira Maeda (UWF)
- 1990: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1991: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1992: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1993: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1994: Shohei Baba (AJPW)
- 1995: Riki Chōshū (NJPW)
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- 1996: Riki Chōshū (NJPW)
- 1997: Riki Chōshū (NJPW)
- 1998: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 1999: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 2000: Vince McMahon (WWF)
- 2001: Antonio Inoki (NJPW)
- 2002: Kazuyoshi Ishii (K-1)
- 2003: Nobuyuki Sakakibara (PRIDE)
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- 2004: Nobuyuki Sakakibara (PRIDE)
- 2005: Dana White (UFC)
- 2006: Dana White (UFC)
- 2007: Dana White (UFC)
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Best Gimmick
This is given to the most entertaining wrestling personality.
- 1986: Adrian Street - Exotic (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Ted DiBiase - Million Dollar Man (WWF)
- 1988: Rick Steiner - Varsity Club (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Jushin Thunder Liger - Flying Superstar (NJPW)
- 1990: The Undertaker - Deadman (WWF)
- 1991: The Undertaker - Deadman (WWF)
- 1992: The Undertaker - Deadman (WWF)
- 1993: The Undertaker - Deadman (WWF)
- 1994: The Undertaker - Deadman (WWF)
- 1995: Disco Inferno - 1970s Flashback (WCW)
- 1996: nWo - Outsider Group (WCW)
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- 1997: Steve Austin - Badass Redneck (WWF)
- 1998: Steve Austin - Badass Redneck (WWF)
- 1999: The Rock - Jock Comedian (WWF)
- 2000: Kurt Angle - Olympic Hero (WWF)
- 2001: The Hurricane - Superhero (WWF)
- 2002: Matt Hardy - Mattitude (WWE)
- 2003: John Cena - Rapper (WWE)
- 2004: John Bradshaw Layfield - Rich Businessman (WWE)
- 2005: Mr. Kennedy - Ring Announcer (WWE)
- 2006: L.A.X. - Latino Street Thugs (TNA)
- 2007: Santino Marella - Italian Stereotype (WWE)
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Worst Gimmick
This is given to the least tasteful, exciting, intelligent personality.
Best Pro Wrestling Book
Best Pro Wrestling DVD
Defunct awards
Class A awards
Best Babyface
This award is given to the person that has a good drawing power.
- 1980: Dusty Rhodes (NWA)
- 1981: Tommy Rich (NWA)
- 1982: Hulk Hogan (AWA/NJPW)
- 1983: Hulk Hogan (AWA/WWF/NJPW)
- 1984: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1987: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1988: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
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- 1989: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1990: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1991: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1992: Sting (WCW)
- 1993: Atsushi Onita (FMW)
- 1994: Atsushi Onita (FMW)
- 1995: Perro Aguayo (AAA)
- 1996: Shawn Michaels (WWF)
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Best Heel
This wrestler has the greatest ability to cause hatred and anger.
- 1980: Larry Zbyszko (WWF)
- 1981: Don Muraco (WWF)
- 1982: Buzz Sawyer (WWF)
- 1983: Michael Hayes (WCCW)
- 1984: Roddy Piper (WWF)
- 1985: Roddy Piper (WWF)
- 1986: Michael Hayes (WCCW)
- 1987: Ted DiBiase (WWF)
- 1988: Ted DiBiase (WWF)
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- 1989: Terry Funk (WCW)
- 1990: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1991: The Undertaker (WWF)
- 1992: Rick Rude (WCW)
- 1993: Vader (WCW)
- 1994: "Love Machine" Art Barr (AAA)
- 1995: Masahiro Chono (NJPW/ WCW)
- 1996: Steve Austin (WWF)
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Manager of the Year
This is given to the most charismatic manager.
- 1983: Jimmy Hart (WWF)
- 1984: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1985: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1986: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1988: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Jim Cornette (WCW)
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- 1990: Jim Cornette (WCW)
- 1991: Sensational Sherri (WWF)
- 1992: Jim Cornette (SMW)
- 1993: Jim Cornette (SMW)
- 1994: Jim Cornette (SMW)
- 1995: Jim Cornette (WWF)
- 1996: Jim Cornette (WWF)
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Class B Awards
Readers' Favorite Wrestler
This is the wrestler that readers really enjoy to see perform.
- 1984: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1985: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1986: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1988: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1990: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1991: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1992: Ric Flair (WWF)
- 1993: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1994: Sabu (ECW)
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- 1995: Manami Toyota (AJW)
- 1996: Ric Flair (WCW)
- 1997: Chris Benoit (WCW)
- 1998: Mick Foley (WWF)
- 1999: Chris Jericho (WCW/ WWF)
- 2000: Chris Benoit (WCW/ WWF)
- 2001: Keiji Mutoh (AJPW)
- 2002: Kurt Angle (WWE)
- 2003: Kurt Angle (WWE)
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Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler
This wrestler is not well liked by readers at all.
- 1984: Ivan Putski (WWF)
- 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1987: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1988: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1989: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1990: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1991: Hulk Hogan (WWF)
- 1992: Erik Watts (UWF)
- 1993: Sid Vicious (WWF)
- 1994: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
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- 1995: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1996: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1997: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1998: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1999: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 2000: Kevin Nash (WCW)
- 2001: The Undertaker (WWF)
- 2002: Triple H (WWE)
- 2003: Triple H (WWE)
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Worst Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler with a perceived lack of ability.
- 1984: Ivan Putski (WWF)
- 1985: Uncle Elmer (WWF)
- 1986: Mike Von Erich (WCCW)
- 1987: The Junkyard Dog (WWF)
- 1988: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF)
- 1989: André the Giant (WWF)
- 1990: The Junkyard Dog (WWF)
- 1991: André the Giant (WWF)
- 1992: André the Giant (WWF)
- 1993: The Equalizer (WCW)
- 1994: Dave Sullivan (WCW)
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- 1995: The Renegade (WCW)
- 1996: Loch Ness (WCW)
- 1997: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1998: The Warrior (WCW)
- 1999: Kevin Nash (WCW)
- 2000: Kevin Nash (WCW)
- 2001: The Big Show (WWF)
- 2002: The Big Show (WWE)
- 2003: Nathan Jones (WWE)
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Worst Tag Team
This is given to the least exciting tag team of the year.
Worst Manager
This is given to the manager, which has no real managing ability.
- 1984: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1985: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1986: Paul Jones (Jim Crockett Promotions)
- 1987: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1988: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1989: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1990: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1991: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
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- 1992: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1993: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1994: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1995: Mr. Fuji (WWF)
- 1996: Sonny Oono (WCW)
- 1997: Sonny Oono (WCW)
- 1998: Sonny Oono (WCW)
- 1999: Sonny Oono (WCW)
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Most Embarrassing Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who just can't get over.
- 1986: Adrian Adonis (WWF)
- 1987: George Steele (WWF)
- 1988: George Steele (WWF)
- 1989: André the Giant (WWF)
- 1990: Dusty Rhodes (WCW)
- 1991: Van Hammer (WCW)
- 1992: Papa Shango (WWF)
- 1993: Bastion Booger (WWF)
- 1994: Doink the Clown (WWF)
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- 1995: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1996: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1997: Goldust (WWF)
- 1998: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 1999: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 2000: Hulk Hogan (WCW)
- 2001: Buff Bagwell (WCW/ WWF)
- 2002: The Big Show (WWE)
- 2003: Nathan Jones (WWE)
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Worst Non-Wrestling Personality
References
Meltzer, Dave (January 22, 2007), "2006 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards", Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Campbell, CA, pp. 1–12, ISSN 1083-9593
