List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
This is a list of both active and inactive Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards created by professional wrestling 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 1983, the awards took on a greater life, with an increasing number of awards given out every year.
The awards were created to recognize the individual achievements of a select few wrestlers who exemplified in a specified criterion. The awards are given on a yearly basis in various categories such as Best Overall Wrestler, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Best Tag Team, Most Improved, 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 Worked Match. Currently, there are thirty-seven categories that are actively assessed every year and ten that are no longer active. The awards are voted for by the readership of the newsletter, which includes various insiders of the industry, 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.
Over the years, various institutions of mixed martial arts have become eligible to win some awards that seemed as though they were more deserving than the conventional wrestler. This led to, in 1997, the creation of Shootfighter of the Year and Fight of the Year to recognize MMA achievement specifically, but some awards remained intact for MMA to win, due to the similar business aspect between both sports (i.e. Best Box Office Draw, 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 to match a new award 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
Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
||
1981
|
Harley Race
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1982
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1983
|
Ric Flair
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1984
|
Ric Flair
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1985
|
Ric Flair
|
|
1986
|
Ric Flair
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1987
|
||
1988
|
||
1989
|
Ric Flair
|
|
1990
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1991
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1992
|
Ric Flair
|
|
1993
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1994
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1995
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1996
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1997
|
Mitsuharu Misawa
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1998
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1999
|
Mitsuharu Misawa
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2000
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
2001
|
||
2002
|
||
2003
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
|
2004
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2005
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2006
|
||
2007
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2008
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2009
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2010
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2011
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2012
|
Hiroshi Tanahashi
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2013
|
Hiroshi Tanahashi
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
MMA Most Valuable Fighter
| Year | Fighter | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
2007
|
||
2008
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
| |
2009
|
Brock Lesnar
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2010
|
Brock Lesnar
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2011
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
| |
2012
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
| |
2013
|
Georges St-Pierre
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
Most Outstanding Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
1986
|
Ric Flair
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1987
|
Ric Flair
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1988
|
||
1989
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1991
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Championship Wrestling |
1992
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Championship Wrestling |
1993
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1994
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1995
|
||
1996
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling,
World Championship Wrestling | |
1997
|
Mitsuharu Misawa
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1998
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1999
|
Mitsuharu Misawa
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2000
|
World Championship Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation | |
2001
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
||
2006
|
Ring Of Honor
| |
2007
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2008
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2009
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2010
|
Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan
|
|
2011
|
Ring of Honor,
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla | |
2012
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2013
|
Hiroshi Tanahashi
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
Best Box Office Draw
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1997
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1998
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1999
|
Stone Cold Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2000
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
2001
|
||
2002
|
K-1,
Pride Fighting Championships | |
2003
|
Bob Sapp
|
K-1,
Pride Fighting Championships |
2004
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2005
|
Kenta Kobashi
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2006
|
Místico
|
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
|
2007
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2008
|
Brock Lesnar
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2009
|
Brock Lesnar
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2010
|
Brock Lesnar
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2011
|
The Rock
|
WWE
|
2012
|
The Rock
|
WWE
|
2013
|
Georges St-Pierre
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
Feud of the Year
| Year | Feud | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1981
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1982
|
||
1983
|
||
1984
|
World Class Championship Wrestling,
National Wrestling Alliance | |
1985
|
Ted DiBiase vs. Jim Duggan
|
Mid South Wrestling
|
1986
|
Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
||
1988
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
| |
1989
|
Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Jumbo Tsuruta
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1991
|
Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Jumbo Tsuruta
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1992
|
Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Lawler vs. The Moondogs
|
|
1993
|
Bret Hart vs. Jerry Lawler
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1994
|
||
1995
|
Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling
|
1996
|
New World Order vs. World Championship Wrestling
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1997
|
Steve Austin vs. The Hart Foundation
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1998
|
Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1999
|
Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2000
|
Mick Foley vs. Triple H
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Wanderlei Silva
|
Pride Fighting Championships
|
2002
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
| |
2003
|
Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
Batista vs. Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2006
|
Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2007
|
Batista vs. The Undertaker
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2008
|
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2009
|
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2010
|
||
2011
|
John Cena vs. CM Punk
|
WWE
|
2012
|
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2013
|
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
Tag Team of the Year
| Year | Tag team | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
Mid South Wrestling,
Georgia Championship Wrestling | |
1981
|
Jimmy Snuka and Terry Gordy
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling,
National Wrestling Alliance |
1982
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1983
|
National Wrestling Alliance (Jim Crockett Promotions)
| |
1984
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1985
|
World Wrestling Federation,
Stampede Wrestling | |
1986
|
Mid South Wrestling
| |
1987
|
Mid South Wrestling,
Jim Crockett Promotions | |
1988
|
The Midnight Express
(Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) |
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1989
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1990
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1991
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1992
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Championship Wrestling | |
1993
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1994
|
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
| |
1995
|
Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1996
|
Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1997
|
Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1998
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1999
|
Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2000
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
2001
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2002
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2003
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
| |
2004
|
KENTA and Naomichi Marufuji
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2005
|
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
| |
2006
|
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
| |
2007
|
Ring of Honor
| |
2008
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2009
|
Ring of Honor
| |
2010
|
Ring of Honor
| |
2011
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2012
|
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
| |
2013
|
WWE
|
Most Improved
| Year | Name | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1981
|
||
1982
|
||
1983
|
American Wrestling Association,
Pacific Northwest Wrestling | |
1984
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
Stampede Wrestling | |
1985
|
Mid South Wrestling
| |
1986
|
Mid South Wrestling
| |
1987
|
Universal Wrestling Federation
| |
1988
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
| |
1989
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1990
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1991
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1992
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1993
|
||
1994
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1995
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1996
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1997
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1998
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1999
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling | |
2000
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
2001
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2002
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2003
|
Brock Lesnar
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2005
|
Ring of Honor
| |
2006
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
| |
2007
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2008
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2009
|
The Miz
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2010
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2011
|
WWE
| |
2012
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2013
|
Roman Reigns
|
WWE
|
Best on Interviews
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1981
|
World Wrestling Federation
National Wrestling Alliance | |
1982
|
Roddy Piper
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1983
|
Roddy Piper
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1984
|
||
1985
|
Mid South Wrestling
| |
1986
|
Jim Cornette
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1987
|
Jim Cornette
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1988
|
Jim Cornette
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1989
|
Terry Funk
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1991
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1992
|
Ric Flair
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1993
|
Smoky Mountain Wrestling
| |
1994
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1995
|
Cactus Jack
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling
|
1996
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1997
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1998
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1999
|
The Rock
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2000
|
The Rock
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Mick Foley
|
|
2005
|
Eddie Guerrero
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2006
|
Mick Foley
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2007
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2008
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2009
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2010
|
||
2011
|
CM Punk
|
WWE
|
2012
|
CM Punk
|
WWE
|
2013
|
WWE
|
Most Charismatic
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
Ric Flair
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1981
|
Michael Hayes
|
World Class Championship Wrestling
|
1982
|
Ric Flair
Dusty Rhodes |
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1983
|
Ric Flair
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1984
|
Ric Flair
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1985
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1986
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1988
|
Sting
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1989
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1991
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1992
|
Sting
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1993
|
Ric Flair
|
World Wrestling Federation,
World Championship Wrestling |
1994
|
Atsushi Onita
|
|
1995
|
Shawn Michaels
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1996
|
Shawn Michaels
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1997
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1998
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1999
|
The Rock
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2000
|
The Rock
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
The Rock
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
The Rock
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Bob Sapp
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
K-1 |
2004
|
Eddie Guerrero
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
Eddie Guerrero
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2006
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2007
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2008
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2009
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2010
|
John Cena
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2011
|
The Rock
|
WWE
|
2012
|
The Rock
|
WWE
|
2013
|
Hiroshi Tanahashi
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
Best Technical Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1981
|
Ted DiBiase
|
Mid South Wrestling
|
1982
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation | |
1983
|
Tiger Mask
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation |
1984
|
Stampede Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation; American Wrestling Association, New Japan Pro Wrestling | |
1985
|
Tatsumi Fujinami
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation |
1986
|
Tatsumi Fujinami
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation |
1987
|
Universal Wrestling Federation
| |
1988
|
Tatsumi Fujinami
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1989
|
Jushin Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1990
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1991
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1992
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1993
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1994
|
Chris Benoit
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling |
1995
|
Chris Benoit
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling |
1996
|
Dean Malenko
|
World Championship Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling |
1997
|
Dean Malenko
|
World Championship Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling |
1998
|
Pride Fighting Championships
| |
1999
|
Shinjiro Otani
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2000
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Wrestling Federation,
World Championship Wrestling |
2001
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
2002
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2006
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2007
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2008
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
|
2009
|
Bryan Danielson
|
Ring of Honor
Dragon Gate USA |
2010
|
Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan
|
WWE,
Evolve, Dragon Gate USA |
2011
|
Daniel Bryan
|
WWE
|
2012
|
Daniel Bryan
|
WWE
|
2013
|
Daniel Bryan
|
WWE
|
Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
||
1981
|
Bruiser Brody
|
World Wrestling Council
|
1982
|
Bruiser Brody
|
World Wrestling Council
|
1983
|
Bruiser Brody
|
World Wrestling Council
|
1984
|
Bruiser Brody
|
World Wrestling Council
All Japan Pro Wrestling |
1985
|
Stan Hansen
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance |
1986
|
Terry Gordy
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
Jim Crockett Promotions |
1987
|
Bruiser Brody
|
World Wrestling Council
|
1988
|
Bruiser Brody
|
World Wrestling Council
|
1989
|
Terry Funk
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
Stan Hansen
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1991
|
Cactus Jack
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1992
|
Cactus Jack
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1993
|
Cactus Jack
|
World Championship Wrestling,
Extreme Championship Wrestling |
1994
|
Cactus Jack
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling,
International Wrestling Association of Japan |
1995
|
Cactus Jack
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling,
International Wrestling Association of Japan |
1996
|
Mankind
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1997
|
Mankind
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1998
|
Mankind
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1999
|
Mick Foley
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2000
|
Mick Foley
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
Pride Fighting Championships | |
2003
|
Brock Lesnar
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
Samoa Joe
|
Ring of Honor,
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
2006
|
Samoa Joe
|
Ring of Honor,
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
2007
|
Takeshi Morishima
|
Ring of Honor,
Pro Wrestling Noah |
2008
|
Ring of Honor,
Combat Zone Wrestling | |
2009
|
Necro Butcher
|
Ring of Honor,
Combat Zone Wrestling |
2010
|
Ring of Honor,
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla | |
2011
|
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
| |
2012
|
Ring of Honor,
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla | |
2013
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
Best Flying Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1981
|
Jimmy Snuka
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1982
|
Tiger Mask
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
National Wrestling Alliance World Wrestling Federation |
1983
|
Tiger Mask
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
National Wrestling Alliance World Wrestling Federation |
1984
|
Dynamite Kid
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
National Wrestling Alliance World Wrestling Federation |
1985
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1986
|
Tiger Mask II
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1987
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation | |
1988
|
Owen Hart
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation |
1989
|
Jushin Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1990
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1991
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1992
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1993
|
Jushin Thunder Liger
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling |
1994
|
Michinoku Pro Wrestling,
New Japan Pro Wrestling | |
1995
|
Rey Mysterio
|
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración,
Extreme Championship Wrestling |
1996
|
Rey Mysterio
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling,
World Championship Wrestling |
1997
|
Rey Mysterio
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1998
|
Juventud Guerrera
|
World Championship Wrestling,
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
1999
|
Juventud Guerrera
|
World Championship Wrestling,
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
2000
|
Jeff Hardy
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
||
2002
|
Rey Mysterio
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Rey Mysterio
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Rey Mysterio
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
Ring of Honor,
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | |
2006
|
Místico
|
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
|
2007
|
Místico
|
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
|
2008
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2009
|
||
2010
|
Kota Ibushi
|
Dramatic Dream Team
|
2011
|
||
2012
|
Kota Ibushi
|
Dramatic Dream Team
|
2013
|
Kota Ibushi
|
Dramatic Dream Team,
New Japan Pro Wrestling |
Most Overrated
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1981
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1982
|
Pedro Morales
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1983
|
Bob Backlund
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1984
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1985
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1986
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
Dusty Rhodes
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1988
|
Dusty Rhodes
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1989
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1990
|
The Ultimate Warrior
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1991
|
The Ultimate Warrior
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1992
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1993
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1994
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1995
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1996
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1997
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1998
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1999
|
Kevin Nash
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2000
|
Kevin Nash
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2001
|
The Undertaker
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2004
|
Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2005
|
Jeff Jarrett
|
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
|
2006
|
Batista
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2007
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2008
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2009
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2010
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2011
|
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
| |
2012
|
WWE
| |
2013
|
WWE
|
Most Underrated
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1981
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1982
|
Adrian Adonis
|
American Wrestling Association
|
1983
|
Dynamite Kid
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling,
Stampede Wrestling |
1984
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1985
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
| |
1986
|
Bobby Eaton
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1987
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
| |
1988
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1989
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
| |
1990
|
Bobby Eaton
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1991
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1992
|
Terry Taylor
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1993
|
Bobby Eaton
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1994
|
Brian Pillman
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1995
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1996
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1997
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1998
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1999
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Championship Wrestling,
World Wrestling Federation |
2000
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
World Wrestling Federation,
World Championship Wrestling | |
2002
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2003
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2004
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2005
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2006
|
Shelton Benjamin
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2007
|
Shelton Benjamin
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2008
|
Montel Vontavious Porter
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2009
|
Evan Bourne
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2010
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2011
|
Dolph Ziggler
|
WWE
|
2012
|
WWE
| |
2013
|
WWE
|
Promotion of the Year
| Year | Promotion |
|---|---|
1983
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1984
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1985
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1986
|
Mid South Wrestling
|
1987
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1988
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1989
|
Universal Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1991
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1992
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1993
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1994
|
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
|
1995
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1996
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1997
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1998
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1999
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2000
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2001
|
Pride Fighting Championships
|
2002
|
Pride Fighting Championships
|
2003
|
Pride Fighting Championships
|
2004
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2005
|
Pro Wrestling Noah
|
2006
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2007
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2008
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2009
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2010
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2011
|
Ultimate Fighting Championship
|
2012
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2013
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
Best Weekly Television Show
| Year | Program |
|---|---|
| 1983 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1984 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1985 | Mid South Wrestling |
| 1986 | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | CWA 90 Minute Memphis Live Wrestling |
| 1988 | New Japan 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 | Extreme Championship Wrestling Hardcore TV |
| 1995 | Extreme Championship Wrestling Hardcore TV |
| 1996 | Extreme Championship Wrestling Hardcore TV |
| 1997 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1998 | World Wrestling Federation: Raw Is War |
| 1999 | World Wrestling Federation: Raw Is War |
| 2000 | World Wrestling Federation: Raw Is War |
| 2001 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2002 | World Wrestling Entertainment: SmackDown! |
| 2003 | Pro Wrestling Noah Power Hours |
| 2004 | World Wrestling Entertainment: Raw |
| 2005 | Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter |
| 2006 | Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter |
| 2007 | Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter |
| 2008 | Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter |
| 2009 | World Wrestling Entertainment: Friday Night SmackDown |
| 2010 | Ring of Honor Wrestling |
| 2011 | WWE: Friday Night SmackDown |
| 2012 | TNA Impact Wrestling |
| 2013 | WWE NXT |
Most Outstanding Fighter (formerly Shootfighter of the Year)
| Year | Fighter | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Maurice Smith | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 1998 | Frank Shamrock | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 1999 | Frank Shamrock | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2000 | Kazushi Sakuraba | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2001 | Wanderlei Silva | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2002 | Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2003 | Randy Couture | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2004 | Wanderlei Silva | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2005 | Fedor Emelianenko | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2006 | Mirko Filipović | Pride Fighting Championships, Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2007 | Quinton Jackson | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2008 | Georges St-Pierre | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2009 | Georges St-Pierre | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2010 | Georges St-Pierre | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | Jon Jones | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2012 | Anderson Silva | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2013 | Cain Velasquez | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
Match of the Year
| Year | Match | Promotion | Venue Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera Texas Death Match |
World Wrestling Federation | New York, New York May 19 |
| 1981 | Pat Patterson vs. Sgt. Slaughter Alley Fight |
World Wrestling Federation | New York, New York May 4 |
| 1982 | Tiger Mask vs. Dynamite Kid | New Japan Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan August 5 |
| 1983 | Ric Flair vs. Harley Race Steel Cage match |
National Wrestling Alliance | Starrcade Greensboro, North Carolina November 24 |
| 1984 | The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs Anything Goes Match |
World Class Championship Wrestling | Fort Worth, Texas July 4 |
| 1985 | Tiger Mask II vs. Kuniaki Kobayashi | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan June 21 |
| 1986 | Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham | Jim Crockett Promotions | Battle of the Belts II Orlando, Florida February 14 |
| 1987 | Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage | World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania III Pontiac, Michigan March 29 |
| 1988 | Sting vs. Ric Flair | Jim Crockett Promotions | Clash of the Champions I Greensboro, North Carolina March 27 |
| 1989 | Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair Two out of Three Falls match |
World Championship Wrestling | Clash of the Champions VI New Orleans, Louisiana April 2 |
| 1990 | Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Naoki Sano | New Japan Pro Wrestling | Osaka, Japan January 31 |
| 1991 | Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Steiner Brothers | New Japan Pro Wrestling | WCW/New Japan Supershow Tokyo, Japan March 21 |
| 1992 | Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Doug Furnas and Dan Kroffat | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Sendai, Japan May 25 |
| 1993 | Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs. Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi Ozaki | All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling | Dream Slam II Osaka, Japan April 21 |
| 1994 | Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels Ladder match |
World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania X New York, New York March 20 |
| 1995 | Manami Toyota vs. Kyoko Inoue | All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan May 7 |
| 1996 | Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama vs. Steve Williams and Johnny Ace | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan June 7 |
| 1997 | Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin Submission match |
World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania 13 Rosemont, Illinois March 23 |
| 1998 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan October 31 |
| 1999 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan June 11 |
| 2000 | Atlantis vs. Villano III | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre | Mexico City, Mexico March 17 |
| 2001 | Keiji Mutoh vs. Genichiro Tenryu | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Tokyo, Japan June 8 |
| 2002 | Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit vs. Edge and Rey Mysterio | World Wrestling Entertainment | WWE No Mercy North Little Rock, Arkansas October 20 |
| 2003 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa | Pro Wrestling Noah | Tokyo, Japan March 1 |
| 2004 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama | Pro Wrestling Noah | Tokyo, Japan July 10 |
| 2005 | Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa Joe | Ring of Honor | ROH Joe vs. Kobashi Manhattan, New York October 1 |
| 2006 | Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi vs. Cima, Masato Yoshino and Naruki Doi | Ring of Honor | ROH Supercard of Honor Chicago Ridge, Illinois March 31 |
| 2007 | Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson | Ring of Honor | ROH Manhattan Mayhem II Manhattan, New York August 25 |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels Ladder match |
World Wrestling Entertainment | WWE No Mercy Portland, Oregon October 5 |
| 2009 | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels | World Wrestling Entertainment | WrestleMania XXV Houston, Texas April 5 |
| 2010 | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels | World Wrestling Entertainment | WrestleMania XXVI Glendale, Arizona March 28 |
| 2011 | CM Punk vs. John Cena | WWE | Money in the Bank 2011 Rosemont, Illinois July 17 |
| 2012 | Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki | New Japan Pro Wrestling | King of Pro-Wrestling Tokyo, Japan October 8 |
| 2013 | Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada | New Japan Pro Wrestling | Invasion Attack Tokyo, Japan April 7 |
Fight of the Year
| Year | Fight | Promotion | Venue Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Maurice Smith vs. Mark Coleman | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Birmingham, Alabama July 27 |
| 1998 | Jerry Bohlander vs. Kevin Jackson | Ultimate Fighting Championship | New Orleans, Louisiana March 13 |
| 1999 | Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Lake Charles, Louisiana September 24 |
| 2000 | Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie | Pride Fighting Championships | Tokyo Dome May 1 |
| 2001 | Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Atlantic City, New Jersey May 4 |
| 2002 | Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama | Pride Fighting Championships | Saitama, Japan June 23 |
| 2003 | Wanderlei Silva vs. Hidehiko Yoshida | Pride Fighting Championships | Tokyo, Japan November 9 |
| 2004 | Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson | Pride Fighting Championships | Saitama, Japan October 31 |
| 2005 | Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Las Vegas, Nevada April 9 |
| 2006 | Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Las Vegas, Nevada August 17 |
| 2007 | Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Columbus, Ohio March 3 |
| 2008 | Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Las Vegas, Nevada July 5 |
| 2009 | Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Las Vegas, Nevada June 20 |
| 2010 | Leonard Garcia vs. Chan-Sung Jung | World Extreme Cagefighting | Sacramento, California April 24 |
| 2011 | Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua | Ultimate Fighting Championship | San Jose, California November 19 |
| 2012 | Chan-Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Fairfax, Virginia May 15 |
| 2013 | Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego Sanchez | Ultimate Fighting Championship | Houston, Texas October 19 |
Rookie of the Year
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Barry Windham | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1981 | Brad Armstrong and Brad Rheingans | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | Steve Williams | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Road Warriors | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1984 | Tom Zenk and Keiichi Yamada | World Wrestling Federation, New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1985 | Jack Victory | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1986 | Bam Bam Bigelow | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | Brian Pillman | Stampede Wrestling |
| 1988 | Gary Albright | Stampede Wrestling |
| 1989 | Dustin Rhodes | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Steve Austin | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Johnny B. Badd | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Rey Misterio, Jr. | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1993 | Jun Akiyama | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1994 | Mikey Whipwreck | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Perro Aguayo, Jr. | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 1996 | The Giant | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Mr. Águila | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 1998 | Goldberg | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Blitzkrieg | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2000 | Sean O'Haire | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | El Hombre Sin Nombre | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2002 | Bob Sapp | K-1 |
| 2003 | Chris Sabin | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Zero-One Max |
| 2004 | Petey Williams | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2005 | Shingo Takagi | Dragon Gate |
| 2006 | Atsushi Aoki | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2007 | Erick Stevens | Ring of Honor |
| 2008 | KAI | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2009 | Frightmare | Chikara |
| 2010 | Adam Cole | Ring of Honor, Combat Zone Wrestling |
| 2011 | Daichi Hashimoto | Pro Wrestling Zero1 |
| 2012 | Dinastía | Asistencia Asesoría y Administración |
| 2013 | Yohei Komatsu | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
Best Non-Wrestler
| Year | Performer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Paul Heyman | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Paul Heyman | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Steve Austin | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Paul Heyman | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2005 | Eric Bischoff | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | Jim Cornette | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | Larry Sweeney | Ring of Honor |
| 2008 | Larry Sweeney | Ring of Honor |
| 2009 | Vickie Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Vickie Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2011 | Ricardo Rodriguez | WWE |
| 2012 | Paul Heyman | WWE |
| 2013 | Paul Heyman | WWE |
Best Television Announcer
| Year | Announcer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Gordon Solie | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | Gordon Solie | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Gordon Solie | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1984 | Lance Russell | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1985 | Lance Russell | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1986 | Lance Russell | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1987 | Lance Russell | Continental Wrestling Association |
| 1988 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1989 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Jim Ross | World Championship Wrestling World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Joey Styles | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Joey Styles | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Joey Styles | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Mike Tenay | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Mike Tenay | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2003 | Mike Tenay | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2004 | Mike Tenay | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2005 | Mike Tenay | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Matt Striker | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Jim Ross | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Joe Rogan | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | Joe Rogan | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2012 | Jim Ross | WWE |
| 2013 | William Regal | WWE |
Worst Television Announcer
| Year | Announcer | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Angelo Mosca | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 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 | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1995 | Gorilla Monsoon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1996 | Steve McMichael | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Dusty Rhodes | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Lee Marshall | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Tony Schiavone | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2000 | Tony Schiavone | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Michael Cole | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Jerry Lawler | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Jonathan Coachman | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Todd Grisham | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2005 | Jonathan Coachman | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | Todd Grisham | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Don West | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | Mike Adamle | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Michael Cole | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Michael Cole | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2011 | Michael Cole | WWE |
| 2012 | Michael Cole | WWE |
| 2013 | Taz | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
Best Major Show
| Year | Program | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Great American Bash | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Wrestling Summit | World Wrestling Federation-New Japan Pro Wrestling-All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | WrestleWar | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Wrestlemarinpiad IV | All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling |
| 1993 | Dream Slam I | All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling |
| 1994 | Super J Cup | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1995 | Multi-promotional show | Weekly Pro Wrestling |
| 1996 | Super J Cup: Second Stage | Wrestle Association R |
| 1997 | In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Heat Wave | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Anarchy Rulz | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 2000 | Juicio Final (2000) | Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |
| 2001 | WrestleMania X-Seven | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | SummerSlam | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Final Conflict | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2004 | Departure | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2005 | Destiny | Pro Wrestling Noah |
| 2006 | Glory By Honor V: Night 2 | Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | Man Up | Ring of Honor |
| 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 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
Class B Awards
Worst Major Wrestling Show
| Year | Program | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | WrestleMania V | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | WCW Clash of the Champions XII | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | The Great American Bash | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Halloween Havoc | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Fall Brawl | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Blackjack Brawl | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1995 | Uncensored | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Uncensored | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | nWo Souled Out | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Fall Brawl | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Heroes of Wrestling | Fosstone Productions |
| 2000 | Halloween Havoc | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Unleashed | Women of Wrestling |
| 2002 | King of the Ring | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Backlash | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | The Great American Bash | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2005 | The Great American Bash | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | UFC 61 | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2007 | December to Dismember | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Survivor Series | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Victory Road | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2010 | Hardcore Justice | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2011 | Victory Road | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2012 | UFC 149 | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2013 | WWE Battleground | WWE |
Best Wrestling Maneuver
| Year | Wrestler | Move | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Jimmy Snuka | Superfly splash | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1982 | Super Destroyer | Superplex | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Jimmy Snuka | Superfly splash | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | British Bulldogs | Military press followed by a flying front dropkick | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Tiger Mask II | Tope con Giro | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1986 | Chavo Guerrero | Moonsault | World Wrestling Alliance |
| 1987 | Jushin Liger | Shooting star press | New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Star Promotions |
| 1988 | Jushin Liger | Shooting star press | New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Star Promotions |
| 1989 | Scott Steiner | Frankensteiner | World Championship Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1990 | Scott Steiner | Frankensteiner | World Championship Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | Masao Orihara | Diving moonsault | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1992 | 2 Cold Scorpio | 450° Splash | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Vader | Diving moonsault | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | The Great Sasuke | Sasuke Special | Michinoku Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1995 | Rey Misterio, Jr. | West Coast Pop | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Último Dragón | Dragon Bomb | World Championship Wrestling, Wrestle Association R |
| 1997 | Diamond Dallas Page | Diamond Cutter | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Kenta Kobashi | Burning Hammer | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1999 | Dragon Kid | Dragonrana | Toryumon |
| 2000 | Dragon Kid | Dragonrana | Toryumon |
| 2001 | Keiji Mutoh | Shining Wizard | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2002 | Brock Lesnar | F-5 | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | A.J. Styles | Styles Clash | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2004 | Petey Williams | Canadian Destroyer | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2005 | Petey Williams | Canadian Destroyer | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2006 | KENTA | Go 2 Sleep | Pro Wrestling Noah, Ring of Honor |
| 2007 | KENTA | Go 2 Sleep | Pro Wrestling Noah, Ring of Honor |
| 2008 | Evan Bourne | Air Bourne (Shooting star press) | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) |
More Bang For Your Buck | CHIKARA, Dragon Gate USA, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Ring of Honor |
| 2010 | Ricochet | Double Rotation Moonsault | Dragon Gate USA, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2011 | Ricochet | Double Rotation Moonsault | Dragon Gate USA, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla |
| 2012 | Kazuchika Okada | Rainmaker | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2013 | Kazuchika Okada | Rainmaker | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic
| Year | Storyline | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Monster character (Tony Hernandez) | LeBelle Promotions |
| 1982 | Bob Backlund as WWF Champion | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1983 | Eddie Gilbert broken neck angle | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | Blackjack Mulligan fake heart attack | Championship Wrestling From Florida |
| 1985 | Usage of Mike Von Erich's near death | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1986 | Exploitation of the death of Gino Hernandez | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | Exploitation of the death of Mike Von Erich | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1988 | Fritz Von Erich's fake heart attack | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1989 | José González babyface push | World Wrestling Council |
| 1990 | Atsushi Onita stabbing José González | Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling |
| 1991 | Exploiting the Persian Gulf War (Sgt. Slaughter Iraqi sympathizer angle) | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Pushing Erik Watts | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1993 | Cactus Jack gets amnesia | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Ric Flair retirement angle | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Gene Okerlund's 900 hotline advertisements | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Fake Diesel, Razor Ramon, and "The Real" Double J | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | Melanie Pillman interview days after Brian Pillman's death | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Exploiting Scott Hall's alcoholism | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Over the Edge pay-per-view continuing after the death of Owen Hart | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | David Arquette wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Stephanie McMahon comparing her father's indictment to September 11 attacks | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Triple H accusing Kane of murder and necrophilia (Katie Vick) | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | McMahons all over the product | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Kane impregnating Lita | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2005 | Terrorist angle on day of London bombings | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | WWE exploits the death of Eddie Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Signing of Adam "Pacman" Jones and having him "Make It Rain" on television. | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | Jeff Hardy teased drug overdose | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Mickie James' "Piggy James" angle | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Stand Up For WWE campaign launched in coincidence with Linda McMahon's US Senate run | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2011 | WWE blatantly mistreating Jim Ross despite their anti-bullying campaign | WWE |
| 2012 | CM Punk and Paul Heyman mock Jerry Lawler's heart attack | WWE |
| 2013 | WWE exploiting the death of Bill Moody (Paul Bearer) | WWE |
Worst Television Show
| Year | Program |
|---|---|
| 1984 | World Wrestling Federation 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 | Universal Wrestling Federation Fury Hour |
| 1992 | Global Wrestling Federation on ESPN |
| 1993 | Global Wrestling Federation on ESPN |
| 1994 | World Championship Wrestling Saturday Night |
| 1995 | World Championship Wrestling Saturday Night |
| 1996 | American Wrestling Federation Warriors of Wrestling |
| 1997 | United States Wrestling Association |
| 1998 | World Championship Wrestling Monday Nitro |
| 1999 | World Championship Wrestling Thunder |
| 2000 | World Championship Wrestling Thunder |
| 2001 | World Wrestling Federation Excess |
| 2002 | World Wrestling Entertainment RAW |
| 2003 | World Wrestling Entertainment RAW |
| 2004 | World Wrestling Entertainment SmackDown! |
| 2005 | World Wrestling Entertainment Friday Night SmackDown! |
| 2006 | World Wrestling Entertainment Monday Night RAW |
| 2007 | TNA iMPACT! |
| 2008 | TNA iMPACT! |
| 2009 | TNA iMPACT! |
| 2010 | TNA iMPACT! |
| 2011 | Impact Wrestling |
| 2012 | WWE Raw |
| 2013 | TNA Impact Wrestling |
Worst Worked Match of the Year
| Year | Match | Promotion | Venue Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Wendi Richter vs. The Fabulous Moolah | World Wrestling Federation | The Brawl to End it All New York, New York July 23 |
| 1985 | Freddie Blassie vs. Lou Albano | World Wrestling Federation | Nassau Colosseum |
| 1986 | Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper Boxing match |
World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania 2 Uniondale, New York April 7 |
| 1987 | Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant | World Wrestling Federation | WrestleMania III Pontiac, Michigan March 29 |
| 1988 | Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tom Magee | All Japan Pro Wrestling | Kawasaki, Japan April 21 |
| 1989 | André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation | Topeka, Kansas October 31 |
| 1990 | Sid Vicious vs. The Nightstalker | World Championship Wrestling | Clash of the Champions XIII Jacksonville, Florida November 20 |
| 1991 | Bobby Eaton and P.N. News vs. Terrance Taylor and Steve Austin Scaffold match |
World Championship Wrestling | The Great American Bash Baltimore, Maryland July 14 |
| 1992 | Rick Rude vs. Masahiro Chono | World Championship Wrestling | Halloween Havoc Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 25 |
| 1993 | The Bushwhackers and Men on a Mission vs. Bam Bam Bigelow, Bastion Booger, and The Headshrinkers | World Wrestling Federation | Survivor Series Boston, Massachusetts November 24 |
| 1994 | Jerry Lawler and Mini Lawlers vs. The Doinks | World Wrestling Federation | Survivor Series San Antonio, Texas November 23 |
| 1995 | Sting vs. Tony Palmora | New Japan Pro Wrestling | Battle 7 Tokyo, Japan January 4 |
| 1996 | Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution Tower of Doom match |
World Championship Wrestling | Uncensored Tupelo, Mississippi March 24 |
| 1997 | Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper | World Championship Wrestling | SuperBrawl Daly City, California February 23 |
| 1998 | Hulk Hogan vs. The Warrior | World Championship Wrestling | Halloween Havoc Las Vegas, Nevada October 25 |
| 1999 | Al Snow vs. The Big Boss Man Kennel from Hell Match |
World Wrestling Federation | Unforgiven Charlotte North Carolina September 26 |
| 2000 | Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco Evening Gown Match |
World Wrestling Federation | King of the Ring Boston, Massachusetts June 25 |
| 2001 | The Brothers of Destruction vs. KroniK | World Wrestling Federation | Unforgiven Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 23 |
| 2002 | Bradshaw and Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda | World Wrestling Entertainment | Raw Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 7 |
| 2003 | Triple H vs. Scott Steiner | World Wrestling Entertainment | Royal Rumble Boston, Massachusetts January 19 |
| 2004 | Tyson Tomko vs. Stevie Richards | World Wrestling Entertainment | Unforgiven Portland, Oregon September 12 |
| 2005 | Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore Long | World Wrestling Entertainment | Survivor Series Detroit, Michigan November 27 |
| 2006 | Reverse Battle Royal | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | TNA Impact! Orlando, Florida October 26 |
| 2007 | James Storm vs. Chris Harris Six Sides of Steel Blindfold match |
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Lockdown St. Louis, Missouri April 21 |
| 2008 | Edge vs. Triple H vs. Vladimir Kozlov | World Wrestling Entertainment | Survivor Series Boston, Massachusetts November 23 |
| 2009 | Jenna Morasca vs. Sharmell | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Victory Road Orlando, Florida July 19 |
| 2010 | Kaitlyn vs. Maxine | World Wrestling Entertainment | WWE NXT Edmonton, Alberta, Canada October 19 |
| 2011 | Sting vs. Jeff Hardy | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Victory Road Orlando, Florida March 13 |
| 2012 | John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis | 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 | WWE | Survivor Series Boston, Massachusetts November 24 |
Worst Feud of the Year
| Year | Feud | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | André the Giant vs. Big John Studd | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris Zhukov | American Wrestling Association |
| 1986 | The Machines vs. King Kong Bundy and John Studd | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | George Steele vs. Danny Davis | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | The Midnight Rider vs. Tully Blanchard | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard Dog | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | The Undertaker vs. Giant González | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the Clown | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon of Doom | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Big Bubba vs. John Tenta | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | The D.O.A. vs. Los Boricuas | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Hulk Hogan vs. The Warrior | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Big Boss Man vs. Big Show | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | WWF vs. The Alliance | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Triple H vs. Kane | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Kane vs. Shane McMahon | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2004 | Kane vs. Matt Hardy and Lita | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2005 | McMahon Family vs. Jim Ross | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | McMahon Family vs. D-Generation X | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Kane vs. Big Daddy V | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | Kane vs. Rey Mysterio | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Edge vs. Kane | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2011 | Triple H vs. Kevin Nash | WWE |
| 2012 | John Cena vs. Kane | WWE |
| 2013 | Big Show vs. The Authority | WWE |
Worst Promotion of the Year
| Year | Promotion |
|---|---|
| 1986 | American Wrestling Association |
| 1987 | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1988 | American Wrestling Association |
| 1989 | American Wrestling Association |
| 1990 | American Wrestling Association |
| 1991 | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Global Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | American Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | United States Wrestling Association |
| 1998 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2000 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2002 | Xtreme Pro Wrestling |
| 2003 | Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2004 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2005 | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2006 | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2008 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2009 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2010 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2011 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2012 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
| 2013 | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |
Best Booker
| Year | Booker | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Dusty Rhodes | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1987 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Eddie Gilbert | Continental Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1990 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1992 | Riki Chōshū | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1993 | Jim Cornette | Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
| 1994 | Paul Heyman | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Paul Heyman | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Paul Heyman | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1997 | Paul Heyman | Extreme Championship Wrestling |
| 1998 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Jim Cornette | Ohio Valley Wrestling |
| 2002 | Paul Heyman | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Jim Cornette | Ohio Valley Wrestling |
| 2004 | Gabe Sapolsky | Ring of Honor Full Impact Pro |
| 2005 | Gabe Sapolsky | Ring of Honor Full Impact Pro |
| 2006 | Gabe Sapolsky | Ring of Honor Full Impact Pro |
| 2007 | Gabe Sapolsky | Ring of Honor Full Impact Pro |
| 2008 | Joe Silva | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2009 | Joe Silva | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2010 | Joe Silva | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | Gedo and Jado | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2012 | Gedo and Jado | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2013 | Gedo and Jado | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
Promoter of the Year
| Year | Booker | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Akira Maeda | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1991 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1992 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1993 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1994 | Shohei Baba | All Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1995 | Riki Chōshū | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1996 | Riki Chōshū | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1997 | Riki Chōshū | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 1998 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1999 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2000 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2001 | Antonio Inoki | New Japan Pro Wrestling |
| 2002 | Kazuyoshi Ishii | K-1 |
| 2003 | Nobuyuki Sakakibara | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2004 | Nobuyuki Sakakibara | Pride Fighting Championships |
| 2005 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2006 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2007 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2008 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2009 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2010 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2011 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2012 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
| 2013 | Dana White | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
Best Gimmick
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) | Gimmick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Adrian Street | Continental Championship Wrestling | Flamboyant wrestler |
| 1987 | Ted DiBiase | World Wrestling Federation | Corrupt millionaire |
| 1988 | Rick Steiner | Jim Crockett Promotions | Varsity amateur wrestling champion |
| 1989 | Jushin Liger | New Japan Pro Wrestling | Anime superhero |
| 1990 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation | Undead wrestler |
| 1991 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation | Undead wrestler |
| 1992 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation | Undead wrestler |
| 1993 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation | Undead wrestler |
| 1994 | The Undertaker | World Wrestling Federation | Undead wrestler |
| 1995 | Disco Inferno | World Championship Wrestling | Disco dancer |
| 1996 | nWo | World Championship Wrestling | Outside invaders |
| 1997 | Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation | Surly redneck |
| 1998 | Steve Austin | World Wrestling Federation | Surly redneck |
| 1999 | The Rock | World Wrestling Federation | Comedian jock |
| 2000 | Kurt Angle | World Wrestling Federation | Olympic Hero |
| 2001 | The Hurricane | World Wrestling Federation | Superhero |
| 2002 | Matt Hardy | World Wrestling Entertainment | Guru of lifestyle "Mattitude"/Version 1.0 |
| 2003 | John Cena | World Wrestling Entertainment | White rapper |
| 2004 | John "Bradshaw" Layfield | World Wrestling Entertainment | Businessman |
| 2005 | Mr. Kennedy | World Wrestling Entertainment | Self-announced wrestler |
| 2006 | The Latin American X-change | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Ring of Honor |
Latino revolutionaries |
| 2007 | Santino Marella | World Wrestling Entertainment | Italian American stereotype |
| 2008 | Santino Marella | World Wrestling Entertainment | Italian American stereotype |
| 2009 | CM Punk | World Wrestling Entertainment | Straight edge messiah |
| 2010 | Alberto Del Rio | World Wrestling Entertainment | Mexican aristocrat |
| 2011 | CM Punk | WWE | Anti-corporate rebel |
| 2012 | Joseph Park | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Lawyer brother of Abyss |
| 2013 | The Wyatt Family | WWE | Backwoods cult |
Worst Gimmick
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) | Gimmick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Adrian Adonis | World Wrestling Federation | Gay stylist |
| 1987 | Adrian Adonis | World Wrestling Federation | Gay stylist |
| 1988 | Midnight Rider | Jim Crockett Promotions | Mystery wrestler |
| 1989 | The Ding-Dongs | World Championship Wrestling | Comical idiots |
| 1990 | The Gobbledygooker | World Wrestling Federation | Anthropomorphic turkey |
| 1991 | Oz | World Championship Wrestling | Wizard of Oz character |
| 1992 | Papa Shango | World Wrestling Federation | Voodoo priest |
| 1993 | The Shockmaster | World Championship Wrestling | Intergalactic Klutz |
| 1994 | Evad Sullivan | World Championship Wrestling | Dyslexic brother of Kevin |
| 1995 | Goldust | World Wrestling Federation | Perverse Hollywood critic |
| 1996 | Fake Diesel Fake Razor Ramon The Real Double J |
World Wrestling Federation | Replacements for departed wrestlers |
| 1997 | The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust | World Wrestling Federation | Rundown Hollywood critic |
| 1998 | The Oddities | World Wrestling Federation | Outcasts |
| 1999 | Powers That Be | World Championship Wrestling | Company higher-ups |
| 2000 | Mike Awesome | World Championship Wrestling | 1970s flashback |
| 2001 | Diamond Dallas Page | World Wrestling Federation | Motivational speaker |
| 2002 | The Johnsons | National Wrestling Alliance: Total Nonstop Action | Wrestling Penises |
| 2003 | Rico Constantino | World Wrestling Entertainment | Gay stylist/manager |
| 2004 | Mordecai | World Wrestling Entertainment | Religious Zealot |
| 2005 | Jillian Hall | World Wrestling Entertainment | Obstructive facial blemish |
| 2006 | Vito | World Wrestling Entertainment | Cross Dresser |
| 2007 | Black Reign | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Dual personality of Goldust |
| 2008 | The Great Khali | World Wrestling Entertainment | Punjabi playboy |
| 2009 | Hornswoggle | World Wrestling Entertainment | Irish leprechaun |
| 2010 | Orlando Jordan | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Bisexual wrestler |
| 2011 | Michael Cole | WWE | Heel announcer |
| 2012 | Aces & Eights | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Invading bikers |
| 2013 | Aces & Eights | Total Nonstop Action Wrestling | Invading bikers |
Best Pro Wrestling Book
| Year | Book | Author(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Death of WCW | Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds |
| 2006 | Tangled Ropes | Superstar Billy Graham and Keith Elliot Greenberg |
| 2007 | Hitman | Bret Hart |
| 2008 | Gorgeous George: The Bad Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture | John Capouya |
| 2009 | Midnight Express 25th Anniversary Scrapbook | Jim Cornette |
| 2010 | Countdown to Lockdown | Mick Foley |
| 2011 | Undisputed | Chris Jericho |
| 2012 | Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling | Jonathan Snowden |
| 2013 | Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs | Pat LaPrade and Bertrand Hébert |
Best Pro Wrestling DVD
| Year | DVD | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Rise and Fall of ECW | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2006 | Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2007 | Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2008 | "Nature Boy" Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2009 | Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2010 | Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2011 | Greatest Rivalries: Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart | WWE |
| 2012 | CM Punk: Best in the World | WWE |
| 2013 | Jim Crockett Promotions: The Good Old Days | EllBow Productions/Highspots.com |
Defunct awards
Class A awards
Most Unimproved
The category was active until at least 1995. It's unknown when it was retired.[1]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Jimmy Snuka | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Sgt. Slaughter | American Wrestling Association |
| 1986 | Bob Orton | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | Butch Reed | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Bam Bam Bigelow | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Jim Duggan | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Sting | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1991 | Davey Boy Smith | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Randy Savage | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Rick Rude | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
Most Obnoxious
The category was active until at least 1995. It's unknown when it was retired.[1]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Gene LeBell | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1982 | David Crockett | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1983 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1984 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1986 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1987 | David Crockett | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | Dusty Rhodes | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | Dusty Rhodes | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1990 | Vince McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Davey Boy Smith | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Herb Abrams | Universal Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Bill Watts | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
Best Babyface
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
Dusty Rhodes
|
National Wrestling Alliance
|
1981
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1982
|
Hulk Hogan
|
American Wrestling Association
New Japan Pro Wrestling |
1983
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
New Japan Pro Wrestling |
1984
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1985
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1986
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1988
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1989
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1991
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1992
|
Sting
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1993
|
Atsushi Onita
|
Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling
|
1994
|
Atsushi Onita
|
Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling
|
1995
|
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
| |
1996
|
Shawn Michaels
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
Best Heel
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1980
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1981
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1982
|
Buzz Sawyer
|
Georgia Championship Wrestling
|
1983
|
Michael Hayes
|
World Class Championship Wrestling
|
1984
|
Roddy Piper
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1985
|
Roddy Piper
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1986
|
Michael Hayes
|
World Class Championship Wrestling
|
1987
|
Ted DiBiase
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1988
|
Ted DiBiase
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1989
|
Terry Funk
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1991
|
Undertaker
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1992
|
Rick Rude
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1993
|
Vader
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1994
|
Art Barr
|
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
|
1995
|
Masahiro Chono
|
New Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1996
|
Steve Austin
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
Manager of the Year
| Year | Manager | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1983
|
Jimmy Hart
|
Continental Wrestling Association
|
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
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
Jim Cornette
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1991
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1992
|
Jim Cornette
|
Smoky Mountain Wrestling
|
1993
|
Jim Cornette
|
Smoky Mountain Wrestling
|
1994
|
Jim Cornette
|
Smoky Mountain Wrestling
|
1995
|
Jim Cornette
|
World Wrestling Federation
Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
1996
|
Jim Cornette
|
World Wrestling Federation
Smoky Mountain Wrestling |
Class B Awards
Best Color Commentator
The category was active until at least 1995. It's unknown when it was retired.[1]
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Michael Hayes | Universal Wrestling Federation (formerly Mid South) |
| 1987 | Jesse Ventura | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1988 | Jesse Ventura | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1989 | Jesse Ventura | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Jesse Ventura | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Paul E. Dangerously | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1992 | Bobby Heenan | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Bobby Heenan | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Bobby Heenan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Jerry Lawler | World Wrestling Federation |
Readers' Favorite Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
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
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1990
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1991
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation |
1992
|
Ric Flair
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1993
|
Ric Flair
|
World Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling |
1994
|
Extreme Championship Wrestling
Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling | |
1995
|
Manami Toyota
|
All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling
|
1996
|
Ric Flair
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1997
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1998
|
Shawn Michaels
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1999
|
Chris Jericho
|
World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation |
2000
|
Chris Benoit
|
World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation |
2001
|
Keiji Mutoh
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
2002
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Kurt Angle
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1984
|
Ivan Putski
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1985
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1986
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
Dusty Rhodes
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1988
|
Dusty Rhodes
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
|
1989
|
Ultimate Warrior
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
Ultimate Warrior
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1991
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1992
|
Erik Watts
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1993
|
Sid Vicious
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1994
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1995
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1996
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1997
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1998
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1999
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2000
|
Kevin Nash
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2001
|
The Undertaker
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Triple H
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
Worst Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1984
|
Ivan Putski
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1985
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1986
|
Mike Von Erich
|
World Class Championship Wrestling
|
1987
|
Junkyard Dog
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1988
|
Ultimate Warrior
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1989
|
André the Giant
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
Junkyard Dog
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1991
|
André the Giant
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1992
|
André the Giant
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1993
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1994
|
Dave Sullivan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1995
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1996
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1997
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1998
|
Warrior
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1999
|
Kevin Nash
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2000
|
Kevin Nash
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2001
|
Big Show
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2002
|
Big Show
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
2003
|
Nathan Jones
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
Worst Tag Team
| Year | Tag team | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1984
|
American Wrestling Association
| |
1985
|
Uncle Elmer and Cousin Junior
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1986
|
George Steele and Junkyard Dog
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
National Wrestling Alliance
| |
1988
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1989
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1990
|
Giant Baba and André the Giant
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1991
|
Giant Baba and André the Giant
|
All Japan Pro Wrestling
|
1992
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1993
|
The Colossal Kongs (King Kong and Awesome Kong)
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1994
|
The Bushwhackers
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1995
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1996
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1997
|
The Godwinns
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1998
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1999
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
2000
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
2001
|
World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation | |
2002
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
| |
2003
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
Worst Manager
| Year | Manager | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1984
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1985
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1986
|
Jim Crockett Promotions
| |
1987
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1988
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1989
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1991
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1992
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1993
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1994
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1995
|
Mr. Fuji
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1996
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1997
|
Sonny Onoo
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1998
|
Sonny Onoo
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1999
|
Sonny Onoo
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
Worst on Interviews
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Jimmy Snuka | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1985 | Thunderbolt Patterson | National Wrestling Alliance |
| 1986 | Mike Von Erich | World Class Championship Wrestling |
| 1987 | Bugsy McGraw | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1988 | Steve Williams | Jim Crockett Promotions |
| 1989 | Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1990 | Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1991 | Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1992 | Ultimate Warrior | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1993 | Mr. Fuji | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1994 | Dave Sullivan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1996 | Ahmed Johnson | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1997 | Ahmed Johnson | World Wrestling Federation |
| 1998 | Warrior | World Championship Wrestling |
| 1999 | Sid Vicious | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2000 | Vince Russo | World Championship Wrestling |
| 2001 | Stephanie McMahon | World Wrestling Federation |
| 2002 | Stephanie McMahon | World Wrestling Entertainment |
| 2003 | Stephanie McMahon | World Wrestling Entertainment[2] |
Most Embarrassing Wrestler
| Year | Wrestler | Promotion(s) |
|---|---|---|
1986
|
Adrian Adonis
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1987
|
George Steele
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1988
|
George Steele
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1989
|
Andre The Giant
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1990
|
Dusty Rhodes
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1991
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
1992
|
Papa Shango
|
World Wrestling Federation
|
1993
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1994
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1995
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1996
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1997
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
1998
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
1999
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2000
|
Hulk Hogan
|
World Championship Wrestling
|
2001
|
World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation | |
2002
|
The Big Show
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
Worst Non-Wrestling Personality
| Year | Personality | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
2000
|
World Championship Wrestling
| |
2001
|
World Wrestling Federation
| |
2002
|
Stephanie McMahon
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
2003
|
Stephanie McMahon
|
World Wrestling Entertainment
|
References
- Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter (5). Campbell, California: 1–40. ISSN 1083-9593.
The following are the results of the 31st annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter readership awards, along with a listing of the previous winners in the various categories.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 30, 2012). "Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. ISSN 1083-9593.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 23, 2013). "The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. ISSN 1083-9593.
- Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "The 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. ISSN 1083-9593.
- ^ a b c "Jan 22 1996 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 1995 Observer Newsletter Awards, 1995 Record Book, tons more". The Wrestling Observer. 1995-01-22.
- ^ Wrestling Observer Awards (WON) 1980 - 2012 (and runner-ups), compiled by Chris Harrington