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 Currently, there are thirty-seven categories that are actively assessed every year and ten that are no longer active.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 "Category A" awards, voters indicate their top three choices. First choices are awarded five points, second places three points, and third places two points. The choice with the most points overall wins. For "Category B" awards, voters simply indicate their top choice.

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

"Category A" awards

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

Ric Flair is an eight-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Harley Race National Wrestling Alliance
1981
1982 Ric Flair
1983
1984
1985 Jim Crockett Promotions
1986
1987 Riki Choshu All Japan Pro Wrestling
1988 Akira Maeda Universal Wrestling Federation
1989 Ric Flair World Championship Wrestling
1990
1991 Jumbo Tsuruta All Japan Pro Wrestling
1992 Ric Flair World Wrestling Federation
1993 Big Van Vader World Championship Wrestling
1994 Toshiaki Kawada All Japan Pro Wrestling
1995 Mitsuharu Misawa
1996 Kenta Kobashi
1997 Mitsuharu Misawa
1998 Stone Cold Steve Austin World Wrestling Federation
1999 Mitsuharu Misawa All Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Triple H World Wrestling Federation
2001 Keiji Mutoh New Japan Pro Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003 Kenta Kobashi Pro Wrestling Noah
2004
2005
2006 Místico Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007 John Cena World Wrestling Entertainment
2008 Chris Jericho
2009
2010 John Cena
2011 Hiroshi Tanahashi New Japan Pro Wrestling
2012
2013
2014 Shinsuke Nakamura
2015 A.J. Styles New Japan Pro Wrestling
Ring of Honor

Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable

Brock Lesnar is a three-time winner of the category
Year Fighter Promotion(s)
2007 Randy Couture Ultimate Fighting Championship
2008 Brock Lesnar
2009
2010
2011 Georges St-Pierre
2012 Anderson Silva
2013 Georges St-Pierre
2014 Ronda Rousey
2015

Most Outstanding Wrestler

Year Wrestler Promotion
1986 Ric Flair Jim Crockett Promotions
1987
1988 Tatsumi Fujinami New Japan Pro Wrestling
1989 Ric Flair World Championship Wrestling
1990 Jushin Thunder Liger New Japan Pro Wrestling
1991 New Japan Pro Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1992
1993 Kenta Kobashi All Japan Pro Wrestling
1994
1995 Manami Toyota All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1996 Rey Misterio Jr. Extreme Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997 Mitsuharu Misawa All Japan Pro Wrestling
1998 Koji Kanemoto New Japan Pro Wrestling
1999 Mitsuharu Misawa All Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Chris Benoit World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2001 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003
2004 Chris Benoit
2005 Samoa Joe Ring of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006 Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan Ring of Honor
2007
2008
2009 Ring of Honor
Dragon Gate USA
2010 World Wrestling Entertainment
Evolve
Dragon Gate USA
Chikara
2011 Davey Richards Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012 Hiroshi Tanahashi New Japan Pro Wrestling
2013
2014 A.J. Styles New Japan Pro Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2015

Most Outstanding Fighter of the Year

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

Best Box Office Draw

The Rock is a three-time winner of the category
Year Performer Promotion(s)
1997 Hollywood Hogan World Championship Wrestling
1998 Stone Cold Steve Austin World Wrestling Federation
1999
2000 The Rock
2001 Kazushi Sakuraba Pride Fighting Championships
2002 Bob Sapp K-1
Pride Fighting Championships
New Japan Pro Wrestling
2003
2004 Kenta Kobashi Pro Wrestling Noah
2005
2006 Místico Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007 John Cena World Wrestling Entertainment
2008 Brock Lesnar Ultimate Fighting Championship
2009
2010
2011 The Rock WWE
2012
2013 Georges St-Pierre Ultimate Fighting Championship
2014 Ronda Rousey
2015

Feud of the Year

Year Feud Promotion(s)
1980 Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko World Wrestling Federation
1981 André the Giant vs. Killer Khan
1982 Ted DiBiase vs. Junkyard Dog Mid South Wrestling
1983 The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs World Class Championship Wrestling
1984 World Class Championship Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1985 Ted DiBiase vs. Jim Duggan Mid South Wrestling
1986 Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff World Wrestling Federation
1987 Austin Idol and Tommy Rich vs. Jerry Lawler Continental Wrestling Association
1988 The Fantastics vs. The Midnight Express Jim Crockett Promotions
1989 Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk World Championship Wrestling
1990 Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Jumbo Tsuruta All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991 Mitsuharu Misawa and company vs. Jumbo Tsuruta and company
1992 Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Lawler vs. The Moondogs United States Wrestling Association
1993 Bret Hart vs. Jerry Lawler World Wrestling Federation
1994 Los Gringos Locos vs. Asistencia Asesoría y Administración Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995 Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko Extreme Championship Wrestling
1996 New World Order vs. World Championship Wrestling World Championship Wrestling
1997 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Hart Foundation World Wrestling Federation
1998 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon
1999
2000 Mick Foley vs. Triple H
2001 Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Wanderlei Silva Pride Fighting Championships
2002 Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock Ultimate Fighting Championship
2003 Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar World Wrestling Entertainment
2004 Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
2005 Batista vs. Triple H
2006 Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock Ultimate Fighting Championship
2007 Batista vs. The Undertaker World Wrestling Entertainment
2008 Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
2009 Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
2010 El Generico vs. Kevin Steen Ring of Honor
2011 John Cena vs. CM Punk WWE
2012 Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada New Japan Pro Wrestling
2013
2014 Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier Ultimate Fighting Championship
2015 José Aldo vs. Conor McGregor

Tag Team of the Year

Year Tag team Promotion(s)
1980 The Fabulous Freebirds
(Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts)
Mid South Wrestling
Georgia Championship Wrestling
1981 Jimmy Snuka and Terry Gordy All Japan Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1982 Stan Hansen and Ole Anderson National Wrestling Alliance
1983 Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood National Wrestling Alliance (Jim Crockett Promotions)
1984 The Road Warriors
(Hawk and Animal)
American Wrestling Association
National Wrestling Alliance
1985 The British Bulldogs
(Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith)
World Wrestling Federation
Stampede Wrestling
1986 The Midnight Express
(Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton)
Universal Wrestling Federation
1987 The Midnight Express
(Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane)
Universal Wrestling Federation
Jim Crockett Promotions
1988 Jim Crockett Promotions
1989 The Rockers
(Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty)
World Wrestling Federation
1990 The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner)
World Championship Wrestling
1991 Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada All Japan Pro Wrestling
1992 The Miracle Violence Connection
(Terry Gordy and Steve Williams)
All Japan Pro Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1993 The Hollywood Blonds
(Steve Austin and Brian Pillman)
World Championship Wrestling
1994 Los Gringos Locos
(Eddy Guerrero and Art Barr)
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995 Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi All Japan Pro Wrestling
1996 Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama
1997
1998 Shinjiro Otani and Tatsuhito Takaiwa New Japan Pro Wrestling
1999 Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama All Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Edge and Christian World Wrestling Federation
2001 Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan New Japan Pro Wrestling
2002 Los Guerreros
(Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero)
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003 Kenta and Naomichi Marufuji Pro Wrestling Noah
2004
2005 America's Most Wanted
(Chris Harris and James Storm)
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006 The Latin American Exchange
(Homicide and Hernandez)
2007 The Briscoe Brothers
(Jay and Mark Briscoe)
Ring of Honor
2008 John Morrison and The Miz World Wrestling Entertainment
2009 The American Wolves
(Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards)
Ring of Honor
2010 The Kings of Wrestling
(Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli)
2011 Bad Intentions
(Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson)
New Japan Pro Wrestling
2012 Bad Influence
(Christopher Daniels and Kazarian)
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013 The Shield
(Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns)
WWE
2014 The Young Bucks
(Matt and Nick Jackson)
New Japan Pro Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2015

Most Improved

Bayley is the only female winner of the category
Year Name Promotion(s)
1980 Larry Zbyszko World Wrestling Federation
1981 Adrian Adonis American Wrestling Association
1982 Jim Duggan Mid-South Wrestling
1983 Curt Hennig American Wrestling Association
Pacific Northwest Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984 The Cobra New Japan Pro Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
1985 Steve Williams Mid South Wrestling
1986 Rick Steiner
1987 Big Bubba Rogers Universal Wrestling Federation
1988 Sting Jim Crockett Promotions
1989 Lex Luger World Championship Wrestling
1990 Kenta Kobashi All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991 Dustin Rhodes World Championship Wrestling
1992 El Samurai New Japan Pro Wrestling
1993 Tracy Smothers Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1994 Diesel World Wrestling Federation
1995 Johnny B. Badd World Championship Wrestling
1996 Diamond Dallas Page
1997 Tatsuhito Takaiwa New Japan Pro Wrestling
1998 The Rock World Wrestling Federation
1999 Vader All Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Federation
2001 Keiji Mutoh All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002 Brock Lesnar World Wrestling Entertainment
2003
2004 Randy Orton
2005 Roderick Strong Ring of Honor
2006 Takeshi Morishima Pro Wrestling Noah
2007 Montel Vontavious Porter World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008 The Miz
2009
2010 Sheamus
2011 Dolph Ziggler
2012 Kazuchika Okada New Japan Pro Wrestling
2013 Roman Reigns WWE
2014 Rusev
2015 Bayley WWE NXT

Best on Interviews

Jim Cornette is a five-time winner of the category
Year Performer Promotion(s)
1981 Lou Albano
Roddy Piper
World Wrestling Federation;

National Wrestling Alliance

1982 Roddy Piper National Wrestling Alliance
1983
1984 Jimmy Hart Continental Wrestling Association
1985 Jim Cornette Mid South Wrestling
1986 Jim Crockett Promotions
1987
1988
1989 Terry Funk World Championship Wrestling
1990 Arn Anderson
1991 Ric Flair
1992 World Wrestling Federation
1993 Jim Cornette Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1994 Ric Flair World Championship Wrestling
1995 Cactus Jack Extreme Championship Wrestling
1996 Stone Cold Steve Austin World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998
1999 The Rock
2000
2001 Stone Cold Steve Austin
2002 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Entertainment
2003 Chris Jericho
2004 Mick Foley World Wrestling Entertainment
Hustle
Ring of Honor
2005 Eddie Guerrero World Wrestling Entertainment
2006 Mick Foley
2007 John Cena
2008 Chris Jericho
2009
2010 Chael Sonnen Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011 CM Punk WWE
2012
2013 Paul Heyman
2014
2015 Conor McGregor Ultimate Fighting Championship

Most Charismatic

Hulk Hogan is a six-time winner of the category
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
1984
1985 Hulk Hogan World Wrestling Federation
1986
1987
1988 Sting World Championship Wrestling
1989 Hulk Hogan World Wrestling Federation
1990
1991
1992 Sting World Championship Wrestling
1993 Ric Flair World Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
1994 Atsushi Onita Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1995 Shawn Michaels World Wrestling Federation
1996
1997 Stone Cold Steve Austin
1998
1999 The Rock
2000
2001
2002 World Wrestling Entertainment
2003 Bob Sapp New Japan Pro Wrestling
K-1
2004 Eddie Guerrero World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2005
2006 John Cena
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011 The Rock
2012
2013 Hiroshi Tanahashi New Japan Pro Wrestling
2014 Shinsuke Nakamura
2015

Bryan Danielson Award (Best Technical Wrestler)

Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan is a nine-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Bob Backlund World Wrestling Federation
1981 Ted DiBiase Mid South Wrestling
1982 Tiger Mask New Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1983
1984 Dynamite Kid



Masa Saito
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
1987 Nobuhiko Takada Universal Wrestling Federation
1988 Tatsumi Fujinami New Japan Pro Wrestling
1989 Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder Liger
1990
1991
1992
1993 Hiroshi Hase
1994 Chris Benoit Extreme Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
1995 Extreme Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1996 Dean Malenko World Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
1997
1998 Kiyoshi Tamura Pride Fighting Championships
1999 Shinjiro Otani New Japan Pro Wrestling
2000 Chris Benoit World Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
2001 Minoru Tanaka New Japan Pro Wrestling
2002 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Entertainment
2003 Chris Benoit
2004
2005 Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan Ring of Honor
2006
2007
2008
2009 Ring of Honor
Dragon Gate USA
2010 World Wrestling Entertainment
Evolve
Dragon Gate USA
Chikara
2011 WWE
2012
2013
2014 Zack Sabre Jr. Pro Wrestling Noah
2015

Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)

Mick Foley is 10-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Bruiser Brody World Wrestling Council
1981
1982
1983
1984 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
1989 Terry Funk World Championship Wrestling
1990 Stan Hansen All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991 Cactus Jack/Mankind/Mick Foley World Championship Wrestling
1992
1993 World Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling
1994 Extreme Championship Wrestling
International Wrestling Association of Japan
1995
1996 World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001 Stone Cold Steve Austin
2002 Yoshihiro Takayama New Japan Pro Wrestling
Pride Fighting Championships
2003 Brock Lesnar World Wrestling Entertainment
2004 Chris Benoit
2005 Samoa Joe Ring of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006
2007 Takeshi Morishima Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Noah
2008 Necro Butcher Ring of Honor
Combat Zone Wrestling
2009
2010 Kevin Steen Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2011 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012 Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2013 Katsuyori Shibata New Japan Pro Wrestling
2014 Tomohiro Ishii
2015

Best Flying Wrestler

Jushin Thunder Liger is a five-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1981 Jimmy Snuka World Wrestling Federation
1982 Tiger Mask New Japan Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1983
1984 Dynamite Kid
1985 Tiger Mask II All Japan Pro Wrestling
1986
1987 Owen Hart New Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1988
1989 Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder Liger New Japan Pro Wrestling
1990
1991
1992
1993 New Japan Pro Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1994 The Great Sasuke Michinoku Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
1995 Rey Misterio Jr. Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
Extreme Championship Wrestling
1996 Extreme Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997 World Championship Wrestling
1998 Juventud Guerrera World Championship Wrestling
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1999
2000 Jeff Hardy World Wrestling Federation
2001 Dragon Kid Toryumon
2002 Rey Mysterio World Wrestling Entertainment
2003
2004
2005 A.J. Styles Ring of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006 Místico Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007
2008 Evan Bourne World Wrestling Entertainment
2009 Kota Ibushi Dramatic Dream Team
2010
2011 Ricochet Dragon Gate
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012 Kota Ibushi Dramatic Dream Team
2013 Dramatic Dream Team
New Japan Pro Wrestling
2014 Ricochet Dragon Gate
Lucha Underground
2015

Most Overrated

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Mr. Wrestling II National Wrestling Alliance
1981 Pedro Morales World Wrestling Federation
1982
1983 Bob Backlund
1984 Big John Studd
1985 Hulk Hogan
1986
1987 Dusty Rhodes Jim Crockett Promotions
1988
1989 The Ultimate Warrior World Wrestling Federation
1990
1991
1992 Erik Watts World Championship Wrestling
1993 Sid Vicious
1994 Hulk/Hollywood Hogan
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999 Kevin Nash
2000
2001 The Undertaker World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002 Triple H
2003
2004
2005 Jeff Jarrett Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006 Batista World Wrestling Entertainment
2007 The Great Khali
2008 Vladimir Kozlov
2009 Triple H
2010 Kane
2011 Crimson Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2012 Ryback WWE
2013 Randy Orton
2014 Kane
2015

Most Underrated

Bobby Eaton is a four-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 The Iron Sheik World Wrestling Federation
1981 Buzz Sawyer National Wrestling Alliance
1982 Adrian Adonis American Wrestling Association
1983 Dynamite Kid New Japan Pro Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
1984 B. Brian Blair World Wrestling Federation
1985 Bobby Eaton Jim Crockett Promotions
1986
1987 Brad Armstrong
1988 Tiger Mask II All Japan Pro Wrestling
1989 Dan Kroffat
1990 Bobby Eaton World Championship Wrestling
1991 Terry Taylor
1992
1993 Bobby Eaton
1994 Brian Pillman
1995 Skip World Wrestling Federation
1996 Leif Cassidy
1997 Flash Funk
1998 Chris Benoit World Championship Wrestling
1999 Chris Jericho World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2000 World Wrestling Federation
2001 Lance Storm World Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
2002 Booker T World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2003 Último Dragón
2004 Paul London
2005 Shelton Benjamin
2006
2007
2008 Montel Vontavious Porter
2009 Evan Bourne
2010 Kaval
2011 Dolph Ziggler
2012 Tyson Kidd
2013 Antonio Cesaro/Cesaro
2014
2015

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
1989 Universal Wrestling Federation
1990 All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991
1992 New Japan Pro Wrestling
1993 All Japan Pro Wrestling
1994 Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995 New Japan Pro Wrestling
1996
1997
1998
1999 World Wrestling Federation
2000
2001 Pride Fighting Championships
2002
2003
2004 Pro Wrestling Noah
2005
2006 Ultimate Fighting Championship
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012 New Japan Pro Wrestling
2013
2014
2015

Best Weekly TV Show

Year Program
1983 New Japan Pro Wrestling
1984
1985 Mid South Wrestling
1986 Universal Wrestling Federation
1987 CWA 90 Minute Memphis Live Wrestling
1988 New Japan Pro Wrestling
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994 Extreme Championship Wrestling Hardcore TV
1995
1996
1997 New Japan Pro Wrestling
1998 World Wrestling Federation: Raw Is War
1999
2000
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
2007
2008
2009 World Wrestling Entertainment: Friday Night SmackDown
2010 Ring of Honor Wrestling
2011 WWE: Friday Night SmackDown
2012 TNA Impact Wrestling
2013 WWE NXT
2014
2015

Pro Wrestling 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
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 Independence Day Star Wars
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 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. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Submission match
World Wrestling Federation WrestleMania 13
Rosemont, Illinois
March 23
1998 Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa All Japan Pro Wrestling Tokyo, Japan
October 31
1999 Tokyo, Japan
June 11
2000 Atlantis vs. Villano III Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Juicio Final
Mexico City, Mexico
March 17
2001 Keiji Mutoh vs. Genichiro Tenryu All Japan Pro Wrestling 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 Navigate for Evolution
Tokyo, Japan
March 1
2004 Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama Departure
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 ROH Supercard of Honor
Chicago Ridge, Illinois
March 31
2007 Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson ROH Manhattan Mayhem II
Manhattan, New York
August 25
2008 Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
Ladder match
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE WWE No Mercy
Portland, Oregon
October 5
2009 The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania XXV
Houston, Texas
April 5
2010 WrestleMania XXVI
Glendale, Arizona
March 28
2011 CM Punk vs. John Cena Money in the Bank 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 Invasion Attack
Tokyo, Japan
April 7
2014 A.J. Styles vs. Minoru Suzuki G1 Climax 24
Tokyo, Japan
August 1
2015 Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi Wrestle Kingdom 9
Tokyo, Japan
January 4

MMA Match of the Year

Year Fight Promotion Venue Information
1997 Maurice Smith vs. Mark Coleman Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 14
Birmingham, Alabama
July 27
1998 Jerry Bohlander vs. Kevin Jackson UFC 16
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 13
1999 Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz UFC 22
Lake Charles, Louisiana
September 24
2000 Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie Pride Fighting Championships Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals
Tokyo Dome
May 1
2001 Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 31
Atlantic City, New Jersey
May 4
2002 Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama Pride Fighting Championships Pride 21
Saitama, Japan
June 23
2003 Wanderlei Silva vs. Hidehiko Yoshida Pride Final Conflict 2003
Tokyo, Japan
November 9
2004 Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson Pride 28
Saitama, Japan
October 31
2005 Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar Ultimate Fighting Championship The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 9
2006 Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan UFC Fight Night 6
Las Vegas, Nevada
August 17
2007 Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia UFC 68
Columbus, Ohio
March 3
2008 Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson UFC 86
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 5
2009 Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale
Las Vegas, Nevada
June 20
2010 Leonard Garcia vs. Chan-Sung Jung World Extreme Cagefighting WEC 48
Sacramento, California
April 24
2011 Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 139
San Jose, California
November 19
2012 Chan-Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier
Fairfax, Virginia
May 15
2013 Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego Sanchez UFC 166
Houston, Texas
October 19
2014 Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler UFC 171
Dallas, Texas
March 15
2015 Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald UFC 189
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 11

Rookie of the Year

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Barry Windham National Wrestling Alliance
1981 Brad Armstrong and Brad Rheingans
1982 Steve Williams
1983 The Road Warriors
1984 Tom Zenk
Keiichi Yamada
World Wrestling Federation;

New Japan Pro Wrestling

1985 Jack Victory National Wrestling Alliance
1986 Bam Bam Bigelow Continental Wrestling Association
1987 Brian Pillman Stampede Wrestling
1988 Gary Albright
1989 Dustin Rhodes World Championship Wrestling
1990 Steve Austin
1991 Johnny B. Badd
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
2000 Sean O'Haire
2001 El Hombre Sin Nombre Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2002 Bob Sapp K-1
2003 Chris Sabin Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Zero-One Max
2004 Petey Williams Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2005 Shingo Takagi Dragon Gate
2006 Atsushi Aoki Pro Wrestling Noah
2007 Erick Stevens Ring of Honor
2008 Kai All Japan Pro Wrestling
2009 Frightmare Chikara
2010 Adam Cole Ring of Honor
Combat Zone Wrestling
2011 Daichi Hashimoto Pro Wrestling Zero1
2012 Dinastía Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
2013 Yohei Komatsu New Japan Pro Wrestling
2014 Dragon Lee Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2015 Chad Gable WWE NXT

Best Non-Wrestler

Paul Heyman is a six-time winner of the category
Year Performer Promotion(s)
1999 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2000
2001 Paul Heyman
2002
2003 Stone Cold Steve Austin
2004 Paul Heyman
2005 Eric Bischoff
2006 Jim Cornette Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2007 Larry Sweeney Ring of Honor
2008
2009 Vickie Guerrero World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010
2011 Ricardo Rodriguez
2012 Paul Heyman
2013
2014
2015 Dario Cueto Lucha Underground

Best Television Announcer

Jim Ross is a 14-time winner of the category
Year Announcer Promotion(s)
1981 Gordon Solie National Wrestling Alliance
1982
1983
1984 Lance Russell Continental Wrestling Association
1985
1986
1987
1988 Jim Ross World Championship Wrestling
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993 World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1994 Joey Styles Extreme Championship Wrestling
1995
1996
1997 Mike Tenay World Championship Wrestling
1998 Jim Ross World Wrestling Federation
1999
2000
2001
2002 Mike Tenay Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2003
2004
2005
2006 Jim Ross World Wrestling Entertainment
2007
2008 Matt Striker
2009 Jim Ross
2010 Joe Rogan Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011
2012 Jim Ross WWE
2013 William Regal
2014
2015 Mauro Ranallo New Japan Pro Wrestling

Worst Television Announcer

Year Announcer Promotion(s)
1984 Angelo Mosca World Wrestling Federation
1985 Gorilla Monsoon
1986 David Crockett Jim Crockett Promotions
1987
1988
1989 Ed Whalen Stampede Wrestling
1990 Herb Abrams Universal Wrestling Federation
1991 Gorilla Monsoon World Wrestling Federation
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996 Steve McMichael World Championship Wrestling
1997 Dusty Rhodes
1998 Lee Marshall
1999 Tony Schiavone
2000
2001 Michael Cole World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002 Jerry Lawler
2003 Jonathan Coachman
2004 Todd Grisham
2005 Jonathan Coachman
2006 Todd Grisham
2007 Don West Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008 Mike Adamle World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009 Michael Cole
2010
2011
2012
2013 Taz Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2014 John "Bradshaw" Layfield WWE
2015

Best Major Wrestling 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 All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling
1993 Dream Slam I
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
2000 Juicio Final Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2001 WrestleMania X-Seven World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2002 SummerSlam
2003 Final Conflict Pride Fighting Championships
2004 Departure Pro Wrestling Noah
2005 Destiny
2006 Glory By Honor V: Night 2 Ring of Honor
2007 Man Up
2008 WrestleMania XXIV World Wrestling Entertainment
2009 Open the Historic Gate Dragon Gate USA
2010 UFC 116 Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011 Money in the Bank WWE
2012 King of Pro-Wrestling New Japan Pro Wrestling
2013 G1 Climax 23: Day 4
2014 G1 Climax 24: Day 7
2015 Wrestle Kingdom 9

"Category B" awards

Worst Major Wrestling Show

Year Program Promotion
1989 WrestleMania V World Wrestling Federation
1990 Clash of the Champions XII World Championship Wrestling
1991 The Great American Bash
1992 Halloween Havoc
1993 Fall Brawl
1994 Blackjack Brawl Universal Wrestling Federation
1995 Uncensored World Championship Wrestling
1996 Uncensored
1997 nWo Souled Out
1998 Fall Brawl
1999 Heroes of Wrestling Fosstone Productions
2000 Halloween Havoc World Championship Wrestling
2001 Unleashed Women of Wrestling
2002 King of the Ring World Wrestling Entertainment
2003 Backlash
2004 The Great American Bash
2005 The Great American Bash
2006 UFC 61 Ultimate Fighting Championship
2007 December to Dismember World Wrestling Entertainment
2008 Survivor Series
2009 Victory Road Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2010 Hardcore Justice
2011 Victory Road
2012 UFC 149 Ultimate Fighting Championship
2013 Battleground WWE
2014 Battleground
2015 Triplemanía XXIII Asistencia Asesoría y Administración

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 missile dropkick
1985 Tiger Mask II Tope con Giro All Japan Pro Wrestling
1986 Chavo Guerrero Moonsault block World Wrestling Association
1987 Keiichi Yamada Shooting star press New Japan Pro Wrestling
All Star Promotions
1988
1989 Scott Steiner Frankensteiner World Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
1990
1991 Masao Orihara Moonsault to the outside of the ring New Japan Pro Wrestling
1992 2 Cold Scorpio 450° Splash World Championship Wrestling
1993 Vader Moonsault
1994 The Great Sasuke Sasuke Special Michinoku Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
1995 Rey Misterio Jr. Flip dive into a frankensteiner on the floor Extreme Championship Wrestling
1996 Último Dragón Running Liger bomb 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
2001 Keiji Mutoh Shining Wizard New Japan Pro Wrestling
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
2005
2006 Kenta Go 2 Sleep Pro Wrestling Noah
Ring of Honor
2007
2008 Evan Bourne Shooting star press World Wrestling Entertainment
2009 The Young Bucks 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
2012 Kazuchika Okada Rainmaker New Japan Pro Wrestling
2013
2014 The Young Bucks Meltzer Driver New Japan Pro Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2015 A.J. Styles Styles Clash New Japan Pro Wrestling
Ring of Honor

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
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
1987 Exploitation of the death of Mike Von Erich
1988 Fritz Von Erich's fake heart attack
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
1994 Ric Flair retirement angle
1995 Gene Okerlund's 900 hotline advertisements
1996 Fake Diesel, Razor Ramon, and "The Real" Double J World Wrestling Federation
1997 Melanie Pillman interview days after Brian Pillman's death
1998 Exploiting Scott Hall's alcoholism World Championship Wrestling
1999 Over the Edge pay-per-view continuing after the death of Owen Hart World Wrestling Federation
2000 David Arquette wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship World Championship Wrestling
2001 Stephanie McMahon comparing her father's indictment to September 11 attacks World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2002 Triple H accusing Kane of murder and necrophilia (Katie Vick)
2003 McMahons all over the product
2004 Kane impregnating Lita
2005 Terrorist angle on day of London bombings
2006 Exploitation of the death of Eddie Guerrero
2007 Signing of Adam "Pacman" Jones and having him "Make It Rain" on television Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008 Jeff Hardy teased drug overdose World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009 Mickie James' "Piggy James" angle
2010 Stand Up For WWE campaign launched in coincidence with Linda McMahon's US Senate run
2011 WWE blatantly mistreating Jim Ross despite their anti-bullying campaign
2012 CM Punk and Paul Heyman mock Jerry Lawler's heart attack
2013 Exploitation of the death of Bill Moody (Paul Bearer)
2014 Insulting fans who purchased PPVs
2015 Using Reid Fliehr's death in an angle

Worst Television Show

Year Program
1984 World Wrestling Federation All-Star Wrestling
1985 Championship Wrestling from Florida
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
1994 World Championship Wrestling Saturday Night
1995
1996 American Wrestling Federation Warriors of Wrestling
1997 United States Wrestling Association
1998 World Championship Wrestling Monday Nitro
1999 World Championship Wrestling Thunder
2000
2001 World Wrestling Federation Excess
2002 World Wrestling Entertainment Raw
2003
2004 World Wrestling Entertainment SmackDown!
2005
2006 World Wrestling Entertainment Monday Night Raw
2007 TNA Impact!/Impact Wrestling
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012 WWE Raw
2013 TNA Impact Wrestling
2014 WWE Raw
2015

Worst 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
Steel cage
Uniondale, New York
September 20
1986 Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper
Boxing match
WrestleMania 2
Uniondale, New York
April 7
1987 Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant WrestleMania III
Pontiac, Michigan
March 29
1988 Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tom Magee All Japan Pro Wrestling 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
The Great American Bash
Baltimore, Maryland
July 14
1992 Rick Rude vs. Masahiro Chono Halloween Havoc
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 25
1993 The Bushwhackers and Men on a Mission vs. Bam Bam Bigelow, Bastion Booger, and The Headshrinkers World Wrestling Federation Survivor Series
Boston, Massachusetts
November 24
1994 Jerry Lawler and Mini Lawlers vs. The Doinks Survivor Series
San Antonio, Texas
November 23
1995 Sting vs. Tony Palmora New Japan Pro Wrestling Battle 7
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
1996 Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution
Tower of Doom match
World Championship Wrestling Uncensored
Tupelo, Mississippi
March 24
1997 Hollywood Hogan vs. Roddy Piper SuperBrawl
Daly City, California
February 23
1998 Hollywood Hogan vs. The Warrior Halloween Havoc
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 25
1999 Al Snow vs. The Big Boss Man
Kennel from Hell Match
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment Unforgiven
Charlotte North Carolina
September 26
2000 Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco
Evening Gown Match
King of the Ring
Boston, Massachusetts
June 25
2001 The Brothers of Destruction vs. KroniK Unforgiven
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 23
2002 Bradshaw and Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda Raw
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 7
2003 Triple H vs. Scott Steiner Royal Rumble
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19
2004 Tyson Tomko vs. Stevie Richards Unforgiven
Portland, Oregon
September 12
2005 Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore Long Survivor Series
Detroit, Michigan
November 27
2006 Reverse Battle Royal Total Nonstop Action Wrestling TNA Impact!
Orlando, Florida
October 26
2007 James Storm vs. Chris Harris
Six Sides of Steel Blindfold match
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
No Disqualification match
WWE Over the Limit
Raleigh, North Carolina
May 20
2013 Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Natalya, Naomi, Cameron, Eva Marie and JoJo vs. AJ Lee, Tamina Snuka, Kaitlyn, Alicia Fox, Aksana, Rosa Mendes and Summer Rae Survivor Series
Boston, Massachusetts
November 24
2014 John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
Steel Cage match
Extreme Rules
East Rutherford, New Jersey
May 4
2015 Psycho Circus vs. Villanos Asistencia Asesoría y Administración Triplemanía
Mexico City, Mexico
August 9

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
1988 The Midnight Rider vs. Tully Blanchard Jim Crockett Promotions
1989 André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior World Wrestling Federation
1990 Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard Dog World Championship Wrestling
1991 Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter World Wrestling Federation
1992 The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango
1993 The Undertaker vs. Giant González
1994 Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the Clown
1995 Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon of Doom World Championship Wrestling
1996 Big Bubba vs. John Tenta
1997 The D.O.A. vs. Los Boricuas World Wrestling Federation
1998 Hollywood Hogan vs. The Warrior World Championship Wrestling
1999 Big Boss Man vs. Big Show World Wrestling Federation
2000 Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman World Championship Wrestling
2001 WWF vs. The Alliance World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2002 Triple H vs. Kane
2003 Kane vs. Shane McMahon
2004 Kane vs. Matt Hardy and Lita
2005 McMahon Family vs. Jim Ross
2006 McMahon Family vs. D-Generation X
2007 Kane vs. Big Daddy V
2008 Kane vs. Rey Mysterio
2009 Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero
2010 Edge vs. Kane
2011 Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
2012 John Cena vs. Kane
2013 Big Show vs. The Authority
2014 Brie Bella vs. Nikki Bella
2015 Team PCB vs. Team B.A.D. vs. Team Bella

Worst Promotion of the Year

Year Promotion
1986 American Wrestling Association
1987 World Class Championship Wrestling
1988 American Wrestling Association
1989
1990
1991 Universal Wrestling Federation
1992 Global Wrestling Federation
1993 World Championship Wrestling
1994
1995
1996 American Wrestling Federation
1997 United States Wrestling Association
1998 World Championship Wrestling
1999
2000
2001
2002 Xtreme Pro Wrestling
2003 Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling
2004 New Japan Pro Wrestling
2005
2006 World Wrestling Entertainment
2007 Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015

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
1991
1992 Riki Choshu New Japan Pro Wrestling
1993 Jim Cornette Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1994 Paul Heyman Extreme Championship Wrestling
1995
1996
1997
1998 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1999
2000
2001 Jim Cornette Ohio Valley Wrestling
2002 Paul Heyman World Wrestling Entertainment
2003 Jim Cornette Ohio Valley Wrestling
2004 Gabe Sapolsky Ring of Honor
Full Impact Pro
2005
2006
2007
2008 Joe Silva Ultimate Fighting Championship
2009
2010
2011 Gedo and Jado New Japan Pro Wrestling
2012
2013
2014
2015 Paul Levesque and Ryan Ward WWE NXT

Promoter of the Year

Dana White is a 10-time winner of the category
Year Booker Promotion(s)
1988 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1989 Akira Maeda Universal Wrestling Federation
1990 Shohei Baba All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 Riki Choshu New Japan Pro Wrestling
1996
1997
1998 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1999
2000
2001 Antonio Inoki New Japan Pro Wrestling
2002 Kazuyoshi Ishii K-1
2003 Nobuyuki Sakakibara Pride Fighting Championships
2004
2005 Dana White Ultimate Fighting Championship
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014 Takaaki Kidani New Japan Pro Wrestling
2015 Dana White Ultimate Fighting Championship

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
1992
1993
1994
1995 Disco Inferno World Championship Wrestling Disco dancer
1996 nWo Outside invaders
1997 Stone Cold Steve Austin World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment Surly redneck
1998
1999 The Rock Comedian jock
2000 Kurt Angle Smug Olympic Hero
2001 The Hurricane Superhero
2002 Matt Hardy Self-help guru
2003 John Cena White rapper
2004 John "Bradshaw" Layfield Stock broker millionaire
2005 Mr. Kennedy Self-announced wrestler
2006 The Latin American X-change Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Latino revolutionaries
2007 Santino Marella World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE Italian stereotype
2008
2009 CM Punk Straight edge messiah
2010 Alberto Del Rio Mexican aristocrat
2011 CM Punk Anti-corporate rebel
2012 Joseph Park Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Lawyer brother of Abyss
2013 The Wyatt Family WWE Backwoods cult
2014 Rusev and Lana Russian nationalists
2015 The New Day Hyperactive over-optimists

Worst Gimmick

Year Wrestler Promotion(s) Gimmick
1986 Adrian Adonis World Wrestling Federation Gay stylist
1987
1988 Midnight Rider Jim Crockett Promotions Mystery wrestler
1989 The Ding-Dongs World Championship Wrestling Comical idiots
1990 The Gobbledy Gooker 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 Dave Sullivan Dyslexic brother of Kevin
1995 Goldust World Wrestling Federation Perverse Hollywood critic
1996 Fake Diesel
Fake Razor Ramon
The Real Double J
Replacements for departed wrestlers
1997 The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust Rundown Hollywood critic
1998 The Oddities Freak show outcasts
1999 Powers That Be World Championship Wrestling Company higher-ups
2000 Mike Awesome 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 Religious zealot
2005 Jillian Hall Obstructive facial blemish
2006 Vito Cross Dresser
2007 Black Reign Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Dual personality of Goldust
2008 The Great Khali World Wrestling Entertainment Punjabi playboy
2009 Hornswoggle 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
2014 Adam Rose WWE Party animal
2015 Stardust Dual personality of Cody Rhodes

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: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling Bret Hart
2008 Gorgeous George: The Bad Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture John Capouya
2009 Midnight Express 25th Anniversary Scrapbook Jim Cornette
2010 Countdown to Lockdown Mick Foley
2011 Undisputed Chris Jericho
2012 Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling Jonathan Snowden
2013 Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs Pat LaPrade and Bertrand Hébert
2014 The Death of WCW – 10th Anniversary Edition Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds
2015 Yes!: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania Daniel Bryan and Craig Tello

Best Pro Wrestling DVD

Year DVD Promotion
2005 The Rise and Fall of ECW World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2006 Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be
2007 Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen
2008 "Nature Boy" Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection
2009 Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection
2010 Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho
2011 Greatest Rivalries: Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart
2012 CM Punk: Best in the World
2013 Jim Crockett Promotions: The Good Old Days EllBow Productions
Highspots.com
2014 Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name Is Paul Heyman WWE
2015 Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!

Defunct awards

Class A awards

Most Unimproved

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1984 Jimmy Snuka World Wrestling Federation
1985 Sgt. Slaughter American Wrestling Association
1986 Bob Orton World Wrestling Federation
1987 Butch Reed
1988 Bam Bam Bigelow
1989 Jim Duggan
1990 Sting World Championship Wrestling
1991 Davey Boy Smith World Wrestling Federation
1992 Randy Savage
1993 Rick Rude World Championship Wrestling
1994 Hulk Hogan[1]
1995

Most Obnoxious

Vince McMahon is a six-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1981 Gene LeBell National Wrestling Alliance
1982 David Crockett
1983 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1984
1985
1986
1987 David Crockett Jim Crockett Promotions
1988 Dusty Rhodes
1989 World Championship Wrestling
1990 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1991 Herb Abrams Universal Wrestling Federation
1992 Bill Watts World Championship Wrestling
1993 Vince McMahon World Wrestling Federation
1994 Hulk Hogan World Championship Wrestling
1995

Best Babyface

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Dusty Rhodes National Wrestling Alliance
1981 Tommy Rich
1982 Hulk Hogan American Wrestling Association
New Japan Pro Wrestling
1983
1984 World Wrestling Federation
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992 Sting World Championship Wrestling
1993 Atsushi Onita Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling
1994
1995 Perro Aguayo Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1996 Shawn Michaels World Wrestling Federation

Best Heel

Ted DiBiase is a two-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1980 Larry Zbyszko World Wrestling Federation
1981 Don Muraco
1982 Buzz Sawyer Georgia Championship Wrestling
1983 Michael Hayes World Class Championship Wrestling
1984 Roddy Piper World Wrestling Federation
1985
1986 Michael Hayes World Class Championship Wrestling
1987 Ted DiBiase World Wrestling Federation
1988
1989 Terry Funk World Championship Wrestling
1990 Ric Flair
1991 The Undertaker World Wrestling Federation
1992 Rick Rude World Championship Wrestling
1993 Vader
1994 Art Barr Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995 Masahiro Chono New Japan Pro Wrestling
1996 Stone Cold Steve Austin World Wrestling Federation

Manager of the Year

Sherri Martel is the only female winner of the category
Year Manager Promotion(s)
1983 Jimmy Hart Continental Wrestling Association
1984 Jim Cornette Jim Crockett Promotions
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989 World Championship Wrestling
1990
1991 Sherri Martel World Wrestling Federation
1992 Jim Cornette Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1993
1994
1995 World Wrestling Federation
Smoky Mountain Wrestling
1996

Class B awards

Best Color Commentator

The category was active until 1996.[2]

Jesse Ventura is a four-time winner of the category
Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1986 Michael Hayes Universal Wrestling Federation
1987 Jesse Ventura World Wrestling Federation
1988
1989
1990
1991 Paul E. Dangerously World Championship Wrestling
1992 Bobby Heenan World Wrestling Federation
1993
1994
1995 Jerry Lawler
1996

Readers' Favorite Wrestler

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1984 Ric Flair Jim Crockett Promotions
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989 World Championship Wrestling
1990
1991 World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1992 World Wrestling Federation
1993 World Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
1994 Sabu Extreme Championship Wrestling
Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling
1995 Manami Toyota All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling
1996 Ric Flair World Championship Wrestling
1997 Chris Benoit
1998 Shawn Michaels World Wrestling Federation
1999 Chris Jericho World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2000 Chris Benoit
2001 Keiji Mutoh New Japan Pro Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002 Kurt Angle World Wrestling Entertainment
2003

Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1984 Ivan Putski World Wrestling Federation
1985 Hulk Hogan
1986
1987 Dusty Rhodes Jim Crockett Promotions
1988
1989 Ultimate Warrior World Wrestling Federation
1990
1991 Hulk Hogan
1992 Erik Watts World Championship Wrestling
1993 Sid Vicious
1994 Hulk/Hollywood Hogan
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000 Kevin Nash
2001 The Undertaker World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002 Triple H
2003

Worst Wrestler

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1984 Ivan Putski World Wrestling Federation
1985 Uncle Elmer
1986 Mike Von Erich World Class Championship Wrestling
1987 Junkyard Dog World Wrestling Federation
1988 Ultimate Warrior
1989 André the Giant
1990 Junkyard Dog World Championship Wrestling
1991 André the Giant All Japan Pro Wrestling
1992
1993 The Equalizer World Championship Wrestling
1994 Dave Sullivan
1995 The Renegade
1996 Loch Ness
1997 Hollywood Hogan
1998 Warrior
1999 Kevin Nash
2000
2001 Big Show World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003 Nathan Jones

Worst Tag Team

Year Tag team Promotion(s)
1984 The Crusher and Baron von Raschke American Wrestling Association
1985 Uncle Elmer and Cousin Junior World Wrestling Federation
1986 George Steele and Junkyard Dog
1987 Jimmy Valiant and Bugsy McGraw National Wrestling Alliance
1988 The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov) World Wrestling Federation
1989 The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord)
1990 Giant Baba and André the Giant All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991
1992 The Bushwhackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) World Wrestling Federation
1993 The Colossal Kongs (King Kong and Awesome Kong) World Championship Wrestling
1994 The Bushwhackers World Wrestling Federation
1995 Dick Slater and Bunkhouse Buck World Championship Wrestling
1996 The Godwinns (Henry Godwinn and Phineas Godwinn) World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998 The Oddities (Golga and Kurrgan)
1999 Viscera and Mideon
2000 KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark) World Championship Wrestling
2001 World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2002 3-Minute Warning (Rosey and Jamal) World Wrestling Entertainment
2003 La Résistance (René Duprée and Sylvain Grenier)

Worst Manager

Year Manager Promotion(s)
1984 Mr. Fuji World Wrestling Federation
1985
1986 Paul Jones Jim Crockett Promotions
1987 Mr. Fuji World Wrestling Federation
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996 Sonny Onoo World Championship Wrestling
1997
1998
1999

Worst on Interviews

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
1989 Ultimate Warrior World Wrestling Federation
1990
1991
1992
1993 Mr. Fuji
1994 Dave Sullivan World Championship Wrestling
1995 Hulk Hogan
1996 Ahmed Johnson World Wrestling Federation
1997
1998 Warrior World Championship Wrestling
1999 Sid Vicious
2000 Vince Russo
2001 Stephanie McMahon World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002
2003

Most Embarrassing Wrestler

Year Wrestler Promotion(s)
1986 Adrian Adonis World Wrestling Federation
1987 George Steele
1988
1989 André the Giant
1990 Dusty Rhodes
1991 Van Hammer World Championship Wrestling
1992 Papa Shango World Wrestling Federation
1993 Bastion Booger
1994 Doink the Clown
1995 Hulk Hogan World Championship Wrestling
1996
1997 Goldust World Wrestling Federation
1998 Hollywood Hogan World Championship Wrestling
1999
2000
2001 Buff Bagwell World Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2002 The Big Show World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003 Nathan Jones

Worst Non-Wrestling Personality

Year Personality Promotion
2000 Vince Russo World Championship Wrestling
2001 Stephanie McMahon World Wrestling Federation
2002
2003

Decade awards

2000s

See also

References

  1. "Jan 22 1996 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 1995 Observer Newsletter Awards, 1995 Record Book, tons more". The Wrestling Observer. January 22, 1996.
  2. Meltzer, Dave (January 19, 1998). "Jan. 19, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 18th Annual Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  3. Beltrán, William (August 3, 2010). "Según el Wrestling Observer… ¿Quiénes son los mejores los mejores de la década?". Superluchas (in Spanish). Retrieved October 30, 2015.
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