List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards


This is a list of both active and inactive Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards created by professional wrestling and mixed martial arts journalist Dave Meltzer. The first fourteen awards were created in 1980 as an informal poll between Meltzer and his friends and others he corresponded with on the subject of professional wrestling at the time. After starting the Wrestling Observer in 1982, the awards took on a greater life, with an increasing number of awards given out every year.
The awards were created to recognize the individual achievements of a select few wrestlers who exemplified a specified criterion. The awards are given every year in various categories such as Wrestler of the Year, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, etc.; there are also a handful of awards to recognize the dubious distinctions in the business during that year such as Most Overrated and Worst Match. There are currently forty-five categories that are actively assessed every year and twenty that are no longer active. The awards are voted for by the newsletter's paying readership, primarily wrestling fans, although it is claimed that some industry workers also vote.
The awards are organized into two categories. For "Category A" awards, voters indicate their top three choices. First choices are awarded five points, second places three points, and third places two points. The choice with the most points overall wins. For "Category B" awards, voters simply indicate their top choice. For the "Category B" Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award, the recipients are chosen by a committee headed by Meltzer.
Over the years, various MMA promotions or individual mixed martial artists were deemed eligible to win some awards when it seemed as though they were more deserving to win than the conventional wrestler or wrestling promotion. This led to, in 1997, the creation of Shootfighter of the Year and Shoot Match of the Year to recognize MMA achievement specifically. Still, some primarily professional wrestling-focused awards remained intact for MMA promotions/fighters to win, due to the similar business aspect between both sports. In the December 3, 2007 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was announced that from that year onwards, mixed martial artists are no longer eligible for the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award, thus reserving it for professional wrestlers only. [|Shootfighter of the Year] was renamed to Most Outstanding Fighter and [|Shoot Match of the Year] was renamed to MMA Match of the Year to match a new award called Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable, which is similar to the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award except it is for mixed martial artists.

Current awards

"Category A" awards

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

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Harley RaceNational Wrestling Alliance
1981Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1982Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1984Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1985Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions
1986Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions
1987Riki ChoshuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
1988Akira MaedaUniversal Wrestling Federation
1989Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Jumbo TsurutaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992Ric FlairWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Big Van VaderWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Toshiaki KawadaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1995Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1996Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1997Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1998Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000Triple HWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Keiji MutoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Kenta KobashiPro Wrestling Noah
2004Kenta KobashiPro Wrestling Noah
2005Kenta KobashiPro Wrestling Noah
2006MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2011Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2012Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Shinsuke NakamuraNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015AJ StylesNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2016AJ StylesWWE
2017Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Kenny OmegaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2019Chris JerichoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling
2020Jon MoxleyNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling
2021Kenny OmegaAll Elite Wrestling
Impact Wrestling
2022Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
2023Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2024Cody RhodesWWE

Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable

YearFighterPromotion
2007Randy CoutureUltimate Fighting Championship
2008Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2009Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2010Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2011Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2012Anderson SilvaUltimate Fighting Championship
2013Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2014Ronda RouseyUltimate Fighting Championship
2015Ronda RouseyUltimate Fighting Championship
2016Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2018Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2019Jorge MasvidalUltimate Fighting Championship
2020Khabib NurmagomedovUltimate Fighting Championship
2021Kamaru UsmanUltimate Fighting Championship
2022Israel AdesanyaUltimate Fighting Championship
2023Jon JonesUltimate Fighting Championship
2024Alex PereiraUltimate Fighting Championship

Most Outstanding Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion
1986Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions
1987Ric FlairJim Crockett Promotions
1988Tatsumi FujinamiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1989Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Thunder Liger">WCW Thunder">Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1991Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1992Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1993Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1994Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1995Manami ToyotaAll Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1996Rey Misterio Jr.Extreme Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1998Koji KanemotoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1999Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000Chris BenoitWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2001Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2004Chris BenoitWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2005Samoa JoeRing of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2007Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2008Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2009Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanDragon Gate USA
Ring of Honor
2010Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanChikara
Dragon Gate USA
Evolve
World Wrestling Entertainment
2011Davey RichardsPro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2012Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014AJ StylesNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2015AJ StylesNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2016AJ StylesWWE
2017Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Kenny OmegaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Kenny OmegaAll Elite Wrestling
AAA Worldwide">Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide">AAA Worldwide
2021Shingo TakagiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2024Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling

Most Outstanding Fighter of the Year

YearFighterPromotion
1997Maurice SmithUltimate Fighting Championship
1998Frank ShamrockUltimate Fighting Championship
1999Frank ShamrockUltimate Fighting Championship
2000Kazushi SakurabaPride Fighting Championships
2001Wanderlei SilvaPride Fighting Championships
2002Antônio Rodrigo NogueiraPride Fighting Championships
2003Randy CoutureUltimate Fighting Championship
2004Wanderlei SilvaPride Fighting Championships
2005Fedor EmelianenkoPride Fighting Championships
2006Mirko FilipovićPride Fighting Championships
2007Quinton JacksonUltimate Fighting Championship
2008Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2009Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2010Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2011Jon JonesUltimate Fighting Championship
2012Anderson SilvaUltimate Fighting Championship
2013Cain VelasquezUltimate Fighting Championship
2014Ronda RouseyUltimate Fighting Championship
2015Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2016Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Demetrious JohnsonUltimate Fighting Championship
2018Daniel CormierUltimate Fighting Championship
2019Israel AdesanyaUltimate Fighting Championship
2020Israel AdesanyaUltimate Fighting Championship
2021Kamaru UsmanUltimate Fighting Championship
2022Alexander VolkanovskiUltimate Fighting Championship
2023Islam MakhachevUltimate Fighting Championship
2024Alex PereiraUltimate Fighting Championship

Tag Team of the Year

YearTag TeamPromotion
1980The Fabulous Freebirds
Mid-South Wrestling
Georgia Championship Wrestling
1981Jimmy Snuka and Terry GordyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1982Stan Hansen and Ole AndersonNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Ricky Steamboat and Jay YoungbloodJim Crockett Promotions
1984The Road Warriors
American Wrestling Association
National Wrestling Alliance
1985The British Bulldogs
World Wrestling Federation
All Japan Pro Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
1986The Midnight Express
Universal Wrestling Federation
1987The Midnight Express
Universal Wrestling Federation
Jim Crockett Promotions
1988The Midnight Express
Jim Crockett Promotions
1989The Rockers
World Wrestling Federation
1990The Steiner Brothers
World Championship Wrestling
1991Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki KawadaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992The Miracle Violence Connection
All Japan Pro Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1993The Hollywood Blonds
World Championship Wrestling
1994La Pareja del Terror
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1996Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun AkiyamaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1997Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun AkiyamaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1998Shinjiro Otani and Tatsuhito TakaiwaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1999Kenta Kobashi and Jun AkiyamaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000Edge and ChristianWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Tencozy New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002Los Guerreros
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Kenta and Naomichi MarufujiPro Wrestling Noah
2004Kenta and Naomichi MarufujiPro Wrestling Noah
2005America's Most Wanted
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006The Latin American Exchange
|Homicide] and Hernandez
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2007[The Briscoe Brothers
Ring of Honor
2008John Morrison and The MizWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009The American Wolves
Ring of Honor
2010The Kings of Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2011Bad Intentions
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2012Bad Influence
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013The Shield
WWE
2014The Young Bucks
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2015The Young Bucks
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2016The Young Bucks
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2017The Young Bucks
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2018The Young Bucks
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2019Lucha Brothers
All Elite Wrestling
Impact Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2020The Young Bucks
All Elite Wrestling
2021The Young Bucks
All Elite Wrestling
2022FTR
All Elite Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2023FTR
All Elite Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2024The Young Bucks
All Elite Wrestling

Best on Interviews

YearPerformerPromotion
1981Lou AlbanoWorld Wrestling Federation
1981Roddy PiperNational Wrestling Alliance
1982Roddy PiperNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Roddy PiperNational Wrestling Alliance
1984Jimmy HartContinental Wrestling Association
1985Jim CornetteMid-South Wrestling
World Class Championship Wrestling
1986Jim CornetteJim Crockett Promotions
1987Jim CornetteJim Crockett Promotions
1988Jim CornetteJim Crockett Promotions
1989Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Arn AndersonWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Ric FlairWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Jim CornetteSmoky Mountain Wrestling
1994Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Cactus JackExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1997Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1998Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1999The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2000The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2001Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2004Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Hustle
Ring of Honor
2005Eddie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2006Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2007John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010Chael SonnenUltimate Fighting Championship
2011CM PunkWWE
2012CM PunkWWE
2013Paul HeymanWWE
2014Paul HeymanWWE
2015Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2016Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2018Daniel BryanWWE
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Eddie KingstonAll Elite Wrestling
2021MJFAll Elite Wrestling
2022MJFAll Elite Wrestling
2023Eddie KingstonAll Elite Wrestling
2024Drew McIntyreWWE

[|Promotion of the Year]

YearPromotion
1983Jim Crockett Promotions
1984New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1985All Japan Pro Wrestling
1986Mid-South Wrestling/Universal Wrestling Federation
1987New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1988New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1989Universal Wrestling Federation
1990All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991All Japan Pro Wrestling
1992New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1993All Japan Pro Wrestling
1994Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1996New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1997New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1998New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1999World Wrestling Federation
2000World Wrestling Federation
2001Pride Fighting Championships
2002Pride Fighting Championships
2003Pride Fighting Championships
2004Pro Wrestling Noah
2005Pro Wrestling Noah
2006Ultimate Fighting Championship
2007Ultimate Fighting Championship
2008Ultimate Fighting Championship
2009Ultimate Fighting Championship
2010Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011Ultimate Fighting Championship
2012New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2016New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020All Elite Wrestling
2021All Elite Wrestling
2022All Elite Wrestling
2023WWE
2024WWE

Best Weekly TV Show

YearProgramPromotion
1983World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1984World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1985Mid-South WrestlingMid-South Wrestling
1986Universal Wrestling FederationUniversal Wrestling Federation
198790 Minute Memphis Live WrestlingContinental Wrestling Association
1988World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1989All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1990All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1993All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1994Hardcore TV|Hardcore TV]Extreme Championship Wrestling
1995Hardcore TVExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996Hardcore TVExtreme Championship Wrestling
1997World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1998Raw is WarWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Raw is WarWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Raw is WarWorld Wrestling Federation
2001World Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002SmackDown!World Wrestling Entertainment
2003Power HoursPro Wrestling Noah
2004Monday Night RawWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005The Ultimate FighterUltimate Fighting Championship
2006The Ultimate FighterUltimate Fighting Championship
2007The Ultimate FighterUltimate Fighting Championship
2008The Ultimate FighterUltimate Fighting Championship
2009Friday Night SmackDownWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010Ring of Honor WrestlingRing of Honor
2011Friday Night SmackDownWWE
2012Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013NXTWWE
2014NXTWWE
2015NXTWWE
2016New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXSNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXSNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018NXTWWE
2019DynamiteAll Elite Wrestling
2020DynamiteAll Elite Wrestling
2021DynamiteAll Elite Wrestling
2022DynamiteAll Elite Wrestling
2023DynamiteAll Elite Wrestling
2024DynamiteAll Elite Wrestling

Pro Wrestling Match of the Year

YearMatchPromotionShow and venue
1980Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera
Texas Death Match
World Wrestling FederationWWF on MSG Network
New York, New York
May 19
1981Pat Patterson vs. Sgt. Slaughter
Alley Fight
World Wrestling FederationWWF on MSG Network
New York, New York
May 4
1982Tiger Mask vs. Dynamite KidNew Japan Pro-WrestlingSummer Fight Series II Night 19
Tokyo, Japan
August 5
1983Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood vs. Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle
Steel Cage match
Jim Crockett PromotionsThe Final Conflict
Greensboro, North Carolina
March 12
1984The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs
Anything Goes match
World Class Championship WrestlingIndependence Day Star Wars
Fort Worth, Texas
July 4
1985Tiger Mask II vs. Kuniaki KobayashiAll Japan Pro WrestlingAJPW Special Wars in Budokan
Tokyo, Japan
June 21
1986Ric Flair vs. Barry WindhamChampionship Wrestling from FloridaNWA [Battle of the Belts II|Battle of the Belts II]
Orlando, Florida
February 14
1987Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Randy "Macho Man" SavageWorld Wrestling FederationWrestleMania III
Pontiac, Michigan
March 29
1988Sting vs. Ric FlairJim Crockett PromotionsClash of the Champions I
Greensboro, North Carolina
March 27
1989Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair
Two out of three falls match
World Championship WrestlingClash of the Champions VI
New Orleans, Louisiana
April 2
1990Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Naoki SanoNew Japan Pro-WrestlingNew Spring Gold Series
Osaka, Japan
January 31
1991Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Steiner BrothersNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
Starrcade in Tokyo Dome
Tokyo, Japan
March 21
1992Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Doug Furnas and Dan KroffatAll Japan Pro WrestlingSuper Power Series Night 8
Sendai, Japan
May 25
1993Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs. Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi OzakiAll Japan Women's Pro-WrestlingDream Slam II
Osaka, Japan
April 11
1994Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels
Ladder match
World Wrestling FederationWrestleMania X
New York, New York
March 20
1995Manami Toyota vs. Kyoko InoueAll Japan Women's Pro-WrestlingG*Top 2nd
Tokyo, Japan
May 7
1996Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama vs. Steve Williams and Johnny AceAll Japan Pro WrestlingSuper Power Series Night 15
Tokyo, Japan
June 7
1997Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Submission match
World Wrestling FederationWrestleMania 13
Rosemont, Illinois
March 23
1998Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro WrestlingOctober Giant Series Night 18
Tokyo, Japan
October 31
1999Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu MisawaAll Japan Pro WrestlingSuper Power Series Night 14
Tokyo, Japan
June 11
2000Atlantis vs. Villano IIIConsejo Mundial de Lucha LibreJuicio Final
Mexico City, Mexico
March 17
2001Keiji Muto vs. Genichiro TenryuAll Japan Pro WrestlingSuper Power in Budokan
Tokyo, Japan
June 8
2002Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit vs. Edge and Rey MysterioWorld Wrestling EntertainmentNo Mercy
North Little Rock, Arkansas
October 20
2003Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu MisawaPro Wrestling NoahNavigate for Evolution Night 9
Tokyo, Japan
March 1
2004Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun AkiyamaPro Wrestling NoahDeparture
Tokyo, Japan
July 10
2005Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa JoeRing of HonorJoe vs. Kobashi
Manhattan, New York
October 1
2006Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi vs. Cima, Masato Yoshino and Naruki DoiRing of HonorSupercard of Honor
Chicago Ridge, Illinois
March 31
2007Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan DanielsonRing of HonorManhattan Mayhem II
Manhattan, New York
August 25
2008Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
Ladder match
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWENo Mercy
Portland, Oregon
October 5
2009The Undertaker vs. Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWEWrestleMania XXV
Houston, Texas
April 5
2010The Undertaker vs. Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWEWrestleMania XXVI
Glendale, Arizona
March 28
2011CM Punk vs. John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWEMoney in the Bank
Rosemont, Illinois
July 17
2012Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru SuzukiNew Japan Pro-WrestlingKing of Pro-Wrestling
Tokyo, Japan
October 8
2013Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-WrestlingInvasion Attack
Tokyo, Japan
April 7
2014AJ Styles vs. Minoru SuzukiNew Japan Pro-WrestlingG1 Climax 24 Night 7
Tokyo, Japan
August 1
2015Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota IbushiNew Japan Pro-WrestlingWrestle Kingdom 9
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2016Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-WrestlingWrestle Kingdom 10
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2017Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny OmegaNew Japan Pro-WrestlingWrestle Kingdom 11
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2018Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada
Two out of three falls match
New Japan Pro-WrestlingDominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall
Osaka, Japan
June 9
2019Will Ospreay vs. Shingo TakagiNew Japan Pro-WrestlingBest of the Super Juniors 26 Final
Tokyo, Japan
June 5
2020Kenny Omega and "Hangman" Adam Page vs. The Young BucksAll Elite WrestlingRevolution
Chicago, Illinois
February 29
2021The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Brothers
Steel Cage match
All Elite WrestlingAll Out
Chicago, Illinois
September 5
2022Kazuchika Okada vs. Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-WrestlingG1 Climax 32 Final
Tokyo, Japan
August 18
2023Kenny Omega vs. Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-WrestlingWrestle Kingdom 17
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
2024Bryan Danielson vs. Will OspreayAll Elite WrestlingDynasty
St. Louis, Missouri
April 21

MMA Match of the Year

YearFightPromotionShow and venue
1997Maurice Smith vs. Mark ColemanUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 14
Birmingham, Alabama
July 27
1998Jerry Bohlander vs. Kevin JacksonUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 16
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 13
1999Frank Shamrock vs. Tito OrtizUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 22
Lake Charles, Louisiana
September 24
2000Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce GraciePride Fighting ChampionshipsGrand Prix 2000 Finals
Tokyo Dome
May 1
2001Randy Couture vs. Pedro RizzoUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 31
Atlantic City, New Jersey
May 4
2002Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro TakayamaPride Fighting ChampionshipsPride 21
Saitama, Japan
June 23
2003Wanderlei Silva vs. Hidehiko YoshidaPride Fighting ChampionshipsFinal Conflict
Tokyo, Japan
November 9
2004Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton JacksonPride Fighting ChampionshipsPride 28
Saitama, Japan
October 31
2005Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan BonnarUltimate Fighting ChampionshipThe Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 9
2006Diego Sanchez vs. Karo ParisyanUltimate Fighting ChampionshipFight Night: Sanchez vs. Parisyan
Las Vegas, Nevada
August 17
2007Randy Couture vs. Tim SylviaUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 68
Columbus, Ohio
March 3
2008Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton JacksonUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 86
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 5
2009Diego Sanchez vs. Clay GuidaUltimate Fighting ChampionshipThe Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale
Las Vegas, Nevada
June 20
2010Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung JungWorld Extreme CagefightingWEC 48
Sacramento, California
April 24
2011Dan Henderson vs. Shogun RuaUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 139
San Jose, California
November 19
2012Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin PoirierUltimate Fighting Championship2012 in UFC#UFC on Fuel TV: [The Korean Zombie vs. Poirier|UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier]
Fairfax, Virginia
May 15
2013Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego SanchezUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 166
Houston, Texas
October 19
2014Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie LawlerUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 171
Dallas, Texas
March 15
2015Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonaldUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 189
Las Vegas, Nevada
July 11
2016Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos ConditUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 195
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 2
2017Cub Swanson vs. Doo Ho ChoiUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 206
Toronto, Ontario
December 10, 2016
2018Dustin Poirier vs. Justin GaethjeUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje
Glendale, Arizona
April 14
2019Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin GastelumUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 236
Atlanta, Georgia
April 13
2020Zhang Weili vs. Joanna JędrzejczykUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 248
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 7
2021Justin Gaethje vs. Michael ChandlerUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 268
New York City, New York
November 6
2022Jiří Procházka vs. Glover TeixeiraUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 275
Kallang, Singapore
June 11
2023Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam MakhachevUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 284
Perth, Australia
February 12
2024Max Holloway vs. Justin GaethjeUltimate Fighting ChampionshipUFC 300
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 13

"Category B" awards

United States/Canada MVP

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018AJ StylesWWE
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021Kenny OmegaAll Elite Wrestling
2022Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023Cody RhodesWWE
2024Cody RhodesWWE

Koichi Yoshizawa Award (Japan MVP)

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018Kenny OmegaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Tetsuya NaitoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021Shingo TakagiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2024Zack Sabre Jr.New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Mexico MVP

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018L.A. ParkConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2019Rey FénixAll Elite Wrestling
Impact Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2020Rey FénixAll Elite Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2021El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2022El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2023MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2024MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

Europe MVP

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018WalterOver the Top Wrestling
Progress Wrestling
Westside Xtreme Wrestling
2019WalterWWE
2020WalterWWE
2021Will OspreayRevolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Will OspreayRevolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023Will OspreayRevolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2024Michael OkuRevolution Pro Wrestling

Danny Hodge Memorial Award (Non-Heavyweight MVP)

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Progress Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2019Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Progress Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2020Hiromu TakahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021Darby AllinAll Elite Wrestling
2022El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2023El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2024Darby AllinAll Elite Wrestling

Women's Wrestling MVP

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018Becky LynchWWE
2019Becky LynchWWE
2020BayleyWWE
2021Utami HayashishitaWorld Wonder Ring Stardom
2022SyuriWorld Wonder Ring Stardom
2023Rhea RipleyWWE
2024SareeeFreelance

Women's MMA MVP

YearWrestlerPromotion
2018Amanda NunesUltimate Fighting Championship
2019Amanda NunesUltimate Fighting Championship
2020Amanda NunesUltimate Fighting Championship
2021Rose NamajunasUltimate Fighting Championship
2022Zhang WeiliUltimate Fighting Championship
2023Alexa GrassoUltimate Fighting Championship
2024Zhang WeiliUltimate Fighting Championship

Best Box Office Draw

YearPerformerPromotion
1997Hollywood HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1998Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation
2000The RockWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Kazushi SakurabaPride Fighting Championships
2002Bob SappK-1
Pride Fighting Championships
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2003Bob SappK-1
Pride Fighting Championships
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2004Kenta KobashiPro Wrestling Noah
2005Kenta KobashiPro Wrestling Noah
2006MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2009Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2010Brock LesnarUltimate Fighting Championship
2011The RockWWE
2012The RockWWE
2013Georges St-PierreUltimate Fighting Championship
2014Ronda RouseyUltimate Fighting Championship
2015Ronda RouseyUltimate Fighting Championship
2016Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2018Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2021MMA: Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2021Pro Wrestling: CM PunkAll Elite Wrestling
2022MMA: Israel AdesanyaUltimate Fighting Championship
2022Pro Wrestling: Roman ReignsWWE
2023MMA: Jon JonesUltimate Fighting Championship
2023Pro Wrestling: Roman ReignsWWE
2024MMA: Alex PereiraUltimate Fighting Championship
2024Pro Wrestling: Cody RhodesWWE

Feud of the Year

YearFeudPromotion
1980Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry ZbyszkoWorld Wrestling Federation
1981André the Giant vs. Killer KhanWorld Wrestling Federation
1982Ted DiBiase vs. Junkyard DogMid-South Wrestling
1983The Freebirds vs. The Von ErichsWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1984The Freebirds vs. The Von ErichsWorld Class Championship Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1985Ted DiBiase vs. Jim DugganMid-South Wrestling
1986Hulk Hogan vs. Paul OrndorffWorld Wrestling Federation
1987Austin Idol & Tommy Rich vs. Jerry LawlerContinental Wrestling Association
1988The Fantastics vs. The Midnight ExpressJim Crockett Promotions
1989Ric Flair vs. Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Jumbo TsurutaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991Mitsuharu Misawa and company vs. Jumbo Tsuruta and companyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992Jeff Jarrett & Jerry Lawler vs. The MoondogsUnited States Wrestling Association
1993Bret Hart vs. Jerry LawlerWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Los Gringos Locos vs. Asistencia Asesoría y AdministraciónAsistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean MalenkoExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996New World Order vs. World Championship WrestlingWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Hart FoundationWorld Wrestling Federation
1998Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Mick Foley vs. Triple HWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Wanderlei SilvaPride Fighting Championships
2002Tito Ortiz vs. Ken ShamrockUltimate Fighting Championship
2003Kurt Angle vs. Brock LesnarWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple HWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005Batista vs. Triple HWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2006Tito Ortiz vs. Ken ShamrockUltimate Fighting Championship
2007Batista vs. The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Chris Jericho vs. Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Jeff Hardy vs. CM PunkWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010El Generico vs. Kevin SteenRing of Honor
2011John Cena vs. CM PunkWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2012Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Jon Jones vs. Daniel CormierUltimate Fighting Championship
2015José Aldo vs. Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2016Conor McGregor vs. Nate DiazUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny OmegaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso CiampaWWE
2019Adam Cole vs. Johnny GarganoWWE
2020Jon Moxley vs. Eddie KingstonAll Elite Wrestling
2021Kenny Omega vs. "Hangman" Adam PageAll Elite Wrestling
2022FTR vs. The BriscoesRing of Honor
2023Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. The BloodlineWWE
2024CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyreWWE

Most Improved

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Larry ZbyszkoWorld Wrestling Federation
1981Adrian AdonisAmerican Wrestling Association
1982Jim DugganMid-South Wrestling
1983Curt HennigAmerican Wrestling Association
Pacific Northwest Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984The CobraNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
1985Steve WilliamsMid-South Wrestling
1986Rick SteinerMid-South Wrestling
1987Big Bubba RogersUniversal Wrestling Federation
1988StingJim Crockett Promotions
1989Lex LugerWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Kenta KobashiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991Dustin RhodesWorld Championship Wrestling
1992El SamuraiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1993Tracy SmothersSmoky Mountain Wrestling
1994DieselWorld Wrestling Federation
1995Johnny B. BaddWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Diamond Dallas PageWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Tatsuhito TakaiwaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1998The RockWorld Wrestling Federation
1999VaderAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2000Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Keiji MutoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002Brock LesnarWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Brock LesnarWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004Randy OrtonWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005Roderick StrongRing of Honor
2006Takeshi MorishimaPro Wrestling Noah
2007Montel Vontavious PorterWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008The MizWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009The MizWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010SheamusWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011Dolph ZigglerWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012Kazuchika OkadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Roman ReignsWWE
2014RusevWWE
2015BayleyWWE
2016Matt RiddleEvolve
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2017Braun StrowmanWWE
2018Adam PageNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2019Lance ArcherNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Britt BakerAll Elite Wrestling
2021Tay ContiAll Elite Wrestling
2022The AcclaimedAll Elite Wrestling
2023Julia HartAll Elite Wrestling
2024Kyle FletcherAll Elite Wrestling

Most Charismatic

YearPerformerPromotion
1980Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1981Michael HayesWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1982Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1982Dusty RhodesNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1984Ric FlairNational Wrestling Alliance
1985Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1986Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1987Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1988StingWorld Championship Wrestling
1989Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1991Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1992StingWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Ric FlairWorld Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
1994Atsushi OnitaFrontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1995Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1996Shawn MichaelsWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1997Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1998Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
1999The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2000The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2001The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Bob SappNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
K-1
2004Eddie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2005Eddie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2006John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2007John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010John CenaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011The RockWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012The RockWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2013Hiroshi TanahashiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Shinsuke NakamuraNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015Shinsuke NakamuraNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2016Conor McGregorUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Tetsuya NaitoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Tetsuya NaitoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Chris JerichoAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020MJFAll Elite Wrestling
2021CM PunkAll Elite Wrestling
2022MJFAll Elite Wrestling
2023MJFAll Elite Wrestling
2024The RockWWE

Bryan Danielson Award (Best Technical Wrestler)

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Bob BacklundWorld Wrestling Federation
1981Ted DiBiaseMid-South Wrestling
1982Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1983Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984Dynamite KidStampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984Masa SaitoAmerican Wrestling Association
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1985Tatsumi FujinamiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1986Tatsumi FujinamiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1987Nobuhiko TakadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1988Tatsumi FujinamiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1989Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1990Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1991Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1992Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1993Hiroshi HaseNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1994Chris BenoitExtreme Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1995Chris BenoitExtreme Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1996Dean MalenkoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997Dean MalenkoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1998Kiyoshi TamuraFighting Network Rings
1999Shinjiro OtaniNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2000Chris BenoitWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2001Minoru TanakaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Chris BenoitWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004Chris BenoitWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2006Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2007Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2008Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanRing of Honor
2009Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanDragon Gate USA
Ring of Honor
2010Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanChikara
Dragon Gate USA
Evolve
World Wrestling Entertainment
2011Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanWWE
2012Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanWWE
2013Bryan Danielson/Daniel BryanWWE
2014Zack Sabre Jr.Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Pro Wrestling Noah
Westside Xtreme Wrestling
2015Zack Sabre Jr.Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Pro Wrestling Noah
Westside Xtreme Wrestling
2016Zack Sabre Jr.Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Revolution Pro Wrestling
Westside Xtreme Wrestling
2017Zack Sabre Jr.New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Revolution Pro Wrestling
2018Zack Sabre Jr.New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Progress Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Revolution Pro Wrestling
2019Zack Sabre Jr.New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
2020Zack Sabre Jr.New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021Daniel Bryan/Bryan DanielsonWWE
All Elite Wrestling
2022Daniel Bryan/Bryan DanielsonAll Elite Wrestling
2023Daniel Bryan/Bryan DanielsonAll Elite Wrestling
2024Zack Sabre Jr.New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Bruiser BrodyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
National Wrestling Association
1981Bruiser BrodyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
National Wrestling Association
1982Bruiser BrodyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
National Wrestling Association
1983Bruiser BrodyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
National Wrestling Association
1984Bruiser BrodyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
World Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
National Wrestling Association
1985Stan HansenAll Japan Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1986Terry GordyAll Japan Pro Wrestling
Universal Wrestling Federation
1987Bruiser BrodyWorld Wrestling Council
World Class Championship Wrestling
1988Bruiser BrodyWorld Wrestling Council
World Class Championship Wrestling
1989Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Stan HansenAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling
1994Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyExtreme Championship Wrestling
International Wrestling Association of Japan
1995Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyExtreme Championship Wrestling
International Wrestling Association of Japan
1996Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Federation
1997Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Federation
1998Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind/Mick FoleyWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation
2002Yoshihiro TakayamaPro Wrestling Noah
2003Brock LesnarWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004Chris BenoitWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005Samoa JoeRing of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006Samoa JoeRing of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2007Takeshi MorishimaRing of Honor
Pro Wrestling Noah
2008Necro ButcherRing of Honor
Combat Zone Wrestling
2009Necro ButcherRing of Honor
Combat Zone Wrestling
2010Kevin SteenRing of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2011Kevin SteenPro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012Kevin SteenRing of Honor
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2013Katsuyori ShibataNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Tomohiro IshiiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015Tomohiro IshiiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2016Tomohiro IshiiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017Tomohiro IshiiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Tomohiro IshiiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Tomohiro IshiiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2021Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023Jon MoxleyAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2024"Hangman" Adam PageAll Elite Wrestling

Best Flying Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion
1981Jimmy SnukaWorld Wrestling Federation
1982Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1983Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1984Dynamite KidNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1985Tiger Mask IIAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1986Tiger Mask IIAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1987Owen HartNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1988Owen HartNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1989Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Star Wrestling
BWF
1990Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Star Wrestling
BWF
1991Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Star Wrestling
BWF
1992Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1993Jushin Liger/Jushin Thunder LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1994The Great SasukeMichinoku Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1995Rey Misterio Jr.Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
Extreme Championship Wrestling
1996Rey Misterio Jr.Extreme Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
1997Rey Misterio Jr.World Championship Wrestling
1998Juventud GuerreraWorld Championship Wrestling
AAA
1999Juventud GuerreraWorld Championship Wrestling
AAA
2000Jeff HardyWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Dragon KidToryumon Japan
2002Rey MysterioWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Rey MysterioWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004Rey MysterioWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005AJ StylesRing of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2007MísticoConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2008Evan BourneWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Kota IbushiDDT Pro-Wrestling
2010Kota IbushiDDT Pro-Wrestling
2011RicochetDragon Gate
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012Kota IbushiDDT Pro-Wrestling
2013Kota IbushiDDT Pro-Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014RicochetDragon Gate
Lucha Underground
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2015RicochetDragon Gate
Lucha Underground
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2016Will OspreayProgress Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2017Will OspreayProgress Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2018Will OspreayProgress Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2019Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Rey FénixAll Elite Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2021Rey FénixAll Elite Wrestling
2022El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2023El Hijo del VikingoLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2024Will OspreayNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling

Most Overrated

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Mr. Wrestling IINational Wrestling Alliance
1981Pedro MoralesWorld Wrestling Federation
1982Pedro MoralesWorld Wrestling Federation
1983Bob BacklundWorld Wrestling Federation
1984Big John StuddWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1986Hulk HoganWorld Wrestling Federation
1987Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1988Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1989The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1990The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1991The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Erik WattsWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Sid ViciousWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Hulk/Hollywood HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Hulk/Hollywood HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Hulk/Hollywood HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Hulk/Hollywood HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1998Hulk/Hollywood HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Kevin NashWorld Championship Wrestling
2000Kevin NashWorld Championship Wrestling
2001The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Triple HWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Triple HWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2004Triple HWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2005Jeff JarrettTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006BatistaWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2007The Great KhaliWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Vladimir KozlovWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Triple HWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010KaneWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2011CrimsonTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2012RybackWWE
2013Randy OrtonWWE
2014KaneWWE
2015KaneWWE
2016Roman ReignsWWE
2017Jinder MahalWWE
2018Baron Corbin/King CorbinWWE
2019Baron Corbin/King CorbinWWE
2020Bray WyattWWE
2021EvilNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2022Ronda RouseyWWE
2023SanadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2024Nia JaxWWE

Most Underrated

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Hossein ArabNational Wrestling Alliance
World Wrestling Federation
1981Buzz SawyerNational Wrestling Alliance
1982Adrian AdonisAmerican Wrestling Association
1983Dynamite KidNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Stampede Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1984B. Brian BlairWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Bobby EatonJim Crockett Promotions
1986Bobby EatonJim Crockett Promotions
1987Brad ArmstrongJim Crockett Promotions
1988Tiger Mask IIAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1989Dan KroffatAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1990Bobby EatonWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Terry TaylorWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Terry TaylorWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Bobby EatonWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Brian PillmanWorld Championship Wrestling
1995SkipWorld Wrestling Federation
1996Leif CassidyWorld Wrestling Federation
1997Flash FunkWorld Wrestling Federation
1998Chris BenoitWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Chris JerichoWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
2000Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Lance StormWorld Wrestling Federation
World Championship Wrestling
2002Booker TWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2003Último DragónWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2004Paul LondonWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2005Shelton BenjaminWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2006Shelton BenjaminWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2007Shelton BenjaminWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008Montel Vontavious PorterWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009Evan BourneWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010KavalWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011Dolph ZigglerWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012Tyson KiddWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2013 CesaroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2014 CesaroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2015 CesaroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2016 CesaroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2017RusevWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2018Finn BálorWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2019Shorty GWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2020RicochetWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2021RicochetWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2022Konosuke TakeshitaAll Elite Wrestling
DDT Pro Wrestling
2023Chad GableWWE
2024Konosuke TakeshitaAll Elite Wrestling
DDT Pro Wrestling

Rookie of the Year

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Barry WindhamNational Wrestling Alliance
1981Brad ArmstrongNational Wrestling Alliance
1981Brad RheingansNational Wrestling Alliance
1982Steve WilliamsNational Wrestling Alliance
1983The Road WarriorsNational Wrestling Alliance
1984Tom ZenkAWA
1984Keiichi YamadaNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1985Jack VictoryNational Wrestling Alliance
1986Bam Bam BigelowContinental Wrestling Association
1987Brian PillmanStampede Wrestling
1988Gary AlbrightStampede Wrestling
1989Dustin RhodesWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Steve AustinUnited States Wrestling Association
1991Johnny B. BaddWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Rey Misterio Jr.Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
1993Jun AkiyamaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1994Mikey WhipwreckExtreme Championship Wrestling
1995Perro Aguayo Jr.Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
1996The GiantWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Mr. ÁguilaConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
1998GoldbergWorld Championship Wrestling
1999BlitzkriegWorld Championship Wrestling
2000Sean O'HaireWorld Championship Wrestling
2001El Hombre Sin NombreConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2002Bob SappK-1
2003Chris SabinTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
Pro Wrestling Zero-One Max
2004Petey WilliamsTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2005Shingo TakagiDragon Gate
2006Atsushi AokiPro Wrestling Noah
2007Erick StevensRing of Honor
2008KaiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2009FrightmareChikara
2010Adam ColeRing of Honor
Combat Zone Wrestling
2011Daichi HashimotoPro Wrestling Zero1
2012DinastíaLucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2013Yohei KomatsuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Dragon LeeConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2015Chad GableWWE
2016Matt RiddleEvolve
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2017Katsuya KitamuraNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Ronda RouseyWWE
2019Jungle BoyAll Elite Wrestling
2020Pat McAfeeWWE
2021Jade CargillAll Elite Wrestling
2022Bron BreakkerWWE
2023Yuma AnzaiAll Japan Pro Wrestling
2024Je'Von EvansWWE

Best Non-Wrestler

YearPerformerPromotion
1999Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2000Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2001Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2004Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2005Eric BischoffWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2006Jim CornetteTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2007Larry SweeneyRing of Honor
2008Larry SweeneyRing of Honor
2009Vickie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010Vickie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011Ricardo RodriguezWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2013Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2014Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2015Dario CuetoLucha Underground
2016Dario CuetoLucha Underground
2017Daniel BryanWWE
2018Paul HeymanWWE
2019Paul HeymanWWE
2020TazAll Elite Wrestling
2021Paul HeymanWWE
2022Paul HeymanWWE
2023Don CallisAll Elite Wrestling
2024Paul HeymanWWE

Jim Ross Award (Best Television Announcer)

YearAnnouncerPromotion
1981Gordon SolieNational Wrestling Alliance
1982Gordon SolieNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Gordon SolieNational Wrestling Alliance
1984Lance RussellContinental Wrestling Association
1985Lance RussellContinental Wrestling Association
1986Lance RussellContinental Wrestling Association
1987Lance RussellContinental Wrestling Association
1988Jim RossWorld Championship Wrestling
1989Jim RossWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Jim RossWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Jim RossWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Jim RossWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Jim RossWorld Championship Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
1994Joey StylesExtreme Championship Wrestling
1995Joey StylesExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996Joey StylesExtreme Championship Wrestling
1997Mike TenayWorld Championship Wrestling
1998Jim RossWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Jim RossWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Jim RossWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Jim RossWorld Wrestling Federation
2002Mike TenayTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2003Mike TenayTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2004Mike TenayTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2005Mike TenayTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006Jim RossWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2007Jim RossWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2008Matt StrikerWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Jim RossWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010Joe RoganUltimate Fighting Championship
2011Joe RoganUltimate Fighting Championship
2012Jim RossWWE
2013William RegalWWE
2014William RegalWWE
2015Mauro RanalloNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2016Mauro RanalloNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
WWE
2017Mauro RanalloWWE
Bellator MMA
2018Kevin KellyNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Kevin KellyNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020ExcaliburAll Elite Wrestling
2021ExcaliburAll Elite Wrestling
2022Kevin KellyNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023ExcaliburAll Elite Wrestling
2024Nigel McGuinnessAll Elite Wrestling
Ring of Honor

Worst Television Announcer

YearAnnouncerPromotion
1984Angelo MoscaWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1986David CrockettJim Crockett Promotions
1987David CrockettJim Crockett Promotions
1988David CrockettJim Crockett Promotions
1989Ed WhalenStampede Wrestling
1990Herb AbramsUniversal Wrestling Federation
1991Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1995Gorilla MonsoonWorld Wrestling Federation
1996Steve McMichaelWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Dusty RhodesWorld Championship Wrestling
1998Lee MarshallWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Tony SchiavoneWorld Championship Wrestling
2000Tony SchiavoneWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Michael ColeWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Jerry LawlerWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Jonathan CoachmanWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2004Todd GrishamWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2005Jonathan CoachmanWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2006Todd GrishamWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2007Don WestTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008Mike AdamleWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009Michael ColeWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010Michael ColeWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011Michael ColeWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012Michael ColeWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2013TazTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2014John "Bradshaw" LayfieldWWE
2015John "Bradshaw" LayfieldWWE
2016David OtungaWWE
2017Booker TWWE
2018Jonathan CoachmanWWE
2019Corey GravesWWE
2020Michael ColeWWE
2021Corey GravesWWE
2022Corey GravesWWE
2023Booker TWWE
2024Booker TWWE

Best Major Wrestling Show

YearShowPromotion
1989The Great American BashWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Wrestling SummitWorld Wrestling Federation/New Japan Pro-Wrestling/All Japan Pro Wrestling
1991WrestleWarWorld Championship Wrestling
1992WrestlemarinpiadAll Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1993Dream Slam IAll Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
1994Super J-CupNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1995Bridge of DreamsWeekly Pro Wrestling
1996Super J-Cup: 2nd StageWrestle Association R
1997In Your House 16: Canadian StampedeWorld Wrestling Federation
1998Heat WaveExtreme Championship Wrestling
1999Anarchy RulzExtreme Championship Wrestling
2000Juicio FinalConsejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
2001WrestleMania X-SevenWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2002SummerSlamWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2003Final ConflictPride Fighting Championships
2004DeparturePro Wrestling Noah
2005DestinyPro Wrestling Noah
2006Glory By Honor V: Night 2Ring of Honor
2007Man UpRing of Honor
2008WrestleMania XXIVWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009Open the Historic GateDragon Gate USA
2010UFC 116Ultimate Fighting Championship
2011Money in the BankWWE
2012King of Pro-WrestlingNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013G1 Climax 23: Day 4New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014G1 Climax 24: Day 7New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015Wrestle Kingdom 9New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2016Wrestle Kingdom 10New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017Wrestle Kingdom 11New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo HallNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Double or NothingAll Elite Wrestling
2020RevolutionAll Elite Wrestling
2021All OutAll Elite Wrestling
2022Forbidden DoorAll Elite Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2023RevolutionAll Elite Wrestling
2024RevolutionAll Elite Wrestling

Worst Major Wrestling Show

Best Wrestling Maneuver

YearWrestlerManeuverPromotion
1981Jimmy SnukaSuperfly splash
Diving splash
World Wrestling Federation
1982Super DestroyerSuperplex
Suplex from ring ropes
National Wrestling Alliance
1983Jimmy SnukaSuperfly splashWorld Wrestling Federation
1984British BulldogsMilitary press followed by a missile dropkickWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Tiger Mask IITopé con giro
Suicide dive through the ropes into senton
All Japan Pro Wrestling
1986Chavo GuerreroMoonsault blockWorld Wrestling Association
1987Keiichi YamadaShooting star pressStampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Star Promotions
1988Keiichi YamadaShooting star pressStampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Star Promotions
1989Scott SteinerFrankensteiner
Headscissors takedown
World Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1990Scott SteinerFrankensteiner
Headscissors takedown
World Championship Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1991Masao OriharaTop-rope moonsault to the outside of the ringNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
19922 Cold Scorpio450° splashWorld Championship Wrestling
1993VaderMoonsaultWorld Championship Wrestling
1994The Great SasukeSasuke Special
Cartwheel moonsault over the top rope
Michinoku Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
1995Rey Misterio Jr.Flip dive into a frankensteiner on the floorExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996Último DragónRunning Liger bomb
Running sitout powerbomb
World Championship Wrestling
Wrestle Association R
1997Diamond Dallas PageDiamond Cutter
Jumping cutter
World Championship Wrestling
1998Kenta KobashiBurning Hammer
Inverted Death Valley driver
All Japan Pro Wrestling
1999Dragon KidDragonrana
Somersault into hurricanrana
Toryumon Japan
2000Dragon KidDragonrana
Somersault into hurricanrana
Toryumon Japan
2001Keiji Muto/The Great MutaShining Wizard
Knee strike onto kneeling opponent
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
2002Brock LesnarF-5
Fireman's carry facebuster
World Wrestling Entertainment
2003AJ StylesStyles Clash
Belly-to-back inverted mat slam
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2004Petey WilliamsCanadian Destroyer
Flip piledriver
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2005Petey WilliamsCanadian Destroyer
Flip piledriver
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2006KentaGo 2 Sleep
Fireman's carry drop into knee strike
Pro Wrestling Noah
Ring of Honor
2007KentaGo 2 Sleep
Fireman's carry drop into knee strike
Pro Wrestling Noah
Ring of Honor
2008Evan BourneAir Bourne
Shooting star press
World Wrestling Entertainment
2009The Young BucksMore Bang for Your Buck
Rolling fireman's carry slam, followed by 450° splash, followed by moonsault
Chikara
Dragon Gate USA
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
2010RicochetDouble rotation moonsaultDragon Gate USA
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2011RicochetDouble rotation moonsaultDragon Gate USA
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
2012Kazuchika OkadaRainmaker
Short-arm lariat
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Kazuchika OkadaRainmaker
Short-arm lariat
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014The Young BucksMeltzer Driver
Springboard somersault senton spike into kneeling belly-to-belly piledriver
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
Ring of Honor
2015AJ StylesStyles ClashNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
Ring of Honor
2016Kenny OmegaOne-Winged Angel
One-handed electric chair driver
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017Kenny OmegaOne-Winged Angel
One-handed electric chair driver
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Kenny OmegaOne-Winged Angel
One-handed electric chair driver
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Will OspreayStorm Breaker
Double underhook Canadian backbreaker rack into a modified corkscrew neckbreaker
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Kenny OmegaOne Winged AngelAll Elite Wrestling
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
2021"Hangman" Adam PageBuckshot Lariat
Slingshot flipping lariat
All Elite Wrestling
2022Will OspreayHidden Blade
Running elbow strike to the back of a kneeling opponent's head
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling
2023Will OspreayHidden Blade
Running elbow strike to the back of a kneeling opponent's head
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling
2024Will OspreayHidden Blade
Running elbow strike to the back of a kneeling opponent's head
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling

Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic

YearPromotional TacticPromotion
1981Monster character LeBelle Promotions
1982Bob Backlund as WWF ChampionWorld Wrestling Federation
1983Eddie Gilbert re-breaking his neck in an angle after having done so legitimatelyWorld Wrestling Federation
1984Blackjack Mulligan fake heart attackChampionship Wrestling from Florida
1985Usage of Mike Von Erich's near-death to sell ticketsWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1986Comparing Chris Adams' blindness angle with the death of Gino HernandezWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Exploitation of the death of Mike Von Erich at 4th Von Erich Memorial Parade of ChampionsWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1988Fritz Von Erich's fake heart attackWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1989José González's babyface push one year after Bruiser Brody stabbing caseWorld Wrestling Council/Capitol Sports Promotions
1990Atsushi Onita stabbing José González, two years after Bruiser Brody stabbing caseFrontier Martial-Arts Wrestling
1991Exploiting the Persian Gulf War World Wrestling Federation
1992Pushing Erik WattsWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Cactus Jack gets amnesiaWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Ric Flair retirement angleWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Gene Okerlund's 900 hotline announcement of the death of Jerry BlackwellWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Fake Diesel and Razor RamonWorld Wrestling Federation
1997Melanie Pillman interview on Raw the day after Brian Pillman's deathWorld Wrestling Federation
1998Exploiting Scott Hall's alcoholismWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Over the Edge pay-per-view continuing after the death of Owen HartWorld Wrestling Federation
2000David Arquette wins the WCW World Heavyweight ChampionshipWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Stephanie McMahon comparing her father's indictment to September 11 attacksWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2002Triple H accusing Kane of murder and necrophilia World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2003McMahons all over the productWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2004Kane and Lita pregnancy/wedding/miscarriage angleWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2005Not editing out a terrorist angle for air on day of London bombingsWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2006Exploitation of the death of Eddie GuerreroWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2007Signing of Adam "Pacman" Jones and having him "Make It Rain" on television, when his doing so in a strip club led to the paralysis of a wrestlerTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008Teasing a Jeff Hardy drug overdose to garner late interest in a PPV showWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009Mickie James' "Piggy James" angle making fun of her weightWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010Stand Up For WWE campaign, launched in conjunction with Linda McMahon's US Senate runWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011Promoting an anti-bullying campaign despite blatant mistreatment of Jim RossWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012CM Punk and Paul Heyman exploiting Jerry Lawler's real-life heart attack, playing footage of him near deathWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2013Exploitation of the death of Bill MoodyWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2014Insulting fans who purchased PPVsWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2015Using Reid Fliehr's death in an angleWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2016Kimbo vs. Dada 5000 fightBellator MMA
2017Promoting Jimmy Snuka as a hero in death not long after his trial over the death of Nancy ArgentinoWWE
2018Relationship with Saudi ArabiaWWE
2019Relationship with Saudi ArabiaWWE
2020Firing people during a global pandemic while setting profit recordsWWE
2021Firing people during a global pandemic while setting profit recordsWWE
2022Vince McMahon appearing on television for a crowd pop after sexual misconduct allegations came outWWE
2023WWE enabling Vince McMahon and him being back in power, and TKO keeping him in a position of powerWWE
2024Continued relationship with Saudi ArabiaWWE

Worst Television Show

YearProgramPromotion
1984All-Star WrestlingWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Championship Wrestling from FloridaChampionship Wrestling from Florida
1986California Championship WrestlingCalifornia Championship Wrestling
1987World Class Championship WrestlingWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1988Championship WrestlingAmerican Wrestling Association
1989ICW WrestlingInternational Championship Wrestling
1990Championship WrestlingAmerican Wrestling Association
1991Fury HourUniversal Wrestling Federation
1992Global Wrestling Federation on ESPNGlobal Wrestling Federation
1993Global Wrestling Federation on ESPNGlobal Wrestling Federation
1994Saturday NightWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Saturday NightWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Warriors of WrestlingAmerican Wrestling Federation
1997United States Wrestling AssociationUnited States Wrestling Association
1998Monday NitroWorld Championship Wrestling
1999ThunderWorld Championship Wrestling
2000ThunderWorld Championship Wrestling
2001ExcessWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Monday Night RawWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Monday Night RawWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2004Friday Night SmackDown!World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2005Friday Night SmackDown!World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2006Monday Night RawWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2007Impact!/Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008Impact!/Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2009Impact!/Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2010Impact!/Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2011Impact!/Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2012Monday Night RawWWE
2013Impact WrestlingTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2014Monday Night RawWWE
2015Monday Night RawWWE
2016Monday Night RawWWE
2017Monday Night RawWWE
2018Monday Night RawWWE
2019Monday Night RawWWE
2020Monday Night RawWWE
2021Monday Night RawWWE
2022Monday Night RawWWE
2023NWA PowerrrNational Wrestling Alliance
2024RampageAll Elite Wrestling

[|Worst Match] of the Year

YearMatchPromotionShow and venue
1984Wendi Richter vs. The Fabulous MoolahWorld Wrestling FederationThe Brawl to End It All
New York, New York
July 23
1985Freddie Blassie vs. Lou Albano
Steel Cage match
World Wrestling FederationWWF House Show
Uniondale, New York
September 20
1986Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper
Boxing match
World Wrestling FederationWrestleMania 2
Uniondale, New York
April 7
1987Hulk Hogan vs. André the GiantWorld Wrestling FederationWrestleMania III
Pontiac, Michigan
March 29
1988Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tom MageeAll Japan Pro WrestlingChampion Carnival
Kawasaki, Japan
April 21
1989André the Giant vs. The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling FederationSaturday Night's Main Event XXIV
Topeka, Kansas
October 31
1990Sid Vicious vs. The NightstalkerWorld Championship WrestlingClash of the Champions XIII
Jacksonville, Florida
November 20
1991Bobby Eaton and P. N. News vs. Terrance Taylor and Steve Austin
Capture the Flag scaffold match
World Championship WrestlingThe Great American Bash
Baltimore, Maryland
July 14
1992Rick Rude vs. Masahiro ChonoWorld Championship WrestlingHalloween Havoc
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 25
1993The Bushwhackers and Men on a Mission vs. Bam Bam Bigelow, Bastion Booger, and The HeadshrinkersWorld Wrestling FederationSurvivor Series
Boston, Massachusetts
November 24
1994The Royal Court vs. Clowns R' UsWorld Wrestling FederationSurvivor Series
San Antonio, Texas
November 23
1995Sting vs. Tony PalmoreNew Japan Pro-WrestlingBattle 7
Tokyo, Japan
January 4
1996Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution
Tower of Doom match
World Championship WrestlingUncensored
Tupelo, Mississippi
March 24
1997Hollywood Hogan vs. "Rowdy" Roddy PiperWorld Championship WrestlingSuperBrawl
Daly City, California
February 23
1998Hollywood Hogan vs. The WarriorWorld Championship WrestlingHalloween Havoc
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 25
1999Al Snow vs. The Big Boss Man
Kennel from Hell match
World Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentUnforgiven
Charlotte, North Carolina
September 26
2000Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco
Hardcore Evening Gown match
World Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentKing of the Ring
Boston, Massachusetts
June 25
2001The Brothers of Destruction vs. KroniKWorld Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentUnforgiven
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 23
2002Bradshaw and Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie GaydaWorld Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentMonday Night Raw
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 8
2003Triple H vs. Scott SteinerWorld Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentRoyal Rumble
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19
2004Tyson Tomko vs. Stevie RichardsWorld Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentUnforgiven
Portland, Oregon
September 12
2005Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore LongWorld Wrestling Federation/EntertainmentSurvivor Series
Detroit, Michigan
November 27
2006Reverse Battle RoyalTotal Nonstop Action WrestlingImpact!
Orlando, Florida
October 26
2007James Storm vs. Chris Harris
Six Sides of Steel blindfold match
Total Nonstop Action WrestlingLockdown
St. Louis, Missouri
April 15
2008Edge vs. Triple H vs. Vladimir KozlovWorld Wrestling EntertainmentSurvivor Series
Boston, Massachusetts
November 23
2009Jenna Morasca vs. SharmellTotal Nonstop Action WrestlingVictory Road
Orlando, Florida
July 19
2010Kaitlyn vs. MaxineWorld Wrestling EntertainmentNXT
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
October 19
2011Sting vs. Jeff HardyTotal Nonstop Action WrestlingVictory Road
Orlando, Florida
March 13
2012John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis
No Disqualification match
WWEOver the Limit
Raleigh, North Carolina
May 20
2013Brie 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 match
WWESurvivor Series
Boston, Massachusetts
November 24
2014John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
Steel Cage match
WWEExtreme Rules
East Rutherford, New Jersey
May 4
2015Los Psycho Circus vs. Los Villanos Lucha Libre AAA WorldwideTriplemanía XXIII
Mexico City, Mexico
August 9
2016Shelly Martinez vs. RebelTotal Nonstop Action WrestlingOne Night Only: Knockouts Knockdown
Orlando, Florida
March 17
2017Bray Wyatt vs. Randy OrtonWWEWrestleMania 33
Orlando, Florida
April 2
2018D-Generation X vs. Brothers of DestructionWWECrown Jewel
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
November 2
2019Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
Hell in a Cell match
WWEHell in a Cell
Sacramento, California
October 6
2020Braun Strowman vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
Wyatt Swamp Fight
WWEThe Horror Show at Extreme Rules
Orlando, Florida
July 19
2021The Miz vs. Damian Priest
Zombie lumberjack match
WWEWrestleMania Backlash
Tampa, Florida
May 16
2022Pat McAfee vs. Mr. McMahonWWEWrestlemania 38 Night 2
Arlington, Texas
April 3
2023Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight
Mountain Dew Pitch Black match
WWERoyal Rumble
San Antonio, Texas
January 28
2024Jey Uso vs. Jimmy UsoWWEWrestleMania XL Night 1
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 6

Worst Feud of the Year

YearFeudPromotion
1984André the Giant vs. Big John StuddWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris ZhukovAmerican Wrestling Association
1986The Machines vs. King Kong Bundy and John StuddWorld Wrestling Federation
1987George Steele vs. Danny DavisWorld Wrestling Federation
1988The Midnight Rider vs. Tully BlanchardJim Crockett Promotions
1989André the Giant vs. The Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard DogWorld Championship Wrestling
1991Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. SlaughterWorld Wrestling Federation
1992The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa ShangoWorld Wrestling Federation
1993The Undertaker vs. Giant GonzálezWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the ClownWorld Wrestling Federation
1995Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon of DoomWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Big Bubba vs. John TentaWorld Championship Wrestling
1997The D.O.A. vs. Los BoricuasWorld Wrestling Federation
1998Hollywood Hogan vs. The WarriorWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Big Boss Man vs. Big ShowWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Hulk Hogan vs. Billy KidmanWorld Championship Wrestling
2001WWF vs. The Alliance
The Invasion storyline
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2002Triple H vs. KaneWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2003Kane vs. Shane McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2004Kane vs. Matt Hardy and LitaWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2005McMahon Family vs. Jim RossWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2006McMahon Family vs. D-Generation XWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2007Kane vs. Big Daddy VWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2008Kane vs. Rey MysterioWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2009Hornswoggle vs. Chavo GuerreroWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2010Edge vs. KaneWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2011Triple H vs. Kevin NashWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2012John Cena vs. KaneWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2013Big Show vs. The AuthorityWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2014Brie Bella vs. Nikki BellaWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2015Team PCB vs. Team B.A.D. vs. Team BellaWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2016Titus O'Neil vs. Darren YoungWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2017Bray Wyatt vs. Randy OrtonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2018Sasha Banks vs. BayleyWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2019Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray WyattWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2020Braun Strowman vs. "The Fiend" Bray WyattWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2021Randy Orton vs. The Fiend & Alexa BlissWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2022The Miz vs. Dexter LumisWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
2023MJF vs. The Devil/Adam ColeAll Elite Wrestling
2024MJF vs. The Devil/Adam ColeAll Elite Wrestling

Worst Promotion of the Year

YearPromotion
1986American Wrestling Association
1987World Class Championship Wrestling
1988American Wrestling Association
1989American Wrestling Association
1990American Wrestling Association
1991Universal Wrestling Federation
1992Global Wrestling Federation
1993World Championship Wrestling
1994World Championship Wrestling
1995World Championship Wrestling
1996American Wrestling Federation
1997United States Wrestling Association
1998World Championship Wrestling
1999World Championship Wrestling
2000World Championship Wrestling
2001World Championship Wrestling
2002Xtreme Pro Wrestling
2003Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling
2004New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2005New Japan Pro-Wrestling
2006World Wrestling Entertainment
2007Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2008Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2009Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2010Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2011Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2012Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2013Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2014Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2015Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2016Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2017Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling
2018WWE
2019WWE
2020WWE
2021WWE
2022WWE
2023National Wrestling Alliance
2024National Wrestling Alliance

Best Booker

YearBookerPromotion
1986Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1987Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Eddie GilbertContinental Wrestling Federation
1989Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1990Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992Riki ChoshuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1993Jim CornetteSmoky Mountain Wrestling
1994Paul HeymanExtreme Championship Wrestling
1995Paul HeymanExtreme Championship Wrestling
1996Paul HeymanExtreme Championship Wrestling
1997Paul HeymanExtreme Championship Wrestling
1998Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Jim CornetteOhio Valley Wrestling
2002Paul HeymanWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2003Jim CornetteOhio Valley Wrestling
2004Gabe SapolskyRing of Honor
Full Impact Pro
2005Gabe SapolskyRing of Honor
Full Impact Pro
2006Gabe SapolskyRing of Honor
Full Impact Pro
2007Gabe SapolskyRing of Honor
Full Impact Pro
2008Joe SilvaUltimate Fighting Championship
2009Joe SilvaUltimate Fighting Championship
2010Joe SilvaUltimate Fighting Championship
2011Gedo and JadoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2012Gedo and JadoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2013Gedo and JadoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2014Gedo and JadoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015Paul Levesque and Ryan WardWWE
2016GedoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017GedoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018GedoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019GedoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2020Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2021Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2022Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2023Paul LevesqueWWE
2024Paul LevesqueWWE

Promoter of the Year

YearPromoterPromotion
1988Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1989Akira MaedaUniversal Wrestling Federation
1990Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1991Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1993Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1994Shohei BabaAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1995Riki ChoshuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1996Riki ChoshuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1997Riki ChoshuNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1998Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1999Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
2000Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
2001Antonio InokiNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2002Kazuyoshi IshiiK-1
2003Nobuyuki SakakibaraPride Fighting Championships
2004Nobuyuki SakakibaraPride Fighting Championships
2005Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2006Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2007Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2008Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2009Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2010Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2011Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2012Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2013Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2014Takaaki KidaniNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2015Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2016Dana WhiteUltimate Fighting Championship
2017Takaaki KidaniNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Takaaki KidaniNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2019Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2020Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2021Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2022Tony KhanAll Elite Wrestling
2023Nick KhanWWE
2024Nick KhanWWE

Best Gimmick

YearWrestlerPromotion
1986Adrian StreetContinental Championship Wrestling
1987Ted DiBiaseWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Rick SteinerJim Crockett Promotions
1989Jushin LigerNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1990The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1991The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1992The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1993The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1994The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1995Disco InfernoWorld Championship Wrestling
1996New World Order |nWo]World Championship Wrestling
1997Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
1998Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
1999The RockWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2000Kurt AngleWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2001The HurricaneWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2002Matt HardyWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2003John CenaWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2004John "Bradshaw" LayfieldWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2005Mr. KennedyWorld Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
2006The Latin American XchangeTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2007Santino MarellaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008Santino MarellaWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009CM PunkWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010Alberto Del RioWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011CM PunkWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012Joseph ParkTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013The Wyatt FamilyWWE
2014Rusev and LanaWWE
2015The New DayWWE
2016"Broken" Matt HardyTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2017Los Ingobernables de JapónNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2018Velveteen DreamWWE
2019"The Fiend" Bray WyattWWE
2020Orange CassidyAll Elite Wrestling
2021Roman ReignsWWE
2022Sami ZaynWWE
2023"Timeless" Toni StormAll Elite Wrestling
2024"Timeless" Toni StormAll Elite Wrestling

Worst Gimmick

YearWrestlerPromotion
1986Adrian AdonisWorld Wrestling Federation
1987Adrian AdonisWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Midnight RiderJim Crockett Promotions
1989The Ding DongsWorld Championship Wrestling
1990The Gobbledy GookerWorld Wrestling Federation
1991OzWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Papa ShangoWorld Wrestling Federation
1993The ShockmasterWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Dave SullivanWorld Championship Wrestling
1995GoldustWorld Wrestling Federation
1996Fake Diesel
Fake Razor Ramon
The Real Double J
World Wrestling Federation
1997The Artist Formerly Known As GoldustWorld Wrestling Federation
1998The OdditiesWorld Wrestling Federation
1999The Powers That BeWorld Championship Wrestling
2000Mike AwesomeWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Diamond Dallas PageWorld Wrestling Federation
2002The JohnsonsNWA: Total Nonstop Action
2003Rico ConstantinoWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2004MordecaiWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2005Jillian HallWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2006VitoWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2007Black ReignTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2008The Great KhaliWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2009HornswoggleWorld Wrestling Entertainment
2010Orlando JordanTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2011Michael ColeWWE
2012Aces & EightsTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2013Aces & EightsTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
2014Adam RoseWWE
2015StardustWWE
2016Bone SoldierNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
2017Bray Wyatt/Sister AbigailWWE
2018Constable CorbinWWE
2019Shorty GWWE
2020"The Fiend" Bray WyattWWE
2021Alexa BlissWWE
2022Maximum Male ModelsWWE
2023The DevilAll Elite Wrestling
2024The Learning TreeAll Elite Wrestling

Best Pro Wrestling Book

Best Pro Wrestling Documentary

YearDocumentaryPublisher
2005The [Rise and Fall of ECW]World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2006Bret "Hit Man" Hart: [The Best There Is, the Best There Was, the Best There Ever Will Be|Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be]World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2007Ric Flair and the Four HorsemenWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2008"Nature Boy" Ric Flair: The Definitive CollectionWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2009Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate CollectionWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2010Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris JerichoWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2011Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart: WWE's Greatest RivalriesWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2012CM Punk: Best in the WorldWorld Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
2013Jim Crockett Promotions: The Good Old DaysEllBow Productions
Highspots.com
2014Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name Is Paul HeymanWWE
2015Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!WWE
2016WWE 24: Seth Rollins WWE
201730 for 30: Nature BoyESPN
2018André the GiantHBO
2019Dark Side of the RingViceland
2020Dark Side of the Ring: Owen HartViceland
2021Dark Side of the Ring: Brian PillmanViceland
2022Tales From the Territories: Lawler/KaufmanViceland
2023Dark Side of the Ring: Chris and TammyViceland
2024Mr. McMahonNetflix

Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award

YearRecipientContribution
2020Shad GaspardSacrificed himself to save his son's life after being swept out to sea
2020Ettore Ewen
Big E
Contributed to racial justice during the Black Lives Matter movement and following the murder of George Floyd
2020Rami Sebei
Sami Zayn
Runs Sami for Syria, a medical relief organization assisting ill and injured people during the Syrian civil war
2020Tracy SmothersAssisted young independent wrestlers
2020Margaret StalveyAssisted the Huber family during Jon Huber's illness and after his death
2020Megha ParekhAssisted the Huber family during Jon Huber's illness and after his death
2021Jon MoxleyChose to step away from professional wrestling to enter into a rehabilitation program for alcoholism
2021Thaddeus Bullard
Titus O'Neil
The child of a rape victim, O'Neil went on to help underprivileged children through his charitable work, especially in his hometown of Tampa, Florida
2022Dustin PoirierThrough his Good Fight Foundation, Poirier provided assistance to underserved and vulnerable communities in South Louisiana
2023Steve McMichaelMcMichael, who has been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis since 2021, has provided inspiration to those battling illnesses due to his continued determination to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony after being elected to the hall
2023Pugh familyThe family showed class and resiliency after the death of Jamin Pugh in a car accident; despite the driver of the other car being at fault for the accident, they publicly asked people to stop attacking them on social media and fundraised for the driver's family
2023Valerie ColemanThe widow of late Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, Coleman is credited with saving Graham's life on multiple occasions
2024Mark ColemanSaved his parents from a house fire, at the risk of his own life
2024Daquan Johnson-Bey
Chris Bey
Showed resilience after suffering a career-threatening neck injury in the ring

Defunct awards

Class A awards

Most Impressive Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Ken PateraWorld Wrestling Federation
1981Don MuracoWorld Wrestling Federation
1982Tiger MaskNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
World Wrestling Federation
Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre
1983Dynamite KidStampede Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
1984Dynamite KidStampede Wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
1985Dynamite KidWorld Wrestling Federation
All Japan Pro Wrestling

Most Washed Up Wrestler

Strongest Wrestler

Best Three-Man Team

Most Unimproved

Most Obnoxious

YearPerformerPromotion
1981Gene LeBellNational Wrestling Alliance
1982David CrockettNational Wrestling Alliance
1983Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1984Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1986Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1987David CrockettJim Crockett Promotions
1988Dusty RhodesJim Crockett Promotions
1989Dusty RhodesWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1991Herb AbramsUniversal Wrestling Federation
1992Bill WattsWorld Championship Wrestling
1993Vince McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Hulk HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Hulk HoganWorld Championship Wrestling

Best Babyface

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

Best Heel

YearWrestlerPromotion
1980Larry ZbyszkoWorld Wrestling Federation
1981Don MuracoWorld Wrestling Federation
1982Buzz SawyerGeorgia Championship Wrestling
1983Michael HayesWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1984Roddy PiperWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Roddy PiperWorld Wrestling Federation
1986Michael HayesWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Ted DiBiaseWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Ted DiBiaseWorld Wrestling Federation
1989Terry FunkWorld Championship Wrestling
1990Ric FlairWorld Championship Wrestling
1991The UndertakerWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Rick RudeWorld Championship Wrestling
1993VaderWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Art BarrAsistencia Asesoría y Administración
1995Masahiro ChonoNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
1996Stone Cold Steve AustinWorld Wrestling Federation

Biggest Shock of the Year

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

Hardest Worker

Manager of the Year

Class B awards

Best Color Commentator

YearCommentatorPromotion
1986Michael HayesUniversal Wrestling Federation
1987Jesse VenturaWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Jesse VenturaWorld Wrestling Federation
1989Jesse VenturaWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Jesse VenturaWorld Wrestling Federation
1991Paul E. DangerouslyWorld Championship Wrestling
1992Bobby HeenanWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Bobby HeenanWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Bobby HeenanWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Jerry LawlerWorld Wrestling Federation
1996Jerry LawlerWorld Wrestling Federation

Readers' Favorite Wrestler

Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler

Worst Wrestler

YearWrestlerPromotion
1984Ivan PutskiWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Uncle ElmerWorld Wrestling Federation
1986Mike Von ErichWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Junkyard DogWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1989André the GiantWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Junkyard DogWorld Championship Wrestling
1991André the GiantAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1992André the GiantAll Japan Pro Wrestling
1993The EqualizerWorld Championship Wrestling
1994Dave SullivanWorld Championship Wrestling
1995The RenegadeWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Loch NessWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Hulk HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1998WarriorWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Kevin NashWorld Championship Wrestling
2000Kevin NashWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Big ShowWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Big ShowWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Nathan JonesWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

Worst Tag Team

Worst Manager

YearManagerPromotion
1984Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1986Paul JonesJim Crockett Promotions
1987Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1988Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1989Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1991Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1995Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1996Sonny OnooWorld Championship Wrestling
1997Sonny OnooWorld Championship Wrestling
1998Sonny OnooWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Sonny OnooWorld Championship Wrestling

Worst on Interviews

YearPerformerPromotion
1984Jimmy SnukaWorld Wrestling Federation
1985Thunderbolt PattersonNational Wrestling Alliance
1986Mike Von ErichWorld Class Championship Wrestling
1987Bugsy McGrawJim Crockett Promotions
1988Steve WilliamsJim Crockett Promotions
1989Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1990Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1991Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1992Ultimate WarriorWorld Wrestling Federation
1993Mr. FujiWorld Wrestling Federation
1994Dave SullivanWorld Championship Wrestling
1995Hulk HoganWorld Championship Wrestling
1996Ahmed JohnsonWorld Wrestling Federation
1997Ahmed JohnsonWorld Wrestling Federation
1998WarriorWorld Championship Wrestling
1999Sid ViciousWorld Championship Wrestling
2000Vince RussoWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

Most Embarrassing Wrestler

Worst Non-Wrestling Personality

YearPersonalityPromotion
2000Vince RussoWorld Championship Wrestling
2001Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2002Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
2003Stephanie McMahonWorld Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

''Wrestling Observer'' Decade Awards

1990s