This is a no brainer of a post, recommended by Chosen 1, we’ve been talking wrestling for a good part of this year, we might as well express who and what we thought was good and bad.
This roundtable’s members are: Cos, Smark Central, Mother Brain, Justice and Chosen 1, and we all have our own lists of choices for awards for wrestling.
After reading, let us know what you think:
Cos’ Awards:
Match of the Year:
The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania
Nothing else really stands out this year but this match and I feel as if the lack of Shawn Michaels in WWE has definitely been felt since this match. I personally like their first match better, but this one is hard to beat in a year where there weren’t that many great matches.
Most Outstanding Wrestler:
The Miz
Who else in 2010 had as great of a year as The Miz. Miz started in WWE as a joke and now the joke is on everyone else who didn’t think he would amount to anything. Clearly listening to what he is being told to do and then adding on about a hundred and ten percent of AWE-SOME to it. I know, cheesy, but I had to. Starting with the Tag Team Championship at the beginning of the year along with the United States Championship and then going to win the Raw Money in the Bank and finally the WWE Championship. Tell me who else has had such a stellar year?
Most Outstanding Female Wrestler:
Velvet Sky
Not because she’s won anything notable, or because she’s an outstanding wrestler. I don’t think there has been anyone that has actually done a great job in the ring in a long time. But I do think Velvet Sky is the hottest female wrestler out there right now, so this one is a freebie for her.
Feud of the Year:
Cena vs The Nexus
What else stands out from this year but the fact that WWE made eight random wrestlers into superstars in one night with an attack on John Cena. A feud that would go on for months (and quite possibly isn’t over as I type this). This was the must see feud this year and brought some excitement into WWE. That is until…
Worst Feud of the Year:
Cena vs The Nexus
That’s right, I’m putting Cena vs The Nexus as both the best and worst feud of the year because where as it started off strong, the direction the WWE took the feud after John Cena became a member of the Nexus was an extreme disappointment.
Note, as of writing this, I think the “New Management†angle that was seen on the December 27th episode of Raw with CM Punk becoming the new leader has definitely brought the interest level back into this “dead†feud.
Runner up to Worst Feud of the Year would be Kane vs Edge with Paul Beaer…also Runner up to feud of the year would be, in my opinion, The Miz vs Daniel Bryan.
Tag Team of the Year:
ShoMiz
Aside from last year’s Jerishow tag team, I don’t think there has been as dominate of a tag team then the extremely entertaining ShowMiz. While not a popular or long lived, I do see them as being the best one of this year.
I will say, I don’t watch TNA and I am told that they have some of the best tag teams in wrestling, but I’ve never had a chance to watch them at their best.
Most Improved:
Sheamus
Or rather, King Sheamus; at this time last year I hated Sheamus (aside from the fact that I’m not a fan of wrestlers having only one name—like Christian) he was the WWE Champion and everyone felt he had not earned it yet. Now I see him as a huge threat, a main eventer and someone that needs to get back into the main event, he’s been on a downward spiral and I feel that when Triple H returns, that spiral is only going to keep falling.
Rookie of the Year:
Alex Riley (A-Ri)
An odd choice for Rookie of the Year, but who else has broken the barrier of main eventer’s stooge and continues to look strong at everything that they do? I hope to see huge things from Alex Riley in 2011.
Most Overrated:
Drew McIntyre
I really want to like Drew McIntyre, and perhaps 2011 will be his stand out year, but I am not a fan of his work. I can’t even sit and watch a match of his. I think it all stems from the fact that when I (and some of the people who are writing below) went to WWE’s 2009 Hell in a Cell PPV, there was an unannounced Drew McIntyre vs R-Truth match that I still feel was un-called for. I didn’t even know who he was, but he won. I’ve heard great things about him, but I still have yet to see it.
Most Underrated:
CM Punk
Talk about someone who had a less than stellar year, stuck in mostly bad feuds all year, except with Rey Mysterio, a feud that seemingly died a early and unfortunate death, but his Straight Edge Society fell apart quickly and had a lackluster run and he got stuck jobbing to The Big Show for most of the year.
As an update, 2011 seems to be the beginning to a new and fresh feud with CM Punk and John Cena.
Best Gimmick:
“Dashing” Cody Rhodes
I hate to say it but Cody Rhodes’ gimmick is great, I laugh every time I see him come out with a mirror on his back and I just think they need to keep it going.
Worst Gimmick:
Ted DiBiasi
As for the other Legacy member, Ted DiBiasi is stuck in a rut as The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiasi’s son and he’s dragging poor Maryse with him. He has been on a losing streak, which never EVER gets people over and I just don’t know what they can do for him aside from forming the proposed “Fortunate Son’s†stable that was rumored right after Wrestlemania.
Best Babyface:
Daniel Bryan
I don’t think he’s the best character, but his performance in the ring along with a brutal submission move that forces anyone that he applies it to to tap, the Lebell Lock, extremely reminiscent of the Crippler Crossface made famous by “The Rabid Wolverine†{Name Deleted}. Only difference is that Daniel Bryan seems to be a much more fun persona and I just hope they continue to push him.
Best Heel:
Wade Barrett
I think this might be a controversial choice, but who was fresher then Barrett? Perhaps only CM Punk, but I’m a fan of not giving two to the same person. I was hoping for Barrett to win the WWE Championship, but at the same time, his move set is pretty slim and I think he needs a few more months to refine his wrestling, but I do believe he is a bona fide main eventer and should stay there for some time.
Worst Tag Team:
John Cena and David Otunga
I wish nothing but great things for anyone of the members of the NXT group The Nexus, but David Otunga needs to learn, or rather refine his in ring work. I think this was the worst Tag Team of the year because not only did it end a semi promising tag team that was really a tag team in The Hart Dynasty, but also because it was a thrown together group whose reign lasted only a day. Leave these types of championship reigns to the heyday of the Attitude Era.
Most Embarrassing Wrestler:
Abyss
Please tell me someone saw the following video:
OK, so you’re telling me that “The Monster: Abyss went from crazy monster to chicken shit guy with a flannel shirt who squeals? I know he’s turn heel and his a lot more like he was back in the day but characters in wrestling shouldn’t have to go backwards because their characters were better, they need to evolve and not be forced to go back. Abyss was even touted as TNA’s John Cena by Hulk Hogan (how he was labeled as that, I’ll never know) but that is the farthest thing from the truth. Outside of hardcore matches, I don’t think there is much of a market for Abyss.
Smark Central’s Awards:
Match of the Year: The Undertaker Vs Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania XXVI
I hate to go w/the obvious choice here, but no other matches really stand out for me. There have been some great matches this year, but this epic was great simply for the emotion it brought out in everyone who saw it. There were people who didn’t want the streak to end. Some (like me) couldn’t envision the WWE w/o HBK. Regardless, it was amazing and had one of the greatest endings ever. Just two all time greats giving everything they had and unfortunately for Shawn he lost, but it was the best possible way to go.
Most Outstanding Wrestler: Chris Jericho –
Yes, Im aware he didn’t wrestle the whole year, but I think it says even more about this man. He is amazing. He can have a great match w/anyone on the roster and if it’s not a great wrestling match, it still entertains the crap out of you. It is a shame Chris left after the summer, but I’m, certain he will return a-gain.
Most Outstanding Female Wrestler:Michelle McCool –
was debating whether to even give a name for this one, but I thought about it and this was the choice I had to make. As much as I despise the LayCool gimmick and the fact that she slept her way to the title, her work has kept her there. She has not only improved tremendously in the ring, but she is probably one of the top heels in the company. That’s amazing considering how dull she was when she started.
Feud of the Year: John Cena Vs Nexus –
I have to admit it, WWE actually had one feud this year that was interesting. Why was it interesting? Because they actually put effort into it. They tried Edge-Jericho, but that fizzled out because they had Swagger cash in on Jericho. Rey-Punk was good, but way one sided. Taker-HBK was too short. The Nexus-Cena feud has kept RAW going since the summer and while it is becoming stale now, it certainly kept our attention for the past few months. The start of the feud alone far exceeds any other feuds this past year.
Tag Team of the Year: HAHAHA Tag Teams.
If only there was an actual division w/actual teams that I cared about. It’s so sad that unless there are two big names holding the belts that WWE doesn’t give a shit. I can’t give this to anyone because no one stood out enough to win it.
Most Improved: The Miz –
Come on. Seriously, could there be another choice. Every year this guy gets better. He works hard, has good matches w/almost anyone and is the most compelling guy on the mic since the Rock. Long live the Era of Awesome!
Rookie of the Year: Wade Barrett –
Another no contest. This guy has exploded onto the scene like no one else in recent years. Sheamus did ok last year, but this guy takes the evil foreigner character to a new level. He still has a ways to go in the ring, but he is a great mic guy and has carried the entire Nexus group on his shoulders.
Most Overrated: John Cena –
I hate to beat a dead horse, but as long as we are forced to sit through his matches and his Supermarine gimmick then I will continue to moan and groan w/the rest of the internet. Yes, it’s nice that he wasn’t WWE champion all year like he used to be, but he’s still the focus of the show. Even for the 3 weeks he was “fired†the WWE couldn’t bear to take him off TV. He’s so stale and so overrated and it’s so painfully obvious to anyone over the age of 12.
Most Underrated: Goldust –
I’m really going out to left field here, but I needed to make this point. Underneath all his weirdness and the comedy skits there is still a great wrestler under there. Someone who can help young superstars hone their craft and someone who still has a lot to give to the wrestling business. His original character is long gone, but he can still be relevant and I think a pity IC or US title reign before he retires isn’t too much to ask. If they gave Tommy Dreamer the WWECW title, they can throw Dustin a bone.
Best Weekly Television Show: I can’t make a fair call on this one.
I pretty much only watch RAW so I can’t say w/certainty what was the best show. However, I will say that I enjoyed watching NXT (at least the first season). For a few weeks (the weeks Bryan was feuding w/Cole) it was the best show out of the 4 they have, but the second season was more of a downer. The stupid challenges didn’t help matters either, but it was interesting to see how the future of the WWE looks in action.
Best Gimmick: “Dashing†Cody Rhodes –
Not since the days of Rick “The Model†Martel and HBK has there been a better pretty boy. Cody took a stupid WWE.com poll and turned it into gold. Is it over the top? Sure, but it’s believable and it’s working. He is certainly if nothing else the more successful member of Legacy so far. Looks like Ted has some catching up to do.
Worst Gimmick:  R-Truth –
Let me be clear. I HATE R-Truth. I hate him. His gimmick is such stereotypical garbage. I hate his moves, his clothes, and especially his music. Adding Eve’s horrible dancing just makes things worse. Every time he comes out, I dive for the remote because I’d rather risk twisting my ankle than watch one second of this retards entrance. Fuck him.
Best Babyface: Randy Orton –
Randy pulled a face turn this year and it turned out very well for him. He (unlike Cena) has the entire crowd cheering for him especially when he nails an RKO. He plays the silent loner character well and does more w/one facial expression than almost anyone else can do w/two minutes on the mic.
Best Heel: Sheamus –
I would love to give this to The Miz, but in all honesty to me a heel should be universally hated and everyone hates this guy for one reason or another. He looks the part, he talks the part, and he walks the part.
Worst Wrestler:
(NOTE: I was going to try and get all 15 wrestlers on here, more for a joke, but they didn’t all fit)
A 15 way tie between Mark Henry, Koslov, Jackson, Khali, Darren Young, The Usos, Michael Tarver, Chris Masters, Rosa Mendes (seriously when was her last match?), Tiffany (thankfully canned), Trent Barretta, Caylon Croft (also canned), Kelly Kelly (Barbie doll w/Suction action), and Luke Gallows. Seriously, pick one.
Worst Tag Team:
All of them except ShowMiz.
Most Embarrassing Wrestler: Percy Watson –
Seriously I don’t mind goofy characters, but even this guy would be a total embarrassment to the wrestling business and let me remind you were talking about a business that has had wrestling plumbers, hockey players, and NASCAR drivers. A gay Eddie Murphy, yea that’s what this company needs. If you think I’m wrong, why haven’t we seen him on TV yet? I rest my case.
Moment of the year: Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels bury the hatchet –
I hate to go from talking about the worst thing of the year to the best, but I like going out on a high note. This was for me one of the greatest moments not just of this year, but ever. Everything about this was total win. It was one of those rare “real†moments that we almost never see in the “fake†World of professional wrestling. Here were two grown men who made mistakes and had to be humbled at some point in order to see those mistakes and they looked each other in the eye and found a totally new respect for the other guy. It was amazing to be a part of because you never got to see these two guys be humble. You always heard how great they were and how they both wanted to be “the guyâ€, but you never saw them admit they were wrong. It was so refreshing and it was so necessary because we all needed to move on. Thirteen years was long enough and it showed on their faces and obviously in their words. These weren’t two guys in their primes fighting for their “spot†anymore. These were two guys who let it all go and made sure no one walked away feeling bitter anymore. The sight of them shaking hands and then hugging is something I will never forget.
Mother Brain’s 2010 Year in Wrestling Awards
Match of the Year:
Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Streak vs. Career) at Wrestlemania 26
This was easily the shoe-in for this award. The Dead Man and HBK’s previous match at Wrestlemania 25 solidified their status not only as the best in the business but also being the greatest WWE superstars of all time. Of course it was not an easy rematch to top. But the drama of HBK’s obsession with ending the streak hooked every wrestling fan for months and proved to be a far better buildup than the first match. If WWE needs reminders on how to properly build a feud and pay it off with a match that puts asses in seats, always look back at this one.
Most Outstanding Wrestler:
Daniel Bryan
There are few wrestlers in WWE right now who actually elevate their opponents and still give 5 star matches. Daniel Bryan has so much in-ring experience to prove that he truly is the best in the world. More on that later.
Most Outstanding Female Wrestler:
Natalya
Michelle McCool may be the top women’s wrestler in PWI’s 2010 list. But she didn’t have the greatest matches due to her Laycool gimmick overshadowing her actual in-ring ability. I’ve been waiting a long time to see Natalya in action as a babyface. At a time when the Divas division lacks depth and the TNA Knockouts lost their luster, Natalya shows more promise than any Diva right now no matter who they’re married to.
Feud of the Year:
John Cena vs. Nexus
It’s more like the biggest soap opera of the year. It not only stands out because of it’s scope. The feud does have it’s flaws. But to me, this feud was more about suppressing Super Cena to the extent where we actually feel sorry for him. Since becoming the top company face, Cena has been booked like Hulk Hogan where monster heels are built up and easily defeated. Now he’s up against a whole faction which he ultimately joins against his will and gets humiliated week after week. This was the best way to humanize the John Cena character while pushing the next generation of stars like Wade Barrett and Justin Gabriel.
Worst Feud of the Year:
Edge vs. Kane
The cartoon feel of this whole feud make me feel like I’m watching WWE in 1993 all over again. Kane is boring, Edge is not appealing at all, and Paul Bearer is embarrassing himself. Please end this crap right away.
Tag Team of the Year:
Motor City Machine Guns
The tag team division in WWE is dead. TNA has the team of the decade. MCMG have come a long way in the midst of all the political shakeups in TNA. Their best of 5 series of matches with Beer Money was the best tag team feud since the Hardys/Edge & Christian/Dudley Boyz matches of the early 2000’s. Then their victory over Team 3D at Turning Point was the passing of the torch. Let’s hope they stay together a little while longer.
Most Improved:
The Miz
I like every other wrestling fan was on the anti-Miz bandwagon when he first arrived in WWE. But over the years, his in-ring skills and character charisma gave me some confidence in him. Of course he bounced around with tag team gold and 2nd rate mid-card feuds with MVP and Kofi Kingston. But the feud with Daniel Bryan only made him that much hated but also loved at the same time. His WWE Championship win solidifies his stance as a company player and arguably the 2nd coming of The Rock which WWE desperately needs right now.
Rookie of the Year:
Wade Barrett
Because Daniel Bryan already made a name for himself in Ring of Honor, I didn’t consider him a rookie at all. Wade Barrett is undoubtedly the new kid on the block who didn’t get a great deal of attention on NXT until the Nexus angle began. Even though he has not won any titles, Barrett has gained more momentum and heat in his first 6 months than the likes of Sheamus and Drew McIntyre. He’s also the one heel who has been able to make John Cena look vulnerable which has been a very difficult feat to pull of over the years.
Best Flying Wrestler:
John Morrison
There are not too many high flyers I can think of who are a big deal in the business right now. Morrison shows the most promise because of his athleticism and he could possibly fill the void left by Jeff Hardy in the near future.
Most Overrated:
Randy Orton
Let’s be honest. Orton was always at his best as a heel. Fans only pop for him because of the rKo. He may be a company favorite who gets big pops from the “universeâ€; however, his championship run was overshadowed by the Cena/Nexus angle and he eventually dropped the title to the Miz. On top of that, Orton is injury prone. So why is WWE still so high on him as a face?
Most Underrated:
Christian
Yes he’s injured right now. But Christian is a total package when it comes to his in-ring work and mic skills. The fact that he hasn’t been pushed to main event status or even engaged in a major feud only proves that Vince McMahon still holds a grudge on him for going to TNA. Christian deserves so much better as does ex-TNA Knockout, Gail Kim.
Best Weekly Television Show:
Monday Night Raw
No arguments here. Smackdown took a step down in the past year, ECW ended, NXT was weird, TNA Impact has no identity, and I keep missing ROH on Mondays. Raw had all the big moments in wrestling this year (Return of Bret Hart, Nexus beatdown on Cena, HBK’s farewell speech, etc).
Best Gimmick:
CM Punk
This man can adapt to anything that is handed to him. His Straight Edge Society angle sparked controversy and brought out the best in Punk as a creepy heel character. Now as a color commentator, he breathes some life into Raw when Michael Cole is unbearable to listen to.
Worst Gimmick:
The Anonymous Raw GM Manager
This shit has gone on for too long. I’m surprised Apple hasn’t sued for the use of it’s annoying beep. You know WWE is in the shitter when Edge attacks the computer and the computer also makes Michael Cole the biggest heel in the business.
Best Babyface:
Daniel Bryan
Nobody in the business has that Rocky-like persona better than Bryan right now. We all cheered him on during NXT. Then we fell in love with him after his honest shoot-style promo which lead to a beatdown on Michael Cole. Even after he was fired during the summer, the fans pushed hard to bring him back and Vince finally listened for once in a long time.
Best Heel:
Michael Cole
I never liked Cole since he arrived in 1997 to replace Todd Pettengill. He was like the nerd who wanted to be like Jim Ross but couldn’t because he was too stiff. Now after enduring years of torment from the Rock and gang rape by Heidenreich, Cole has put himself in the AND I QUOTE “vintage†Bobby Heenan spot of ripping on every babyface except John Cena. If 2010 was the year Cole came out of the closet, 2011 will be the year he becomes the new Mr. McMahon.
Worst Wrestler:
Chris Masters
Why is this steroid freak still employed? Next!
Worst Tag Team:
Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov
As I said before, tag team division in WWE is dead.
Most Embarrassing Wrestler:
Ted DiBiase
DiBiase showed a great deal of promise while in Legacy. Now he’s the one with the identity crisis. While Orton became champion and Cody Rhodes got over as “dashingâ€, DiBiase can’t decide whether he wants to be like his dad (Million Dollar belt, Virgil in his corner, expensive suits, etc) or try to gain attention with a Canadian-French gold-digger at his side (Maryse). DiBiase lost his momentum this year. Let’s hope he finds it in the new one.
Best Moment of the Year:
Nexus’ first attack on John Cena at Raw
I remember on the night it happened, I turned the TV off when I saw Cena wrestling CM Punk expecting a typical Raw ending. Then my dad calls my cell phone to tell me that a bunch of guys jumped into the ring and beat up Cena along with destroying the entire ringside set. It wasn’t nWo that came to mind. It was Shawn Michaels getting beat up by marines in 1995. Then I turn it on and realize it’s staged because of the Nexus armbands. Still, it was an unforgettable and surreal moment and the most edgy moment in the PG era.
Worst Moment of the Year:
TNA HardCORE Justice
Sadly, I paid money to see this bullshit. Now I was always a die hard ECW fan during its peak. This PPV, however, was literally pissing on its grave. From the gloomy blue lighting to the washed up has-beens to the mediocre matches, it was the worst wrestling PPV since WWECW’s December to Dismember in 2006. Again, this was living proof that TNA has no identity as a company.
Justice’s Awards:
Match of the Year:
Alright, let’s face it. I hate to sit here and sound like a total WWE suck-up but it really just doesn’t get any better than HBK vs The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. The match was Shawn’s last and it had everything possible… technical wrestling, flying, submissons, suspense and high spots. Wrestling PERFECTION.
Most Outstanding Wrestler
How can you argue that The Miz didn’t have the best year in wrestling? WWE Tag Team, United States champion at the same time, Money in the Bank winner and WWE champion. In ONE YEAR! Most guys don’t do that their whole career! The Miz’s year was AAAWWWWEEESSSOOOOMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!
Most Outstanding Female Wrestler:
Michelle McCool-
I love the Lay-Cool gimmick… I may be the only one. Michelle is fantastic in the ring and on the mic. She carries the team even with Layla improving every day. at the end of the day, Michelle is FLAWLESS
Feud of the Year:
Beer Money Inc vs. Motor City Machineguns-
Yeah I know a lot of people expected to see names like Orton, Cena, Barrett, Jericho and Edge up here but the best feud this year was over the TNA tag team titles. I have never seen a 5 match tag team series like these guys had. They brought out the best in eachother and they didn’t need to sell it on the mic, they sold it in the ring
Tag Team of the Year:
Motor City Machine Guns-
Damn they’re good. Almost too good. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelly’s pictures should be next to tag team wrestling in the Wrestling Encyclopedia. They’re funny and fun to watch and finally worked their way out of the TNA doghouse to become world tag team champions.
Most Improved:
John Morrison-
Morrison started this year as a plain babyface and ends this year in a #1 contender ladder match at the TLC ppv. While most (Including myself) thought John was going to be the breakout star of the Dirt Sheet tandem, Morrison sort of stalled out. Now that he’s embraced his attitude, used his unique offensive and defensive talents (and grew a beard), John Morrison is on the fast track to superstardom.
Rookie of the Year:
Daniel Bryan-
Yeah so he’s not REALLY a rookie but he was on NXT- a show about rookies so that justifies my statement. After 10 long years “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson made it to the big leagues… and beat the current WWE champion for the US title… and looks to sleeping with bot the Bella Twins… Congrats man!
Best Flying Wrestler:
Generation ME (Max and Jeremy Buck)-
These guys are phenomonal! They do things I can’t even picture myself ever wanting to attempt… and they do it at the same time! The Young Bucks impressed me a lot this year. (Runners up- Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston)
Most Overrated:
John Cena…
enough said
(Runner up- Drew McIntyre)
Most Underrated:
Dolph Ziggler-
Man, this guy is amazing. He has all the tools to be a big star some day. Too bad the WWE puts him with Vickie Gurrerro in a love triangle with Kaitlyn. What a waste of who could be the next big thing in the WWE (Runner up- Jack Swagger)
Best Weekly Television Show:
Will always be Monday Night Raw…
every other show will always be second-great
Best Gimmick:
Dashing Cody Rhodes-
Yeah, I said it! The music, the entrance, the “don’t hurt my face” in-ring thing. And he plays it out fantastically.
Worst Gimmick:
John Cena in Nexus-
PUT THE GUY IN A NEXUS SHIRT AND RUN WITH THE GIMMICK YOU TOOLS! remember when the WWE had a set of balls and didn’t just care about merchandise sales?
Best Babyface:
Randy Orton-
by process of elimination- Randy’s not even a babyface… he’s a modern-day Stone Cold. But he gets cheered and beats up bad guys so it counts
Best Heel:
Wade Barrett-
Wade wins NXT, beats up the entire WWE roster and makes the biggest good-guy in the company a part of his group. Totally bad-ass and instant heat as soon as his music hits.
Worst Wrestler:
John Cena-
Again, is an explanation needed?
Worst Tag Team:
Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel-
Because Heath Slater sucks in everything he does
Most Embarrassing Wrestler:
Santino Marella-
He actually has talent and the WWE won’t let him use it. It pisses me off because i’m a big fan of Santino.
Worst Feud of the Year:
Jay Lethal and Robbie E-
I actually like the tool Jersey Shore gimmick and Robbie E plays it well… but just as it seemed like Jay Lethal was going to get the push he deserved, he lost the X-division title to Robbie E.
Best Moment of the Year:
Shawn Michaels good-bye…
That brought my wrestling world full circle