Ésta es una lista de premios que otorga la Wrestling Observer Newsletter, tanto actuales como inactivos. Los premios son dados anualmente, diferenciándose en varias categorías como Luchador del Año, Mejor Equipo, Luchador que más ha Mejorado, etc. Actualmente, hay activas 37 categorías y 10 inactivas. Los premios los dan mediante votación por los redactores de newsletter, los cuales incluye redactores, promotores, luchadores y fans.

Los premios son organizados en dos categorías. En la clase A, los votantes votan tres opciones, ganando el primero 5 puntos, el segundo tres y el tercero, dos, ganando el que tiene más puntos. Los de la clase B indican una única opción.

It was announced in the December 3rd 2007 Observer, that from 2007 onwards Mixed Martial Artists are not eligible for the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award and will be for Wrestlers only. Shootfighter of the year will be renamed to Most Outstanding Fighter. A new award has been created called MMA Most Valuable Fighter which is similar to the Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award except it is for Mixed Martial Artists.

Contenido 1 Premios actuales 1.1 Clase A 1.1.1 Premio de Lou Thesz/Ric Flair (Luchador del Año) 1.1.2 MMA Most Valuable Fighter 1.1.3 Most Outstanding Wrestler 1.1.4 Best Box Office Draw 1.1.5 Feud of the Year 1.1.6 Tag Team of the Year 1.1.7 Most Improved 1.1.8 Best on Interviews 1.1.9 Most Charismatic 1.1.10 Best Technical Wrestler 1.1.11 Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler) 1.1.12 Best Flying Wrestler 1.1.13 Most Overrated 1.1.14 Most Underrated 1.1.15 Promotion of the Year 1.1.16 Best Weekly Television Show 1.1.17 Most Outstanding Fighter (formerly Shootfighter of the Year) 1.1.18 Match of the Year 1.1.19 Fight of the Year 1.1.20 Rookie of the Year 1.1.21 Best Non-Wrestler 1.1.22 Best Television Announcer 1.1.23 Worst Television Announcer 1.1.24 Best Major Show 1.2 Class B Awards 1.2.1 Worst Major Wrestling Show 1.2.2 Best Wrestling Maneuver 1.2.3 Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic 1.2.4 Worst Television Show 1.2.5 Worst Worked Match of the Year 1.2.6 Worst Feud of the Year 1.2.7 Worst Promotion of the Year 1.2.8 Best Booker 1.2.9 Promoter of the Year 1.2.10 Best Gimmick 1.2.11 Worst Gimmick 1.2.12 Best Pro Wrestling Book 1.2.13 Best Pro Wrestling DVD 2 Defunct Awards 2.1 Class A Awards 2.1.1 Best Babyface 2.1.2 Best Heel 2.1.3 Manager of the Year 2.2 Class B Awards 2.2.1 Readers' Favorite Wrestler 2.2.2 Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler 2.2.3 Worst Wrestler 2.2.4 Worst Tag Team 2.2.5 Worst Manager 2.2.6 Most Embarrassing Wrestler 2.2.7 Worst Non-Wrestling Personality 3 Referencias

Premios actuales

Clase A

Premio de Lou Thesz/Ric Flair (Luchador del Año)

MMA Most Valuable Fighter

This is also for a combination of fighting inside the ring and importance outside in a positive manner from a business perspective as well.

2007: Randy Couture (UFC) 2008: Brock Lesnar (UFC)

Most Outstanding Wrestler

Best Box Office Draw

Feud of the Year

This is given to the most intense/well done feud between wrestlers.

1980: Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko (WWF) 1981: André the Giant vs. Killer Khan (WWF) 1982: Junkyard Dog vs. Ted DiBiase (NWA)) 1983: The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs (WCCW) 1984: The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs (WCCW) 1985: Jim Duggan vs. Ted DiBiase (UWF) 1986: Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff (WWF) 1987: Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Rich & Austin Idol (CWA) 1988: The Midnight Express vs. The Fantastics (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1990: Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Mitsuharu Misawa (AJPW) 1991: Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Mitsuharu Misawa (AJPW) 1992: Jerry Lawler & Jeff Jarrett vs. The Moondogs (USWA) 1993: Jerry Lawler vs. Bret Hart (WWF) 1994: Eddy Guerrero and Art Barr vs. El Hijo del Santo and Octagón (AAA)

1995: Eddy Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko (ECW) 1996: WCW vs. nWo (WCW) 1997: Steve Austin vs. The Hart Foundation (WWF) 1998: Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon (WWF) 1999: Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon (WWF) 2000: Triple H vs. Mick Foley (WWF) 2001: Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Wanderlei Silva (PRIDE) 2002: Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz (UFC) 2003: Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle (WWE) 2004: Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit (WWE) 2005: Triple H vs. Batista (WWE) 2006: Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock (UFC) 2007: The Undertaker vs. Batista (WWE) 2008: Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels

Tag Team of the Year

This is given to the tag team who could carry an entire tag team division by itself.

1980: Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts) (WCCW) 1981: Jimmy Snuka and Terry Gordy (WWF) 1982: Stan Hansen and Ole Anderson (NWA) 1983: Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood (NWA) 1984: Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) (NWA) 1985: British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) (WWF) 1986: The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton) (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1988: The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) (WWF) 1990: Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada (AJPW) 1992: Miracle Violence Connection (Terry Gordy & Steve Williams) (WCW) 1993: Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) (WCW)

1994: La Pareja del Terror (Eddy Guerrero and Art Barr) (AAA) 1995: Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi (AJPW) 1996: Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama (AJPW) 1997: Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama (AJPW) 1998: Shinjiro Otani and Tatsuhito Takaiwa (NJPW) 1999: Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama (AJPW) 2000: Edge and Christian (WWF) 2001: Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima (NJPW) 2002: Los Guerreros (Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero) (WWE) 2003: Naomichi Marufuji and KENTA (Pro Wrestling NOAH) 2004: Naomichi Marufuji and KENTA (Pro Wrestling NOAH) 2005: America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) (TNA) 2006: Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez) (TNA) 2007: Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe) (ROH) 2008: John Morrison & The Miz (WWE)

Most Improved

This is given to the wrestler who had shown the greatest improvement over previous years.

1980: Larry Zbyszko (WWF) 1981: Adrian Adonis (WWF) 1982: Jim Duggan (NWA) 1983: Curt Hennig (AWA) 1984: The Cobra (NJPW) 1985: Steve Williams (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1986: Rick Steiner (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Big Bubba Rogers (UWF) 1988: Sting (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Lex Luger (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1990: Kenta Kobashi (AJPW) 1991: Dustin Rhodes (WCW) 1992: El Samurái (NJPW) 1993: Tracy Smothers (SMW)

1994: Diésel (WWF) 1995: Johnny B. Badd (WCW) 1996: Diamond Dallas Page (WCW) 1997: Tatsuhito Takaiwa (NJPW) 1998: The Rock (WWF) 1999: Vader (AJPW) 2000: Kurt Angle (WWF) 2001: Keiji Mutoh (AJPW) 2002: Brock Lesnar (WWE) 2003: Brock Lesnar (WWE) 2004: Randy Orton (WWE) 2005: Roderick Strong (ROH) 2006: Takeshi Morishima (Pro Wrestling NOAH) 2007: Montel Vontavious Porter (WWE) 2008: The Miz (WWE)

Best on Interviews

This award is given to the wrestler who has been involved in the most entertaining and best received interviews during the year.

1981: Lou Albano and Roddy Piper (WWF) 1982: Roddy Piper (NWA) 1983: Roddy Piper (NWA) 1984: Jimmy Hart (WWF) 1985: Jim Cornette (NWA) 1986: Jim Cornette (NWA) 1987: Jim Cornette (NWA) 1988: Jim Cornette (NWA) 1989: Terry Funk (NWA) 1990: Arn Anderson (NWA) 1991: Ric Flair (WCW) 1992: Ric Flair (WWF) 1993: Jim Cornette (SMW)

1994: Ric Flair (WCW) 1995: Cactus Jack (ECW) 1996: Steve Austin (WWF) 1997: Steve Austin (WWF) 1998: Steve Austin (WWF) 1999: The Rock (WWF) 2000: The Rock (WWF) 2001: Steve Austin (WWF) 2002: Kurt Angle (WWE) 2003: Chris Jericho (WWE) 2004: Mick Foley (WWE/ HUSTLE) 2005: Eddie Guerrero (WWE) 2006: Mick Foley (WWE) 2007: John Cena (WWE) 2008: Chris Jericho (WWE)

Most Charismatic

This is given to the wrestler who has drawn the strongest reaction from the crowds because of his charisma and presence.

1980: Ric Flair (NWA) 1981: Michael Hayes (WCCW) 1982: Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes (NWA) 1983: Ric Flair (NWA) 1984: Ric Flair (NWA) 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1987: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1988: Sting (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1990: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1991: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1992: Sting (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1993: Ric Flair (WCW)

1994: Atsushi Onita (FMW) 1995: Shawn Michaels (WWF) 1996: Shawn Michaels (WWF) 1997: Steve Austin (WWF) 1998: Steve Austin (WWF) 1999: The Rock (WWF) 2000: The Rock (WWF) 2001: The Rock (WWF) 2002: The Rock (WWF) 2003: Bob Sapp (K-1/ NJPW) 2004: Eddie Guerrero (WWE) 2005: Eddie Guerrero (WWE) 2006: John Cena (WWE) 2007: John Cena (WWE) 2008: John Cena (WWE)

Best Technical Wrestler

This is given to the wrestler who has displayed the best technical and mat wrestling skills.

1980: Bob Backlund (WWF) 1981: Ted DiBiase (NWA) 1982: Tiger Mask (NJPW) 1983: Tiger Mask (NJPW) 1984: The Dynamite Kid (NJPW) 1985: Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW) 1986: Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW) 1987: Nobuhiko Takada (UWF) 1988: Tatsumi Fujinami (NJPW) 1989: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1990: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1991: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1992: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1993: Hiroshi Hase (NJPW)

1994: Chris Benoit (NJPW/ ECW) 1995: Chris Benoit (ECW/ WCW) 1996: Dean Malenko (WCW) 1997: Dean Malenko (WCW) 1998: Kiyoshi Tamura (PRIDE) 1999: Shinjiro Otani (NJPW) 2000: Chris Benoit (WWF) 2001: Minoru Tanaka (NJPW) 2002: Kurt Angle (WWE) 2003: Chris Benoit (WWE) 2004: Chris Benoit (WWE) 2005: Bryan Danielson (ROH) 2006: Bryan Danielson (ROH) 2007: Bryan Danielson (ROH) 2008: Bryan Danielson (ROH)

Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)

This is given to the wrestler who has had the most intense and crowd-engaging brawls.

1980: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1981: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1982: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1983: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1984: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1985: Stan Hansen (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1986: Terry Gordy (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1988: Bruiser Brody (WWC) 1989: Terry Funk (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1990: Stan Hansen (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Cactus Jack (WCW/ IWA Japan) 1992: Cactus Jack (WCW/ IWA Japan) 1993: Cactus Jack (WCW/ IWA Japan/ ECW)

1994: Cactus Jack (ECW/ WCW/ SMW) 1995: Cactus Jack (ECW) 1996: Mankind (WWF) 1997: Mankind (WWF) 1998: Mankind (WWF) 1999: Mick Foley (WWF) 2000: Mick Foley (WWF) 2001: Steve Austin (WWF) 2002: Yoshihiro Takayama (NJPW) 2003: Brock Lesnar (WWE) 2004: Chris Benoit (WWE) 2005: Samoa Joe (ROH/ TNA) 2006: Samoa Joe (ROH/ TNA) 2007: Takeshi Morishima (ROH) 2008: Necrobutcher (CZW)

Best Flying Wrestler

This is given to the wrestler who has displayed the most exciting aerial-based offense in his matches.

1981: Jimmy Snuka (WWF) 1982: Tiger Mask (NJPW) 1983: Tiger Mask (NJPW) 1984: The Dynamite Kid (NJPW) 1985: Tiger Mask II (AJPW) 1986: Tiger Mask II (AJPW) 1987: Owen Hart (NJPW) 1988: Owen Hart (NJPW) 1989: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1990: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1991: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1992: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1993: Jushin Liger (NJPW) 1994: The Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro Wrestling)

1995: Rey Misterio Jr. (AAA/ECW/WCW) 1996: Rey Misterio Jr. (WCW) 1997: Rey Misterio Jr. (WCW) 1998: Juventud Guerrera (WCW) 1999: Juventud Guerrera (WCW) 2000: Jeff Hardy (WWF) 2001: Dragon Kid (Toryumon) 2002: Rey Mysterio (WWE) 2003: Rey Mysterio (WWE) 2004: Rey Mysterio (WWE) 2005: A.J. Styles (TNA) 2006: Místico (CMLL) 2007: Místico (CMLL) 2008: Matt Sydal (WWE)

Most Overrated

Most Underrated

This is given to a wrestler who has performed memorably throughout the year, but hasn't been hyped up by their company, or who has performed mainly on the undercard.

1980: Iron Sheik (WWF) 1981: Buzz Sawyer (NWA) 1982: Adrian Adonis (WWF) 1983: The Dynamite Kid (NJPW) 1984: B. Brian Blair (WWF) 1985: Bobby Eaton (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1986: Bobby Eaton (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Brad Armstrong (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1988: Tiger Mask II (AJPW) 1989: Dan Kroffat (AJPW) 1990: Bobby Eaton (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Terry Taylor (WWF) 1992: Terry Taylor (WWF) 1993: Bobby Eaton (Jim Crockett Promotions)

1994: Brian Pillman (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1995: Skip (WWF) 1996: Leif Cassidy (WWF) 1997: Flash Funk (WWF) 1998: Chris Benoit (WCW) 1999: Chris Jericho (WCW/ WWF) 2000: Chris Jericho (WWF) 2001: Lance Storm (WCW/ WWF) 2002: Booker T (WWE) 2003: Último Dragón (WWE) 2004: Paul London (WWE) 2005: Shelton Benjamin (WWE) 2006: Shelton Benjamin (WWE) 2007: Shelton Benjamin (WWE) 2008: MVP (WWE)

Promotion of the Year

This is given to the most valuable promotion each year.

1983: Jim Crockett Promotions 1984: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1985: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1986: Mid-South Wrestling 1987: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1988: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1989: Universal Wrestling Federation 1990: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1991: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1992: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1993: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1994: Asistencia Asesoría y Administración

1995: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1996: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1997: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1998: New Japan Pro Wrestling 1999: World Wrestling Federation 2000: World Wrestling Federation 2001: PRIDE Fighting Championships 2002: PRIDE Fighting Championships 2003: PRIDE Fighting Championships 2004: Pro Wrestling NOAH 2005: Pro Wrestling NOAH 2006: Ultimate Fighting Championship 2007: Ultimate Fighting Championship 2008: Ultimate Fighting Championship

Best Weekly Television Show

This is awarded for the best Wrestling/MMA show on TV.

1983: New Japan World Pro Wrestling 1984: New Japan World Pro Wrestling 1985: Mid South Wrestling 1986: Universal Wrestling Federation 1987: CWA 90 Minute Memphis Live Wrestling 1988: New Japan World Pro Wrestling 1989: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1990: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1991: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1992: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1993: All Japan Pro Wrestling 1994: Extreme Championship Wrestling 1995: Extreme Championship Wrestling

1996: Extreme Championship Wrestling 1997: New Japan World Pro Wrestling 1998: World Wrestling Federation: RAW Is WAR 1999: World Wrestling Federation: RAW Is WAR 2000: World Wrestling Federation: RAW Is WAR 2001: New Japan World Pro Wrestling 2002: World Wrestling Entertainment: SmackDown! 2003: Pro Wrestling NOAH 2004: World Wrestling Entertainment: RAW 2005: Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter 2006: Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter 2007: Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter 2008: Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Ultimate Fighter

Most Outstanding Fighter (formerly Shootfighter of the Year)

This award is given to the best mixed martial artist each year.

1997: Maurice Smith (UFC) 1998: Frank Shamrock (UFC) 1999: Frank Shamrock (UFC) 2000: Kazushi Sakuraba (PRIDE) 2001: Wanderlei Silva (PRIDE) 2002: Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira (PRIDE)

2003: Randy Couture (UFC) 2004: Wanderlei Silva (PRIDE) 2005: Fedor Emelianenko (PRIDE) 2006: Mirko Cro Cop (PRIDE) 2007: Quinton Jackson (UFC)

Match of the Year

This is given to the best professional wrestling match each year.

1980: Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera (New York City, Madison Square Garden, May 19) 1981: Pat Patterson vs. Sgt. Slaughter (New York City, Madison Square Garden, April 21) 1982: Tiger Mask vs. The Dynamite Kid (Tokyo, August 5) 1983: Harley Race vs. Ric Flair (Starrcade, Greensboro, North Carolina, November 24) 1984: The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs (Fort Worth, Texas, July 4) 1985: Tiger Mask II vs. Kuniaki Kobayashi (Tokyo, June 12) 1986: Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham (Orlando, Florida, February 14) 1987: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (WrestleMania III, Pontiac, Michigan, March 29) 1988: Ric Flair vs. Sting, Clash of the Champions, Greensboro, North Carolina, March 27) 1989: Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat (WrestleWar, Nashville, Tennessee, May 7) 1990: Jushin Liger vs. Naoki Sano (Osaka, January 31) 1991: Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Steiner Brothers (WCW/New Japan Supershow, Tokyo, March 21) 1992: Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Doug Furnas and Phil Lafon (Sendai, May 25) 1993: Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs. Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi Ozaki (Dream Slam II, Osaka, April 11)

1994: Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon - Ladder match (WrestleMania X, New York City, Madison Square Garden, March 20) 1995: Manami Toyota vs. Kyoko Inoue (Tokyo, May 7) 1996: Misawa and Akiyama vs. Steve Williams and Johnny Ace (Tokyo, June 7) 1997: Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13, Rosemont, Illinois, March 23) 1998: Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi (Tokyo, October 31) 1999: Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi (Tokyo, June 11) 2000: Atlantis vs. Villano III (Mexico City, March 17) 2001: Keiji Mutoh vs. Genichiro Tenryu (Tokyo, June 8) 2002: Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle vs. Edge and Rey Mysterio (No Mercy, North Little Rock, Arkansas, October 20) 2003: Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi (Tokyo, March 1) 2004: Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama (Tokyo, Tokyo Dome, July 1) 2005: Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa Joe (New York City, October 1) 2006: Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito, & Genki Horiguchi vs. Naruki Doi, CIMA, & Masato Yoshino (Chicago, March 31) 2007: Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima (New York City, August 25) 2008: Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels (Ladder match, No Mercy)

Fight of the Year

This is given to the best MMA match each year.

1997: Maurice Smith vs. Mark Coleman (Birmingham, AL, July 27) 1998: Jerry Bohlander vs. Kevin Jackson (New Orleans, March 13) 1999: Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz (Lake Charles, LA, September 24) 2000: Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie (Tokyo, Tokyo Dome, May 1) 2001: Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo (Atlantic City, NJ, May 4) 2002: Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (Saitama, June 23)

2003: Wanderlei Silva vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (Tokyo, Tokyo Dome, November 9) 2004: Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva (Saitama, October 31) 2005: Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar (Las Vegas, NV, April 9) 2006: Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan (Las Vegas, NV, August 17) 2007: Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia (Columbus, OH, March 3)

Rookie of the Year

Best Non-Wrestler

This is given to the person who can be just as important, if not more, than wrestlers.

1999: Vince McMahon (WWF) 2000: Vince McMahon (WWF) 2001: Paul Heyman (WWF) 2002: Paul Heyman (WWE) 2003: Steve Austin (WWE)

2004: Paul Heyman (WWE) 2005: Eric Bischoff (WWE) 2006: Jim Cornette (TNA/ ROH) 2007: Larry Sweeney (ROH) 2008: Larry Sweeney (ROH)

Best Television Announcer

This is given to the best television announcer at calling a match clearly and concisely.

1981: Gordon Solie (NWA) 1982: Gordon Solie (NWA) 1983: Gordon Solie (NWA) 1984: Lance Russell (CWA) 1985: Lance Russell (CWA) 1986: Lance Russell (CWA) 1987: Lance Russell (CWA) 1988: Jim Ross (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Jim Ross (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1990: Jim Ross (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Jim Ross (WCW) 1992: Jim Ross (WCW) 1993: Jim Ross (WWF) 1994: Joey Styles (ECW)

1995: Joey Styles (ECW) 1996: Joey Styles (ECW) 1997: Mike Tenay (WCW) 1998: Jim Ross (WWF) 1999: Jim Ross (WWF) 2000: Jim Ross (WWF) 2001: Jim Ross (WWF) 2002: Mike Tenay (TNA) 2003: Mike Tenay (TNA) 2004: Mike Tenay (TNA) 2005: Mike Tenay (TNA) 2006: Jim Ross (WWE) 2007: Jim Ross (WWE) 2008: Matt Striker (WWE)

Worst Television Announcer

This is given to the most annoying and least exciting announcer of the year.

1984: Angelo Mosca (WWF) 1985: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF) 1986: David Crockett (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: David Crockett (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1988: David Crockett (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Ed Whalen (Stampede Wrestling) 1990: Herb Abrams (UWF) 1991: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF) 1992: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF) 1993: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF) 1994: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF) 1995: Gorilla Monsoon (WWF)

1996: Steve McMichael (WCW) 1997: Dusty Rhodes (WCW) 1998: Lee Marshall (WCW) 1999: Tony Schiavone (WCW) 2000: Tony Schiavone (WCW) 2001: Michael Cole (WWF) 2002: Jerry Lawler (WWE) 2003: Jonathan Coachman (WWE) 2004: Todd Grisham (WWE) 2005: Jonathan Coachman (WWE) 2006: Todd Grisham (WWE) 2007: Don West (TNA) 2008: Mike Adamle (WWE)

Best Major Show

This is given to the card that is a must-see for all wrestling/MMA fans.

1989: WCW Great American Bash 1990: WWF-NJPW-AJPW Wrestling Summit 1991: WCW WrestleWar 1992: AJW Wrestlemarinpiad 1993: AJW Dream Slam I 1994: NJPW Super J Cup 1995: Weekly Pro Wrestling Multi-Promotional Show 1996: WAR Super J Cup Second Stage 1997: WWF In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede 1998: ECW Heat Wave

1999: ECW Anarchy Rulz 2000: EMLL First Ever Pay-Per-View 2001: WrestleMania X-Seven 2002: WWE SummerSlam 2003: PRIDE Final Conflict 2003 2004: Pro Wrestling NOAH Departure 2004 2005: Pro Wrestling NOAH Destiny 2006: ROH Glory By Honor V Night 2 2007: ROH Man Up 2008: Wrestlemania XXIV

Class B Awards

Worst Major Wrestling Show

This is given to the least enthralling event of the year.

1989: WrestleMania V 1990: WCW Clash of the Champions XII 1991: WCW The Great American Bash 1992: WCW Halloween Havoc 1993: WCW Fall Brawl 1994: UWF Blackjack Brawl 1995: WCW Uncensored 1996: WCW Uncensored 1997: nWo Souled Out 1998: WCW Fall Brawl

1999: Heroes of Wrestling 2000: WCW Halloween Havoc 2001: WOW Unleashed 2002: WWE King of the Ring 2003: WWE Backlash 2004: WWE Great American Bash 2005: WWE Great American Bash 2006: UFC 61, Las Vegas, July 8 2007: December to Dismember (2006) 2008: WWE Survivor Series

Best Wrestling Maneuver

This is given to the most innovative wrestler for coming up with an exciting move.

1981: Jimmy Snuka - Superfly Splash 1982: Super Destroyer - Superplex 1983: Jimmy Snuka - Superfly Splash 1984: The British Bulldogs - Power clean dropkick 1985: Tiger Mask II - Tope con Giro 1986: Chavo Guerrero - Moonsault 1987: Jushin Liger - Shooting star press 1988: Jushin Liger - Shooting star press 1989: Scott Steiner - Frankensteiner 1990: Scott Steiner - Frankensteiner 1991: Masao Orihara - Moonsault 1992: 2 Cold Scorpio - 450 Splash 1993: Vader - Moonsault 1994: The Great Sasuke - Sasuke Special 1995: Rey Misterio Jr. - West Coast Pop

1996: Último Dragón - Dragon Bomb 1997: Diamond Dallas Page - Diamond Cutter 1998: Kenta Kobashi - Burning Hammer 1999: Dragon Kid - Dragonrana 2000: Dragon Kid - Dragonrana 2001: Keiji Mutoh - Shining Wizard 2002: Brock Lesnar - F-5 2003: A.J. Styles - Styles Clash 2004: Petey Williams - Canadian Destroyer 2005: Petey Williams - Canadian Destroyer 2006: KENTA - Go 2 Sleep 2007: KENTA - Go 2 Sleep 2008: Evan Bourne-Shooting star press

Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic

This is given to the most distasteful wrestling storyline/event.

1981: Monster Factory (LeBelle Promotions) 1982: Bob Backlund as champion (WWF) 1983: Eddie Gilbert broken neck angle (WWF) 1984: Blackjack Mulligan fake heart attack (CWF) 1985: Usage of Mike Von Erich's near death (WCCW) 1986: Gino Hernandez death (WCCW) 1987: Death of Mike Von Erich (WCCW) 1988: Fritz Von Erich fake brush with death (WCCW) 1989: Jose Gonzalez babyface push (WWC) 1990: Atsushi Onita stabbing Jose Gonzalez (FMW) 1991: Exploiting the Persian Gulf War (WWF) 1992: The push of Erik Watts (WCW) 1993: Cactus Jack amnesia angle (WCW) 1994: Retiring Ric Flair angle (WCW) 1995: Gene Okerlund 900 line advertisements (WCW) 1996: Fake Diésel, Razor Ramon, and "The Real" Double J (WWF) 1997: Melanie Pillman interview (WWF) 1998: Exploiting Scott Hall's drinking problem (WCW) 1999: Over the Edge pay-per-view continuing (WWF) 2000: David Arquette as champion (WCW) 2001: Stephanie McMahon terrorism interview (WWF) 2002: Katie Vick necrophilia angle (WWE) 2003: McMahon family all over the product (WWE) 2004: Kane and Lita pregnancy angle (WWE) 2005: Terrorists angle on day of London bombings (WWE) 2006: WWE exploiting the death of Eddie Guerrero (WWE) 2007: TNA signing Pacman Jones/Making it Rain (TNA) 2008: Jeff Hardy hotel stairwell attack (WWE)

Worst Television Show

This is given to the least enthralling weekly television broadcast.

1984: WWF All-Star Wrestling 1985: Florida Championship Wrestling 1986: California Championship Wrestling 1987: World Class Championship Wrestling 1988: American Wrestling Association On ESPN 1989: ICW Wrestling 1990: American Wrestling Association On ESPN 1991: UWF Fury Hour 1992: GWF On ESPN 1993: GWF On ESPN 1994: WCW Saturday Night 1995: WCW Saturday Night

1996: AWF Warriors Of Wrestling 1997: United States Wrestling Association 1998: WCW Monday Nitro 1999: WCW Thunder 2000: WCW Thunder 2001: WWF Excess 2002: WWE RAW 2003: WWE RAW 2004: WWE SmackDown! 2005: WWE SmackDown! 2006: WWE RAW 2007: TNA Impact! 2008: TNA Impact!

Worst Worked Match of the Year

This is given to the match with less enthusiasm than anything else that year.

1984: The Fabulous Moolah vs. Wendi Richter (New York, NY, July 23) 1985: Fred Blassie vs. Lou Albano (Nassau Coliseum) 1986: Roddy Piper vs. Mr. T - Boxing Match (WrestleMania 2, Uniondale, NY, April 7) 1987: Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant (WrestleMania III, Detroit, MI, March 29) 1988: Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tom Magee (Kawasaki, April 21) 1989: André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior (Topeka, KS, October 31) 1990: Sid Vicious vs. the Night Stalker (Clash of the Champions, Jacksonville, FL, November 20) 1991: Bobby Eaton & P.N. News vs. Terence Taylor & Steve Austin (The Great American Bash, Baltimore, MD, July 14) 1992: Rick Rude vs. Masahiro Chono (Halloween Havoc, Philadelphia, PA, October 25) 1993: The Doinks vs. Bigelow, Booger, & Headshrinkers (Survivor Series, Boston, MA, November 24) 1994: Lawler & Mini Lawlers vs. The Doinks (Survivor Series, San Antonio, TX, November 23) 1995: Sting vs. Tony Palmore (Tokyo, January 4)

1996: Hogan & Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution - Tower of Doom match (Uncensored Tupelo, MS, March 24) 1997: Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper (SuperBrawl, San Franscisco, CA, February 23) 1998: Hulk Hogan vs. The Warrior (Halloween Havoc, Las Vegas, NV, October 25) 1999: Al Snow vs. The Big Boss Man - Kennel from Hell Match (Unforgiven, Charlotte NC, September 26) 2000: Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco - Evening Gown Match (King of the Ring, Boston, MA, June 25) 2001: The Undertaker & Kane vs. KroniK (Unforgiven, Pittsburgh, PA, September 23) 2002: Bradshaw and Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda(Philadelphia, PA, July 7) 2003: Triple H vs. Scott Steiner (No Way Out, Montreal, February 23) 2004: Steven Richards vs. Tyson Tomko (WWE Unforgiven, Portland, OR, September 12) 2005: Eric Bischoff vs. Theodore Long (Survivor Series, Detroit, MI, November 27) 2006: TNA Reverse Battle Royal (TNA Bound For Glory, Detroit, MI, October 24) 2007: Chris Harris vs. James Storm - Blindfold match (TNA Lockdown, Saint Charles, MO, April 15) 2008:Triple H vs Vladimir Kozlov vs Edge.(Survivor Series, Boston,MA, November 23)

Worst Feud of the Year

This is given to the more offensive or least exciting feud.

1984: André the Giant vs. Big John Studd (WWF) 1985: Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris Zhukov (AWA) 1986: The Machines vs. King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (WWF) 1987: George Steele vs. Danny Davis (WWF) 1988: The Midnight Rider vs. Tully Blanchard (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: André the Giant vs. The Ultimate Warrior (WWF) 1990: Ric Flair vs. The Junkyard Dog (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Hulk Hogan vs. Sergeant Slaughter (WWF) 1992: The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango (WWF) 1993: The Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez (WWF) 1994: Jerry Lawler vs. Doink the Clown (WWF) 1995: Hulk Hogan vs. The Dungeon Of Doom (WCW)

1996: Big Bubba vs. John Tenta (WCW) 1997: The D.O.A. vs. Los Boricuas (WWF) 1998: Hulk Hogan vs. The Warrior (WCW) 1999: The Big Boss Man vs. The Big Show (WWF) 2000: Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman (WCW) 2001: WWF vs. The WCW & ECW Alliance (WWF) 2002: Triple H vs. Kane (WWE) 2003: Shane McMahon vs. Kane (WWE) 2004: Kane vs. Matt Hardy and Lita (WWE) 2005: The McMahon Family vs. Jim Ross (WWE) 2006: D-Generation X vs. The McMahons (WWE) 2007: Big Daddy V vs. Kane (WWE) 2008: Rey Mysterio vs. Kane (WWE)

Worst Promotion of the Year

This is given to the promotion that needs lots of improvement.

1986: American Wrestling Association 1987: World Class Championship Wrestling 1988: American Wrestling Association 1989: American Wrestling Association 1990: American Wrestling Association 1991: Herb Abrams UWF 1992: Global Championship Wrestling 1993: World Championship Wrestling 1994: World Championship Wrestling 1995: World Championship Wrestling 1996: American Wrestling Federation

1997: United States Wrestling Association 1998: World Championship Wrestling 1999: World Championship Wrestling 2000: World Championship Wrestling 2001: World Championship Wrestling 2002: Xtreme Pro Wrestling 2003: World Japan 2004: New Japan Pro Wrestling 2005: New Japan Pro Wrestling 2006: World Wrestling Entertainment 2007: Total Nonstop Action Wrestling 2008: Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

Best Booker

This is given to the person who can book matches best.

1986: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Vince McMahon (WWF) 1988: Eddie Gilbert (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1990: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1991: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1992: Riki Chōshū (NJPW) 1993: Jim Cornette (SMW) 1994: Paul Heyman (ECW) 1995: Paul Heyman (ECW) 1996: Paul Heyman (ECW)

1997: Paul Heyman (ECW) 1998: Vince McMahon (WWF) 1999: Vince McMahon (WWF) 2000: Vince McMahon (WWF) 2001: Jim Cornette (OVW) 2002: Paul Heyman (WWE) 2003: Jim Cornette (OVW) 2004: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH) 2005: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH) 2006: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH) 2007: Gabe Sapolsky (ROH) 2008: Joe Silva (UFC)

Promoter of the Year

This is given to the person who can run a company better than anyone else.

1988: Vince McMahon (WWF) 1989: Akira Maeda (UWF) 1990: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1991: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1992: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1993: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1994: Shohei Baba (AJPW) 1995: Riki Chōshū (NJPW)

1996: Riki Chōshū (NJPW) 1997: Riki Chōshū (NJPW) 1998: Vince McMahon (WWF) 1999: Vince McMahon (WWF) 2000: Vince McMahon (WWF) 2001: Antonio Inoki (NJPW) 2002: Kazuyoshi Ishii (K-1) 2003: Nobuyuki Sakakibara (PRIDE)

2004: Nobuyuki Sakakibara (PRIDE) 2005: Dana White (UFC) 2006: Dana White (UFC) 2007: Dana White (UFC) 2008: Dana White (UFC)

Best Gimmick

Worst Gimmick

Best Pro Wrestling Book

• 2005: Death of WCW - Bryan Alvarez & RD Reynolds
• 2006: Tangled Ropes - "Superstar" Billy Graham & Keith Greenberg
• 2007: Hitman - Bret Hart
• 2008: Gorgeous George- John Capouya

Best Pro Wrestling DVD

• 2005: The Rise and Fall of ECW
• 2006: Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be
• 2007: Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen
• 2008: Ric Flair definitive collection

Defunct Awards

Class A Awards

Best Babyface

This award is given to the person that has a good drawing power.

1980: Dusty Rhodes (NWA) 1981: Tommy Rich (NWA) 1982: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1983: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1984: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1987: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1988: Hulk Hogan (WWF)

1989: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1990: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1991: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1992: Sting (WCW) 1993: Atsushi Onita (FMW) 1994: Atsushi Onita (FMW) 1995: Perro Aguayo (AAA) 1996: Shawn Michaels (WWF)

Best Heel

This wrestler has the greatest ability to cause hatred and anger.

1980: Larry Zbyszko (WWF) 1981: Don Muraco (WWF) 1982: Buzz Sawyer (WWF) 1983: Michael Hayes (WCCW) 1984: Roddy Piper (WWF) 1985: Roddy Piper (WWF) 1986: Michael Hayes (WCCW) 1987: Ted DiBiase (WWF) 1988: Ted DiBiase (WWF)

1989: Terry Funk (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1990: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: The Undertaker (WWF) 1992: Rick Rude (WCW) 1993: Vader (WCW) 1994: "Love Machine" Art Barr (AAA) 1995: Masahiro Chono (NJPW/ WCW) 1996: Steve Austin (WWF)

Manager of the Year

This is given to the most charismatic manager.

1983: Jimmy Hart (WWF) 1984: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1985: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1986: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1988: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions)

1990: Jim Cornette (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Sensational Sherri (WWF) 1992: Jim Cornette (SMW) 1993: Jim Cornette (SMW) 1994: Jim Cornette (SMW) 1995: Jim Cornette (WWF) 1996: Jim Cornette (WWF)

Class B Awards

Readers' Favorite Wrestler

This is the wrestler that readers really enjoy to see perform.

1984: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1985: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1986: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1988: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1990: Ric Flair (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Ric Flair (WCW) 1992: Ric Flair (WWF) 1993: Ric Flair (WCW) 1994: Sabu (ECW)

1995: Manami Toyota (AJW) 1996: Ric Flair (WCW) 1997: Chris Benoit (WCW) 1998: Mick Foley (WWF) 1999: Chris Jericho (WCW/ WWF) 2000: Chris Benoit (WCW/ WWF) 2001: Keiji Mutoh (AJPW) 2002: Kurt Angle (WWE) 2003: Kurt Angle (WWE)

Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler

This wrestler is not well liked by readers at all.

1984: Ivan Putski (WWF) 1985: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1986: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1987: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1988: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1989: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF) 1990: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF) 1991: Hulk Hogan (WWF) 1992: Erik Watts (UWF) 1993: Sid Vicious (WWF) 1994: Hulk Hogan (WCW)

1995: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1996: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1997: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1998: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1999: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 2000: Kevin Nash (WCW) 2001: The Undertaker (WWF) 2002: Triple H (WWE) 2003: Triple H (WWE)

Worst Wrestler

This is given to the wrestler with a perceived lack of ability.

1984: Ivan Putski (WWF) 1985: Uncle Elmer (WWF) 1986: Mike Von Erich (WCCW) 1987: The Junkyard Dog (WWF) 1988: The Ultimate Warrior (WWF) 1989: André the Giant (WWF) 1990: The Junkyard Dog (WWF) 1991: André the Giant (WWF) 1992: André the Giant (WWF) 1993: The Equalizer (WCW) 1994: Dave Sullivan (WCW)

1995: The Renegade (WCW) 1996: Loch Ness (WCW) 1997: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1998: The Warrior (WCW) 1999: Kevin Nash (WCW) 2000: Kevin Nash (WCW) 2001: The Big Show (WWF) 2002: The Big Show (WWE) 2003: Nathan Jones (WWE)

Worst Tag Team

This is given to the least exciting tag team of the year.

1984: The Crusher and Baron Von Raschke (AWA) 1985: Uncle Elmer amd Cousin Junior (WWF) 1986: George Steele and The Junkyard Dog (WWF) 1987: Jimmy Valiant and Bugsy McGraw (NWA) 1988: The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov) (WWF) 1989: The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord) (WWF) 1990: Giant Baba and André the Giant (AJPW) 1991: Giant Baba and André the Giant (AJPW) 1992: The Bushwhackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller (WWF) 1993: The Colossal Kongs (King Kong and Awesome Kong) (WCW)

1994: The Bushwhackers (WWF) 1995: Dick Slater and Bunkhouse Buck (WCW) 1996: The Godwinns (Henry Godwinn and Phineas Godwinn) (WWF) 1997: The Godwinns (WWF) 1998: The Oddities (Golga and Kurrgan (WWF) 1999: Viscera and Mideon (WWF) 2000: KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark) (WCW) 2001: KroniK (WCW/ WWF) 2002: Three Minute Warning (Rosey and Jamal) (WWE) 2003: La Resistance (René Duprée and Sylvain Grenier) (WWE)

Worst Manager

This is given to the manager, which has no real managing ability.

1984: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1985: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1986: Paul Jones (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1987: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1988: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1989: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1990: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1991: Mr. Fuji (WWF)

1992: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1993: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1994: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1995: Mr. Fuji (WWF) 1996: Sonny Oono (WCW) 1997: Sonny Oono (WCW) 1998: Sonny Oono (WCW) 1999: Sonny Oono (WCW)

Most Embarrassing Wrestler

This is given to the wrestler who just can't get over.

1986: Adrian Adonis (WWF) 1987: George Steele (WWF) 1988: George Steele (WWF) 1989: André the Giant (WWF) 1990: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1991: Van Hammer (Jim Crockett Promotions) 1992: Papa Shango (WWF) 1993: Bastion Booger (WWF) 1994: Doink the Clown (WWF)

1995: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1996: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1997: Goldust (WWF) 1998: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 1999: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 2000: Hulk Hogan (WCW) 2001: Buff Bagwell (WCW/ WWF) 2002: The Big Show (WWE) 2003: Nathan Jones (WWE)

Worst Non-Wrestling Personality

2000: Vince Russo (WCW) 2001: Stephanie McMahon (WWF) 2002: Stephanie McMahon (WWE) 2003: Stephanie McMahon (WWE)

Referencias

Meltzer, Dave (January 22, 2007), "2006 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards", Wrestling Observer Newsletter (Campbell, CA): 1-12, ISSN 10839593