So, without further adieu, Tommy Dreamer’s 2012 Wrestling Awards:
Match of the year
The Undertaker vs. Triple H, WrestleMania 28. This had everyone talking for months after ’Mania was over. It was a show-stealing match that told an amazing story, had passion, emotion, and brutality, which is what every wrestling match should have.
Woman of the year
AJ. Sadly with the decline of women’s wrestling, this category may not be around in five more years. I am a huge fan of the ladies and their in-ring work, but they are getting less and less on-air time on the main stage. However, AJ has everyone talking and was a major fixture and helped further many WWE storylines.
Inspirational wrestler of the year
Jerry Lawler. The man literally died while doing what he loves to do. The world collectively prayed for The King following his near-fatal heart attack during a live Monday Night Raw broadcast from Montreal. I watched Raw with tears in my eyes, trying to get news on his condition as the events unfolded. He came back from death. Long live The King.
Tag team of the year
Team Hell No. This team gets an ovation from the moment they walk through the curtain. Daniel Bryan has gotten more response from his “YES” chant than Stone Cold Steve Austin did with his “WHAT?” schtick. Kane continues to up his game. He has been on top of this business for a long time and I hope he never stops.
Most improved isn’t a real category. It is based upon who is getting an opportunity to perform on a more top-tier level. So many talents deserve this opportunity and hopefully 2013 gets them that chance.
Rookie of the year
Ryback. Yes, he has been wrestling for a long time. Most people forget he was in The Nexus as Skip Shefield, but the Ryback character debuted in 2012. He was elevated to main-event status and has many people talking. He is the only rookie selling merchandise, creating a buzz and to have people buying tickets to see him.
Comeback of the year
The Rock. Simply put, his match with John Cena drew the largest attendance of any wrestling event this year. It also wins feud of the year.
Most popular, most hated and the coveted wrestler of the year produced a three-way tie.
Every wrestling fan, wrestler and anyone associated with the business owes a great deal of thanks, praise and the utmost respect to three men in 2012: John Cena, CM Punk and The Rock. I am sure the arguments will be heated after reading this, but these three men have made the business profitable and created more mainstream press for wrestling than anyone else.
The Rock: sure, he doesn’t work a full-time schedule, but his box office draw doesn’t seem to matter. He gets TV ratings, pay-per-view buys and entertains like no other. Yes, he is a big Hollywood actor. He has an insane schedule. He competes in the ring when he doesn’t have to. I mean, what if he got cut or injured? His acting career could take a big hit. When he returns, everyone talks about it and awaits his next match.
CM Punk: He went from beloved to hated in the same year. He continues to work an insane schedule and has really good in-ring matches with any and all types. Punk’s promos continuously sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Whether you love him or hate him, people pay to see him and listen to him. He has held the WWE title for more than a year, which is a big deal in the modern era and, rightfully so, as he carries the title like a champion should.
John Cena: John has been carrying the WWE on his shoulders for quite a few years now. He will be the first to tell you he isn’t the greatest technical wrestler, but yet he still has some of the better main-event matches night in and night out.
Cena continues to say boo or cheer him, but he will continue to be himself. He is a merchandise machine, kids love him and he does so much for charity. I swear he has coffee in his veins, not blood. He works hurt, trains hard and delivers all the time. His motto, “Hustle Loyalty and Respect”, is so deserving. I have been in the wrestling business for a long time. I have nothing but the deepest respect for all three of these guys. They fuel the business and without them, there wouldn’t have been a business in 2012.
Happy new year.
Thanks for reading.
