Can’t Knock The Hustle: The 2021 Pro Wrestling Year-End Hussy Awards

People, we have now formally made it to the top of one other yr.

There have been tons of highs and tons of lows, not simply in professional wrestling, however all over the place you flip. With 2021 nearly to return to an finish, it’s time for me to, as soon as once more, ship the #BlackTwitter Hussy Awards, trying again on the yr that was.

For those who’re new to my work, you’re in all probability questioning what the hell #BlackTwitter has to do with issues. Enable me to elucidate.

Years and years in the past, I used to be a member of the Lords Of Podcast Roundtable, the official podcast of this very web site again within the days when it was often called Lords Of Ache. I did a podcast episode, and an accompanying column, referred to as the #BlackTwitter Hussy Awards. Shout-out to John Laurinaitis for dropping by to ship an award on the present.

I linked #BlackTwitter to the awards as a result of I needed to face out and be totally different. All people does year-end awards of some variety, and also you at all times see the identical classes. Wrestler Of The Yr, Match Of The Yr, and so forth. This was again when Twitter was first beginning to blow up in recognition, largely as a result of #BlackTwitter subset. Black Twitter was a novel house, that includes its personal fashion of tweeting, its personal conversations, hashtags and the whole lot else that was wanted to “pattern” on Twitter. They have been forward of the curve utilizing Twitter as a worldwide chat room, of types, permitting for full-fledged viewers participation to deliver individuals in. To pay tribute to Black Twitter, I took a few of the hashtags that they made well-known, and I used them because the names of the awards I used to be giving out.

All these years later, the Hussy Awards are nonetheless round, and I’m nonetheless sticking with the format. There are seven awards to provide out, so let me take this time to introduce them and what they imply.

• #TheStruggle: Given to the wrestler who noticed the largest decline of their state of affairs/place from the yr earlier than
• #Swag: Given to the wrestler who noticed the largest enchancment of their state of affairs/place from the yr earlier than
• #TheThirst: Given to the wrestler or character that craved consideration a lot that it appeared like they have been thirsty for it
• #NobodyCaresB: Given to the storyline that was so dangerous, individuals simply needed it to go away, even when meaning there was no correct conclusion
• #Cryin: Given to one of the best promo, second or phase of the yr
• #Craftmaster: Given to the wrestler of the yr
• #!!!: Given to the match of the yr

Easy sufficient, no? If there’s no want to elucidate issues any additional, then it’s time at hand out our first award.

That first award is #TheStruggle. The nominees right here have in all probability already turned their calendars to 2022 as a result of they’re sick and uninterested in what 2021 has finished to them. They noticed some type of success in 2020, however then noticed all of that come crashing down this yr. Possibly the wrestle is their very own fault, and possibly it isn’t, however it’s a wrestle nonetheless. Listed here are the nominees, in no explicit order:

• Bray Wyatt: It might be argued that no one within the historical past of WWE is a much bigger “missed alternative” than Bray Wyatt. He’s somebody who has had a number of iterations of an all-time traditional character via the years, however spent most of these years dropping almost each large match he competed in. Then, when the corporate lastly obtained behind him and pushed him to the highest, he was both sacrificed to individuals who didn’t want the wins (Randy Orton and Goldberg) or misplaced after solely per week as champion (Roman Reigns). 2020 noticed him have that transient one-week reign because the Common Champion, however hey, not less than he was the champ. He would shut out 2020 by being SET ON MOTHERFUCKING FIRE in a Firefly Inferno Match, after which wouldn’t wrestle once more till WrestleMania, the place he misplaced to Randy Orton, placing an finish to an terrible feud that helped no one. That was the person’s final match for WWE, as he can be launched three months later. Then, to make issues worse, he would have his Twitter account hacked by somebody who was attempting to rip-off individuals into attempting to purchase PS5s on social media. Yikes. Oh, what might have been.
• Darkish Aspect Of The Ring: For me, Darkish Aspect Of The Ring continues to be appointment viewing. I file each episode on my DVR and ensure to observe them at my earliest comfort. Even the episodes that cowl tales I really feel I do know a ton about get watched immediately. Apparently, I’m a part of an ever-shrinking group of people that really feel that approach. DSOTR’s second season aired from March twenty fourth to Might nineteenth of 2020, with nearly each episode seeing larger numbers than the present’s first season. The hype for the third season, premiering on Might sixth of this yr, was astronomical. What occurred? Not solely did we get an episode that noticed the present’s lowest viewership ever, however then that quantity obtained even decrease two weeks later, after which even decrease three weeks after that. In all, eight of the season’s 14 episodes rank within the backside ten of complete viewers for the whole sequence. For the channel it airs on, the present’s numbers have been nonetheless actually good, however total, they must be thought-about a disappointment. There’s no phrase if we’ll get one other season of the present, however it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if they will rebound from the large drop in numbers in the event that they do come again.
• Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander: Rattling. Bear in mind when it might be argued that The Harm Enterprise was one of the best factor moving into WWE, if not all of wrestling? Bobby Lashley, MVP, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander have been all on fireplace, every taking part in a vital position inside the group. Benjamin and Alexander ended 2020 with loads of momentum, defeating Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods at TLC to grow to be the brand new Uncooked Tag Crew Champions. Issues have been trying up. Then, they dropped the titles. Two weeks later, they have been attacked by Lashley, who kicked them out of the group. For the following six months, Shelton would go 1-7 in televised matches, along with his solely win coming towards… Cedric Alexander. Cedric would go 2-10 in that very same span, along with his solely wins coming towards… Shelton Benjamin. Then, out of bumfuck nowhere, they reunited with Lashley, reforming the Harm Enterprise steady. Hooray, proper? Unsuitable. Cedric is 2-6 because the group reformed, whereas Shelton is 1-3, however hey, Cedric received the 24/7 Title final month, so pencil him in for the WWE Corridor Of Fame, I assume. They’d a lot going for them, then had their steady damaged up for completely no cause, and so they have but to get well from it.
• Keith Lee: Right here’s a man who spent his time in NXT trying like an actual “can’t miss” star. He was offered as such, and crowds obtained him as such. Then, Vince McMahon obtained his grubby little palms on him. You’ve seen the rumors. Change this, repair that, replace this… Keith Lee by no means appeared to actually get began on the principle roster upon his debut. It appeared as if it will achieve success. In solely his second principal roster match, he pinned Randy Orton at Payback 2020, adopted by a pinfall victory over Dolph Ziggler on Uncooked the next evening. He appeared to drift round for the remainder of 2020, however he labored his approach up the cardboard, incomes a shot at Drew McIntyre’s WWE Title on the primary episode of Uncooked in 2021. He would lose the match, however individuals have been glad that it appeared like he was going to be a significant participant on Uncooked. Yeah… about that. Inside weeks, he was off the highway after being recognized with COVID after which handled life-threatening coronary heart points that got here from it. He was gone for 5 months, then returned for 3 matches (dropping two) earlier than not wrestling on tv for almost two months. That “return” lasted for one match, after which he was away from tv for an additional month earlier than coming again for one match after which being launched per week later. He went from “this man is a future WWE/Common Champion” to “this man isn’t even working for WWE anymore” in near-record time.
• Ring Of Honor: There was a time when many individuals thought-about Ring Of Honor the second-biggest wrestling promotion in North America, behind solely WWE. This was when TNA/Affect was having their points, and when RoH was thriving in their very own “lane” that they perfected. Even at their greatest and brightest, they have been by no means going to compete with WWE, however so long as there have been younger, gifted unbiased stars within the enterprise, RoH would at all times have individuals they might place a highlight on, even after dropping their very own high stars to bigger firms. Because the years went on, RoH made strikes that individuals assumed would propel them to better heights, however that propulsion by no means actually occurred for one cause or one other. Shifting to pay-per-view? A weekly tv program on HDNet? Sinclair Broadcasting Group shopping for the corporate? Switching from taped pay-per-views to a dwell mannequin? They didn’t make the promotion a family title, however they have been nonetheless making strikes. Their inclusion on this record is a little bit totally different than the opposite nominees, as their 2020 wasn’t wildly profitable, however not less than they have been in enterprise and didn’t have everybody speculating that they have been completed. That is the corporate that helped introduce the likes of Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and so forth to the world, and now, they is perhaps finished endlessly. It’s a tragic story.
• Karrion Kross: Like Keith Lee, Karrion Kross was constructed and pushed in NXT as an absolute “can’t miss” star. He was given an entrance that instantly captured your consideration, from the lighting to the theme to the tremendous scorching supervisor lip syncing stated theme. As soon as the bell rang, he would mow via opponents, shifting his approach up the cardboard at a file tempo. 4 months after making his debut in NXT, in solely his seventh match, he would defeat Keith Lee to grow to be the NXT Champion. It didn’t appear to be anyone would be capable of cease him. Sadly for him, he suffered a shoulder damage in the course of the match and needed to vacate the title mere days after profitable it. He returned to the ring earlier than 2020 got here to an in depth, and it appeared like 2021 can be his yr. It certain began off that approach. He continued mowing via opponents in NXT, and ended up profitable the NXT Title once more in April. Then… say it with me… Vince McMahon obtained his grubby little palms on him. Similar to that, Kross’ entrance and look have been modified, and that tremendous scorching supervisor was nowhere to be discovered. Kross would lose his first match on Uncooked, being pinned by Jeff Hardy, all whereas nonetheless being the NXT Champion. He was useless on arrival from there, and after three months of getting little-to-no response from dwell crowds everywhere in the nation, he can be launched.
• Braun Strowman: Whereas it didn’t occur on the peak of his recognition and stage of over-ness, 2020 seemed to be one superb yr for Braun. He received his first singles title, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura in January to grow to be the Intercontinental Champion. He would solely maintain the title for about 5 weeks earlier than dropping it to Sami Zayn. Folks wouldn’t cry for him very lengthy, although. A pair weeks after dropping the Intercontinental Title, he can be chosen to interchange Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Reigns determined to drag himself off the highway, citing issues about COVID-19 after battling leukemia once more in late-2018, and WWE wanted a challenger for Goldberg’s Common Title. Seemingly out of nowhere, Braun Strowman was the model new Common Champion. He was lastly on the high of the WWE mountain, and it was well-deserved. After dropping the title to the returning Reigns at SummerSlam, Braun would have some success in regardless of the fuck these Uncooked Underground “matches” have been, however then he simply floated round a bit. When the calendar turned to 2021, he discovered himself in the midst of an terrible feud with Shane McMahon (extra on that later), then shifting to a feud with Retribution members Mace and T-Bar that no one cared about. Weeks after the Mace and T-Bar feud ended, information of Braun’s WWE launch would shock the professional wrestling world. Even with the titles received in 2020, you might say that Braun was one of many greatest whiffs by WWE in recent times. He obtained over organically, getting loopy face pops regardless that he was a heel, however the firm repeatedly failed to drag the set off on pushing him to the highest. It’s arduous to say if he would’ve ever reached the highest if COVID didn’t present up. Now, none of it issues, as he isn’t even with the corporate anymore.
• The Velveteen Dream: Like a few of the different nominees right here, The Velveteen Dream was somebody who appeared like a future World Champion as soon as upon a time. On the age of 21, he debuted the Dream character, and he was placing on a weekly masterclass on how you can make a novel character work. As time went on, his in-ring work was actually beginning to match up along with his character work. After holding the NXT North American title for almost eight months in 2019, he had loads of momentum going into 2020. Then he harm his again and wanted to overlook a while. After getting right into a automobile accident, he can be pressured to overlook some extra time. It was round this time when the accusations of inappropriate conduct began to pop up, inflicting individuals to assume that the automobile accident by no means actually occurred, and it was simply the kayfabe excuse in order that he might serve a suspension, or not less than sit on the shelf whereas the corporate appeared into the accusations. Even with the wild out-of-the-ring stuff occurring, he was nonetheless concerned in a feud for the NXT Title in 2020. Have you learnt how Dream’s 2021 has been? He had zero matches, and was then launched from his contract in Might. Whether or not it’s due to the accusations or not, I don’t assume the person has even wrestled anyplace since being launched. Not for some other main promotion, and never for some small-time firm that performs in a grocery retailer car parking zone in entrance of 20 followers.

The winner of our first award is… Ring Of Honor! Shelton and Cedric might very effectively bounce again in some unspecified time in the future. Wyatt, Strowman, Lee, Dream and Kross might pop up (and in Strowman’s case, already has popped up) elsewhere and achieve success. Darkish Aspect Of The Ring will at all times have materials to do reveals about, and so they have time to make modifications that is perhaps wanted to attract extra followers in. Ring Of Honor may be capable of bounce again, however proper now, they appear to be they’re DONE. It’s an insane fall for a corporation with such an unimaginable historical past.

The primary award checked out those that fell off from 2020, so why don’t we head in the other way for our subsequent award? The #Swag award is a constructive have a look at issues. These nominees didn’t have an entire lot going for them in 2020, however rebounded higher than Dennis Rodman might ever dream of. In no explicit order, listed here are the nominees…

• Omos: This can be a man that had been popping up right here and there on WWE programming earlier than being repackaged to what we acknowledge him as as we speak. He was a ninja in the course of the transient time frame when Akira Tozawa randomly had a crew of them at his disposal. After that, he was the bouncer for Uncooked Underground, the place he was finest identified for at all times trying sweaty whereas simply standing there. As soon as Uncooked Underground went the best way of the Dodo, we obtained the Omos we all know as we speak. He closed out 2020 working alongside AJ Kinds as a bodyguard of types, however when WrestleMania rolled round this yr, he was booked to workforce with AJ and compete for the Uncooked Tag Crew Titles. Not solely did he win them in his first match on the principle roster, however he appeared nice in doing so. He wasn’t booked to appear to be Dean Malenko in his prime, however he didn’t must be. The person is a authentic, non-gimmicked 7’3″ tall. He’s a monster, and he ought to appear to be a monster. After a four-month title reign, it now seems that we’re going to get a singles run for the man. He’s already drawing comparisons to “particular attraction” wrestlers of the previous. To go from loads of nothing in 2020 to being a champion in 2021 with a potential eye on one thing particular for the long run? He’s shifting on up.
• CM Punk: I don’t assume the story actually must be advised, as a result of everybody is aware of it already. In 2020, what was CM Punk doing? Nothing. That’s not a knock on him. It’s simply the reality. He was already finished along with his UFC profession, and there was nothing however pipe goals (not bombs) of him returning to the world of professional wrestling. Then… it occurred. Sean Ross Sapp broke the information that Punk was speaking to AEW about returning to the wrestling ring, and that information almost broke the web. There was no approach it will really occur, proper? Proper?!? Clearly, it did occur, and it grew to become one of many greatest tales of the yr. Whether or not or not you’ve loved his time with AEW is irrelevant. It truly is. The truth that he’s even again in any respect continues to be fairly superb.
• Carmelo Hayes: For the primary few years of his profession, the artist-formerly-known-as Christian Casanova was placing in work on the unbiased scene within the New England space. He constructed his profession, brick-by-brick, resulting in him signing a WWE contract in February of this yr. Three-and-a-half months after signing his deal, he made his tv debut for NXT, and he hasn’t appeared again since. 5 matches into his NXT run, he would win the Breakout Event, incomes himself a title shot, Cash In The Financial institution-style. Lower than two months later, he cashed in to defeat Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and grow to be the brand new NXT North American Champion. It was solely his eighth match in NXT, however he was trying like a much bigger and greater piece of the long run on a regular basis. He hasn’t even been the champion for 3 months, however he has already elevated the title a ton. The truth that he got here out of nowhere to do it, and did it in such a brief period of time, is why he’s nominated right here.
• Keiji Muto: The person finest often called The Nice Muta made his debut 37 years in the past, and has been a champion nearly all over the place he has been since. There isn’t any doubting that he’s one of many all-time greats on the planet of puroresu. He spent 2020 working principally as a tag workforce performer. Of the 14 matches he labored final yr, solely two of them have been of the singles selection. In actual fact, it’s important to go all the best way again to 2010 to seek out when he final wrestled greater than two singles matches in a calendar yr. He’s speculated to be within the twilight of his profession, if not outright retired. The person simply celebrated his 59th birthday, in any case. Then… February twelfth, 2021 occurred. On that date, Muto pinned Go Shiozaki at Professional Wrestling NOAH’s Vacation spot 2021 – Again To Budokan present to grow to be the brand new GHC Heavyweight Champion. Similar to that, he was elevated again to being in one of many high spots in all of Japan. He had a wonderfully respectable four-month reign as champion, however that wasn’t it for him. Final month, he teamed with Naomichi Marufuji to win the GHC Tag Crew Titles from Kaito Kiyomiya and Masa Kitamiya. You’d have to return to 2008 should you needed to see the final time the person received two titles of any variety in the identical yr. Simply an unimaginable out-of-nowhere success story.
• Miro: When Miro debuted for AEW in September 2020, there was a big quantity of buzz surrounding his arrival. His followers felt that he would lastly be capable of overcome the years of misuse that he endured in WWE, and he would obtain nice issues. As a substitute, AEW made him infinitely worse than he ever was in WWE, placing him in the midst of the marriage angle between Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford after which making him a personality that was extra targeted on taking part in video video games than doing the rest. Simply when it appeared like all was misplaced, he lastly broke free from the Sabian and Ford hellhole and had a little bit of a gimmick change, profitable the TNT Title in Might and turning into “God’s Favourite Champion.” He would grow to be one of the crucial constant promo guys on the AEW roster, speaking to God earlier than and after his matches. In his four-and-a-half month reign because the TNT Champion, he appeared unstoppable nearly each step of the best way. It saved him, if we’re being trustworthy. Now, he’s rightly considered as somebody who generally is a monster heel for the corporate, whilst a principal occasion participant.
• Matt Cardona: When Zack Ryder was launched from his WWE contract in April 2020, most individuals weren’t certain what to anticipate from him. He was adequate, and rattling certain charismatic sufficient, to shine outdoors of the WWE umbrella, however wouldn’t it occur? Going by his actual title, he had an especially transient run in AEW earlier than becoming a member of Affect Wrestling and floating round there for some time. He was doing okay, however being a mid-level man in Affect in comparison with being a mid-level (within the good occasions) man in WWE? He wasn’t shifting up on the planet. That’s when he determined to change the whole lot up. He made a surprising look for Sport Changer Wrestling, getting concerned on the planet of deathmatch wrestling, and would go on to defeat Nick Gage to grow to be the GCW Heavyweight Champion in July. That reign solely lasted six weeks, however Cardona had made himself extra related and talked-about than he had been in years. October noticed him win a match for Absolute Intense Wrestling, one of many high unbiased promotions in America, giving him the AIW Absolute Title and the AIW Intense Title. Like at all times, he has discovered a strategy to obtain success on his personal phrases, it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks or expects.
• Mandy Rose: What a bizarre 2020. She was caught in a go-nowhere story with Otis for some time, however then she received a excessive profile Loser Leaves WWE match at SummerSlam towards Sonya Deville. Sure, it was finished to provide Sonya the time away that she wanted after the non-public points she went via, however that doesn’t change the eye that was on her. After that, she was caught in a tag workforce with the human anchor, Dana Brooke. Dana did what anchors do, and she or he dragged Mandy additional and additional down. Simply as she was about to drown, Mandy can be rescued with an NXT life preserver. With a brand new look and a brand new perspective, Mandy would win the NXT Girls’s Title in simply her fourth match again for the model. She took what many initially considered as a demotion and has made it work effectively for her.
• Britt Baker: It’s not that Britt Baker was actually struggling in 2020. She was simply… there. Her solely AEW Girls’s Title shot of 2020 got here on January 1st, and it was a dropping effort in a Deadly 4-Manner. She received some matches, and she or he misplaced some matches. You knew she was going to be large for the corporate in some unspecified time in the future, however you simply didn’t know when. She began her 2021 with some momentum, profitable a string of matches, however it was a loss that actually helped put her on the map. On the St. Patrick’s Day Slam episode of Dynamite, she would lose a Match Of The Yr candidate to Thunder Rosa. It was a stiff, violent, bloody Unsanctioned “Lights Out” Match. Even within the loss, she got here out of the match trying like a mega star. For those who can take momentum from a loss, she did, and she or he would win the Girls’s Title lower than three months later. As champion, she has placed on a string of fine matches and entertaining defenses. She has risen to the purpose that many really feel she’s one of many “pillars” of the corporate, in or out of storyline. Issues simply “clicked” for her, from the best way AEW booked her to her promos to her facial expressions, and the whole lot in between.

The winner of the #Swag award is… CM Punk! Sure, the opposite nominees made nice strides from 2020 to 2021, however no one did what Punk did. He’s the one nominee that was fully out of the wrestling enterprise in 2020, and he was capable of flip in one of the crucial memorable returns that the game has seen in an extended, very long time. It’s almost not possible to beat that.

Shifting on, it’s time at hand out the following award. #Cryin is given to the yr’s finest promo, phase or second. It may be one thing that occurred throughout a match, however it isn’t for the whole match itself. These are the moments in time that had me speaking, for certain. In no explicit order, listed here are the nominees…

• InDex Marriage ceremony (NXT, September 14th): It was foolish… and silly… and by some means, it labored. All the storyline with Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis falling in love with one another was one thing that shouldn’t have labored in any respect. Kudos to each of them, in addition to to Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae and Austin Principle. Everybody performed their roles to perfection. So far as the marriage itself goes, kudos are additionally deserved for Beth Phoenix, Ikemen Jiro, William Regal, Andre Chase and the remainder of the forged and crew. Simply good, clear, innocent enjoyable.
• Massive E Wins The WWE Title (WWE Uncooked, September thirteenth): E has been one of many extra widespread members of the WWE roster for a very long time. After KofiMania noticed Kofi Kingston win the WWE Title in 2019, all eyes turned to E, with individuals saying that he was up subsequent. Cash In The Financial institution 2019? Massive E was predicted by a ton of individuals to win, however he ended up not even being within the match. 2020 Royal Rumble? He was a favourite of early predictors, however he ended up lasting lower than a minute within the Rumble earlier than being eradicated. Elimination Chamber 2020? As soon as once more, he was a favourite of early predictors, and whereas he did compete contained in the Chamber that evening, it was with Kofi Kingston as they competed for the Smackdown Tag Crew Titles. Cash In The Financial institution 2020? Similar story… early favourite, however ended up teaming with Kofi to defend the Smackdown Tag Crew Titles. 2021 Royal Rumble? As traditional, he was an early favourite, and though he had a really respectable 30-minute exhibiting, he was nonetheless eradicated. Elimination Chamber 2020? But once more, he was an early favourite, however he didn’t find yourself wrestling on the cardboard in any respect. Then the 2021 version of Cash In The Financial institution rolled round. E certified for the Cash In The Financial institution match early, and the hypothesis and predictions went into excessive gear. When he pulled that briefcase right down to win the match, it was solely a matter of time. After getting via a silly and pointless mini-feud with Baron Corbin over “possession” of the briefcase, E would money in and at last make everybody that saved calling for him to win “proper.” It was a ravishing second, and was what MITB must be… a possibility to assist create a brand new principal occasion participant.
• CM Punk’s Return To Professional Wrestling (AEW Rampage, August twentieth): Because the years went on, I grew an increasing number of sure we’d by no means see Punk in a wrestling ring once more. He wasn’t getting any youthful, and there have been possibilities for it to occur that got here and went. Even when the information broke that Punk and AEW had been in talks about probably having him are available, I didn’t assume something would come of it. Shit, even after it was reported that he was going to point out up on Rampage, I, like many others, thought there can be some type of swerve. MJF popping out to Punk’s music, and many others. When Punk walked out on stage on that August evening, although, to one of many loudest face pops you’re going to listen to, it was one thing that I received’t overlook.
• Bobby Lashley Wins The WWE Title (WWE Uncooked, March 1st): That is positively one of many strangest paths to profitable a World Title that I can keep in mind. Lashley got here into 2021 as a dominant United States Champion, however he would go on to drop the title to Riddle at Elimination Chamber. John Morrison, who was additionally within the match, obtained pinned to finish it, so many assumed Lashley would be capable of pull the “I by no means obtained pinned to lose my title” bit and go on to feud with Riddle some extra. As a substitute, Lashley had different issues on his thoughts. On the finish of the identical present, Lashley would assault Drew McIntyre, who had simply efficiently defended the WWE Title contained in the Elimination Chamber. Lashley’s assault would permit The Miz to money in his Cash In The Financial institution title shot to grow to be the brand new champion. The subsequent evening, Lashley would demand a title shot towards The Miz, saying that Miz “owed” him after what he did to McIntyre. Lashley can be given his WWE Title shot, however on the next episode of Uncooked. This was, in fact, when Miz claimed he was having abdomen points, pushing his title shot again by an hour. Then, Miz thought he pulled one over on everyone by getting himself counted out, just for it to be introduced that Miz can be pressured to legitimately defend the title within the present’s principal occasion or be stripped of the belt. Within the three-minute squash that it ought to’ve been, Lashley would lastly go on to beat Miz and win the title. It was a well-deserved reward for somebody who had been on an insane roll for a very long time.
• CM Punk & Eddie Kingston Go To Warfare On The Mic (AEW Rampage, November fifth): All people is aware of that one of the best promos in wrestling are not less than partly based mostly on the reality. When a wrestler is absolutely talking their thoughts, it reveals. It’s the best path to connecting with dwell crowds and viewers. When Eddie Kingston and CM Punk have been organising their match at AEW Full Gear, that’s the kind of realism and honesty we obtained to witness. Kingston would discuss how Punk was once considered one of his wrestling heroes, however that Punk would show to be a “lowlife, scumbag, two-faced narcissistic bitch” by judging him and speaking shit about him within the locker room again of their unbiased days. Punk’s response was that everybody… himself, Bryan Danielson, Murder, Samoa Joe, and so forth… held Kingston to a excessive commonplace due to the potential he had, however that Eddie had failed to succeed in that potential. They might proceed taking photographs at one another till a headbutt by Punk triggered an all-out brawl that was as intense because it will get. It was a far cry from the same old overly scripted promos that WWE offers us and the same old “two guys randomly slicing promos on one another as a result of there aren’t sufficient precise feuds” that AEW had given far too usually.
• “Hangman” Adam Web page Wins The AEW World Title (AEW Full Gear, November thirteenth): I simply talked about that AEW, far too usually, has given us randomly thrown collectively matches with out attaching actual feuds to them. This was actually not a type of cases. The story involving Adam Web page and The Elite stretched approach again. It was so layered, taking part in out in a number of avenues, that it appeared prefer it went again years and years. You simply knew “Hangman” was going to be the AEW World Champion. The one query was precisely when it will occur. We obtained that reply final month. After an unimaginable back-and-forth contest between Web page and Kenny Omega, the title change occurred. The group on the Goal Middle in Minneapolis, Minnesota went banana pancake. Lastly, “their” man had received. We’ve seen that kind of factor time and time once more in wrestling, from small unbiased firms to the largest promotions on the planet. It really works. Followers put their assist behind somebody, and so they patiently (generally, not-so-patiently) watch for that somebody to succeed in the highest of the mountain.
• John Cena Returns (WWE Cash In The Financial institution, July 18th): I’ve stated it earlier than, however I don’t assume John Cena is absolutely appreciated till he’s gone for a prolonged time frame. I don’t assume he’ll be TRULY appreciated till his profession is formally wrapped up and he’s inducted into the WWE Corridor Of Fame. You may see that by how a lot of a face response he will get when he returns. This was a type of occasions. We had seen and heard rumors that WWE needed to see if they might put Roman Reigns vs Cena collectively at SummerSlam this yr, and even at WrestleMania subsequent yr. Even with these rumors floating round, it was actually surprising to listen to Cena’s music hit on the finish of Cash In The Financial institution. After Reigns efficiently defended his Common Title towards Edge within the present’s principal occasion, he began to chop a promo about how the entire world ought to acknowledge him, and that’s when Cena made his return. It was Cena’s first time on WWE programming in 15 months, however there he was, and the gang in Fort Price, Texas went ballistic. To paraphrase the good thinker James William Ross, enterprise at all times picks up when Cena is round, and also you simply knew it was taking place then, even when it will solely be non permanent.
• Quite a few Debuts (AEW All Out, September fifth): When all is claimed and finished, this yr’s All Out pay-per-view might go down as a very powerful present in firm historical past. Two weeks prior, AEW introduced CM Punk again to wrestling, and it gave the corporate a ton of momentum. This was Punk’s return to the ring, however it wasn’t simply that. It obtained began with Minoru Suzuki’s shock debut to confront Jon Moxley and proceed Moxley’s rivalry with the whole New Japan roster. Ruby Riott, now often called Ruby Soho, made her debut within the On line casino Battle Royal, occurring to win the match and incomes herself a future shot on the AEW Girls’s Title. Following the present’s principal occasion, Adam Cole made his debut, trying like he may save Christian Cage and Jurassic Categorical from Kenny Omega and The Younger Bucks, solely to assault Jungle Boy. Was that sufficient? Apparently not, as a result of mere minutes later, Bryan Danielson made his debut for the corporate. Danielson got here to the ring and it led to an enormous kerfuffle between the faces and the heels. Massive title after large title confirmed as much as make their AEW debut on the identical evening. The corporate actually took benefit of the eye they have been getting due to Punk’s return.
• Becky Lynch Returns (WWE SummerSlam, August twenty first): A shock that was a shock, however not a shock, stunning those that shouldn’t have been shocked, however ended up being shocked. Becky Lynch had been teasing her return to WWE for some time. It appeared like she would publish one thing cryptically earlier than each large WWE occasion for months. SummerSlam was speculated to see a mega rematch between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair, however on the final minute, Sasha was pulled from the present attributable to “unexpected circumstances.” Rumors of accidents, COVID, contractual disputes and a lot extra started to drift round. As soon as it was introduced Sasha wouldn’t be there, the Becky followers began going nuts. Right here we go! That is the proper likelihood for her to return! Then Carmella got here out, and you might nearly really feel the air being taken out of Allegiant Stadium. Folks have been upset. They have been proper in the midst of typing out some indignant tweets, however then it occurred… Becky Lynch’s music hit, and the pop was insane. “The Man” had come again round. All people had labored themselves up into pondering she would seem, after which labored themselves up into pondering she wouldn’t seem, solely to have her seem, in any case.
• Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair Get Emotional Earlier than The Bell (WWE WrestleMania, April tenth): To say that illustration issues can be an understatement of epic proportions. Evening considered one of WrestleMania was principal evented by Sasha Banks vs Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Girls’s Title. It was the second time (after Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Aptitude vs Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 35) ladies had been the ultimate match on a Mania card, and the primary time that the principle eventers have been each black. Sasha and Bianca clearly perceive how necessary it was that they have been on this spot. Earlier than the match had even gotten underway, each ladies had tears of their eyes as they stood face-to-face and soaked within the crowd response and the total weight of what they have been carrying out by even being there. They might have a look at one another and nod whereas they tried to catch their breath and collect themselves, as if in settlement that every one this was nice, however that it was time to get right down to enterprise, after which they went out and had one of many higher matches of the yr. Even when the match would’ve been a whole stinker, the pre-match second they have been capable of share would nonetheless be particular.

The winner is… CM Punk’s Return To Professional Wrestling! I do know that there’s loads of criticism that individuals have about Punk. Belief me… I get it. I’ve had some issues to say about him via the years myself. None of that might take away simply how insane this second really was. By no means say by no means, however rattling, this was one thing tens of millions of wrestling followers by no means thought they’d see. The truth that it occurred someplace aside from WWE solely made it crazier.

Time to maintain it shifting. Let’s hand out the #NobodyCaresB award. This goes out to the storyline/occasion/normal factor that was so dangerous and so nonsensical that individuals simply needed it to finish. Normally, followers need some type of finality for storylines, whether or not it leads to a title change, a flip, a decisive victory or what have you ever. With these nominees, individuals didn’t care about that by any means. Right here they’re, in no explicit order…

• Eva Marie & Doudrop: The one those that give one iota of a fuck about Eva Marie’s wrestling profession are those that are associated to her, those that assume she’s tremendous scorching, those that are trolls, and people who are some bizarre mixture of these issues. Attaching Piper Niven, considered one of NXT UK’s high ladies, to the act did nothing to garner curiosity, particularly as soon as the silly fucking title of Doudrop was given to Niven (poet and I didn’t even comprehend it). No, it doesn’t matter who selected the title. It’s dumb, irrespective of who’s behind it. Doudrop can really “go” within the ring, as evidenced by a few of the work she’s been capable of flip in because the story with Eva Marie was scrapped, however there wasn’t a possibility for her to do any of that right here. I don’t know if the purpose was to make use of Eva’s “warmth” to get Doudrop over when the newcomer turned on her “mentor” or one thing, however that wasn’t working. Because the title of the award signifies, no one cared.
• WWE’s Cleopatra Eggs: We’ve seen wrestling matches, segments and reveals get sponsored for many years now. They’re often fairly painless, outdoors of getting to see some awkward backstage segments with strategically positioned merchandise going through the digital camera. WWE doing a promotional tie-in with Netflix’s Pink Discover at Survivor Sequence made sense at face worth. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is without doubt one of the film’s stars, and Survivor Sequence was celebrating the twenty fifth anniversary of his debut for the corporate. The Rock was hyped and hyped and hyped and hyped and hyped on the present, and main as much as it. He by no means confirmed up. There wasn’t even a video bundle from the man. No, he was by no means marketed. I get that. It was nonetheless a bizarre factor to do. The principle connection we obtained from Pink Discover was a lame “whodunnit” angle involving a prop from the film being given to Vince McMahon, after which stolen from proper below his nostril. A WWE Title shot for Austin Principle was the principle factor to return from this. Huh?
• Blissful Corbin & Madcap Moss: Heels are speculated to be hated. That’s the purpose. A heel is designed to make you not like them, and an ideal heel is designed to make you need to spend your money and time to see them get their comeuppance. There are 1,000,000 heels who fall into these classes. With Blissful Corbin and Madcap Moss, they’re going TOO far into the heel class. Folks don’t need to see them get their comeuppance, as a result of they don’t need to see them in any respect. These two are written to be so mind-blowingly annoying that I can’t watch something they’re concerned in. I’ve stated it earlier than, however I actually quick ahead or mute the whole lot they take part in. I simply can’t take care of all of the over-the-top laughter and goofiness. It sucks. So much.
• QT Marshall: Look, everyone knows that being family and friends with the fitting individuals goes a good distance within the wrestling enterprise. Having the fitting connections can get you a job, a push, a title reign, and so forth. Actually, it’s like loads of different jobs on the market. QT Marshall is somebody that has vastly benefitted from being buddies with Cody Rhodes. Together with Ray Lloyd (aka Glacier from WCW), they’re co-owners and coachers at The Nightmare Manufacturing unit coaching college. Marshall has parlayed that into being a wrestler and a producer for AEW, regardless that he has the pure charisma of potato gnocchi. He’s not a foul wrestler or something. His fashion simply isn’t thrilling. I’ve seen guys extra excited to have hemorrhoids burst than they’re to observe QT Marshall wrestle. There he’s, although, wrestling on nationwide tv for one of many greatest promotions on the planet. He has 71 matches below his belt for the corporate, and 23 of them have been on tv or pay-per-view. These 23 matches are 35 too many! He turned heel on Cody Rhodes on tv, taking Nightmare Manufacturing unit wrestlers Anthony Ogogo, Nick Comoroto and Aaron Solow with him and making a heel steady. Did it get them over? No, it really did the other. These three have mixed for a whopping complete of 4 wins on tv because the flip. It occurred 9 months in the past! 4 wins… half of which have been by Ogogo to attempt to construct him for his match towards Cody at Double Or Nothing, the place he had each single little bit of his momentum snuffed out by dropping… is gloomy.
• Karrion Kross: You see it rather a lot, particularly on the planet of WWE… the corporate sees somebody as an enormous deal, so that they resolve to push them as such, however the viewers disagrees from the start and doesn’t purchase it in any respect. Typically the viewers is correct, and generally the viewers is mistaken. The purpose I’m making is that WWE doesn’t at all times care. Karrion Kross is an instance of that. He had a ton of hype in NXT, the place he was pushed as an unstoppable gladiator, however the NXT viewers by no means really purchased into him. The principle downside that he had there may be that he was a “principal roster man” within the mistaken spot. NXT followers have been trying ahead to guys who wrestled like Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano, Finn Balor, Tommaso Ciampa, Kyle O’Reilly and other people like that. Kross had a distinct, a lot slower fashion than these guys did. He by no means really slot in on the NXT roster, regardless that he was pushed to win the NXT Title twice. Okay, wonderful… he obtained referred to as to the principle roster, the place his fashion was a a lot better match. Downside solved, proper? Nicely, when you may have sure issues about an act that individuals really dig, and also you screw with them from the beginning, you’re going to have issues. Kross’ entrance was a big a part of his total presentation in NXT, and he didn’t have that on Uncooked. Him dropping his first match on Uncooked, albeit to a six-time World Champion in Jeff Hardy, ruined him. Any potential cause for followers to care evaporated immediately.
• Hardy Household Workplace: Matt Hardy is 47 years outdated. His physique causes him to carry out like he’s 67 years outdated. These are info. He nonetheless has an ideal thoughts for wrestling, and has rather a lot he can provide to the enterprise. Sadly, none of that’s coming within the ring. The Hardy Household Workplace has a ton of individuals concerned in it, however none of them are getting any actual “rub” from being concerned with Matt proper now. Personal Social gathering have been criminally underutilized, as have TH2. The Butcher & The Blade have additionally gotten misplaced within the shuffle since aligning with the group. It’s a large number. All three of these tag groups can be higher off with out the steady. To make it worse for them, what does everybody preserve speaking about now? Matt reuniting along with his brother, now that Jeff is not employed by WWE. You may say no matter you need about whether or not or not AEW ought to signal Jeff, however do you assume having an enormous title tag workforce just like the Hardyz on the roster does something for the groups presently in HFO? Nope.
• Shane McMahon Bullying Braun Strowman: Firstly, individuals could be bullied for almost any cause. They’re too tall, too quick, too fats, too skinny, too sensible, too silly, too this, too that. The record goes on and on. There are loads of tales you’ll be able to inform, and inform believably, with regards to bullying in wrestling. 51-year-old human ball of sweat Shane McMahon bullying the youthful, taller, sooner, stronger Braun Strowman isn’t a type of tales. From day one, Braun has been offered as a personality that might take pleasure in ripping your head off and utilizing it for softball follow. Then, alongside comes Shane-O-Mac calling Braun 28 sorts of moron, and all of the sudden, the large man reverts to a manchild, one step in need of screaming “STOP MAKING FUN OF ME, POOPIE HEAD” on dwell tv. Why? What fucking objective did this serve, outdoors of permitting Shane to have one other WrestleMania paycheck? It didn’t profit Strowman, who repeatedly did appear to be an fool for falling for the whole lot Shane stated and did for weeks on finish. Shane didn’t profit, outdoors of the aforementioned WrestleMania paycheck. The followers actually didn’t profit.
• Jaxson Ryker: Right here’s a man that followers didn’t care about as a heel. Solo or in a steady, he simply wasn’t capable of do a lot of something. He determined to talk up about politics on Twitter, and it alienated himself from loads of his coworkers. Whether or not or not you agree along with his political opinions is irrelevant right here, as a result of he has each proper to assist who he helps, simply as a lot as you or I do, or anybody that sits in the identical locker rooms that he does. He was taken off of tv for some time, however then had a bizarre face run after a short alliance with Elias. When you consider Ryker’s political opinions, after which keep in mind who’s answerable for WWE, it’s truthfully a shock he wasn’t pushed as a face sooner. Both approach, no one cared about his face run, identical to no one cared about his heel run. It has nothing to do with who he voted for, didn’t vote for, or something alongside these traces. It’s as a result of he sucks. He sucked as Gunner in TNA, and he sucked as Jaxson Ryker in WWE. There has by no means been a cause for followers to care about him, heel or face, so… they only didn’t.

Aaaaand the winner is… Blissful Corbin & Madcap Moss! I’m 10000% critical… I can’t stand them. Take a look at somebody like Austin Principle for a second. He’s a heel, and I believe he has one of many extra punchable trying faces in all of wrestling. It’s satisfying to see him get beat up. Meaning he’s doing a superb job. It’s the response he’s speculated to be getting. I don’t need to see Corbin and Moss get beat up, as a result of I don’t need to see them, interval. Crank the dial again down a number of notches, WWE.

Are you prepared for the following award? Let’s get it poppin’. Time for #TheThirst, which is devoted to the wrestler, character or normal entity that couldn’t assist themselves and simply needed to attempt to keep related. Positive, it’d imply they pissed individuals off, however they didn’t care. In no explicit order, listed here are the nominees…

• Drake Wuertz: I’m not going to get into any political debates, so should you’re in search of one, discover one other goal. All I’ll say is that Drake Wuertz is clearly coping with some type of head trauma from all of the punishment he put himself via as a wrestler. The person is clearly not match for something, however as a result of he lives in Florida, he’ll in all probability be elected as a State Consultant in November 2022. It’s a really Florida factor to do.
• Alberto Del Rio: Del Rio was final employed by WWE in September 2016. Within the five-plus years since he final appeared for the corporate, he has talked about returning roughly 274 occasions. He has talked about all of the curiosity that promotions like AEW and Affect have in him, as effectively. Affect minimize ties with him almost 4 years in the past after he no-showed an occasion. If there’s a lot curiosity… the place the fuck is he? If WWE, Affect, WWE, or some other firm desires him so badly, he can be there… however he’s not. Might or not it’s that he’s filled with shit? He additionally appears oddly obsessive about Paige, who he as soon as dated. They broke up 4 years in the past, and but, right here we’re, frequently seeing him in interviews speaking about her. He has repeatedly threatened to “expose” her about issues he says occurred throughout their relationship. My query is… why? Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the whole lot ADR says about Paige is totally true. So what? It was 4 years in the past. Transfer on. She’s in a brand new relationship. He’s been in not less than one new relationship. Go do one thing else along with your life already.
• Brad Shepard: This fucking loser continues to attempt to be “edgy” on Twitter, however everybody with half a mind is aware of that he’s fully nugatory, each out and in of the enterprise. He continues to carry loopy ranges of jealousy in direction of anybody who has ever broke any information tales. Time and time and time once more, wrestlers from promotions large and small dunk on him for the whole bullshit that he tried to report as reality. It’s hilarious to observe. He has by no means been related, and he by no means will likely be, however he’s darn certain going to maintain attempting. For those who’re studying these phrases and also you’re a fan of Brad Shepard, know that I don’t want, nor need, you as a reader and don’t care what it’s important to say about that. Fuck Brad Shepard.
• Tony Khan: Apparently, he was born to run a wrestling promotion. He has been within the information about six million occasions in 2021, continually going over-the-top along with his reward for what AEW has finished, is doing, will do, and so forth. He has caught shit from all sides due to the twisting and turning of narratives he does with regards to speaking about AEW’s rankings, attendance and viewership numbers. The factor is… he’s like these gamers in sports activities that get below the pores and skin of their opponents, however are at all times liked by their teammates. For those who’re an AEW fan, you’re able to run via a brick wall if you hear Tony Khan communicate in regards to the firm. It’s similar to Paul Heyman when he was working ECW. Heyman would do the identical twisting and turning of the info to suit his narrative, and he had ECW wrestlers and followers alike able to juggle samurai swords for him and the model. In the meantime, anybody outdoors of ECW didn’t precisely place Heyman on the identical pedestal. Do I believe Khan must ease up a bit? Sure, I do. Do I believe Khan is a few horrible asshole for doing what he does? No, I don’t. He’s selling his firm, and he’s placing them over. It is sensible. He’s nonetheless fairly thirsty for that focus, although.
• WWE/NXT Dorks vs AEW Dorks: Hey, back-to-back years for these guys to get nominated on this class. You understand those. I’ve talked about them in my columns earlier than. You probably have “WWE” or “NXT” or “AEW” in your Twitter deal with, however you don’t work for stated firm, I’m speaking about you. Similar goes for you doofuses that do what you do after which declare it’s all part of some “heel” persona on the web. Similar to what you want. Ideally, you prefer to not less than a few of the whole lot. It’s much more enjoyable that approach. For those who’re an AEW fan, cease getting your panties bunched up your ass if you see somebody say Roman Reigns is one of the best within the enterprise. You WWE followers ought to lighten the fuck up if somebody says Kenny Omega is one of the best heel going as we speak. Affect followers, all 12 of you need to simply be glad your present continues to be round. There isn’t a day that goes by the place you don’t discover some dumb fuck saying one thing silly in regards to the “opposing” firm. Possibly it’s as a result of their fathers didn’t love them, so that they require the additional consideration. Who is aware of? The most effective half is that the precise individuals concerned with each promotions are all buddies. Do you assume Xavier Woods advised Adam Cole to choke on a dick when Cole went to AEW? Ought to we predict Ruby Soho desires Liv Morgan to get hit by a bus as a result of she works for the “different” firm? In fact not. They’re laughing at you nerds. All of us are.

The winner is… Alberto Del Rio! Mendacity is one factor. Repeatedly mendacity, for years on finish, is one factor. Repeatedly mendacity, for years on finish, with no profit to your self? That claims the whole lot we have to find out about you as an individual. I do not know why the person does what he does.

It’s time for the large awards to be handed out, beginning off with #!!!. That is my selection for Match Of The Yr. I haven’t watched each match that each promotion has put out, however then once more, when you’ve got… get a fucking life. I’ve watched loads of stuff, although, and these are the matches I really feel deserve some particular recognition. The nominees, in no explicit order, are…

• The Younger Bucks vs Lucha Brothers (AEW All Out, September fifth): With these 4 concerned, you recognize you’re going to get a fast-paced match, filled with spot after spot. This match was much more than that, although. Each groups stepped their violence video games up, together with utilizing the metal cage as a weapon. There have been tons of double-team strikes that you simply’re solely going to see when two pairs of brothers are concerned. Take the high-flying motion, combine in elevated ranges of violence, sprinkle a pair dashes of emotion, add a red-hot crowd and end it off with an period of time that wasn’t too quick or too lengthy… what does that offer you? It offers you one of the best tag workforce match in professional wrestling for 2021.
• WALTER vs Ilja Dragunov (NXT Takeover 36, August twenty second): Their earlier match received my #!!! award for 2020. I stated it was like watching somebody attempt to battle the villain in a horror film. Dragunov gave the whole lot he had, however WALTER saved shifting ahead and attacking with offense of his personal. It was an exceptional match. This rematch, although, was even higher. A red-hot crowd added a lot to this, because the final match was finished in an empty enviornment. This match adopted the “Shawn Michaels vs Monster” method that I’ve talked about rather a lot previously. For those who return and watch Michaels face the likes of The Undertaker, Kane, Sid, Diesel, Vader and different wrestlers of that measurement, one factor he was nice at was not wrestling scared. Whilst a heel, he wrestled these a lot bigger opponents like a rabid canine, taking the battle to them. Ilja Dragunov has an analogous fashion, particularly towards WALTER. He’s giving up loads of measurement to his opponent, however he retains taking the battle to WALTER. This was merely 22 minutes of two males beating the shit out of one another.
• Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega (AEW Dynamite, September twenty second): Even earlier than rumors got here out that Bryan Danielson might be headed to AEW, this was a match {that a} ton of individuals have been calling for. The final time Danielson and Omega confronted one another was 2009, and evidently, each males are fully totally different than they have been 12 years in the past. As soon as Danielson arrived in AEW, the hype for this was off the charts, and for good cause. These are two of one of the best technical wrestlers on the planet as we speak, and so they went on the market with chips on their shoulder to attempt to show that. If the match occurred on pay-per-view, I believe it will be my runaway selection for one of the best match of the yr. Having it happen on AEW tv, full with a number of industrial breaks, evens the taking part in subject out a bit.
• Utami Hayashishita vs Syuri (Stardom Tokyo Dream Cinderella Particular Version, June twelfth): For years, Stardom has delivered a few of the finest ladies’s motion in all of wrestling. Really, let me be honest and trustworthy… they’ve delivered a few of the finest motion, interval, in all of wrestling. For those who’ve by no means seen matches from the promotion, you’re going to be blown away. This match was a 45-minute dash with ridiculous pacing and hard-hitting offense that can remind you of the glory days of Professional Wrestling NOAH and All Japan Professional Wrestling. Hayashishita seems to be one of many subsequent big stars in Japan, if she isn’t already. She was solely 22 years outdated when this match occurred, however was already smack dab in the midst of a powerful reign because the World Of Stardom Champion, placing her on the high of the corporate. Please preserve your eyes and ears open for her shifting forward.
• Will Ospreay vs Shingo Takagi (NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Day 2, Might 4th): To me, the story going into this one was Shingo’s rise to the highest of New Japan. He came visiting from Dragon Gate and had been very profitable in all areas of the New Japan card, however this was him getting an opportunity to compete for the corporate’s high title. Kinds make fights, and this was a first-rate instance of that, with Shingo’s energy recreation competing towards Ospreay’s otherworldly pace and athleticism. Might Shingo “grasp” in the principle occasion scene? It wouldn’t take lengthy to see that he might. He put fairly the beating on Ospreay, whereas taking one in return. I do know that the New Japan “fashion” isn’t for everybody, however the identical could be stated about any promotion within the enterprise, large or small. For those who’re in search of stiff, brutal wars, that is your jam. Shingo had that chip on his shoulder, attempting to show himself, however you’ll be able to’t take an excessive amount of away from Ospreay. Let’s not overlook that this was Ospreay’s first IWGP World Heavyweight Title protection after he, too, broke via to the principle occasion after years of spending time within the Junior Heavyweight division.
• Thunder Rosa vs Britt Baker (AEW Dynamite, March seventeenth): This match got here out of nowhere to be probably the greatest of the yr. Thunder Rosa was nonetheless a little bit of an unknown in AEW, and Britt Baker was somebody individuals knew can be a high participant in the future, however she simply wasn’t there but. In a single evening… one match… each ladies grew to become big stars for the corporate. It was a violent, bloody battle that was filled with large visuals. Though she didn’t come out of the match with a win, you simply knew Britt Baker was “made” right here. Positive sufficient, she would go on to win the AEW Girls’s Title two months later, and she or he hasn’t appeared again since.
• Shingo Takagi vs Jeff Cobb (NJPW Wrestle Kingdom Day 2, January fifth): A battle between my 2020 Shingo Takagi and my 2021 Shingo Takagi. This was, in my view, the official popping out social gathering for Cobb in New Japan, as he grew to become a significant participant after his effort right here. The match was the whole lot you need to need, and anticipate, from these two. They’re dropping bombs, just about from the opening bell. My favourite a part of the match is that Shingo was initially attempting to go along with his energy recreation, however when he realized he wasn’t going to win that battle towards Cobb, he included extra of a Dragon Gate-friendly pace recreation into his offense, whereas not fully straying from what has labored for him in New Japan. Fairly the hoss battle.
• Sasha Banks vs Bianca Belair (WWE WrestleMania 37 Day 1, April tenth): Speak about having a ton of strain on you. The principle occasion of WrestleMania brings loads of strain to start with. When ladies get the principle occasion spot at WrestleMania, it brings a distinct stage of strain. Black ladies in the principle occasion spot at WrestleMania? Insane. They’ve a whole part of the fan base who has been pushing for WWE to do extra with its black wrestlers, so are you able to think about if Sasha and Bianca went on the market and stunk the joint up? Fortunately, that didn’t occur. From the second the match started, you might inform it was going to be one thing particular, and the dwell crowd sensed it, as effectively. Plenty of drama, large spots, and the toughest motherfucking hair whip you’re ever going to witness. Bianca proved that she belonged on the high of the ladies’s division right here.
• Kazuchika Okada vs Jeff Cobb (NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam Day 1, September 4th): You typically know what you’re going to get with New Japan matches, particularly with the heavyweights. Whereas this didn’t fully stray from that method, it was nonetheless a noticeably totally different match. So much slower, with extra deliberate pacing and promoting. Clearly, since I’ve this match listed right here, that didn’t trouble me a lot. Cobb needed to change issues up a bit, as he was going for his first singles victory over Okada, after dropping his earlier two makes an attempt. A singles victory over Okada nonetheless means a ton in New Japan, whether or not it’s for a title or not, and it reveals in how wrestlers step their video games up towards him. This was a pleasant change of tempo for New Japan.
• “Hangman” Adam Web page vs Bryan Danielson (AEW Dynamite, December fifteenth): Take what I stated in regards to the Danielson/Omega match being on tv, and enlarge it for a match that went twice as lengthy right here. The standard of the match itself just isn’t harm by industrial breaks, however it certain takes loads of the viewing expertise. Apparently it isn’t a factor if you watch Dynamite on FITE, however the remainder of us must take care of it in the meanwhile. Pretty much as good as Adam Web page is, this was an actual check for him and whether or not or not he might actually “go” in a big-time strain match. It’s not like he has a ton of 60-minute matches in his profession, whereas Danielson wrestled 1,000,000 of them in his pre-WWE days. Evidently, he handed no matter check was on the market for him. For those who’re going to discover a “downside” right here, it’s that you simply’ve set the bar insanely excessive for Web page’s title defenses. His first protection is a 60-minute Match Of The Yr instantaneous traditional? Sheesh.
• Kenny Omega vs “Hangman” Adam Web page (AEW Full Gear, November thirteenth): It was the second that AEW followers have been trying ahead to for a pair years now. The crowning of “their” man, Adam Web page, as AEW World Champion. There have been some bumps within the highway alongside the best way, however the journey has been an entertaining one. This match was the drama-filled battle that it wanted to be, with an insanely scorching crowd that was trying to will “Hangman” to the win. Discovering out that Kenny Omega labored the match with a torn labrum, knee points, an stomach hernia and bouts of vertigo solely make this match extra particular. There’s no cause he ought to’ve even been capable of wrestle, not to mention wrestle at a world class stage once more. He was devoted to ending the story with Web page, and he did it, so kudos to him.

The winner is… WALTER vs Ilja Dragunov! My 2020 Match Of The Yr, and now, my 2021 Match Of The Yr. In the event that they get booked for an additional match in 2022, the strain is on, I assume. I simply loved the hell out of the physicality right here, and I respect what these maniacs put their our bodies via for our leisure.

We have now come to our remaining award, of us. It’s time to hand out the #Craftmaster award, given to the wrestler of the yr. For this, I have a look at the whole lot, from their in-ring work to titles received/saved to promo work to how large their highlight was, and each facet in between. The nominees, as soon as once more in no explicit order, are…

• Kota Ibushi: He began 2021 by profitable the IWGP Heavyweight Title and the IWGP Intercontinental Title at Wrestle Kingdom, and he would go on to unify the titles to create the IWGP World Heavyweight Title. Alone private grading scale, I’ve him taking part in 14 singles matches that rated at 4 stars or larger, in addition to a tag match that did the identical. He was a vital a part of New Japan in a really turbulent yr for the corporate, as they needed to proceed battling points with COVID, from journey bans to constructive exams to lack of followers in attendance.
• Shingo Takagi: Shingo entered 2021 because the NEVER Openweight Champion earlier than dropping it and shifting on to the principle occasion scene. He would go on to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title, and is now over 200 days deep into his title reign. I’ve him working 18 singles matches in 2021 that I rated at 4 stars or larger, to go along with two tag matches. If Kota Ibushi was a vital a part of serving to get New Japan via the yr, then Shingo was the MOST necessary half. Placing in persistently nice performances, he was capable of be counted on when plans wanted to vary attributable to Will Ospreay’s damage.
• Kenny Omega: The “Belt Collector” was doing simply that. He got here into the yr because the AEW World Champion and the AAA Mega Champion, and would go on to win the Affect World Title, giving him three main titles on the identical time. It was an unimaginable run that you simply, clearly, don’t see usually anymore. He wrestled in 12 singles matches that I had rated at 4 stars or larger, and extremely, he additionally wrestled in seven tag matches that rated the identical. Only a persistently nice yr throughout.
• Roman Reigns: You already know a very powerful stat. As of as we speak, Roman has been the Common Champion for 486 days, beating any and everybody that has been positioned in entrance of him. I’ve him wrestling in ten singles matches rated at 4 stars or larger. He has grow to be such an necessary a part of the WWE product, shifting nearer to a record-breaking title reign and placing in a few of the finest character work within the enterprise whereas doing so.
• Utami Hayashishita: I will likely be fully clear right here. I’ve solely seen a handful of her matches in full this yr. Positive, I’ve seen spotlight packages and issues of that nature, but when we’re speaking full bell-to-bell matches, I’ve seen 4 of them. I do really feel I’ve seen sufficient to position her right here, although. She got here into the yr because the World Of Stardom Champion, solely dropping the title earlier as we speak in a rematch towards Syuri. A 409-day reign as champion, a Match Of The Yr candidate, and three different matches that rated 4 stars or larger? That’s a helluva yr.
• Bryan Danielson: For those who’re strictly titles, Danielson wouldn’t be listed right here. He didn’t maintain any title in the course of the yr, going 0-4-1 in his title matches. What he did do, although, was show that he’s the perfect in-ring performer within the enterprise as we speak. He wrestled in 18 singles matches that I’ve rated at 4 stars or larger, in addition to three tag matches that may say the identical. A number of firms, all kinds of opponents, principal occasions, opening matches… it didn’t matter the place he was, you knew you have been getting prime quality when he was concerned.
• Zack Sabre Jr: With Taichi, ZSJ got here into the yr as one-half of the IWGP World Tag Crew Champions, however they’d lose the belts at Wrestle Kingdom to start out 2021. They might go on to win the titles two extra occasions, and are the present champions. He had an ideal yr as a singles wrestler, too, taking part in ten matches that I rated 4 stars or larger. Throw in three tag matches with the identical rankings and you’ve got somebody who New Japan might depend on to excel in all areas.
• Jeff Cobb: Like Danielson, Cobb didn’t maintain any titles in 2021, however don’t let that distract you from an exceptional yr. As I’ve talked about a number of occasions, he transitioned from extra of a midcard man to being a principal occasion participant in New Japan, and did so by placing in large performances at each flip. He has 11 singles and 6 tag matches that I’ve rated at 4 stars or larger. 2021 was a extremely large yr for him, organising what might/must be an ideal yr in 2022 the place he has an opportunity to grow to be THE man for New Japan.
• Drew McIntyre: He got here into 2021 because the WWE Champion, however that didn’t final lengthy, as he would lose the title at Elimination Chamber in February. From there, he was 0-5 in any type of title matches. The factor about McIntyre’s yr is consistency. Maybe greater than anybody else on the WWE roster, he could be counted on to have a extremely good match evening in and evening out. It doesn’t matter who he’s going through, what’s on the road, and what else is occurring. He wrestled in 16 matches that I gave 4 or extra stars to this yr, and it was towards a wildly various group of opponents.
• Adam Web page: He didn’t maintain a title in 2021 till he received the AEW World Title on November thirteenth, however that doesn’t matter. He had ten singles matches that I gave 4 or extra stars to. If Roman Reigns doesn’t have one of the best character work in wrestling proper now, Adam Web page in all probability holds that title. The whole lot he did labored, and it made sense.

The winner is… Bryan Danielson! I don’t care that he didn’t win any titles. He went on the market and delivered each single week. Nothing towards the likes of John Silver, Evil Uno, Anthony Bowens and other people like that, however they have been capable of step into the ring with Danielson and are available out of it taking part in Match Of The Week contenders each single time. Danielson is without doubt one of the finest runs of his profession, and take into consideration the bottom that covers.

Nicely, it was a prolonged journey, however we’ve made it. 2021 was wild, and filled with ups and downs, however we’ve made it, and we obtained to see some fairly kick ass wrestling whereas we’re at it. Now it’s time to listen to from you. I need to know what your winners of those classes can be. As at all times, hit me up within the feedback part beneath, or on Twitter (@HustleTheSavage), and let me know what’s in your thoughts.

Weekly Energy Rankings (As a result of time constraints, I received’t be giving any ideas on something listed right here this week.)

• Sammy Guevara vs Cody Rhodes
• Malcolm Bivens Getting To Shine In His Promo Work
• Charlotte Aptitude vs Toni Storm
• Kyle O’Reilly Debuts
• The Announcement Of Riddle & MSK vs Imperium
• The Avenue Earnings vs The Mysterios
• Sting, CM Punk & Darby Allin vs MJF & FTR
• AJ Kinds vs Apollo Crews
• Solo Sikoa vs Santos Escobar
• Ruby Soho vs Nyla Rose

This Week’s Playlist: “Speechless” by Nas… “Meet Joe Black” by Nas… “Ugly” by Nas… “Wave Gods” by Nas, A$AP Rocky & DJ Premier… “EPMD 2” by Nas, Eminem & EPMD… “Uncommon” by Nas… “No one” by Nas & Ms. Lauryn Hill… “Accident Murderers” by Nas & Rick Ross… “The Don” by Nas… “As We Enter” by Nas & Damian Marley… “Persistence” by Nas & Damian Marley… “Hip Hop Is Useless” by Nas & will.i.am… “Black Republican” by Nas & Jay-Z… “Simply A Second” by Nas & Quan… “Bridging The Hole” by Nas & Olu Dara… “Made You Look” by Nas… “I Can” by Nas… “Thugz Mansion (N.Y.)” by Nas, 2Pac & J. Phoenix… “Ether” by Nas… “Rewind” by Nas… “One Mic” by Nas… “Shoot ’em Up” by Nas… “Hate Me Now” by Nas & Diddy… “Nas Is Like” by Nas… “The Message” by Nas… “Avenue Desires” by Nas… “Affirmative Motion” by Nas, AZ, Cunning Brown & Cormega… “If I Dominated The World (Think about That)” by Nas & Lauryn Hill… “N.Y. State Of Thoughts” by Nas… “It Ain’t Exhausting To Inform” by Nas