List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards

This is a list of both active and inactive Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards which are voted on by Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) readers every year from 1972 onwards, expanding to more categories in later years.

Unlike other wrestling magazines and websites, PWI is largely a magazine written within the fictional realm of professional wrestling and the awards recognize this.

Active awards

Wrestler of the Year

Ric Flair is a six-time winner of the category

The PWI Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best professional wrestler of the year. Ric Flair has won the award a record six times, and remains the only wrestler with more than three wins; he also established the record for most consecutive wins with three from 1984 to 1986, with AJ Styles later tying that record in 2016-2018. Since 2020, female wrestlers have been included in the following category.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Pedro Morales — — —
1973 Jack Brisco — — —
1974 Bruno Sammartino — — —
1975 Mr. Wrestling II — — —
1976 Terry Funk Bruno Sammartino Nick Bockwinkel Paul Jones
1977 Dusty Rhodes Superstar Billy Graham Bob Backlund Harley Race
1978 Dusty Rhodes (2) Bob Backlund Ricky Steamboat Harley Race
1979 Harley Race Dusty Rhodes Jimmy Snuka Bob Backlund
1980 Bob Backlund Harley Race Verne Gagne The Iron Sheik
1981 Ric Flair Bob Backlund Tommy Rich Dusty Rhodes
1982 Bob Backlund (2) Ric Flair Hulk Hogan Jimmy Snuka
1983 Harley Race (2) Nick Bockwinkel André the Giant Bob Backlund
1984 Ric Flair (2) Hulk Hogan Kerry Von Erich Rick Martel
1985 Ric Flair (3) Hulk Hogan Rick Martel Sgt. Slaughter
1986 Ric Flair (4) Hulk Hogan Randy Savage Nikita Koloff
1987 Hulk Hogan Ric Flair Randy Savage Steve Williams
1988 Randy Savage Jerry Lawler Lex Luger Ric Flair
1989 Ric Flair (5) Hulk Hogan Lex Luger Ricky Steamboat
1990 Sting The Ultimate Warrior Hulk Hogan Lex Luger
1991 Hulk Hogan (2) Lex Luger Bret Hart Sting
1992 Ric Flair (6) Ron Simmons Rick Rude Bret Hart
1993 Vader Bret Hart Shawn Michaels Yokozuna
1994 Hulk Hogan (3) Bret Hart Razor Ramon Ric Flair
1995 Diesel Shawn Michaels Sting Hulk Hogan
1996 The Giant Shawn Michaels Ric Flair Ahmed Johnson
1997 Lex Luger Stone Cold Steve Austin The Undertaker Diamond Dallas Page
1998 Stone Cold Steve Austin Goldberg Diamond Dallas Page The Rock
1999 Stone Cold Steve Austin (2) The Rock Sting Taz
2000 The Rock Triple H Booker T Kurt Angle
2001 Stone Cold Steve Austin (3) Kurt Angle The Rock Rob Van Dam
2002 Brock Lesnar Rob Van Dam Triple H The Undertaker
2003 Kurt Angle Brock Lesnar Triple H A.J. Styles
2004 Chris Benoit Randy Orton Eddie Guerrero A.J. Styles
2005 Batista John Cena A.J. Styles Samoa Joe
2006 John Cena Samoa Joe Rey Mysterio Edge
2007 John Cena (2) Kurt Angle Batista Randy Orton
2008 Triple H Kurt Angle Randy Orton Samoa Joe
2009[1] Randy Orton John Cena Chris Jericho Kurt Angle
2010[2] Randy Orton (2) Rob Van Dam John Cena Sheamus
2011 CM Punk John Cena Davey Richards Bobby Roode
2012 CM Punk (2) Sheamus Austin Aries John Cena
2013[3] Daniel Bryan John Cena Bully Ray Randy Orton
2014[4] Brock Lesnar (2) Daniel Bryan A.J. Styles John Cena
2015 Seth Rollins Jay Lethal Roman Reigns John Cena
2016 A.J. Styles Roman Reigns Kevin Owens Dean Ambrose
2017[5] A.J. Styles (2) Kazuchika Okada Kenny Omega Cody
2018[6] A.J. Styles (3) Kenny Omega Cody Seth Rollins
2019[7] Adam Cole Chris Jericho Seth Rollins Kofi Kingston
2020[8] Jon Moxley Bayley Chris Jericho Sasha Banks
2021[9] Kenny Omega Roman Reigns Bianca Belair Big E
2022 Roman Reigns Jon Moxley Cody Rhodes Bianca Belair
2023[10] Seth Rollins (2) Gunther Will Ospreay MJF

Woman of the Year

Trish Stratus is a four-time winner of the category

The PWI Woman of the Year award recognized the best female professional wrestling personality of the year. Originally known as Girl Wrestler of the Year, it was rendered defunct in 1976 and its history would be subsumed into the current award when women have again bestowed their category in 2000.[11] It was again abandoned in 2020, and several female wrestlers were nominated for Wrestler of the Year but the award was again reinstated in 2021. Trish Stratus has won this award a record four times. AJ Lee is the only wrestler to win the award three times consecutively. Mickie James is the only wrestler to have won the award competing for two different organizations.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Marie LaVerne — — —
1973 Joyce Grable — — —
1974 Rachel Dubois — — —
1975 Ann Casey — — —
1976 Sue Green Kitty Adams Early Dawn Vicki Williams
2000 Stephanie McMahon Lita Chyna Major Gunns
2001 Lita Stephanie McMahon Stacy Keibler Torrie Wilson
2002 Trish Stratus Stephanie McMahon Stacy Keibler Torrie Wilson
2003 Trish Stratus (2) Stephanie McMahon Victoria Torrie Wilson
2004 Victoria Trish Stratus Stacy Keibler Molly Holly
2005 Trish Stratus (3) Christy Hemme Melina Lita
2006 Trish Stratus (4) Dixie Carter Mickie James Lita
2007[12] Candice Michelle Beth Phoenix Gail Kim Karen Angle
2008[13] Awesome Kong Beth Phoenix Mickie James Michelle McCool
2009 Mickie James Angelina Love Tara Michelle McCool
2010[14] Michelle McCool Angelina Love Madison Rayne Madison Eagles
2011 Mickie James (2) Kelly Kelly Beth Phoenix Madison Eagles
2012[15] AJ Lee Gail Kim Eve Torres Sara Del Rey
2013[16] AJ Lee (2) Cheerleader Melissa Dixie Carter Kaitlyn
2014[17] AJ Lee (3) Paige Stephanie McMahon Jessicka Havok
2015 Sasha Banks Nikki Bella Charlotte Paige
2016 Charlotte Flair Sasha Banks Bayley Becky Lynch
2017 Asuka[18] Alexa Bliss Charlotte Flair Sienna
2018[19] Becky Lynch Ronda Rousey Asuka Tessa Blanchard
2019[20] Becky Lynch (2) Tessa Blanchard Shayna Baszler Brandi Rhodes
2021[9] Britt Baker Bianca Belair Mickie James Deonna Purrazzo
2022 Bianca Belair Jade Cargill Thunder Rosa Britt Baker
2023 Rhea Ripley Toni Storm Bianca Belair Athena

Tag Team of the Year

The PWI Tag Team of the Year award recognizes the best tag team of the year. The Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) have won a record four times. The New Day is the only trio to win the award. The Golden Role Models are the only women’s tag team to win this award.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher — — —
1973 Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens — — —
1974 Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant — — —
1975 Gene Anderson & Ole Anderson — — —
1976 The Executioners
(#1 & #2) 		Gene Anderson & Ole Anderson Chief Jay Strongbow & Billy White Wolf Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant
1977 Gene Anderson & Ole Anderson (2) Professor Tanaka & Mr. Fuji Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell Ric Flair & Greg Valentine
1978 Ricky Steamboat & Paul Jones The Yukon Lumberjacks
(Yukon Eric & Yukon Pierre) 		Mike Graham & Steve Keirn Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell
1979 Ivan Putski & Tito Santana Jerry & Johnny Valiant Paul Jones & Baron von Raschke The Spoiler & Mark Lewin
1980 Jimmy Snuka & Ray Stevens Mr. Wrestling & Mr. Wrestling II The Wild Samoans
(Afa & Sika) 		Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon
1981 The Fabulous Freebirds
(Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) 		Rick Martel & Tony Garea Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell
1982 The High Flyers
Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell 		Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito The Fabulous Freebirds
(Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) 		Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen
1983 The Road Warriors
(Hawk & Animal) 		Kerry, Kevin & David Von Erich The Fabulous Freebirds
(Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) 		Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco
1984 The Road Warriors (2)
(Hawk & Animal) 		Kerry, Kevin & Mike Von Erich The Fabulous Ones
(Stan Lane & Steve Keirn) 		The Rock 'n' Roll Express
(Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)
1985 The Road Warriors (3)
(Hawk & Animal) 		Ted DiBiase & Steve Williams Ivan & Nikita Koloff The British Bulldogs
(Davey Boy Smith & Dynamite Kid)
1986 The Rock 'n' Roll Express
(Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) 		The Road Warriors
(Hawk & Animal) 		The British Bulldogs
(Davey Boy Smith & Dynamite Kid) 		The Midnight Rockers
(Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty)
1987 The Midnight Express
(Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) 		The Hart Foundation
(Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) 		The Road Warriors
(Hawk & Animal) 		The Rock 'n' Roll Express
(Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)
1988 The Road Warriors (4)
(Hawk & Animal) 		The Midnight Express
(Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) 		Demolition
(Ax & Smash) 		The Brain Busters
(Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)
1989 The Brain Busters
(Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard) 		Demolition
(Ax & Smash) 		The Road Warriors
(Hawk & Animal) 		The Fabulous Freebirds
(Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin)
1990 The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) 		Demolition
(Ax & Smash) 		Doom
(Ron Simmons & Butch Reed) 		The Road Warriors
(Hawk & Animal)
1991 The Enforcers
(Arn Anderson & Larry Zbyszko) 		The Legion of Doom
(Hawk & Animal) 		The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) 		Jeff Jarrett & Robert Fuller
1992 The Miracle Violence Connection
(Terry Gordy & Steve Williams) 		The Natural Disasters
(Earthquake & Typhoon) 		The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) 		Barry Windham & Dustin Rhodes
1993 The Steiner Brothers (2)
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) 		The Hollywood Blonds
(Steve Austin & Brian Pillman) 		Money Inc.
(Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Schyster) 		The Heavenly Bodies
(Tom Prichard & Stan Lane)
1994 The Nasty Boys
(Brian Knobs & Jerry Sags) 		The Headshrinkers
(Samu & Fatu) 		The Public Enemy
(Johnny Grunge & Rocco Rock) 		Rock 'n' Roll Express
(Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)
1995 Harlem Heat
(Booker T & Stevie Ray) 		The Smoking Gunns
(Billy & Bart Gunn) 		Owen Hart & Yokozuna The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner)
1996 Harlem Heat (2)
(Booker T & Stevie Ray) 		The Eliminators
(Perry Saturn & John Kronus) 		The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) 		The Gangstas
(New Jack & Mustapha Saed)
1997 The Outsiders
(Scott Hall & Kevin Nash) 		The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) 		The Legion of Doom
(Hawk & Animal) 		Lex Luger & The Giant
1998 The New Age Outlaws
(Road Dogg & Billy Gunn) 		Rob Van Dam & Sabu Mankind & Kane The Brothers of Destruction
(The Undertaker & Kane)
1999 Kane & X-Pac The Hardy Boyz
(Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) 		Harlem Heat
(Booker T & Stevie Ray) 		The Dudley Boyz
(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley)
2000 The Hardy Boyz
(Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) 		Edge & Christian The Dudley Boyz
(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) 		KroniK
(Brian Adams & Bryan Clark)
2001 The Dudley Boyz
(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) 		The Brothers of Destruction
(The Undertaker & Kane) 		The Hardy Boyz
(Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) 		The Acolytes
(Bradshaw & Faarooq)
2002 Billy & Chuck Booker T & Goldust 3-Minute Warning
(Rosey & Jamal) 		Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit
2003 The World's Greatest Tag Team
(Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) 		America's Most Wanted
(James Storm & Chris Harris) 		The Dudley Boyz
(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) 		Los Guerreros
(Eddie Guerrero & Chavo Guerrero)
2004 America's Most Wanted
(James Storm & Chris Harris) 		La Résistance
(Sylvain Grenier & Robert Conway) 		The Dudley Boyz
(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) 		Charlie Haas & Rico
2005 MNM
(Joey Mercury & Johnny Nitro) 		The Naturals
(Andy Douglas & Chase Stevens) 		Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich America's Most Wanted
(James Storm & Chris Harris)
2006 A.J. Styles & Christopher Daniels Paul London & Brian Kendrick D-Generation X
(Triple H & Shawn Michaels) 		Big Show & Kane
2007 Paul London & Brian Kendrick Team 3D
(Brother Ray & Brother Devon) 		The Briscoe Brothers
(Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) 		Deuce 'n Domino
2008[21] Beer Money, Inc.
(James Storm & Robert Roode) 		John Morrison & The Miz Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase The Latin American Xchange
(Homicide & Hernandez)
2009[22] Team 3D (2)[a]
(Brother Ray & Brother Devon) 		Beer Money, Inc.
(James Storm & Robert Roode) 		Chris Jericho & Big Show D-Generation X
(Triple H & Shawn Michaels)
2010[23] The Motor City Machine Guns
(Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) 		The Hart Dynasty
(Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith) 		The Kings of Wrestling
(Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli) 		Beer Money, Inc.
(James Storm & Robert Roode)
2011 Beer Money, Inc. (2)
(James Storm & Robert Roode) 		Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team
(Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) 		Air Boom
(Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston) 		Kings of Wrestling
(Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli)
2012 Kofi Kingston & R-Truth Bad Influence
(Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) 		Team Hell No
(Daniel Bryan & Kane) 		Samoa Joe & Magnus
2013[24] The Shield
(Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) 		Cody Rhodes & Goldust Team Hell No
(Daniel Bryan & Kane) 		reDRagon
(Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly)
2014[25] The Usos
(Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) 		reDRagon
(Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly) 		The Wolves
(Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) 		Gold and Stardust
(Goldust & Stardust)
2015 The New Day
(Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods) 		The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) 		The Wolves
(Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) 		reDRagon
(Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly)
2016 The New Day (2)
(Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods) 		The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) 		Enzo and Cass
(Enzo Amore & Big Cass) 		The Revival
(Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
2017 The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)[18] 		The Bar
(Cesaro & Sheamus) 		The Shield
(Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) 		The Usos
(Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso)
2018 The Young Bucks (2)
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) 		The New Day
(Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods) 		The Undisputed Era
(Kyle O'Reilly & Roderick Strong) 		LAX
(Santana & Ortiz)
2019[20] The Undisputed Era
(Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly) 		The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) 		The Lucha Bros.
(Pentagon, Jr. & Rey Fenix) 		The New Day
(Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
2020[8] Golden Role Models
(Bayley & Sasha Banks) 		FTR
(Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) 		Kenny Omega & Adam Page The Street Profits
(Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)
2021[9] The Young Bucks (3)
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) 		Lucha Brothers
(Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fénix) 		The Usos
(Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) 		The New Day
(Kofi Kingston & King Woods)
2022 FTR
(Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) 		The Usos
(Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) 		The Acclaimed
(Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) 		The Motor City Machine Guns
(Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)
2023 FTR (2)
(Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) 		Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Better Than You Bay Bay
(Adam Cole & MJF) 		The Usos
(Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso)

Faction of the Year

The PWI Faction of the Year award recognized the best faction of the year. This award made its debut in 2021.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
2021[9] The Inner Circle The Elite The Bloodline Bullet Club
2022 The Bloodline Blackpool Combat Club Jericho Appreciation Society Bullet Club
2023 The Judgment Day Blackpool Combat Club The Bloodline Bullet Club Gold

Match of the Year

Shawn Michaels is an eleven-time winner of the category

The PWI Match of the Year award recognizes the best match of the year. Shawn Michaels has won the award a record eleven times; he had a four-year win streak from 1993 to 1996 and then a seven-year win streak from 2004 to 2010.

Year Date Match Event Location Notes
1972 January 14 Bruno Sammartino wins battle royal Battle Royal in Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Battle Royal
1973 May 24 Dory Funk Jr. vs. Harley Race Kansas City, MO For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1974 April 19 Jack Brisco vs. Dory Funk Jr. St. Louis, MO For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1975 March 17 Bruno Sammartino vs. Spiros Arion New York, NY For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship
1976 April 26 Bruno Sammartino vs. Stan Hansen New York, NY For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship
1977 April 30 Bruno Sammartino vs. "Superstar" Billy Graham Baltimore, MD For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship
1978 February 20 "Superstar" Billy Graham vs. Bob Backlund New York, NY For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship
1979 August 21 Harley Race vs. Dusty Rhodes Tampa, FL For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1980 August 9 Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko Showdown at Shea Flushing, NY Steel Cage Match
1981 August 24 André the Giant vs. Killer Khan New York, NY Texas Death Match
1982 June 28 Bob Backlund vs. Jimmy Snuka New York, NY Steel Cage Match for the WWF Heavyweight Championship
1983 June 10 Ric Flair vs. Harley Race St. Louis, MO For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1984 May 6 Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions Irving, TX For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1985 March 31 Hulk Hogan & Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff WrestleMania New York, NY
1986 July 26 Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes The Great American Bash Greensboro, NC Steel Cage Match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1987 March 29 Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat WrestleMania III Pontiac, MI For the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship
1988 February 5 Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant The Main Event I Indianapolis, IN For the WWF World Heavyweight Championship
1989 May 7 Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair WrestleWar Nashville, TN For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
1990 April 1 Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior WrestleMania VI Toronto, Ontario For the WWF Championship and WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship
1991 May 19 The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner) vs. Sting & Lex Luger SuperBrawl St. Petersburg, FL For the WCW World Tag Team Championship
1992 August 29 Bret Hart vs. Davey Boy Smith SummerSlam London, England For the WWF Intercontinental Championship
1993 July 19 Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty Raw New York, NY For the WWF Intercontinental Championship
1994 March 20 Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania X New York, NY Ladder match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
1995 April 2 Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania XI Hartford, CT For the WWF Championship
1996 March 31 Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania XII Anaheim, CA 60-minute Ironman Match for the WWF Championship
1997 March 23 Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin WrestleMania 13 Rosemont, IL No Disqualification Submission Match with Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee
1998 June 28 The Undertaker vs. Mankind King of the Ring Pittsburgh, PA Hell in a Cell match
1999 January 24 The Rock vs. Mankind Royal Rumble Anaheim, CA "I Quit" Match for the WWF Championship
2000 April 2 The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian WrestleMania 2000 Anaheim, CA Triangle Ladder Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship
2001 April 1 The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian WrestleMania X-Seven Houston, TX TLC Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship
2002 March 17 The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan WrestleMania X8 Toronto, Ontario
2003 September 16 Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar SmackDown! Raleigh, NC 60-minute Ironman Match for the WWE Championship
2004 March 14 Triple H vs. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania XX New York, NY Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
2005 April 3 Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle WrestleMania 21 Los Angeles, CA
2006 April 2 Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon WrestleMania 22 Rosemont, IL No Holds Barred Match
2007 April 23 John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels Raw London, England
2008[26] March 30 Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair WrestleMania XXIV Orlando, FL Career Threatening Match
2009[27] April 5 The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania 25 Houston, TX
2010[28] March 28 The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels WrestleMania XXVI Phoenix, AZ Streak vs. Career Match
2011 July 17 John Cena vs. CM Punk Money in the Bank Rosemont, IL For the WWE Championship
2012[29] April 1 The Undertaker vs. Triple H WrestleMania XXVIII Miami Gardens, FL Hell in a Cell Match with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee
2013[30] August 18 John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA For the WWE Championship with Triple H as the special guest referee
2014[25] June 1 John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt Payback Rosemont, IL Last Man Standing Match
2015 October 7 Bayley vs. Sasha Banks NXT TakeOver: Respect[31] Winter Park, FL 30-minute Ironwoman Match for the NXT Women's Championship
2016 August 21 John Cena vs. A.J. Styles SummerSlam Brooklyn, NY
2017 January 4 Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega[18] Wrestle Kingdom 11 Tokyo, Japan For the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
2018 June 9 Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall Osaka, Japan No Time Limit Two Out of Three Falls Match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
2019[32] May 25 Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes Double or Nothing Paradise, NV
2020[8] February 29 Kenny Omega & Adam Page vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) Revolution Chicago, IL For the AEW World Tag Team Championship
2021[9] March 17 Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa St. Patrick's Day Slam Jacksonville, FL Unsanctioned Lights Out Match
2022 June 5 Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins Hell in a Cell Rosemont, IL Hell in a Cell Match
2023 April 1 Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair WrestleMania 39 Inglewood, CA For the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship

Feud of the Year

The PWI Feud of the Year award recognizes the best rivalry of the year, normally between two wrestlers but also between groups as well. Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger is tied with Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, each winning twice. Ric Flair, Vince McMahon, and Triple H have won this award four times individually. The Four Horsemen, The Authority, The Nexus, and Aces & Eights are the only stables to win the award.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1986 Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes The Sheepherders (Luke Williams & Butch Miller) vs. The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)
1987 The Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard & Lex Luger) vs. The Super Powers (Dusty Rhodes & Nikita Koloff) & The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Rich & Austin Idol Brian Adias vs. Kevin Von Erich
1988 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger Rick Rude vs. Jake Roberts Kerry Von Erich vs. Jerry Lawler The Mega Powers (Hulk Hogan & Randy Savage) vs. The Mega Bucks (Ted DiBiase & André the Giant)
1989 Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage Skandor Akbar's Devastation Inc. vs. Eric Embry Roddy Piper vs. Rick Rude
1990 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger Hulk Hogan vs. Earthquake The Ultimate Warrior vs. Rick Rude Chris Adams vs. Steve Austin
1991 The Ultimate Warrior vs. The Undertaker Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter Sting vs. Cactus Jack & Abdullah the Butcher Lex Luger vs. Ron Simmons
1992 The Moondogs (Spot, Spike & Cujo) vs. Jerry Lawler & Jeff Jarrett Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango Rick Rude vs. Ricky Steamboat
1993 Bret Hart vs. Jerry Lawler Rick Rude vs. Dustin Rhodes Cactus Jack vs. Vader Tony Anthony vs. Tracy Smothers
1994 Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan Randy Savage vs. Crush Sabu vs. Terry Funk
1995 Axl Rotten vs. Ian Rotten Harlem Heat (Stevie Ray & Booker T) vs. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobs & Jerry Sags) Jeff Jarrett vs. Razor Ramon Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage
1996 Eric Bischoff vs. Vince McMahon Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage The Undertaker vs. Mankind Jamie Dundee vs. Wolfie D
1997 Diamond Dallas Page vs. Randy Savage Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart Hollywood Hogan vs. Roddy Piper Sabu vs. Taz
1998 Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin nWo Wolfpac vs. nWo Hollywood Ric Flair vs. Eric Bischoff The Rock vs. Ken Shamrock
1999 Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin Triple H vs. The Rock Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam Ric Flair vs. Hollywood Hogan
2000 Triple H vs. Kurt Angle Triple H vs. The Rock Booker T vs. Jeff Jarrett Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy)
2001 Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon Booker T vs. The Rock Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle Edge vs. Christian
2002 Eric Bischoff vs. Stephanie McMahon Kurt Angle vs. Edge Triple H vs. Stephanie McMahon Trish Stratus vs. Molly Holly
2003 Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle Hulk Hogan vs. Vince McMahon Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Eric Bischoff Jeff Jarrett vs. Raven
2004 Triple H vs. Chris Benoit Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley Christian & Trish Stratus vs. Chris Jericho Matt Hardy vs. Kane
2005 Matt Hardy vs. Edge & Lita A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero Batista vs. Triple H
2006 John Cena vs. Edge D-Generation X (Triple H & Shawn Michaels) vs. The McMahons (Vince McMahon & Shane McMahon) Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James
2007 Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe Batista vs. The Undertaker John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels John Cena vs. Randy Orton
2008[33] Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle vs. A.J. Styles The Undertaker vs. Edge Beer Money, Inc. (James Storm & Robert Roode) vs. The Latin American Xchange (Homicide & Hernandez)
2009[34] Randy Orton vs. Triple H CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy Main Event Mafia vs. TNA Frontline Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett
2010[35] The Nexus[b] vs. WWE Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson John Cena vs. Batista
2011 CM Punk vs. John Cena Christian vs. Randy Orton Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) vs. All Night Express (Rhett Titus & Kenny King)
2012[36] Aces & Eights vs. TNA The Rock vs. John Cena CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan Adam Pearce vs. Colt Cabana
2013[37] Daniel Bryan vs. The Authority[c] CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton The Rock vs. John Cena
2014[38] Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper & Erick Rowan) vs. The Shield (Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns) John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar Bully Ray vs. Dixie Carter
2015 Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker John Cena vs. Kevin Owens Seth Rollins vs. John Cena Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
2016 Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair John Cena vs. A.J. Styles Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens A.J. Styles vs. Dean Ambrose
2017 Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega[18] Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar
2018 Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
2019[32] Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch
2020[8] Bayley vs. Sasha Banks Edge vs. Randy Orton Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy MJF vs. Cody
2021[9] Chris Jericho vs. MJF Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker Edge vs. Roman Reigns
2022[39] CM Punk vs. MJF Blackpool Combat Club vs. Jericho Appreciation Society Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
2023 Sami Zayn vs. The Bloodline CM Punk vs. AEW Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus
Sting (left) and John Cena (right) are four-time winners of the category

The PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best face or heroic professional wrestler of the year. Sting and John Cena have won this award a record four times. Rob Van Dam is the only wrestler to win the award as a heel (villain). In 2019, Becky Lynch became the first woman to win the award.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Jack Brisco / Fred Curry — — —
1973 Chief Jay Strongbow — — —
1974 Billy Robinson — — —
1975 Mil Máscaras — — —
1976 Wahoo McDaniel Chief Jay Strongbow Mr. Wrestling II Ivan Putski
1977 André the Giant Dusty Rhodes Bob Backlund Mil Máscaras
1978 Dusty Rhodes André the Giant Ricky Steamboat Bob Backlund
1979 Dusty Rhodes (2) André the Giant Ivan Putski Mr. Wrestling II
1980 Mr. Wrestling II Dusty Rhodes André the Giant Bruno Sammartino
1981 Tommy Rich Bob Backlund André the Giant Dusty Rhodes
1982 André the Giant (2) Tommy Rich Hulk Hogan Dusty Rhodes
1983 Jimmy Snuka Dusty Rhodes David Von Erich Junkyard Dog
1984 Kerry Von Erich Hulk Hogan Dusty Rhodes Sgt. Slaughter
1985 Hulk Hogan Magnum T. A. Kerry Von Erich Tito Santana
1986 Roddy Piper Hulk Hogan Ricky Morton Nikita Koloff
1987 Dusty Rhodes (3) Hulk Hogan Randy Savage Nikita Koloff
1988 Randy Savage Hulk Hogan Sting Lex Luger
1989 Hulk Hogan (2) Ric Flair Sting The Ultimate Warrior
1990 Hulk Hogan (3) Sting The Ultimate Warrior Lex Luger
1991 Sting Hulk Hogan Sid Justice The Steiner Brothers
(Rick & Scott Steiner)
1992 Sting (2) The Ultimate Warrior The Undertaker Ron Simmons
1993 Lex Luger Sting Bret Hart Dustin Rhodes
1994 Sting (3) Bret Hart The Undertaker Hulk Hogan
1995 Shawn Michaels Sting Diesel Hulk Hogan
1996 Shawn Michaels (2) Randy Savage Sycho Sid The Undertaker
1997 Sting (4) Stone Cold Steve Austin Ric Flair Diamond Dallas Page
1998 Stone Cold Steve Austin Goldberg The Rock Diamond Dallas Page
1999 The Rock Stone Cold Steve Austin Goldberg Mankind
2000 The Rock (2) Rob Van Dam Chris Jericho Goldberg
2001 Rob Van Dam The Rock Chris Jericho Kurt Angle
2002 Rob Van Dam (2) Hollywood Hulk Hogan Booker T The Rock
2003 Kurt Angle Stone Cold Steve Austin Rob Van Dam Rey Mysterio
2004 John Cena Chris Benoit Eddie Guerrero Eugene
2005 John Cena (2) Batista A.J. Styles Rey Mysterio
2006 Samoa Joe John Cena Rey Mysterio Sting
2007 John Cena (3) The Undertaker Sting CM Punk
2008[40] Jeff Hardy Shawn Michaels Samoa Joe The Undertaker
2009[41] Jeff Hardy (2) John Cena Sting The Undertaker
2010[42] Randy Orton John Cena Rob Van Dam Daniel Bryan
2011 CM Punk John Cena Sting Randy Orton
2012 John Cena (4) Sheamus Randy Orton Jeff Hardy
2013[43] Daniel Bryan John Cena CM Punk Dolph Ziggler
2014[44] Dean Ambrose Daniel Bryan John Cena The Usos
2015 Dean Ambrose (2) Brock Lesnar Finn Bálor Shinsuke Nakamura
2016 Shinsuke Nakamura Dean Ambrose Bayley Enzo and Cass
(Enzo Amore & Big Cass)
2017 A.J. Styles[18] Shinsuke Nakamura Braun Strowman Kazuchika Okada
2018 A.J. Styles (2) Seth Rollins Becky Lynch Ronda Rousey
2019[20] Becky Lynch Jon Moxley Kofi Kingston Johnny Gargano
2020[8] Orange Cassidy Jon Moxley Drew McIntyre Keith Lee
2021[9] CM Punk (2) Adam Page Big E Bianca Belair
2022 Jon Moxley (3) Roman Reigns CM Punk Bianca Belair
2023 Cody Rhodes LA Knight MJF Sami Zayn

Most Hated Wrestler of the Year

Triple H is a five-time winner of the category

The PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year award typically recognizes the most effective heel (villainous) professional wrestler of the year. Triple H has won this award a record five times, with his fourth win as part of The Authority. In 2010, the award was given to a stable, The Nexus for the first time. Roman Reigns is the only wrestler to win this award while presented as a face (heroic character).

Year Winner Runner-up Third place Fourth place
1972 The Sheik — — —
1973 "Superstar" Billy Graham — — —
1974 The Great Mephisto — — —
1975 Greg Valentine — — —
1976 Stan Hansen Ox Baker Terry Funk The Spoiler
1977 Ken Patera Ric Flair Superstar Billy Graham Nick Bockwinkel
1978 Ric Flair Ken Patera Victor Rivera Bob Orton Jr.
1979 Greg Valentine (2) Terry Funk Ken Patera Ivan Koloff
1980 Larry Zbyszko Greg Valentine Ernie Ladd Hulk Hogan
1981 Ken Patera (2) Don Muraco Nick Bockwinkel Roddy Piper
1982 Ted DiBiase Blackjack Mulligan Superstar Billy Graham Buzz Sawyer
1983 Greg Valentine (3) Masked Superstar Kevin Sullivan Michael Hayes
1984 Roddy Piper Kevin Sullivan Tully Blanchard The Iron Sheik
1985 Roddy Piper (2) Chris Adams Ted DiBiase Big John Studd
1986 Paul Orndorff Ric Flair Colonel DeBeers Rick Rude
1987 Ric Flair (2) André the Giant The Honky Tonk Man Lex Luger
1988 André the Giant Barry Windham Eddie Gilbert Ted DiBiase
1989 Randy Savage Terry Funk Rick Rude Lex Luger
1990 Earthquake Ric Flair Rick Rude Eddie Gilbert
1991 Sgt. Slaughter The Undertaker Lex Luger Jake Roberts
1992 Rick Rude Ric Flair Jake Roberts The Moondogs
(Spot & Cujo)
1993 Jerry Lawler Big Van Vader Yokozuna Shawn Michaels
1994 Bob Backlund Owen Hart Big Van Vader Jerry Lawler
1995 Jerry Lawler (2) Kevin Sullivan The Gangstas Davey Boy Smith
1996 Hollywood Hogan Goldust Jerry Lawler The Giant
1997 Bret Hart Hollywood Hogan Owen Hart Curt Hennig
1998 Hollywood Hogan (2) Vince McMahon Eric Bischoff Bret Hart
1999 Diamond Dallas Page Triple H The Undertaker The Dudley Boyz
(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley)
2000 Kurt Angle Triple H Steven Richards Jeff Jarrett
2001 Stone Cold Steve Austin Booker T Kurt Angle Shane McMahon
2002 Chris Jericho The Un-Americans
(Christian, Lance Storm & Test) 		Kurt Angle Triple H
2003 Triple H Kane Vince McMahon Test
2004 Triple H (2) John "Bradshaw" Layfield Kurt Angle Jeff Jarrett
2005 Triple H (3) Edge Jeff Jarrett Muhammad Hassan
2006 Edge Jeff Jarrett Randy Orton King Booker
2007 Randy Orton Kurt Angle The Great Khali Robert Roode
2008[45] Chris Jericho (2) Edge Randy Orton Kurt Angle
2009[46] Randy Orton (2) CM Punk Chris Jericho Kurt Angle
2010[47] The Nexus[b] CM Punk The Miz Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff
2011 The Miz Alberto Del Rio Christian Kurt Angle
2012[48] CM Punk Bobby Roode Alberto Del Rio Kevin Steen
2013[49] The Authority[c] Randy Orton Bully Ray The Shield
(Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns)
2014[50] Triple H (5) and Stephanie McMahon (2) Seth Rollins Dixie Carter Batista
2015 Seth Rollins Ethan Carter III Kevin Owens Bray Wyatt
2016 Roman Reigns Kevin Owens The Miz Eva Marie
2017 Jinder Mahal[18] Kevin Owens Roman Reigns Sexy Star
2018 Brock Lesnar Tommaso Ciampa Samoa Joe Baron Corbin
2019[20] Baron Corbin Brock Lesnar Shane McMahon MJF
2020[8] Seth Rollins (2) Roman Reigns MJF Randy Orton
2021[9] MJF Roman Reigns Kenny Omega Baron Corbin
2022 MJF (2) Roman Reigns Chris Jericho Sammy Guevara
2023 Dominik Mysterio Christian Cage Roman Reigns CM Punk

Comeback of the Year

Sting (left) and Jeff Hardy (right) are three-time winners of the category

The PWI Comeback of the Year award, given yearly since 1992, recognizes the most impressive comeback by a professional wrestler during the year. Sting and Jeff Hardy have won this award a record three times each (Hardy's third win is shared with his brother Matt as part of the Hardy Boyz).

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1992 The Ultimate Warrior Bob Backlund The Sheik Junkyard Dog
1993 Lex Luger Brutus Beefcake Ric Flair Paul Roma
1994 Hulk Hogan Bob Backlund The Undertaker Alundra Blayze
1995 Randy Savage The Heavenly Bodies
(Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray) 		Savio Vega The Ultimate Warrior
1996 Sycho Sid Jake Roberts Faarooq Road Warrior Animal
1997 Bret Hart Curt Hennig Brian Pillman Ric Flair
1998 X-Pac Sting Dean Malenko The Warrior
1999 Eddie Guerrero Buff Bagwell Curt Hennig Michael Hayes
2000 Rikishi Dusty Rhodes The Undertaker Vince McMahon
2001 Rob Van Dam Stone Cold Steve Austin Booker T Scott Hall
2002 Hollywood Hulk Hogan (2) Eddie Guerrero Chris Benoit Ron Killings
2003 Kurt Angle Goldberg Raven Último Dragón
2004 Edge Jeff Hardy William Regal Chavo Guerrero Sr.
2005 Road Warrior Animal Matt Hardy Raven Hulk Hogan
2006 Sting Sabu Jeff Hardy Finlay
2007 Jeff Hardy Triple H Rey Mysterio The Steiner Brothers
(Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner)
2008[51] Chris Jericho Jeff Jarrett William Regal Sheik Abdul Bashir
2009 Jerry Lynn Ricky Steamboat The Undertaker Mick Foley
2010[52] Rob Van Dam (2) Kane Edge Jeff Hardy
2011 Sting (2) Mark Henry Austin Aries Montel Vontavious Porter
2012[53] Jeff Hardy (2) The Rock Brock Lesnar Layla
2013[54] Goldust Chris Sabin Jerry Lawler The Bella Twins
(Nikki Bella & Brie Bella)
2014[55] Sting (3) Bobby Lashley Batista The New Age Outlaws
(Road Dogg & Billy Gunn)
2015 The Undertaker Sheamus Roderick Strong Daniel Bryan
2016 Goldberg Seth Rollins Chris Jericho Matt Hardy
2017 The Hardy Boyz
(Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy (3))[18] 		Finn Bálor Mickie James Shelton Benjamin
2018 Daniel Bryan Drew McIntyre PCO Shawn Michaels
2019[20] Roman Reigns Bray Wyatt Dustin Rhodes Sasha Banks
2020[8] MVP Randy Orton Eric Young Asuka
2021 CM Punk Sting Christian Cage Becky Lynch
2022 Taya Valkyrie Bayley Johnny Gargano Alexa Bliss
2023 Trinity Saraya Adam Cole Trish Stratus

Most Improved Wrestler of the Year

The PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the most improved professional wrestler of the year.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1978 Dino Bravo Bob Backlund Ricky Steamboat Tony Atlas
1979 Tommy Rich Eddy Mansfield Kevin Von Erich Ted DiBiase
1980 Tony Atlas Larry Zbyszko Ted DiBiase Kerry Von Erich
1981 Kevin Sullivan Sgt. Slaughter Charlie Cook Tito Santana
1982 Barry Windham Otto Wanz Buzz Sawyer Rick Martel
1983 Brett Wayne Sawyer Mike Rotundo Pez Whatley Brad Rheingans
1984 Billy Jack Haynes Magnum T. A. Rick Martel Ron Garvin
1985 Steve Williams Brian Adias Nikita Koloff Randy Savage
1986 Terry Gordy Scott Hall Sam Houston Wendell Cooley
1987 Curt Hennig Al Perez The Honky Tonk Man Sting
1988 Sting The Ultimate Warrior Iceman Parsons Jeff Jarrett
1989 Scott Steiner Brutus Beefcake Jeff Jarrett P.Y. Chu-Hi
1990 Paul Roma Doom
(Ron Simmons & Butch Reed) 		Tugboat Cactus Jack
1991 Dustin Rhodes Ron Simmons The Undertaker Crush
1992 Razor Ramon Ron Simmons Virgil Brian Christopher
1993 Yokozuna The 1-2-3 Kid Brian Lee Tatanka
1994 Diesel Johnny B. Badd Sabu Owen Hart
1995 Diamond Dallas Page Tommy Dreamer Harlem Heat
(Booker T & Stevie Ray) 		Savio Vega
1996 Ahmed Johnson Chris Benoit Stevie Richards Taz
1997 Ken Shamrock Steve McMichael The Headbangers
(Mosh & Thrasher) 		Alex Wright
1998 Booker T D'Lo Brown The New Age Outlaws
(Road Dogg & Billy Gunn) 		Juventud Guerrera
1999 Jerry Lynn The Hardy Boyz
(Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) 		Hardcore Holly Kanyon
2000 Steve Corino Lance Storm Scotty 2 Hotty Justin Credible
2001 Edge Test The Hurricane Kurt Angle
2002 Brock Lesnar Trish Stratus Jamie Noble A.J. Styles
2003 John Cena Matt Hardy Team Angle
(Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) 		Victoria
2004 Randy Orton Shelton Benjamin Batista John "Bradshaw" Layfield
2005 Batista Carlito Monty Brown Chris Masters
2006 Bobby Lashley Johnny Nitro Chris Sabin Umaga
2007 Candice Michelle Jay Lethal Montel Vontavious Porter Cody Rhodes
2008[56] Cody Rhodes The Miz Petey Williams Kofi Kingston
2009[57] John Morrison Dolph Ziggler Eric Young The Miz
2010[58] D'Angelo Dinero Wade Barrett Sheamus Jay Lethal
2011 Mark Henry Kelly Kelly Eddie Edwards Zack Ryder
2012[59] Ryback Brooke/Miss Tessmacher Michael Elgin Adam Cole
2013[60] Magnus Curtis Axel Roman Reigns Big E Langston
2014[61] Rusev Ethan Carter III Luke Harper Eric Young
2015 Roman Reigns Nikki Bella Sasha Banks Bayley
2016 The Miz T. J. Perkins Kenny Omega Dalton Castle
2017 Jinder Mahal[18] Braun Strowman Eli Drake Naomi
2018 Velveteen Dream The B Team
(Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel) 		Nia Jax Hangman Page
2019[20] Brian Cage Jay White Buddy Murphy Shorty G
2020[8] Drew McIntyre Ricky Starks Otis Jey Uso
2021[9] Britt Baker Bobby Lashley Trevor Murdoch Deonna Purrazzo
2022 Mandy Rose Madcap Moss Julia Hart 2point0
2023 LA Knight Julia Hart Trick Williams Sanada

Indie Wrestler of the Year

The PWI Indie Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best wrestler who competes on the independent circuit.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
2020[8] Warhorse Nick Gage AJ Gray Chris Dickinson
2021[9] Nick Gage Trish Adora Tony Deppen Effy
2022[62] Matt Cardona Allie Katch Trish Adora Guiseppe Giambini
2023 Matt Cardona (2) — — —

Inspirational Wrestler of the Year

Lord Alfred Hayes was the first recipient

The PWI Inspirational Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the most inspirational professional wrestler of the year. The award has been given yearly since 1972, and in this time, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, Eddie Guerrero, Jerry Lawler, Bayley, and Roman Reigns are the only people to have won the award more than once, with all six winning twice. Generally, the award is originally meant to go to a wrestler who overcomes great odds to achieve success in the ring, however, it has also been awarded to wrestlers who overcome real-life hardships and struggles.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Lord Alfred Hayes — — —
1973 Johnny Valentine — — —
1974 Dick Murdoch — — —
1975 Mike McCord — — —
1976 Bruno Sammartino Wahoo McDaniel Bob Roop Bob Armstrong
1977 Bob Backlund Don Muraco Bruno Sammartino Terry Funk
1978 Blackjack Mulligan Bruno Sammartino Mr. Wrestling II Jim Brunzell
1979 Chief Jay Strongbow Ric Flair Mr. Wrestling II Dusty Rhodes
1980 Junkyard Dog Ricky Steamboat Verne Gagne Mr. Florida
1981 Bob Backlund (2) Ted DiBiase Tito Santana Mr. Wrestling II
1982 Roddy Piper Jimmy Snuka Mil Máscaras Jimmy Valiant
1983 Hulk Hogan Roddy Piper Buzz Sawyer Buddy Rose
1984 Sgt. Slaughter Kerry Von Erich Kevin Von Erich Bob Backlund
1985 Mike Von Erich Paul Orndorff Jim Duggan Kevin Von Erich
1986 Chris Adams Magnum T. A. Kerry Von Erich Steve Williams
1987 Nikita Koloff Dynamite Kid Chris Adams Superstar Billy Graham
1988 Jerry Lawler Kerry Von Erich Road Warrior Animal Jake Roberts
1989 Eric Embry Nikita Koloff Billy Jack Haynes Ric Flair
1990 Sting Hulk Hogan Jerry Lawler Nikolai Volkoff
1991 The Patriot Jerry Lawler Sid Justice Bill Dundee
1992 Ron Simmons The Undertaker Ricky Steamboat Eric Embry
1993 Cactus Jack Lex Luger The 1-2-3 Kid Brutus Beefcake
1994 Bret Hart Terry Funk The Guardian Angel Dave Sullivan
1995 Barry Horowitz Sabu Antonio Inoki Dan Severn
1996 Jake Roberts Jushin Thunder Liger Ahmed Johnson Rey Misterio, Jr.
1997 Terry Funk Stone Cold Steve Austin Perry Saturn Roddy Piper
1998 Goldberg Stone Cold Steve Austin Mankind Shane Douglas
1999 Hulk Hogan (2) Bret Hart X-Pac Jim Duggan
2000 Booker T Mick Foley Crash Holly Chyna
2001 Kurt Angle Chris Jericho Shane McMahon Spike Dudley
2002 Eddie Guerrero Hollywood Hulk Hogan Shawn Michaels Chris Benoit
2003 Zach Gowen Kurt Angle A.J. Styles Rey Mysterio
2004 Eddie Guerrero (2) Chris Benoit Eugene William Regal
2005 Chris Candido Matt Hardy Steve Williams Rey Mysterio
2006 Matt Cappotelli Rey Mysterio Hardcore Holly CM Punk
2007 Jeff Jarrett CM Punk John Cena Sting
2008[63] Ric Flair CM Punk John Cena Jeff Hardy
2009[64] Ricky Steamboat Tommy Dreamer Sting John Cena
2010[65] Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle John Cena Rob Van Dam
2011 Rosita Gregory Iron Rob Fury CM Punk
2012[66] Jerry Lawler (2) Austin Aries Shawn Daivari John Cena
2013[67] Darren Young Dallas Page Daniel Bryan John Cena
2014[55] Daniel Bryan Eric Young Chris Melendez Ashley Sixx
2015 Bayley John Cena Kevin Owens Sami Zayn
2016 Bayley (2) Cody Rhodes Seth Rollins Dean Ambrose
2017 Christopher Daniels[18] John Cena Shane McMahon Mia Yim
2018 Roman Reigns Cody Tommy Dreamer LuFisto
2019[20] Roman Reigns (2) Kofi Kingston PCO Becky Lynch
2020[8] Shad Gaspard Thunder Rosa Speaking Out movement Drake Maverick
2021[9] Edge Bianca Belair Big E Mickie James
2022 Jon Moxley Liv Morgan Joe Doering Josh Alexander
2023 Mark Briscoe Cody Rhodes Richard Holliday Mickie James

Rookie of the Year

Mike Graham was the first recipient

The PWI Rookie of the Year award recognizes the best professional wrestler of the year who, in that year, had their first year in the business. Since it is a rookie award, wrestlers can qualify only once.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Mike Graham — — —
1973 Bob Orton Jr. / Tony Garea — — —
1974 Larry Zbyszko — — —
1975 Ric Flair — — —
1976 Bob Backlund Chavo Guerrero Steve Keirn Johnny Rivera
1977 Ricky Steamboat Jimmy Snuka Big John Studd Skip Young
1978 Tommy Rich Jay Youngblood David Von Erich Tully Blanchard
1979 Sweet Brown Sugar Steve Travis Bryan St. John Eddie Gilbert
1980 Terry Taylor Barry Windham Rick McGraw Tom Prichard
1981 David Sammartino Brad Rheingans Curt Hennig Ron Richie
1982 Brad Armstrong Tiger Mask Mike Rotunda Kamala
1983 Angelo Mosca Jr. King Kong Bundy Scott Armstrong Arn Anderson
1984 Mike Von Erich Nikita Koloff Krusher Khruschev Kevin Kelly
1985 Nord the Barbarian Kendall Windham Starship Eagle Sam Houston
1986 Lex Luger Bam Bam Bigelow Sting Tom Magee
1987 Owen Hart Big Bubba Rogers Shane Douglas Doug Furnas
1988 Madusa Miceli[68] Chris Benoit Maxx Payne Scott Steiner
1989 The Destruction Crew
(Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom) 		Dustin Rhodes Scotty the Body Johnathan Holliday
1990 Steve Austin El Gigante Brad Anderson Chris Chavis
1991 Johnny B. Badd The Patriot Terri Power The Lightning Kid
1992 Erik Watts Diamond Dallas Page Vladimir Koloff Chaz Taylor
1993 Vampire Warrior Robbie Eagle Kent Cole & Keith Cole The Headhunters
1994 911 Bob Holly Abbudah Singh Mikey Whipwreck
1995 Alex Wright Craig Pittman Lawrence Taylor Madd Maxxine
1996 The Giant Steve McMichael Rocky Maivia Joe Gomez
1997 Prince Iaukea Ernest Miller Chris Chetti Brakkus
1998 Bill Goldberg Sable Droz Mark Henry
1999 Shane McMahon Evan Karagias Vince McMahon Lash LeRoux
2000 Kurt Angle Lita Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak Chuck Palumbo
2001 Randy Orton[69] Brock Lesnar K-Kwik The Prototype
2002 Maven Christopher Nowinski Nidia Taylor Matheny
2003 Zach Gowen Sylvain Grenier Trinity Matt Morgan
2004 Monty Brown Petey Williams Johnny Nitro Matt Cappotelli
2005 Bobby Lashley[70] Christy Hemme Mikey Batts Ken Doane
2006 The Boogeyman Charles Evans Akebono Cody Runnels
2007 Hornswoggle Ted DiBiase Jr. Pelle Primeau Mike DiBiase
2008[71] Joe Hennig Brett DiBiase Ricky Steamboat, Jr. Ryan McBride
2009[72] Mike Sydal Jesse Neal Brittney Savage J.T. Flash
2010[73] David Otunga Tamina Percy Watson Corey Hollis
2011 Ace Hawkins Nick Madrid Leakee Briley Pierce
2012[74] Veda Scott The Big O Jason Jordan Bambi Hall
2013[75] Tim Zbyszko Cody Hall Lucipher Lords Matt King
2014[76] Charlotte Enzo Amore Mojo Rawley Chad Gable
2015 Moose Tessa Blanchard Braun Strowman Dana Brooke
2016 Nia Jax Lio Rush Matt Riddle Shayna Baszler
2017 Otis Dozovic[18] Ray González Jr. Andy Williams Hirai Kawato
2018 Ronda Rousey Tomoyuki Oka Kacy Catanzaro Taynara Conti
2019[32] Brian Pillman Jr. Jessamyn Duke Utami Hayashishita Tracy Williams
2020[8] Dominik Mysterio Anna Jay Joshua Wavra Abadon
2021[9] Jade Cargill Bron Breakker Bad Bunny Brock Anderson
2022[62] Hook Logan Paul Paige VanZant Tony D'Angelo
2023 Sol Ruca Ava Raine Toga Gabby Forza

Stanley Weston Award (Lifetime Achievement)

Bruno Sammartino was the first recipient

The PWI Stanley Weston Award recognizes lifetime achievement by a professional wrestling personality.[77] It has been given yearly since 1981, originally known as the PWI Editor's Award, and it's considered the magazine highest honor.[77] Beginning with the March 2003 year-end edition, the award was renamed in memory of PWI founder and longtime publisher Stanley Weston, who died in 2002. In 2020, PWI announced it would begin naming two winners per year.

† indicates a posthumous award
Year Winner (birth name)
1981 Bruno Sammartino
1982 Lou Thesz (Aloysius Thesz)
1983 The Grand Wizard (Irwin Roth)†
1984 David Von Erich (David Adkisson)†
1985 Dan Shocket
1986 Verne Gagne (Laverne Gagne)
1987 Paul Boesch
1988 Bruiser Brody (Frank Goodish)†
Adrian Adonis (Keith Franke Jr.)†
1989 Gordon Solie (Francis Labiak)
1990 Buddy Rogers (Herman Rohde Jr.)
1991 The Fabulous Moolah (Mary Ellison)[77]
1992 Stanley Weston
1993 André the Giant (André Roussimoff)†
1994 Captain Lou Albano (Louis Albano)
1995 Ricky Steamboat (Richard Blood Sr.)
1996 Danny Hodge (Daniel Hodge)
1997 Arn Anderson (Martin Lunde)
1998 Bobo Brazil (Houston Harris)†
1999 Owen Hart†
2000 Freddie Blassie (Frederick Blassie)
2001 Johnny Valentine (John Wisniski)†
2002 Jim Ross (James Ross)
2003 Bret Hart
2004 Pat Patterson (Pierre Clermont)
2005 Eddie Guerrero (Eduardo Guerrero)†
2006 Harley Race
2007 Nick Bockwinkel (Nicholas Bockwinkel)
2008 Ric Flair (Richard Fliehr)[78]
2009 Vince McMahon (Vincent McMahon)
2010 Killer Kowalski (Edward Spulnik)†
2011 Randy Savage (Randy Poffo)†
2012 Bobby Heenan (Raymond Heenan)[79]
2013 Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels Jr.)[80]
2014 Dory Funk Jr. (Dorrance Funk Jr.)[81]
2015 Roddy Piper (Roderick Toombs)†
2016 Dick Beyer[82]
2017 Jack Brisco (Freddie Joe Brisco)†
2018 Antonio Inoki (Kanji Inoki)[83]
2019 Stone Cold Steve Austin (Steven James Anderson)[32]
2020 Madusa (Debrah Ann Miceli)[84]
Stu Saks[84]
2021 Terry Funk (Terrence Funk)[85]
Ron Simmons (Ronald Simmons)
2022 Bill Apter (William Stanley Apter)
George Napolitano (George Napolitano)
2023 Sting (Steven Borden)[86]
Nancy Benoit†[87]

Decade awards

2000s

Shawn Michaels was voted Inspirational Wrestler, Feud and Match of the Decade (2000s)
Category Winner[88]
Wrestler of the Decade Triple H
Tag Team of the Decade The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley)
Match of the Decade Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV
Woman of the Decade Trish Stratus
Feud of the Decade Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
Most Popular Wrestler of the Decade John Cena
Most Hated Wrestler of the Decade Triple H
Inspirational Wrestler of the Decade Shawn Michaels
Pay-Per-View of the Decade WrestleMania X-Seven

2010s

AJ Styles was voted Wrestler of the 2010s
Category Winner
Wrestler of the Decade AJ Styles[89]
Tag Team of the Decade The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods)
Match of the Decade The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI
Woman of the Decade Charlotte Flair
Feud of the Decade Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada
Most Popular Wrestler of the Decade John Cena
Most Hated Wrestler of the Decade Brock Lesnar
Inspirational Wrestler of the Decade Daniel Bryan
Pay-Per-View of the Decade WrestleMania 31

Defunct awards

Midget Wrestler of the Year

The PWI Midget Wrestler of the Year award recognized the best midget wrestler of the year. This award became defunct in 1976.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Little Bruiser — — —
1973 Little Beaver — — —
1974 Darlin' Dagmar — — —
1975 Sky Low Low — — —
1976 Lord Littlebrook Sky Low Low Cowboy Lang Diamond Lil

Manager of the Year

Bobby Heenan (left) is a four-time winner of the category

The PWI Manager of the Year award recognized the best manager of the year. Bobby Heenan won a record four times. Lou Albano, J. J. Dillon, and Jim Cornette each won three times.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1972 Bobby Heenan — — —
1973 The Grand Wizard — — —
1974 Lou Albano — — —
1975 George Cannon — — —
1976 Bobby Heenan (2) Lou Albano Freddie Blassie Gary Hart
1977 The Grand Wizard (2) Bobby Heenan Lou Albano Lord Alfred Hayes
1978 Arnold Skaaland The Grand Wizard Bobby Heenan Gary Hart
1979 Arnold Skaaland (2) Lou Albano Buddy Rogers Oliver Humperdink
1980 Oliver Humperdink[90] Arnold Skaaland Lou Albano The Great Mephisto
1981 Lou Albano (2) Arnold Skaaland Oliver Humperdink The Grand Wizard
1982 J. J. Dillon Arnold Skaaland Sonny King Jimmy Hart
1983 J. J. Dillon (2) Adnan Al-Kaissie Lou Albano Paul Ellering
1984 Paul Ellering Jimmy Hart Jim Cornette J. J. Dillon
1985 Jim Cornette Lou Albano Paul Ellering Bobby Heenan
1986 Lou Albano (3) Paul Ellering Miss Elizabeth Jim Cornette
1987 Jimmy Hart J. J. Dillon Jim Cornette Paul E. Dangerously
1988 J. J. Dillon (3) Miss Elizabeth Jim Cornette Paul E. Dangerously
1989 Bobby Heenan (3) Gary Hart Teddy Long Skandor Akbar
1990 Teddy Long Bobby Heenan Ole Anderson Jim Cornette
1991 Bobby Heenan (4) Harley Race Alexandra York Paul Bearer
1992 Paul E. Dangerously[91] Mr. Perfect Harley Race Jim Cornette
1993 Jim Cornette (2) Harley Race Mr. Fuji Tammy Sytch
1994 Jimmy Hart (2) Ted DiBiase Col. Robert Parker Paul E. Dangerously
1995 Jim Cornette (3) Sherri Martel Col. Robert Parker Woman
1996 Sunny Jimmy Hart Jim Cornette Bill Alfonso
1997 Bill Alfonso Miss Jacquelyn Paul Heyman Ted DiBiase
1998 Paul Bearer Bill Alfonso Sunny Paul Ellering
1999 Debra Jimmy Hart Bill Alfonso Paul Bearer

Announcer of the Year

Gordon Solie is the only winner of the category

The PWI Announcer of the Year award recognized the best announcer of the year. This award was only given in 1977.

Year Winner Runner-up Second runner-up Third runner-up
1977 Gordon Solie Vince McMahon Bill Carlisle Roger Kent

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Team 3D previously won the award as The Dudley Boyz.
  2. ^ a b The Nexus consisted of Wade Barrett, Darren Young, Skip Sheffield, Michael Tarver, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, David Otunga, Husky Harris & Michael McGillicutty.
  3. ^ a b The Authority consisted of Triple H, Stephanie McMahon & Kane.

References

General
  • "PWI Awards". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Kappa Publishing Group. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
Specific
  1. ^ "2009 The Year In Wrestling". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Vol. 31, no. 3. March 2010. pp. 82–83.
  2. ^ "And, finally ... PWI's 2010 Wrestler of the Year". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. January 17, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  3. ^ "2013 The Year In Wrestling". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Vol. 34, no. 2. March 2014. pp. 44–45.
  4. ^ "2014 The Year In Wrestling". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Vol. 36, no. 2. April 2015. pp. 32–33.
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