To close out 2005, the Inside Pulse Wrestling staff selected nominees in ten categories that span all U.S.-based wrestling promotions and events that took place from December 16, 2004 through December 15, 2005. 25 members of our staff chose from the five nominees in each category, and below are the results. Listed for each category are the Writers’ Pick, the corresponding Readers’ Pick (from a similar poll posted in our forums), and a paragraph (or so) on each category, written by various members of Inside Pulse Wrestling. The five nominees for each award are also listed in order, from winner to 5th place.
Enjoy!
– Mm
Best Male Wrestler
Writers’ Choice: A.J. Styles
Readers’ Choice: Kurt Angle
There was but the narrowest of margins separating the Olympic Gold Medallist from the Phenomenal One but the right person won out in the end (as though there could possibly be a ‘wrong’ pick between those two…). This means that Styles managed to follow up his victory in the Inside Pulse Top 50 Wrestlers list earlier in the year with yet another well-deserved award to cap off a tremendous 2005. As I wrote in my column recently, Styles has strung together a run of such stellar and polished performances this year that they could stand up against the most vintage years of the greatest wrestlers in living memory. Whether he was brawling with Abyss in a cage, turning the clock back to 1993 in order to get something good out of Sean Waltman, or extending a welcomed lengthy feud with Christopher Daniels, Styles has continually stolen the show. While it will never be made official with a substantial World Title reign as long as the promotion remains bound to Planet Jarrett, we all know that Styles is the heart and soul of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. He continues to prove this each and every time he sets foot inside that six-sided ring, driven by nothing less than pure love for wrestling. At a time when things are so jaded and lethargic in WWE, he more than deserves our gratitude. Styles has his critics of course, as does any popular wrestler. Some people think he is too quiet and others, such as Batista, think that he is too acrobatic. However, some people thought that the world was ending when Bob Dylan plugged in his electric guitar and some Tolkein die-hards refused to watch the Lord Of The Rings movies. There is no accounting for taste. Let’s just politely ignore those that are content to remain out of time and enjoy the multitude of highly enjoyable matches that Styles has given us in the here and now, because the future is shaping up to be even more phenomenal. – Iain Burnside
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – A.J. Styles (36%)
2 – Kurt Angle (32%)
3 – Shawn Michaels
4 – Samoa Joe
5 – Christian
Best Female Wrestler
Writers’ Choice: Trish Stratus
Readers’ Choice: Trish Stratus
Legend. In the wrestling business that word is thrown around like a Frisbee at a hippy convention. Well throw away friends, because Trish Stratus is fast becoming a legend in this business. A year that started off with her winning the Women’s Title ends with her getting ready to defend it at the very same event. A back injury couldn’t force her to drop the title and she remains one of the few reasons that the Women’s Division still exists. Many have called her “The Rock” of the Women’s Division. Some have called her another Fabulous Moolah. In the end, the cliché fits. Trish Stratus is not The Rockette or Moolah Two, she is simply Trish Stratus and her work in 2005 left all of us very “Stratus”fied. – Dan Hevia
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – Trish Stratus (60%)
2 – Christy Hemme (16%)
3 – Victoria
4 – Melina Perez
5 – Lita
Best Tag-Team
Writers’ Choice: America’s Most Wanted
Readers’ Choice: America’s Most Wanted
Comprised of “Wildcat” Chris Harris and the “Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm, AMW has been backbones of TNA throughout the company’s existence. Along with Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, the Naturals, Abyss, and a handful of others, AMW has been there through every chapter in TNA’s history, and continue to give it their all week in and week out. As six-time NWA Tag Team Champions (including the current reign), AMW has truly been the dominant team in TNA. Their feuds with teams like Triple X and the Naturals have helped define and solidify the best tag-team division on television today; in fact, AMW battled Triple X in TNA’s first-ever steel cage match. Their heel turn at the infamous “Controversy in Canada” event breathed new life into the team, and Harris and Storm have modified their personas accordingly. With their solid look, smooth ability in the ring, and devastating “Death Sentence” finisher, America’s Most Wanted looks to dominate TNA’s tag-team ranks for years to come. – Vinny Truncellito
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – America’s Most Wanted (43%)
2 – MNM (34%)
3 – Big Show & Kane
4 (tie) – The Naturals
4 (tie) – Dudleyz/Team 3D
Best Non-Wrestling Personality
Writers’ Choice: Eric Bischoff
Readers’ Choice: Joey Styles
The IWC has developed a cottage industry around denigrating Eric Bischoff. Yes, he’s committed many sins in his time, from holding the book when AWA went down for the third time to giving Hulk Hogan creative control. Most of those sins, though, are simply The Cost Of Doing Business. One of them, the repeated talent raids on ECW that almost drove them out of business a couple of times, has been magnified in hindsight due to the IWC’s annoying habit of deifying ECW (see the result of the Readers’ Poll in this category and Big Event Of The Year). But the greatest sin perpetuated by the IWC in regard to The Second-Most Important Eric In Wrestling is their repeated inability to separate Eric Bischoff, Former President of WCW from Eric Bischoff, WWE Talent. Admittedly, this is “creative’s” fault for successfully blending the two so that separation is difficult. But it also colors our view when judging his current activities. In 2005, Bisch reached a career peak as General Manager of Raw, becoming a constant presence and constant thorn in the sides of the viewers, whether it be his crusade against ECW or his involvement in getting the belt off John Cena. It’s been his job to be an oleaginous, amoral slimeball, and he’s very good at it. His hijinks and his presence were one of the best things about Raw in 2005, and he’s single-handedly justified the existence of a GM figure on wrestling shows. Now that he’s on a well-deserved vacation, we can feel his absence every Monday night. He’s become irreplaceable. So give the guy a break and enjoy him while he’s here. – Eric Szulczewski
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – Eric Bischoff (44%)
2 – Maria Kanellis (24%)
3 – Joey Styles
4 – Theodore Long
5 – James Mitchell
Breakout Star of the Year
Writers’ Choice: Samoa Joe
Readers’ Choice (tie): Samoa Joe & Dave Batista
Sure, WWE brought a lot to the table for breakout stars in 05, like successful new talent Carlito Caribbean Cool, Ken Kennedy and Bobby Lashley. Or maybe the breakout stars were guys who had been around but broke the ribbon and won championships, like Dave Batista and John Cena who won the major belts at WrestleMania. The readers here at the Pulse certainly thought that Batista deserved to be the breakout star of the year winning the World Heavyweight Championship and ending Triple H’s reign at WrestleMania after being aligned with Triple H in Evolution for years. He was drafted to SmackDown in a draft lottery after the WWE Champion John Cena was drafted to go to RAW, and on SmackDown, Dave repeatedly proved himself worthy by defeating the former longest reigning WWE Champion in a decade and the self-proclaimed “Mr. SmackDown”, John Bradshaw Layfield. But by ending the reader poll tied with Batista, Samoa Joe showed that he also earned that respect in 2005.
According to the writers, Samoa Joe deserved the one and only spot for Breakout Star of the Year. The former Ring Of Honor Champion whose reign lasted well over a year (1 year and 9 months) before losing the title in December of 2004, Samoa Joe soon joined TNA, where he went on a tear with an undefeated streak, one that he still holds under his belt to this day. The only person who stood in Joe’s way was AJ Styles when Joe set his eyes on the X Division Championship. But even Styles couldn’t end Joe’s streak, and Joe won the X Title at Turning Point. 2006 looks to be a bright year for the Samoan Submission Machine as he enters the year as a fresh X Division Champion, and only time will tell if anyone will be able to break his undefeated streak. – Mark Neeley
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – Samoa Joe (44%)
2 – Dave Batista (24%)
3 – Ken Kennedy
4 – Carlito Caribbean Cool
5 – Petey Williams
Match of the Year
Writers’ Choice: Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Wrestlemania XXI, 04.03.05)
Readers’ Choice: Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Wrestlemania XXI, 04.03.05)
It only seems fitting that a match that fans had been anxiously waiting for since Michaels’ retirement and Angle’s emergence as a star would be voted the best match in 2005. In WWE, no one has had more quality matches over the last several years then Michaels and Angle with opponents ranging from Mysterio to Benoit to Guerrero to Triple H. In the restricted WWE wrestling style, Michaels and Angle have adapted well and are consistently two of the more entertaining wrestlers in the world. On April 3rd, 2005, Michaels and Angle met in a cross-promotion grudge match that had a terrific lead-up to help support it. Even though Michaels and Angle were on different brands, the match still seemed heated due to Angle’s attempts at mocking Michaels every week. From Angle defeating Marty Jannetty to singing his own version of “Sexy Boy,” the build was as good as one could hope for. The match met all expectations, with both wrestlers pulling out all the stops to win the match. Two wrestlers well known for their injuries in the past, they pulled out high risk moves like moonsaults and body presses to the outside to make the match seem more “special” since it was on the big stage. With these two, though, it was not all about the high spots. They told a logical, easy to follow, and intense story in the ring that kept fans captivated. After over 25 minutes, when Angle locked in the Ankle Lock and Michaels submitted after struggling for a full minute, it seemed like the fitting end to an epic encounter. Considering the spotlight that was on them, wrestling live for millions of fans, Michaels and Angle both emerged stronger then they had entered and had the classic match that fans had been waiting over five years for. – Kevin Wilson
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Wrestlemania, 04.03.05) (52%)
2 – Christopher Daniels vs. A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe (TNA Unbreakable, 09.11.05) (36%)
3 – Samoa Joe vs. Kenta Kobashi (ROH Joe vs. Kobashi, 10.01.05)
4 – Dave Batista vs. HHH – Hell in a Cell (RAW Vengeance, 06.26.05)
5 – Shawn Michaels vs. Shelton Benjamin (RAW, 05.02.05)
Storyline of the Year
Writers’ Choice: Matt Hardy vs. Edge & Lita
Readers’ Choice: Batista vs. HHH
The most controversial storyline of the year and one of the most controversial ever was no doubt the love triangle between Matt Hardy, Adam Copeland, and Amy Dumas. Now, unless you lived under a rock for most of the summer then you know the story. But in case you were under that rock, here’s a quick recap: Hardy and Lita were dating for a long time, Hardy and Edge were good friends, Hardy got injured and went home, Edge slept with Lita while Hardy was at home, the story broke, Vince released Hardy to avoid a Hardy/Edge confrontation, Hardy got on the Internet and bitched, Vince decided to portray this on TV by substituting Hardy with Kane, Hardy continued to bitch on the Internet, the fans chanted “You Screwed Matt” and “We Want Matt,” Vince listened to the fans (and wanted to make money) so he re-hired Matt, Matt still bitched on the Internet. So that’s your quick recap of what happened. After that, it’s history. Matt showed up on Raw as “The Fan” and attacked Edge at every chance he got. Vince made Hardy’s re-hiring official by introducing him back to the crowd. After that, Hardy gave one of the worst promos ever. The two battled most of the summer in some very good matches capping it off at the Raw Homecoming. Many were surprised to see the professionalism in both men as we all thought they would try to kill each other (although some will say their match at SummerSlam was a shoot fight). Edge ended up winning a ladder match at Raw Homecoming and since Hardy lost, he was fired from Raw. Where are they now? Well, Edge and Lita continue to be an on screen couple and Edge is receiving a fairly good push. Hardy on the other hand is back to curtain jerking (where many thought he would be after the Edge feud). Oh well, at least Hardy is screwing Ashley Massaro now. UPGRADE! – Jeremy Lambert
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – Matt Hardy vs. Edge and Lita (24%)
2 (tie) – Dave Batista vs. HHH (20%)
2 (tie) – Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio (20%)
2 (tie) – RAW vs. Smackdown (20%)
5 – C.M. Punk vs. Ring of Honor
Big Event of the Year
Writers’ Choice: Wrestlemania XXI
Readers’ Choice: ECW One Night Stand
What can be said about Wrestlemania XXI that hasn’t been said already? While One Night Stand and the Guerrero shows were all about remembering the past, Wrestlemania XXI was all about the future. After ignoring the disasters that were the Trish Stratus/Christy Hemme Women’s Title match and the future Wrestlecrap Hall of Fame entry: Big Show vs. Akebono in a sumo match, you still had a pretty solid card. The Money in the Bank ladder match was the most entertaining ladder match the WWE had put on in years. Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero also had a very entertaining match, one of the few face vs. face affairs that really clicked. And The Undertaker and Randy Orton had a much more exciting match then anyone will give them credit for today.
Besides that, Wrestlemania marked the coronation of the Future of the WWE, Dave Batista and John Cena with the Batista match being much better then expected and the Cena match being… well, pretty short. Still, even with all the focus on the future of the company at Wrestlemania XXI, the big E had enough sense to let Angle and Michaels show everyone why Wrestlemania is the place where Match of the Year candidates are born. Wrestlemania XXI had no chance of topping the previous year’s Wrestlemania XX, which is easily one of the five best PPVs ever. Still, XXI had a lot of great matches, entertaining promos, and the atmosphere that only Wrestlemania can provide. – Tom Pandich
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – WrestleMania XXI (36%)
2 – ECW One Night Stand (32%)
3 – Eddie Guerrero Tributes on RAW & Smackdown
4 – TNA iMPACT! First Prime-Time Special
5 – TNA Bound For Glory
Missed Opportunity of the Year
Writers’ Choice: WWE not booking a Christian vs. Cena program and instead letting him get away
Readers’ Choice: WWE not booking a Christian vs. Cena program and instead letting him get away
With around 50% of the vote from both Readers and Writers, the winner appears to be the revolting saga of one Jay Reso, career midcarder, thrust into the coveted “smark” underdog spot by a couple promos playing off of the hottest* wrestler in the last several years.
*Cena, not Batista, btw.
His shining moment was a promo calling Cena a punk wigger with no flava, which is the truth, but several months ago, no one was supposed to know that. Much less bring it up to a sold out arena. On one hand it was a subtle breaking of kayfabe to a CANADIAN audience
Yes, Christian, our maligned hero, managed to get over in his own hometown. Stop the presses.
And on the other hand, it totally let the cat out of the bag for suspension of disbelief (going along with the program) and led to follow-up audiences picking up the YOU AIN’T NOTHING BUT A POSEUR mindset, placing Cena is his current state of Golden Goose Tweener. They can’t turn the guy heel, little kids and screaming teenage girls wouldn’t spend the money. But every asshole who didn’t like his bullshit “street cred” gimmick to begin with (like me) now have carte blanche to heckle and jeer him out of the building – which may have happened eventually – but there is no question that Christian’s “hey look at me Canada promo” started the ball rolling, quickly… downhill or uphill, depending on your long term point of view.
Also, this is a 2 part question, so I’ll define as such:
Part 1 – Booking the program
Did they miss the boat with a Cena / Christian program? No. By going with the Jericho program, and then a series with Angle, despite the “split crowd,” you were at least guaranteed good matches while allowing Cena to get his shit together matchwise. That would have never happened with Christian, because Christian is a lousy singles wrestler and not capable of carrying anyone by himself, non-gimmicked (no ladders, etc.) to anything above 3 stars. He’s great as part of a team, but he’s never shown me anything as on his own.
Part 2 – Letting him get away
Well, if you hear Christian tell it, he *walked* away. The money offered was acceptable, he was just tired of the grind, wanted to branch out into acting and – heh – needed to “regain his passion for the business.” I hear ya. TNA allows him a limited schedule and…
How does being a Upper Midcarder in a 2nd rate promotion help you regain your passion? Hey, it’s his life. But a month into his “shocking debut,” he’s fodder for the Jeff Jarrett show, standing in line with everyone else while Sting regains HIS passion – half a million bucks worth.
So don’t cry for Jay Reso – Christian – Christian Cage – Capitan Charisma… he made his bed and now he has to lie in it.
CONCLUSION
Could WWE have pushed him more? Sure. That could be said for 98% of the roster. Did they miss and opportunity of a lifetime by not booking Cena vs. Christian? Nope – it would have hurt Cena in the long run. And he’s the Cash Cow.
Finally – was it a mistake to “let him get away?” Of course not. Look at where he went. In a promotion where half the guys look so much alike that they could be witnessed first hand committing foul acts of rape and murder all over Orlando – and then be put in a group lineup and never be recognized – at least he stands out. And is STILL a Jobber to the Stars! I have no problem with his decision… do what’s best for yourself. But this is hardly something that should win awards.
Missed Opportunity / Letting Someone Get Away: that award should only go to one person – Eric Bischoff. A Lifetime Achievement Award. Honestly, how could anyone f*ck THAT up? Well, Vince and Co. did – and that’s a Capital Offense. Reso’s not really missed by anyone. And, come on… if anyone cares *that* much about him, he’s easy to find. It’s not like he died. – FLEA
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – WWE not booking a Christian vs. Cena program and instead letting him get away (48%)
2 – WWE not getting the most out of Matt/Edge/Lita storyline (32%)
3 (tie) – WWE teasing a Brock Lesnar return and not delivering
3 (tie) – WWE not having John Cena drop the WWE Title as crowd turns on him
5 – TNA not putting the NWA Title on Monty Brown
Promotion of the Year
Writers’ Choice: TNA
Readers’ Choice: TNA
It’s fun to root for the underdog – but when the underdog is outdoing the favorite month after month, it’s hard not to take notice. TNA came into its own in 2005, after 2.5 years of meandering with different styles and directions on a variety of networks. It all came together in 2005 – pushing the right wrestlers, the innovation of the X division with the Ring of Honor influence, and well-executed 3 hour PPVs every month. TNA finally earned a national cable TV deal (although Vince McMahon is partially to blame for Spike’s eagerness to compete with him). By focusing on long, compelling wrestling matches of varying styles, in three clear divisions, TNA presented a product that spoke to fans disillusioned with WWE’s product. It doesn’t have the penetration that WWE has, but as 2005 closed, TNA Impact! on Spike TV was garnering over 1 million viewers each week. It will be great to see how TNA evolves and grows in 2006, hopefully to become a true #2 player in the industry. – Widro
IP Staff Voting Results
1 – Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (45%)
2 – WWE RAW (29%)
3 – WWE Smackdown
4 – Ring of Honor
5 – Ohio Valley Wrestling
Agree/disagree/have something to say about our picks? Comment in our reader forums, where you can also see full results of our Readers’ Poll! Also, don’t forget to check out our PURO AWARDS and LUCHA AWARDS now!
