The 1053 Ridge 2018 Year-End Awards

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Welcome to the third-ever 1053 Ridge Year-End Awards!

These cherished awards are loosely based on the Wrestling Observer Year-End Awards, and feature participation from the original 4 Horsemen of the 1053 Ridge location that was the genesis for the madness you see on this very website today: Dum Dum Daniels, Joshua Jericho, The King, and “Crait” AKA “Craig.”

All entries are based on WWE’s 2018. Each of us listed a top 3 of the year in each category. A first place ranking got 3 points, second place got 2, and third place got 1. All the points combined get us our overall rankings. Keep in mind, even if something is just an Honorable Mention, that meant at least one of us thought it deserved placement in the top 3 of the year.

Without further ado…

LOU THESZ/RIC FLAIR AWARD (Overall Wrestler of the Year)

The stars of the future have become the stars of the present, carrying large portions of their brands for much of the year both on the mic and in the ring. Seth Rollins was WWE’s 2018 ring warrior – the Gauntlet match, multiple Balor and Ziggler matches, Miz at Backlash, Shield tags with Roman and Dean, and a lot more – nobody stood out as Guy Carrying the Company like Seth, and most of the votes agreed. Daniel Bryan made his triumphant return to the ring and perhaps most triumphantly, transformed himself into the New Daniel Bryan where he seems once again to be the true Best in the World, no matter what Shane McMahon and The Miz say. He was tied for second place with AJ Styles, who continued his run as respected constant of SmackDown Live – the Face That Ran the Place, if you will. Rounding out the top 3 was Johnny Gargano, who’s matches and story carried a strong NXT product all year.

1. Seth Rollins (11)
2. Daniel Bryan (4)
3. AJ Styles (4)
4. Johnny Gargano (2)

Honorable Mentions: Ronda Rousey (1), Tommaso Ciampa (1), Becky Lynch (1)

MOST OUTSTANDING WRESTLER

Whether in front of small silent crowds on 205 Live or in front of 60,000 screaming fans in Australia, Buddy Murphy looked like the best there is every time he went to the ring in 2018. Johnny Gargano was not far behind – though his performances might’ve been spaced out, he had 4 or 5 all-time great matches in one year, something reflected in the Match of the Year rankings. Seth Rollins meanwhile was more about consistency, putting out work that ranged from OK to awesome week after week after week.

1. Buddy Murphy (6)
2. Johnny Gargano (5)
3. Seth Rollins (3)

Honorable Mentions: Andrade “Cien” Almas (2), AJ Styles (2), Becky Lynch (2), Pete Dunne (2), Daniel Bryan (1), Tommaso Ciampa (1)

FEUD OF THE YEAR

All three winners of this category did what every great feud should do – they entertained, and and they got the rivals more over. The year-long Gargano/Ciampa saga and all its’ twists and turns led the way, but the end-of-the-year Becky/Charlotte feud nearly had its number which probably says a lot about how good Becky/Charlotte was. Baszler and Sane’s perfect dynamic, both in the ring and out, rounded out the top 3.

1. Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (All Year) (9)
2. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair (August – December) (8)
3. Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler (July – November (4)

Honorable Mentions: Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz (April – October) (2), WWE vs. Morality (Always) (1)

TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR

It sucks that tag teams are so rarely a major thing WWE these days, but this fact also gives the few top teams the opportunity to be really, really, really good in their multiple matches together. The Undisputed Era were the clear winners this year, which considering their body of work should be no surprise. Rounding out the list were their frequent dance partners Moustache Mountain, as well as the trio of teams that anchored SmackDown’s quality tag divsion in 2018. Those SmackDown teams were the top 3 of last year, so the emergence of Undisputed Era and Moustache Mountain this year is cool to see.

1. The Undisputed Era (Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) (11)
2. The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) (4)
3. Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate & Trent Seven) (4)
4. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) (4)
5. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) (1)

Honorable Mentions: None

MOST IMPROVED

All four of the Most Improved winners this year spent 2018 ascending to superstar status. Mustafa Ali went from solid likable cruiserweight to awesome underdog heavyweight, Carmella went from heatless annoying heel to dynamic WWE lifer, Buddy Murphy went from NXT nobody to one of the best in the world, and Elias went from heel who plays songs to guy who feuds with Cena and Rollins and now a face who feuds with Corbin. All are now reliable parts of WWE programming on the award-winning WWE Network.

1. Mustafa Ali (5)
2. Carmella (4)
3. Buddy Murphy (3)
4. Elias (3)

Honorable Mentions: Becky Lynch (2), Bianca Belair (2), Ronda Rousey (2), Dakota Kai (1), Shayna Baszler (1), The Miz (1)

BEST ON INTERVIEWS

The Miz reigns supreme once again, for the King of the Mic will not be denied. After earning just a single point last year, Elias made second place this year, playing his way into the hearts and minds of 1053 Ridge. And the old maestro, Paul Heyman, continued his dominance of the third-place spot.

1. The Miz (10)
2. Elias (5)
3. Paul Heyman (4)

Honorable Mentions: Becky Lynch (3), The Usos (1), Daniel Bryan (1)

BRYAN DANIELSON AWARD (BEST TECHNICAL WRESTLER)

Please enjoy the sweet, sweet poetry of Daniel Bryan returning to the ring and dominating the award that bares his name. Shayna Baszler’s Catch Wrestling tributes, Johnny Gargano’s hold-trading, and Pete Dunne’s finger-breaking rounded out the second place, while AJ Styles and Tyler Bate tied for third.

1. Daniel Bryan (8)
2. Shayna Baszler (3)
3. Johnny Gargano (3)
4. Pete Dunne (3)
5. AJ Styles (2)
6. Tyler Bate (2)

Honorable Mentions: Charlotte Flair (1), Roderick Strong (1)

BRUISER BRODY MEMORIAL AWARD (BEST BRAWLER)

Though he took a step back this year, Braun Strowman continued to be the brawling bruiser that topped this category last year. Roman Reigns also repeated at second place, while his frequent opposition Brock Lesnar tied for third with last year’s third place winner Pete Dunne as well as new entrant Charlotte Flair, who between the Becky Lynch matches and Ronda Rousey attack proved she could go on the floor in addition to the ring.

1. Braun Strowman (6)
2. Roman Reigns (5)
3. Charlotte Flair (3)
4. Pete Dunne (3)
5. Brock Lesnar (3)

Honorable Mentions: Samoa Joe (2), Aleister Black (1)

BEST FLYING WRESTLER (BEST CRUISERWEIGHT)

The absence of Neville blew the top spot on 205 Live wide open, and Mustafa Ali, Buddy Murphy, and Cedric Alexander took advantage. Ali and Murphy didn’t even appear on last year’s list. At some point, these guys should get some kind of name ala the 3 Musketeers of 205. They were the reason the brand had a bit of resurgence this year, having countless great matches together on both big and small stages, and bringing everybody around them way up.

1. Mustafa Ali (8)
2. Buddy Murphy (7)
3. Cedric Alexander (5)

Honorable Mentions: Noam Dar (3), Rey Mysterio (1)

MOST OVERRATED

It’s a who’s who of problematic wrestlers, plus Shayna Baszler because The King says so. And I don’t want to disagree with The King, who’s decrees have meant success and failure for many professional wrestlers past and present. Dean Ambrose emerged as a consensus pick, capping off a disappointing return from injury, while Baron Corbin’s inexplicable run as RAW narrator and Nakamura’s run as guy who low blows people did not endear either of them to 1053 Ridge.

1. Dean Ambrose (4)
2. Baron Corbin (3)
3. Shinsuke Nakamura (3)
4. Shayna Baszler (3)
5. Nia Jax (2)
6. Finn Balor (2)
7. The Revival (2)
8. EC3 (2)

Honorable Mentions: Finn Balor (1), Bobby Lashley (1)

MOST UNDERRATED

It’s only fitting that Rusev is tied for first at Most Underrated, for these awards were announced on Rusev Day. He and Buddy Murphy crushed every opportunity they got, even if WWE would have you think they might not actually be contracted WWE talents sometimes. The often entertaining but rarely present Oney Lorcan also received enough votes to be second place, one entry alongside his partner Danny Burch and one not. Tyler Bate meanwhile seemed to cool off after a hot 2017, while the always-good Chad Gable took advantage of every opportunity he got and rounded out the award winners.

1. Rusev (5)
2. Buddy Murphy (5)
3. Oney Lorcan (& Danny Burch) (3)
4. Tyler Bate (3)
5. Chad Gable (2)

Honorable Mentions: Tyler Breeze (1), Dolph Ziggler (1), Heath Slater (1)

MATCH OF THE YEAR

Johnny Gargano wrestled several matches in 2018 that felt like the best match of the year. Ronda Rousey also debuted at WrestleMania and blew everybody’s minds. It was a solid year for wrestling in WWE, and these matches led the way.

1. Unsanctioned Match: Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (NXT TakeOver: New Orleans 4/7/18) (9)
2. NXT Title: Andrade “Cien” Almas [c] w/ Zelina Vega vs. Johnny Gargano (NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia 1/27/18) (8)
3. Mixed Tag Team Match: Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon (WrestleMania 34 4/8/18) (3)
4. Chicago Street Fight: Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (NXT TakeOver: Chicago 6/16/18) (3)

Honorable Mentions: The Undisputed Era [c] vs. Moustache Mountain for the NXT Tag Team Title (NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV 8/18/18) (2), The Undisputed Era [c] vs. Moustache Mountain for the NXT Tag Team Title (NXT U.K. Championship 6/26/18) (1), Daniel Bryan [c] vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Title (TLC 12/16/18) (1)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (NEW TO WWE)

Ronda Rousey made her in-ring debut in April and as I write this in January she has had like 5 or 6 classic matches. This was a case where the cliche turned out correct, as she pulled a Kurt Angle and took to wrestling like a fish to water, becoming one of the most reliable big match wrestlers in the company. She also made the most impact too, immediately becoming the Big Dog of the RAW women’s division. NXT was the place for second and third place, as Ricochet had what felt like a breakout year since his debut just a day before Ronda’s. Matt Riddle meanwhile became an immediate sensation, seemingly ready to main event WrestleMania and hang out with me at the same time.

1. Ronda Rousey (10)
2. Ricochet (6)
3. Matt Riddle (4)

Honorable Mentions: Kairi Sane (2), EC3 (1), Lars Sullivan (1)

BEST NON-WRESTLER

Paul Heyman advocated his way into a first place victory, while William Regal’s calm straightforward GM shtick earned him second place honors. Drake Maverick and GREG F’ING HAMILTON tied for third.

1. Paul Heyman (5)
2. William Regal (4)
3. Drake Maverick (3)
4. Greg Hamilton (3)

Honorable Mentions: Paige (2), Maryse (2), Stephanie McMahon (1), JoJo Offerman (1)

BEST TELEVISION ANNOUNCER

The Savior of Misbehavior again completely dominated this category, bringing a fresh hook every week to the usual WWE commentator shtick. Michael Cole and Mauro Ranallo shined in second as the voices for their particular brands, while Nigel McGuinness’ grumpy uncle shtick got him third.

1. Corey Graves (9)
2. Michael Cole (5)
3. Mauro Ranallo (5)
4. Nigel McGuinness (3)

Honorable Mentions: Byron Saxton (2)

WORST TELEVISION ANNOUNCER

I think the message here is that WWE commentary is bad. Lots of picks. Much respect to Vic Joseph for creating separation for himself from both categories though.

1. David Otunga (5)
2. Byron Saxton (4)
3. Renee Young (4)
4. Mauro Ranallo (3)
5. Percy Watson (3)
6. Beth Phoenix (3)

Honorable Mentions: Nigel McGuinness (2)

BEST MAJOR WRESTLING SHOW

The WrestleMania Weekend TakeOver emerged as the consensus pick for Best Major Wrestling Show, while several TakeOver’s and impressive late-year WWE PPV’s fought it out for second and third.

1. NXT TakeOver: New Orleans (4/7/18) (9)
2. WWE TLC (12/16/18) (3)
3. NXT TakeOver: Chicago II (6/16/18) (3)
4. WWE Survivor Series (11/18/18) (3)
5. WWE Evolution (10/28/18) (2)
6. NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia (1/27/18) (2)
7. NXT TakeOver: WarGames II (11/17/18) (2)

Honorable Mentions: None

WORST MAJOR WRESTLING SHOW

WWE: Saudi Vacation did not quite resonate. Almost as bad: Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe.

1. WWE Crown Jewel (11/2/18) (11)
2. WWE Backlash (5/6/18) (6)
3. WWE Greatest Royal Rumble (4/27/18) (4)

Honorable Mentions: Super Show-Down (10/6/18) (2), Extreme Rules (7/15/18) (1)

BEST WRESTLING MANEUVER

It was a completely split vote this year, so much respect to all the wrestlers and their moves.

1. Drew McIntyre’s Claymore (3)
2. Chad Gable’s Chaos Theory German Suplex (3)
3. Pete Dunne’s X-Plex (3)
4. Ricochet’s 630 Splash (3)
5. Andrade “Cien” Almas’ Spinning Back Elbow (2)
6. Baron Corbin’s End of Days (2)
7. Seth Rollins’ Blackout / Curb Stomp (2)
8. Seth Rollins’ Superplex/Falcon Arrow Combo (2)
9. Mustafa Ali’s 0-5-4 (1)
10. Ronda Rousey’s Armbar (1)
11. #DIY’s Double Team Finisher (1)
12. Roman Reigns’ Spear (1)

MOST DISGUSTING PROMOTIONAL TACTIC

Running propaganda ads for and securing a multi-million dollar deal with Saudi Arabia did NOT go over well, folks. I mean this thing got votes multiple times, sometimes on the same ballot. So that is our clear winner, along with the McMahon up to their usual BS, and a third-place tie for some of the dumber moments in wrestling this year.

1. WWE & Saudi Arabia (12)
2. McMahon Family Still in Charge On-Screen (3)
3. Lucha House Rules (2)
4. Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss Feud (2)
5. Enzo Amore (2)

Honorable Mentions: Shady Handling of UK Expansion (1), Dean Ambrose’s Heel Turn After Roman Reigns’ Cancer Announcement (1)

WORST MATCH OF THE YEAR

DX and The BoD going around the horn one more time was somehow both a bad match and offensive at the same time. That topped the overall list, though Carmella vs. Asuka at Money in the Bank with James Ellsworth’s interference made two lists, and the third-place winners all made the top of someone’s list.

1. D-Generation X vs. Brothers of Destruction (Crown Jewel 11/2/18) (6)
2. SmackDown Women’s Title: Carmella [c] vs. Asuka (Money in the Bank 6/17/18) (4)
3. WWE Intercontinental Title: Seth Rollins [c] vs. Dean Ambrose (3) (TLC 12/16/18)
4. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe (Backlash 5/6/18) (3)
5. WWE Title #1 Contender’s Match: Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz (Super Show-Down 10/6/18) (3)

Honorable Mentions: Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE U.S. Title (Greatest Royal Rumble 4/27/18) (2), Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title (WrestleMania 34 4/8/18) (1), Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a Steel Cage for the Universal Title (Greatest Royal Rumble 4/27/18) (1), The Undertaker vs. Triple H (Super Show-Down 10/6/18) (1)

WORST FEUD OF THE YEAR

Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns’ neverending saga somehow felt longer than neverending this year, and was the clear winner. AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura low blowing each other, Sasha Banks and Bayley hitting each other backstage, and Sami Zayn and Bobby Lashley doing military drills were not far behind.

1. Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (January – October) (8)
2. AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (April – June) (6)
3. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley (Summer) (3)
4. Sami Zayn vs. Bobby Lashley (Summer) (3)

Honorable Mentions: D-Generation X vs. Brothers of Destruction (October) (2), Asuka vs. Carmella (Summer) (1), Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe (January – May) (1)

BEST GIMMICK

The Dream felt like he fully became himself this year, and after not appearing on last year’s list he broke through and easily took first place this year. Becky Lynch’s badass run during the latter half of the year also got love on multiple lists, while we popped for The New Daniel Bryan and Elias.

1. Velveteen Dream (9)
2. Becky Lynch (4)
3. The New Daniel Bryan (3)
4. Elias (3)

Honorable Mentions: Aleister Black (2), Johnny Badass (1), Drew McIntyre as Dolph Ziggler’s Muscle (1)

WORST GIMMICK

I think the message here is that WWE writing is bad. Lots of picks. Yikes.

1. “You People” Dean Ambrose (3)
2. Smiling Finn Balor (3)
3. Shayna Baszler (3)
4. No Way Jose (3)
5. John Cena (2)
6. “Respect Me” Hideo Itami (2)
7. Baron Corbin (2)
8. Bray Wyatt (2)
9. Lucha House Party (1)
10. Nia Jax (1)
11. D-Generation X (1)
12. Jack Gallagher (1)