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This is a list of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards, current and defunct. These awards were given on a yearly basis on various topics such as performer of the year, most outstanding wrestler, best tag-team, most improved etc. There are currently 36 different awards still active and 10 that are inactive.
[edit] Current Awards
This award is given to performers (Professional Wrestlers/Mixed Martial Artists) who have the ability to carry an entire promotion by themselves.
[edit] Most Outstanding Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who has had some of the best matches that year, as well as shown revolutionary ability.
[edit] Best Box Office Draw
This is given to the wrestler who can make the most money for a promotion by being entertaining.
[edit] Feud of the Year
This is given to the most intense/well done feud between wrestlers.
[edit] Tag Team of the Year
This is given to the tag team who could carry an entire tag team division by itself.
[edit] Most Improved
This is given to the wrestler who had shown the greatest improvement over previous years.
[edit] Best on Interviews
This award is given to the wrestler who has been involved in the most entertaining and best received interviews during the year.
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- 1990: Arn Anderson
- 1991: Ric Flair
- 1992: Ric Flair
- 1993: Jim Cornette
- 1994: Ric Flair
- 1995: Cactus Jack
- 1996: Steve Austin
- 1997: Steve Austin
- 1998: Steve Austin
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- 1999: The Rock
- 2000: The Rock
- 2001: Steve Austin
- 2002: Kurt Angle
- 2003: Chris Jericho
- 2004: Mick Foley
- 2005: Eddie Guerrero
- 2006: Mick Foley
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[edit] Most Charismatic
This is given to the wrestler who has drawn the strongest reaction from the crowds because of his charisma and presence.
- 1980: Ric Flair
- 1981: Michael Hayes
- 1982: Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes
- 1983: Ric Flair
- 1984: Ric Flair
- 1985: Hulk Hogan
- 1986: Hulk Hogan
- 1987: Hulk Hogan
- 1988: Sting
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- 1989: Hulk Hogan
- 1990: Hulk Hogan
- 1991: Hulk Hogan
- 1992: Sting
- 1993: Ric Flair
- 1994: Atsushi Onita
- 1995: Shawn Michaels
- 1996: Shawn Michaels
- 1997: Steve Austin
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- 1998: Steve Austin
- 1999: The Rock
- 2000: The Rock
- 2001: The Rock
- 2002: The Rock
- 2003: Bob Sapp
- 2004: Eddie Guerrero
- 2005: Eddie Guerrero
- 2006: John Cena
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[edit] Best Technical Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who has displayed the best technical mat wrestling skills.
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- 1989: Jushin Liger
- 1990: Jushin Liger
- 1991: Jushin Liger
- 1992: Jushin Liger
- 1993: Hiroshi Hase
- 1994: Chris Benoit
- 1995: Chris Benoit
- 1996: Dean Malenko
- 1997: Dean Malenko
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This is given to the wrestler who has had the most intense and crowd-engaging brawls.
- 1980: Bruiser Brody
- 1981: Bruiser Brody
- 1982: Bruiser Brody
- 1983: Bruiser Brody
- 1984: Bruiser Brody
- 1985: Stan Hansen
- 1986: Terry Gordy
- 1987: Bruiser Brody
- 1988: Bruiser Brody
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- 1989: Terry Funk
- 1990: Stan Hansen
- 1991: Cactus Jack
- 1992: Cactus Jack
- 1993: Cactus Jack
- 1994: Cactus Jack
- 1995: Cactus Jack
- 1996: Mankind
- 1997: Mankind
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- 1998: Mankind
- 1999: Mick Foley
- 2000: Mick Foley
- 2001: Steve Austin
- 2002: Yoshihiro Takayama
- 2003: Brock Lesnar
- 2004: Chris Benoit
- 2005: Samoa Joe
- 2006: Samoa Joe
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[edit] Best Flying Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who has displayed the most exciting aerial-based offense in his matches.
- 1981: Jimmy Snuka
- 1982: Tiger Mask
- 1983: Tiger Mask
- 1984: The Dynamite Kid
- 1985: Tiger Mask
- 1986: Tiger Mask
- 1987: Owen Hart
- 1988: Owen Hart
- 1989: Jushin Liger
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- 1990: Jushin Liger
- 1991: Jushin Liger
- 1992: Jushin Liger
- 1993: Jushin Liger
- 1994: The Great Sasuke
- 1995: Rey Misterio Jr.
- 1996: Rey Misterio Jr.
- 1997: Rey Misterio Jr.
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[edit] Most Overrated
This is given to the wrestler that is considered to be the most over-hyped when their overall performance is taken into consideration.
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- 1998: Hulk Hogan
- 1999: Kevin Nash
- 2000: Kevin Nash
- 2001: The Undertaker
- 2002: Triple H
- 2003: Triple H
- 2004: Triple H
- 2005: Jeff Jarrett
- 2006: Batista
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[edit] Most Underrated
This is given to a wrestler who has performed memorably throughout the year, but hasn't been hyped up by their company, or who has performed mainly on the undercard.
[edit] Promotion of the Year
This is given to the most valuable promotion each year.
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- 1995: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1996: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1997: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1998: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1999: World Wrestling Federation
- 2000: World Wrestling Federation
- 2001: PRIDE Fighting Championships
- 2002: PRIDE Fighting Championships
- 2003: PRIDE Fighting Championships
- 2004: Pro Wrestling NOAH
- 2005: Pro Wrestling NOAH
- 2006: Ultimate Fighting Championship
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[edit] Best Weekly Television Show
This is awarded for the best Wrestling/MMA show on TV.
- 1983: New Japan World Pro Wrestling
- 1984: New Japan World Pro Wrestling
- 1985: Mid South Wrestling
- 1986: Universal Wrestling Federation
- 1987: CWA 90 Minute Memphis Live Wrestling
- 1988: New Japan World Pro Wrestling
- 1989: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1990: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1991: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1992: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1993: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- 1994: Extreme Championship Wrestling
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[edit] Shootfighter of the Year
This award is given to the best legit fighter each year.
[edit] Worked Match of the Year
This is given to the best professional wrestling match each year.
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- 1993: Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada vs Dynamite Kansai and Mayumi Ozaki
- 1994: Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon
- 1995: Manami Toyota vs Kyoko Inoue
- 1996: Misawa and Akiyama vs Steve Williams and Johnny Ace
- 1997: Bret Hart vs Steve Austin
- 1998: Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi
- 1999: Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi
- 2000: Atlantis vs Villano III
- 2001: Keiji Mutoh vs Genichiro Tenryu
- 2002: Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle vs Edge and Rey Mysterio
- 2003: Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi
- 2004: Kenta Kobashi vs Jun Akiyama
- 2005: Kenta Kobashi vs Samoa Joe
- 2006: Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito & Genki Horiguchi vs Naruki Doi, CIMA & Masato Yoshino
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[edit] Shoot Match of the Year
This is given to the best MMA match each year.
[edit] Rookie of the Year
This is given to the most talented new comer.
[edit] Best Non-Wrestler
This is given to the person who can be just as important, if not more, than wrestlers.
- 1999: Vince McMahon
- 2000: Vince McMahon
- 2001: Paul Heyman
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- 2002: Paul Heyman
- 2003: Steve Austin
- 2004: Paul Heyman
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[edit] Best Television Announcer
This is given to the best television announcer at calling a match clearly and concisely.
- 1981: Gordon Solie
- 1982: Gordon Solie
- 1983: Gordon Solie
- 1984: Lance Russell
- 1985: Lance Russell
- 1986: Lance Russell
- 1987: Lance Russell
- 1988: Jim Ross
- 1989: Jim Ross
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- 1990: Jim Ross
- 1991: Jim Ross
- 1992: Jim Ross
- 1993: Jim Ross
- 1994: Joey Styles
- 1995: Joey Styles
- 1996: Joey Styles
- 1997: Mike Tenay
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- 1998: Jim Ross
- 1999: Jim Ross
- 2000: Jim Ross
- 2001: Jim Ross
- 2002: Mike Tenay
- 2003: Mike Tenay
- 2004: Mike Tenay
- 2005: Mike Tenay
- 2006: Jim Ross
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[edit] Worst Television Announcer
This is given to the more annoying, less exciting announcer of the year.
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- 1992: Gorilla Monsoon
- 1993: Gorilla Monsoon
- 1994: Gorilla Monsoon
- 1995: Gorilla Monsoon
- 1996: Steve McMichael
- 1997: Dusty Rhodes
- 1998: Lee Marshall
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[edit] Best Major Show
This is given to the card that is a must-see for all wrestling/MMA fans.
- 1989: WCW Great American Bash
- 1990: WWF-NJPW-AJPW Wrestling Summit
- 1991: WCW Wrestle War
- 1992: AJW Wrestlemarinpiad
- 1993: AJW Dream Slam I
- 1994: NJPW Super J Cup
- 1995: Weekly Pro Wrestling Multi-Promotional Show
- 1996: WAR Super J Cup Second Stage
- 1997: WWF Canadian Stampede
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[edit] Worst Major Show
This is given to the least enthralling event of the year.
[edit] Best Wrestling Maneuver
This is given to the most innovative wrestler for coming up with an exciting move.
[edit] Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic
This is given to the most distasteful wrestling storyline/event.
[edit] Worst Television Show
This is given to the least enthralling weekly television broadcast.
- 1984: WWF All-Star Wrestling
- 1985: Florida Championship Wrestling
- 1986: California Championship Wrestling
- 1987: World Class Championship Wrestling
- 1988: American Wrestling Association On ESPN
- 1989: ICW Wrestling
- 1990: American Wrestling Association On ESPN
- 1991: Herb Abrams UWF
- 1992: GWF On ESPN
- 1993: GWF On ESPN
- 1994: WCW Saturday Night
- 1995: WCW Saturday Night
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- 1996: AWF Warriors Of Wrestling
- 1997: United States Wrestling Association
- 1998: WCW Monday Nitro
- 1999: WCW Thunder
- 2000: WCW Thunder
- 2001: WWF Excess
- 2002: WWE RAW
- 2003: WWE RAW
- 2004: WWE SmackDown!
- 2005: WWE SmackDown!
- 2006: WWE RAW
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[edit] Worst Worked Match of the Year
This is given to the match with less enthusiasm than anything else that year.
- 1984: The Fabulous Moolah vs Wendi Richter
- 1985: Fred Blassie vs Lou Albano
- 1986: Roddy Piper vs Mr. T
- 1987: Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant
- 1988: Hiroshi Wajima vs Tom Magee
- 1989: Andre the Giant vs The Ultimate Warrior
- 1990: Sid Vicious vs The Night Stalker
- 1991: Bobby Eaton & P.N. News vs Terence Taylor & Steve Austin
- 1992: Rick Rude vs Masahiro Chono
- 1993: The Doinks vs Bigelow, Booger & Headshrinkers
- 1994: Lawler & Mini Clowns vs The Doinks
- 1995: Sting vs Tony Palmore
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[edit] Worst Feud of the Year
This is given to the more offensive or least exciting feud.
- 1984: Andre the Giant vs Big John Studd
- 1985: Sgt. Slaughter vs Boris Zhukov
- 1986: The Machines vs King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd
- 1987: George Steele vs Danny Davis
- 1988: The Midnight Rider vs Tully Blanchard
- 1989: Andre the Giant vs The Ultimate Warrior
- 1990: Ric Flair vs The Junkyard Dog
- 1991: Hulk Hogan vs Sergeant Slaughter
- 1992: The Ultimate Warrior vs Papa Shango
- 1993: The Undertaker vs Giant Gonzalez
- 1994: Jerry Lawler vs Doink the Clown
- 1995: Hulk Hogan vs The Dungeon Of Doom
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[edit] Worst Promotion
This is given to the promotion that needs lots of improvement.
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- 1997: United States Wrestling Association
- 1998: World Championship Wrestling
- 1999: World Championship Wrestling
- 2000: World Championship Wrestling
- 2001: World Championship Wrestling
- 2002: Xtreme Pro Wrestling
- 2003: World Japan
- 2004: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- 2005: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- 2006: World Wrestling Entertainment
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[edit] Best Booker
This is given to the person who can book matches best.
- 1986: Dusty Rhodes
- 1987: Vince McMahon
- 1988: Eddie Gilbert
- 1989: Shohei Baba
- 1990: Shohei Baba
- 1991: Shohei Baba
- 1992: Riki Chōshū
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- 1993: Jim Cornette
- 1994: Paul Heyman
- 1995: Paul Heyman
- 1996: Paul Heyman
- 1997: Paul Heyman
- 1998: Vince McMahon
- 1999: Vince McMahon
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- 2000: Vince McMahon
- 2001: Jim Cornette
- 2002: Paul Heyman
- 2003: Jim Cornette
- 2004: Gabe Sapolsky
- 2005: Gabe Sapolsky
- 2006: Gabe Sapolsky
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[edit] Promoter of the Year
This is given to the person who can run a company better than anyone else.
- 1988: Vince McMahon
- 1989: Akira Maeda
- 1990: Shohei Baba
- 1991: Shohei Baba
- 1992: Shohei Baba
- 1993: Shohei Baba
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- 1994: Shohei Baba
- 1995: Riki Chōshū
- 1996: Riki Chōshū
- 1997: Riki Chōshū
- 1998: Vince McMahon
- 1999: Vince McMahon
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[edit] Best Gimmick
This is given to the most entertaining wrestling personality.
- 1986: Adrian Street - Exotic
- 1987: Ted DiBiase - Million Dollar Man
- 1988: Rick Steiner - Varsity Club
- 1989: Jushin Thunder Liger - Flying Superstar
- 1990: The Undertaker - Deadman
- 1991: The Undertaker - Deadman
- 1992: The Undertaker - Deadman
- 1993: The Undertaker - Deadman
- 1994: The Undertaker - Deadman
- 1995: Disco Inferno - 1970's Flashback
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- 1996: nWo - Outsider Group
- 1997: Steve Austin - Badass Redneck
- 1998: Steve Austin - Badass Redneck
- 1999: The Rock - Jock Comedian
- 2000: Kurt Angle - Olympic Hero
- 2001: The Hurricane - Superhero
- 2002: Matt Hardy - Mattitude
- 2003: John Cena - Rapper
- 2004: John Bradshaw Layfield - Rich Businessman
- 2005: Mr. Kennedy - Ring Announcer
- 2006: L.A.X. - Latino Street Thugs
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[edit] Worst Gimmick
This is given to the least tasteful, exciting, intelligent personality.
[edit] Best Pro Wrestling Book
- 2005: Death Of WCW - Bryan Alvarez & R.D. Reynolds
- 2006: Tangled Ropes - Superstar Billy Graham & Keith Greenberg
[edit] Best Pro Wrestling DVD
[edit] Defunct Awards
[edit] Best Babyface
This award is given to the person that has a good drawing power.
- 1980: Dusty Rhodes
- 1981: Tommy Rich
- 1982: Hulk Hogan
- 1983: Hulk Hogan
- 1984: Hulk Hogan
- 1985: Hulk Hogan
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- 1986: Hulk Hogan
- 1987: Hulk Hogan
- 1988: Hulk Hogan
- 1989: Hulk Hogan
- 1990: Hulk Hogan
- 1991: Hulk Hogan
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[edit] Best Heel
This wrestler has the ability to cause hatred and anger best.
- 1980: Larry Zbyszko
- 1981: Don Muraco
- 1982: Buzz Sawyer
- 1983: Michael Hayes
- 1984: Roddy Piper
- 1985: Roddy Piper
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- 1986: Michael Hayes
- 1987: Ted DiBiase
- 1988: Ted DiBiase
- 1989: Terry Funk
- 1990: Ric Flair
- 1991: The Undertaker
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- 1992: Rick Rude
- 1993: Vader
- 1994: "Love Machine" Art Barr
- 1995: Masahiro Chono
- 1996: Steve Austin
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[edit] Manager of the Year
This is given to the most charismatic manager.
- 1983: Jimmy Hart
- 1984: Jim Cornette
- 1985: Jim Cornette
- 1986: Jim Cornette
- 1987: Jim Cornette
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- 1988: Jim Cornette
- 1989: Jim Cornette
- 1990: Jim Cornette
- 1991: Sensational Sherri
- 1992: Jim Cornette
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- 1993: Jim Cornette
- 1994: Jim Cornette
- 1995: Jim Cornette
- 1996: Jim Cornette
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[edit] Readers' Favorite Wrestler
This is the wrestler that fans really enjoy to see perform.
- 1984: Ric Flair
- 1985: Ric Flair
- 1986: Ric Flair
- 1987: Ric Flair
- 1988: Ric Flair
- 1989: Ric Flair
- 1990: Ric Flair
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- 1991: Ric Flair
- 1992: Ric Flair
- 1993: Ric Flair
- 1994: Sabu
- 1995: Manami Toyota
- 1996: Ric Flair
- 1997: Chris Benoit
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- 1998: Mick Foley
- 1999: Chris Jericho
- 2000: Chris Benoit
- 2001: Keiji Mutoh
- 2002: Kurt Angle
- 2003: Kurt Angle
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[edit] Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler
This wrestler is not well liked by fans at all.
- 1984: Ivan Putski
- 1985: Hulk Hogan
- 1986: Hulk Hogan
- 1987: Dusty Rhodes
- 1988: Dusty Rhodes
- 1989: The Ultimate Warrior
- 1990: The Ultimate Warrior
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- 1991: Hulk Hogan
- 1992: Erik Watts
- 1993: Sid Vicious
- 1994: Hulk Hogan
- 1995: Hulk Hogan
- 1996: Hulk Hogan
- 1997: Hulk Hogan
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- 1998: Hulk Hogan
- 1999: Hulk Hogan
- 2000: Kevin Nash
- 2001: The Undertaker
- 2002: Triple H
- 2003: Triple H
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[edit] Worst Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler with no ability, whatsoever.
- 1984: Ivan Putski
- 1985: Uncle Elmer
- 1986: Mike Von Erich
- 1987: The Junkyard Dog
- 1988: The Ultimate Warrior
- 1989: Andre the Giant
- 1990: The Junkyard Dog
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- 1991: Andre the Giant
- 1992: Andre the Giant
- 1993: The Equalizer
- 1994: Dave Sullivan
- 1995: The Renegade
- 1996: Loch Ness
- 1997: Hulk Hogan
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- 1998: The Warrior
- 1999: Kevin Nash
- 2000: Kevin Nash
- 2001: The Big Show
- 2002: The Big Show
- 2003: Nathan Jones
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[edit] Worst Tag Team
This is given to the least exciting tag team of the year.
[edit] Worst Manager
This is given to the manager, which has no real managing ability.
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- 1988: Mr. Fuji
- 1989: Mr. Fuji
- 1990: Mr. Fuji
- 1991: Mr. Fuji
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- 1992: Mr. Fuji
- 1993: Mr. Fuji
- 1994: Mr. Fuji
- 1995: Mr. Fuji
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- 1996: Sonny Oono
- 1997: Sonny Oono
- 1998: Sonny Oono
- 1999: Sonny Oono
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[edit] Most Embarrassing Wrestler
This is given to the wrestler who just can't get over.
- 1986: Adrian Adonis
- 1987: George Steele
- 1988: George Steele
- 1989: Andre the Giant
- 1990: Dusty Rhodes
- 1991: Van Hammer
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- 1998: Hulk Hogan
- 1999: Hulk Hogan
- 2000: Hulk Hogan
- 2001: Buff Bagwell
- 2002: The Big Show
- 2003: Nathan Jones
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[edit] Worst Non-Wrestling Personality
This is given to the person with no charisma or energy, and are unliked by fans.
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- 2002: Stephanie McMahon
- 2003: Stephanie McMahon
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