With the end of 2019 and the begining of 2020, it’s time to look back at some of the best moments and superstars of the past year. This is strictly a best of, as we search for what made 2019 so special. Once a Superstar has been picked for an individual category, they are not eligible for another one
Superstar of the Year: Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho will turn 50 this year. You would not know it as his ring work and promo work has been getting better every year. The first AEW Champion has been a staple and is one of the most interesting wrestlers in the business. Promo work has always been at hall of fame levels, but Jericho took it to a new level. Chris can say something on Wednesday and everyone is repeating it on Thursday.
Male Superstar of the Year: Bray Wyatt
There was a time that Bray Wyatt would never get the chance to shine in the top spot. Those days are long over as he is now the WWE Champion with the two best characters in the business. The FireFly Funhouse has become must watch and any show without it feels incomplete. Bray has totally reinvented himself without losing the aspects that people love about his original character. Zowie Wowie indeed.
Female Superstar of the Year: Rhea Ripley
If you are going to have a superstar compete and win two big profile matches back-to-back, you had better make sure the fans believe they can do it. Rhea Ripley is such a superstar, a combination of athleticism and just hell in black leather. Many fans can make the claim that the Nightmare deserves to hold all the belts in NXT and WWE. There is just something about her that screams “Future Hall of Famer”.
Tag Team of the Year: Lucha Bros
There is something to be excited about in 2020 and that is the state of tag team wrestling. No team sits as close to the top then the Lucha Bros. Pentagón Jr and Fénix have that chemistry that only the greats have and their moves are always jaw dropping. If you want further proof, listen to the crowds when the compete. Even if they are the heels, you can hear the appreciation from the crowd.
Rookie of the Year: AEW
Yes, AEW has only been around for one year. 2019 was the first time we got to see pay-per-views and the debut of a new wrestling show on Wednesday. We think that it was a sure thing, but it was still a gamble putting everything out in a weekly format for fans with a lot of content already there. The show has been a throwback to the time when two different wrestling companies asked fans to pick a side.
Most Shocking Moment: CM Punk signs with WWE Backstage
Backstage is a Fox show. Punk did not sign with WWE. All that is not in dispute. It was still a shock to everyone when Renee Young said she had a surprise and “Cult of Personality” blared from the speakers. Seeing Punk on a show that has WWE talent on it is “still I can’t believe it” levels after a few shows. The fact that Punk gets to say what he wants is just icing on the cake.
Match of the Year: Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole (2 out of 3 Falls Match) (NXT Takeover New York)
Born out of the fact that Tommy Ciampa had to vacate the NXT total due to a neck injury, Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano fought for the NXT Title in a match that takes it’s place among the all time classics. How good was it? It was the first WWE match that broke the Wrestling Observer star system. This is what wrestling can be at it’s best, a technical and brutal affair. If you have not seen it, you might want to question how much of a wrestling fan you truly are.