Post by rey619 on Aug 28, 2012 15:11:34 GMT -5
PWI AWARDS 1983
Top 20 Wrestlers
1. Dusty Rhodes (2)
No matter what part of wrestling you talk about, whether it is the mat wars, the mind games or standing in front of a crowd with a microphone – Dusty Rhodes is a master at it. He regained his lost title in spectacular fashion, and has been a mainstay at the main event scene in GCW for years now. Rhodes is the guy to beat in the wrestling world.
2. Roddy Piper (4)
Piper is another master manipulator, and after having soundly defeated Greg Valentine in a cage match, Piper simply went on and became the NWF World Champion. He will have enemies amass, but he also has the 500 pound Crusher Blackwell at his side, and is probably the smartest man in wrestling today.
3. Ric Flair (13)
Quite possibly one of the best mat performers in the world. Flair did as his former partner, Roddy Piper, did in NWF – become the World Champion. Betraying the fans trust by bringing in Ole Anderson under a mask and pretending not to know of it, Flair did lose the title quickly, but he has set his mark on the wrestling world.
4. Hulk Hogan (NEW)
Undoubtedly one of the most charismatic and physical specimens that has ever graced a wrestling ring. His rise to stardom has been quicker than anyone anticipated, holding an NWF World Title before his first 12 months were up. Breaking loose from Johnny Valiant may have been his smartest move, however.
5. Stan Hansen (3)
Hansen has missed much of the year due to the injury inflicted by Dusty Rhodes, but when his arm is well and rested, none can stand against his Lariat. The current GCW Champion.
6. Greg Valentine (1)
The former NWF World Champion has stayed at the top, and had a bloody battle with Roddy Piper. His in-ring work is still top notch, and even if NWF has become really competetive, Valentine may just have a title reign left in him.
7. Ricky Steamboat (19)
Steamboat continues to climb towards the top, emerging victorious in a brillant series of battles with Bob Backlund. Has moved past the IC level, and may very well be a contender for the World Title in 1984.
8. Terry Funk (10)
Funk is probably the wrestler who has managed to create the most havoc in both NWF and GCW this year. He was fired from GCW for beating up officials, and has continued his violent ways in NWF, taking it out on Magnum T.A. – among others.
9. David von Erich (NEW)
The current US Champion’s rise to the top hasn’t been easy, but von Erich has stayed there for most of the year, even challenging Hulk Hogan for the NWF World Title.
10. Jimmy Snuka (6)
Snuka has had a good year too, fending off the advances of Freddie Blassie’s foreign army and coming out mostly on top against his men.
11. Jerry Lawler (12)
The former World Champion seems to be on his way back to his best. Stealing the IC title from David von Erich could be seen as a strategic move – or a crime.
12. Randy Savage (NEW)
The high-flying Savage has caught the fans’ attention this year, and the romance story with Tommy Rich’s sister has the fans going. Savage may have lost the tag belt, but he has won the fans.
13. André the Giant (NEW)
Like his stint in NWF, this year’s stay in GCW was a short one. He still managed to bodyslam the humongous King Kong Bundy.
14. Tommy Rich (8)
He tried to evade the Road Warriors for as long as possible, but in the end he couldn’t hold on to the tag belts. Now he’s turned against his partner Randy Savage, trying to hold his true love back from him.
15. Nick Bockwinkel (9)
Bockwinkel has held the IC Title for a while now, but the means he employs to keep the belt is more cowardly than a man of his skill should display. That’s why he is no higher than 15.
16. Magnum T.A. (7)
Magnum was red hot in 1982, but has stalled somewhat in 1983, taking quite the beating from Terry Funk this fall.
17. Bob Backlund (16)
Backlund has changed his demeanor somewhat after losing to Ricky Steamboat, focusing more on his wrestling and less on his crazy side. Still, his year hasn’t been filled with high-profile victories.
18. Harley Race (NEW)
Didn’t do too much this year, besides defeating Hulk Hogan for the World Title that is.
19. Paul Orndorrf (18)
A so-and-so year for Orndorrf. He re-united with Billy Graham, only to have his ass kicked by the Freebirds.
20. Greg Gagne (5)
Was overshadowed by Hulk Hogan for most of the year, and will probably be the one trying to stop him when Hogan comes for Valiant.
Top 5 Tag Teams
1. Road Warriors
Rarely have such a team made such an impact in so short a time. Paul Ellering’s intimidating men made their debut in NWF this year, and went straight to the top, taking the belt from Tommy Rich and Randy Savage and defending them against all comers.
2. Bobby Duncum & Dick Murdoch
The Texas Outlaws are the most dominant group in professional wrestling, with or without Stan Hansen. Duncum and Murdoch is on their second title run now, and they show no signs of letting go of it this time.
3. The Fabulous Freebirds
While they had a good run in GCW, their run in NWF has been even better. Their feud with Billy Graham and Paul Orndorrf has brought out the best in both Hayes and Gordy. Hayes can be a serious guy if needs be, and Gordy is already a star.
4. The Soul Patrol
Johnson and Atlas may have come higher up on the list, if it hadn’t been for their falling out. Even so, the first African-American tag team champions in GCW had a good and impressive reign.
5. Strike Force
Everybody had pegged Rick Martel and Tito Santana as the next tag team champions. Not only did they do well in the tag team ranks, both did well in separate title matches for Dusty Rhodes’ GCW World Title, even though they came up short. Unfortunately, Tito Santana lost the fall in a ”Loser of the fall leaves GCW”.
Top 5 Matches of the Year
1. Ric Flair vs Dusty Rhodes – 9/16/83 – Madison Square Garden
Magic happened in the Garden yet again, as Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes for the GCW World Title in a match for the ages.
2. Hulk Hogan vs David von Erich – 8/24/83 – Kansas City
David von Erich has really been the feelgood wrestler of the year, but nobody thought he would defeat the recently crowned Hulk Hogan for the NWF World Title. He didn’t win it, but he wrestled bravely and fiercely and took Hogan to his utmost limits.
3. The Texas Outlaws vs Strike Force – 10/30/83 – Boston Garden
This was the match where Tito Santana lost the fall and was forced to leave GCW. The titles were also on the lines. With so high stakes on the table, the crowd were not surprised by the ferocity involved in this match. One of the finest tag matches in several years.
Top 5 Feuds of the Year
1. Hansen/Flair/Rhodes for the GCW World Title
From the Outlaws faking a split between Duncum/Murdoch and Dusty, fooling Stan Hansen and allowing Rhodes to break Hansen’s arm, to Ric Flair, the fan favorite, beguiling everyone into believing in him, this year has been terrific for the GCW World Title. The game is up for Ric Flair this time around, but Hansen and Rhodes will hopefully continue where they left off in 1984.
2. Bob Backlund vs Ricky Steamboat
Ricky Steamboat took a big step towards main event stardom last year when he battled Larry Zbyszko, and he took an even bigger one here as he finally defeated Bob Backlund decisively in a rivalry that was both competitive and fierce.
3. Roddy Piper vs Greg Valentine
Roddy Piper is the ultimate trickster, and he had an entire wrestling world fooled when he pretended to be gravely injured at the hands of Greg Valentine. It was all a ruse to cost Valentine his World Title. These two clashed a final time in a bloody cage match, Piper coming out the winner on his way to become the NWF World Champion.
4. The Fabulous Freebirds vs Graham & Orndorrf
Billy Graham’s fan favorite days are also over. His temper flared at the shenanigans of Michael Hayes. Dropping his nephew Mike, Graham teamed up with Paul Orndorrf to embark on a bloody journey against the Freebirds, a rivalry that has really put that team on the map.
5. David von Erich vs Greg Gagne for the NWF US Title
Greg Gagne used any means necessary to keep his precious US Title, but he hadn’t considered the heart and spirit of former tag champion David von Erich. Even without his brothers, but with the support of the fans, von Erich triumphed!
Top 3 Managers of the Year
1. Paul Ellering
Bringing in a dominant team like the Road Warriors was enough for Paul Ellering to win this award (awarded for the first time). Unlike most other managers, Paul is a strictly businessman/motivator, and doesn’t get involved in his clients’ matches. Not that he needs to.
2. Bobby Heenan
Heenan has been responsible for Nick Bockwinkel’s IC Title run. While some might say that the reign has been far from dominant (due to Bockwinkel’s ways of defeating the opponent), Heenan has been instrumental. He has also led the massive King Kong Bundy against another behemoth – André the Giant!
3. Johnny Valiant
Valiant’s clients has held two belts this year, both the US and the World Title in NWF. His actions have caused him to lose his biggest one though, but Hulk Hogan is bound by his contract to obey Valiant. Which he does, to some degree. Valiant is on shaky legs going into 1984, but we think he has earned the right to be mentioned here.
Most Inspirational Wrestler
1. David Von Erich
His rise to stardom in the singles rank has been a true hero story. Pegged as a tag wrestler, nobody thought he could make it without his brothers – but he did.
2. Hulk Hogan
The former NWF World Champion has shown everyone that money isn’t all that matters. He finally found his manager’s actions tasteless, and rightfully turned on him. Hopefully, Hulk can get away from his manager’s grip.
3. Soul Patrol
Recent events put aside, this proud tag team showed the world that you can be very successful in the world of wrestling, even though you belong to a minority. PWI are sure their accomplishment means a lot to many.
Most Hated Wrestler
1. Dusty Rhodes
The leader of the most dominant faction in the world of wrestling is also a man with no dignity or scruples, blatantly fooling a whole world and his former friend Stan Hansen, breaking his arm and taking his title.
2. Roddy Piper
Piper is not unlike Rhodes, getting the fans’ sympathy for Valentine allegedly ruining his career. The guilt-ridden Valentine should have known better, as it was all a ruse. Piper will do anything, including selling his own grandmother, to get his way.
3. Nick Bockwinkel
Nick Bockwinkel is a coward. Plain and simple. He defends his IC Title by hook or crook, mostly via disqualifications or countouts. Can he muster up the courage to actually defeat somebody via pin or submission?
Wrestlers to look out for
1. Rick Martel
Even though he lost his tag-team partner, his match against Dusty Rhodes and especially his win over Backlund has caused everyone’s eyes to be directed at Martel.
2. The Midnight Express
Which one of the promising tag teams in GCW will go the furthest next year is anyone’s guess. Based on Eaton’s past experiences, we have chosen to go with the Midnight Express – a cutting edge tag team of the 80’s.
3. Riki Chosyu
This Japanese superstar debuted late in 1983, and even if the US crowd don’t know much about him, but we know all about his accomplishments in Japan. If he can overcome the language barriers, he might have a bright future ahead of him.
4. The Fabulous Freebirds
GCW are not the only ones with a strong tag-team division. Most of the teams in NWF are established ones, but we have chosen to give The Freebirds a mention. They will wear gold in 1984. Bank on it.
5. The Rock’n’ Roll Express
Another of the many exciting, young tag teams in the GCW ranks. Morton and Gibson possess much of the same style and qualities as the Midnight Express, and we will not be ashamed if we’re wrong in our assessment, and it turns out that this is the Express to put your money on.
Top 20 Wrestlers
1. Dusty Rhodes (2)
No matter what part of wrestling you talk about, whether it is the mat wars, the mind games or standing in front of a crowd with a microphone – Dusty Rhodes is a master at it. He regained his lost title in spectacular fashion, and has been a mainstay at the main event scene in GCW for years now. Rhodes is the guy to beat in the wrestling world.
2. Roddy Piper (4)
Piper is another master manipulator, and after having soundly defeated Greg Valentine in a cage match, Piper simply went on and became the NWF World Champion. He will have enemies amass, but he also has the 500 pound Crusher Blackwell at his side, and is probably the smartest man in wrestling today.
3. Ric Flair (13)
Quite possibly one of the best mat performers in the world. Flair did as his former partner, Roddy Piper, did in NWF – become the World Champion. Betraying the fans trust by bringing in Ole Anderson under a mask and pretending not to know of it, Flair did lose the title quickly, but he has set his mark on the wrestling world.
4. Hulk Hogan (NEW)
Undoubtedly one of the most charismatic and physical specimens that has ever graced a wrestling ring. His rise to stardom has been quicker than anyone anticipated, holding an NWF World Title before his first 12 months were up. Breaking loose from Johnny Valiant may have been his smartest move, however.
5. Stan Hansen (3)
Hansen has missed much of the year due to the injury inflicted by Dusty Rhodes, but when his arm is well and rested, none can stand against his Lariat. The current GCW Champion.
6. Greg Valentine (1)
The former NWF World Champion has stayed at the top, and had a bloody battle with Roddy Piper. His in-ring work is still top notch, and even if NWF has become really competetive, Valentine may just have a title reign left in him.
7. Ricky Steamboat (19)
Steamboat continues to climb towards the top, emerging victorious in a brillant series of battles with Bob Backlund. Has moved past the IC level, and may very well be a contender for the World Title in 1984.
8. Terry Funk (10)
Funk is probably the wrestler who has managed to create the most havoc in both NWF and GCW this year. He was fired from GCW for beating up officials, and has continued his violent ways in NWF, taking it out on Magnum T.A. – among others.
9. David von Erich (NEW)
The current US Champion’s rise to the top hasn’t been easy, but von Erich has stayed there for most of the year, even challenging Hulk Hogan for the NWF World Title.
10. Jimmy Snuka (6)
Snuka has had a good year too, fending off the advances of Freddie Blassie’s foreign army and coming out mostly on top against his men.
11. Jerry Lawler (12)
The former World Champion seems to be on his way back to his best. Stealing the IC title from David von Erich could be seen as a strategic move – or a crime.
12. Randy Savage (NEW)
The high-flying Savage has caught the fans’ attention this year, and the romance story with Tommy Rich’s sister has the fans going. Savage may have lost the tag belt, but he has won the fans.
13. André the Giant (NEW)
Like his stint in NWF, this year’s stay in GCW was a short one. He still managed to bodyslam the humongous King Kong Bundy.
14. Tommy Rich (8)
He tried to evade the Road Warriors for as long as possible, but in the end he couldn’t hold on to the tag belts. Now he’s turned against his partner Randy Savage, trying to hold his true love back from him.
15. Nick Bockwinkel (9)
Bockwinkel has held the IC Title for a while now, but the means he employs to keep the belt is more cowardly than a man of his skill should display. That’s why he is no higher than 15.
16. Magnum T.A. (7)
Magnum was red hot in 1982, but has stalled somewhat in 1983, taking quite the beating from Terry Funk this fall.
17. Bob Backlund (16)
Backlund has changed his demeanor somewhat after losing to Ricky Steamboat, focusing more on his wrestling and less on his crazy side. Still, his year hasn’t been filled with high-profile victories.
18. Harley Race (NEW)
Didn’t do too much this year, besides defeating Hulk Hogan for the World Title that is.
19. Paul Orndorrf (18)
A so-and-so year for Orndorrf. He re-united with Billy Graham, only to have his ass kicked by the Freebirds.
20. Greg Gagne (5)
Was overshadowed by Hulk Hogan for most of the year, and will probably be the one trying to stop him when Hogan comes for Valiant.
Top 5 Tag Teams
1. Road Warriors
Rarely have such a team made such an impact in so short a time. Paul Ellering’s intimidating men made their debut in NWF this year, and went straight to the top, taking the belt from Tommy Rich and Randy Savage and defending them against all comers.
2. Bobby Duncum & Dick Murdoch
The Texas Outlaws are the most dominant group in professional wrestling, with or without Stan Hansen. Duncum and Murdoch is on their second title run now, and they show no signs of letting go of it this time.
3. The Fabulous Freebirds
While they had a good run in GCW, their run in NWF has been even better. Their feud with Billy Graham and Paul Orndorrf has brought out the best in both Hayes and Gordy. Hayes can be a serious guy if needs be, and Gordy is already a star.
4. The Soul Patrol
Johnson and Atlas may have come higher up on the list, if it hadn’t been for their falling out. Even so, the first African-American tag team champions in GCW had a good and impressive reign.
5. Strike Force
Everybody had pegged Rick Martel and Tito Santana as the next tag team champions. Not only did they do well in the tag team ranks, both did well in separate title matches for Dusty Rhodes’ GCW World Title, even though they came up short. Unfortunately, Tito Santana lost the fall in a ”Loser of the fall leaves GCW”.
Top 5 Matches of the Year
1. Ric Flair vs Dusty Rhodes – 9/16/83 – Madison Square Garden
Magic happened in the Garden yet again, as Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes for the GCW World Title in a match for the ages.
2. Hulk Hogan vs David von Erich – 8/24/83 – Kansas City
David von Erich has really been the feelgood wrestler of the year, but nobody thought he would defeat the recently crowned Hulk Hogan for the NWF World Title. He didn’t win it, but he wrestled bravely and fiercely and took Hogan to his utmost limits.
3. The Texas Outlaws vs Strike Force – 10/30/83 – Boston Garden
This was the match where Tito Santana lost the fall and was forced to leave GCW. The titles were also on the lines. With so high stakes on the table, the crowd were not surprised by the ferocity involved in this match. One of the finest tag matches in several years.
Top 5 Feuds of the Year
1. Hansen/Flair/Rhodes for the GCW World Title
From the Outlaws faking a split between Duncum/Murdoch and Dusty, fooling Stan Hansen and allowing Rhodes to break Hansen’s arm, to Ric Flair, the fan favorite, beguiling everyone into believing in him, this year has been terrific for the GCW World Title. The game is up for Ric Flair this time around, but Hansen and Rhodes will hopefully continue where they left off in 1984.
2. Bob Backlund vs Ricky Steamboat
Ricky Steamboat took a big step towards main event stardom last year when he battled Larry Zbyszko, and he took an even bigger one here as he finally defeated Bob Backlund decisively in a rivalry that was both competitive and fierce.
3. Roddy Piper vs Greg Valentine
Roddy Piper is the ultimate trickster, and he had an entire wrestling world fooled when he pretended to be gravely injured at the hands of Greg Valentine. It was all a ruse to cost Valentine his World Title. These two clashed a final time in a bloody cage match, Piper coming out the winner on his way to become the NWF World Champion.
4. The Fabulous Freebirds vs Graham & Orndorrf
Billy Graham’s fan favorite days are also over. His temper flared at the shenanigans of Michael Hayes. Dropping his nephew Mike, Graham teamed up with Paul Orndorrf to embark on a bloody journey against the Freebirds, a rivalry that has really put that team on the map.
5. David von Erich vs Greg Gagne for the NWF US Title
Greg Gagne used any means necessary to keep his precious US Title, but he hadn’t considered the heart and spirit of former tag champion David von Erich. Even without his brothers, but with the support of the fans, von Erich triumphed!
Top 3 Managers of the Year
1. Paul Ellering
Bringing in a dominant team like the Road Warriors was enough for Paul Ellering to win this award (awarded for the first time). Unlike most other managers, Paul is a strictly businessman/motivator, and doesn’t get involved in his clients’ matches. Not that he needs to.
2. Bobby Heenan
Heenan has been responsible for Nick Bockwinkel’s IC Title run. While some might say that the reign has been far from dominant (due to Bockwinkel’s ways of defeating the opponent), Heenan has been instrumental. He has also led the massive King Kong Bundy against another behemoth – André the Giant!
3. Johnny Valiant
Valiant’s clients has held two belts this year, both the US and the World Title in NWF. His actions have caused him to lose his biggest one though, but Hulk Hogan is bound by his contract to obey Valiant. Which he does, to some degree. Valiant is on shaky legs going into 1984, but we think he has earned the right to be mentioned here.
Most Inspirational Wrestler
1. David Von Erich
His rise to stardom in the singles rank has been a true hero story. Pegged as a tag wrestler, nobody thought he could make it without his brothers – but he did.
2. Hulk Hogan
The former NWF World Champion has shown everyone that money isn’t all that matters. He finally found his manager’s actions tasteless, and rightfully turned on him. Hopefully, Hulk can get away from his manager’s grip.
3. Soul Patrol
Recent events put aside, this proud tag team showed the world that you can be very successful in the world of wrestling, even though you belong to a minority. PWI are sure their accomplishment means a lot to many.
Most Hated Wrestler
1. Dusty Rhodes
The leader of the most dominant faction in the world of wrestling is also a man with no dignity or scruples, blatantly fooling a whole world and his former friend Stan Hansen, breaking his arm and taking his title.
2. Roddy Piper
Piper is not unlike Rhodes, getting the fans’ sympathy for Valentine allegedly ruining his career. The guilt-ridden Valentine should have known better, as it was all a ruse. Piper will do anything, including selling his own grandmother, to get his way.
3. Nick Bockwinkel
Nick Bockwinkel is a coward. Plain and simple. He defends his IC Title by hook or crook, mostly via disqualifications or countouts. Can he muster up the courage to actually defeat somebody via pin or submission?
Wrestlers to look out for
1. Rick Martel
Even though he lost his tag-team partner, his match against Dusty Rhodes and especially his win over Backlund has caused everyone’s eyes to be directed at Martel.
2. The Midnight Express
Which one of the promising tag teams in GCW will go the furthest next year is anyone’s guess. Based on Eaton’s past experiences, we have chosen to go with the Midnight Express – a cutting edge tag team of the 80’s.
3. Riki Chosyu
This Japanese superstar debuted late in 1983, and even if the US crowd don’t know much about him, but we know all about his accomplishments in Japan. If he can overcome the language barriers, he might have a bright future ahead of him.
4. The Fabulous Freebirds
GCW are not the only ones with a strong tag-team division. Most of the teams in NWF are established ones, but we have chosen to give The Freebirds a mention. They will wear gold in 1984. Bank on it.
5. The Rock’n’ Roll Express
Another of the many exciting, young tag teams in the GCW ranks. Morton and Gibson possess much of the same style and qualities as the Midnight Express, and we will not be ashamed if we’re wrong in our assessment, and it turns out that this is the Express to put your money on.