Post by rey619 on Jul 23, 2012 15:05:04 GMT -5
PWI AWARDS 1982
TOP 20 WRESTLERS
1. Greg Valentine (3)
The slight underdog who became the NWF World Title, and who against all odds held on to it for the entire year. With challengers like Mister Saito, Roddy Piper and Big John Studd, Greg couldn’t hold on to the belt to Easter, let alone the whole year. Could he? He could. And that is the reason that the most popular wrestler in the USA now also is the top wrestler.
2. Dusty Rhodes (1)
Nobody can deny that Dusty has had a good year also. With a reign starting in June 1981, Dusty has dominated GCW like few before him. With the powerful Outlaws behind him, Rhodes has fended off the likes of Bob Backlund, Jumbo Tsuruta, Terry Funk and Nick Bockwinkel. His stellar in-ring performances also help cement his legacy.
3. Stan Hansen (10)
Hansen held the IC title for a record third time this year, but his position as the right hand of the World Champion Dusty Rhodes came to an end when they came to blows late 1982. Ousted by the Outlaws, Hansen went straight for the top prize – and succeeded. Pegged as someone who couldn’t win the big one, this year ended on a good note for ”the Lariat”.
4. Roddy Piper (15)
Besting Harley Race in their feud gave Piper the perfect start of 1982. Defeating his former mentor only gave him the confidence to become a mentor of his own, taking Crusher Blackwell under his wing. Piper has challenged for both the Tag Titles and the World Title. While unsuccessful so far, his mere presence on a show is nearly enough to incite a riot, boosting the gate at every city NWF tours.
5. Greg Gagne (New)
When Gagne hears he’s # 5 in the PWI Rankings, he’ll probably scream ”Only # 5!” While Gagne’s rise to stardom has been at the expense of his father’s health, his friendship with Jim Brunzell and the career of Harley Race, his strongest trait is still his arrogance. Will the US Title be the stopping point of the former tag wrestler, or will he rise even more?
6. Jimmy Snuka (13)
Snuka returned late last year in order to work things out with his former friend Bob Backlund. The sincere attempt at reconcilliation was thwarted by Backlund’s inability to let bygones be bygones, and his frustrations over not being able to regain the World Title from Dusty Rhodes. Their storied past couldn’t go away, and they tore away at each other for large parts of 1982, a feud that Snuka emerged from victorious.
7. Magnum T.A. (New)
This newcomer took NWF and the wrestling world by storm when he entered the scene. His feud with Jerry Lawler was one of the most violent and emotional of the year, and Magnum coming out on top against the former World Champion was both a great surprise and proof that Magnum T.A. is for real.
8. Tommy Rich (18)
The mastermind, the manipulator, the schemer. While Rich now has some competition for these infamous titles in Roddy Piper, Rich still has what it takes to get what he wants, no matter the means. Aligning himself with Randy Savage has been a success – Rich piledriving Raymond Rougeau to win the NWF Tag Team Titles at the year-end show.
9. Nick Bockwinkel (New)
While his feuds against Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair may have ended in losses, Bockwinkel became the talking point of every wrestling fans after his clinics with Dusty Rhodes this past summer. Some may think he’s past his prime, but Bobby Heenan’s man proves that his technique is quite effective – and very entertaining.
10. Terry Funk (9)
The crazy Texan screwed the Texas Outlaws last Year-End show at the War Games, and while some may have been terrified at the thought of that powerful group coming after you, Funk welcomed it. He fought his way through Rhodes three stooges, before going after the champ himself. While he didn’t manage to win the strap, Funk’s year has been crazy. Crazy good.
11. Big John Studd (New)
Going undefeated through most of this year, most pundits reckoned Jimmy Hart’s guy would be the one to take the title away from Valentine. The big guy has signs of not being undefeatable though, falling not only to Valentine, but to David von Erich. Still, a good year.
12. Jerry Lawler (7)
The former world champion couldn’t take the belt back from Greg Valentine, and his feud with newcomer Magnum T.A. didn’t go exactly as planned either. Lawler threw a fireball at Magnum, and in return was almost stabbed to death in the cage. His matches have been some of the best though.
13. Ric Flair (6)
Trying to play the role as mediator between Backlund and Snuka may have failed, but Flair has become more accepted by the fans this year, and has proven himself without resorting to cheating. Defeating Nick Bockwinkel in a submission match may be his real breakthrough.
14. Mr. Saito (16)
The Japanese has forged a friendship with World Champion Greg Valentine. That friendship didn’t prevent them from having some top-notch matches over the coveted gold though. Saito has always had Valentine’s back, and he always delivers in the ring.
15. Larry Zbyszko (New)
His apparent respect for Ricky Steamboat turned out to be a ruse, and the ruthless ”Cruncher” almost destroyed Steamboat’s vision on his quest to become the IC Champ again. Larry even pissed off legend Bruno Sammartino, but defeated him in a cage match. Lost the IC Title at the year-end show to Steamboat.
16. Bob Backlund (5)
Mostly occupied with his former enemy, Jimmy Snuka. Frustrated over not being able to regain his belt from Dusty Rhodes, Backlund couldn’t forget – reigniting the greatest feud in GCW history.
17. Jumbo Tsuruta (New)
Started the year sending Sgt. Slaughter packing and challenging for the World Title, but hasn’t been as prolific this year as earlier.
18. Paul Orndorrf (12)
Held the US Title for several months in 1982, before falling to Greg Gagne. Orndorrf is one of the most popular guys on the circuit, and never fails to disappoints his fans.
19. Ricky Steamboat (17)
Won the IC Title twice this year, and must have felt stupid when Larry Zbyszko double-crossed him and sent him on the injury list for a while. The wrestler with the most heart, no doubt.
20. King Kong Bundy (NEW)
This 450-pounder entered GCW in August as Bob Backlund’s partner, and soon made an impact. Was seemingly impossible to knock off his feet, let alone defeat. Jumbo Tsuruta managed the former, who can manage the latter?
TOP 5 TAG TEAMS
1. The Can-Am Strongmen (5)
Patera and Bravo managed to win the Tag Titles for the second time together, a feat in itself in such a great division. With Freddie Blassie at their side, The Brisco Brothers and the other top teams has a powerful and well-cohesive team to gun for.
2. Canadian Air (4)
Rougeau and Poffo held the NWF Tag Team Titles for several months in 1982, defending it against all comers. The team that had their breakthrough defeating and dismantling the High Flyers last year finally had to see their belts go against Savage and Rich at the year-end show.
3. Tommy Rich and Randy Savage (New)
With Rich’s brain and Savage’s agility, it was only a question about when, not if, they would get hold of some gold. While clashing with Piper and Blackwell showed a different side of Rich, they stayed true to their course and reached their goal at the year-end show.
4. The Brisco Brothers (New)
The Brisco Brothers have won gold in both the big promotions now, shocking everyone by de-throning the dominant Outlaws. Feuding with Blassie’s Strongmen, the veterans fell short. A terrific comeback in any case.
5. East-West Connection (2)
While both Adonis an Ventura have left NWF now, their tag-team title legacy lasted until May. A NWF original team, the East-West Connection will be remembered as a team who never gave up their goal, and who finally succeeded.
TOP 3 MATCHES
1. Dusty Rhodes vs Nick Bockwinkel – Baltimore, Md
While the first two matches between these two ended in a time limit draw, this epic encounter didn’t have a time limit, allowing these two grapplers to spend as much time as they pleased. While Bockwinkel is more of a hold-for-hold guy and Dusty is a brawler, they switched styles in this match, which gave it its unique edge. Best match in a couple of years – easily.
2. Nick Bockwinkel vs Jumbo Tsuruta – New York, NY
On his way to challenging for the World Title, Bockwinkel had to face the two-time champion, Jumbo Tsuruta. Watching Bockwinkel try (and succeed) in slowing down the frantic pace of the well-conditioned Japanese was a thrill to watch.
3. Jerry Lawler vs Magnum T.A. – I Quit Cage Match
The hatred between these two culminated in the cage, where the winner was the one who forced his opponent to say ”I Quit”. In a match with unprecedented violence, Magnum T.A. stabbed Jerry Lawler with a wooden spike, forcing the dreaded words from his mouth. The level of violence was borderline criminal, but the match was brilliant.
TOP 5 FEUDS
1. Bob Backlund vs Jimmy Snuka
The winner of the Feud of the Year 1980 wins another award this year. While feuds must end for others to begin, the way this has been an excellent rerun with the roles reversed. Snuka’s sincere apology, his attempts to bury the hatchet, Flair’s role as negotiatior and Backlund finally rejecting the attempts led to several great matches and an intense hatred that goes back several years. While these probably are done with each other now, we’ll always remember Snuka’s flying headbutt.
2. Ricky Steamboat vs Larry Zbyszko (with Bruno Sammartino)
Steamboat losing several close encounters with Ricky Steamboat in the early months of 1982 led to him showing signs of respect for the young Steamboat. It all turned out to be a ruse though, as Zbyszko cost Ricky his IC Title and nearly took his eye out. On the way to the year-end show, Zbyszko managed to bring legend Bruno Sammartino into the feud, which ultimately cost him the title.
3. Magnum T.A. vs Jerry Lawler
Lawler tried to take his frustrations out on this newcomer, but it backfired in a huge way. Magnum T.A. is for real, and he let Lawler know it. Definitely the most violent feud of the year, with Lawler fireballing Magnum and Magnum stabbing Lawler with a wooden spike.
4. Greg Valentine vs Big John Studd
The unstoppable force facing the underdog champion whose reign had to end at any moment. Add to this Jimmy Hart and Studd’s undefeated streak, and nobody gave Valentine a chance in heck. Valentine proved them wrong, even defeating Studd in a decisive manner.
5. Greg Gagne vs Harley Race
Gagne has built his career on other people’s broken backs, and he used Race to this effect in a feud that has sent Race away from NWF, at least for the time being.
TOP 5 WRESTLERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 1983
1. Hulk Hogan
The level of hype this young guy has received since his arrival from AWA was heralded may be the biggest obstacle in his path to success, but we still place him at # 1, only because we know how important a factor to success a manager such as Johnny Valiant can be, and because his charisma is undoubtedly magnetic.
2. King Kong Bundy
The immovable object may have finally been knocked off his feet, but he has yet to be defeated. Similarities have been made with Big John Studd in NWF, who was also undefeated until meeting Greg Valentine for the NWF strap. Can Bundy go all the way, or will someone stand in his way?
3. David von Erich
Floundering after his brothers left for GCW, David has found his way back to the winning circle, defeating Big John Studd a couple of times in the fall. Von Erich should set his sights on some gold this year and prove once and for all that he is more than a tag team wrestler.
4. The Sheepherders
Entering NWF in October of 1982 and immediately defeating the Grahams in a bloody feud. This violent duo fits pefectly in the NWF atmosphere, and may very well end up with a pair of golden straps before 1983 is over - as long as they can have at least some discipline.
5. Randy Savage
He has already become the tag team champion, but Savage is destined for more greatness. Does he really need Rich by his side? Or can he branch out on his own? His size and style may prevent him from being wholly effective against some of the bigger wrestler on the roster, but Savage has a big future ahead of him.
TOP 20 WRESTLERS
1. Greg Valentine (3)
The slight underdog who became the NWF World Title, and who against all odds held on to it for the entire year. With challengers like Mister Saito, Roddy Piper and Big John Studd, Greg couldn’t hold on to the belt to Easter, let alone the whole year. Could he? He could. And that is the reason that the most popular wrestler in the USA now also is the top wrestler.
2. Dusty Rhodes (1)
Nobody can deny that Dusty has had a good year also. With a reign starting in June 1981, Dusty has dominated GCW like few before him. With the powerful Outlaws behind him, Rhodes has fended off the likes of Bob Backlund, Jumbo Tsuruta, Terry Funk and Nick Bockwinkel. His stellar in-ring performances also help cement his legacy.
3. Stan Hansen (10)
Hansen held the IC title for a record third time this year, but his position as the right hand of the World Champion Dusty Rhodes came to an end when they came to blows late 1982. Ousted by the Outlaws, Hansen went straight for the top prize – and succeeded. Pegged as someone who couldn’t win the big one, this year ended on a good note for ”the Lariat”.
4. Roddy Piper (15)
Besting Harley Race in their feud gave Piper the perfect start of 1982. Defeating his former mentor only gave him the confidence to become a mentor of his own, taking Crusher Blackwell under his wing. Piper has challenged for both the Tag Titles and the World Title. While unsuccessful so far, his mere presence on a show is nearly enough to incite a riot, boosting the gate at every city NWF tours.
5. Greg Gagne (New)
When Gagne hears he’s # 5 in the PWI Rankings, he’ll probably scream ”Only # 5!” While Gagne’s rise to stardom has been at the expense of his father’s health, his friendship with Jim Brunzell and the career of Harley Race, his strongest trait is still his arrogance. Will the US Title be the stopping point of the former tag wrestler, or will he rise even more?
6. Jimmy Snuka (13)
Snuka returned late last year in order to work things out with his former friend Bob Backlund. The sincere attempt at reconcilliation was thwarted by Backlund’s inability to let bygones be bygones, and his frustrations over not being able to regain the World Title from Dusty Rhodes. Their storied past couldn’t go away, and they tore away at each other for large parts of 1982, a feud that Snuka emerged from victorious.
7. Magnum T.A. (New)
This newcomer took NWF and the wrestling world by storm when he entered the scene. His feud with Jerry Lawler was one of the most violent and emotional of the year, and Magnum coming out on top against the former World Champion was both a great surprise and proof that Magnum T.A. is for real.
8. Tommy Rich (18)
The mastermind, the manipulator, the schemer. While Rich now has some competition for these infamous titles in Roddy Piper, Rich still has what it takes to get what he wants, no matter the means. Aligning himself with Randy Savage has been a success – Rich piledriving Raymond Rougeau to win the NWF Tag Team Titles at the year-end show.
9. Nick Bockwinkel (New)
While his feuds against Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair may have ended in losses, Bockwinkel became the talking point of every wrestling fans after his clinics with Dusty Rhodes this past summer. Some may think he’s past his prime, but Bobby Heenan’s man proves that his technique is quite effective – and very entertaining.
10. Terry Funk (9)
The crazy Texan screwed the Texas Outlaws last Year-End show at the War Games, and while some may have been terrified at the thought of that powerful group coming after you, Funk welcomed it. He fought his way through Rhodes three stooges, before going after the champ himself. While he didn’t manage to win the strap, Funk’s year has been crazy. Crazy good.
11. Big John Studd (New)
Going undefeated through most of this year, most pundits reckoned Jimmy Hart’s guy would be the one to take the title away from Valentine. The big guy has signs of not being undefeatable though, falling not only to Valentine, but to David von Erich. Still, a good year.
12. Jerry Lawler (7)
The former world champion couldn’t take the belt back from Greg Valentine, and his feud with newcomer Magnum T.A. didn’t go exactly as planned either. Lawler threw a fireball at Magnum, and in return was almost stabbed to death in the cage. His matches have been some of the best though.
13. Ric Flair (6)
Trying to play the role as mediator between Backlund and Snuka may have failed, but Flair has become more accepted by the fans this year, and has proven himself without resorting to cheating. Defeating Nick Bockwinkel in a submission match may be his real breakthrough.
14. Mr. Saito (16)
The Japanese has forged a friendship with World Champion Greg Valentine. That friendship didn’t prevent them from having some top-notch matches over the coveted gold though. Saito has always had Valentine’s back, and he always delivers in the ring.
15. Larry Zbyszko (New)
His apparent respect for Ricky Steamboat turned out to be a ruse, and the ruthless ”Cruncher” almost destroyed Steamboat’s vision on his quest to become the IC Champ again. Larry even pissed off legend Bruno Sammartino, but defeated him in a cage match. Lost the IC Title at the year-end show to Steamboat.
16. Bob Backlund (5)
Mostly occupied with his former enemy, Jimmy Snuka. Frustrated over not being able to regain his belt from Dusty Rhodes, Backlund couldn’t forget – reigniting the greatest feud in GCW history.
17. Jumbo Tsuruta (New)
Started the year sending Sgt. Slaughter packing and challenging for the World Title, but hasn’t been as prolific this year as earlier.
18. Paul Orndorrf (12)
Held the US Title for several months in 1982, before falling to Greg Gagne. Orndorrf is one of the most popular guys on the circuit, and never fails to disappoints his fans.
19. Ricky Steamboat (17)
Won the IC Title twice this year, and must have felt stupid when Larry Zbyszko double-crossed him and sent him on the injury list for a while. The wrestler with the most heart, no doubt.
20. King Kong Bundy (NEW)
This 450-pounder entered GCW in August as Bob Backlund’s partner, and soon made an impact. Was seemingly impossible to knock off his feet, let alone defeat. Jumbo Tsuruta managed the former, who can manage the latter?
TOP 5 TAG TEAMS
1. The Can-Am Strongmen (5)
Patera and Bravo managed to win the Tag Titles for the second time together, a feat in itself in such a great division. With Freddie Blassie at their side, The Brisco Brothers and the other top teams has a powerful and well-cohesive team to gun for.
2. Canadian Air (4)
Rougeau and Poffo held the NWF Tag Team Titles for several months in 1982, defending it against all comers. The team that had their breakthrough defeating and dismantling the High Flyers last year finally had to see their belts go against Savage and Rich at the year-end show.
3. Tommy Rich and Randy Savage (New)
With Rich’s brain and Savage’s agility, it was only a question about when, not if, they would get hold of some gold. While clashing with Piper and Blackwell showed a different side of Rich, they stayed true to their course and reached their goal at the year-end show.
4. The Brisco Brothers (New)
The Brisco Brothers have won gold in both the big promotions now, shocking everyone by de-throning the dominant Outlaws. Feuding with Blassie’s Strongmen, the veterans fell short. A terrific comeback in any case.
5. East-West Connection (2)
While both Adonis an Ventura have left NWF now, their tag-team title legacy lasted until May. A NWF original team, the East-West Connection will be remembered as a team who never gave up their goal, and who finally succeeded.
TOP 3 MATCHES
1. Dusty Rhodes vs Nick Bockwinkel – Baltimore, Md
While the first two matches between these two ended in a time limit draw, this epic encounter didn’t have a time limit, allowing these two grapplers to spend as much time as they pleased. While Bockwinkel is more of a hold-for-hold guy and Dusty is a brawler, they switched styles in this match, which gave it its unique edge. Best match in a couple of years – easily.
2. Nick Bockwinkel vs Jumbo Tsuruta – New York, NY
On his way to challenging for the World Title, Bockwinkel had to face the two-time champion, Jumbo Tsuruta. Watching Bockwinkel try (and succeed) in slowing down the frantic pace of the well-conditioned Japanese was a thrill to watch.
3. Jerry Lawler vs Magnum T.A. – I Quit Cage Match
The hatred between these two culminated in the cage, where the winner was the one who forced his opponent to say ”I Quit”. In a match with unprecedented violence, Magnum T.A. stabbed Jerry Lawler with a wooden spike, forcing the dreaded words from his mouth. The level of violence was borderline criminal, but the match was brilliant.
TOP 5 FEUDS
1. Bob Backlund vs Jimmy Snuka
The winner of the Feud of the Year 1980 wins another award this year. While feuds must end for others to begin, the way this has been an excellent rerun with the roles reversed. Snuka’s sincere apology, his attempts to bury the hatchet, Flair’s role as negotiatior and Backlund finally rejecting the attempts led to several great matches and an intense hatred that goes back several years. While these probably are done with each other now, we’ll always remember Snuka’s flying headbutt.
2. Ricky Steamboat vs Larry Zbyszko (with Bruno Sammartino)
Steamboat losing several close encounters with Ricky Steamboat in the early months of 1982 led to him showing signs of respect for the young Steamboat. It all turned out to be a ruse though, as Zbyszko cost Ricky his IC Title and nearly took his eye out. On the way to the year-end show, Zbyszko managed to bring legend Bruno Sammartino into the feud, which ultimately cost him the title.
3. Magnum T.A. vs Jerry Lawler
Lawler tried to take his frustrations out on this newcomer, but it backfired in a huge way. Magnum T.A. is for real, and he let Lawler know it. Definitely the most violent feud of the year, with Lawler fireballing Magnum and Magnum stabbing Lawler with a wooden spike.
4. Greg Valentine vs Big John Studd
The unstoppable force facing the underdog champion whose reign had to end at any moment. Add to this Jimmy Hart and Studd’s undefeated streak, and nobody gave Valentine a chance in heck. Valentine proved them wrong, even defeating Studd in a decisive manner.
5. Greg Gagne vs Harley Race
Gagne has built his career on other people’s broken backs, and he used Race to this effect in a feud that has sent Race away from NWF, at least for the time being.
TOP 5 WRESTLERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 1983
1. Hulk Hogan
The level of hype this young guy has received since his arrival from AWA was heralded may be the biggest obstacle in his path to success, but we still place him at # 1, only because we know how important a factor to success a manager such as Johnny Valiant can be, and because his charisma is undoubtedly magnetic.
2. King Kong Bundy
The immovable object may have finally been knocked off his feet, but he has yet to be defeated. Similarities have been made with Big John Studd in NWF, who was also undefeated until meeting Greg Valentine for the NWF strap. Can Bundy go all the way, or will someone stand in his way?
3. David von Erich
Floundering after his brothers left for GCW, David has found his way back to the winning circle, defeating Big John Studd a couple of times in the fall. Von Erich should set his sights on some gold this year and prove once and for all that he is more than a tag team wrestler.
4. The Sheepherders
Entering NWF in October of 1982 and immediately defeating the Grahams in a bloody feud. This violent duo fits pefectly in the NWF atmosphere, and may very well end up with a pair of golden straps before 1983 is over - as long as they can have at least some discipline.
5. Randy Savage
He has already become the tag team champion, but Savage is destined for more greatness. Does he really need Rich by his side? Or can he branch out on his own? His size and style may prevent him from being wholly effective against some of the bigger wrestler on the roster, but Savage has a big future ahead of him.
