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.
Current Awards
This award is given to the professional wrestlers who have the ability to carry an entire promotion by themselves.
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.
Best Box Office Draw
This is given to the wrestler who can make the most money for a promotion by being entertaining.
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- 2005: Kenta Kobashi
- 2006: Místico
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Feud of the Year
This is given to the most intense/well done feud between wrestlers.
Tag Team of the Year
This is given to the tag team who could carry an entire tag team division by itself.
Most Improved
This is given to the wrestler who had shown the greatest improvement over previous years.
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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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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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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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 II
- 1986: Tiger Mask II
- 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.
- 1998: Juventud Guerrera
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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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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.
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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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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Shootfighter of the Year
This award is given to the best legit fighter each year.
Worked Match of the Year
This is given to the best professional wrestling match each year.
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- 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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Shoot Match of the Year
This is given to the best MMA match each year.
Rookie of the Year
This is given to the most talented new comer.
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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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
- 1998: Jim Ross
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- 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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Worst Television Announcer
This is given to the more annoying, less exciting announcer of the year.
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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Worst Major Show
This is given to the least enthralling event of the year.
Best Wrestling Maneuver
This is given to the most innovative wrestler for coming up with an exciting move.
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- 2005: Petey Williams - Canadian Destroyer
- 2006: KENTA - Go 2 Sleep
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This is given to the most distasteful wrestling storyline/event.
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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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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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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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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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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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
- 1994: Shohei Baba
- 1995: Riki Chōshū
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- 1996: Riki Chōshū
- 1997: Riki Chōshū
- 1998: Vince McMahon
- 1999: Vince McMahon
- 2000: Vince McMahon
- 2001: Antonio Inoki
- 2002: Kazuyoshi Ishii
- 2003: Nobuyuki Sakakibara
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- 2004: Nobuyuki Sakakibara
- 2005: Dana White
- 2006: Dana White
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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
- 1996: nWo - Outsider Group
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- 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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Worst Gimmick
This is given to the least tasteful, exciting, intelligent personality.
Best Pro Wrestling Book
- 2005: Death Of WCW - Bryan Alvarez & R.D. Reynolds
- 2006: Tangled Ropes - Superstar Billy Graham & Keith Greenberg
Best Pro Wrestling DVD
Defunct Awards
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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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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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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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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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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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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Worst Tag Team
This is given to the least exciting tag team of the year.
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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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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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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