After a stellar 1999, wrestling has kicked off the new millenium in a rather disappointing fashion. First and foremost, the sex and violence has gotten completely out of control. Particularly disturbing is the trend of mixing sex AND violence. It is absolutely disgusting to watch a 250-pound man beat up a 110-pound woman ... and get cheered! There has also been a troubling increase in racial and ethnic stereotyping.
Wrestling's over-the-top antics have begun to have real world effects. There have been an increasing number of injuries suffered by young fans imitating their favorite wrestlers' "hardcore" style of wrestling. Wrestling has also been blamed in part for the increasingly out-of-control behavior expressed by fans of "real" sports at live events (most notably the incident at the Chicago Cubs-L.A. Dodgers game a few months ago).
There is hope on the way. A number of companies have dropped their advertisements due to public pressure, and we all know that wrestling is about making money. As public outrage increases, and advertisers become increasingly leery, perhaps the writers and performers will put on the breaks. Despite wrestling's plummet deeper and deeper into decadence, the first six months were not without their high points. Here then is the best and worst of the first half of 2000.
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: BOOKER T (WCW)
Perhaps a surprising choice, but I give WCW some credit for finally giving this man his due. Easily one of the most talented and most popular wrestlers in WCW. Hopefully his title reign marks a change in WCW.
BEST WRESTLER: CHRIS BENOIT (WWF)
How good is his in-ring ability? Good enough that he is headlining events in the WWF despite a complete inability to cut a good promo.
BEST FEUD: TRIPLE H vs. MANKIND (WWF)
Triple H was an excellent foil for Mankind in his farewell to wrestling. This feud generated genuine emotion from the fans, and also incorporated some solid matches.
BEST TAG-TEAM: EDGE AND CHRISIAN (WWF)
They always were borderline spectacular in the ring, but this year they have proven that they are really funny. No one else even comes close to taking this award.
MOST IMPROVED: EDDIE GUERRERO (WWF)
I'm really disappointed in the ethnic stereotyping often associated with Latino Heat (see "Worst Angle" below), but Eddie has shown a great deal of charisma and in-ring talent that was wasted in WCW.
BEST ON THE MICROPHONE: KURT ANGLE (WWF)
It's true, it's true. Our Olympic hero edges out such notables as Chris Jericho and the Rock.
MOST OVERRATED: KEVIN NASH (WCW)
It just looks like he does not care.
BEST PROMOTION: WWF
It does appear like WCW is making strides.
ROOKIE OF THE MID-YEAR: KURT ANGLE (WWF)
In the history of wrestling no one has ever made a more dramatic rise to the top. Considering his unbelievable interview skills, great sense of humor, and solid in-ring work, it should not be too surprising.
BEST ANNOUNCER: J.R. (WWF)
The King keeps us laughing, but J.R.'s straight-man act is a big reason that the WWF is so easy to watch.
WORST ANNOUNCER: TONY SCHIAVONE (WCW)
Trying to figure out why the WWF destroys WCW in the ratings? Start with the guys calling the action.
BEST MANEUVER: JEFF HARDY'S SWANTON BOMB (WWF)
Simply awesome.
WORST ANGLE: DAVID ARQUETTE WINNING THE WORLD TITLE (WCW)
Does this really require any comment?
WORST GIMMICK: LATINO HEAT (WWF)
I try not to be overly PC, but from watching Eddie Guerrero, are we supposed to assume that the majority of Latin Americans did not graduate from high school? A low point in WWF programming. It's disappointing to me that Eddie agreed to do this.
LEAST FAVORITE WRESTLER: THE ROAD DOGG JESSE JAMES (WWF)
Does anyone care about DX anymore? Does anyone like to listen to his tired pre-fight introduction? Does anyone else realize that he cannot wrestle at all?
WORST WRESTLER: KEVIN NASH (WCW)
Let's see: he has the big boot, the power bomb, and the ... um ... wait a minute ...
BEST MANAGER: STEPHANIE MCMAHON-HELMSLEY (WWF)
In took her awhile to get into the swing of things, and she's still a long way a way from being as good as Vinnie Mack or Shane-O, but she's rapidly getting there.
CRUISERWEIGHT OF THE YEAR: SCOTTY 2-HOTTY (WWF)
I never really jumped on the 2-Cool bandwagon, but I have to admit that this master of breakdancing always impresses.
MOST UNDERRATED: TRIPLE H (WWF)
At the heart of every major storyline in the WWF.
Submitted 8/7/00 by Cleveland lawyer Brad Sobolewski.