After a stellar 1999, 2000 was a bit of a down year for wrestling. While there were some positives, the year was hurt by the fact that WWF seemed to coast steadily along for the majority of the year. It appears that the troubles experienced by WCW and ECW and the resulting lack of competition has worked to the detriment of the entire industry. I guess good old Nietzsche had it right when he said, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger" (or something like that). It certainly seems to apply to the WWF (and Conan movies, I might add). Anyway, WCW seemed to show signs of improvement, but it seems like I say that in every one of these little reviews. It's far past time that they stop showing signs of improvement and actually improve. And finally, while I'm afraid that I'm probably just throwing sand in the wind with this comment, the sex, violence, and racial and ethnic stereotyping continue to reach frightening levels. I question the belief that ratings and money should be the only consideration. But without further ado, here's the best and worst of 2000.
THE PUTSKI'S HAMMER WRESTLER OF THE YEAR AWARD: TRIPLE H (WWF)
Triple H put together the best performance by a heel since Ric Flair was in his prime. Every angle he was involved in was top notch, and he was involved in just about every major angle in the WWF this year. Besides, it's nice to see someone who works as hard as he does get results. Booker T deserves mention here, but he was involved in too many awful angles to mention (remember G.I. Bro'?) Triple H gets the edge based on consistency.
BEST WRESTLER: CHRIS BENOIT (WWF)
I'm considering renaming this award "The Canadian Crippler Award for Excellence." I've said it before, but the most amazing thing about this guy is his ability to match styles with anyone: brawler, technical wrestler, or big spot guy. I like the way that the WWF has made a guy with no microphone skills a main-eventer.
FEUD OF THE YEAR: TRIPLE H VS. CHRIS JERICHO (WWF)
No other feud had the same combination of good (and at times great) wrestling, solid interviews and promos, and genuine crowd heat.
TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: EDGE & CHRISTIAN (WWF)
They could always wrestle, but now their microphone skills are probably even better than their wrestling ability.
MOST IMPROVED: "BIG POPPA PUMP" SCOTT STEINER (WCW)
This guy went from one of my bottom ten wrestlers to one of my top ten in one year. His microphone skills have increased a hundred fold, he's giving more effort in the ring, and his insane heel persona fits him perfectly. The bottom line is that when he comes on the screen, I'm less likely to use the remote control to switch stations than I was before.
BEST ON THE MICROPHONE: KURT ANGLE (WWF)
The Rock? Know your role and shut your mouth. Chris Jericho? You will never, EVER be as good as our Olympic hero. It's true, it's true - Kurt Angle is the funniest guy in the game.
MOST UNDERRATED: 3-COUNT (WCW)
Forget the goofy gimmick for a second, as well as the fact that WCW has largely wasted them. These guys are awesome wrestlers. Their feud with the Young Dragons proves it.
MOST OVERRATED: KEVIN NASH (WCW)
Someone wake me up if Scott Hall comes back to make this guy interesting again.
BEST PROMOTION: WWF
If you need me to explain this to you then you obviously don't watch wrestling.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: KURT ANGLE (WWF)
Okay, I'm cheating with this one because he's been here for a little more than a year, but his unprecedented rise to super-stardom deserves special recognition.
NON-WRESTLER PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: RIC FLAIR (WCW)
He may have hung up the tights and taken over as CEO of WCW, but the Nature Boy can still fire up the crowd with his stylin' and profilin'.
ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR: JIM ROSS (WWF)
He takes everything so seriously, but somehow doesn't come across as being corny.
WORST ANNOUNCER: TONY SCHIVONE (WCW)
"We've never seen this before on Nitro!" "What a great, um, maneuver." "I know there's a match going on, but let me tell you about what's in store for Hulk Hogan later tonight." "Madden, you're such a lame brain." Should I go on?
BEST MANEUVER: TRIPLE H'S PEDIGREE (WWF)
It's unique and cool.
WORST MOMENT: EDDIE GUERRERO TAKES THE HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCE EXAM (WWF)
Ethnic stereotyping is not entertainment.
WORST WRESTLER: KEVIN NASH (WCW)
Actually, does he even qualify as a wrestler?
BEST GIMMICK: EDGE & CHRISTIAN (WWF)
These guys totally reek of "awesomeness."
WORST GIMMICK: RIGHT TO CENSOR (WWF)
Come on, Vince, your critics DO have some good points, don't they? How about making some changes, rather than just mocking them.
LEAST FAVORITE WRESTLER: ANYONE WHO USED TO BE IN DX OTHER THAN TRIPLE H (WWF)
From the Road Dogg rapping, to Chyna discussing her childhood, to X-Pac wrestling in some match where you can hear a pin drop because the crowds asleep, to Billy Gunn ... well, doing pretty much anything. Does anyone really care?
WORST ANGLE: DAVID ARQUETTE WINNING THE WCW TITLE (WCW)
Uh, note to WCW's creative staff: have it be like that episode of Dallas where a season's worth of episodes turned out to be nothing but a dream ...
CRUISERWEIGHT OF THE YEAR: LANCE STORM (WCW)
Note #2 to WCW: give this guy a huge push now!
And finally... Introducing the first class in the Ivan Putski Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame:
Congratulations to the class of 2000!
Submitted 12/9/00 by Cleveland lawyer Brad Sobolewski.