The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has now released its annual awards issue, celebrating the events and wrestlers of 2021.
These awards are voted on by their readers and are generally respected as a good representation of the business. Points were allocated on a 5-3-2 basis, with readers voting for their top 3 and their top pick earning 5 points, seconds earning 3, third receiving 2.
Former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega notably won the award for Wrestler of the Year, earning 629 first place votes. For comparison, Roman Reigns, who earned the #2 spot, received 90 first place votes. Shingo Takagi bagged the #3 spot with 46 first place votes. The previous year’s winner, Jon Moxley, placed at #10.
The top wrestlers of 2021, as voted on by Wrestling Observer Newsletter readers, are:
1. Kenny Omega (629) 3,755
2. Roman Reigns (90) 1,636
3. Shingo Takagi (46) 1,604
4. Bryan Danielson (127) 1,411
5. Utami Hayashishita (134) 1,310
6. C.M. Punk (24) 566
7. Syuri (21) 254
8. Adam Page (11) 199
9. Katsuhiko Nakajima (4) 113
10. Jon Moxley (1) 72
Omega started the year holding the AEW World and AAA Mega Championships, before winning the IMPACT World Title in April. The Cleaner is currently out of action due to multiple injuries, last wrestling at Full Gear in November, dropping the AEW World Title to Hangman Page.
Omega vs Page also won rivalry of the year. Other notable award winners include:
- Tag team of the year – Young Bucks
- Best on interviews (promos) – MJF
- Match of the year – Young Bucks vs Lucha Bros – AEW All Out (determined solely by first-place votes)
- Feud of the year – Kenny Omega vs Hangman Page
- Most improved – Tay Conti
- Most underrated – Ricochet
- Rookie of the year – Jade Cargill
- Best non-wrestler – Paul Heyman
- Best announcer – Excalibur
- Worst announcer – Corey Graves
- Best booker – Tony Khan
- Promoter of the year – Tony Khan
You can view the full list of awards in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
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