----It is hard to believe that one third of the year is already over. I am going to do something here that I have not done in years past, but it will give everyone a point of reference to go to later in the year. Below is my analysis for the five main categories and below that are my quick picks all for 1/3 of 2008 for the RRO Awards.
----Wrestler – It is hard to pick anyone so far this year as there as not been a lot of major storylines. There is also not one promotion that is entirely built around one guy and that one guy is the one that draws the crowds. My three picks for this category are Derrick King, Stan Lee and Austin Lane. It would be hard not putting DK in this slot due to the fact that he has won two years in a row and is also still very influential in this area. Lee gets the nod for his stellar performance at the UWL PPV and just being one of the best overall performers. I may get a little “heat” for the last pick, but I think ASWF is one of the few promotions that use a guy to promote him as the top guy, although they do showcase the other talent, Austin Lane is the man there. Not only is he the top guy – but that promotion draws crowds.
----Performer – As many of you know this category really has nothing to do with drawing power – it matters how the worker performs night after night. The good thing about this award so far this year is there are many candidates. 2007 winner Stan Lee leads the pack again along with Reno Diamond [smooth & works hard every time], “TGB” Greg Anthony [one of the better workers in the area – works hard to have a good match], Austin Lane [also works hard] and I would be ridiculous not to mention Derrick King here also.
----Tag Team – “The Asylum” [Pappy/Psycho] lead this category this year due to the fact that much like “The Posse” of last year, they are the most well traveled and booked team in this area. “Black Label Society” [AJ Bradley/Robbie Douglas] are just slightly behind them. AJ is the better worker of both teams. I would have to put the “Missouri Bad Boys” [Mark Southern/Missouri Renegade] third here in a major surprise. I mean who would have thought I would be saying the MBB are one of the top teams of 2008?? Other teams considered would have to be “Hot Topic” [Derrick King/Stan Lee], Brandon Barbwire/Anton LeVeigh [they have been on top of high attended shows], “Sons of the South” [Chris Styles/Josh Matthews], “Southern Saints” [Reno Diamond/Marcus O’Neil/ Shawn Reed] [only tagged at Chikara though] and “Parental Advisory” [Tony Dabbs/Scott Porteau]. The ironic thing is that “The Posse”, RRO 2008 winner, does not team enough or has not worked any major shows to be considered this year yet.
----Best Damn Tag Team – RRO 2008 winner “Naughty by Nature” [Rude/Pokerface] have to still be considered one of the top three in the area. They have not teamed as much as year, but when they are in the ring then they are “the” team. “Hot Topic” [Derrick King/Stan Lee] are easily in here along with “Black Label Society” [AJ Bradley/Robbie Douglas], who had the best tag match so far this year I have seen. Lots of other good working teams including the “Asylum” [who know psychology with the best of them] and Eric Wayne/Kid Nikels [if they get a run as a team].
----Best Promotion – This is an award that I like to see given to a promotion that not only draws crowds, but also puts on top matches. Two time winner TLCW might still have some of the best matches in the area, but have fallen behind in the drawing power. My nod this year would have to go to either TIWF [for pure drawing power] or ASWF [for drawing power and not afraid to try new things]. Since moving to Trenton , TN TIWF has drew an average of 180+ at all the shows with all “homegrown” talent. I never thought I would be writing that this group would be considered for this award, but they are doing just as good or better than anyone this year. All Pro Productions is my third pick because of their drawing power and owner Kenny Valiant always trying to bring in new people and new towns. I have to mention NBW here just because they have consistently drawn this year and their storylines have been interesting. Championship Wrestling is a little far from us, but has also drawn some good crowds and good matches. TLCW is still a place with a lot of good workers, but they have lost some of their luster.
----Other awards…
*Most Improved – Idol Bane [may be in the Top 10 by the end of the year]
*Most Underrated – AJ Bradley [one of the smoothest]
*Rookie – Mike Anthony [ASWF rookie sensation]
*Best Booker – TIWF Committee [the police angle sold me]
*Match of the Year – Eric Wayne vs Kid Nikels [****1/4 – nuff said]
*Best Announcer – Michael Ward [for having to calling PK vs Overkill LOL]
*Best Manager – “ Hollywood ” Jimmy Blaylock [angle with Ken Wayne was priceless]
*Best Damn Radio Show – “Cheap Heat Radio” with Randy Hales Part III [my favorite part because of his Brandon Baxter rant]
*Best Wrestling Web Site – Wrestling News Center [it has evolved into a cut and paste site, but you can go and catch up on everything]
*Columnist of the Year – “Axeman” Randall Lewis [not always my favorite, but is the hardest working man on WNC]
*Best Ref – Bill Rush [William Gibson not far behind]
* Best Gimmick – “Asylum” [Pappy/Psycho]
VOICE YOUR OPINION AND YOUR CHOICE FOR AWARDS FOR THE FIRST 120 DAYS OF 2008!
