----It is hard to believe that two thirds of the year is already over. I just spoke tonight with an area worker and said that 2008 has not been a good year for wrestling in this area. But, we have had some performers outshine others. In May, I took a look at the first third of the year. Let's take a look at what has changed. These two articles will also give people a reference point for the 2008 Awards. Below is my analysis for the five main categories and below that are my quick picks all for 2/3 of 2008 for the RRO Awards.
Wrestler: I guess the list can not be complete without mentioning Derrick King, who is the two time winner of the award. I really believe Memphis Wrestling not airing every week has hurt him. He also took some time off at TLCW , so he might actually be the underdog in this award so far this year. My pick so far has to be Kevin White. That pick may surprise some people, but here is a guy that has worked hard all year not to only make a place for himself, but to keep wrestling in this area in tact. He has helped book some of the bigger shows and almost every match I have seen him in – he is has been above average.
Performer: Three names that come to my mind when I think of this – Stan Lee, Austin Lane and Greg Anthony. Anthony is my pick this year – no matter how many that are in the crowd – no matter where he is – he is giving 110%. Eric Wayne and Kid Nikels also get a nod here just for that one match. Flash Flanagan also should be considered.
Tag Team: Much like the Posse did to win this award last year, the most traveled team this year is “Asylum” [Arnez/Pappy/Psycho] – they might not be the best as workers, but are no doubt the most exposed team making them “the “team of the area. “Black Label Society” [AJ Bradley/Robbie Douglas] are my second pick just barely behind Asylum. BLS has helped the gates at every show that they have worked and their match against Stan Lee/Derrick King earlier this year would be a nominee for match of the year This team may not be one of my favorites, but Anton LeVeigh/Brandon Barbwire headlined a lot of high attendance All Pro shows this year.
Best Damn Tag Team: “Naughty by Nature” [Pokerface/Rude] have not tagged that much this year, but would still be considered one of the top working teams in this area. BLS should also be considered here and maybe Lee/DK. Parental Advisory ("Bad Attitude" Tony Dabbs & "The Studd" Scott Porteau) would also be a pick here. I seen these guys have a [***] with midgets. LOL
Promotion: TLCW has not had the exposure or attendance as they did the last few years. My picks here would have to be TIWF [for pure weekly drawing], NBW [for steady gates and fun storylines] and ASWF [for drawing power and not being afraid to try new stuff]. All Pro and Memphis Wrestling Superstars has to be mentioned for drawing the biggest crowds.
----Other awards.
*Most Improved: Idol Bane, Cody Melton, Albino Rhino and Pappy
*Most Underrated: AJ Bradley, Mark Justice, Izzy Rotten, Dell Tucker, Psycho, Seth Knight, Christian Jacobs
*Rookie: Robbie Douglas, Greg King Jr, Cody Melton and Mike Anthony
*Best Booker: RWA Committee [Rik Burton], ASWF Committee, TIWF Committee [loved the police angle],Greg Anthony [great angles, great workrate, no crowd though] and Jeremy Moore.
*Match of the Year: Eric Wayne vs Kid Nikels [****1/4 – nuff said]
*Best Announcer: Terrence Ward, Michael Ward and Kimble Winstead
*Best Manager: Garry White [got so much heat he had to hurt someone], Jimmy Blaylock [Ken Wayne angle was great!!, "Classy" Meltin Massy, Rashard Devon.
*Best Wrestling Web Site: Dustin Starr’s “World of Wrestling Blog, www.wrestlingnewscenter.com
*Columnist of the Year: Sal Corrente
*Best Gimmick: “The Baron” Malkenvain
*Best Ref: Bill Rush, William Gibson
*Horizon Award: Cody Melton, Eric Wayne, Kid Nikels, Stan Lee, Greg Anthony along with the obvious picks like Rodney Mack, Derrick King and Flash Flanagan.
VOICE YOUR OPINION ON THE 2008 AWARDS ON THE KAYFABE MESSAGE BOARD!!
