Cheap Heat Wrestling's 2017 Year End Awards

January 05, 2018

Cheap Heat Wrestling's 2017 Year End Awards

2017 Cheap Heat Wrestling Year End Awards

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Rookie of the Year: Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane was already an accomplished Japanese pro before her arrival in the WWE for the Mae Young Classic; however, she was still an unknown to most American wrestling fans. The former Kairi Hojo faced a difficult seeding in the tournament and ousted the likes of Tessa Blanchard, Dakota Kai, Toni Storm and the world-beater MMA star, Shayna Baszler. Although outsized and overpowered by each of her four opponents, Sane's performance proved masterful and will go down as one of the most memorable in professional wrestling history. After the astounding Mae Young Classic victory, Sane was called up to NXT, where she was immediately a force in the NXT Women's Championship picture, almost immediately competing in a Fatal 4-Way for the Title at NXT Takeover: War Games, her first NXT pay-per-view appearance. Sane's future is bright and looks to be one of the top women in wrestling for years to come.

2016 Winner: Nia Jax
2015 Winner: Moose

Inspirational Wrestler of the Year: Paige
Arguably no wrestler in history faced a more difficult year than Paige. The 25 year old former two time Divas champion ended 2016 as a daily staple in wrestling dirt sheet news and for all the wrong reasons. Paige was twice suspended by the WWE, had a publicly tumultuous relationship with former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio, had her phone illegally hacked with her private nude photos and videos illegally disseminated throughout the internet, suffered a major neck injury, and wasn't expected to ever wrestle in the WWE again. For all intents and purposes, her wrestling career was thought to be finished, which is what makes her return so inspirational. Paige told Lilian Garcia, on Lilian's Chasing Glory podcast, that she suffered from anorexia and suicidal thoughts. She said, "When the movie came out, I barricaded myself in the house for a couple months. I was so sad. I contemplated suicide. I was drinking too much. I got so skinny. I ended up collapsing with exhaustion and ended up hospitalized in England. They told me I had stress induced anorexia. I wasn't eating. I wasn't sleeping. I lost all my hair. I literally had no hair left because I was so stressed. I had a ton of people destroying me. Cyberbullying is a real thing. 50 per cent of that is what made me want to kill myself. These people don't have a life. I usually just snap out of things, but a girl wrote to me who told me I was her biggest inspiration. ... Just having that support system made me kick out. I do have the best fan base." Despite being at a personal low point, Paige did just what she said she did. When the world thought her defeat imminent, she kicked out and the WWE Universe took immediate notice. Paige made a shocking surprise return to the WWE on the November 20th episode of RAW. Along with her new Absolution stable mates (Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville), Paige proved once again to be one of the most dominant and charismatic women in wrestling. If she continues to progress, she should be a strong Female Wrestler of the Year candidate in 2018. Paige overcame more than her fair share of adversity to become our 2017 Inspirational Wrestler of the Year.

2016 Winner: Bayley
2015 Winner: Allie Parker

Manager of the Year Award: Maria Kanellis-Bennett
We understand that this may be the most controversial award of the 2017 season; but, ask that you hear us out anyway. Maria Kanellis-Bennett deserves this award. Maria returned to the WWE alongside real life husband Mike Bennett (now Mike Kanellis) at this year's Money in the Bank pay-per-view. The two lovebirds played the role of a couple obsessed with their own romance and the WWE Universe were left either scratching their heads screaming, "Get a room!" The angle didn't have much of a chance to get over, however. Unbeknownst to the WWE Universe and Maria, Mike Bennett was suffering from a prescription pain pill addiction that required rehabilitation. The addiction side-lined any potential progress the two had made in their WWE run. Maria didn't run and hide, she didn't ask, "Why Me?" or lament her position. Nor did she ask for a divorce or even a new wrestler to manage. She stood by Mike, posting the following on Instagram, "This was the first week of my husband's recovery from prescription drugs. This was the hardest week of my life. People try and give advice or you can read every book but the truth is there is no right way for a person to get clean. My husband was addicted to prescription drugs and I didn't know. You blame yourself. You blame the business. You blame God. But, anyone can become addicted. No one is safe. A glamorous job doesn't protect you from addiction. It truly makes you wonder about everyone around you. Is that person hurting? What's that person's story? In these photos you see Mike in the hospital, finding his appetite, trying to workout, having a match for the first time at WWE, and playing with my niece with the marks from the Clonidine patch the hospital gave him still on his arm. Addicts don't look like the people in the movies sometimes. They are just people that took a road they shouldn't have. Mike is doing great. He channeled all that energy into working out and being healthy. Mike wanted to quit. Now, as we move forward even though the road is hard. It's the right road. I love you, My Friend. WE believe in you. You are a hero to so many. Keep Fighting. Keep Pushing. Be the Miracle." Mike's done well since his stint in rehab and the couple are now expecting their first child. Why is Maria Kanellis-Bennett our 2017 Manager of the Year? She made a successful return to the WWE, successfully managed her family during her own husband's struggles with addiction, showed a praise-worthy amount of loyalty, and is now managing a new addition in her stable. It's been a remarkable year for Kanellis-Bennett and she didn't crumble under pressure, instead showing the dignity and grace fans have come to expect from the long-time veteran. Although she was dealt a hand that provided her with plenty of trouble, Maria Kanellis-Bennett excelled in 2017

2016 Winner: Lana
2015 Winner: Paul Heyman

Most Improved Wrestler of the Year: Jinder Mahal
Jinder Mahal spent most of his WWE career as a jobber, a wrestler whose only job was to lose while making other wrestlers look good. After a stint in the forgettable Three Man Band, in which he played a Punjabi rocker along-side stable mates Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre, Mahal was unceremoniously future endeavored by the WWE; but, his release didn't destroy him. Instead, it lit a fire under him. Mahal dedicated himself to improving his body. He began working out religiously and following a strict clean eating regiment. Eventually he added a massive amount of muscle to his frame which drastically changed his physique. Vince McMahon noticed and Mahal soon found his way back to the WWE. Fans should have noticed that there was something different about Mahal's 2017 run when he was one of the final two remaining competitors in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The WWE thought highly enough of him to insert him into a major national angle with New England Patriots star tight end, Rob Gronkowski on the wrestling world's biggest stage: WrestleMania. Mahal's opportunities wouldn't end there and he would take clear advantage of them all. On the April 18th episode of SmackDown LIVE, Mahal won a Six Pack Challenge, outlasting competitors like Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn and the much larger Bludgeon Brothers. Mahal's victory earned him the opportunity to face WWE Champion Randy Orton at Backlash. While most of the wrestling world dismissed the idea of Mahal becoming world champion, that didn't stop Jinder. He continued to work, continued to push himself, and continued to excel. That's what he does now. That's who he is. Mahal went on to beat Randy Orton at Backlash and become the very first world champion of Indian descent. Mahal would be a fighting champion and face the likes of John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, and A.J. Styles, a cast of future WWE Hall of Famers. Still, Mahal would be WWE Champion for an astounding 170 days before dropping the Title to A.J. Styles. Some fans had to pinch themselves to make sure they weren't dreaming when they'd see Mahal with the WWE Championship. It was difficult to imagine this former jobber, now at the pinnacle of his craft; but, Jinder knew all along what he was capable of and that's why he so heavily invested himself in his work. Jinder Mahal is the obvious choice for our 2017 Most Improved Wrestler of the Year.

2016 Winner: Braun Strowman
2015 Winner: Nikki Bella

2017 Comeback of the Year: The Hardy Boyz
Several competitors could have won this award. The SHIELD returned in 2017. Even WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle returned in 2017 and oddly enough, joined The SHIELD. The Hardy Boyz; however, returned on wrestling biggest stage to capture what is arguably the most prestigious prize in tag team wrestling. There was no bigger pop in 2017 than when the Hardy Boyz' music hit for the WrestleMania 33 Tag Team Ladders match. The Orlando, FL reached a fever pitch when the two tag team legends made their way down the entrance ramp. Although Cheap Heat Wrestling reported the Hardyz return well in advance of Mania (despite public denials from Jeff) most doubted our report. After all, the wrestling world had just seen the Hardy Boyz wrestle a brutal ladder match for rival promotion Ring of Honor, the preceding night. Most didn't expect the Hardyz to even be able to physically compete in another ladder match, much less the day after. Not only did they return to the roaring approval of the Orlando, Florida crowd, they went onto excel in the match. The Hardyz stood above each of their opponents, climbed the ladder, and came home with the RAW Tag Team Championships. Matt and Jeff Hardy win our 2017 Comeback of the Year Award.

2016 Winner: Goldberg
2015 Winner: Sting

2017 Andy Kaufman (Best Comedic Performance by a Wrestler) Award: Breezango
Each and every week the WWE Universe waited in eager anticipation for what Fandango and his tag team partner, Tyler Breeze, would come up with next. Reaching heights of ridiculousness in a sport that is known for its ridiculousness, the duo made people laugh again. With skits based on television series like Miami Vice and Stranger Things, the two displayed a penchant for slapstick comedy and cheese worthy of notice. While they may not win an Emmy this year and didn't bring home tag team gold, they certainly achieved levels of comedic gold never before seen in the WWE. Breezango is our 2017 Andy Kaufman Award winner.

2016 Winner: Chris Jericho
2015 Winner: Xavier Woods

2017 Most Popular Wrestler of the Year: The SHIELD
There was always something special about the three young men in black security vests and everyone knew it. Upon their entrance into the WWE, the SHIELD took the wrestling world by storm; but, due to Triple H and Seth Rollins, it was over just as quickly as it started. Fans; however, never gave up and never lost hope and in unison proclaimed, "One day the SHIELD will rise again." Despite Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose each achieving massive amounts of singles success and all becoming world champions, they were asked at every convention and every autograph session, "When will the SHIELD return?" People begged for it. People even prayed for it. Their prayers were answered in November 2017 when the three men rejoined forces. No reunion was met with more anticipation than the reunion of the SHIELD. The Beatles were back together again. Fans went wild. Roman Reigns went from being booed to suddenly being adulated. Rollins and Ambrose were once again recognized for their immense amount of in-ring talent. For a brief moment in time, all was right with the world. Their reunion wasn't perfect. Roman Reigns was sidelined with a mysterious illness and Dean Ambrose sidelined with a torn triceps. No, it wasn't perfect; but, it was beloved and that is why our 2017 Most Popular Wrestler of the Year award goes to the SHIELD.

2016 Winner: Dean Ambrose
2015 Winner: Dean Ambrose

2017 Most Hated Wrestler of the Year: Enzo Amore
I know. We are haters. To an extent that bodes well for Amore, a heel; but, ultimately only fans will judge whether this is good heat or go away heat. The WWE tried to make us like Enzo; but, it didn't work. He was too slippery, too arrogant, too brash and what had he ever done? Big Cass, his hulking seven foot tall tag team partner, obviously carried his team in the ring; but, Amore was a true MC on the microphone and cut promo after promo after promo after promo. He talked our ears off, whether we liked it or not. It never stopped. Enzo carried his gift of gab so far, he even found himself being kicked off the company bus by none other than Roman Reigns. Word has it that Amore could still be heard chirping as the bus took off, leaving him behind to fend for himself. Enzo Amore never stopped talking until he finally backed up all that talking and won his first championship gold, the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Amore injected some excitement into the lackluster brand and his presence even pushed the cruiserweights to close RAW two weeks in a row. Fans tuned in, apparently, to see Amore brutalized by the rest of the cruiserweight roster as babyfaces and heels alike joined forces in their mutual disdain for Amore. Fans stayed up late and tuned into a third hour of RAW just to see that. That is why Enzo Amore very much deserves our 2017 Most Hated Wrestler award.

2016 Winner: Roman Reigns
2015 Winner: Seth Rollins

Rivalry of the Year: Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman
This award could have gone to Roman Reigns' other big rivalry this year against John Cena; but, even though that rivalry featured the two wrestling legends squaring off for the first time ever, it lacked the staying power that Reigns vs Strowman had. What Reigns and Cena had on the mic, Strowman and Reigns had in physicality and so much more. Roman Reigns and Braun Stromwan: where should we begin? Like two monsters in your favorite horror movie, if we ever see the Apocalypse these two will be brawling as the world burns down. They are made for each other: King Kong and Godzilla tearing into each other as cities collapse beneath their feet. These two collided just after WrestleMania 33. Their feud involved Roman Reigns being thrown off a ramp to his apparent death, Reigns crashing an ambulance that Strowman was apparently being crushed to death in, and Strowman flipping over an ambulance Reigns was injured in with his bare hands. Who could forget Strowman's famous, "I'M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU," just when we thought Reigns could take no more brutality? Even in a year with some amazing feuds, this was far and way Rivalry of the Year. If there is any dissent out there, take it up with either of these two behemoths.

2016 Winner: Sasha Banks vs Charlotte Flair
2015 Winner: Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker

Tag Team of the Year: The Usos
After spending far too much time in the New Day's shadow, the Usos finally restored themselves as the best tag team in wrestling. As Ric Flair often said, "To be the man you got to beat the man," and that's just what the Usos did. They systematically took the New Day down. The Usos faced the New Day in some of the greatest tag team matches in history, ultimately winning out against the Unicorns in a brutal Hell in a Cell tag team match at this year's Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. As SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos have taken on all challengers and have stood apart as the very finest tag team in all of professional wrestling. They are Cheap Heat Wrestling's 2017 Tag Team of the Year.

2016 Winner: The New Day
2015 Winner: The New Day

Match of the Year: Tyler Bate vs Pete Dunne (NXT Takeover Chicago 5/20/2017)
Tyler Bate entered the match as the winner of the United Kingdom Championship tournament. Despite Pete Dunne being favored to win the tournament, Bate took home the United Kingdom Championship and was to defend that Title in this match NXT Takeover Match against Dunne. This was now Dunne's chance to prove himself on the world stage. The 23 year old Dunne and the 20 year old Bate put on a match worthy of our highest regard. In what will go down in the annals of wrestling history as one of the greatest matches of all time, Bate vs Dunne at NXT Takeover Chicago was an instant classic. With a roaring Chicago crowd voicing its approval and chanting, "Fight forever," the two youngsters put on a technical display that would make even the most savvy wrestling purists weep with tears of joy. Called perfectly by the legendary Jim Ross, the match was an absolute delight. Ending with Pete Dunne capturing the United Kingdom Championship, wrestling fans are the real winners. Tyler Bate vs Pete Dunne at NXT Takeover Chicago is the 2017 Match of the Year.

2016 Winner: Cedric Alexander vs Kota Ibushi (8/10/16 - Cruiserweight Classic)
2015 Winner: Pentagon Jr. vs Vampiro

Female Wrestler of the Year: Alexa Bliss
Winning this award in today's era of women's wrestling is a huge accomplishment. Women's wrestling has never been better, never more filled with talent than in 2017. Standing apart from her talented contemporaries is none other than Alexa Bliss. Bliss rose to the top of the women's division in both leagues this past year, having been both the RAW and SmackDown Women's Champion. Bliss, in fact, captured 3 world championships this year alone, not too bad in one year's time. At 5'0" tall, she fought larger competitors like Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Naomia, and Mickie James. In 2017, Five Feet of Fury stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Alexa Bliss is our 2017 Female Wrestler of the Year.

2016 Winner: Charlotte Flair
2015 Winner: Nikki Bella

Wrestler of the Year: Roman Reigns
While Roman Reigns certainly attracts criticism and like John Cena before him, a great deal of haters, no one came close to having the 2017 Roman Reigns had. Reigns defeated the Undertaker at WrestleMania and then John Cena at Backlash, two of the most highly regarded legends in the history of wrestling. He brutally battled and traded victories with Braun Strowman, a behemoth who weighs more than 400 pounds. Reigns reunited with the SHIELD and for the first time ever captured the Intercontinental Championship, becoming both a Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion, an honor reserved for only the most elite wrestlers in history. In a RAW division that seldom sees their Universal Champion, Roman Reigns was the WWE's main attraction, the torch bearer: a full timer that competes as the WWE's top draw every single evening. Reigns also seems to have found himself on the microphone, a talent that was too watered down be WWE Creative over scripting. After returning to RAW the day after WrestleMania, a day after defeating the Undertaker, the Orlando, FL crowd greeted Reigns with deafening boos. Reigns allowed the crowd to vent their anger, took to the microphone and said simply and callously, "This is my yard now," before dropping the mic and exiting as "the man." In his feud with Cena, Reigns didn't allow John Cena's verbal jabs to go unanswered. Instead, he became motivated to keep up with Cena, a master on the mic. In their epic "rap battle" Reigns called Cena, whom most of the locker room either respects or fears, "A Fake part-timing bitch!" Even Reigns' most ardent detractors couldn't help but be impressed by the line. 2017 is the year Roman Reigns found himself entirely living up to his hype. He became the standard bearer Vince McMahon always knew he would be. Roman Reigns is our 2017 Wrestler of the Year.