Here you go, the grand finale, the guys who are so awesome to me that calling them my favorites would be an understatement. Last year there were four. This year, there's a fifth. WHO IS IT? Let's get to the list to find out.
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| Photo Credit: WWE.com |
Chris Jericho - Jericho spent the better part of his final year (for now, let's hope) in the business helping to put over everyone he could – Edge, Wade Barrett, the nameless GM and finally Randy Orton. They gave him a run with the World Championship and as clean a WrestleMania main event win as they could, but Y2J was clearly in the give mode. That's one of the many reasons why he could be my favorite wrestler of all-time. He's not only a great talent, but he's not so self-absorbed that he can't help other people get over without thinking that his heat would get hurt. He's a true professional, and Christ, I hope to God that he decides that wrestling isn't beneath him and makes one last run in WWE. For the kids. And by kids, I mean me.
Claudio Castagnoli - I spent a good amount of time at shows where he wrestled in 2010 booing him. Was it because I all of a sudden didn't like him anymore? Hell no. The thing is, I didn't go to many ROH or Sapolsky-booked shows, so it was mostly Chikara or bust. In Chikara, he was sort of an über-heel. I got into the show and played mark, jeering Claudio and his BDK faction, when in reality, I thought the job he did all year was amazing. Finally, people were recognizing him. He was given a year-long reign with the ROH Tag Titles that's still ongoing, and ROH treats its tag teams right. He was also given his first ever American-based World Championship in PWG. I can't think of anyone else who deserves it more.
Austin Aries - A Double is one of the best showmen in all professional wrestling. He always cuts a blisteringly hot promo. His ring work is impeccable, treading the line between indie strong style and sports entertainment storyteller with such adroit that he makes so many other of his contemporaries, even the ones who get more of the critical acclaim than he does, look utterly silly. His facial expressions and body language are better than those of your favorite wrestler most likely (unless your favorite wrestler is Jericho or the last guy on this list). Yet, he's out of ROH because he speaks his mind, and he won't get picked up by WWE because he's not a half a foot taller. What a cruel business wrestling is. At least he'll still have bookings for Gabe Sapolsky, PWG, NWA Hollywood and other indie feds that want to have greatness working for them. Better that than nothing at all, I say.
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| Photo Credit: ChikaraPro.com |
Bryce Remsburg - To the untrained eye, Bryce is "just a referee". That's why those eyes are untrained. Bryce is not only the best ref in wrestling (I WILL HEAR NO ARGUMENT AT ALL TO THE CONTRARY!), but he's one of the best announcers in wrestling as well. He's affable and accessible on Twitter, Facebook and after the shows. The Podcast-a-Go-Go just wouldn't be the same without him, Wiggly, Gavin Loudspeaker and others bringing the smiles and the good times. Plus, he liked my salsa, and no one who likes my salsa can be a bad person.
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| Photo Credit: WWE.com |
Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan - Could he be the most versatile performer of all-time? I don't know, but he's definitely up there, and there isn't anything more satisfying on WWE TV right now than seeing him showing everyone in the world that a nerdy, technical wrestler belongs on the international mainstream stage along with the John Cenas and Randy Ortons of the world. He never has a bad match. NEVER. He's got such an understated promo delivery that puts guys who've been in the WWE for years to shame, even though they've had way more practice on the big stage. Here's to several more years on top in the WWE for Daniel Bryan. He may not bring about the next big wrestling boom, but it'll be damn fun watching him revolutionize the way matches are wrestled in the ring.
Aries and Castagnoli Photo Credits: Scott Finkelstein - Please visit his site to view the plentiful amounts of pictures he's taken for DGUSA, ROH and other indie feds: Get Lost Photography
Remember you can contact TH and ask him questions about wrestling, life or anything else. Please refer to this post for contact information. He always takes questions!
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