The 2013 PWI Poll: Breaking Down A Few Of My Selections

Pro Wrestling Illustrated releases one of their most anticipated issues of the year.

In the newly released July issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated the well respected mag has revealed the results of their annual "PWI Poll".  Generally, I make my picks, but they never really coincide with those of the majority of their beloved readers.  I never really mind because everyone is entitled to their opinion.  Still, if you're reading this, then I'm safely assuming you respect mine to some extent.  So what I've done here is reveal my choices for the top 7 questions that really piqued my interest.  Some of my answers may surprise you, but I'll explain just why I made my decision and then kindly ask you to leave a comment or hit me up on twitter with your thoughts/picks as to just who is the most deserving of the following awards.  Sound good?  Well then join me for more after the jump!

 

1. Who Is, Pound For Pound, The Best Wrestler In The World?

Hiroshi Tanahashi in his B-boy stance.

PWI Reader's Choice - CM Punk

Even though Punk had a stellar 2012 and got my vote for the Wrestler Of The Year, if we're talking who the real best wrestler alive is, there's absolutely no one in Hiroshi Tanahashi's league.  The New Japan Ace is quite honestly, the perfect wrestler.  Looks, charisma, drawing power, work rate, crossover appeal, championship aura, you name it and Tanahashi should rank near the top of anyone's list.  Coming into 2013, he's already the frontrunner for nearly half of my Year End Awards as well.  Pick any match of his over the last six months and try and argue against him.  Good luck.

 

2. If You Could Only Watch The Matches Of Only One Active Wrestler, Whom Would You Choose?

 

CM Punk is must-see TV.

PWI Reader's Choice - CM Punk

Even though I had previously stated that Shinsuke Nakamura would be my choice here, I don't think I could completely satiate my wrestling appetite for an entire year with just his work alone.  CM Punk is for me, the most captivating performer in the sport both in the ring and on the mic & he always gets you fully invested in whatever he's doing.  It's something of a rarity in the WWE's top stars these days, but looking back at their PPV Calendar in 2012, I had ordered nearly all of their events.  Mostly because Punk is in the midst of pro wrestling's most compelling body of work this decade.

3. What Is The Most Devastating Finishing Maneuver In Wrestling?

Kazuchika Okada's "Rainmaker" is the most effective finish in the world today.

 

PWI Reader's Choice - Sheamus' "Brogue Kick"

I had already done a ranking of the best finishes in the sport earlier in the year and Okada's arm-trap lariat still stands alone as the best of the best.  I had Sheamus' Brogue Kick up at number 11 and I thought that was a fair ranking at the time.  If we're talking pure devastation, a running boot from a 6'4", 260+ lb Irishman is a sure bet, but there are very few moves in the sport that boast a more impressive success rate than the RAINMAKAAAAAH!  Hell, why don't you just see for yourself...

Seriously, if "Forced Somersault" was a felony, Okada would be Public Enemy #1.

4. Who Is Wrestling's Next Breakout Star?

In my eyes, Dean Ambrose is already there.

 

PWI Reader's Choice - Magnus

I find it completely absurd that Dean Ambrose wasn't even among the top vote getters here.  What's even more mind-boggling is the fact that Roman Reigns was the only member of The Shield ranked near the top.  I do think Roman has "future star" written all over him, but each member of the group has out-classed every other newcomer you can try and throw up against them.  Magnus is.....an interesting choice, but I've always thought Ambrose was going to be a major player for the WWE.  As of press time, he's even scored a rare singles match with The Undertaker (the deadman's first on TV in three years!).  And if Taker's approval isn't enough to convince you he's the real deal, nothing will.

 

5. Who Is The Most Promising Developmental Star?

Paige is the sort of talent you can build the division around.

PWI Reader's Choice - Kassius Ohno

While I've been a huge fan of Kassius Ohno since his days in ROH (The Kings Of Wrestling are my personal favorite tag team of all time), I don't see him making the same level of impact that Paige is going to make when she finally debuts on a major WWE TV program.  She is already better than pretty much every diva on the main roster right now and why she isn't already midway through her second or third divas championship is beyond me.  With youth on her side though, there really isn't much need to worry just yet.  

 

6. Who Is The Most Underrated Wrestler In The World?

Karl Anderson has become one of New Japan's many unsung heroes.

 

PWI Reader's Choice - Tyson Kidd

Tyson Kidd is an Internet favorite and his fanbase has become arguably, the most vocal among the many forums and blogsites you'll find on your breaks between the endlessly entertaining "asshole cat" videos and repeat viewings of "Gangnam Style".  That being said, many are very aware of just how good Kidd is in the ring.  The term "underrated" almost becomes an oxymoron when you're talking about a guy who's just as praised and beloved as Dolph Ziggler is.  Underutilized?  Sure he takes the cake, but as far as being underrated goes, I don't think you'll find a guy better suited for the title than Karl Anderson.  A proven workhorse with the ability to step up in big match situations usually doesn't just fall by the wayside when fans list their choices for the best in the biz, but somehow, Anderson always seems to slip people's minds.

7. Which Wrestler Will Be Next To Sign With Either WWE Or TNA?

ACH is the savior of TNA's X Division.

PWI Reader's Choice - Adam Cole

I think there's no other wrestler better equipped to build TNA's fallen X Division around than the man who I believe to be the best aerial specialist in the game today, ACH.  The guy is a walking highlight reel and he has consistently blown me away with every performance.  It's something I can relate to seeing AJ Styles for the first time back in 2002.  When TNA was on the rise, it was Styles who kept me interested through the rough patches and it's ACH I see doing so for a whole new generation of fans.  He can also be used as an occasional main event talent and possibly, a world title run if given the opportunity.  And with the WWE seemingly scooping up all the most exciting indie talent, ACH's refreshing repertoire could provide an invaluable asset. 

 

And A Few More Of My Choices....

Me <3 Kana.

• Wrestling's Sexiest Woman? - Kana.
• Best Brawler? - Minoru Suzuki.
• Is Wrestling Better Or Worse Than It Was 5 Years Ago? - Better.
• Who'll Be #1 On The 2013 PWI Female 50? - Jessicka Havok.
• Is The Rock Done As A Regular Performer? - Yes.
• Wrestling's Best Aerialist? - ACH.
• Wrestling's Best Technician? - Daniel Bryan.
• Best Promos? - CM Punk.
• TNA Vs. WWE Match I Want To See The Most? - Kurt Angle vs. CM Punk.

Be sure to let me know some of your picks for in the comments below!  And as always, thanks for reading!


-G9Z