411’s Wrestler of the Week 09.19.11: Year Seven, Week 25

Posted by Larry Csonka on 09.19.2011

Mark Henry won the World Title, Johnny Gargano & Chuck Taylor won the CHIKARA Campeones de Parejas, John Cena won the WWE Title and more! Check out 411's Wrestler of the Week for all the details and for an updated look at the Year-End standings!



Welcome to Week 25, Year SEVEN, of 411's Wrestler of the Week. A quick overview of the rules to kick things off for us as a reminder…

Each writer chooses FIVE wrestlers from any promotion and each wrestler gets a point total attached to that ranking. It looks a little like this…

1st - 5
2nd - 4
3rd - 3
4th - 2
5th - 1

If you are wondering how some of the writers decide who to vote for, please check out our Wrestler of the Week Supplemental Column!

Then we tally up the votes and the official 411 Wrestler of the Week is crowned. But wait, there's more! Each week the top SIX vote getters get a points value for their ranking which looks something like this…

1st - 15
2nd - 12
3rd - 9
4th - 6
5th - 3
6th - 1

...and they go towards the 411 Wrestler of the Year award to be announced each year around WrestleMania. This will be posted every Monday. Let's see who wins this week…

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Larry Csonka
1) Mark Henry
Mark Henry finally did it. He cut great promos, he killed people leading up to the match and then defeated Randy Orton at the Night of Champions PPV, clean as a hospital sheet to win the World title. Welcome to the hall of pain.

2) Sara Del Rey: Sara Del Rey scored two HUGE wins this weekend in CHIKARA, and is in prime contention in the 12 Large Tournament. She is being treated as a main event level competitor in CHIKARA and shining.
3) Johnny Gargano & Chuck Taylor: Johnny Gargano & Chuck Taylor ended the tag team title run of Quackenbush and Jigsaw and are your new Campeones de Parejas!
4) Kenny King & Rhett Titus
5) Cody Rhodes


Michael Ornelas
1) Mark Henry
Good for him. He has lost a bunch of weight and has been on a roll in his latest heel venture, so I'm glad his loyalty has been repaid with a World Heavyweight Championship run, even though it will likely be his only one, and I don't think it'll last too long. It'd be cool if he can go over Orton in the feud though before dropping it to Sheamus or someone else.

2) The All-Night Express (Kenny King & Rhett Titus): Won the third ever ladder match in Ring of Honor history after a brutal battle with Jay & Mark Briscoe.
3) F.I.S.T. (Chuck Taylor & Johnny Gargano): Your NEW Campeones de Parejas!
4) Eddie Edwards
5) John Cena


Ryan Byers
1) Mark Henry
I've been a big supporter of Mark Henry during his most recent main event push. The guy has cut some great promos, showed some great charisma during angles, and, well, he hasn't really had any great matches, but he's Mark Henry and he's not on the show to have great matches. No matter how much I liked Henry's recent performances, though, I never would have imagined in a million years that WWE would go all the way and put the World Heavyweight Title on the man from Silsby, Texas. Now that they have, I'm more pleasantly surprised than I have been for any title win in recent history. Yes, even moreso than I was for Punk at MITB. I can only hope that Henry gets a long, dominant reign that establishes him as a permanent upper-tier guy once and for all.

2) Akira Tozawa: For quite some time, Akira Tozawa was nothing special in Dragon Gate. Then, the company sent him on an excursion tot he US, where he developed significantly and got some rave reviews from indy fans for his performances in DGUSA, PWG, CHIKARA, and elsewhere. Now he's back in Japan full-time and is being treated like a main event act, and, this past week, he got what is perhaps the biggest singles win of his career when he beat former Open the Dream Gate Champion YAMATO in a no rope, no disqualification main event match.
3) Sara Del Rey: SDR has been on a real tear in CHIKARA this year, being treated as a legitimate main event star despite the fact that she's a woman. She continued that roll this weekend, first beating BDK leader Ares via submission and then moving on to beat Ophidian in a Twelve Large Tournament match the result of which is Del Rey being tied with Mike Quackenbush at the top of their Twelve Large block.
4) Kevin Steen
5) HHH


Andy Critchell
1) Mark Henry
The greatest win of Mark's career without a doubt. And you know what else? HE KICKED ORTON'S ASS SON! HE SPLIT ORTON'S WIG SON. Because that's what Mark Henry does. Honestly, I didn't think he would win but given that he is my favorite wrestler in the world right now, I am more than happy to eat crow. Kudos to Mark, YOUR new World Heavyweight Champion and YOUR future wrestler of the year. If you don't think I am going to HAM on the 411mania podcast tonight…then you don't know me very well.

2) John Cena: What has two thumbs and is the only person to pick Cena as the new WWE champion at the 411mania roundtable preview? That's right, this guy. Learn to love it comment section troglodytes because it is just real recognizing real. I mean you'd think after seeing Cena win his first 9 WWE championships people would recognize the "You Can't See Me" train that was coming down the tracks but hey, some folks are blind. How ya like me now?
3) Triple H: Welcome to WWE Status Quo, population: CM Punk
4) F.I.S.T.
5) Sara Del Rey


Robert S. Leighty Jr
1) Mark Henry
After 15 years of doing everything asked of him, Mark Henry finally wins one of the 2 World Titles in the WWE. Henry has been booked like a beast, and that continued Sunday as he dominated Randy Orton.

2) John Cena: Most of the IWC may not like it, but John Cena is once again the WWE Champion.
3) The All Night Express: Won a brutal ladder war match to become new #1 contenders for the ROH Tag Titles.
4) Cody Rhodes
5) Sting


Wes Kirk
1) Mark Henry
There's really no other choice. Mark Henry was booked as a dominant wrestler for several months despite jobbing to the whole roster for fifteen years and now he's suddenly the heavyweight champion of the world, right up there with other World Champions his caliber such as Great Khali, David Arquette, and the legendary Vince Russo. So congratulations to Mark Henry on winning the Big Gold Belt, and may God help us all with the matches that will follow.

2) Sting: After finally getting Ric Flair in the ring and working a good match with him, Sting defeated The Nature Boy and got a shot at Hulk Hogan during Bound For Glory. This is obviously the attempt to push Hogan face possibly due to what happens during the match and it gives Sting the chance to defeat two of the top world champions ever in back-to-back matches as well, which is never a bad thing for an already legendary resume.
3) John Cena: And just like that my old WWE RAW: Same Old Crap graphic for the column becomes current again. Too bad it was originally designed five years ago which shows you how little has changed. But yes, they should just have Cena pin the entire roster of the WWE and get it over with in one single match so we can move on.
4) Winter
5) Cody Rhodes


TJ Hawke
1) Kenny King and Rhett Titus
Two of the breakout players in ROH 2011 had their first iPPV main event and delivered in spades. Not only was the match great, but King and Titus now have a tag title shot, and I think most people agree they should be the team to dethrone Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas.

2) Mark Henry: The World Titles are obviously switched around too much, but I am generally happy for Mark Henry. Since 2008, the man has improved a lot, and in a time where Orton and Cena are always champion, I am okay with a (probably) short Henry reign. HALL OF PAIN~!
3) Kevin Steen: The man is living proof that there is more to professional wrestling than just the actual matches. As ROH struggles for dynamic characters with the new TV era looming, Steen (in just 2 appearances in 2011) proved once again why he should be one of the cornerstones of ROH going forward.
4) Chuck Taylor and Johnny Gargano
5) Munenori Sawa


Michael Bauer
1) Mark Henry
He has been on a tear and he got the title reign he deserves for being a company man for so long.

2) All Night Express: Broke out huge on PPV, beating the Briscoes in the Ladder War.
3) Sara Del Rey: Continues to dominate CHIKARA.
4) Chuck Taylor & Johnny Gargano
5) Eddie Edwards


Jeremy Thomas
1) Mark Henry
Mizark beat Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Title. Cleanly. On a Pay-Per-View. That's something I literally never thought I'd see. Kudos to Henry and let the era of pain begin.

2) The All Night Express: Kenny and Rhett survived a war with the Briscoes to become the #1 contenders to the tag team titles. Good on them.
3) Kelly Kelly: A lot of people don't like the decision to have Beth lose twice in a row to Triple K on PPV, but the fact remains that she won which is huge for her and worked harder and better than I think I've ever seen her do. Kudos to her for that.
4) John Cena
5) Sara Del Rey


Chad Nevett
1) Mark Henry
If they booked this differently, this could have been the triumph of a beloved veteran face who, after years of never making it to the top, finally overcomes the odds and wins a world title. Instead, it was about a monster that destroyed everything in its path and took the world title. But, that subtext is there and Mark Henry has finally won a world title -- and at the perfect time for him to do so. He's been fantastic these last few months and I'm really looking forward to seeing him as a dominant monster heel champion.

2) The All Night Express: In a brutal match, the ANX went over the Briscoes to earn a title shot. That's how you make young talent look great -- and how you advance guys to the title hunt.
3) Cody Rhodes: On Monday night, he beat the World Heavyweight Champion and former mentor Randy Orton, while, on Sunday, he beat his former partner to retain the Intercontinental Championship. I think this means he won Legacy.
4) Triple H
5) Sara Del Rey


RC Sutton
1) Mark Henry
This was Easy. The World's Strongest Man had a very big week. I'm very happy for him that I was wrong in my predication and that he is World Heavyweight Champion. The tear he has been on has been great!

2) The All-Night Express: Both Kenny King & Rhett Titus deserve this spot for Ladder War 3. That was an epic battle with the Briscoe Brothers. I was a huge fan of this match, absolutely awesome.
3) Cody Rhodes: Picking up a win against the then World Heavyweight Champion on Raw on Monday, and following it up with another successful title defense of his Intercontinental Title on a PPV is a very good week.
4) Sting
5) John Cena


Steve Cook
1) Mark Henry
It was a very busy week in the world of wrestling, but nobody had a week on par with the World's Strongest Man. Henry ended fifteen years of frustration on Sunday night when he added Randy Orton to the Hall of Pain and won his first World Championship. Here's hoping WWE gives him a chance, and usually I'd be more confident that they would, but you saw the rest of that show.

2) Cody Rhodes: Cody scored arguably the biggest victory in his career on Monday night with a pinfall win over Randy Orton, then defeated Ted DiBiase on Sunday to retain the Intercontinental Title.
3) Chuck Taylor & Johnny Gargano: The representatives of F.I.S.T. won the CHIKARA tag team championships on Sunday, defeating Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw.
4) John Cena
5) The All Night Express

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THE WINNERS~!

Special Mention…Sting - 7 Votes

Fifth Place…Cody Rhodes & Sara Del Rey - 13 Votes

Fourth Place…Johnny Gargano & Chuck Taylor - 15 Votes

Third Place…John Cena - 17 Votes

Once again your WWE Champion.

Second Place…Kenny King & Rhett Titus - 31 Votes

Earned an ROH tag team title shot by defeating the Briscoes in Ladder War III!

Wrestler of the Week…Mark Henry - 59 Votes

Your NEW World Champion!


Year-End Standings~!
And here are the rankings after week TWENTY FIVE…

1. Randy Orton (WWE) - 79

2. CM Punk (WWE) - 75

3. Christian (WWE) – 69

4. Mark Henry (WWE) - 55

5. John Cena (WWE) - 51

6. Alberto Del Rio (WWE) – 50

7. R-Truth (WWE) – 48

8. Kurt Angle (TNA) - 40

9. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW) - 31

10. Sheamus (WWE) - 30
10. Austin Aries (TNA) - 30


Sin Cara {Mistico} (WWE) – 27

Rey Mysterio (WWE) – 26 {INJURED}

Sting (TNA) - 25

Gunner (TNA) - 24
Giant Bernard (NJPW) - 24
Kota Ibushi (DDT) - 24

El Generico (ROH) - 21
MVP (NJPW) - 21
Daniel Bryan (WWE) - 21

Takashi Sugiura (NOAH) - 19
The Miz (WWE) - 19

Johnny Gargano (US Independent) - 18

HHH (WWE) – 16
Brian Kendrick (TNA) - 16

Bobby Roode (TNA) - 15
Tadasuke (OSAKA Pro) - 15
Davey Richards (ROH) - 15
Mr. Anderson (TNA) - 15
Kevin Steen (US Independent) - 15
Antonio Cesaro {Claudio Castignoli} (WWE) - 15
Yuji Nagata (NJPW) - 15
Edge (RETIRED) - 15
Kofi Kingston (WWE) - 15

Cody Rhodes (WWE) - 13

Mickie James (TNA) - 12
Karl Anderson (NJPW) - 12
Winter (TNA) - 12
Nick Jackson (US Independent) - 12
Matt Jackson (US Independent) - 12
Undertaker (WWE) - 12
Kenny King (ROH) - 12
Rhett Titus (ROH) - 12

Kharma (WWE) – 10 {PREGNANT}

Sara Del Rey (US Independent) - 9
Sin Cara {Hunico} (WWE) – 9
Alex Riley (WWE) - 9
Angel De Oro (CMLL) - 9
BxB Hulk (Dragon Gate) - 9
Go Shiozaki (NOAH) - 9
Abyss (TNA) - 9
Charlie Haas (ROH) - 9
Shelton Benjamin (ROH) - 9
Evan Bourne (WWE) - 9

AJ Styles (TNA) – 7
The Sheik (US Independent) - 7
Jeff Jarrett (TNA) - 7

Eric Young (TNA) - 6
Ezekiel Jackson (WWE) - 6
Escorpion (CMLL) - 6
Low Ki (US Independent) - 6
Chuck Taylor (US Independent) - 6

Bully Ray(TNA) - 3
Fire Ant (US Independent) - 3
Green Ant (US Independent) - 3
Soldier Ant (US Independent) - 3
Tyson Kidd (WWE) - 3
Kelly Kelly (WWE) - 3
Zack Ryder (WWE) - 3
Hirooki Goto (NJPW) - 3

Dolph Ziggler (WWE) - 2

Eddie Edwards (ROH) - 1
David Otunga (WWE) - 1
Michael McGuillicutty (WWE) - 1
Crimson (TNA) - 1
Kazarian (TNA) - 1
Christopher Daniels (TNA) - 1
Hernandez (TNA) - 1
Anarquia (TNA) - 1
Ultimo Guerrero (CMLL) - 1
Shinsuke Nakamura (NJPW) - 1
Mohammed Yone (NOAH) - 1
Dick Togo (RETIRED) - 1
Daisuke Sekimoto (All Japan) - 1

Voting began 4.04.11

Year-End Rankings Key:

WWE, Raw, SmackDown and NXT-Contracted Wrestlers are represented in BLUE.

TNA Contracted Wrestlers are represented in GREEN.

ROH Contracted Wrestlers are represented in RED.

US Independent Wrestlers are represented in MAROON.

Japanese Contracted Wrestlers are represented in BLACK.

Mexican Contracted Wrestlers are represented in MAGENTA.

Australian Contracted Wrestlers are represented in INDIGO.

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**PREVIOUS WINNERS**

Year One Winner: Ric Flair


Year Two Winner: Samoa Joe


Year Three Winner: John Cena


Year Four Winner: Chris Jericho


Year Five Winner: CM Punk


Year Six Winner: The Miz

If you are wondering how some of the writers decide who to vote for, please check out our Wrestler of the Week Supplemental Column!