411s Wrestler of the Week 03.31.08: Week 52
Posted by Larry Csonka on 03.31.2008
Flair retires, Taker wins gold and Orton retains. But who won the last WOTW of the voting year and who had the goods to take home the WOTW award? Check out the latest edition of 411's Wrestler of the Week for all the details!
Welcome to Week 52, Year-Three, of 411's Wrestler of the Week. A quick overview to kick things off as we have some new rules for year three
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
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 at WrestleMania. This will be posted every Monday. Let's see who wins this week
The Voting!
Ryan Byers
1) HARASHIMA
Continues to hold the top championship in DDT, the KO-D Openweight Title.
2) Dragon Yuki - Remains one of the most dominant wrestlers in Pro Wrestling KAGEKI.
3) Mariko Yoshida - Gotta give some love to one of the top names on the modern joshi scene.
4) Passion Hasegawa
5) Quiet Storm
Andy Clark
1) Ric Flair
For the record 411ers I am officially voting this week under protest of some of my colleagues more assinine voting decisions. How strange is it that this is the last we will ever be able to vote for the Nature Boy? He put on a great performance (and Shawn Michaels deserves a TON of credit) and it was truly emotional to see him walk out of WrestleMania Sunday night. Ric: I'm sorry, I love you.
2) Shawn Michaels & Undertaker- The two veterans stepped up once again. HBK performed miracles, gutting out a tough match (both physically and emotionally) and giving us an incredible WrestleMania moment. Undertaker took advantage of a main event opportunity he had no business of having and managed to pull out a really good match with Edge, winning yet another World Championship and extending the streak to 16-0.
3) CM Punk- Punk's Money in the Bank win took me completely by surprise, but in a good way. No wonder WWE.com's been following him around all weekend!
4) Kane
5) Matt Hardy
ARI
1) Undertaker & Ric Flair
These two were magnificent at Wrestlemania 24. I know Flair wasn't 100% clean on every move he made and he was huffing and puffing and working up a sweat, but hell, the man is 59 years old, wrestling his last match and he is paying the price, as he would say, of a wrestling lifetime. That match was incredible professional wrestling, an amazing story being told in the ring (Old Yeller indeed). Flair was totally professional and after he lost totally emotional. He went right to his family and embraced them, then said goodbye to an adoring crowd. Truly an end of an era in the sport of professional wrestling and one that I will never forget. Thank you Ric Flair for all the rides on Space Mountain. I think this one last ride was very special.
The end of Ric Flair's era occurred at the same time at the start of another "Era of Darkness", vis-a-vis Undertaker's sixth World Heavyweight Title win (and not the power going out during the Divas match). Taker was excellent here and while his win may not have been unpredictable, it was a very interesting ride to get him to 16-0. Edge gave him all the competition he could handle, but Undertaker walked through hellfire (literally) and brimstone to win the title, end the PPV on a strong note and send the fans home happy.
2) Shawn Michaels: HBK pulled out everything he had to work that one last match with Ric Flair. It was filled with emotion and passion. It wasn't a five star match, but it was damned close to four on the IWC rubric. More than that, the match had intangibles that go beyond mere pedantic star ratings and reach into the human spirit. If you think I'm being romantic about it all, maybe you weren't tuning into HBK's performing here. His hesitations, the reluctance to end the career, all of the pathos of his character came into play here, but in the end he could not deny his Show Stopper nature. It was beautiful.
3) Edge: The ultimate opportunist, as Michael Cole reminded us about a dozen times, gave as good as he got and more in the main event. He was made to look as the man who had Taker's number, countering and surviving Taker's offense and finishers multiple times. Edge was the quintessential heel in this match and his efforts paid off in lending to a satisfying finish in the title match against Taker. Edge looked legit and was legit as the main event heel. He wasn't just playing the part. He was the man to beat and as such had an incredibly important role, one that gets him third place this week.
4) Randy Orton
5) CM Punk
Christi Csonka
1) CM Punk
I like Punk, I consider myself a fan of his, but I didn't think that there was a chance in hell that he would actually win the MITB match. The match itself was awesome, my favorite kind of match, and he got the big win. That's easily first place in my book.
2) Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels: I have been critical of both guys, but this was really good stuff.
3) The Undertaker: 16-0, check. Wins title, check.
4) Randy Orton
5) Edge
Jeremy Thomas
1) Ric Flair/Shawn Michaels
Not only did they have what no one can deny is the absolute match of the week--easily the match of the year so far--but they did it on the biggest show of the year. It was an emotional match, capping off an excellent build, and made one of those Wrestlemania moments that will last forever. It was Flair's night...but it wouldn't have been nearly as good if he hadn't been in there with Michaels, who was equally emotional. Bravo, gentlemen. Bravo.
2) The Undertaker - Taker extended the streak and put away Edge in a hell of a main event. While we're at it, by the way...hey, SmackDown got the main event! 16-0 time, and for that and his sixth world title, Taker gets the number two spot.
3) CM Punk- One of many surprises of the night, almost no one gave Punk much of a shot of winning it (okay, a few people did, but most didn't). Punk survived in another great Money in the Bank match, and took the next step of his career. The question now is, does he go for one of the major titles, and probably be the first Money in the Bank man to take his title shot and lose, or does he elevate the ECW title by choosing to fight for it?
4) Randy Orton
5) Bryan Danielson
Ronny Sarnecky
1) Ric Flair
This is probably the last time he will ever be nominated for this award. While he left us many, many years past his prime, this week he reminded us that we will be losing one of the greatest ever in the industry. He will be missed, and gave us a very good match for his final curtain call.
2) Undertaker/Edge- I give the second spot to both men. They both gave it their all, and deserved the main event spot on the card. I'm glad that Edge finally main evented Mania, and he proved he belonged. Taker gets another shot at that long title reign that eluded him last year due to injury.
3) Randy Orton- Definitely, a mark out moment. Randy Orton defied the odds and shocked the world by retaining the WWE title. Plus, it was a clean victory. Great job.
4) CM Punk
5) The Big Show
Chris Lansdell
1) Ric Flair/Shawn Michaels
Duh on Flair, but there are not many on the roster who could have made that match THAT emotional. Michaels could, and did. No great match is the result of one man, and this is no exception.
2) CM Punk: Finally has a chance to live up to his promise, and is primed to strike when the next injury/steroid scandal comes down.
3) Randy Orton: Looked awesome, retained as a heel at 'Mania, and pinned Cena to do it.
4) Robbie Highlander
5) Undertaker
Bayani Domingo
1) Randy Orton
Sorry, but whether you want to vote for the Nature Boy or not, Randy Orton pinned Cena clean at 'Mania and retained THE most important title in the business. The guy defied all logic and this has to be THE defining moment in Orton's career up till now.
2) CM Punk: Beat a very talented field for the MitB shot and if he plays his cards right he can parlay this into a one-way ticket out of wrestling purgatory and only a legit brand.
3) Undertaker: The streak continues.
4) SHINGO & BxB Hulk
5) Ric Flair
Mike Minotti
1) Ric Flair
Man, he did it. Flair showed the world that he had at least one more classic left in him. It was a wonderful way for him to leave the ring. I give him all the credit in the world for that performance. Bravo, Ric. Bravo.
2) Shawn Michaels: Also a part of that excellent match. Normally the winner would get the top spot, but all things considered, Flair gets #1 this week. Still, HBK once again showed that he is Mr. WrestleMania.
3) Undertaker: Once again, Taker is the new WHC, and is now 16-0 at WrestleMania. I doubt this streak will ever be broken at this point.
4) Orton and CM Punk
5) Edge
Samuel Berman
1) Nigel McGuinness
Once again defeated his top challenger in Austin Aries, retaining his ROH World Title along the way. Nigel seems poised for an extended run with the strap, that is if he can get past a white-hot Kevin Steen in two weeks.
2) Shingo & BxB Hulk: The only undefeated Dragon Gate talent to appear in ROH this weekend, winning a pair of high-profile tag bouts.
3) Ric Flair: Even I have to give credit to the legend for pulling out an emotional curtain call on a brilliant career.
4) "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson
5) The Undertaker and CM Punk (tie)
Ryan Merholz
1) Ric Flair/Shawn Michaels
No doubt, these guys stole the show at WM24. Initially I just wanted to list Flair, but it occurred to me that Flair wouldn't be #1 if Shawn Michaels hadn't been there with him. Shawn busted his ass and Flair looked phenomenal in his swan song. And how can you not get a little choked up seeing the finish? Flair begging Shawn to strike up the band, "I'm sorry...I love you," career over. It was amazing.
2) Edge: For me, this years WM main-event was all about Edge being awesome. Sure, Taker took home the gold and overcame THE NUMBERS GAME near the end there...but it was Edge who really sold me on this match. He showed everyone that, when it comes down to it, he doesn't need guys that look like him or his hand in the GM's panties to earn himself the World Title. He went toe-to-toe with the Undertaker for a solid 20 minutes before finally busting out the shenanigans, and I loved every minute of it.
3) The Undertaker: Taker's streak continues and he's the champ again. Hopefully things will go better for him this year now that he's on top once again. Hell of a main event performance, he deserves another run before hanging it up.
4) CM Punk
5) The Big Show
Stu
1) Ric Flair
Here's to over thirty-five years of stylin' and profilin', and being the finest professional wrestler of all time. I'm glad I got to vote for him just once, for his last match, and even something as relatively small as this means a lot to me. It was a fantastic Wrestlemania moment, and the finest way to leave the company I could ever think of. People may bitch because the winner of the main event should get the glory, but this is Ric Flair's time, and I think he deserves one last shot at the top. This was a ***** match to say the least, and if I could, I'd give it six or seven. Brilliant, Brilliant match. Shawn Michaels is included since he deserves a bit of
2) Undertaker & Shawn Michaels I probably should have given these two first, but Flair deserves it for one last great match at his age (best retirement match ever). Edge and Undertaker went on last, which I suppose is retribution for last year. It made me think that Undertaker might lose, especially with how good the match was. Great match. Michaels gets my vote for the performance with Flair.
3) Randy Orton Raise your hand if you called it? Not me, that's for sure, but well done to Larry for calling it before the show. Well done to Orton for retaining. This guy just made his career, well done to young Orton.
4) CM Punk
5) Floyd Mayweather
Mathew Sforcina
1) Ric Flair
*looks at those guys who have not voted Flair first, shakes head, moves on*
2) Randy Orton: Hands up anyone who expected that? I didn't think so.
3) The Undertaker: In other news, the sun will rise tomorrow.
4) Shawn Michaels
5) CM Punk
TG Corke
1) Randy Orton
All I need to say is that my jaw is still on the floor. Shocking me that much is enough to earn Randy the win this week.
2) Undertaker: He was heavy favorite going into his match with Edge, but there was always a slight element of doubt. Nevertheless, the 'Taker kept his streak going and wins World title #6.
3) Shawn Michaels/Ric Flair: As I expected, Shawn ends Flair's career but Flair gets my vote as well for simply being who he is one last time.
4) CM Punk
5) Kane
Michael Bauer
1) Ric Flair / Randy Orton
Kinda fitting (yet odd) that the "past" and the "future" of the old Evolution comes together for me, but I have to. Everything that has been said about Ric Flair I echo in sentiment as there is no doubt he is and will forever be the man in pro wrestling. But Randy Orton... how in the hell did the WWE grow some balls and let him retain the title? He pins John Cena cleanly so now Cena HAS LOST the title.
2) Undertaker - Excellent WrestleMania main event, more than making him for his crappy position on last year's card, and a title win for the Dead Man.
3) Shawn Michaels - He did put Old Yeller down once and for all. Brilliant work.
4) CM Punk
5) Nigel McGuiness
Andy Critchell
1) Ric Flair
What can I say that hasn't already been said? The Nature Boy's in-ring career has come to an end and he went out with a bang helping put together a match that will not soon be forgotten. Both Ric and Shawn worked as hard as they could but it really was Ric's moment to shine and that's why I give him #1 alone. Even though last night was the end of an era I am hopeful rather than sad because Ric Flair has a new adventure ahead of him as he begins a second life outside of the ring and I believe he will make the most of it.
2) Randall K Orton, Esq. Last night saw the solidification of champion and the arrival of Randy Orton into the pantheon of top, top-level main event workers. By picking up the win over both Hunter and Cena, Orton has indeed beaten them all and is unquestionably "the man." It is fitting perhaps that on the same night which saw the ending of one legendary career another one began. With one kick Orton told all the doubters, all the naysayers, and in reality every WWE fan that this is his time, that he is for real, and that it is time to recognize his greatness. The torch has been passed; let's see how far Randy can run with it.
3) Undertaker Add Edge to the list of guys whose potential big Wrestlemania moment was sacrificed for the glory and self-aggrandizement of an old man terrified of losing his spot. The bitterness of that is abated somewhat by the effort that both Undertaker and Edge put forth to close the biggest show of the year and do it in grand style. Like him or not, Edge showed last night that he is capable of working a very smart match and is one of the best all around heels in the last 15 years. And to his credit Undertaker showed that when he is working with a high level guy that he can raise his game as well and put on a match worth remembering.
4) Kane
5) CM Punk
Matt Short
1) Undertaker
It might have been a predictable title win, but The Undertaker took home the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania. The streak remains in tact and at this point I've got to wonder if that's how it's going to stay.
2) Randy Orton: From predictable to unpredictable not many people saw Randy Orton walking out of that Triple Threat with the WWE Championship. This big WrestleMania win over Triple H and John Cena is the sort of thing that Orton has needed to establish his title reign as more than just a transitional one.
3) Shawn Michaels/Ric Flair: Kudo to both of these guys for creating an awesome WrestleMania moment. They had a good match, but the finish is what sold the whole damn thing. Great effort by both guys and an excellent swan's song for Flair.
4) CM Punk
5) Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, & Genki Horiguchi
Theo Fraser
1) Ric Flair
What a performance. A fitting end to a legendary career for sure. I can still feel the Goosebumps from when HBK uttered the words "I'm sorry. I love you." Just a fantastic match and a perfect example of why I love wrestling. Michaels won the match, but come on, it was ALWAYS about Flair. Ric Flair, thank you for being The Man.
2) CM Punk- Wrestlemania is all about creating those career-defining moments, and with his Money in the Bank win, CM Punk is moving up in the wrestling world. Great to see the WWE putting over fresh, young talent on the grandest stage of 'em all.
3) The Undertaker- Awesome match against Edge to cap off Wrestlemania 24, winning his sixth World Title.
4) Randy Orton
5) Kevin Steen & El Generico
Larry Csonka
1) Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels
As I said in my recap, possibly the most emotional match I have ever seen and in my opinion a great way for Flair to go out. They deserve the top spot.
2) The Undertaker: The big man goes 16-0, wins the title and puts on a hell of a main event.
3) Edge: Edge was a part of that great main event and needs some recognition.
4) Randy Orton
5) CM Punk
THE WINNERS!
Special Mention Edge - 16 Votes
Fifth Place CM Punk - 42 Votes
Fourth Place Randy Orton - 48 Votes
Third Place Shawn Michaels - 52 Votes
Shawn Michaels gets the third spot this week for his win over Ric Flair.
Second Place The Undertaker - 61 Votes
The big man does it again. Not only did he walk out with the World Title, but he is 16-0 and WrestleMania.
Wrestler of the Week Ric Flair - 80 Votes
The end of an era.
Yearend Standings~!
The year is over and John Cena is the "Wrestler of the Year" after 52-weeks of voting. John Cena becomes the 3rd "411 Wrestler of the Year," following Ric Flair and Samoa Joe. This year there were over 145 wrestlers represented on the yearend list, representing WWE, TNA, ROH, Mexico and Japan. Stay tuned for next week when year four of the voting begins.
-The top 15 spots are marked
1. John Cena 123 (Raw)
2. Samoa Joe 105 (TNA)
3. Jeff Hardy 95 (Raw) {SUSPENDED}
3. Kurt Angle 95 (TNA)
Giant Bernard 24 (New Japan) Ryusuke Taguchi 24 (New Japan) Chris Hero 24 (US Independent) The Undertaker 24 (Smackdown) The Great Khali 24 (Smackdown)
Elijah Burke 12 (ECW) The Big Show 12 (Smackdown) Deuce 12 (Smackdown) Domino 12 (Smackdown) Chris Harris 12 (WWE) Gamma 12 (Dragon Gate) Dick Togo 12 (New Japan) Adam Pearce 12 (US Independent) Roderick Strong 12 (ROH/FIP) Incognito 12 (Mexico) El Pantera 12 (Mexico) Perro Aguayo Jr. 12 (CMLL)
Abyss 10 (TNA)
Dory Funk Jr. 9 (Independent) Low Ki 9 (US Independent) Vito Thomaselli 9 (US Independent) Sal Thomaselli 9 (US Independent) Icarus 9 (US Independent) Gran Akuma 9 (US Independent) Kenny King 9 (US Independent) Jason Blade 9 (US Independent) BxB Hulk 9 (Dragon Gate) SHINGO 9 (Dragon Gate) TAKA Michinoku 9 (New Japan) Yugi Nagata 9 (New Japan) D LO Brown- 9 (NOAH) Bull Buchanan - 9 (NOAH) Naomichi Marufuji - 9 (NOAH) Mitsuharu Misawa 9 (NOAH) Keiji Muto 9 (All Japan) Joe Doering 9 (All Japan) Blue Panther 9 (CMLL)
The Miz 8 (ECW)
Scott Steiner 7 (TNA) Necro Butcher 7 (US Independent) Finlay 7 (Smackdown) Paul London 7 (Raw) Brian Kendrick 7 (Raw)
Hornswoggle 6 (Smackdown) Rey Mysterio 6 (Smackdown) {INJURED} Carlito 6 (Raw) Johnny Devine 6 (TNA) Booker T 6 (TNA) Kensuke Sasaki 6 (All Japan) Milano Collection AT 6 (New Japan) Scott Hall 6 (Independent) Super Dragon 6 (Independent) Ultimo Guerrero 6 (CMLL) Averno 6 (CMLL)
Shelton Benjamin 4 (ECW) AJ Styles 4 (TNA) Delirious 4 (ROH) Rob Van Dam 4 (US Independent) Hallowicked 4 (US Independent) Togi Makabe 4 (New Japan)
Rhino 3 (TNA) Eric Young 3 (TNA) Big Daddy V 3 (ECW) Jimmy Yang Wang 3 (Smackdown) Shannon Moore 3 (Smackdown) Beth Phoenix 3 (Raw) Charlie Haas 3 (Raw) William Regal 3 (Raw) Mistico 3 (CMLL) Atlantis 3 (CMLL) Tiger Mask IV 3 (New Japan)
Jeff Jarrett 1 (TNA) Super Crazy 1 (Raw) JBL 1 (Raw) Hardcore Holly 1 (Raw) Cody Rhodes 1 (Raw) Colt Cabana 1 (WWE) Dragon Kid 1 (Dragon Gate) Minoru 1 (New Japan) Toru Yano 1 (New Japan) Prince Devitt 1 (New Japan) Andrew Martin 1 (US Independent) Sherri Martel 1 {Deceased}
Voting began 4.09.07
Year-End Rankings Key:
Raw and Smackdown Wrestlers are represented in BLUE.
ECW Wrestlers are represented in GREEN.
TNA wrestlers are represented in RED.
ROH/FIP Wrestlers are represented in MAROON.
US Independent Wrestlers are represented in ORANGE
Kane won a world title in 10 seconds. Yet he still gets no respect.
Posted By: iomis (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 05:02 PM
For the last time (yeah, right), the ECW title is NOT a World title.
Posted By: T.G. Corke (Registered) on March 31, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I like Byers, one of my favorite writers, but was he trying to be funny with the votes? I mean he DID preview WM so i'm sure he was aware that it took place last night..
Posted By: Samer (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 05:13 PM
"Kane won a world title in 10 seconds. Yet he still gets no respect."
i think that statement alone shows why he is not in the top. no one wants to see to see someone get chokeslammed and then thats it. Also think of this, in the last ppv chavo won clean over the number 1 contender for any title(CM Punk). And then you have to guy do a 7 second job to someone who hasn't done anything in 4 years. yeah....
Posted By: diggins (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Iomis, I'm sure Kane would have got voted for had he won the title in any other week, but this week there were at least half a dozen guys more deserving.
I am with Bayani on this one, Orton defied all the odds and won when no one expected him to, and should have been at least no. 2 (nothing was keeping Flair from that top spot).
Posted By: Daniel Wilcox (Registered) on March 31, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Kane didn't have to be number 1, but he should have had move votes. Flair has sucked for years now but because he is retiring he gets the nod from people. Flair had a mediocre match and didn't do any leg work on Shawn. Also, he didn't bleed. Flair should have retired long ago. Lets face it Hogan took wrestling out of the back yard and made it mainstream. With out Hogan no one would are about wrestling and it would still be back yard.
Posted By: buie (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 05:52 PM
haha.. I like how Ryan Byers and Samuel Byers purposely put non Wrestlemania performers as there wrestler of the week. You gotta love the IWC, you have to go against the grain no matter how retarded you look.
Posted By: dandaman (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Retired or not, Ric Flair did not deserve that spot over Randy Orton. At the VERY least, they should have been tied. Orton defeated both Triple H and Cena for the biggest belt in the company and he did it CLEAN.
Posted By: William Morgan (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Buie, FUCK YOU! Mediocre match? That match stole the show at 'Mania. It was a ***** affair, just because you have no fucking respect for the business does not give you the right to come on here and disrespect RIC FUCKING FLAIR! That man wrestled like he was 20 years younger, and HBK was awesome as well. You know, I liked Wrestlemania, but the only thing I'm going to be telling my grandkids about from this event is when Ric Flair at his last match. It is, put simply, THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT IN WRESTLING HISTORY. The greatest wrestler ever FINALLY retiring after giving us the match of his life. And maybe you should fucking WATCH the match again before you put assenine comments such as "Flair didn't bleed or work the leg." First off, Flair did work the leg A LOT. Secondly, who cares if Flair didn't bleed or work the leg or cheat his ass off. THIS WAS HIS LAST MATCH! This isn't about you, what you want, or what I want, or what anybody else wanted. That was about what RIC FLAIR wanted. The fans didn't matter: we were just privaleged enough to watch. The fact that you and others spit in the face of this with your idiotic smart-ass remarks criticizing this makes me sick. You Sir, are no true wrestling fan. Any others wanting to post bullshit can go somewhere else and bitch. And FUCK HULK HOGAN! Who gives a FLYING FUCK about Hulk Hogan? This is a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING WEBSITE, not a "sports entertainment" site. Hogan SUCKS BALLS. At 411, we watch ROH and watch ART in that ring. At 411, we don't toss stars around becasue "I slammed the 700 pound Andre the Giant, BROTHER!" You don't even deserve to look at Flair and you post ridiculous bullshit like that? FUCK YOU! Watching that match was an HONOR! The next time you want to post your worthless viewpoints, post it somewhere where it matters, like the Hulk Hogan fanclub. Let the WRESTLING fans have their moment without your stupidfuck comments shitting all over it.
Thank you Ric Flair. Diamonds are forever, and so are you. WOO!
Posted By: Aaron (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 06:53 PM
So your reasoning that Kane should be ranked higher than Flair is because Flair only had a mediocre match where he didn't work the leg or bleed, yet Kane did one move all night. That makes sense.
Posted By: CyberSocko (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 06:55 PM
There has been a bunch of talk about opinions on this site, and everyone has the right to their own, but it just seems like more and more people are spewing hatred or love for the wrong reasons. They hate certain wrestlers and will not give then any credit or they will love on ones without ever thinking about it. It seems like there are so many camps that if anyone disagrees with you, than that means they aren't real fans. We have marks, smarks, snobs, anti-smarks, Cena backers, Cena haters, the list goes on and on. As much as I love this column, I do feel it should have more slots than 5 (perhaps double it?). That way indy or overseas wrestlers could get some love, or mid carders who do not get much of a chance to shine could have their moment. It would have given Kane some more votes, even though his win wasn't that impressive, he would have at least gotten some props. Mostly, what I'm saying is that wrestlers that don't have a chance to win wrestler of the week, but made some type of impact would get some love. In my opinion, there were more than 5 wrestlers who deserved a spot on the list for there roles last week, or for Mania alone. I'm not trying to nitpick, but there are too many wrestling "camps", matches, and wrestlers for there to be only 5 slots on this list. I say this not as someone telling you what to do, but as a devoted wrestling fan, who respects what ALL the performers do. Thanks for your time.
Posted By: Capt. Smooth (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Anyone who thinks Flair is more important than Hogan is crazy. I think Flair is a great wrestler but come on. Hogan brought wrestling to where it is now. Hell the only time WCW beat WWE in ratings is when Hogan became a heel with the NWO. Flair while great did not take wrestling into the mainstream, and Flair is not the reason WCW became the number 1 brand for a little over a year. Hogan is. Without Flair wrestling would still be where it is today. With out Hogan...who knows. Keep in mind I like Flair, but I also know the truth when I see it.
Posted By: Jeff (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Good to see some love for Orton. Someone brought up the important point - Cena has now lost the title, NEW BELT DAMN IT please!!!
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Nigel McGuinness in 1st place, Berman? Nigel is awesome, but it's borderline insane to even consider his accomplishments this week to be on par with the week of Ric Flair, HBK, Undertaker, Edge, CM Punk, Randy Orton, or any of the other wrestlers who busted their asses to perform at the most high-pressure event in the entire wrestling world. I know you really, really, really love RoH and Dragon Gate, but for once can you just be a little objective with your vote?
Posted By: guest (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Pretty sad that Cena missed 3 months due to injury and these marks still have him as wrestler of the year....
Good job guys.
Also way not to give Orton his due. Is it because he pinned Cena so some of you are that bitter you won't vote for him?
Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 08:28 PM
"Pretty sad that Cena missed 3 months due to injury and these marks still have
him as wrestler of the year....
Good job guys.
Also way not to give Orton his due. Is it because he pinned Cena so some of you
are that bitter you won't vote for him?"
On behalf of me and the voters, I'd just like to say. Cena put on great performance after great performance last year, having MOTYC with anybody and everybody, as well as heralding a one year title reign.
As for Orton, his win was big but:
1) It wasn't the last match on the card
2) It wasn't the best match on the card
3) It wasn't as historically important as Flair/Michaels.
Its a totally fair decision. The 411 writers being Cena marks? No, they just no where credit is due.
Posted By: Stu (Registered) on March 31, 2008 at 08:59 PM
ROH is not and will never be a major promotion. Therefore anything that happens there is automatically second-rate (as far as importance) when compared to WWE or even TNA. So no, Nigel McGuinness was not the wrestler of the week, Mr. Berman. A ROH wrestler is never the wrestler of the week, simply because 99% of the world's wrestling audience is unfamiliar with 99% of the ROH roster.
Blow me, indie-dorks. No matter how many "17 star matches" ROH produces, the fact is that if the company closed tomorrow the industry would shrug and move on. And the majority of fans wouldn't even know it happened.
Posted By: Tyler (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Aaron Calm Down. dude relax, okay! if you get so worked up about internet comments you seriousy need to theropy!
And guys calm down the cena hate, he trys his hardest and while he doesn't have that many moves, he never delivers them sloppy and is probably one of the funniest promo men around.
Besides if you were a pro wrestler and vince mcmahon told you "For some reason kids like you. We're gonna roll with this, We're putting the big belt on you" (would any wrestler, let alone wrestling fan give up a chance to hold the WWE title?) and then vince said "And we're going to make you the goddamn Focal Point of the company, nay the Industry! You'll be main eventing everything, on the magizene covers and be our public face!" (Do you think any wrestler would give up an offer like that?) and then if Vince says "We're going to put your Dad on TV! we're going to let you release an album! we're going to give you a movie project. Hell we're going to let you make out with maria and slap my daughter Triple H's wife on the ass!" (No wrestling fan, and definantly no wrestler would give that up!)
Posted By: Davy (Guest) on March 31, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Guys you gotta stop sticking mulitple wrestlers in the one slot it defeats the whole purpose of the voting system!
Posted By: Liam (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Liam, we're allowed one tie and one tag team in the top five
Posted By: Ari Berenstein (Registered) on April 01, 2008 at 12:16 AM
i think rick flair cry to much like a girl an he even have sag boobs. i think unertaker can kill him den he can has somethin to cry bout.
Posted By: Guest#7454 (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Mathew Sforcina
1) Ric Flair
*looks at those guys who have not voted Flair first, shakes head, moves on*
Can't agree more. Not only that, but SHAME on Ryan Byers who didn't even have Flair on his list. Not to mention Bayani Domingo, who had him at #5. Flair was EASILY the WOTW.
Posted By: Bobby (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 01:45 AM
OMGDZ! SuperCena Numero Uno!!!!!1111 Now who couldn't have seen that coming!?!? Total shock!!!
Posted By: Guest#5198 (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 02:13 AM
Only Going To Say This Once
If Ric Wasnt Your Number 1...You Have No Respect For The Buissness
Posted By: Cry (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 02:34 AM
"Only Going To Say This Once
If Ric Wasnt Your Number 1...You Have No Respect For The Buissness"
Ahhh, the "respect for the business" I keep hearing about so much in the IWC. All the IWC nerds and "smarks" fail to realize their is nothing SMART about themselves. Some of you talk as if you are connected to these people personally, when in fact a good portion of them would walk 50 feet out of their way to avoid you. Yes, some of them might be courteous if you corner them, while others (like Randy Orton)are a little more honest in their feelings about the fans, ESPECIALLY net fans. As for Flair, his longevity speaks for itself. Before you think he hanged around for 35+ years because he "loved" the fans you might want to realize he did it because he needed the money. What makes IWC fans so phony is the arrogant assumption you know something about the business by reading some title histories and dirt sheets. Just because Flair was one of the greatest politicians and self promoters in the history of the business doesn't mean he is the greatest. As long as I'm paying my HARD EARNED MONEY I can feel anyway I want and respect whomever I want. Flair is not a god, in fact he seems to be a very selfish person. Now lets hear the "he didn't want his match to headline" argument as if that proves anything other than his ability to put himself over. The only time "Naitch" has ever put someone over was when he could benefit as well. If you can't see that then I hope your the next person he slaps in traffic or your sister is the next underage whore he sleeps with or the next flight attendant he shakes his penis at. Grow up...
Posted By: Not Another Sheep (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Wow. Who knew that 35 years of being one of the best in the business, and a man everyone respects could mean so little to people. Ric Flair is a once in a lifetime thing. We won't get another. Diamonds are forever and so is Ric Flair!
Posted By: JMX9199 (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 04:19 AM
I really like this article and I look forward to it every week.
But the one thing that always bugged me was the guys voting who seemed to be contrary just for the sake of doing it.
On any other given week I could forgive it. But this week? The DAY after WrestleMania? The DAY after the greatest wrestler of all time retires?
That's not only unforgivable, it's honestly disrespectful.
This is officially the dumbest thing EVER posted on 411mania...
Ryan Byers
1) HARASHIMA
Continues to hold the top championship in DDT, the KO-D Openweight Title.
2) Dragon Yuki - Remains one of the most dominant wrestlers in Pro Wrestling KAGEKI.
3) Mariko Yoshida - Gotta give some love to one of the top names on the modern joshi scene.
4) Passion Hasegawa
5) Quiet Storm
I seriously don't get some people. But frankly if this is what passes as the talent 411 choose to employ then frankly this site is no longer of use to me.
Posted By: Aaron (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 04:47 AM
Andy Critchell you're a big living april fool joke , The Undertaker IS the very best in the business, he totally owns pwns and explodes Flair on any level possible in 2008 and you have the gut to call him "washed up" "old man" while those words are totally summing up whta FLAIR IS NOW ?
Who do you think you're fooling out here ?
The Undertaker was absolutely PHENOMENAL this sunday, and he MADE EDGE his very EQUAL in the ring and looking like a BILLION BUCKS PROSPECT in losing.....
Hell The R Rated Superstar owned him for ONE LONG YEAR and he managed to KICK OUT Of THREE FINISHERS of The Dead Man CLEAN as a frickin HEEL and you're bashing the man who made him look BETTER THAN EVER ?
Protecting what ? He IS the best in the business and is GIGA OVER with any crowd worldwide .
Get a brain and ask for the manual to learn how using it Andy CRITCHELL you badly need one.....
Oh and get ready to cry forever since The Dead Man will retire UNDEFEATED on the biggest stage of them all and RIGHTFULLY SO !
THE UNDERTAKER = WWE MVP and NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
Oh it's TRUE Andy "im a blind taker hater" Critchell It's DAMN TRUE !!!!!
Posted By: Mattitude (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 05:10 AM
Byers and Berman, wtf are you boys smoking?
Posted By: dAVE!!! (Registered) on April 01, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Those of you who didn't vote for Flair should not even been allowed to vote.
Posted By: Bernie (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Great list, but Byers lost a reader.
Posted By: Boo. (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 01:50 PM
"Byers and Berman, wtf are you boys smoking?
Posted By: dAVE!!! (Registered) on April 01, 2008 at 07:39 AM"
I can't speak for Byers, but on my end it's Camel Filters.
Oh, and for the record, assuming the week holds up with little movement elsewhere, I'd actually give Flair my top spot this coming week seeing as how his retirement ceremony on RAW was one of the best segments in the show's history. I voted him third this past week because for me, that's where he ranked. Anyone who ranked him first was fully within their rights to do so, but I ranked him where I considered appropriate. I find it strange, by the way, that with so many people concerned with how wins-and-losses affect this column, that no one has really piped up for Shawn Michaels (who BEAT Flair) getting more votes.
Posted By: Samuel Berman (Registered) on April 01, 2008 at 04:17 PM
'Not Another Sheep'....whats IWC?...n e wayz.
i said what i said because of what he has done in wrestling...i dont give a shit about ric out of the ring. He could avoid me all he wants because he isnt someone i would want to meet. I aint gonna lie i never cared for ric up untill i found out he wanted to retire. So if you read this...open yer eyes and make sure u understand what im saying.
If Ric Wasnt Your Number 1...You Have No Respect For The Buissness
I never said anything bout meeting him...i never mentioned why he wrestled...i never mentioned "IWC" whatever the fuck that is.I mentioned him and the buissness. Leave it at that...so you grow up kid.
Posted By: Cry (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Wow, Berman knows that Michaels pinned Flair! Did they announce that at an RoH event, or did you actually watch a WWE match?
Posted By: guest (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Right ECW isn't a World Title, none of WWE Titles are World Titles when your company recognizes 3 different champions, and keeps crossing brands, and there is no mystique as to who owns these companies even from a kayfabe sense. This system is nothing like the old NWA system.
Posted By: Electrichotdog (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 07:20 PM
I am officially never reading Byers again. Whether it was him trying to make a point, or he is just retarded, but not having anything from WM on his list just smacks of ignorance.
I will never read anything from Byers again.
Posted By: Louis (Guest) on April 01, 2008 at 09:50 PM
I think Aaron is my new best friend, take a look at his post to see why.
Posted By: Stronelis (Guest) on April 02, 2008 at 02:19 PM
People, please stop taking everything so seriously.
1. Byers was having fun, which is absolutely his right. Does it really change the world if one man doesn't vote for Ric Flair on a column that exists for entertainment?
2. No one vote changes everything. Let people do as they please.
3. Just because your favorite does or does not make any given person's list does not mean that they are a "mark" for something or are trying to hurt your feelings by disagreeing. It means they are *gasp* NOT YOU and prefer to view things through their own eyes instead of yours.
5. If you have nothing nice or constructive to say... keep it in your head.
Posted By: Guest#5129 (Guest) on April 02, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Ah I so agree with Aaron. Bravo! And to all who believe Hogan was better than Ric, well then you don't know anything about this business. The fact that every wrestler in the WWE believes the complete opposite should tell you exactly what's true and what isn't. They know more about wrestling than any of us, so when they say that Ric Flair is the best, he is. And I believe that to be very true. Hogan was a gold digger. He wouldn't wrestle unless there was a big check on the table offered to him for it. He could care less about wrestling, anymore. He mocks it, and makes fun of it on every interview he does. Oh wait, I know why! Cause he's jealous he is not in the spotlight anymore. No one cares about Hogan! He was NOTHING, compared to the Nature Boy. The sooner you get that through your head, the sooner you realize the "true" history of wrestling.
Posted By: Laura (Guest) on April 03, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Ok, honestly? I'd like the comment system to go away. There is just way too much negativity here. And yes, you can tell me not to read them then. I'll try not to, but well, they'll be there, I'll be tempted, I give in, then I get depressed with how bloody cynical the IWC is.
Posted By: Fiz (Guest) on April 04, 2008 at 06:00 PM
