It's no secret that I love professional wrestling and so much has happened this year that reminded me (and made me question) why I love it so much. Below you will read a very brief series of my favorites throughout 2022. I have been able to share so many moments with those I love thanks to the names below. So come along and read my objectively correct opinions on who has been the best in 2022
Wrestler of the Year
Bryan Danielson Typically I chose my “wrestler of the year” based on who had the most MOTY candidates within the year, and in 2022 that was Bryan Danielson. Wrestling 32 matches this year Danielson continues to prove that he is the best in the world. Despite closing out 2022 in middling feuds with Chris Jericho. He started off the year having an amazing match against Hangman Page, he continued through the year with fantastic performances against the likes of Daniel Garcia, Jon Moxley and Lee Moriarty. I'm unsure how many years left Danielson has in his tank, but I will continue to enjoy it with popcorn ready.
Women's Competitor of the year Bianca Belair Its only fitting that one half of the women who participated in my MOTY of 2021, We entered into 2022 with incredibly high hopes. It wasn't until her WrestleMania match with Becky Lynch where her momentum began to grow to heights where it should be. Bianca is recorded to have an impressive 96 matches for the year as of writing. Its quite likely she will reach 100 before the year ends. Bianca has had some fantastic performances alongside Bayley and Becky Lynch and shined in her War Games match. I am genuinely excited for her star power to continue to grow and grow.
Men's competitor of the year Jon Moxley Give this man a damn vacation, Moxley has wrestled on record 62 matches in 2022, a damn high number for those outside of the WWE circle. Moxley carried AEW throughout the pandemic era and has barely had a week off. After dropping the title to CM Punk, Moxley was supposed to take some time off. HOWEVER that quickly changed after that one press conference. Moxley quickly became the World champion again by defeating his BCC teammate Bryan Danielson. his new reign was cut down by MJF, and Moxley shows no signs of slowing down as he is seemingly barreling into a feud against Hangman Page.
Match of the year
AEW Revolution: CM Punk Vs MJF Despite how Punk’s time in AEW has ended, to say his feud with MJF was anything short of phenomenal would simply be a lie. Every promo segment and every encounter these two had was electric. As a viewer and fan i literally couldnt get enough. As Revolution began, anticipation for the match was at an all time high. When the lights when out and AFI hits my ears, I’d be lying if I said I didn't jump out of my seat. This match was emotional, impactful and bloody. Its rare in wrestling when a feud concludes successfully. Since Punk is no longer in AEW, It’s safe to assume their saga is over, and this match was a beautiful end to it.
Tag Team of the Year The acclaimed The current AEW Tag Team champions, The acclaimed have skyrocketed in popularity throughout the late summer of 2022. Whenever they are on screen or on stage, people are cheering and entertained. Max Caster and Anthony Bowens even managed to make Billy Gunn entertaining again! The two New York natives took the ball and ran far away with it. Their feud with Swerve in our Glory allowed for the Acclaimed to truly show how skilled they are. I am unsure as to how their title run will end, but I anticipate Max’s raps and their great tag synergy.
Faction of the Year
The Bloodline
Where do I even begin? As of writing, Roman Reigns has held the unified titles for 850 days, The usos have held the Tag Team Championships for 528 days. Those numbers alone should prove why The Bloodline is Faction of the Year. With Paul Heyman as the mouthpiece every time they are around, people pay attention. The faction actually grew by 2 members in 2022, adding Solo Sikoa to the mix, functioning as no nonsense straight-man to the much more boisterous antics of The Usos. The final piece of the Bloodline, Sami Zayn who has taken this faction to even greater heights. The tension between the Usos and Sami was and still is enthralling. After War Games, Sami has been accepted into the Bloodline whole heartedly. Now the only question left is: who is turning on who?
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2022 brought genuinely some of the most shocking moments in the industry. From Sasha Banks leaving WWE in May and not looking back, To CM Punk imploding at a press conference. If I had a bingo card of things to happen in 2022, I'd still just have the free space. With the rumors floating around for 2023, The year is shaping up to be just as exciting. I hope anyone reading will be around to follow along with me.
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