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READER ALERT: For all the latest wrestling happenings, check out our News & Rumours section.
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SLAM! Wrestling Year End Poll - 2003
The results are in. 2003 certainly wasn't a bust for Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus, Chris Benoit and Los Guerreros. They took away top honours in our 2003 Year End poll. Scott Steiner, Test and the McMahons weren't so lucky though. Check out what other fans and the SLAM! Wrestling staff thought in our round-up.
Best Wrestler of 2003 : Male
1. Kurt Angle (15%)
2. Chris Benoit (14%). 3. Chris Jericho (12%). 4. Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, Jon Cena (9%). 5. Rob Van Dam.
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Based on his solid work ethic and dedication, nobody comes close to Shawn Michaels last year. Whether it was against Chris Jericho, Triple H, Randy Orton or Batista, Michaels put forth a consistently strong effort in the ring. It was absolutely astounding. If he keeps moving forward in this way, Michaels may just be the WWE's answer to Sting as in him being a clutch hitter-type employee who does what's best for the company rather than himself. Based on his questionable backstage politicking in the past, who would've thunk we would ever talking about Michaels in this way. Will wonders never cease?
Jason Clevett: Kurt Angle. A very tough choice for this one, as there isn't a clear-cut winner. In addition to Angle Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero and AJ Styles all have valid reasons for consideration. But what it boiled down to for me was overall package. Angle consistently put on the best matches of the year, and unlike Michaels who could also have that claim, worked a full schedule. In addition he is great on the microphone and the heart and desire he showed this year before and after his neck surgery solidified his status as Wrestler of the Year.
Bob Kapur: Chris Jericho. Using a criteria of how much I was entertained by the wrestler's in-ring work, their promos, and their storylines, I can't think of anyone else who deserves my pick more than Y2J. He truly was the MVP of "Raw" this year, and hopefully this will translate into a long-overdue title reign in 2004.
Jon Waldman: Eddy Guererro. Lying, cheating and stealing were not necessary for Guererro to garner this award. When you think of where Latino Heat was in 2002, no one deserves this honour more than Eddy. Guererro finished off his battle against personal demons to become not only the best all-around wrestler on Smackdown!, but be the most consistently over wrestler whether heel or face.
Dale Plummer: Hands down, Shawn Michaels. Yes, I now I voted for a RAW guy, even though I cover Smackdown. He has been the MVP of RAW, if not the whole company. The man is great on the mike, and despite a bad back, he puts it all on the line every match. My mind was made up when I watched him carry Batista to a great match at Armageddon. Plus, Michaels sells beatings better then anyone else.
Yves Leroux: Randy Orton gets my vote. He's work hard to get in great physical shape and it shows. But his biggest improvement has to be his microphone work and his almost perfect heel image. I'm predicting he'll be the next big WWE champion after HHH decides he wants to take another long break
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Best Wrestler of 2003 : Female
1. Trish Stratus (56%)
2. Molly Holly, Victoria (17%). 3. Other (5%). 4. Trinity, Ivory (2%). 5. Jazz (1%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Trish Stratus. She's come a long way, baby. I give Trish all the credit in the world for doing what many of her male counterparts like Kevin Nash, Big Show and others haven't. She has persistently worked hard to improve herself and her abilities. Trish's commitment clearly shows in her matches, which have become stronger and stronger the more time she spends in the WWE...as long as she has someone half decent to work with. Terming her as just a WWE "diva" is a complete insult. She is more valuable and contributes so much more to the WWE than some vapid head, no-talent bimbo like Stacy Keibler.
Jason Clevett: Trish Stratus. You can't help but have a soft spot for Canada's favorite Diva. Although Molly Holly, Jazz and Victoria are probably technically better, Stratus has been the only constant in the division all year and continues to work hard at being more then just a pretty face.
Bob Kapur: Molly Holly. This award should go to all of the women on "Raw", since they've often been the highlight of the show during the year. Molly has been a solid champion -- and I'm kind of sweet on her -- so she gets my vote.
Jon Waldman: Trish Stratus. Is there any question? Trish has been amongst the bestwrestlers on RAW, period. She electrifies crowds with her stunning work in the ring and continued dedication to enhancing her work-rate. There's no doubt in my mind that she,ll be topping this category next year as well.
Dale Plummer: This is a little tougher, since the women on Smackdown! don't wrestle and I don't watch RAW as much as I should. I'll go with the people and vote for Trish Stratus. She is the total package, as well as improving every year. Some of Trish's matches have made me cringe, because of the violence level. I don't know what that says, but she can hold here own.
Yves Leroux: Molly Holly is the winner by default. Seems to me none of the girls have worked hard enough to deserve this award. Trish is as good as before, but not better. And all the others were absent for some time during the year.
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Worst Wrestler of 2003: Male
1. Scott Steiner (17%)
2. Nathan Jones (15%). 3. Mark Henry (13%). 4. Triple H (11%). 5. A-Train (10%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Triple H. Funny how many of mid-card residents who complain about being "held down" by established stars their whole career turn around and do the exact same thing when they rise in the ranks. Truth be told, Triple H wasn't the worst worker in the ring last year but because of his status in the company and links to the McMahon family, he did more damage to the company's popularity than anyone. His monotonously drawn-out title reign and stubborn refusal not to do what was best for the company and the fans earmarks him as the most crippling and debilitating force in the WWE. The fact that Raw has become the "Everybody Loves Evolution" show and no thought has been given to creating an opposing force which would keep them in check speaks volumes about the direction of the company and Triple H's influence. Such a shame for someone who does have deep respect for the industry and its history.
Jason Clevett: Dusty Rhodes. Say what you will about sloths like Jones and Steiner, the image of Dusty Rhodes still wearing tights is one that haunts me to this day. In a managerial role or as a mouthpiece, Rhodes is adequate and certainly has the nostalgia factor going for him, but his days of being in the ring should be long behind him. Not even AJ Styles, considered to be one of the best wrestlers in the world today, could get a good match out of Rhodes.
Bob Kapur: Nathan Jones. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Jon Waldman: Triple H. Looking back to my 2001 praise of HHH, it's amazing to see just how much the guy has fallen in my eyes. This is not the man who entertained crowds week-in and week-out just a short time ago. We have a guy who seems more concerned with looking good than wrestling well, and has sucked the life out of the RAW male division.
Dale Plummer: I know it's popular to bash Scott Steiner, as the poll shows, but it's not Steiner's fault. Come on people! How can you forget Nathan Jones! No matter how hard I try, or how much I drink, I'll never be able to erase the memory of that awful Aussie. He was brought in with a huge push, and then the WWE realized how bad he was. Every time he was set to debut, his opponent was taken out before the match. The he got hurt, and was gone for a while. This guy made A-Train look good by comparison, and now Jones is gone. What does that tell you?
Yves Leroux: It has to be a tie between Scott Steiner and Mark Henry. Steiner is getting so slow, fans cheer his entrance music then go into hiatus for the rest of his matches. Henry has never been able to get any reaction, and this time is no different. The only positive aspect of Mark Henry is his weight loss.
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Worst Wrestler of 2003: Female
1. Other (33%)
2. Jazz (24%). 3. Trinity (12%). 4. Ivory (11%). 5. Molly Holly (9%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Gail Kim. Super hyped debut...and then her push fell apart based on her in-ring performace. I predict a comeback of sorts this year.
Jason Clevett: Gail Kim. Noticeable absent from the poll was Kim, which speaks to the impact the former woman's champion has had this year. She impressed me in January on a house show in Saskatoon. Sometime between then and her debut, something happened that made me questions whether this was the same woman, because blown spots and overall bad wrestling seemed to plague Gail. She wins this award based on the fact that she was pushed as a wrestler. Dawn Marie and Torrie Wilson were worse, but they aren't marketed as wrestlers, let alone champions.
Bob Kapur: Jazz. Only because she wasn't around for most of the year..
Jon Waldman: Torrie Wilson. Torrie did one thing of note this year - posed in Playboy. Whoopee. Wilson did less than nothing to improve her ring work or do anything worthwhile in the fed. In fact, outside of the Dawn Marie and Billy Gunn angles, Wilson was barely even on Smackdown! It's time for this supposed "girl next door" to consider relocating.
Dale Plummer: Can I vote other? All the women on our list are good. I can't justify voting one of them worst, but I can justify voting Stephanie McMahon as the Worst Female Wrestler. She has no business being in the ring, or creative meeting for the matter. I can't believe she's been off TV for so long, but I know it's only a matter of time till she returns.
Yves Leroux: Victoria. She has the talent, but that evil screwed up witch persona is just plain boring. If she gets a facelift, maybe then will she succeed again?
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Best Canadian Wrestler of 2003
1. Chris Benoit (48%)
2. Chris Jericho (40%). 3. Christian, Trish Stratus (3%). 4. Lance Storm (2%). 5. Val Venis, Roddy Piper, Teddy Hart. (1%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Chris Benoit, simply because of his tireless work on Smackdown!. Whereas Chris Jericho has been given his own segment on Raw and is always a part of major storylines, Benoit has had to put up with being bounced around from feud to feud, each of varying quality and status. A mirror of Raw's Shawn Michaels, Benoit is the Smackdown! mainstay passionately toiling away. Here's hoping his commitment and loyalty gets rewarded in the near future.
Jason Clevett: Chris Jericho. The same qualifications for the overall Male Wrestler come into play here. While Benoit had fantastic matches with Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero this year, after Wrestlemania he was shuffled back into the mid-card, despite his wrestling talent. Jericho on the other hand truly was the "highlight of the night" on RAW with both his talk show segment and his matches against the likes of Shawn Michaels and in his tag team with Christian. Goldberg's best match this year was against Jericho, which also speaks to his talent. Overall package = Jericho.
Bob Kapur: Chris Jericho. He was my choice as Wrestler of the Year, so can't very well pick anyone else, can I?
Jon Waldman: Chris Jericho. See above for my reasons. It's not surprising in the least that a Canadian dominated this year, but going into 2003 I was somewhat questioning whether Jericho could still rank among the elite after an at-times lacklustre 2002 for the Winnipeg native.
Dale Plummer: Now it's time to be show biased. Chris Benoit, no contest. He's back from neck surgery and running roughshod all over Smackdown! He's starting to show emotion on the mike, too. The other week on Smackdown! when he tore into Heyman was incredible. I really hope Benoit gets to carry the strap this year, but I won't hold my breath.
Yves Leroux: Chris Jericho gets my vote, but narrowly over Christian. He is one of the best heels around and second to none, except for Randy Orton's amazing sarcastic cockiness, to get a crowd throwing beers at him. He needs to wrestle more though.
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Worst Canadian Wrestler of 2003
1. Test (34%)
2. Roddy Piper (22%). 3. Other (7%). 4. Teddy Hart, Lance Storm (6%). 5. Christian. (5%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Watching Test stumble and bumble around is like having your eyes plucked out with a rusty spoon, guzzling Drano and getting a root canal all at the same time. As if his matches weren't brutal enough, his gimmick is portraying a chauvinist who revels in abusing women on Raw. Wonderful. A great legacy for Andrew.
Jason Clevett: Roddy Piper. Hands down for this one. Between Piper's indecipherable ramblings in WWE and TNA and his horrible performances in the ring, Piper made many people want to forget the fact that he is Canadian.
Bob Kapur: Roddy Piper. "Go away, and never come back." - Gollum.
Jon Waldman: Teddy Hart. Practically handed opportunities, young Theodore made enemies in every fed he ventured into, especially ROH. The stunt he pulled at the ROH show was totally disrespectful to the business, and showed him as nothing but a cocky kid. If his last name were any other, he'd be out of the business for good.
Dale Plummer: I don't watch RAW a lot, but I'll still vote for Test here. The guy has no personality. If Stacy Keibler can't get you over, you may as well pack you bags, or get ready for a stellar career on Sunday Night Heat.
Yves Leroux: I've never been able to sit and watch a whole match involving Test. He's got some ability but doesn't seem to be used to his full potential. In the mean time, I find him more boring than Lance Storm.
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Best Tag Team of 2003
1. Los Guerreros (34%)
2. Dudley Boys (24%). 3. Team Angle (20%). 4. Kane, RVD (6%). 5. La Resistance, America's Most Wanted. (5%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: This is a closest call of the poll. The Dudleys, Los Guerreros and Team Angle are all in the running. Though they are all talented teams who have done a fantastic job at elevating tag team wrestling in the WWE, I will have to go with Team Angle...for continuity sake. On Raw, The Dudley's storylines have fallen flat. There is very little competition on that broadcast and the whole feud with La Resistance has been drilled into the ground. The misuse of The Dudleys is another reason Raw is floundering. Los Guerreros really slay and it is nice to see the underrated Chavo get a strong push but...Eddie's solo forays have stalled the team's momentum many time throughout the year. That leaves us with Team Angle...The World's Greatest Tag Team...whatever they are calling themselves this week. Not that they are any less worthy of the acclaim. Benjamin and Haas are the future of the WWE. The pace at which they have taken on the lead tag team role on Smackdown! is a testament to their natural ability and cohesiveness as a team.
Jason Clevett: America's Most Wanted. They win by default due to the fact that Triple-X disintegrated halfway through the year. Consistently entertaining and having better matches based on the fact that they were allowed to go out there and show what they could do. Los Guerreros and TWGGT both had excellent years, but it seemed that they wrestled each other more than anything else.
Bob Kapur: Roddy Piper. Team Angle (WGTT). A great young team with unlimited potential. Individually or together, Haas and Benjamin are going to be major players in the future.
Jon Waldman: Haas/Benjamin. Could we be seeing the re-introduction of significant tag teams in WWE? These guys were easily two of the hottest commodities on Smackdown!, putting on stellar match after stellar match. A little more work on the stick and these guys will be looking to carry the division.
Dale Plummer: This is a toss up between Team Angle (WGTT) and Los Guerreros. I'll go with Team Angle since they have stayed relatively healthy all year. Plus, they are young and have done a great job all year. Their turn on Kurt Angle was nicely done. They are so good at being heels, it will be interesting see if they can or will turn face.
Yves Leroux: La resistance for the simple effective way they can get a crowd into a frenzy. And they do have some talent to boot.
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Worst Tag Team of 2003
1. Test, Steiner (36%)
2. La Resistance (19%). 3. F.B.I. (12%). 4. Basham Brothers (9%). 5. Dudley Boys, 3 Live Crew. (5%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Test, Steiner. Is there anyone worse than these two clods? They are like the Volkoff and Sheik of the modern era moving through each match as if they have hardened concrete in their veins. Separately, they are barely tolerable. Teamed together, they are insufferable.
Jason Clevett: Test and Steiner. Steiner has been a bomb since his debut, and Test has shown more charisma as of late but for some reason hasn't been the wrestler that I for some reason feel he can be. (Yes I realize I am in a minority on there.) Even having Stacy Kiebler involved with these two couldn,t save them.
Bob Kapur: Test, Steiner. Two wrongs don't make a right.
Jon Waldman: Dudley Boyz. Two years ago these guys were tops in WWE. Now, however, they are just looking awful. When they started the whole table-obsessed stuff, I feared they would turn into Public Enemy redux; well, it happened. A one-dimensional tag team that,s a holdover from the Attitude era, they have not adapted well to the new WWE non-hardcore style.
Dale Plummer: Test/Steiner. How this seemed like a good idea after the creative staff killed Steiner's career, I don't know. Two bad things together don't make one good thing.
Yves Leroux: La Resistance because they simply got elevated too early, they needed much more seasoning, and became champion too fast. Fine tuning is all they really need.
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Best Match of 2003
1. Kurt Angle versus Chris Benoit (Royal Rumble). (28%)
2. Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho (WrestleMania). (20%). 3. Brock Lesnar versus Kurt Angle (WrestleMania) (17%). 4. Kurt Angle versus Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam) (5%). 5. Austin's Team versus Bischoff's Team (Survivor Series) (5%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Austin's Team versus Bischoff's Team (Survivor Series). Nothing held my attention more than Shawn Michaels' memorable performance in this match. Great action. Great story-telling. Intriguing finale with what transpired between Austin and HBK.
Jason Clevett: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit at the Royal Rumble. I really, really wanted to give this to the cage match between AMW & Triple-X from NWA-TNA but I have to go with the majority here. Benoit vs. Angle was everything a match should be, a hot crowd, emotion, a clean finish and fantastic wrestling in between. Despite the overall negativity that many cast upon wrestling in the past year, we have born witness to some truly fantastic wrestling, and that needs to be appreciated.
Bob Kapur: Other -- Kurt Angle versus Brock Lesnar (Iron Man Match). This match from "Smackdown" was simply brilliant. From bell to bell, I was glued to the TV, marking out for each finish, and even counting down the last 10 seconds like I was a kid again. Awesome.
Jon Waldman: I should note that I did not watch a single PPV this year live (the only ones I watched were for DVD reviews), so I'm going by my tube-watching adventures for this category. Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle - Iron Man Match, Smackdown! - The third-ever recognized WWE Iron Man match equalled, if not surpassed, its predecessors. Angle and Lesnar put on the blow-off match for the ages, and will forever be remembered as one of the best TV matches of all time.
Dale Plummer: So many to choose, I,ll go with Kurt Angle vs.Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania, even if Brock landed the shooting star press on his face. This was Angle's swan song, as he left for neck surgery. Even injured, Angle wrestled his heart out.
Yves Leroux: Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania. It was old time wrestling all over again. Even though Michaels' best days are behind him, that match was a pure delight for old style wrestling such as myself.
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Worst Match of 2003
Stephanie McMahon versus Vince McMahon (No Mercy). (25%)
2. Triple H versus Scott Steiner (Royal Rumble). (23%). 3. Zach Gowan versus Vince McMahon (Vengeance) (10%). 4. Vince McMahon versus Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania). (9%). 5. Roddy Piper versus Mr. America (J-Day). (8%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Where does one begin? There were so many. Though technically there were a pile that were worse, the I.C. Battle Royal from J-Day was the most disappointing after all the pomp and circumstance that hyped it. We all expected Vince versus Stephanie to suck and Triple H, Nash to bomb out...but the way the Battle Royal for the I.C. title kinda stunned most. It wasn't just bad. It was abysmal. Crappola booking at its best.
Jason Clevett: Triple-H vs. Scott Steiner. On the other end of the spectrum we have seen some true abortions in the ring, but the Royal Rumble match between these two was the polar opposite of the MOTY. Memorable because of the blown spots, Steiner being bad, and the fans completely turning on Scott and the match, this one stands out despite some matches being technically worse (Hogan vs. Piper)
Bob Kapur: Roddy Piper versus Mr. America (J-Day). The only thing this match did was tarnish the memory of one of the biggest and best feuds of all time. A complete disgrace.
Jon Waldman: Mick Foley vs. Randy Orton, RAW. Boo-urns, and double boo-urns for WWE devoting nearly an entire episode of RAW to build-up for this match that never was. The finish left so many fans angry, and made absolutely zero sense. Foley was obviously strong-armed into this, and it's a shame that we didn't get a bout we all wanted to see.
Dale Plummer: Normally I wouldn,t vote for a match I didn't see, but I'll make an exception here. Vince McMahon vs. Stephanie McMahon had disaster written all over and boy did they deliver. When are we going to see Vince's ego challenge someone in the ring?
Yves Leroux: No comment on Stephanie McMahon against Vince McMahon, I don't even consider that a wrestling match, it was a side show. As far as I am concerned, the worst match was Scott Steiner against HHH. Too many missed spots, the crowd couldn't get into it, Steiner is slower than a mule. A waste of time and money.
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Best Wrestling Federation of 2003
WWE. (73%)
2. TNA. (18%). 3. Other (10%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Pretty much a moot point with WWE having a stranglehold on the business as well as the 'A List talent' while TNA is just slotted to broadcasting on PPV.
Jason Clevett: Ring of Honor. This falls into the "Other" Category. In terms of national exposure this award goes to TNA, who has been head and shoulders above WWE in terms of wrestling. But with TNA rapidly becoming "The Jeff Jarrett Show" and using guys like Don Harris and Dusty Rhodes, "smart" fans have been flocking to the Northeast's ROH promotion to see TNA standouts like Low-Ki, Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles work with other extremely talented athletes like American Dragon and Samoa Joe. The "Code of Honor" eliminates a lot of the aspects of wrestling that drag down TNA and WWE, like run-ins, non-finishes and screwjobs and instead just provides pro wrestling at it's best.
Bob Kapur: WWE.
Jon Waldman: WWE Smackdown! Yes, I'm cheating here. Oh well. Sue me. Smackdown far exceeded its counterpart, continually staging better shows week in and week out. Sure some of the angles were a pile (*cough* Stephanie vs. Vince *cough*), but overall the whole brand was solid.
Dale Plummer: For lack of anything else, WWE.
Yves Leroux: WWE because they are still alone.........................for now. But watch TNA
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Worst Wrestling Federation of 2003
Other. (46%)
2. WWE. (37%). 3. TNA (16%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: The WWE simply because they have all the tools, the money, the talent and influence to produce a better product and yet they still put out absolute garbage more times than not. The industry desperately needs an alternative. Fingers crossed that someone steps into that role this year for the sake of the fans, the business and those saps who are being treated badly by the WWE.
Jason Clevett: WWE. I really want to try and look at the good the WWE has had, but realistically, people have been turned off of the product because of McMahon overkill and bad writing. Despite the incredible amount of talent on their roster, it is not being utilized. WWE could take a lesson from places like TNA, ROH, and other independents but letting their wrestlers wrestle.
Bob Kapur: WWE. As good as they were, they did offer up a ton of crap over the past 12 months (Shane's testicle torture, anyone?)
Jon Waldman: WWE Raw. RAW was by far the worst of the two WWE "promotions". The show didn't grab my attention and hold it as it had in past years, thanks in most part to Triple H.
Dale Plummer: See my answer above.
Yves Leroux: Heat, which is usually a rerun of what we already know plus a couple of lower midcarder earning their salary.
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Best Wrestling Television Show of 2003
Raw. (41%)
2. Smackdown!. (39%). 3. TNA (11%). 4. Confidential (5%). 5. Other (2%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: For consistent quality, Smackdown! My how Raw has fallen but with it becoming the 'Triple H and Friends' show...is it any wonder?
Jason Clevett: Smackdown & TNA. For parts of the year SD has been a must-watch show, as wrestling took center stage and guys like Rey Mysterio, Guerrero, Benoit, Angle, Lesnar and others got the chance to shine. NWA-TNA tended to be hit and miss, but man when they hit, they hit hard and produced some of the best wrestling on TV this year.
Bob Kapur: Raw.
Jon Waldman: Smackdown! Too many top matches can be highlighted here, so I'll just say this - despite twisted plots involving two sets of fathers and daughters, an "American hero" and a cougar, SD! put on watchable shows week-in and week-out.
Dale Plummer: When Paul Heyman was head writer, Smackdown!. Even though he isn't in charge anymore the show is still the best one of the bunch. And, yes, I know I'm biased, but what does it say when I'd rather watch the St. Louis Rams crush the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, the watch RAW?
Yves Leroux: Smackdown! for the new blood they have.
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Worst Wrestling Television Show of 2003
Raw. (18%)
2. Heat (16%). 3. Velocity (15%). 4. Afterburn (13%). 5. Bottom Line (9%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Raw. WWE allows its flagship show to become nothing more than an unmitigated bore.
Jason Clevett: Bottom Line. Recap shows suck.
Bob Kapur: Afterburn.
Jon Waldman: HeAT. HeAT delivered nothing but flat, uninteresting matches. When Stevie Richards is your main character, there's something wrong. Velocity, on the other hand, often featured some killer wrestling, lead by Ultimo Dragon. No comparison here.
Dale Plummer: Velocity. I don't even know when it's on. And what the heck is Afterburn?
Yves Leroux: Heat, which is usually a rerun of what we already know plus a couple of lower midcarder earning their salary.
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Best Gang of 2003
Evolution. (44%)
2. Team Angle (25%). 3. Matt Hardy's Followers (5%). 4. Heyman Stable (4%). 5. F.B.I., Tajiri and his Yukuza, The Gathering, Other. (3%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Team Angle.
Jason Clevett: Evolution. Winning be default because none of the other gangs were really consistent. With the exception of the FBI, no other gang on the list was around for more then a few months. Evolution had the big push on RAW and ended the year holding all of the RAW championships. Regardless of your thoughts on HHH, Batista, Orton and Flair, they were the most established group of the year.
Bob Kapur: Evolution. I'll admit it... I'm still a Triple H fan. Yes, his stranglehold on the belt is tiresome. But he's the perfect frontman for this stable, which includes wrestling's brightest new star in Randy Orton, and the legendary Ric Flair. Them having all the gold will hopefully lead to some interesting "chase" programs with the rest of the roster.
Jon Waldman: Team Angle. As elite you will ever get, unless your name involves a certain animal, Team Angle was THE dominant group of 2003. All three wrestlers did huge stuff in 2003.
Dale Plummer: Team Angle. I know they didn't stick together long, but man did they dress well. I wanted one of those velour warm up suits so bad.
Yves Leroux: Evolution. Their entrance music, their members, they have it all. Now where will it lead to? The return of APA I hope.
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Worst Gang of 2003
F.B.I., Theodore Long's Posse. (17%)
2. La Resistance, Rob Conway (17%). 3. Evolution (14%). 4. Mard Hardy's Followers (13%). 5. Heyman's Stable. (8%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Evolution for being solely responsible for the demise of Raw.
Jason Clevett: FBI. They did next to nothing all year besides get squashed by the Undertaker and wrestle on Velocity. Chuck Palumbo had a hell of a fall from his tag team championship days (now if only Billy Gunn would take a similar path) while Nunzio is a talent being wasted and Johnny The Bull is decent and also could be used better.
Bob Kapur: Theodore Long's Posse. Long is great. Too bad about everyone he manages.
Jon Waldman: Evolution. A desperate attempt to get any kind of heat, HHH aligned himself with the wrestlers that were getting all the heel heat (Orton and Flair). Batista, IMO, would be better solo.
Dale Plummer: How did the FBI lead this poll! Man, Heyman's stable was so bad, they kicked a guy out and replaced him with A-Train!
Yves Leroux: FBI. Just can't get into them.
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Best Feud of 2003
Brock Lesnar versus Kurt Angle. (30%)
2. Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho (17%). 3. Eric Bischoff versus Steve Austin (10%). 4. Shane McMahon versus Kane (8%). 5. Eddie Guerrero versus Chris Benoit, John Cena versus Kurt Angle. (5%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: A tie between Brock Lesnar versus Kurt Angle
And Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho. Both were well plotted out and spawned some modern day classic matches.
Jason Clevett: Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar. The feud ran the year and never got boring. From the moment Kurt Angle won the title last December the main event was set for Mania. The road to that match was rocky with Angle's neck injury making the possibility of the match not happening very real. Their first great match was in Seattle, with the infamous Shooting Star and Lesnar claiming the gold. Upon Angle's return in June it was like it had never stopped. Adding fantastic matches at Vengeance (A 3-way with the Big Show) and Summerslam, they traded the belt before culminating in a 1 hour Iron Man Match on Smackdown that didn't live up to expectations but was still a fantastic match. Both men captained teams at the Survivor Series and that seemed to end the Lesnar/Angle feud for now.
Bob Kapur: Brock Lesnar versus Kurt Angle. This feud was pretty much the central focus of Smackdown during the past year (ignoring anything involving Vince McMahon). It also resulted in three of the year's best matches (Wrestlemania, SummerSlam, and the afore-mentioned Iron Man match). I'd love to see a rematch at WMXX, too.
Jon Waldman: Eddy vs. Benoit. Continuing where they left off in 2002, Eddy and Benoit continually entertained throughout the year. Like Benoit and Angle, every match was a winner.
Dale Plummer: Lesnar and Angle. Both men have played the face and heel role in this feud, and played those roles well. And the WWE creative staff hasn't beaten it to death, yet.
Yves Leroux: Brock Lesnar against Kurt Angle. Two great guys who can individually get major crowd reactions. And they were on together? WOW.
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Worst feud of 2003
Zach Gowen versus Vince McMahon. (33%)
2. Vince McMahon versus Stephanie McMahon (21%). 3. Vince McMahon versus Hollywood Hogan (11%). 4. Test versus Scott Steiner (9%). 5. Triple H versus Kevin Nash. (8%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Vince McMahon versus Stephanie McMahon. How many times is the WWE going to rework the 'owner' feuds? Get it through your thick skulls, nobody gives a crap about your fictional family in-fighting (as the above answers show) or the fact that you will never recapture the Austin versus McMahon wars. Move on already and do something original.
Jason Clevett: Vince vs. Stephanie. Get the McMahons off my damn screen! Want to know why ratings are plummeting, look no further then the continued cramming of the McMahon family down our throats. The lead up and match itself were very creepy and disturbing and had no place in the company. We,ve seen Vince vs. Shane and Vince vs. Stephanie, as well as Vince vs. Linda in a non-wrestling match. Let's hope Mr. and Mrs. McMahon never decide to resolve their differences in the ring.
Bob Kapur: Test versus Scott Steiner.
Jon Waldman: Stephanie vs. Vince. What was gained by this feud? Well, Stephanie's no longer on TV, but she was actually starting to become acceptable without her constant shrieking of the past. The only wrestler really involved was A-Train, and, well, it's A-Train; enough said.
Dale Plummer: Vince McMahon versus Hulk Hogan. This was the dumbest feud of the year, anyone who saw it are now dumber for it. The whole Mr. America thing was funny, as a mid-card feud, not a main event. And shame on all of you who voted for Zach Gowen, give the kid some credit. It's not his fault the writers suck.
Yves Leroux: Test versus Scott Steiner. Useless feud for useless goal (Stacey). Just downright dumb.
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Best manager/valet of 2003
Stacy Keibler. (43%)
2. Theodore Long (21%). 3. Torrie Wilson (10%). 4. Miss Jackie, Shaniqua (5%). 5 Nidia, Sable, James Mitchell. (3%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Theodore Long. A classic throwback to the managers of old. He's done more on-air wheeling and dealing for his talent than anyone.
Jason Clevett: The era of the Manager has been dead for awhile. Most accompaniments these days is strictly eye candy. James Mitchell of NWA-TNA was a mouthpiece and his psychological warfare with Raven was one of the best feuds in the company this year. He also had the biggest group of wrestlers under him, including Shane Douglas, Synn, Slash, and Vampiro.
Bob Kapur: James Mitchell.
Jon Waldman: Teddy Long. His group of wrestlers, for the most part, were sub par, but Long, the Dolla Dolla Man, was easily one of the most entertaining parts of RAW week-in and week-out.
Dale Plummer: I've really come around on Teddy Long, but Stacy Keibler gets my vote. Why? Do you really have to ask?
Yves Leroux: Teddy Long. Because I long (excuse the pun) the days of heel managers. Welcome back.
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Worst manager/valet of 2003
Vince Russo (19%)
2. Sable (16%). 3. Shaniqua. (14%). 4. Theodore Long (13%). 5. Miss Jackie (9%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Stacy Keibler. Such a one-note act and totally useless. How long has she been the damsel in distress for any way? No talent other than her looks. Send her packing already.
Jason Clevett: Vince Russo. Russo did absolutely nothing for AJ Styles, who is more then capable of getting over on his own. Russo in fact almost seemed to suck heat from the crowd, and his frequent interference in Styles, NWA Championship matches really put a damper on his reign. Fortunately Styles has turned face and slapped the taste out of Vince's mouth before kicking him to the curb.
Bob Kapur: Sable.
Jon Waldman: Sable. The cougar paws should be hung up already. Sable's re-debut has not been well received, and her credibility is completely shot.
Dale Plummer: Sable. She's hot, but she's getting older, and watching her fawn all over Vince makes me want to vomit.
Yves Leroux: Sable. She just can't do it anymore.
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Best PPV of 2003
WrestleMania (65%)
2. Royal Rumble (12%). 3. Summer Slam, Survivor Series (7%). 4. Vengeance (2%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: WrestleMania. It was all downhill after that.
Jason Clevett: Wrestlemania XIX. I have a partial bias since I was there live, but in terms of overall show, this event from Seattle, Washington even impressed John Powell, who has become disenchanted with the WWE and their PPV offerings. While Vengeance is a very close second, Wrestlemania captured the magic of what the event stands for. Hopefully the WWE can do it again this year for the 20th edition of Wrestlemania.
Bob Kapur: WrestleMania.
Jon Waldman: Keep in mind, again, that I did not see ANY of the WWE PPVs live. NWA-TNA one-cent show. Is there ANY doubt? Clips or no clips, this was a hot showcase, and you can't beat the price.
Dale Plummer: Wrestlemania. No real explanation needed. Unforgiven is a close second, but I was there, so it doesn't count.
Yves Leroux: The Aura around Wrestlemania is just too magical. It would have to be real lame for me not to vote for it.
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Worst PPV of 2003
Armageddon (32%)
2. Bad Blood (16%). 3. Judgment Day (10%). 4. No Mercy (9%). 5. Backlash, Unforgiven (6%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Bad Blood. No thought, creativity or effort went into the show. An episode of Raw on PPV. Angles like the Redneck Triathalon are why nobody takes the WWE or its product seriously any longer. Bad Blood was an absolute waste of time. The whole idea of separate Raw and Smackdown! pay-per-views is killing interest and the company. How the WWE has the nerve to charge $30-plus for the pay-per-views they are booking is insulting. For that move alone, the WWE deserves to tank...and tank hard.
Jason Clevett: Badd Blood. It seems most voters felt that the most recent offering Armageddon was the worst show of the year. But to me, the first RAW only PPV was the worst offering of the year. Although Jericho vs. Goldberg and Michaels vs. Flair were good, the wretched "Redneck Triathalon" and the second worst Cell match in history just killed the show.
Bob Kapur: Judgment Day.
Jon Waldman: Backlash 2003. Maybe because it followed Wrestlemania, or maybe because fans were still unsure of whether to cheer or boo Rock, but this one didn't click.
Dale Plummer: Oh yea gods! Have we all forgotten the train wreck that was Bad Blood. I know why Armageddon is leading; it's fresh in everyone's minds. Bad Blood was supposed to usher in the era of brand only PPVs, instead it tripped over itself and fell flat on it's face. I know you didn't forget about the Redneck Triathlon. Bad Blood was a 2 and half hour episode of RAW that WWE had the nerve to charge us to watch.
Yves Leroux: Bad Blood. Bad name.....and bad card.
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Best announcer of 2003
Jim Ross (35%)
2. Jerry Lawler (25%). 3. Tazz (21%). 4. Mike Tenay (7%). 5. Michael Cole (6%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Mike Tenay and Jim Ross. Without them, their respective broadcasts would lose credibility.
Jason Clevett: Tazz. Consistently the most entertaining announcer, Tazz balances concentrating on the matches with hyping and making smartass comments perfectly. He was head and shoulders over anyone else commentating in WWE this year.
Bob Kapur: Mike Tenay. WWE... hire this man.
Jon Waldman: Tazz. No question here. Tazz added unique insight and humour to the Smackdown! broadcasts. He easily killed Lawler and West on colour, and can do no wrong.
Dale Plummer: Tazz. He is taking commentating to the next level. He isn't heel or face, but calls the action like a former wrestler, because, well, he is a former wrestler. He's more analysts, then character. He does the same job that former player do. He provides insights that no one else has.
Yves Leroux: I really liked Tazz as a commentator; he's come a long way. He's even better there than in the ring.
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Worst announcer of 2003
Jonathan Coachman (43%)
2. Jerry Lawler, Don West (13%). 3. Michael Cole (9%). 4. Other (6%). 5. Tazz. (5%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell: Jerry Lawler. So tired of his juvenile drivel.
Jason Clevett: Jerry Lawler. The old pervert puppies calling has gotten beyond stale. It amazes me that people were clamoring for his return in 2001 over the far superior Paul Heyman. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder and the memory faint. Please Jerry, make us fonder again.
Bob Kapur: Other -- The Cat.
Jon Waldman: Jerry Lawler. Single-handedly keeping the women's division fromgarnering the respect they deserve, Lawler has got to go. His juvenile ways are pissing me off more and more every week, and he really brings RAW down a notch or two every week.
Dale Plummer: Jerry Lawler. 'm gonna be lynched for this, but Lawler's antics are wearing thin. He's brings nothing to RAW. If I hear him yell puppies or take a racial shot at Booker T one more time...
Yves Leroux: Sorry coach, I didn't like you before your involvement in the storylines, I won't start now
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Best Fresh Face of 2003
John Cena (49%).
2. Randy Orton (20%). 3. Batisa (11%). 4. Gail Kim (5%). 5. Miss Jackie, Spanky, Teddy Hart. (2%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell Randy Orton and John Cena. They are the future of the business.
Jason Clevett: Teddy Hart. I have to call into question some of the choices given, as guys like Cena and Orton were players in 2002. WWE hasn't really allowed any of their "fresh faces" to show what they can do this year, making Ted the winner by default due to simply blowing people away with his talent. Regardless of the ROH controversy or attitude or whatever, the fact remains that Ted Hart has a ton of talent, and had the chance to show that on a national stage this year.
Bob Kapur: (tie) Randy Orton/John Cena. Both of these guys have become bona fide superstars this past year. If people don't tire of the gimmick, Cena has the persona to be the next Rock. But Orton edges him out in the ring.
Jon Waldman: John Cena. Cena's biggest asset is that he has the pulse of the wrestling world. He's brought something NEW to the game, taking the usually crappy rap gimmick and making it fun to chant along to.
Dale Plummer: John Cena. He's the man, great gimmick, mike work off the charts, and in the ring he is very good. He can carry the Big Show to a decent match.
Yves Leroux: Randy Orton. He really came out of his shell this past year and is definitely on his way to wrestling stardom.
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Worst Fresh Face of 2003
Zach Gowen (16%).
2. Jon Heidenreich (15%). 3. Rodney Mack (9%). 4. Chris Nowinski (8%). 5. La Resistance (7%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell Zach Gowen. Hired by the WWE solely for publicity purposes and then quickly shuttled into obscurity. I admire Gowen for overcoming the odds and setting a wonderful example. Too bad McMahon and company will never treat him seriously.
Jason Clevett: Gail Kim. See the reasons why she was worst female.
Bob Kapur: Jon Heidenreich. Yes, he's big and powerful. But he looks really awkward in the ring, and is about as charismatic as a loaf of bread. Keep him on "Heat" until he gains a personality.
Jon Waldman: John Heidenreich. This guy was a bust from his in-ring debut. The "Little Johnny" gimmick worked, but the fans became uninterested as soon as he stepped through the ropes. Time to take out the trash.
Dale Plummer: Leave poor Zach Gowen alone! You people are mean! It's not his fault. For me it's a tie between Miss Jackie and Shaniqua. Can't WWE pretend that season 2 of Tough Enough never happened?
Yves Leroux: Jon Heidenreich. He may have potential, but he's way too stiff and nervous for now. He needs to refine his persona and take some stress relief classes.
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Which former WWF star would you like to see most at WrestleMania?
Bret Hart (53%).
2. Macho Man (13%). 3. Ricky Steamboat (12%). 4. Ultimate Warrior (5%). 5. Ted Dibiase, Bobby Heenan, Demolition, Other. (2%).
SLAM! Picks
John Powell Macho Man. Ohhhh, yeah!
Jason Clevett: Bret Hart.
Bob Kapur: Bret Hart. Even if only to say a proper goodbye.
Jon Waldman: Bret Hart. It'll never happen, but one can dream, can't they? Just to have Bret be able to give a proper farewell speech would be awesome, and something he definitely deserves.
Dale Plummer: I guess I can,t say Mick Foley, since he's been on and off TV the past few months. I'll go with Bret Hart. I do wish he'll show so the whole screw job mess can be buried forever.
Yves Leroux: In a non wrestling role? Most defiantly Bret Hart. I know he'll never be able to wrestle again, but even his presence, with that entrance music will electrify the crowd. In a wrestling match? What I would do to see Ricky the Dragon Steamboat. And even better, against Rick Flair. These two had some incredible matches together and I don't think they would disappoint anyone.
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Full 2003 poll results
Previous year-end polls
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