by Rick Scaia
OnlineOnslaught.com

The process was simple: one each of those 9 ballots, a first place vote gets FIVE points, a second place vote THREE points, and a third place vote TWO points.  In the case of ties, they were broken by giving the wrestler(s) with the greater number of first place votes the higher spot.  Add up, sort out, and present them to the masses!

THE VERY BEST OF 2003

BEST WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: 
Brock Lesnar  --  25 pts (4 first place votes)
The wrestler who not only performed at the highest levels both in the ring and behind the microphone, but did so in important, marquee matches for his/her company.
1st Runner-Up: Chris Jericho -- 21 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Kurt Angle -- 20 pts (2)

Also receiving votes: Shawn Michaels (11), Goldberg (5), Eddie Guerrero (5), Shocker (3)

BEST TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: 
Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin  --  32 pts (2)
The tag team that not only performed at the highest levels both in the ring and behind the mic, but did so in important, marquee matches for their company.
1st Runner-Up: Dudley Boyz -- 19 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Los Guerreros -- 18 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: America's Most Wanted (10), los Guerreros del Infernales (5), Chris Jericho/Christian (2), Rob Van Dam/Kane (2), Billy Kidman/Rey Mysterio (2)

BEST FEMALE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: 
Trish Stratus  --  39 pts (6)
The woman who, week in and week out, performed at the highest level in the capacity asked of her.
1st Runner-Up: Victoria -- 24 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Molly Holly -- 23 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Torrie Wilson (3), Stacy Keibler (2)

BEST FEUD OF THE YEAR: 
Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle  --  31 pts (5)
The rivalry that produced the best storylines, matches, angles, and/or promos of the year.
1st Runner-Up: Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho -- 24 pts (3)
2nd Runner-Up: Shocker vs. Ultimo Guerreo -- 5 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Hulk Hogan vs. Vince McMahon (5, no first place votes), Steve Austin vs. Eric Bischoff (4), Raven vs. Jeff Jarrett (4), Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit (3), Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show (3), Los Guerreros vs. Haas/Benjamin (3), Steve Austin vs. Chris Jericho (2), Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero (2), Eddie Guerrero vs. John Cena (2)

BEST MATCH OF THE YEAR: 
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit (Royal Rumble)
30 pts. (5)
The match that best combined great ringwork and psychology/storytelling to get fans off their seats and cheering.
1st Runner-Up: 
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (WM19) -- 21 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up:
Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle (WM19) -- 6 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle IronMan (5),
Shocker vs. Ultimo Guerrero (5), Team Austin vs. Team Bischoff (5), America's Most Wanted vs. Triple X Cage (3), Rey Mysterio vs. Matt Hardy SD! Title Change (3), Lesnar vs. Angle SummerSlam (2), Lesnar vs. Show Ring Collapse (2), Haas/Benjamin vs. Rey/Kidman Vengeance (2), Eddie vs. Benoit Vengeance (2), Flair vs. HHH RAW (2) 

MOST FAVORITE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: 
Chris Jericho  --  22 pts (3)
A purely subjective choice; the performer who, regardless of objective talent, entertained this voter the most.
1st Runner-Up: Kurt Angle -- 13 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Eddie Guerrero -- 10 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Ric Flair (7), Chris Benoit (7), Tajiri (6), The Rock (5), John Cena (5), Shawn Michaels (3), Matt Hardy (3), Steve Austin (2), Stevie Richards (2)

THE OTHER BEST OF 2003

BEST TECHNICAL WRESTLER: 
Chris Benoit  --  37 pts (6)
The grappler who displayed the widest variety of wrestling holds and maneuvers and who executed them realistically and crisply.
1st Runner-Up: Kurt Angle -- 22 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Eddie Guerrero -- 19 pts (2)

Also Receiving Votes: Shawn Michaels (5), Ultimo Guerrero (3), Charlie Haas (2), Jamie Noble (2)

BEST HIGH FLYER: 
Rey Mysterio  --  38 pts (7)
The wrestler who displayed the most jaw-dropping array of cleanly-executed and creative high risk maneuvers.
1st Runner-Up: Rob Van Dam -- 9 pts (0)
2nd Runner-Up: AJ Styles -- 7 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Eddie Guerrero (6), Paul London (6), Volador Jr. (5), Sonjay Dutt (5), Christopher Daniels (3), Tajiri (3), Michael Shane (2), Ricky Marvin (2), Jamie Noble (2)

BEST BRAWLER/POWER WRESTLER: 
Brock Lesnar  --  35 pts (7)
The wrestler who most effectively took a basic punch/kick/slam moveset and still crafted exciting, high-impact matches.
1st Runner-Up: Undertaker -- 13 pts (0)
2nd Runner-Up: Big Show -- 6 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Ric Flair (5), Shocker (5), John Cena (5), Batista (3), Goldberg (3), Satanico (3), Kane (3), Mark Henry (2), Raven (2), The Rock (2), Chuck Palumbo (2)

BEST INTERVIEWS: 
Chris Jericho  --  29 pts (4)
The performer who could be relied upon to most effectively advance storylines and enthrall the audience with his/her promos.
1st Runner-Up: The Rock -- 20 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: John Cena -- 20 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Ric Flair (14), Steve Austin (5), Mick Foley (2), Teddy Long (2)

BEST HEEL: 
Brock Lesnar  --  22 pts (3)
The wrestler who, by virtue of promos or ringwork, most easily turned entire crowds vociferously against him/her.
1st Runner-Up: Chris Jericho -- 20 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Vince McMahon -- 12 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Kane (10), Triple H (8), Kurt Angle (5), The Rock (5), John Cena (3), Tarzan Boy (3), Paul Heyman (2)

BEST BABYFACE: 
Shawn Michaels  --  20 pts (4)
The wrestler who, by virtue of promos or ringwork, most easily convinced entire crowds to get vocally behind him/her.
1st Runner-Up: Eddie Guerrero -- 16 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Steve Austin -- 12 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Rob Van Dam (9), Rey Mysterio (8), Kurt Angle (7), Undertaker (5), Goldberg (3), the Rock (3), Trish Stratus (3), Booker T (2), John Cena (2)

BEST CHARACTER/GIMMICK: 
John Cena, Professor of Thuganomics
39 pts (6)
The unique on-screen persona that most aided a performer's ability to connect with the audience through storylines or ringwork.
1st Runner-Up: 
Los Guerreros Lie, Cheat, and Steal -- 11 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up:  
Brock Lesnar Did Not Tap Out! -- 7 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Matt Hardy v 1.0 (5), Rock as Hollywood Sell-Out (4), Jericho Asshole With a Heart of Gold/Falls for Trish (3), Goldberg (3), Hurricane (3), Coach (3), Jericho Hosts Highlight Reel (2), Val Venis (2), Evolution (2), Kane (2), Shocker is 100% Guapo (2)

MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER: 
John Cena  --  25 pts (3)
The wrestler who showed the most marked improvement in all facets of his/her performance over the last 12 months.
1st Runner-Up: Big Show -- 15 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Trish Stratus -- 12 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Brock Lesnar (10), Randy Orton (9), Charlie Haas (7), Shawn Michaels (5), Test (3), Hurricane (2), Richards & Victoria (2)

MOST UNDERRATED WRESTLER: 
Matt Hardy  --  15 pts (3)
The wrestler who most deserves additional air-time, national exposure, and/or respect from fans.
1st Runner-Up: Molly Holly -- 8 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Chris Benoit -- 7 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Hurricane (5), Big Show (5), Vance Nevada (5), Val Venis (5), Jamie Noble (5), Spanky Kendrick (5), Steven Richards (3), Rey Mysterio (3), Scott Savage (3), Rico (3), Chris Jericho (3), Rey Bucanero (3), Raven (2), Sean O'Haire (2), American Dragon (2), Booker T (2)

BEST SECOND:
Ric Flair  -- 28 pts (5)
The non-wrestler (manager/valet/etc) who most effectively added something extra to the storylines and matches of the wrestler(s) whom he/she accompanied to the ring. 
1st Runner-Up: Teddy Long -- 20 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Nidia -- 11 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Stacy Keibler (10), Victoria (5), Shannon Moore (5), Paul Heyman (5), Shaniqua (4), Coach (2)

BEST TELEVISION PERSONALITY: 
Tazz  --  22 pts (4 first place votes)
The play-by-play announcer, color commentator, interviewer, or other non-wrestler/non-second who contributed the most to an entertaining TV product. 
1st Runner-Up: Steve Austin -- 22 pts (2 first place votes)
2nd Runner-Up: Eric Bischoff -- 19 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Mick Foley (7), Josh Matthews (5), Coach (5), Michael Cole (5), Jim Ross (3), Paul Heyman (2)

"HOLY SHIT" MOMENT OF THE YEAR: 
Show/Lesnar Collapse SD! Ring with Superplex
21 pts (3)
The angle, high spot, stunt, or storyline swerve that was the most surprising and effective shocker of the last 12 months.
1st Runner-Up: 
Roddy Piper runs in on Hogan/Vince at WM19 -- 17 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up (tie):  
Kane Unmasks on RAW -- 8 pts (1)
Lesnar Almost Breaks Neck at WM19 -- 8 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Kane Tombstones Linda (5), Foley walks out on RAW (5), Rock 'n' Sock Reunion (5), Foley returns as RAW Consultant (5), Goldberg Debuts on RAW (3), Flair Challenges HHH for Title on RAW (2), Goldberg Kicks Ass in Elimination Chamber (2), RVD/Christian Final Ladder Match Spot (2), Brock Kills Zach in Front of His Mom (2), Al Helps Coach and Turns Heel (2)

FUNNIEST MOMENT OF THE YEAR: 
Rock/Hurricane Backstage on RAW  --  26 pts (4)
The skit, promo, or other segment that, even if it wasn't really integral to storylines, was the most worthy of distinction simply for being hi-fricking-larious.
1st Runner-Up: Kurt vs. Cena Battle Rap -- 10 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Vince/Mr. America Lie Detector Test -- 7 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Molly/Lance/Goldust on RAW (5), Rock Concert 1 (5), Jericho Drops a Beer (5), Rock Concert 2/Gillberg (5), Cena Thanksgiving Rap (3), RAW Roulette 2 (3), Coach "provokes" Austin (3), Jericho/Trish Courtship (3), Orton Invokes Name of HonkyTonk Man to Annoy HHH (2), Many Others Were Too General to Count (totaling 11 pts)

BEST WRESTLING SHOW: 
SmackDown!  --  37 pts (5)
The regular television program that consistently supplied the most entertaining mix of in-ring action and great storytelling.
1st Runner-Up: RAW -- 27 pts (3)
2nd Runner-Up: TNA Weekly PPV -- 10 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Confidential (7), CMLL on Galavision (5), Velocity (4)

BEST MAJOR EVENT: 
WrestleMania 19  --  37 pts (7)
The one-night event, not shown on a regular/weekly free TV show, that provided the most entertaining (and, on some level, historically significant) mix of in-ring action and storytelling.
1st Runner-Up: SD! presents Vengeance -- 16 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Royal Rumble -- 13 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Survivor Series (11), Backlash (2), SummerSlam (2)

BREAK-OUT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: 
John Cena  --  37 pts (7)
The performer who won over fans and front office personnel to the point that he/she was most-clearly elevated to a new level of importance over the last 12 months.
1st Runner-Up: World's Greatest Tag Team -- 9 pts (0)
2nd Runner-Up: AJ Styles -- 8 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Brock Lesnar (8, no first place votes), Randy Orton (6), Matt Hardy (5), Eddie Guerrero (3), Christian (3), Tazz (3), Big Show (2), Trish Stratus (2), Chavo Guerrero (2)

BREAK-OUT PERFORMER OF NEXT YEAR: 
Randy Orton  --  14 pts (1)
The performer who has developed all the necessary skills and seems most likely to have them recognized and be elevated to a new level of importance in the next 12 months.
1st Runner-Up: John Cena -- 13 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Edge -- 9 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Matt Hardy (8), Eddie Guerrero (8), Chris Jericho (5), Victoria (5), Volador Jr. (5), Hurricane (3), Charlie Haas (3), Maven (3), Nidia (2), Batista (2), Coach (2), Ultimo Dragon (2), Paul London (2), Spanky (2), World's Greatest Tag Team (2)

BEST "REAL WORLD" NEWS OF THE YEAR: 
WWE Compiles Excellent DVD Sets and They 
Sell Very Well  --  13 pts (1)
The contract signing, promotional move, or other backstage/non-storyline development that most benefited a company or the wrestling business as a whole.
1st Runner-Up: Goldberg Signs with WWE --  12 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up: Rock's Hollywood Success -- 11 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Michaels Returns to Full Time Schedule (10), WWE Business Picks up by Year End (10), Steve Austin Returns to WWE (8), Angle Finds Alternate Neck Procedure/Does Not Miss Whole Year (7), Hogan Wrestles in Japan/Prepares for TNA (3), CMLL/NJPW Working Agreement (3), Paul Heyman Returns as SD! GM (3), Nathan Jones Quits (2), WWE Pushes Younger Wrestlers (2), Return of IC/US Titles (2), TNA Survives (2), Hogan Gets Greedy/Leaves WWE (2)

THE bOOby PRIZES

WORST WRESTLER(S) OF THE YEAR: 
John Heidenreich  --  16 pts (1)
The wrestler or tag team who, regularly and in key TV matches, displayed the most frustrating absence of in-ring skill and personality/charisma.
1st Runner-Up: Scott Steiner -- 15 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Nathan Jones -- 13 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Mark Henry (10), Kevin Nash (10), Triple H (7), Pierroth Jr. (5), La Resistance (3), Gran Markus Jr. (3), Gail Kim (3), Bradshaw (2), Orlando Jordan (2)

WORST NON-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: 
Jerry Lawler  --  22 pts (4)
The commentator, announcer, interviewer, manager/valet, GM, or other non-wrestler who added the least (or detracted the most) from the TV product.
1st Runner-Up: Stephanie McMahon -- 18 pts (3)
2nd Runner-Up: Al Wilson -- 10 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Linda McMahon (9), Sable (6), Coach (5), Vince McMahon (5), Don West (3), Josh Matthews (3), Teddy Long (3), Terri Runnels (2), Vince Russo (2), Dawn Marie (2)

WORST FEUD OF THE YEAR: 
Dawn Marie vs. Torrie Wilson  --  25 pts (4)
The on-going rivalry that produced the worst in storylines, matches, and promos.
1st Runner-Up: 
Vince McMahon (w/ Sable) vs. Stephanie McMahon -- 23 pts (2)
2nd Runner-Up:  
Kane vs. Shane McMahon -- 20 pts (2)

Also Receiving Votes: JR/King vs. Coach/Al Snow (9), Test vs. Steiner/Stacy (5), Benoit vs. Rhyno (3), Pierroth Jr./Borricuas vs. Gran Markus Jr./Capos (3), Triple H vs. Kevin Nash (2)

MOST OVERRATED WRESTLER: 
Triple H  --  13 pts (2)
The performer who least deserves all the air time and national exposure he/she receives.
1st Runner-Up: Mr. America/Hulk Hogan -- 8 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Zach Gowen -- 8 pts (0)

Also Receiving Votes: Scott Steiner (7), Billy Gunn (6), Rob Van Dam (5), La Resistance (5), Mark Henry (5), Randy Orton (5), AJ Styles (3), Ultimo Dragon (3), Bradshaw (3), Jeff Jarrett (3), Booker T (2), Nathan Jones (2), Michael Shane (2)

"GODDAMMIT" MOMENT OF THE YEAR: 
Dawn Marie/Al Wilson Wedding and Honeymoon
28 pts (4)
The awful promo, angle, blown spot, skit, or match that came closest to making you embarrassed to be a wrestling fan; the ugly cousin of the "Holy Shit Moment" Award.
1st Runner-Up: 
Austin/Bischoff Redneck Triathlon -- 10 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up:  
Kane Hooks Jumper Cables to Shane's Balls -- 8 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Eddie Empties Sewage Truck on Big Show (8, no first place votes), RAW-X Special (5), Bischoff Molests Linda McMahon (5), Torrie/Gunn/Nidia/Noble four-way (3), Raven Loses to Jarrett on 4/30 (3), Kane/Shane Flaming Dumpster Spot (3), Moolah Beats Victoria (2), Zach Hijacks Hogan's Push (2), TNA's Man on Woman Violence (2), JR Set on Fire (2)

WORST "REAL WORLD" NEWS OF THE YEAR: 
Edge Injures Neck/Out One Year/Misses Out
on Kurt's New Procedure  --  13 pts (2)
The contract signing, promotional move, or other backstage/non-storyline development that seemed bone-headed at the time and least likely to lead to any positive results for the company or the wrestling business as a whole. 
1st Runner-Up: WWE Fumbles RAW 10th Anniversary -- 8 pts (1)
2nd Runner-Up: Piper Vents on HBO, Fired by WWE -- 7 pts (1)

Also Receiving Votes: Goldust's Contract Not Renewed by WWE (6), Sable Gets Hired by WWE (5), Confidential Handling of Liz/Luger Story (5), Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts Joint Shows in Japan (5), McMahons Push Selves (5), Austin's Neck Forces Retirement/Non-Wrestling Role (5), Rock Pursues Hollywood Fulltime (3), WWE Releases Raven (3), Zach Gowen put over 2-legged WWE wrestlers (3), The World Nightclub Closes Down (3), Ernest Miller Hired by WWE (2), Paul Heyman Demoted (2), La Resistance Use Cheap French Gimmick (2), MLW in Financial Peril (2), TNA Booking Decisions (2), El Hijo de Santo doesn't Work For CMLL (2), Nobody Stops the HHH/Steph Wedding (2)

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