Wrestler of the Year

WINNER HOMICIDE
1. Raven
2. AJ Styles
3. CM PUNK
4. Mafia
5. Slyk Wagner Brown

Tag team of the year:

WINNER DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELZ
1. Solution
2. Briscoe Brothers
3. Christopher Street Connection
4. SAT (Maximo Brothers)
5. Los Lunatics

Lightweight wrestler of the year:

WINNER: Deranged
1. Reefer
2. Dan Barry
3. Johnny Ova
4. Sonjay Dutt
5. Azrieal

Promotion of the year:

WINNER: RING OF HONOR
1. Jersey All Pro Wrestling
2. USA Pro Wrestling
3. World Xtreme Wrestling
4. Jersey Championship Wrestling
5. New York Wrestling Connection

HARDCORE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Low Life Louie Ramos
1. "Sick" Nick Mondo
2. John Zandig
3. Terry Funk
4. Johnny Bravado
5. Messiah

Female wrestler of the year:

WINNER: April Hunter
1. Ariel
2. Simply Luscious
3. Sumie Siaki
4. Alexis Laree
5. Tara Charisma

Valet/Manager of the year:

WINNER: "The Sure Thing" John Shane
1. Noel
2. Devin Sturgis
3. Rob Dimension
4. Foxxy Dreams
5. Jessica Dally

Faction of the year

WINNER: Knightlife
1. Los Lunatics
2. La Familia
3. Special K
4. The Prophecy
5. Royal Decision

Feud of the Year:

WINNER: Homicide vs Steve Corino
1. Raven vs CM Punk
2. Mean Gene Sinisky vs Xtreme Billy Dream
3. Los Lunatics vs All Money is Legal
4. Royal Decision vs Cheetah and his 1614
5. The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz vs Shaolin Wreckin Crew

Most Improved Wrestler of the year

WINNER: MAFIA
1. Slyk Wagner Brown
2. Matt Striker
3. Grim Reefer
4. Sonjay Dutt
5. Balls Mahoney

Up and Comer of the Year:

WINNER: John Walters
1. Livewyre
2. Deranged
3. Alexis Laree
4. Paul London
5. Sonjay Dutt

Match of the Year

WINNER: Paul London vs AJ Styles vs Low Ki 2/1 ROH, Queens, NY
1. Homicide vs Low Ki 3/29 3PW, Philadelphia, PA
2. Paul London vs American Dragon 4/12 ROH, Boston, MA
3. Slyk Wagner Brown vs Mafia 4/12 JAP, Woodbrige, NJ
4. Raven vs CM Punk 7/19 ROH, Elizabeth, NJ
5. Homicide vs Steve Corino 8/16 ROH, Philadelphia, PA

Awards that couldn't get full write-ups in the newsletter due to space.

Most Improved Tag Team of the Year

WINNER: Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz – Came out of relative obscurity in 2002 and made a major impact in 2003. Won Tag Team Titles in 4 different promotions – JAP, JCW, PWA and USA Pro. Late year injuries hasn’t slowed them up either. Fans love them as heels but in NYC they were baby face and were over big time until resorting back to their heinous ways.

1. Los Lunatics – The Lunatics came together and made major waves in 2003 any combination of Boogalou, Low Ryda and Eddie Guapo is a formidable duo!

2. All Money Is Legal- AMIL, Kash and Kaos, who debuted in SEX, had a great 2003, and turned many heads. Worked in numerous promotions. Their career highlight was winning the WXW Tag Team Championships. Don’t let their ghetto look fool you, these two can flat out wrestle and entertain.

3. Solution- Solution, Papadon and Havok, who were already the JCW Tag Champs as the year turned, had a formidable 2003. If anything their 2003 set up a monstrous 2004. Picked up the NYWC, JCW and IWA tag titles. 2004 should be a career year. 4. Team Target – Devious and Tekno Heat came out of the Doghouse and put together a nice combination of size, strength and speed.

5. Elm Street Kids – In 2002, many people wondered “Who the hell are the Elm Street Kids?” Comprised of Pyscho and Rayza, The ESK showed that they are ready to make an impact. Had great SSCW matches against Shaolin Wreckin Crew and in a TLC match. Also worked EWA. They also work in USA Pro, but are lost in the shuffle, due to USA PW’s massive tag team roster. The ESK might be a strong candidate to win this category next year.

Most Popular independent wrestler of the year:

WINNER: RAVEN- Raven was let go by the WWE to the delight of many indy fans. Upon his return to the indies, Raven won the USA PW title from Balls Mahoney in May. Had one of the best feuds of the year with CM Punk in ROH. Made his NWA TNA debut in March and never looked back. Had some great matches with Jeff Jarrett. Had a 5 star match with Low Ki in USA PW in July. Every fan loves Raven, and the crowd goes nuts whenever he makes his way to the ring. His conditioning has also gotten really good as he recently wrestled a 48 minute match with Al Snow for USA PW.

1. Samoa Joe- The ROH Champion has taken ROH over by storm and has a humongous fan following. Had great matches with Xavier, The Briscoes, AJ Styles, Paul London and others. Has held the ROH belt for 9+ months. Every match he has is a war. Crowd loves him and you’re always going to hear a JOE! JOE! JOE! Chant during his matches.

2. The Sandman- The beer drinking, cigarette smoking, Singapore caning hardcore icon continues to wow crowds. Fans always sing his song as he makes his way to the ring. Has made many fans happy in USA PW, NWA TNA, 3PW, SSCW among others. While his style hasn’t expanded since ECW, the fans still love him.

3. D-Lo Brown- since leaving the WWE earlier this year, D-Lo Brown has lit up the indies. Has worked for NWA TNA, USA PW, SSCW, TWWA and others. Most fans are down with the brown, and D-Lo continues to prove the WWE wrong every night with his brand of wrestling.

4. Justin Credible- Another guy who lost his job with the WWE earlier this year, Justin Credible has gotten the crowd support more times than not. Had two great matches with Matt Stryker in ROH. Gave Jonah from TE III the best match in his career in JCW. Was the last ever ICW champion.

5. Paul London- Probably would’ve ranked higher in this category, but only wrestled ½ the year in the indies. The other half, he has been in the WWE. His “Please don’t die” chants were incredible and rightfully so earned. Won the famous ECWA Super 8 Tournament. Crowds loved Paul London, and hopefully WWE fans will too.

Most Hated Independent Wrestler of the Year:

WINNER: SKINHEAD IVAN – Who else could possibly win this award other then Ivan? He has to be the most heinous man in the history of Indy Wrestling. His racist ways can only be described as despicable and it is amazing that he isn’t attacked by the fans for the promos he cuts. Had a great run in USA Pro winning the Americas Title but turned it into the Nazi title. Also won the JAP TV title and was a tag team partner with Striker in Devastation Inc.

1. Steve Corino – His feud with Homicide earned him the hatred of the fans. His long entrances in ROH always gets the crowd against him. The King of Old School can cut one of the best promos today.

2. Prince Nana – Constantly rips the fans apart the second he comes out of the curtain. His actions in ECWA have been despicable to say the least.

3. Tyler Payne- Dubbed “The Game” by many fans, Tyler Payne is one of the biggest heels in NYWC today. Tyler won the NYWC Heavyweight, Tag and SSCW Tradition Cup titles this year. The crowd is always against him, and his No Highspots Needed partner, Ru Starr.

4. Mean Gene Sinisky- The WXW Heavyweight champion had a great year, and the fans hated that! Feuded with Billy Dream, Slyk Wagner Brown among others this year. Can cut a killer promo that the fans will always rile against. Mean Gene even had a fan slap him in the face due to being hated so much!

5. Teddy Hart- Had one brain fart in ROH that the internet killed him for. He is the internets heel. Known to do moonsaults from the top of steel cages after 30 minute matches. His interviews since his 11/1 ROH incidents probably didn’t help his cause.

Tag Team Match of the Year

WINNER: AJ Styles/Amazing Red vs The Briscoes Brothers 3/22 ROH, Philadelphia, PA An excellent bout for the ROH tag team titles, that saw the champions, AJ/Red win.

1. Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz vs Christopher Street Connection 9/28 JCW, Garfield, NJ Maybe the most entertaining match between the 2 most entertaining teams today. Just a fast back and forth match that featured a lot of comedy, and the DRS winning, with help from John Shane.

2. Solution vs Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz 7/18 ICW, Queens, NY One of the most hardest hitting match between these two teams. Featured Havok fallaway slamming KC Blade over the top rope, which saw EC Negro retaliate by throwing a 50 pound chair at Havok’s head. Solution won the match, but the feud between these two looks to be far from over.

3. Solution vs All Money is Legal 5/17 WXW, Mount Carmel, PA- A sleeper match that probably wasn’t seen by too many people. Just a PAW match that made AMIL look like strong contenders, and brought out the best in The Solution. Solution were able to win this match, and both teams went on to do bigger things since.

4. Los Lunatics vs All Money Is Legal 8/17 WXW, Hazleton, PA- This number 1 contenders match to the WXW Tag belts was a back and forth matchup that really showed what both teams were capable of. AMIL was able to win this match, but it would take a few more victories over the Lunatics to become the WXW Tag Champions.

5. Solution vs Mikey/Wayne 6/7 NYWC, Deer Park, NY An excellent match that really made the new tandem of Mikey Whipwreck/Wayne stand out. This match also was for the NYWC Tag Titles, which Mikey and Wayne were able to win, in their 2nd match together. One of the finer matches in NYWC’s history.

Most Underrated of the Year:

WINNER: Azraiel – Constantly over looked wherever he works. With Special K having 4000 members it is hard to realize he is out there sometimes. But when you pay attention to what Azrieal can do you would be surprised. He is a tough cookie with excellent wrestling ability and a fearless attitude.

1. The Solution – The Solution had a very good year on the Northeast and got to debut in NWA-TNA and Ring of Honor as well. Picked up the IWA and NYWC Tag Team Titles. Had memorable matches with The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz, The Christopher Street Connection and All Money Is Legal.

2. Slyk Wagner Brown – Was involved in a match of the year candidate with Mafia at JAP in April. Had great matches everywhere he went. Won the USA Pro U.S. Title but lost it to Billy Reil the next month.

3. Monsta Mack – Didn’t get much respect or attention after the split of Da Hit Squad. Mack is a very good wrestler and has amazing ability for a man his size. When given the opportunity he gets a very good reaction from the fans and works very well. Has been getting into excellent shape over the last few months. 2004 should be a very strong year for Monsta Mack.

4. Billy Reil – “The New Loose Cannon” had a great comeback year in 2003. Made a major impact in USA Pro with Knightlife and won the U.S. Title only to be stripped of it because he was having a baby and couldn’t make the show.

5. Kevin Matthews – 2 Cocky had a decent year. Had an injury that slowed him down but didn’t slow his progress. Look for a super year for KM in 2004.

Mouth of the Year (best mic skills)

WINNER: CM PUNK- CM Punk takes home the Mouth of the Year award. CM Punk stands head above shoulders over the rest of the ROH roster, in terms of stick work. No one in ROH has cut a promo like him. His feud with Raven really gave CM Punk a chance to shine and matched Raven promo for promo. Also cut a good promo putting over Jay Lethal on 8/24 at this years J-Cup. What CM Punk does on the microphone is better than ½ of the WWE roster. It shouldn’t be too long before he’s also part of that roster.

1. "The Sure Thing" John Shane- In an era where managers are slighted, John Shane strives to keep the manager position vital. His promos and mic work are not touched by any other manager, outside of Jim Cornette today, including the WWE. At one point in JCW, he was involved in 10 wrestlers feuds, due to his mouth. Was one of the reasons in the elevation of Jay Lethal. Ditto the DRS. Ditto the Solution. Ditto Ace Darling. Get the point? Famous tag line is "When you talk baseball, you talk the Yankees, when you talk whiskey, you talk Jack Daniels and when you talk tag team wrestling, you talk John Shane and The Solution!” Also known to make a circuit city and amish joke.

2. Steve Corino- The King of Old School wouldn’t be called that, if it wasn’t due to his mic work. His skills really shined in ICW, ROH and PTW. Cut great promos on Homicide during the past year. The star of Zero 1 and the MLW Champion might be the best all around wrestler never to get a WWE job…but the guy who came in at number 3 could also claim that.

3. Simon Diamond- One of the best wrestlers all around, bar none, Simon Diamond is never shy to tell anyone what he thinks. Simon worked all over, most notably NWA TNA, ECWA, MLW, JCW, USA Pro and NWS. Cut great promos against Jerry Lawler, Don Montoya, Jay Lethal, CSC as well as many others. Simon might have a problem at being number 3… and we’d like to hear about it!

4. EC Negro- The better talker out of the DRS, EC Negro can get under anyone’s skin, whether in ring or out of ring! Known for cutting some of the best promos, EC Negro can cut a promo on anyone, anything during any situation. Shined in JAPW, JCW, USA Pro, among other promotions. When the DRS took John Shane as their manager, it took away a bit from EC Negro’s promos, because Shane was that good. EC Negro’s promos for the DRS is one of the reasons they were ranked number 1 tag team of the year.

5. Shawn Sheridan- maybe one of more eccentric wrestlers on the indies today, Sheridan can cut a funny heel promo, a serious promo, a Nintendo promo and anything else. Shined in CSWF, JCW and cut a few promos in SSCW as well. The 1988 Nintendo Regional Champion can always illicit laughter from any crowd. Involved in a great feud with Damian Dragon where he really showed his stuff.

Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER: Afa The Wild Samoan
It is an honor just to recognize Afa with this award. What he has meant to so many young workers trying to learn the ropes can not be defined in words. Has been in the wrestling business for 4 decades now and his legacy can be seen all over the world. Afa currently is the promoter of WXW as well as the head of the Wild Samoan Training Center and the USO foundation. As a wrestler he accomplished a lot, and reached the pinnacle of tag team wrestling by winning the WWF Tag Team Championships. As a manager he led the Headshrinkers to the WWF Tag Team Championships. As a trainer and as a human, he has been responsible for many wrestling careers. The list of careers that he has a hand in is endless, and The Rock, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rosie, Jamal and others are just examples of talent that were able to rise the bar in wrestling, due to Afa’s involvement in their careers. Mean Gene Sinisky, Billy Dream, Tommy Seude, Havok from Solution, Afa Jr, Supreme Lee Great and hundreds of others are examples of indy wrestlers who have Afa to be thankful for. There is so much to be said about Afa, but this newsletter is only 12 pages long.

We here at the Declaration of Independents are honored to recognize Afa “The Wild Samoan” with our DOI Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you Afa for all your time, blood, sweat and tears to satisfy wrestling fans and people in wrestling. Congratulations on winning the DOI Lifetime Achievement Award.

We hope you enjoyed our 2003 Year End Awards. We urge you to buy a copy to find out the full explanation and bios of the winners! Thanks for supporting the DOI!