1. Homicide
Homicide becomes the first ever wrestler, in the DOI 250's short four-year history, to be ranked twice at the number 1 spot. As the list was being compiled, everyone in the top 5 recieved serious consideration for the number 1 spot. The reason we selected Homicide this year was due to the fact that he was successful in every company he was in.
During the DOI 250 calendar year, Homicide held three Heavyweight Championships, as he held the PWU, FIP & UXW titles simutaneously. Despite FIP being a Florida based promotion, Homicide defended that Heavyweight title on northeast ROH shows. Away from those companies, Homicide continued be the unsung hero of Ring of Honor. He also continued to be the top dog of JAPW, when he was available for them.
What makes Homicide really stand out is his credibility and the ability to make every feud he has realistic. Feuds with Cabana, Corino, Acid, and American Dragon, produced great matches and garnered huge fan interest. Not too many wrestlers can rattle off top-level main event feuds like Homicide can.
While Homicide continued his reign as the King of the Northeast, one must wonder how much more he would've accomplished in the northeast if he wasn't part of TNA or ROH. Homicide is in high demand, but with indy companies always running head-to-head, smaller companies have a tough time building around Homicide. Homicide's busy schedule is one of the reasons why he's not currently holding a heavyweight championship right now. Homicide has become a special draw for indy promoters, as whenever you book him, you know you're going to have a great match which the fans will believe. Homicide has become an attraction and and indy draw.
Homicide also earns the top spot this year because he always elevates his opponents. Many people have criticized his promo skills, but Homicide has improved in that department as well. When Homicide speaks, fans get quiet and listen. Homicide has dominated the northeast indy scene for some time now, and it doesn't look like he's going to be giving up his top spot anytime soon.
When it came down to choosing a number 1 this year, when you put all the accomplishments on the table, Homicide equaled or did more than everyone else on this list. Homicide has made more careers than anyone else on this list, with maybe the exception of Al Snow. A consumate professional, Homicide really earned #1 this year, and it would be amazing to see what he could do if he was available for every promotion he wrestled for on a full-time basis.
2. Rhino
After being released from the WWE, Rhino really cleaned up on the indies. The master of the "Gore" really stomped his way throughout the northeast indy scene, where he is currently the JAPW Heavyweight Champion. Rhino also won the UXW Heavyweight Championship this year, and came very close to winning the NWA Cyberspace Championship.
Rhino has become an in-demand wrestler because not only is he easy to work with, but he always has great matches. His promo skills have gotten better. His matches are always believable and tell good stories.
Rhino signed with TNA during the DOI 250 calendar year, but despite having a weekly pay check, Rhino busted his ass instead of taking it easy. Had great matches with Homicide, Samoa Joe, Abyss, Jay Lethal and other wrestlers this year.
Rhino dominated alot of the competition this year, and perhaps if Homicide didn't have his ROH work on his resume, Rhino would've been number 1 this year.
3. Trent Acid
One of the best independent wrestlers in the country today. Trent Acid is only 26, and is already a 10 year veteran.
Trent Acid won a bunch of championships this year, becoming the first ever UXW Triple Crown Champion, as he won the UXW Heavyweight, Extreme and United States Championships. Also won the UXW & JAPW Tag Titles with Johnny Kashmere. Became the 2nd ever PWU Heavyweight Champion and has defended that title with pride since winning it.
The man who hails from South Philly, Japan also debuted in Mexico this year for the X-LAW promotion. Trent, who is known for his yakuza kicks has one of the better entrances in indy wrestling. He's also very good on microphone and when he talks, people listen.
Trent accomplished alot this year and perhaps the only thing holding him back was taking tag team bookings. He is easily one of the top 5 indy wrestlers in not just the northeast, but in all of the US indy scene today. Trent always gives his all in his matches, and it really showed this year.
4. American Dragon
American Dragon received serious consideration to be number 1 this year, but since he only wrestled in one promotion (ROH) in the northeast, he was bumped down.
One of the best pure technical wrestlers today. Busted out some charisma this year. Won the ROH & FIP Heavyweight Championships, which he still holds today. Had a hellacious feud with Homicide. Has established a dominance with the ROH World Title, just like previous champion, Samoa Joe.
American Dragon, who made waves in ROH 4 years ago, is now the number 1 guy in the company and making ROH proud. It's going to be tough to pry that belt away from him. His promos are getting better, but he's not where former ROH champions like CM Punk are in that department.
5. Samoa Joe
Another wrestler who could've easily been number 1 this year, Joe slipped a few spots since his career wasn't that much northeast based. Joe has become a supreme wrecking machine in TNA, where he's currently undefeated and unbeaten.
The former ROH World & Pure Heavyweight Champion did most of his work in ROH this year. Had a big match with Rhino for JAPW as well. Also competed for IWC, among other promotions.
With Joe focusing all his energies in TNA, he could become the next big TNA superstar. He is a proven indy draw and a guy who brings an intense realism to all his matches. One of the best in the business today and has great facial expressions, which alot of people underestimate.
6. Jay Lethal
Had an excellent year, as he held the JAPW & AWA Heavyweight Championships. Showed that he can be a good heel, based on his AWA stuff. Is the face and heart of JAPW. He is the hometown boy too.
Jay is an excellent wrestler, at only 20 years old, there's no telling where he can be. His biggest knock against him are his promos, as one can only hear "...how lethal Jay can be." so many times.
Currently in TNA. Wrestled for LSW, and wrestled Christian for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in a great old school match. Also competed for ROH, CZW, NWA-CS, ECPW & for other indy promotions.
7. AJ Styles
Didn't wrestle in the northeast as much as he used to. Did most of his wrestling in ROH, where he made his grand return to much fanfare. A former NWA World and X-Division champion.
Aside from ROH, AJ wrestled for NEW, PW Elite, JAPW and for other promotions. AJ has become one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch today. One of the few stars to make his claim to fame in TNA. Has great matches with practically anyone.
AJ is another wrestler who could be at the top of this list if he competed in the northeast more. Obviously, he's one of the best non-WWE guys today, and fans treat him that way, as he is a wrestler that fans will pay just to see him on a show.
8. Christopher Daniels
Wrestled for NWA CS, ROH, IWC and for other indy promotions. A two-time Super 8 winner. A complete wrestler as he can do anything in the ring and cut excellent promos.
Like AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels made his long awaited return to ROH, where the fans went nuts for him all over again. Wrestled mostly for TNA, where he feuded with AJ and Samoa Joe most of the time.
The man known for his "Last Rites" & "Angel Wings" has become one of the most popular indy wrestlers today. Can wrestle a broomstick and have a good match.
9. Steve Corino
The King of Old School stayed true to his roots, and didn't take the quick WWE payday when offered. Won and defended the AWA (the real fake one, not the Union City one) World Heavyweight Championship all over the place. Also won the UXW Championship, and held it for several minutes, before losing it to long-time rival, Homicide. Still makes his money and name in Japan.
Corino wrestled for UXW, World-1, WSU, ROH, JAPW, PW Elite and for other promotions throughout the year. He's one of the best all around wrestlers today and not too many people can match his mic skills. He definitely lives up to his hype and to his "King of the Old School" nickname.
Corino is one of the rare indy wrestlers who has name value and can bring local indy wrestlers to the next level. He's definitely a much better wrestler than promoter. Corino is very versatile and can adapt to any sort of match or in-ring situation. It's amazing ROH never pulled the trigger with him, and give him the championship. Perhaps they are afraid of his "fed killer" reputation?
10. Azraiel
Had the best year of his career, which culminated with receiving 3 months worths of dates in Japan's Dragon Gate promotion.
Is arguably the best JAPW Light Heavyweight Champion, a belt he held for most of the DOI 250 grading period. Won his first heavyweight title in the AWA.
Azraiel competed for JAPW, AWA, PW Elite, NWS, ROH, NWA Upstate and for other promotions during the year. One of the best cruiserweights today. Developed a huge fan base in JAPW with his good guy/bad guy shtick.
Azraiel has really improved himself and is capable of main eventing bigger level indy shows. It should be interesting to see where he is next year, as he gets Japan experience underneath his belt.
11. Abyss- had a big year in the northeast, winning the Cyberspace Championship. Quit the company and handed over the belt after receiving a bounced check. Made his long awaited debut in JAPW, and picked up his feud with Rhino. One of the first real TNA "Superstars".
12. Mike Kruel- one of the best pound for pound wrestlers today. Won the UXW United States Championship. Wrestled for Chaotic, ECWA, NWS, NWA CS and for other promotions. Still needs to work on his charisma. Recently had a DSW try-out.
13. Low Ki- like last year, stuck with his gangsta attitude. One of the few indy wrestlers to become a legit "attraction. Also one of the few indy wrestlers to be considered a draw. Wrestled for JAPW. Competed for ROH, before leaving the company again.
14. The Grim Reefer- had a stellar year, and won this year's J-Cup. Won the UXW Extreme Title. Saw his stock rise in JAPW with great matches against Archadia, Azraiel and others. Reduced to run-in spots at ROH. Also won the NWA Cyberspace Cruiser Championship as this list was being made. Can cut a great promo if a mic is put in front of him.
15. Roderick Strong- had an excellent year, where he really gained a ton of steam in ROH. Won the ROH tag titles with Austin Aries. Was suspended by TNA during the snowstorm of '06.
16. Colt Cabana- one of the most charismatic indy wrestlers today. Had several WWE spots throughout the year. A mainstay in ROH, where he makes his home on the northeast scene.
17. Austin Aries- the former ROH World Champion won the ROH tag titles with Roderick Strong. With his partner, was suspended by TNA when he opted to wrestle for ROH instead of taking an early flight to TNA.
18. Alex Shelley- this Generation Next founding father is now known for his camera work on TNA, where he's Kevin Nash's running buddy. Had solid matches for ROH & CZW this year.
19. James Gibson (Jamie Noble)- won the ROH World Heavyweight Title. Was involved in a JAPW/ROH political game. Returned to the WWE. Looked like a new man and looked like he loved wrestling during his ROH run.
20. CM Punk- didn't do much during the DOI 250 calendar year, as he signed with the WWE in late 2005. A former ROH World Champion who had an emotional and "what will happen next" title run. Cuts great promos. Common sense says he will be a top heel in the new ECW.
21. Raven- long time veteran that has been anywhere and everywhere. Still a big name draw anywhere he goes having fans traveling sometimes 5-6 hours to see him. Can still go for 45 minutes to a hour with anyone on the indys today. Former UXW Champion and wrestled for JAPW's title this year.
22. Chris Hero- Hero has traveled the world the past few years touring the UK and other countries. He also competes regularly for Chikara, ROH and is the current CZW World Champion.
23. Elix Skipper- A TNA regular but still pops up on indy shows. Has top quality/sometime match of the night type matches in PWU, UXW, and NWA CS.
24. Xavier- just made a full comeback after injuries this year. Has wrestled regularly for NYWC, JAPW, UXW PWU and recently won the WSU World Title.
25. B-Boy- member of the SST at the beginning of the year while was living on the east coast. Was popping up everywhere and stealing shows all over in such places as JAPW, but the only east coast federation that still uses him as this list was being made after he moved back to Cali was CZW.
26. Balls Mahoney- one of the ECW veterans fans would see pop up the most on the indy scene. Wrestled for NWS, UXW (7 time champion), PWU, JAPW and a number of other shows. Has recently signed to the new ECW.
27. Nigel McGuinness- ROH regular as well as IWA MS. Won ROH's Pure championship. Ring of Honor's schedule and local shows on the mid west keep his weekends pretty stacked.
28. Charlie Haas- since returning to the indy scene he made a quick impact in his former "home fed" JAPW as well as wrestling for PWE in a show stealing match, but recently returned to the WWE.
29. Jack Evans- "the master of the 630" is a former JAPW tag team champion with Teddy Hart. Has wrestled for ROH, CZW and has done several overseas tours.
30. Sabu- ECW veteran that has been around longer then 90% of this list. Can still hang in there with guys 1/3 his age. Wrestled for UXW, JAPW, PWE, as well as many other guest appearances over the indy scene.
31. Ruckus- 2-time CZW Champion who really became one of the top guys of the company, with his BLKOUT group. Wrestles here and there for other companies, but CZW is his home fed.
32. Teddy Hart- has practically become the soul of JAPW, as he won the JAPW Tag & Light Heavyweight titles. Has his best matches in JAPW. Would be higher on this list if he worked for more companies. One of the best promos in the business today.
33. Sonjay Dutt- had a solid year, wrestling for JAPW, CZW and other feds. Still working for TNA. Known for his Hindu Press.
34. Claudio Castognoli- had a great year under Chris Hero's watch. Got involved in the CZW/ROH war. Already an international wrestler.
35. The Sandman- still one of the most over guys in wrestling today, despite losing 90% of his matches. Wrestled for PWU, JAPW, UXW and for other companies. A loyal guy to any company he works for.
36. Jerry Lynn- wrestled mostly for NYWC, where he collected a handful of titles. Had a great match at Hardcore Homecoming. Another guy who would be ranked higher on this list if he worked more often.
37. Jimmy Rave- had a great year in Ring of Honor, where he did most of his work. Feuded with AJ Styles over the use of the Styles Clash.
38. Frankie Kazarian- recently won the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship, despite being twice the size of some of his contenders. Held the UXW Extreme Title. Also worked for NWA Cyberspace.
39. Josh Daniels- emulates the Dynamite Kid and Chris Benoit in his matches. A very good wrestler, but needs to show more personality. Has wrestled in Japan several times already in his young career.
40. Harry Smith- wrestled for JAPW, PW Elite and other feds. Picked up a huge win over AJ Styles in Elite. Signed with the WWE as this list was being made.
41. KENTA- competed exclusively for Ring of Honor, where he had a great match with Low Ki. Would be higher on this list if he wrestled more frequently in the northeast.
42. Simon Diamond- one of the best all around old school wrestlers today. Worked for alot of smaller indy companies as his focus is on TNA right now. One of the smartest wrestling minds today.
44. BJ Whitmer- worked mostly for Ring of Honor in the northeast. A very strong hitter. Not known for his promo skills.
45. Mana "The Polynesian Warrior"- had a banner year, and developed a reputation as a hardcore brawler. Had his gimmick ripped off by Umaga, but maybe it was a wake-up call, as Mana could still be more ferocious. Had a huge match at PWE against Tommy Dreamer.
46. Deranged- started off early in the year and returned towards the end. Worked for UXW, PWU, AWA, JAPW, & others. Went to the finals of this year's J-Cup tournament. When focused, one of the best cruiserweights today.
47. Al Snow- wrestled for a bunch of indy feds this year, and showed that he can still go. Able to wrestle for 45 minutes, and did it at a UXW show against Steve Corino.
48. Spanky (Brian Kendrick)- wrestled alot for ROH and for FIP, before re-signing with the WWE. Alot of indy wrestlers bite off his Sliced Bread #2 finisher.
49. Corporal Robinson- the face of Pro Wrestling Unplugged. One of the best hardcore wrestlers today. Not someone you would want to get into a fist fight with. One of the few hardcore guys who can cut a meaningful promo.
50. Archadia- really shot up the list this year as Archadia seemed to be booked on every northeast show possible. Had a career year in JAPw, pushing B-Boy and Azraiel to the limit. Worked for NWS, AWA, NWA-CS, PWU & for other promotions. Needs to improve his mic work to jump even higher on this list next year.
All feedback can be left at BULLSMC@aol.com or on our message board. Enjoy:
THE FOURTH ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- LIST VERSION
THE FOURTH ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- PROFILES 1-50
THE FOURTH ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- PROFILES 51-100
THE FOURTH ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- PROFILES 101-150
THE FOURTH ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- PROFILES 151-200
THE FOURTH ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- PROFILES 201-250
THE THIRD ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- LIST VERSION
THE THIRD ANNUAL DOI TOP 250- PROFILE VERSION
THE SECOND ANNUAL DOI 250
THE FIRST ANNUAL DOI 250
THE DOI TOP 250- CRITERIA
Thank you for reading the "Fourth Annual DOI 250"!
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
