THE 2006 DOI YEAR END AWARDS
Welcome to the DOI 5th Annual Year End Awards. This year, the DOI has seen more wrestlers and more promotions than ever
before, and while our awards will be based on accomplishments in the northeast region, outside of the northeast
accomplishments will be looked at.
To make things clear, we consider promotions/wrestlers from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware as the Northeast.
We do give consideration to Connecticut & Massachusetts as well, although we consider them more "New England" than Northeast.
Like last year, we will be announcing a winner in each category, with five runner-ups.
ROH/TNA matches were not included in these awards, in order to give more exposure to the heart of the wrestling business-
indy wrestling. We will have a seperate Year-End Awards for ROH/TNA, where Johnny 5 will give out awards to those wrestlers
based on what they did in TNA/ROH. The reason we do this on the DOI is because we started to notice that if we allow TNA/ROH
to be involved with our indy awards, they dominate every category, and we like to recoginize the grassroots of professional
wrestling with our awards. Stay tuned to Johnny 5's ROH/TNA awards, coming soon.
I would also like to make it clear that this was the hardest year end awards to do since we started doing this on the DOI.
There weren't many clear cut winners like years previous. No one really dominated. Last year was certainly more easier as last
year Wrestler of The Year, Homicide, ate up the indy scene. This year, Homicide accomplished more in TNA/ROH than he did in
the indies. Last year's Promotion of the Year, JAPW, had a slow year in 2006, but there wasn't really any other promotions in
the northeast that did much either. UXW only ran 3 shows. NYWC continued to stay small, but did branch out to Monticello.
With more wrestlers going to TNA/ROH it left alot of indy guys to break-out and make a name for themselves. However, in our
five years of doing these awards, due to TNA/ROH getting bigger, I think this was the most lackluster indy year in the past 5
years.
With not a strong field like last year, there were so many candidates/nominees for awards. Awards are all based on opinions
and you could literally make a case for any wrestler in any award category this year, as no one had a clear-cut killer year.
We also didn't include some categories from last year, as there weren't really any nominees. One category that got cut was
most improved tag team, as there wasn't any team that really stood out.
Please realize that these awards are our opinion only and are being done to recoginize the accomplishments of the hardest
working men & women in indy wrestling today.
These awards were compiled by myself, but I also had several people in the wrestling business interject opinion with these awards. Several DOI staff members also voiced their opinions on these awards. Everything typed in this column was typed by myself, as Johnny 5 will bring the ROH/TNA awards and hopefully Mike Zevon will bring the "Unofficial" DOI Year-End Awards like years previous.
With that said, enjoy these awards!!!!
Note, for those wondering, here are our previous Year End Awards:
2002
2003
2004
2005
THE 2006 DOI YEAR END INDEPENDENT WRESTLING YEAR-END AWARDS
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: RHINO
Rhino joins Low Ki, Homicide (2 time winner) & Jay Lethal as the winner of DOI's Wrestler of the Year award. Rhino had a
great year on the indy scene, capturing the UXW & JAPW Heavyweight titles. Rhino spent the year as the undefeated JAPW
Heavyweight champion, as he was stripped of his championship in November due to missing a show for personal reasons. Rhino
had big matches all year, taking on Jay Lethal, Homicide, Raven, Monsta Mack, Sabu, Abyss, and other top name opponents. One
criticsm against Rhino was that many of his matches were the same, but every time he wrestled he had the crowd going nuts.
Rhino dominated every indy promotion he was in while appearing in TNA Wrestling. Rhino combined his wrestling with excellent
brawling skills and had many match of the nights. We are proud to award Rhino with this huge award for his superior year.
Runner-Ups
1. Homicide- last year's winner had a strong indy year, but was more of a player in ROH & TNA. On the indy scene, Homicide
competed all over, and continued his legacy as the "JAPW Icon". Aside from JAPW, Homicide wrestled for UXW, WSU, LSW, AWA, &
a slew of other promotions. Finally is getting the respect & just due that he earned, as he was crowned ROH Champion at the
end of the year. Despite now being a national TV star, still gives 100% at all his independent matches.
2. Trent Acid- had a strong beginning of 2006, becoming the first ever UXW Triple Crown Champion. Was a main focus of the
NY/Philly feud. Became the PWU Heavyweight Champion, defeating Homicide in January. Wrestled all over the place, and one of
the few wrestlers who takes every match seriously. Wrestled for UXW, JAPW, NWS, PWU, ACPW & other promotions. Still remains
an independent main event talent, but the potential is there to do so much more.
3. Chris Hero- became the face and savior of CZW, with several title reigns. Also competed for Chikara & PW Elite, among
other promotions. After years of being snubbed by ROH, finally became a regular with his partner Claudio Castagnoli. Had a
hell of a feud with Eddie Kingston. One can argue that if it wasn't for his CZW World Title reign, CZW would be kaput. Also
wrestles internationally.
4. Jay Lethal- another former winner of this award, joins former winners Homicide & Low Ki, on national TV under the TNA
banner. Despite his new found fame, Lethal continued to have a strong year for his promotion of JAPW. Lost the JAPW
Heavyweight Championship at the beginning of the year, but won the JAPW Tag Team Championships at the end of the year, to
become a JAPW Triple Crown Champion. His promo ability has also improved.
5. Teddy Hart- pretty much the "enigma" of JAPW. Is one of the few indy wrestlers that draws as everyone wants to know what
Teddy Hart will do next. In the northeast, worked mainly for JAPW, where he became a triple crown champion. Defeated Necro
Butcher, Homicide & Low Ki to win the JAPW Heavyweight Title. Fans either hate him or love him but if you can get fans to
react to you one way or the other, you know you're doing the right thing.
PROMOTION OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW)
JAPW wins this award for the third straight year in a row, but arguably this was their weakest year yet since we started
these awards. JAPW had an up & down year, with JAPW booker Ray Sager taking shows off, shows being cancelled & storylines
changing every show. However, there wasn't anything else on the northeast that much better. JAPW wins this by default due to
the competition not being on their toes. The good things JAPW accomplished this year were very strong crowds, as is evident
by anytime JAPW rolls into Rahway. JAPW does continue to be the place to be for indy wrestlers looking to make a name for
themselves. However, something to think about is, as we approach 2007, with JAPW seemingly being reliant on ROH/TNA guys to
draw, will JAPW lose the identity that took them 9 years to create?
RUNNER-UPS
1. Full Impact Pro Wrestling (FIP)- Like last year, the DOI had to give Florida's top promotion consideration in these
awards. FIP did partake in some ROH shows this year and has risen as one of indy wrestlings most sought out promotions. FIP
has ran a ton of shows this year, so many shows that I'm still having trouble keeping up on, but the shows get better and
better each time. FIP blends smart mark wrestling with wrestling from the yesteryear. Fans are hot for every show and the
crowd sizes are picking up. FIP is clicking on all cylinders, and their DVDs are bar-none the best produced DVD's I've seen
on the indy scene.
2. Pro Wrestling Unplugged (PWU)- PWU had their biggest year to date. All political & ownership/booking changes aside, PWU
continues to draw the biggest crowds regularly in the ECW Arena. PWU had many big moments this year, as Devon Moore was
elevated to the top, the ECW Arena return of 2 Cold Scorpio and the feud with ICP's JCW. PWU is proof that the boys can take
care of the boys and make money doing it.
3. Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW)- despite all the turmoil and mostly a down year, CZW was revitalized for a period of time in
2006 during their superhot feud with ROH. CZW saw Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli & Eddie Kingston, among others, emerge as
top stars. Necro Butcher became feared in CZW. Their big shows continue to draw, however their little shows leave much to be
desired.
4. IWA Mid-South Wrestling (IWA-MS)- IWA MS gets consideration even though they aren't a northeast promotion due to their
working relationships with other promotions in this area. The heart & soul of the promotion, Ian Rotten, represented his
company very well during the year for PWX, PWU & other promotions. Had several "dream" matches with Low Ki, Necro Butcher &
Samoa Joe. Their DVD's continue to be desired by tons of indy fans everywhere.
5. National Wrestling Superstars (NWS)- The self-proclaimed leader in family entertainment wrestling, NWS really has no
competition for that market in the northeast. NWS ran 65 events this year to varying degrees of success. NWS had tons of big
names grace their ring this year, such as Brutus Beefcake, Kamala, Jim Neidhart, King Kong Bundy, Bastion Booger & more. NWS
does really well with their big shows, as they had an excellent male & female J-Cup Tournaments this year. NWS also put on
an exciting King & Queens tournament and a huge hardcore show. While many indy promotions come and go, NWS keeps on doing
their thing.
TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Kings of Wrestling (Claudio Castagnoli & Chris Hero)
This might've been the easiest category to decide. The KOW won gold everywhere and dominated the indy scene like Da Hit Squad
did in 2001-2002. KOW held the ROH, CZW, & Chikara tag team titles, among other championships. They were involved in the red
-hot feud with ROH this year. This team really contributed to the art of tag team wrestling.
RUNNER-UPS
1. The Spanish Announce Team/SAT's (Jose & Joel Maximo)- The SAT's continued to be one of indy wrestlings best tag teams.
Held the JAPW, PWU & NWA Cyberspace tag team titles. Wrestled for PWElite, WSU & ABC Wrestling this year as well. The SAT's
continue to be one of the better and most seasoned teams on the scene today.
2. The Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark Briscoe)- had a great comeback year. While really stepping up their game in ROH, The
Briscoes also got their feet wet in ACPW, PWU & JAPW. One of the best tag teams in professional wrestling today.
3. The OutCast Killahz (Diablo Santiago & Oman Tortuga)- were involved in a high profile feud in JAPW with The SAT's. Won the
JAPW tag titles from them in the process. The OCK continue to wrestle all over the northeast scene and definitely have the
"big-time" look. Proved to many people that they are way more than seconds for any wrestler, as their accomplishments &
ability speak for themselves.
4. All Money Is Legal (K-Pusha & K-Murda)- Continue to improve year-after-year, AMIL has picked up many big wins in many good
matches this year. Won several tag team titles this year. Competed for PWU, NWA Shockwave, NHPW & other promotions this year.
5. BLKOUT (Sabian & Ruckus)- While more of a faction, the tag team of BLKOUT had a strong year, dominating CZW's tag ranks.
They were also involved in the heat between CZW & PWU, as several members of BLKOUT "jumped ship" to PWU. Continue to be one
of CZW's hottest attractions.
WOMAN WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Mercedes Martinez
Mercedes dominated the northeast female circuit, picking up many huge wins all over the indy scene. Won WXW's Elite 8 Woman's
tournament, and was a finalist in this years NWS Womans J-Cup. Took on men in both PWU & ABC Wrestling, where she defeated
the opposite sex with her hard hitting style. Stood out in Shimmer Wrestling as well. There are not many women who can match
skills and heart with Mercedes Martinez. Had a Womans Match of the Year with Nikki Roxx & Melissa Stripes at NHPW on 12/2 as
well. A former winner of this award, Mercedes had a better year this year than when she first won this award.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Daizee Haze- a huge face and main eventer for Shimmer Wrestling. Daizee was also involved in one of the best women matches
I've ever seen with Sumie Sakai for PWElite. Blends high flying ability with a strong ground game. She definitely puts it all
out there every match she's had this year.
2. Melissa Stripes- had a huge break-out year in 2006. Competed for JAPW, NWS, AWA, ABC PW, NHPW, ECPW, WSU & other
promotions. Won NWS's King & Queen tournament with Danny Demanto. Involved in the Woman's Match of the Year with Mercedes
Martinez & Nikki Roxx. Known for her huge 450 splash, but she can do more than that. Like Daizee, Stripes can take a huge
licking and keep on ticking. Needs to work on promo ability.
3. Alexa Thatcher- like Stripes, had a huge break out year, competing for JAPW, NWS, AWA, ECPW, DWI & other promotions. Won
this year's NWS Womens J-Cup tournament, with a stunning victory over Mercedes Martinez. Is becoming more of a complete
wrestler and is improving at a quick rate.
4. Alicia- joined up with Johnny D's D-Factor stable this year in JAPW, and managed more than she wrestled. Wrestled for a
bunch of small promotions this year. Still falls in the trap of beating the crap out of people with less skills than her, but
wrestles a different style against people with superior ability. Alicia arguably possesses the best promo skills for a
womans wrestler on the indy scene today. Alicia remains very over on the northeast scene. Getting two new friends slowed
down her 2006, but it should set up a huge 2007.
5. April Hunter- the former 3 time winner of this award has focused her time internationally and in the south, rather than in
her homebase of the northeast. Can't blame her, as the money is alot better there. Was involved with a dispute with NWA
Shockwave in the beginning of the year. During the year, she competed for WSU, ABC PW, PW Elite, VPW, UXW & other promotions.
Has done everything there is to do and then some in the northeast 2 years ago as a womans wrestler, hence her focusing her
efforts elsewhere.
CRUISERWEIGHT/LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: The Grim Reefer
Reefer's won this award once before, and now becomes a two-time winner of this award. Had a very strong year. Won the NWS
Jersey J-Cup tournament in thrilling fashion over Deranged. Won the NWA Shockwave Cruiser Championship. Started to make a
name for himself in JAPW. Also competed for UXW, AWA, ABC PW, VPW & other promotions. Out of all the cruiserweights, and even
the majority of the heavyweights, Reefer shines in the promo department. Still looking for that big win in JAPW but it should
come soon.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Azraiel- last year's winner had a strong 2006. Missed a portion of 2006 for good reasons, as he went off to Japan to hone
his craft. When he wasn't overseas, Azraiel continued to make his mark in JAPW, where he won the tag team titles with long
rival Jay Lethal. One of the best pound-for-pound indy wrestlers today.
2. Archadia- Archadia had a very solid 2006 where he continued his love affair with JAPW fans. Also wrestled for ECPW, AWA,
ABC PW, NWS & other promotions. Came very close to winning JAPW's Jersey title. I've said it before & will say it again, he's
came a very far way from the Duncan & Hyena days.
3. Devon Moore- the current PWU Heavyweight Champion was arguably the face of PWU. Involved in matches with Trent Acid, 2
Cold Scorpio and Ian Rotten this year. Also found success in WXW, winning gold there as well. Competed for WSU, NWS, ACPW,
NHPW & AWA this year.
4. Deranged- had an off/on year. When in the ring, Deranged delivers. Had great matches for UXW, AWA, WSU & other promotions
this year. Went to the finals of this year's J-Cup, where he split Reefer open with a steel chair. Seems to have lost his
way in JAPW, which seems to be more of JAPW's fault than his own. Also had a VPW match of the year candidate.
5. Plazma- this NYWC regular & titleist branched out a bit this year, as he started wrestling for JAPW semi-regularly. Has
added a ton of size to his frame. Recently had a successful WWE try-out. Has improved alot from when I first saw him three
years ago in SSCW.
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: J-Train/Julius Smokes
J-Train becomes a two-time winner of this award. Known largely for his work in Ring of Honor, J-Train also worked for JAPW &
ABC PW this year, among other promotions. J-Train has taken the cornerman role in boxing and brought it to a whole new level
in professional wrestling. As the manager of the Rottweilers & Grim Reefer, J-Train has led his wrestlers to success. Emits
pure energy and brings out energy from wrestling crowds all over.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Dave Prazak- When he's not working on his Shimmer Promotion, Dave Prazak led DP's Associates in FIP to many big wins. A
very old school manager who's not afraid to get his comeuppance at the end of the night. A strong figure in FIP.
2. Prince Nana- like J-Train, a wrestler who's had alot of success as a manager in ROH, Nana continued to get crowds feeling
every word he was saying this year. Worked for WSU and other promotions this year. A classic heel.
3. "The Sure Thing" Mr. Big- has improved tremendously this year. The self-proclaimed "Manager of Champions & Champions of
Managers" branched out a bit, working for UXW, ABC, NWS, and other promotions. A throwback to the past, with a cigar & tophat
to boot, Mr. Big had a very good year.
4. Johnny D.- Johnny D. continued to lead the D-Factor to gold in JAPW. Managed Rhino all year, where Rhino held the JAPW
Heavyweight Title for 11 months. Never one to run away from a bad situation, Johnny D. has taken some shots from JAPW's top
faces this year. Also managed Devious in ABC Wrestling for a brief stint. Johnny D. brings pure cockyness to ringside
everytime he's out there.
5. Johnny Diamond- was involved in a huge feud with Mr. Big in UXW, which led to a huge tuxedo match between the two that got
Hogan/Rock like heat. When he wasn't mixing it up with Mr. Big in UXW, Diamond worked for NWS, ECPW & other promotions. Is
the only manager that has a valet in the Diamond Vixxen. Had a brief medical scare, but fortunately is able to annoy fans up
and down the east coast.
MOST UNDERRATED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: MONSTA MACK
Mack is someone who everyone knows and has done his thing for a while now, but still seems to be "just there" for certain
promotions. Mack, who won a bunch of tag titles this year, also had a MOTY candidate with Necro Butcher for Gung-Ho. In his
home promotion of JAPW, Mack finally got the title shot against Rhino that the fans wanted, but after that, seemed to be lost
in the shuffle. Mack brings great promos, brawling ability and fan appeal to every show he's on. Not your typical most
underrated wrestler type of guy, but Mack is able to accomplish more if given the chance.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Gavin Quest- Still looking for that one break-out match that everyone will talk about. Gavin has had good matches in
places where nobody is really seeing them. Needs someone to pull the trigger for him.
2. Drew Blood- Once Devon Moore shot to the top, Drew was left behind. Don't sleep on Drew Blood, as he is very skilled in
the ring. The wave that Moore is riding right now could've easily been his.
3. Nicky Oceans- like Gavin Quest, just looking to branch out to get some notice. Having solid bouts for NWS.
4. Javi-Air- not just a spot monkey anymore, Javi-Air is putting together a nice string of matches.
5. Bison Bravado- like Monsta Mack, in & out of tag teams for most of the year. A very solid old school heel on the
microphone when given the chance.
HARDCORE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: NECRO BUTCHER
Is there anyone else on the indy scene who could've won this award? Necro kicked ass and spilt blood this year like no other.
From matches with Samoa Joe, Low Ki, Homicide, Teddy Hart, Monsta Mack and countless others, Necro had one hell of a year.
Necro, like a Teddy Hart, like a Low Ki, has become an independent wrestling draw. A modern day Bruiser Brody, it should be
interesting to see how long Necro can last if he wrestles every year like 2006.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Corporal Robinson- Robinson, who won this award last year, wasted no time bashing brains in, in the year 2006. Corp. won
PWU's Hardcore Championship and won titles in other places as well. Never one to stand back from a fight, Corp. took it to
all comers and continues to be the toughest wrestler in all of wrestling today.
2. New Jack- New Jack still continues to do his thing all over the indy scene. New Jack was involved in a huge PWX fracas in
September. Continues to be one of the most outspoken guys in wrestling today.
3. Balls Mahoney- before going to the new ECW, Balls wrestled on the indy scene for UXW, JAPW & NWS, among other places.
4. Low Life Louie Ramos- wrestled mainly for UXW, but debuted in NWS this year. Wasted some of the year with Anthony Deblasi
rather than with the Necro's & Corp's of the world. Wrestled New Jack at NWS & Abdullah The Butcher at UXW.
5. The Sandman- like Balls, wrestled on the indy scene before signing with the new ECW. Feuded with Johnny Kashmere in PWU
in the first half of 2006. Also wrestled for UXW.
MOST POPULAR WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: NECRO BUTCHER
Necro combines brawling with hard hitting action and the abuse he puts his body through has warmed the hearts of sick
wrestling fans everywhere. Necro is a proven indy draw and a guy who never takes it easy in the ring.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Homicide- continues to have fans all over the northeast, in addition to the millions of new fans he's gained through TNA
television.
2. Samoa Joe- one of TNA's hottest stars continues to have a huge fanbase here in the northeast.
3. Delirious- Delirious's crazy promos and style has been a huge hit all over.
4. Teddy Hart- for as much as he's hated, he's also as loved. One of JAPW's top guys and will stay there if the fans keep
reacting to him the way they do.
5. The Sandman- before moving on to the new ECW, everyone on the indy scene sang along when The Sandman came out to the ring.
MOST HATED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Insane Clown Posse
This was a hard category to give an award for. There are not too many indy wrestlers who are pure heels and can stay hated in
every place they go. ICP have been hated by wrestling fans all over, and caused several fights at a PWU show this year. Just
how Kevin Federline gets the most heat on RAW these days, the ICP know how to rile up a crowd and have been doing that for
some time. There haven't been too many pure heels on the indy scene in a while.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Nicky Benz/Nick Berk- when he's not getting stuff tossed at him during his comedy sets at JAPW or WXW, Berk is getting
underneath fan skins in ABC & UXW.
2. Johnny Kashmere- whether it's real life hatred or people not digging his "Johnny Angel" persona, Kashmere has been the
focus of fans hatred for some time.
3. Steve Corino- The King of Old School keeps doing his thing, but more fans are starting to appreciate him than ever before.
4. Rockin Rebel- The master of The Rebelizer still gets crowds pissed off at him with his mouth show after show.
5. Eddie Kingston- while he's a face some places, when he's a heel he's at his best getting crowds pissed at him.
MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Eddie Kingston
Eddie Kingston had one hell of a year. Kingston became the face of CZW for a bit, winning the CZW World Title. An injury
slowed him down towards the end of the year, but all-in-all, 2006 was a great year for Kingston. Aside from CZW, Kingston
butted heads in Chikara, PW Elite, PWXplosion & other promotions. 2006 should set up a huge 2007 for Kingston.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Mack Daddy Flexxx- started breaking out a bit this year. Made a splash in ABC as a top contender. Worked for VPW and PWF
NJ as well.
2. Talia- Not only a pretty face anymore, Talia has improved her ring-game tremendously.
3. Plazma- has worked on his ability and size this year. Starting to become semi-regular in JAPW.
4. Papadon- has lost some of the flab and developing more of a character. Still needs to decide if he's going to be a big
cruiserweight or a small heavyweight.
5. Javi-Air- stepping up his game alot. Javi worked for JAPW, VPW, PWU and other promotions this year.
MOUTH/BEST PROMOS OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Steve Corino
Corino wins this award for the second year straight. Corino continues to cut some of the best promos on the indy scene
today. With his promo skills coupled in with his wrestling ability, Corino is an instant main-eventer wherever he goes.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Teddy Hart- no matter what you thin kof the guy, when he talks everyone listens.
2. Kevin Matthews- known to make his promos as realistic as possible, once he returned from Titanland, he went right to work
cutting some believable promos.
3. Raven- the UXW Heavyweight Champion continues to be a master at the mic.
4. Trent Acid- one of independent wrestlings best talents, Trent knows how to rile up a crowd.
5. Delirious- has ran with a unique gimmick that the crowd loves to hear from.
FACTION OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ROTTWEILLERS (Homicide/Low Ki/Havana Pitbulls/J-Train/Grim Reefer)
While mostly known for their ROH work, the Rottweillers took other indy bookings this year. Like the early days of Da Hit
Squad, the Rottweillers always represent themselves whereever they go. The matches these men had during the year were always
good ones and each is a credit to the indy wrestling game.
RUNNER-UPS
1. BLKOUT (Sabian/Ruckus/Kingston/Mireno/Joker)- BLKOUT is arguably the top stable in all of Philadelphia wrestling today.
They dominated CZW and infiltrated PWU this year.
2. La Familia (EC Negro/Bandido Jr./OutCast Killahz)- Had a stellar JAPW year, as OCK won the tag titles for La Familia.
Became JAPW's top heels for a brief period of 2006 as well.
3. Rebel's Army (Rockin Rebel/Greg Matthews/Rebel's Students)- still running up and down the Pennsylvania wrestling scene.
Rebel continues to be one of the most old school heels on the indy circuit and has taken several wrestlers under his wing.
4. Circle of Disrespect (Trent Acid/Monsta Mack/Bison Bravado/Low Life Louie/Nick Berk)- dominated UXW and collected a ton of
titles in the process.
5. Strong Style Thugs (Homicide/Low Ki/B-Boy)- didn't team up as much this year and recently reunited in JAPW. Still a force
to be reckoned with.
COMEBACK WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: SLYCK WAGNER BROWN
After being arrested and receiving multiple charges, Slyck Wagner Brown took the first half of 2006 off. Women rights groups
protested to the buildings of promoters booking him. However, the phrase "time heals all wounds" was never more appropriate.
After settling his legal issues, Slyck took the scene on storm, working all over Connecticut & Boston. Slyck also took some
bookings in Florida, before returning to NY for ABC Pro Wrestling. Slyck would also have a career highlight match against 2
Cold Scorpio. The first half of 2006 was probably the ugliest part of Slyck's professional & personal life, but he was able
to rebound and have a huge second half of 2006.
RUNNER-UPS
1. Xavier- After battling injury after injury, Xavier returned to the ring for Big Time Wrestling. Quickly after, Xavier
defended his WSU Heavyweight Title. Injuries have always been a problem for Xavier and when healthy, he's one of the (all-
around) best.
2. Kevin Matthews- after toiling in the hell known as Deep South Wrestling, Kevin returned to the indy scene in late
October/early November. Kevin wasted no time getting bookings, wrestling for WSU & WUW. Look for a big 2007 for "2 Cocky".
3. Raven- battled several injuries & illnesses this year, but was able to rebound strong, even winning the UXW World Title
in the process.
4. Jimmy Hustler/ABC Pro Wrestling- ABC PW returned after 3 year hiatus and held 3 events this year. Jimmy also returned to
the ring after not getting booked for a while for UXW, WUW & ABC PW.
5. Charlie Haas- had a strong first half of 2006 before re-signing with the WWE.
MOST INSPIRATIONAL WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: KRIS KRUDE
Unlike years previous, we're awarding this award to one wrestler with no runner-ups. Krude, who's turned his size into a
loveable gimmick recently announced that he'll be leaving pro wrestling to donate a kidney to his mother. Giving up pro
wrestling to save anothers life is a story that can appeal to anyone with human emotion. Hopefully after a successful
surgery, Krude can contribute to pro wrestling in either a manager's or commentator's role.
STORY OF THE YEAR
WINNER: KURT ANGLE SIGNS WITH TNA
(Yes this is an indy-only award list, but Angle joining TNA effects indy wrestling as well.)
RUNNER-UPS
1. "Return" of ECW- another story that affected the indy scene.
2. Wrestlers Health- several wrestlers were diagnosed with high stress levels this year. Promoters Jimmy Hustler & Billy
Firehawk also passed away this year due to health issues.
3. TNA Runs House Shows in the Northeast/Growth of TNA- TNA affected the northeast indy scene by elevating several talents
such as Samoa Joe. Former "indy" wrestlers are now "national" stars and TNA has raised name value.
4. RF Video Teams Up With Several Promotions & But Can't Make a Mark- RF Video worked with PWU, PW Elite, PWX & TNT Wrestling
in management roles this year. The only promotion that still runs regularly is PWU, which RF Video stopped working with in
January of this year. Perhaps RF Video needs to start doing their own thing without working with others, as that model has
worked for them in the past.
5. Frank Goodman/UXW Move To Florida, Decides Not To Re-new NY Promoter's License- this is a move that will shake-up the
landscape of NY indy wrestling.
SHOW OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ROH VS CZW
CAGE OF DEATH
7/15/06 in Philadelphia, PA
RUNNER-UPS
1. PW Elite Styles vs Smith (3/24, Boonton, NJ)
2. ECWA Super 8 Tournament (4/8, Delaware)
3. Jersey All Pro Wrestling's 9th Anniversary Show (10/28, Rahway, NJ)
4. UXW Sabu vs Rhino (2/3, Queens, NY)
5. NWS Womens J-Cup (10/6, Woodbridge, NJ)
MATCH OF THE YEAR
Let me preface this by saying this category & show of the year were by far the hardest categories to put together. This
is a list of total opinion and many great matches were omitted.
WINNER: ROH VS CZW
CAGE OF DEATH
Chris Hero, Necro Butcher, Spyder Nate Webb, Claudio Castagnoli, and Eddie Kingston vs
Samoa Joe, Adam Pearce, BJ Whitmer, Ace Steel, and American Dragon w/Jim Cornette & JJ Dillon
7/15/06
RUNNER-UPS
1. Low Ki vs Necro Butcher (IWA, 4/1/2006)
2. Samoa Joe vs Necro Butcher (IWA, 1/12/2006)
3. Rhino vs Sabu (UXW, 2/3/2006)
4. Charlie Haas vs Xavier (PW Elite, 3/24/2006)
5. Reefer vs Deranged (NWS J-Cup Finals, 4/29/2006)
FEUD OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ROH VS CZW
RUNNER-UPS
1. Steve Corino vs Homicide
2. The SAT's vs OutCast Killahz
3. Steve Corino vs Teddy Hart
4. PWU vs JCW
5. The Masked Maniac vs Jac Sabboth
DOI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jimmy "Hustler" Alicea
