WrestleTalk's Wrestler Of The Year 2022! 

I would love them to expand their year end awards, rookie of the year for men and women, tag team of the year, match of the year…etc.

Oil seemed so hurt that Punk wasn’t even on the list Lols. But like Luke said outside of the MJF feud, his year wasn’t great. The injuries, the lackluster title wins vs page and Mox and then the brawl out stuff really tells the story more of Punk’s 2022.

I can tell this is Luke’s favorite thing, he always brings it on the review shows. I like see him so excited.

I feel like the anti-climatic feeling you had for Mox is because I'd make an arguement he had this award locked up since June. It would have taken either really bad booking of Mox. The 1st half of the year he came back looking healthy and clean being the paragon of positive masculinity then Punk got hurt and he stepped up and have super consistent quality matches and segments. Then as he did the honors ready for a vacation but Brawl Out happened. Then like a Knight on the back of a Motorcycle he come riding in to save the day. I'm not sure what Sami could have had to top that type of insipirational year.

Great take by Oli on the Sami stuff. Was gonna be risky but he delivered it very well. I agree with him

Now I understand why Mox squashed Punk before losing the belt. He had such a great run as interim champion that it had to be sanctionned

It was always going to come down to Sami vs Mox. Two who massively deserve the nod, but while Sami has been doing some of the best work I've seen in years (plus being a world class wrestler) Mox literally carried AEW on his back and saved it from implosion. Twice

Sami is so over that they chanted his name is Jeddah. That pretty dang amazing. Love me some Sami. Finally hes getting the love he deserves.

I think the fact so many people wanted Sami to win speaks to how good of an underdog babyface he is

Thanks for the awesome year lads! Made a sometimes rough year, especially in wrestling, worth getting through to see all of the great work you all do. Here's to a great 2023!

Hey Oli - Sami's 2022 👇 1. IC Title Reign (2 Weeks) 2. vs Nakamura : SD 3. Knoxville Storyline 4. vs Matt Riddle : SD Main Event 5. vs AJ Styles : RAW 6. War Games 7. Bloodline Storyline Don't discredit Sami like that. He DID do good stuff.

Looking forward to the other awards videos, this was great :)

Love these every year . Thanks guys

This was a really great video, the members of Wrestle Talk like Pete, Luke and Oli always do an excellent job, I am really looking forward to the content from them in 2023.

Oli is such a mega mark for Punk. He'd still vote for him even if he didn't wrestle at all that year. Mox deserves wrestler of the year.

Kinda shocked that Gunther didn’t make the list. He’s had nothing but great matches all year.

I love how all 3 members of the Shields are on this list.

I think this year more than most show the different variables in determining a wrestler of the year

MJF and CM Punk are the only people I would even consider. Everybody else either sucks (Ospreay, Moxley, Roman, Bianca, etc) or weren’t prominent enough (Asuka, Wyatt, WALTER, Danielson, Samoa Joe, Cody, etc). Ultimately, Punk was out and this was MJF’s breakout year, so he’s mine.

Ospreay should have been higher up I feel. I mean, just from the G1 run. That dudes been amazing all year.

Was I the only guy who cheered when they said who #1 was?! I was genuinely happy! He totally deserves it beyond anyone else. Truly happy for Jon

My top five 5. Bobby Lashley 4. Gunther 3. MJF 2. Moxley 1. Roman reigns

Oli was the heel in this video!

So, completely off topic, but being from America, I absolutely love Oli's pronunciation of renaissance. It sounds like he is saying Renee-sance. Renee Paquette to Wrestletalk, confirmed?

My top is Reigns, Mox & Seth. Just a all-around great year from the 3

Will Ospreay. If Mox has been consistently great with regular 4 star performances, Ospreay has been on another level with regular 5 star matches.

Oli talking some absolute bs at the end. Even without the muffin mope, Punk still would have been injured again and not wrestled for the rest of the year. Only thing that would have got him a spot is blind nostalgia from his cult

The camera perspective makes Pete look super tiny compared to Luke and Oli, and that amuses me way more than it should.

If Darby had any important matches he would certainly make top 10 He's just incredible

Where was your aew stats Luke? You said you would have some at the end of th list. I was actually looking forward to it

Speedball Mike Bailey was the best this year, also Josh Alexander with his year as a great champion for Impact

Osprey had the best I'm ring work, sammi was the most fun to watch, but mox was the workhorse. I think that's what this came down to. Also, everything Olli said i agree with, everything! Even off camera, I drink my tea the same way

POV: Pete is standing up during the whole video.

I totally agree with Oli on the Punk stuff. For the time he was there before All Out, he was tremendous and I hope we don't discount that. Ditto with what Oli said about Sami, even though his character has been next level. Also, my best wrestler this year was Reigns. Yes.

Jon Moxley totally deserves the honor. He's worked his tail off and been so important to AEW. If he's not there who knows what happens to AEW.

My top 5: 1. Roman 2. Chris Jericho 3. MJF 4. Sami 5. Gunter

Yeah my Boy Sheamus getting his respect...He was my #1!

For me top ten 1)Roman 2)Sami Zayn 3) MJF 4) Jon Moxly 5) Shamus 6) Jericho 8) Seth Rollins 9) Logan Paul (best 4 match Wrestler ever) 10) Brit Baker.

Unpopular opinion- CM Punk, wrestler of the year. He had that great feud with MJF, which was going to continue if not for the scrum incident. He was hampered by injuries. He also has been part of a story that is still being talked about today (though most of the current CM Punk news videos are click bait). And here’s the real unpopular part of my take- whether you like how he handled things or not, he’s the first to very publicly call out the BS, politics and booking games of the AEW EVPs and their friends. They started rumors, with help of “journalists” (cough-Meltzer-cough) and actively worked behind the scenes to sabotage Punk (and others, FTR being the best example). He called them out; they took him up on his offer; and, by all accounts, the EVPs and several friends got their rear ends handed to them by a guy in his mid 40s with a torn tricep, and his older trainer friend. The Bucks may have “exposed the the business”, but Punk finally exposed them. Im disappointed in the outcome (they left lots of money on the table), and I think Tony Kahn sided with wrong people, choosing friends (though that’s label is debatable) over business… But at the end of the day, Punk created a story that people still curious about, a story that maybe overshadowed the biggest story in wrestling in decades- the resigning of Vince McMahon. The only other real candidate would have to be Roman Reigns; doing the best work of his career, and without him, the whole Bloodline story isn’t a thing.

Sammy Zayn is by far the best character in professional wrestling this year. His feud with Johnny Knocksville and his storyline with the Bloodline has been great 👍. Just can't wait to see what Sammy does next. 😀👌🍺!!!

CM Punk should have been in top 10

"Which wrestler benefited most from Vince leaving?" I'd say the ones who got their jobs back.

I think for me from pure character & in ring work I gotta go for Sami Zayn. From his IC mini run to the Jacksss feud to the Bloodline storyline which is the best thing in wrestling. Zayn feels like a real option to dethrone Roman & 12 months ago that didn't seem possible

Yeah, it's got to be Moxley for me as well. I take in the whole of what a wrestler does in the ring, in kayfabe, and their presence for their company. Moxley stepped up multiple times this year when the company was in difficult situations. After the brawl out, when he cut that Legend promo, with just that few minutes boosted the morale, not only for the people watching, but reportedly for the people backstage as well. I just don't think anyone can deny how important Moxley was in that moment.

I think it would be great to have a mid year and wrestler of the year to help with recency bias. Because I agree with Oli. If you count the whole year idk if Sami should be in the to 3

Drew McIntyre is number 1 every year and my mind cannot be changed

1 MJF 2 Roman Reigns 3 CM Punk 4 Sami Zayne 5 Jon Moxley

I would of really liked to of seen Claudio as atleast a honorary mention I mean he had a few great matches before he left wwe and a few since he’s gotten to aew underrated as always but good list 😊

Oli was talking a whole lotta none-sense in this one. Seth is by far the most reliable talent in WWE right now, his character work is really good and he got organically over to the point were he is a tweener and not just a heel. His stuff with KO was fantastic, the feud with Roman, the Cody trilogy and everything in between was great. Sami is also incredible. Just because his matches recently are more storyline and emotion driven than work-rate focused doesn’t mean they aren’t good. I think his matches are sufficiently good in the technical aspect but the storyline elevates him so much. Without storytelling wrestling means nothing and Sami Zayn is absolutely amazing at it

The things around Roman's story wise wouldn't be good without Roman's presence he 100% deserves to be in the top 3.

So excited for these end of year videos!

Would love an end of year wrestle league form where we can choose our top 10!

My top 10 10 to 1 FTR Sheamus USOS moxley Acclaimed Kevin. Owens Seth Zayn Mjf Roman

Wrestletalk severely underrates Bianca’s run this year fs.

Oli is absolutely spot on, on his Jon Moxley thoughts.

ospreay not being in the top 5 let alone the top 3 is insane, i think him and mox were clear of wrestler of the year

I think you guys should do a like an award show with multiple categories , like best promo , best feud , best merch and what not

I’d give it to Moxley. Not just because of the backstage stuff but because of everything else. Punk and Moxley vs FTR Moxley vs Danielson Moxley vs Yuta III Moxley vs Garcia II Moxley vs Tanihashi Moxley vs Rush Moxley vs Brodie King Moxley vs Jericho The CM Punk Squash and the All Out main event The Danielson rematch The MJF PPV match That is a great year just on that alone. Also, FTR The match with Punk and Moxley I mentioned The match against each other (the most underrated match this year I’d argue) The trilogy with the Briscoes The match with the Young Bucks The performance at Forbidden Door I haven’t seen the Aussie Open match but I want to and have herd great things about it. Also, Dax has had a corking year in general. Here’s some matches he’s had in singles matches, Cash Wheeler (outstanding), CM Punk (phenomenal), Adam Cole (great), Will Osprey (top notch), Claudio (fantastic), Bryan Danielson (incredible). He’s so good. Also, I know I may get hate for this but CM Punk should have been on the top 10. He got injured in June and I would up until then he was on track to have a fantastic 2022, he had the squash with Spears, the fun match with Wardlow, the MJF matches, the tag match against FTR with Moxley, the singles match against Dax, the hidden gem against Dustin Rhodes, the great match with Penta, the fun showcase against Max Caster, the feud with Hangman I felt was great as was the match. He set up a match with Tanahashi which would have been incredible. I’m telling you we were robbed out of that match. Image a GTS counted into a corkscrew

Zayn has had sum good matches too just mostly on Smackdown. IC Title matches with Ricochet and Nakamura in early 2022 were good and that fatal fourway in Montreal was rlly the beginning of that white hot babyface crowd reaction. He worked the crowd by selling an injury and playing the underdog then pulled out moves he hasn't done since 2017.

Oli is such an AEW mark

I’m still waiting for the facts Luke was about to give but forget

This has been one of my favorite years of wrestling! So many great matches across such different promotions! My top 5 1.Will ospreay 2. Orange cassidy 3. FTR 4. Mike bailey 5.gunter HM: sami zayn, toni storm, mox, swerve in our glory and jay white

I honestly agree with Oli on the Sami front. While he is massively entertaining I don't know how much of that comes down to what I'd classify as Wrestler of the year. I think if this was noted as performer of the year Sami would win in a landslide. I agree with Mox as WOTY for sheer consistency, though I wish much of that wasn't in a never ending feud that oddly ended like 5 times. I think Impact had some great years as well, Alexander, Speedball and even Jordynne Grace had a killer year.

In my head, wrestler of the year should encompass in ring work, promos, and character work which is intertwined with in ring/promo.

I do think Orange Cassidy went under the radar this year, for me every time he’s on screen he brings it, and he had the Ospreay match

Dave Meltzer: “it aint anyone from WWE, if I have my way”.

Have to disagree with Oli Big time. Wrestlers cant be judged only on basis of matches, other things matter the way Pete said and Sami is the most must-see thing in Pro-wrestling right now.

Opinion: In 2022 which company did better? Omit ratings and revenue. Purely entertainment.

Think Oli needs a big hug from Luke or Pete telling him that punk not being on the list is all right I think mox is an awesome choice for wrestler of the year for the way he took aew this year and put it on his back He cleaned up punk's mess A great year for mox Jericho had a great year too even if I didn't agree with him beating Kingston in that final match the barbed.wire everywhere match. A good list

The Usos have my top vote. They’re the glue of the bloodline story and our the ones having “banger after banger”

Cant wait to see who won!

you’re the best oli

Ospreay with a handful of 5*’s coming joint with someone who had ‘one great match’ all year. 😂👏🏻

What was Eddie Kingstons position?

I don’t totally agree with him, but I do love Oli picking up the flag for his choice

100% Mox and the Sami Zayn. Would have liked to have seen Claudio on the list somewhere for his work in AEW/ROH, and perhaps Jade Cargill

Roman is a part time wrestler but a full time character on TV. That's the difference.

Jon Moxley well deserved 👏🏽

I can only rate on wwe as far as watching... this year... ive seen matches and clips from other companies, and do my best to keep up with the over all world of wrestling through various channels like this one. My top 10 of wwe this year would probably be 1. Sami Zayn 2. Finn Balor 3. Rhea Ripley 4. Sheamus 5. Seth Rollins 6. Cody rhodes 7. Roman reigns 8. Matt riddle 9. Bobby Lashley 10. Brock lesnar

Im surprised Claudio wasnt nominated. Man was the brought in and has had banger after banger since Forbidden Door. Its unfortunate

My top 5 1. Jon Moxley 2. Sami Zayn 3. Seth Rollins 4. MJF 5. Chris Jericho

As an entire package. Sami Zayn or Roman Reigns. If you're going simply off strength of matches Will Ospreay

Jay White would be the best Wrestler of the year for me..... The man who reunited the full Bullet Club and made it relevant again.....is the WORLD CHAMPION for almost 8 months now..... Put on bangers with Okada... And represented NJPW at Forbidden door

I agree with oli about Sami being #2 he's a fantastic Wrestler but hasn't had many standout matches but this bloodline storyline definitely boosted him to #2

Just hope we get the return of the underdog from the underground gimmick and the Koji clutch

I'd have personally had Pentagón Jr., that mask match got me giddy, but honestly I wish we saw more of the dominant arm-breaker I know he can be.

I don't get Luke's argument of punk not wrestling much. He put mjf on 4th. Punk should be atleast top 10 by their logic.

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I agree about Bianca, she was so amazing in NXT, I feel her main event call up hasn’t been as good minus the Becky matches, I haven’t been blown away…….wether that’s in her or the rest of the women’s roster I dunno

I understand why Mox is #1 but imho he isn't MY WOTY, but he could be Most Outstanding Wrestler

"I don't like this new Seth. I liked the cult leader Seth that a lot of people said they didn't like" Oli, this kind of sounds like a YOU problem more than a Seth one.

I am just so glad that moxley took the top spot. Jericho may be a bigger name, and Omega may be a better wrestler, but Mox is still 100% AEW's Ace. Hes the guy putting people over. Hes the guy putting on brutal banger matches week in and week out. Hes the guy cutting awesome, badass promos every damn week. Hes the guy who has to go to rehab but comes back even stronger. Hes the guy carrying the company after the major public scandal of brawl-out. AEW is Jonathan Moxley's baby.

Luke's wife is so right. Through the eyes of non wrestling fans like my wife and friends who watch sometimes all say the worst part of watching is the promos are too cheesy but roman seems to not get that reaction from my wife.

Every year is Bryan Danialson! With shootouts to MJF, Reigns, bayley/sasha/fenix.

This has to be the most obvious/overwhelming of the Oli for CM Punk agenda pushing. We understand that he is your favorite wrestler, we watched you cry LITERAL tears as he returned for the first time, and we cheered on Punk like everyone else during his time on top in the company, but this is too much. It has nothing to do with the "Brawl Out" stuff that prevents Punk from being the top 5, "HE WASN'T THERE". That argument can be applied to MJF (which let me remind you, charted on your list despite appearances based solely on his work and intrigue), the entire ELITE, and Hangman Page himself. Luke even revealed the votes of 3 because you're the only person who believes he belongs there. No one will think differently of you for liking his work, but don't rearrange criticism towards a wrestler just to fit the narrative you want to create. Jon Moxley more than deserved the #1 spot, go back to before Punk returned and hear all the praise and how he was a lock for wrestler of the year. (Jon or Dax Harwood)

I swear the more oli talks about punk the more I worry he's in an abusive relation ship

Definitely my wrestle of the year is one half of the best tag team or the year despite with pwi said Dax Harwood of FTR

❤

Sheamus said he wants to wrestle for atleast 8 more years so I wouldn't expect an early retirement from him.

My Votes 5 - Seth Rollins 4 - Sami Zayn 3 - Will Ospreay 2 - Roman Reigns 1 - Carmelo Hayes