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411’s Wrestler of the Week 2.12.13: Year Eight, Week 45

February 12, 2013 | Posted by Larry Csonka

Welcome to WEEK 45, YEAR EIGHT of 411’s Wrestler of the Week. A quick overview of the rules to kick things off for us as a reminder…

Each writer chooses FIVE wrestlers from any promotion and each wrestler gets a point total attached to that ranking. It looks a little like this…

1st – 5
2nd – 4
3rd – 3
4th – 2
5th – 1

Then we tally up the votes and the official 411 Wrestler of the Week is crowned. But wait, there’s more! Each week the top SIX vote getters get a points value for their ranking which looks something like this…

1st – 15
2nd – 12
3rd – 9
4th – 6
5th – 3
6th – 1

…and they go towards the 411 Wrestler of the Year award to be announced each year around WrestleMania. This will be posted every Monday (the voting week runs Monday through Sunday). Let’s see who wins this week…


Larry Csonka
1) Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi successfully defended his IWGP title in the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s latest iPPV, defeating Karl Anderson is a great main event match. People like to talk about who the “best in the world is,” and right now, that is Hiroshi Tanahashi. Great matches, great title run, and is the man who is turning around NJPW’s business because he’s the guy.

2) Bobby Roode and Austin Aries: Bobby Roode and Austin Aries won the tag team titles from Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez on Impact this past week. I have stated over and over again how Roode and Aries need more of a spotlight, and how shit Chavo and Hernandez are as champions. This fixed two issues, and that is a good thing.
3) Mark Henry: Mark Henry is back, and the Hall of Pain is once again open for business!
4) 3.0 (Scott Parker and Shane Matthews)
5) Archibald Peck

Ryan Byers
1) Hiroshi Tanahashi
Another month, another MOTYC from Hiroshi Tanahashi. This time around, the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion successfully defended his title in the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s latest pay per view offering, defeating one of the profession’s most buzz worthy prospects in the form of Karl Anderson. Now he heads on to Prince Devitt, which should be yet another awe-inspiring match.

2) 3.0: The Canadian sensations Scott Parker and Shane Matthews are now two-time CHIKARA Campeonatos de Parejas, having unseated the Young Bucks, who had a substantial reign that saw the titles controlled by Ring of Honor talent. This, along with Eddie Kingston defeating Kevin Steen, seems to put to an end for the time being the ROH/CHIKARA interpromotional struggle.
3) Green Ant: Speaking of Grand Champion Kingston, he was defeated the day before his victory over Steen by the underdog Green Ant, who has now demanded a shot at the championship. CHIKARA fans love dem Ants, and they particularly love Greenie, who has grown up in front of their eyes. Seeing him gun for the promotion’s top prize will be fun.
4) Archibald Peck
5) Brock Lesnar

James Wright
1) Austin Aries & Robert Roode
Sure the TNA tag titles might not be the hottest contested belts in all of wrestling but this team could make them that. I would venture to say that this pairing is even better than Team Hell No in terms of charisma and overall talent, so I expect big things from them.

2) Mark Henry: The World’s Strongest Man came back just as strong as he was when he left, taking out Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio, Great Khali and then pinning Randy Orton clean, qualifying for the Elimination Chamber. Now that is dominance.
3) Alberto Del Rio: In a PG environment Del Rio is doing pretty well for himself as the underdog babyface champion who is standing his ground, fighting for his friend and the people at home. Needless to say Del Rio needed this face turn and as much of a surprise as his title win was, week-by-week he is getting better as a face champion.
4) Hiroshi Tanahashi
5) Prince Devitt

Jack McGee
1) Bobby Roode and Austin Aries
Defeated Chavo “still living on Eddie’s accomplishments” Guerrero and Hernandez to win the TNA Tag Team Titles. While the division has not been great lately, these are great men and deserve the run with the belts. They are entertaining; they will have good matches, and are a huge upgrade from Chavo and Hernandez.

2) Hiroshi Tanahashi: Defeated Karl Anderson in a really good match to retain the IWPG Title on the latest NJPW iPPV. I know it was cool for everyone to praise Punk this year, but Tanahashi deserves just as much if not more praise for his latest run with the title.
3) Mark Henry: Returned, split wigs, left.
4) Brock Lesnar
5) Miss Tessmacher

Nick Sellers
1) CM Punk & Chris Jericho
These two absolutely tore the house down on Raw. In Jericho’s case, not only does he look like he hasn’t missed a step, but he actually looks even better than I remembered him being during his last run. They brought the best out of each other and Raw’s viewership has reaped the benefits. If whoever is booking Raw these days is reading this, more of the same please. Also, credit to Punk for working through his house show matches at the weekend after what sounded like a nasty bump on his noggin.

2) Mark Henry: I’ve got a real soft spot for Mizark, so I was punching the air when he stomped down the aisle and laid waste to everyone in front of him on Raw. Then on his Smackdown return he laid waste to everyone again before putting on a decent match with Orton in the main event. A few years ago I thought he’d be a dead cert for the future endeavoured list, now I think he’s entering his prime! I’m all for the possibility of a Del Rio/Henry match at Wrestlemania. It’s good vs. evil in it’s purist form, surely?
3) Bobby Roode & Austin Aries: Hopefully their double act doesn’t get in the way of their work in the main event scene, because these two are not only an absolute riot, but just a joy to watch from an in-ring perspective. A good move for both men and also the tag belts in terms of heightening their importance.
4) Jack Swagger:
5) Antonio Cesaro

Michael Benjamin
1) Mark Henry
Mark Henry returned and looked dominant and destructive like only Mark Henry can. In just one week he pushed himself to the forefront of the competition and got a spot in the Elimination Chamber. There’s a lot of talented big men on the main roster right now and it’s going to be interesting to see where he fits in.

2) Robert Roode and Austin Aries: It didn’t take long for TNA to pull the trigger and I couldn’t agree with the decision more. Giving Aries and Roode the tag titles is a great way to feature them on the show in a prominent position while they aren’t competing for singles gold. Kudos to TNA for striking while the iron is hot for once.
3) Alberto Del Rio: Alberto Del Rio continues to show the WWE Universe that he has every tool needed to be a main event face. He always has. I believe I’ve voted for him every week since he’s won the championship. He’s consistent and he’ll take every second of TV written for him and use the screen time to its fullest potential. Barring injury, 2013 is going to be a good year for ADR.
4) Hiroshi Tanahashi
5) Jack Swagger

TJ Hawke
1) Hiroshi Tanahashi
Cenahashi continues to make his case for best wrestler in the world with another stellar main event IWGP Heavyweight Title defense on PPV. This time, he successfully defended the belt against Karl Anderson.

2) Archibald Peck: Peck defeated his year long rival, Mr. Touchdown, in a No DQ match that main evented the Chikara season 12 premiere. A Grand Championship match may be in Archibald Peck’s future.
3) Austin Aries & Robert Roode: The latest odd couple pairing to win tag team titles.
4) Jerry Lynn/Lance Storm
5) Eric Ryan


THE WINNERS~!

  • Special Mention…CM Punk and Chris Jericho – 5 Votes
  • Fifth Place…Alberto Del Rio and 3.0 (Scott Parker and Shane Matthews) – 6 Votes
  • Fourth Place…Archibald Peck – 7 Votes
  • Third Place…Mark Henry – 20 Votes

    The Hall of Pain, is now open for business….

  • Second Place…Hiroshi Tanahashi – 23 Votes

    Retained the IWPG Title in another great match…

  • Wrestler of the Week…Bobby Roode and Austin Aries – 24 Votes

    Your NEW TNA Tag Team Champions!

    Year-End Standings~!
    And here are the standings after week 45…

    1. CM Punk – 138 points (WWE)

    2. Austin Aries – 93 points (TNA)

    3. Jeff Hardy – 88 points (TNA)

    4. Daniel Bryan – 87 points (WWE)

    5. Bobby Roode – 83 points (TNA)

    6T~. Sheamus – 78 points (WWE)
    6T~. Dolph Ziggler – 78 points (WWE)

    8. Big Show – 72 points (WWE)

    9. Brock Lesnar – 70 points (WWE)

    10. John Cena – 64 points (WWE)

    Hiroshi Tanahashi – 63 points (NJPW)

    Samoa Joe – 62 points (TNA)

    Alberto Del Rio – 60 points (WWE)

    Antonio Cesaro – 54 points (WWE)
    James Storm – 54 points (TNA)

    Bully Ray- 51 points (TNA)
    Kevin Steen – 51 points (ROH)

    The Ryback – 40 points (WWE)
    Kane – 40 points (WWE)

    Johnny Gargano – 37 points (US Independent)

    Wade Barrett – 30 points (WWE)

    Kazuchika Okada – 28 points (NJPW)

    Christopher Daniels – 27 points (TNA)
    Kazarian – 27 points (TNA)
    Alex Shelley – 27 points (US Independent)

    El Generico – 25 point (US Independent)
    The Rock – 25 points (WWE)

    KUSHIDA – 24 points (NJPW)

    Seth Rollins – 22 points (WWE)
    Dean Ambrose – 22 points (WWE)
    Roman Reigns – 22 points (WWE)

    Kofi Kingston – 21 points (WWE)
    Kenny King – 21 points (TNA)
    Christian – 21 points (WWE)

    Player Uno – 19 points (US Independent)
    Stupified – 19 points (US Independent)
    Damian Sandow – 19 points (WWE)

    Prince Devitt – 18 points (NJPW)
    CIMA – 18 point (Dragon Gate)
    Samuray del Sol (aka Octagon Jr.) – 18 points (US Independent)
    Adam Cole – 18 points (ROH)
    Chuck Taylor- 18 points (US Independent)
    Nick Jackson- 18 points (US Independent)
    Matt Jackson- 18 points (US Independent)

    Hirooki Goto – 15 points (NJPW)
    Masato Tanaka – 15 points (ZERO1)
    Ryusuke Taguchi – 15 points (NJPW)
    Tyson Kidd – 15 points (WWE)
    Rhett Titus – 15 points (ROH)
    Portia Perez – 15 points (US Independent)
    Nicole Mathews – 15 points (US Independent)
    Ric Flair – 15 points (US Independent)

    Mark Henry – 13 points (WWE)
    Karl Anderson – 13 point (NJPW)
    The Miz – 13 points (WWE)
    Devon – 13 points (TNA)

    Big E. Langston – 12 points (WWE)
    2 Cold Scorpio – 12 points (US Independent)
    Tim Donst – 12 points (US Independent)
    Sweet Saraya Knight – 12 points (US Independent)
    Masakatsu Funaki – 12 points (AJPW)
    Magnus – 12 points (TNA)
    AJ Styles – 12 points (TNA)
    Zema Ion – 12 points (TNA)
    Tensai – 12 points (WWE)
    Dr. Wagner Jr. – 12 points (AAA)
    Texano Jr. – 12 points (AAA)
    Kenta Kobashi – 12 points (Retired)

    RVD – 10 points (TNA)

    KENTA – 9 points (NOAH)
    Rey Mysterio – 9 points (WWE)
    R Truth – 9 points (WWE)
    Kurt Angle – 9 points (TNA)

    Low Ki – 7 points (US Independent)
    AR Fox – 7 point (US Independent)
    Cody Rhodes – 7 points (WWE)

    Sting – 6 points (TNA)
    Taiyo Kea – 6 points (AJPW)
    Lance Archer – 6 points (NJPW)
    Davey Boy Smith Jr. – 6 points (NJPW)
    KAI – 6 points (AJPW)
    Archibald Peck – 6 points (US Independent)
    Adam Pearce – 6 points (US Independent)
    17 – 6 points (US Independent)
    Shard – 6 points (US Independent)
    assailANT – 6 points (US Independent)
    combatANT – 6 points (US Independent)
    Colt Cabana – 6 points (US Independent)
    Ultramantis Black – 6 points (US Independent)
    Hallowicked – 6 points (US Independent)
    Frightmare – 6 points (US Independent)
    Mr. Touchdown Mark Angelosetti – 6 points (US Independent)
    The Great Khali – 6 points (WWE)
    Paul Heyman – 6 points (WWE)
    Jack Swagger – 6 points (WWE)

    AJ Lee – 5 points (WWE)

    PAC – 4 points (WWE)
    Genki Horiguchi – 4 point (Dragon Gate)
    Christian York – 4 points (TNA)

    Shinsuke Nakamura – 3 points (NJPW)
    Michael Elgin – 3 point (ROH)
    Jerry Lawler – 3 points (WWE)
    Stevie Richards – 3 points (US Independent)
    Scott Parker – 3 points (US Independent)
    Shane Matthews – 3 points (US Independent)
    Gran Akuma – 3 points (US Independent)
    Sara Del Rey – 3 points (WWE)
    Chris Sabin – 3 points (TNA)
    Chavo Guerrero – 3 points (TNA)
    Hernandez – 3 points (TNA)
    Robbie E – 3 points (TNA)
    Tommy Dreamer – 3 points (US Independent)
    La Sombra – 3 points (CMLL)

    El Terrible – 2 points (CMLL)
    Jon Davis – 2 points (US Independent)
    Kota Ibushi – 2 points (NJPW)

    Chris Jericho- 1 point (WWE)
    Mick Foley – 1 point (WWE)
    Shuji Kondo – 1 point (Japan)
    Akebono – 1 point (Japan)
    Dick Togo – 1 point (Japan)
    Yujiro Takahashi – 1 point (NJPW)
    Tara – 1 point (TNA)
    Miss Tessmacher – 1 point (TNA)
    Katsuhiko Nakajima – 1 point (NOAH)
    Charlie Haas – 1 point (ROH)
    Shelton Benjamin – 1 point (ROH)
    Layla – 1 point (WWE)
    Dmitrious “The Greek God” Papadon – 1 point (US Independent)
    Kenny Omega – 1 point (US Independent)
    Sami Callihan – 1 point (US Independent)
    Rush – 1 point (CMLL)
    Ryo Saito – 1 point (Dragon Gate)
    Mr. Kyu Kyu Toyonaka Dolphin – 1 point (Dragon Gate)
    Rey Escorpion – 1 point (CMLL)

  • Voting began 4.09.12
  • Year-End Rankings Key:

    WWE, Raw, SmackDown and NXT-Contracted Wrestlers are represented in BLUE.

    TNA Contracted Wrestlers are represented in GREEN.

    ROH Contracted Wrestlers are represented in RED.

    US Independent Wrestlers are represented in MAROON.

    Japanese Contracted Wrestlers are represented in BLACK.

    Mexican Contracted Wrestlers are represented in MAGENTA.

    Other International Wrestlers are represented in INDIGO.



    **PREVIOUS WINNERS**

    Year One Winner: Ric Flair


    Year Two Winner: Samoa Joe


    Year Three Winner: John Cena


    Year Four Winner: Chris Jericho


    Year Five Winner: CM Punk


    Year Six Winner: The Miz


    Year Seven Winner: CM Punk

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    Larry Csonka