Lo-Down Wrestling Awards 2017

It's that time of the year again where I give out my awards for wrestling in 2017. I have only watched the WWE and most of it has been pretty good. Anyway, who was a Lo-Down Wrestling Award for 2017?

Feud of the Year
The Usos vs The New Day (June - October)

Since The Usos turned heel last year, they have been a joy to watch and their feud with The New Day was one of the highlights of the year. Their matches on PPV have been some of the best of the night, with their one at the Summerslam Kick Off Show a particular highlight.

Best Newcomer

Pete Dunne

Pete Dunne made his debut at the UK Championship Tournament in January. Since then, he has amazing to watch and his matches with Tyler Bate have been some of the best matches of the year. Dunne ended the year as the UK Champion and long may that continue.

PPV of the Year

WWE TLC

WWE TLC was the most enjoyable event of the year for me. We got to see AJ Styles take on Finn Balor plus the return of Kurt Angle as he helped Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose defeat Hollywood Miz, Bruan Strowman, Kane, Cesaro and Shaemus. Who would have thought that people being sick would lead to a good thing?

Most Surprising Moment of the Year

Sami Zayn's Heel Turn at Hell in a Cell

This occurred at the end of the Kevin Owens/Shane McMahon match. Shane is about to do an elbow drop from the top of the cell to the announce table. However, Sami pulls Owens out of the way, sending Shane crashing through the table. Then Sami helps Owens get the win. It was a shocking moment, especially as him and Owens have been feuding on and off for the last 2 years. The best bit was on the following Smackdown where Sami explained his reasoning. You have to admit, he has a point.

Douchebag of the Year

Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon has been such a jerk this year, culminating in his feud with Kevin Owens. Even though Owens and Zayn got their comeuppance numerous times, it wasn't enough with Shane resorting to blatant cheating to try to get them fired. Not exactly the behaviour you would expect from a face.

Moment of the Year
AJ Styles Winning the WWE Championship in Manchester

The main reason for this is this I was lucky to see this match live. I've been a big fan of his since his time in TNA and I thought he would never be in the WWE. Seeing him become the first person to win the WWE Championship in the UK was such a honour to watch.

Worst Match of the Year
House of Horrors Match, WWE Payback

Oh dear God, this was probably the worst WWE match of all time. The feud between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt had the potential to be pretty good. However, it went through numerous lapses in logic; Orton burning down a house, which is a bizarre way to turn face; and two really terrible matches. This match was the moment that I started to give no fucks towards the both of them. Shane's behaviour towards the end of the year is the only reason why this two are the not the Douchebags of the Year.

Tag Team of the Year
The Usos

Over the last year, The Usos have been such a joy to watch and they had some of the best matches of the year with The New Day. They are currently involved in a feud with Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable as faces. Whilst I wish they could have continued their heel run for a little longer, I'm looking forward to seeing where the feud will go.

Most Improved Wrestler of the Year
Braun Strowman

I admit it took me a long time to become a fan of Strowman. I didn't think much of him since he debuted as part of the Wyatt Family. However, over the last year, he got leaner; been involved in high profile matches; and is a genuine Championship contender. Here's hoping the Monster Among Man continues on that path in 2018.

Match of the Year
Pete Dunne vs Tyler Bate, NXT Takeover Chicago

There were some really good matches this year but I think this one was the best of them all. Bate and Dunne have had some great matches in 2017 with them being the highlight of the night. I still can't believe that Bate and Dunne are 20 and 24 respectively. 

Female Wrestler of the Year

Alexa Bliss

What a year for Alexa Bliss. After a 2nd reign as Smackdown Women's Champion, she was transferred over to RAW and blossomed even more. Bliss became RAW Women's Champion and, except for 8 days, stayed that way for the rest of the year/ Plus she is probably one of the best characters on RAW right now and is someone to look forward to on the show.

Male Wrestler of the Year

AJ Styles

It was another great year for AJ Styles. He and Cena had a tremendous match at the Royal Rumble and he just seems to get better and better. That and he gave Brock Lesnar and Jinder Mahal their best matches of the year as well. Styles is undoubtably the best wrestler in the WWE right now and I hope that continues for a long time.