List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards
This is a list of both active and inactive Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards which are voted on by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers every year from 1972 onwards, expanding to more categories in later years.
Unlike other wrestling magazines and websites, PWI is largely a magazine written within the fictional realm of professional wrestling and the awards recognize this.
Active awards
Wrestler of the Year
The PWI Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best professional wrestler of the year. Ric Flair has won the award a record six times, and remains the only wrestler with more than three wins; he also established the record for most consecutive wins with three from 1984 to 1986, with AJ Styles later tying that record in 2016-2018.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Pedro Morales | |||
| 1973 | Jack Brisco | |||
| 1974 | Bruno Sammartino | |||
| 1975 | Mr. Wrestling II | |||
| 1976 | Terry Funk | Bruno Sammartino | Nick Bockwinkel | Paul Jones |
| 1977 | Dusty Rhodes | Superstar Billy Graham | Bob Backlund | Harley Race |
| 1978 | Dusty Rhodes | Bob Backlund | Ricky Steamboat | Harley Race |
| 1979 | Harley Race | Dusty Rhodes | Jimmy Snuka | Bob Backlund |
| 1980 | Bob Backlund | Harley Race | Verne Gagne | The Iron Sheik |
| 1981 | Ric Flair | Bob Backlund | Tommy Rich | Dusty Rhodes |
| 1982 | Bob Backlund | Ric Flair | Hulk Hogan | Jimmy Snuka |
| 1983 | Harley Race | Nick Bockwinkel | André the Giant | Bob Backlund |
| 1984 | Ric Flair | Hulk Hogan | Kerry Von Erich | Rick Martel |
| 1985 | Ric Flair | Hulk Hogan | Rick Martel | Sgt. Slaughter |
| 1986 | Ric Flair | Hulk Hogan | Randy Savage | Nikita Koloff |
| 1987 | Hulk Hogan | Ric Flair | Randy Savage | Steve Williams |
| 1988 | Randy Savage | Jerry Lawler | Lex Luger | Ric Flair |
| 1989 | Ric Flair | Hulk Hogan | Lex Luger | Ricky Steamboat |
| 1990 | Sting | The Ultimate Warrior | Hulk Hogan | Lex Luger |
| 1991 | Hulk Hogan | Lex Luger | Bret Hart | Sting |
| 1992 | Ric Flair | Ron Simmons | Rick Rude | Bret Hart |
| 1993 | Big Van Vader | Bret Hart | Shawn Michaels | Yokozuna |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan | Bret Hart | Razor Ramon | Ric Flair |
| 1995 | Diesel | Shawn Michaels | Sting | Hulk Hogan |
| 1996 | The Giant | Shawn Michaels | Ric Flair | Ahmed Johnson |
| 1997 | Lex Luger | Stone Cold Steve Austin | The Undertaker | Diamond Dallas Page |
| 1998 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Goldberg | Diamond Dallas Page | The Rock |
| 1999 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | The Rock | Sting | Taz |
| 2000 | The Rock | Triple H | Booker T | Kurt Angle |
| 2001 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Kurt Angle | The Rock | Rob Van Dam |
| 2002 | Brock Lesnar | Rob Van Dam | Triple H | The Undertaker |
| 2003 | Kurt Angle | Brock Lesnar | Triple H | A.J. Styles |
| 2004 | Chris Benoit | Randy Orton | Eddie Guerrero | A.J. Styles |
| 2005 | Batista | John Cena | A.J. Styles | Samoa Joe |
| 2006 | John Cena | Samoa Joe | Rey Mysterio | Edge |
| 2007 | John Cena | Kurt Angle | Batista | Randy Orton |
| 2008 | Triple H | Kurt Angle | Randy Orton | Samoa Joe |
| 2009 | Randy Orton | John Cena | Chris Jericho | Kurt Angle |
| 2010 | Randy Orton | Rob Van Dam | John Cena | Sheamus |
| 2011 | CM Punk | John Cena | Davey Richards | Bobby Roode |
| 2012 | CM Punk | Sheamus | Austin Aries | John Cena |
| 2013 | Daniel Bryan | John Cena | Bully Ray | Randy Orton |
| 2014 | Brock Lesnar | Daniel Bryan | A.J. Styles | John Cena |
| 2015 | Seth Rollins | Jay Lethal | Roman Reigns | John Cena |
| 2016 | A.J. Styles | Roman Reigns | Kevin Owens | Dean Ambrose |
| 2017 | A.J. Styles | Kazuchika Okada | Kenny Omega | Cody |
| 2018 | A.J. Styles | Kenny Omega | Cody | Seth Rollins |
| 2019 | Adam Cole | Chris Jericho | Seth Rollins | Kofi Kingston |
Tag Team of the Year
The PWI Tag Team of the Year award recognizes the best tag team of the year. The Road Warriors have won a record four times. The New Day are the only trio to win the award.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Dick the Bruiser and The Crusher | |||
| 1973 | Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens | |||
| 1974 | Jimmy and Johnny Valiant | |||
| 1975 | Gene and Ole Anderson | |||
| 1976 | The Executioners | Gene and Ole Anderson | Chief Jay Strongbow and Billy White Wolf | Jimmy and Johnny Valiant |
| 1977 | Gene and Ole Anderson | Professor Tanaka and Mr. Fuji | Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell | Ric Flair and Greg Valentine |
| 1978 | Ricky Steamboat and Paul Jones | The Yukon Lumberjacks | Mike Graham and Steve Keirn | Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell |
| 1979 | Ivan Putski and Tito Santana | Jerry and Johnny Valiant | Paul Jones and Baron von Raschke | The Spoiler and Mark Lewin |
| 1980 | Jimmy Snuka and Ray Stevens | Mr. Wrestling and Mr. Wrestling II | The Wild Samoans | Verne Gagne and Mad Dog Vachon |
| 1981 | The Fabulous Freebirds | Rick Martel and Tony Garea | Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito | Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell |
| 1982 | Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell | Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito | The Fabulous Freebirds | Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen |
| 1983 | The Road Warriors | Kerry, Kevin and David Von Erich | The Fabulous Freebirds | Jack and Jerry Brisco |
| 1984 | The Road Warriors ' | Kerry, Kevin and Mike Von Erich | The Fabulous Ones | The Rock 'n' Roll Express |
| 1985 | The Road Warriors ' | Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams | Ivan and Nikita Koloff | The British Bulldogs |
| 1986 | The Rock 'n' Roll Express | The Road Warriors | The British Bulldogs | The Midnight Rockers |
| 1987 | The Midnight Express | The Hart Foundation | The Road Warriors | The Rock 'n' Roll Express |
| 1988 | The Road Warriors ' | The Midnight Express | Demolition | The Brain Busters |
| 1989 | The Brain Busters | Demolition | The Road Warriors | The Fabulous Freebirds |
| 1990 | The Steiner Brothers | Demolition | Doom | The Road Warriors |
| 1991 | The Enforcers | The Legion of Doom | The Steiner Brothers | Jeff Jarrett and Robert Fuller |
| 1992 | Terry Gordy and Steve Williams | The Natural Disasters | The Steiner Brothers | Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes |
| 1993 | The Steiner Brothers ' | The Hollywood Blonds | Money Inc. | The Heavenly Bodies |
| 1994 | The Nasty Boys | The Headshrinkers | The Public Enemy | Rock 'n' Roll Express |
| 1995 | Harlem Heat | The Smoking Gunns | Owen Hart and Yokozuna | The Steiner Brothers |
| 1996 | Harlem Heat ' | The Eliminators | The Steiner Brothers | The Gangstas |
| 1997 | The Outsiders | The Steiner Brothers | The Legion of Doom | Lex Luger and The Giant |
| 1998 | The New Age Outlaws | Rob Van Dam and Sabu | Mankind and Kane | The Brothers of Destruction |
| 1999 | Kane and X-Pac | The Hardy Boyz | Harlem Heat | The Dudley Boyz |
| 2000 | The Hardy Boyz | Edge and Christian | The Dudley Boyz | KroniK |
| 2001 | The Dudley Boyz | The Brothers of Destruction | The Hardy Boyz | The Acolytes |
| 2002 | Billy and Chuck | Booker T and Goldust | 3-Minute Warning | Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit |
| 2003 | The World's Greatest Tag Team | America's Most Wanted | The Dudley Boyz | Los Guerreros |
| 2004 | America's Most Wanted | La Résistance | The Dudley Boyz | Charlie Haas and Rico |
| 2005 | MNM | The Naturals | Road Warrior Animal and Heidenreich | America's Most Wanted |
| 2006 | A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels | Paul London and Brian Kendrick | D-Generation X | Big Show and Kane |
| 2007 | Paul London and Brian Kendrick | Team 3D | The Briscoe Brothers | Deuce 'n Domino |
| 2008 | Beer Money, Inc. | John Morrison and The Miz | Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes | The Latin American Xchange |
| 2009 | Team 3D ' | Beer Money, Inc. | Chris Jericho and Big Show | D-Generation X |
| 2010 | The Motor City Machine Guns | The Hart Dynasty | The Kings of Wrestling | Beer Money, Inc. |
| 2011 | Beer Money, Inc. ' | Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team | Air Boom | Kings of Wrestling |
| 2012 | Kofi Kingston and R-Truth | Bad Influence | Team Hell No | Samoa Joe and Magnus |
| 2013 | The Shield | Cody Rhodes and Goldust | Team Hell No | reDRagon |
| 2014 | The Usos | reDRagon | The Wolves | Gold and Stardust |
| 2015 | The New Day | The Young Bucks | The Wolves | reDRagon |
| 2016 | The New Day ' | The Young Bucks | Enzo and Cass | The Revival |
| 2017 | The Young Bucks ' | The Bar | The Shield | The Usos |
| 2018 | The Young Bucks ' | The New Day | The Undisputed Era | LAX |
| 2019 | The Undisputed Era | The Young Bucks | The Lucha Bros. | The New Day |
Match of the Year
The PWI Match of the Year award recognizes the best match of the year. Shawn Michaels has won the award a record eleven times; he had a four-year win streak from 1993 to 1996 and then a seven-year win streak from 2004 to 2010.| Year | Date | Match | Event | Location | Notes |
| 1972 | January 14 | Bruno Sammartino wins battle royal | Battle Royal in Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Battle royal |
| 1973 | May 24 | Dory Funk Jr. vs. Harley Race | Kansas City, MO | For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1974 | April 19 | Jack Brisco vs. Dory Funk Jr. | St. Louis, MO | For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1975 | March 17 | Bruno Sammartino vs. Spiros Arion | New York, NY | For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1976 | April 26 | Bruno Sammartino vs. Stan Hansen | New York, NY | For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1977 | April 30 | Bruno Sammartino vs. Superstar Billy Graham | Baltimore, MD | For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1978 | February 20 | Superstar Billy Graham vs. Bob Backlund | New York, NY | For the WWWF Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1979 | August 21 | Harley Race vs. Dusty Rhodes | Tampa, FL | For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1980 | August 9 | Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko | Showdown at Shea | Flushing, NY | Steel Cage match |
| 1981 | August 24 | André the Giant vs. Killer Khan | New York, NY | Texas Death match | |
| 1982 | June 28 | Bob Backlund vs. Jimmy Snuka | New York, NY | Steel Cage match for the WWF Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1983 | June 10 | Ric Flair vs. Harley Race | St. Louis, MO | For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship | |
| 1984 | May 6 | Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich | David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions | Irving, TX | For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1985 | March 31 | Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff | WrestleMania | New York, NY | |
| 1986 | July 26 | Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes | The Great American Bash | Greensboro, NC | Steel Cage match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1987 | March 29 | Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat | WrestleMania III | Pontiac, MI | For the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship |
| 1988 | February 5 | Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant | The Main Event I | Indianapolis, IN | For the WWF World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1989 | May 7 | Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair | WrestleWar | Nashville, TN | For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1990 | April 1 | Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior | WrestleMania VI | Toronto, Ontario | For the WWF World Heavyweight Championship and WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship |
| 1991 | May 19 | The Steiner Brothers vs. Sting and Lex Luger | SuperBrawl | St. Petersburg, FL | For the WCW World Tag Team Championship |
| 1992 | August 29 | Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog | SummerSlam | London, England | For the WWF Intercontinental Championship |
| 1993 | July 19 | Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty | Raw | New York, NY | For the WWF Intercontinental Championship |
| 1994 | March 20 | Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania X | New York, NY | Ladder match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship |
| 1995 | April 2 | Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania XI | Hartford, CT | For the WWF World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1996 | March 31 | Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania XII | Anaheim, CA | Iron Man match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1997 | March 23 | Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin | WrestleMania 13 | Rosemont, IL | No Disqualification Submission match with Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee |
| 1998 | June 28 | The Undertaker vs. Mankind | King of the Ring | Pittsburgh, PA | Hell in a Cell match |
| 1999 | January 24 | The Rock vs. Mankind | Royal Rumble | Anaheim, CA | "I Quit" match for the WWF Championship |
| 2000 | April 2 | The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian | WrestleMania 2000 | Anaheim, CA | Triangle Ladder match for the WWF Tag Team Championship |
| 2001 | April 1 | The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian | WrestleMania X-Seven | Houston, TX | Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWF Tag Team Championship |
| 2002 | March 17 | The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan | WrestleMania X8 | Toronto, Ontario | |
| 2003 | September 16 | Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar | SmackDown! | Raleigh, NC | 60-minute Iron Man match for the WWE Championship |
| 2004 | March 14 | Triple H vs. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania XX | New York, NY | Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship |
| 2005 | April 3 | Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle | WrestleMania 21 | Los Angeles, CA | |
| 2006 | April 2 | Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon | WrestleMania 22 | Rosemont, IL | No Holds Barred match |
| 2007 | April 23 | John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels | Raw | London, England | |
| 2008 | March 30 | Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair | WrestleMania XXIV | Orlando, FL | Career Threatening match |
| 2009 | April 5 | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania XXV | Houston, TX | |
| 2010 | March 28 | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels | WrestleMania XXVI | Phoenix, AZ | Streak vs. Career match |
| 2011 | July 17 | John Cena vs. CM Punk | Money in the Bank | Rosemont, IL | For the WWE Championship |
| 2012 | April 1 | The Undertaker vs. Triple H | WrestleMania XXVIII | Miami Gardens, FL | Hell in a Cell match with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee |
| 2013 | August 18 | John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan | SummerSlam | Los Angeles, CA | For the WWE Championship with Triple H as the special guest referee |
| 2014 | June 1 | John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt | Payback | Rosemont, IL | Last Man Standing match |
| 2015 | October 7 | Bayley vs. Sasha Banks | Winter Park, FL | 30-minute Iron Woman match for the NXT Women's Championship | |
| 2016 | August 21 | A.J. Styles vs. John Cena | SummerSlam | Brooklyn, NY | |
| 2017 | January 4 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | Wrestle Kingdom 11 | Tokyo, Japan | For the IWGP Heavyweight Championship |
| 2018 | June 9 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall | Osaka, Japan | No time limit two out of three falls match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship |
| 2019 | May 25 | Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes | Double or Nothing | Paradise, Nevada |
Feud of the Year
The PWI Feud of the Year award recognizes the best rivalry of the year, normally between two wrestlers but also between groups as well. Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger is tied with Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, each winning twice. Ric Flair, Vince McMahon, and Triple H have won this award four times individually. The Four Horsemen, The Authority, The Nexus and Aces & Eights are the only stables to win the award.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1986 | Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff | Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes | The Sheepherders vs. The Fantastics | The Midnight Express vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express |
| 1987 | The Four Horsemen vs. The Super Powers and The Road Warriors | Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat | Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Rich and Austin Idol | Brian Adias vs. Kevin Von Erich |
| 1988 | Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger | Rick Rude vs. Jake Roberts | Kerry Von Erich vs. Jerry Lawler | The Mega Powers vs. The Mega Bucks |
| 1989 | Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk | Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage | Skandor Akbar's Devastation Inc. vs. Eric Embry | Roddy Piper vs. Rick Rude |
| 1990 | Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger | Hulk Hogan vs. Earthquake | The Ultimate Warrior vs. Rick Rude | Chris Adams vs. Steve Austin |
| 1991 | The Ultimate Warrior vs. The Undertaker | Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter | Sting vs. Cactus Jack and Abdullah the Butcher | Lex Luger vs. Ron Simmons |
| 1992 | The Moondogs vs. Jerry Lawler and Jeff Jarrett | Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage | The Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango | Rick Rude vs. Ricky Steamboat |
| 1993 | Bret Hart vs. Jerry Lawler | Rick Rude vs. Dustin Rhodes | Cactus Jack vs. Vader | Tony Anthony vs. Tracy Smothers |
| 1994 | Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart | Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan | Randy Savage vs. Crush | Sabu vs. Terry Funk |
| 1995 | Axl Rotten vs. Ian Rotten | Harlem Heat vs. The Nasty Boys | Jeff Jarrett vs. Razor Ramon | Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage |
| 1996 | Eric Bischoff vs. Vince McMahon | Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage | The Undertaker vs. Mankind | Jamie Dundee vs. Wolfie D |
| 1997 | Diamond Dallas Page vs. Randy Savage | Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart | Hollywood Hogan vs. Roddy Piper | Sabu vs. Taz |
| 1998 | Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin | nWo Wolfpac vs. nWo Hollywood | Ric Flair vs. Eric Bischoff | The Rock vs. Ken Shamrock |
| 1999 | Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin | Triple H vs. The Rock | Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam | Ric Flair vs. Hollywood Hogan |
| 2000 | Triple H vs. Kurt Angle | Triple H vs. The Rock | Booker T vs. Jeff Jarrett | Edge and Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz |
| 2001 | Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon | Booker T vs. The Rock | Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle | Edge vs. Christian |
| 2002 | Eric Bischoff vs. Stephanie McMahon | Kurt Angle vs. Edge | Triple H vs. Stephanie McMahon | Trish Stratus vs. Molly Holly |
| 2003 | Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle | Hulk Hogan vs. Vince McMahon | Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Eric Bischoff | Jeff Jarrett vs. Raven |
| 2004 | Triple H vs. Chris Benoit | Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley | Christian and Trish Stratus vs. Chris Jericho | Matt Hardy vs. Kane |
| 2005 | Matt Hardy vs. Edge and Lita | A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels | Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero | Batista vs. Triple H |
| 2006 | John Cena vs. Edge | D-Generation X vs. The McMahons | Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett | Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James |
| 2007 | Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe | Batista vs. The Undertaker | John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels | John Cena vs. Randy Orton |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels | Kurt Angle vs. A.J. Styles | The Undertaker vs. Edge | Beer Money, Inc. vs. The Latin American Xchange |
| 2009 | Randy Orton vs. Triple H | CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy | Main Event Mafia vs. TNA Frontline | Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett |
| 2010 | The Nexus vs. WWE | Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon | Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson | John Cena vs. Batista |
| 2011 | CM Punk vs. John Cena | Christian vs. Randy Orton | Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett | The Briscoe Brothers vs. All Night Express |
| 2012 | Aces & Eights vs. TNA | The Rock vs. John Cena | CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan | Adam Pearce vs. Colt Cabana |
| 2013 | Daniel Bryan vs. The Authority | CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman | Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton | The Rock vs. John Cena |
| 2014 | Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose | The Wyatt Family vs. The Shield | John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar | Bully Ray vs. Dixie Carter |
| 2015 | Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker | John Cena vs. Kevin Owens | Seth Rollins vs. John Cena | Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi |
| 2016 | Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair | John Cena vs. A.J. Styles | Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens | A.J. Styles vs. Dean Ambrose |
| 2017 | Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns | Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens | Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar |
| 2018 | Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa | AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe | Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz | Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns |
| 2019 | Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole | Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega | Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair | Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch |
Most Popular Wrestler of the Year
The PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the best face or heroic professional wrestler of the year. Sting and John Cena have won this award a record four times. Rob Van Dam is the only wrestler to win the award as a heel. In 2019, Becky Lynch became the first woman to win the award.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Jack Brisco / Fred Curry | |||
| 1973 | Chief Jay Strongbow | |||
| 1974 | Billy Robinson | |||
| 1975 | Mil Máscaras | |||
| 1976 | Wahoo McDaniel | Chief Jay Strongbow | Mr. Wrestling II | Ivan Putski |
| 1977 | André the Giant | Dusty Rhodes | Bob Backlund | Mil Máscaras |
| 1978 | Dusty Rhodes | André the Giant | Ricky Steamboat | Bob Backlund |
| 1979 | Dusty Rhodes | André the Giant | Ivan Putski | Mr. Wrestling II |
| 1980 | Mr. Wrestling II | Dusty Rhodes | André the Giant | Bruno Sammartino |
| 1981 | Tommy Rich | Bob Backlund | André the Giant | Dusty Rhodes |
| 1982 | André the Giant | Tommy Rich | Hulk Hogan | Dusty Rhodes |
| 1983 | Jimmy Snuka | Dusty Rhodes | David Von Erich | Junkyard Dog |
| 1984 | Kerry Von Erich | Hulk Hogan | Dusty Rhodes | Sgt. Slaughter |
| 1985 | Hulk Hogan | Magnum T.A. | Kerry Von Erich | Tito Santana |
| 1986 | Roddy Piper | Hulk Hogan | Ricky Morton | Nikita Koloff |
| 1987 | Dusty Rhodes | Hulk Hogan | Randy Savage | Nikita Koloff |
| 1988 | Randy Savage | Hulk Hogan | Sting | Lex Luger |
| 1989 | Hulk Hogan | Ric Flair | Sting | The Ultimate Warrior |
| 1990 | Hulk Hogan | Sting | The Ultimate Warrior | Lex Luger |
| 1991 | Sting | Hulk Hogan | Sid Justice | The Steiner Brothers |
| 1992 | Sting | The Ultimate Warrior | The Undertaker | Ron Simmons |
| 1993 | Lex Luger | Sting | Bret Hart | Dustin Rhodes |
| 1994 | Sting | Bret Hart | The Undertaker | Hulk Hogan |
| 1995 | Shawn Michaels | Sting | Diesel | Hulk Hogan |
| 1996 | Shawn Michaels | Randy Savage | Sycho Sid | The Undertaker |
| 1997 | Sting | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Ric Flair | Diamond Dallas Page |
| 1998 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Goldberg | The Rock | Diamond Dallas Page |
| 1999 | The Rock | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Goldberg | Mankind |
| 2000 | The Rock | Rob Van Dam | Chris Jericho | Goldberg |
| 2001 | Rob Van Dam | The Rock | Chris Jericho | Kurt Angle |
| 2002 | Rob Van Dam | Hollywood Hulk Hogan | Booker T | The Rock |
| 2003 | Kurt Angle | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Rob Van Dam | Rey Mysterio |
| 2004 | John Cena | Chris Benoit | Eddie Guerrero | Eugene |
| 2005 | John Cena | Batista | A.J. Styles | Rey Mysterio |
| 2006 | Samoa Joe | John Cena | Rey Mysterio | Sting |
| 2007 | John Cena | The Undertaker | Sting | CM Punk |
| 2008 | Jeff Hardy | Shawn Michaels | Samoa Joe | The Undertaker |
| 2009 | Jeff Hardy | John Cena | Sting | The Undertaker |
| 2010 | Randy Orton | John Cena | Rob Van Dam | Daniel Bryan |
| 2011 | CM Punk | John Cena | Sting | Randy Orton |
| 2012 | John Cena | Sheamus | Randy Orton | Jeff Hardy |
| 2013 | Daniel Bryan | John Cena | CM Punk | Dolph Ziggler |
| 2014 | Dean Ambrose | Daniel Bryan | John Cena | The Usos |
| 2015 | Dean Ambrose | Brock Lesnar | Finn Bálor | Shinsuke Nakamura |
| 2016 | Shinsuke Nakamura | Dean Ambrose | Bayley | Enzo and Cass |
| 2017 | A.J. Styles | Shinsuke Nakamura | Braun Strowman | Kazuchika Okada |
| 2018 | A.J. Styles | Seth Rollins | Becky Lynch | Ronda Rousey |
| 2019 | Becky Lynch | Jon Moxley | Kofi Kingston | Johnny Gargano |
Most Hated Wrestler of the Year
The PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year award typically recognizes the most effective heel professional wrestler of the year. Triple H has won this award a record five times, with his fourth win as part of The Authority. In 2010, the award was given to a stable, The Nexus, for the first time. Roman Reigns is the only wrestler to win this award while presented as a face.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | The Sheik | |||
| 1973 | Superstar Billy Graham | |||
| 1974 | The Great Mephisto | |||
| 1975 | Greg Valentine | |||
| 1976 | Stan Hansen | Ox Baker | Terry Funk | The Spoiler |
| 1977 | Ken Patera | Ric Flair | Superstar Billy Graham | Nick Bockwinkel |
| 1978 | Ric Flair | Ken Patera | Victor Rivera | Bob Orton Jr. |
| 1979 | Greg Valentine | Terry Funk | Ken Patera | Ivan Koloff |
| 1980 | Larry Zbyszko | Greg Valentine | Ernie Ladd | Hulk Hogan |
| 1981 | Ken Patera | Don Muraco | Nick Bockwinkel | Roddy Piper |
| 1982 | Ted DiBiase | Blackjack Mulligan | Superstar Billy Graham | Buzz Sawyer |
| 1983 | Greg Valentine | Masked Superstar | Kevin Sullivan | Michael Hayes |
| 1984 | Roddy Piper | Kevin Sullivan | Tully Blanchard | The Iron Sheik |
| 1985 | Roddy Piper | Chris Adams | Ted DiBiase | Big John Studd |
| 1986 | Paul Orndorff | Ric Flair | Colonel DeBeers | Rick Rude |
| 1987 | Ric Flair | André the Giant | The Honky Tonk Man | Lex Luger |
| 1988 | André the Giant | Barry Windham | Eddie Gilbert | Ted DiBiase |
| 1989 | Randy Savage | Terry Funk | Rick Rude | Lex Luger |
| 1990 | Earthquake | Ric Flair | Rick Rude | Eddie Gilbert |
| 1991 | Sgt. Slaughter | The Undertaker | Lex Luger | Jake Roberts |
| 1992 | Rick Rude | Ric Flair | Jake Roberts | The Moondogs |
| 1993 | Jerry Lawler | Big Van Vader | Yokozuna | Shawn Michaels |
| 1994 | Bob Backlund | Owen Hart | Big Van Vader | Jerry Lawler |
| 1995 | Jerry Lawler | Kevin Sullivan | The Gangstas | Davey Boy Smith |
| 1996 | Hollywood Hogan | Goldust | Jerry Lawler | The Giant |
| 1997 | Bret Hart | Hollywood Hogan | Owen Hart | Curt Hennig |
| 1998 | Hollywood Hogan | Vince McMahon | Eric Bischoff | Bret Hart |
| 1999 | Diamond Dallas Page | Triple H | The Undertaker | The Dudley Boyz |
| 2000 | Kurt Angle | Triple H | Steven Richards | Jeff Jarrett |
| 2001 | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Booker T | Kurt Angle | Shane McMahon |
| 2002 | Chris Jericho | The Un-Americans | Kurt Angle | Triple H |
| 2003 | Triple H | Kane | Vince McMahon | Test |
| 2004 | Triple H | John "Bradshaw" Layfield | Kurt Angle | Jeff Jarrett |
| 2005 | Triple H | Edge | Jeff Jarrett | Muhammad Hassan |
| 2006 | Edge | Jeff Jarrett | Randy Orton | King Booker |
| 2007 | Randy Orton | Kurt Angle | The Great Khali | Robert Roode |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho | Edge | Randy Orton | Kurt Angle |
| 2009 | Randy Orton | CM Punk | Chris Jericho | Kurt Angle |
| 2010 | The Nexus | CM Punk | The Miz | Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff |
| 2011 | The Miz | Alberto Del Rio | Christian | Kurt Angle |
| 2012 | CM Punk | Bobby Roode | Alberto Del Rio | Kevin Steen |
| 2013 | The Authority | Randy Orton | Bully Ray | The Shield |
| 2014 | Triple H and Stephanie McMahon | Seth Rollins | Dixie Carter | Batista |
| 2015 | Seth Rollins | Ethan Carter III | Kevin Owens | Bray Wyatt |
| 2016 | Roman Reigns | Kevin Owens | The Miz | Eva Marie |
| 2017 | Jinder Mahal | Kevin Owens | Roman Reigns | Sexy Star |
| 2018 | Brock Lesnar | Tommaso Ciampa | Samoa Joe | Baron Corbin |
| 2019 | Baron Corbin | Brock Lesnar | Shane McMahon | MJF |
Comeback of the Year
The PWI Comeback of the Year award, given yearly since 1992, recognizes the most impressive comeback by a professional wrestler during the year. Sting and Jeff Hardy have won this award a record three times each.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1992 | The Ultimate Warrior | Bob Backlund | The Sheik | Junkyard Dog |
| 1993 | Lex Luger | Brutus Beefcake | Ric Flair | Paul Roma |
| 1994 | Hulk Hogan | Bob Backlund | The Undertaker | Alundra Blayze |
| 1995 | Randy Savage | The Heavenly Bodies | Savio Vega | The Ultimate Warrior |
| 1996 | Sycho Sid | Jake Roberts | Faarooq | Road Warrior Animal |
| 1997 | Bret Hart | Curt Hennig | Brian Pillman | Ric Flair |
| 1998 | X-Pac | Sting | Dean Malenko | The Warrior |
| 1999 | Eddie Guerrero | Buff Bagwell | Curt Hennig | Michael Hayes |
| 2000 | Rikishi Phatu | Dusty Rhodes | The Undertaker | Vince McMahon |
| 2001 | Rob Van Dam | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Booker T | Scott Hall |
| 2002 | Hollywood Hulk Hogan | Eddie Guerrero | Chris Benoit | Ron Killings |
| 2003 | Kurt Angle | Goldberg | Raven | Último Dragón |
| 2004 | Edge | Jeff Hardy | William Regal | Chavo Guerrero Sr. |
| 2005 | Road Warrior Animal | Matt Hardy | Raven | Hulk Hogan |
| 2006 | Sting | Sabu | Jeff Hardy | Finlay |
| 2007 | Jeff Hardy | Triple H | Rey Mysterio | The Steiner Brothers |
| 2008 | Chris Jericho | Jeff Jarrett | William Regal | Sheik Abdul Bashir |
| 2009 | Jerry Lynn | Ricky Steamboat | The Undertaker | Mick Foley |
| 2010 | Rob Van Dam | Kane | Edge | Jeff Hardy |
| 2011 | Sting | Mark Henry | Austin Aries | Montel Vontavious Porter |
| 2012 | Jeff Hardy | The Rock | Brock Lesnar | Layla |
| 2013 | Goldust | Chris Sabin | Jerry Lawler | The Bella Twins |
| 2014 | Sting | Bobby Lashley | Batista | The New Age Outlaws |
| 2015 | The Undertaker | Sheamus | Roderick Strong | Daniel Bryan |
| 2016 | Goldberg | Seth Rollins | Chris Jericho | Matt Hardy |
| 2017 | The Hardy Boyz | Finn Bálor | Mickie James | Shelton Benjamin |
| 2018 | Daniel Bryan | Drew McIntyre | PCO | Shawn Michaels |
| 2019 | Roman Reigns | Bray Wyatt | Dustin Rhodes | Sasha Banks |
Most Improved Wrestler of the Year
The PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the most improved professional wrestler of the year. Candice Michelle is the only woman to win this award.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1978 | Dino Bravo | Bob Backlund | Ricky Steamboat | Tony Atlas |
| 1979 | Tommy Rich | Eddy Mansfield | Kevin Von Erich | Ted DiBiase |
| 1980 | Tony Atlas | Larry Zbyszko | Ted DiBiase | Kerry Von Erich |
| 1981 | Kevin Sullivan | Sgt. Slaughter | Charlie Cook | Tito Santana |
| 1982 | Barry Windham | Otto Wanz | Buzz Sawyer | Rick Martel |
| 1983 | Brett Wayne Sawyer | Mike Rotundo | Pez Whatley | Brad Rheingans |
| 1984 | Billy Jack Haynes | Magnum T.A. | Rick Martel | Ron Garvin |
| 1985 | Steve Williams | Brian Adias | Nikita Koloff | Randy Savage |
| 1986 | Terry Gordy | Scott Hall | Sam Houston | Wendell Cooley |
| 1987 | Curt Hennig | Al Perez | The Honky Tonk Man | Sting |
| 1988 | Sting | The Ultimate Warrior | Iceman Parsons | Jeff Jarrett |
| 1989 | Scott Steiner | Brutus Beefcake | Jeff Jarrett | P.Y. Chu-Hi |
| 1990 | Paul Roma | Doom | Tugboat | Cactus Jack |
| 1991 | Dustin Rhodes | Ron Simmons | The Undertaker | Crush |
| 1992 | Razor Ramon | Ron Simmons | Virgil | Brian Christopher |
| 1993 | Yokozuna | The 1-2-3 Kid | Brian Lee | Tatanka |
| 1994 | Diesel | Johnny B. Badd | Sabu | Owen Hart |
| 1995 | Diamond Dallas Page | Tommy Dreamer | Harlem Heat | Savio Vega |
| 1996 | Ahmed Johnson | Chris Benoit | Stevie Richards | Taz |
| 1997 | Ken Shamrock | Steve McMichael | The Headbangers | Alex Wright |
| 1998 | Booker T | D'Lo Brown | The New Age Outlaws | Juventud Guerrera |
| 1999 | Jerry Lynn | The Hardy Boyz | Hardcore Holly | Kanyon |
| 2000 | Steve Corino | Lance Storm | Scotty 2 Hotty | Justin Credible |
| 2001 | Edge | Test | The Hurricane | Kurt Angle |
| 2002 | Brock Lesnar | Trish Stratus | Jamie Noble | A.J. Styles |
| 2003 | John Cena | Matt Hardy | Team Angle | Victoria |
| 2004 | Randy Orton | Shelton Benjamin | Batista | John "Bradshaw" Layfield |
| 2005 | Batista | Carlito | Monty Brown | Chris Masters |
| 2006 | Bobby Lashley | Johnny Nitro | Chris Sabin | Umaga |
| 2007 | Candice Michelle | Jay Lethal | Montel Vontavious Porter | Cody Rhodes |
| 2008 | Cody Rhodes | The Miz | Petey Williams | Kofi Kingston |
| 2009 | John Morrison | Dolph Ziggler | Eric Young | The Miz |
| 2010 | D'Angelo Dinero | Wade Barrett | Sheamus | Jay Lethal |
| 2011 | Mark Henry | Kelly Kelly | Eddie Edwards | Zack Ryder |
| 2012 | Ryback | Brooke/Miss Tessmacher | Michael Elgin | Adam Cole |
| 2013 | Magnus | Curtis Axel | Roman Reigns | Big E Langston |
| 2014 | Rusev | Ethan Carter III | Luke Harper | Eric Young |
| 2015 | Roman Reigns | Nikki Bella | Sasha Banks | Bayley |
| 2016 | The Miz | T.J. Perkins | Kenny Omega | Dalton Castle |
| 2017 | Jinder Mahal | Braun Strowman | Eli Drake | Naomi |
| 2018 | Velveteen Dream | The B Team | Nia Jax | Hangman Page |
| 2019 | Brian Cage | Jay White | Buddy Murphy | Shorty G |
Inspirational Wrestler of the Year
The PWI Inspirational Wrestler of the Year award recognizes the most inspirational professional wrestler of the year. The award has been given yearly since 1972, and in this time, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, Eddie Guerrero, Jerry Lawler, Bayley, and Roman Reigns are the only people to have won the award more than once, with all six winning twice. Generally, the award is meant to go to a wrestler who overcomes great odds to achieve success in the ring, although it has also been awarded to wrestlers who overcome real-life hardships and struggles.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Lord Alfred Hayes | |||
| 1973 | Johnny Valentine | |||
| 1974 | Dick Murdoch | |||
| 1975 | Mike McCord | |||
| 1976 | Bruno Sammartino | Wahoo McDaniel | Bob Roop | Bob Armstrong |
| 1977 | Bob Backlund | Don Muraco | Bruno Sammartino | Terry Funk |
| 1978 | Blackjack Mulligan | Bruno Sammartino | Mr. Wrestling II | Jim Brunzell |
| 1979 | Chief Jay Strongbow | Ric Flair | Mr. Wrestling II | Dusty Rhodes |
| 1980 | Junkyard Dog | Ricky Steamboat | Verne Gagne | Mr. Florida |
| 1981 | Bob Backlund | Ted DiBiase | Tito Santana | Mr. Wrestling II |
| 1982 | Roddy Piper | Jimmy Snuka | Mil Máscaras | Jimmy Valiant |
| 1983 | Hulk Hogan | Roddy Piper | Buzz Sawyer | Buddy Rose |
| 1984 | Sgt. Slaughter | Kerry Von Erich | Kevin Von Erich | Bob Backlund |
| 1985 | Mike Von Erich | Paul Orndorff | Jim Duggan | Kevin Von Erich |
| 1986 | Chris Adams | Magnum T.A. | Kerry Von Erich | Steve Williams |
| 1987 | Nikita Koloff | Dynamite Kid | Chris Adams | Superstar Billy Graham |
| 1988 | Jerry Lawler | Kerry Von Erich | Road Warrior Animal | Jake Roberts |
| 1989 | Eric Embry | Nikita Koloff | Billy Jack Haynes | Ric Flair |
| 1990 | Sting | Hulk Hogan | Jerry Lawler | Nikolai Volkoff |
| 1991 | The Patriot | Jerry Lawler | Sid Justice | Bill Dundee |
| 1992 | Ron Simmons | The Undertaker | Ricky Steamboat | Eric Embry |
| 1993 | Cactus Jack | Lex Luger | The 1-2-3 Kid | Brutus Beefcake |
| 1994 | Bret Hart | Terry Funk | The Guardian Angel | Dave Sullivan |
| 1995 | Barry Horowitz | Sabu | Antonio Inoki | Dan Severn |
| 1996 | Jake Roberts | Jushin Thunder Liger | Ahmed Johnson | Rey Misterio, Jr. |
| 1997 | Terry Funk | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Perry Saturn | Roddy Piper |
| 1998 | Goldberg | Stone Cold Steve Austin | Mankind | Shane Douglas |
| 1999 | Hulk Hogan | Bret Hart | X-Pac | Jim Duggan |
| 2000 | Booker T | Mick Foley | Crash Holly | Chyna |
| 2001 | Kurt Angle | Chris Jericho | Shane McMahon | Spike Dudley |
| 2002 | Eddie Guerrero | Hollywood Hulk Hogan | Shawn Michaels | Chris Benoit |
| 2003 | Zach Gowen | Kurt Angle | A.J. Styles | Rey Mysterio |
| 2004 | Eddie Guerrero | Chris Benoit | Eugene | William Regal |
| 2005 | Chris Candido | Matt Hardy | Steve Williams | Rey Mysterio |
| 2006 | Matt Cappotelli | Rey Mysterio | Hardcore Holly | CM Punk |
| 2007 | Jeff Jarrett | CM Punk | John Cena | Sting |
| 2008 | Ric Flair | CM Punk | John Cena | Jeff Hardy |
| 2009 | Ricky Steamboat | Tommy Dreamer | Sting | John Cena |
| 2010 | Shawn Michaels | Kurt Angle | John Cena | Rob Van Dam |
| 2011 | Rosita | Gregory Iron | Rob Fury | CM Punk |
| 2012 | Jerry Lawler | Austin Aries | Shawn Daivari | John Cena |
| 2013 | Darren Young | Dallas Page | Daniel Bryan | John Cena |
| 2014 | Daniel Bryan | Eric Young | Chris Melendez | Ashley Sixx |
| 2015 | Bayley | John Cena | Kevin Owens | Sami Zayn |
| 2016 | Bayley | Cody Rhodes | Seth Rollins | Dean Ambrose |
| 2017 | Christopher Daniels | John Cena | Shane McMahon | Mia Yim |
| 2018 | Roman Reigns | Cody | Tommy Dreamer | LuFisto |
| 2019 | Roman Reigns | Kofi Kingston | PCO | Becky Lynch |
Rookie of the Year
The PWI Rookie of the Year award recognizes the best professional wrestler of the year who, in that year, had their first year in the business. As it is a rookie award, wrestlers can qualify only once.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Mike Graham | |||
| 1973 | Bob Orton Jr. / Tony Garea | |||
| 1974 | Larry Zbyszko | |||
| 1975 | Ric Flair | |||
| 1976 | Bob Backlund | Chavo Guerrero | Steve Keirn | Johnny Rivera |
| 1977 | Ricky Steamboat | Jimmy Snuka | Big John Studd | Skip Young |
| 1978 | Tommy Rich | Jay Youngblood | David Von Erich | Tully Blanchard |
| 1979 | Sweet Brown Sugar | Steve Travis | Bryan St. John | Eddie Gilbert |
| 1980 | Terry Taylor | Barry Windham | Rick McGraw | Tom Prichard |
| 1981 | David Sammartino | Brad Rheingans | Curt Hennig | Ron Richie |
| 1982 | Brad Armstrong | Tiger Mask | Mike Rotunda | Kamala |
| 1983 | Angelo Mosca, Jr. | King Kong Bundy | Scott Armstrong | Arn Anderson |
| 1984 | Mike Von Erich | Nikita Koloff | Krusher Khruschev | Kevin Kelly |
| 1985 | Nord the Barbarian | Kendall Windham | Dan Spivey | Sam Houston |
| 1986 | Lex Luger | Bam Bam Bigelow | Sting | Tom Magee |
| 1987 | Owen Hart | Big Bubba Rogers | Shane Douglas | Doug Furnas |
| 1988 | Madusa Miceli | Chris Benoit | Maxx Payne | Scott Steiner |
| 1989 | The Destruction Crew | Dustin Rhodes | Scotty the Body | Johnathan Holliday |
| 1990 | Steve Austin | El Gigante | Brad Anderson | Chris Chavis |
| 1991 | Johnny B. Badd | The Patriot | Terri Power | The Lightning Kid |
| 1992 | Erik Watts | Diamond Dallas Page | Vladimir Koloff | Chaz Taylor |
| 1993 | Vampire Warrior | Robbie Eagle | Kent and Keith Cole | The Headhunters |
| 1994 | 911 | Bob Holly | Abbudah Singh | Mikey Whipwreck |
| 1995 | Alex Wright | Craig Pittman | Lawrence Taylor | Madd Maxxine |
| 1996 | The Giant | Steve McMichael | Rocky Maivia | Joe Gomez |
| 1997 | Prince Iaukea | Ernest Miller | Chris Chetti | Brakkus |
| 1998 | Bill Goldberg | Sable | Droz | Mark Henry |
| 1999 | Shane McMahon | Evan Karagias | Vince McMahon | Lash LeRoux |
| 2000 | Kurt Angle | Lita | Mark Jindrak and Sean O'Haire | Chuck Palumbo |
| 2001 | Randy Orton | Brock Lesnar | K-Kwik | The Prototype |
| 2002 | Maven | Christopher Nowinski | Nidia | Taylor Matheny |
| 2003 | Zach Gowen | Sylvain Grenier | Trinity | Matt Morgan |
| 2004 | Monty Brown | Petey Williams | Johnny Nitro | Matt Cappotelli |
| 2005 | Bobby Lashley | Christy Hemme | Mikey Batts | Ken Doane |
| 2006 | The Boogeyman | Charles Evans | Akebono | Cody Runnels |
| 2007 | Hornswoggle | Ted DiBiase Jr. | Pelle Primeau | Mike DiBiase |
| 2008 | Joe Hennig | Brett DiBiase | Ricky Steamboat, Jr. | Ryan McBride |
| 2009 | Mike Sydal | Jesse Neal | Brittney Savage | J.T. Flash |
| 2010 | David Otunga | Tamina | Percy Watson | Corey Hollis |
| 2011 | Ace Hawkins | Nick Madrid | Leakee | Briley Pierce |
| 2012 | Veda Scott | The Big O | Jason Jordan | Bambi Hall |
| 2013 | Tim Zbyszko | Cody Hall | Lucipher Lords | Matt King |
| 2014 | Charlotte | Enzo Amore | Mojo Rawley | Chad Gable |
| 2015 | Moose | Tessa Blanchard | Braun Strowman | Dana Brooke |
| 2016 | Nia Jax | Lio Rush | Matt Riddle | Shayna Baszler |
| 2017 | Otis Dozovic | Ray González Jr. | Andy Williams | Hirai Kawato |
| 2018 | Ronda Rousey | Tomoyuki Oka | Kacy Catanzaro | Taynara Conti |
| 2019 | Brian Pillman Jr. | Jessamyn Duke | Utami Hayashishita | Tracy Williams |
Woman of the Year
The PWI Woman of the Year award recognizes the best female professional wrestling personality of the year. Originally known as Girl Wrestler of the Year, it was rendered defunct in 1976 and its history would be subsumed into the current award when women were again bestowed their own category in 2000. Trish Stratus has won this award a record four times. AJ Lee is the only wrestler to win the award three times consecutively. Mickie James is the only wrestler to have won the award competing for two different organizations.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Marie LaVerne | |||
| 1973 | Joyce Grable | |||
| 1974 | Rachel Dubois | |||
| 1975 | Ann Casey | |||
| 1976 | Sue Green | Kitty Adams | Early Dawn | Vicki Williams |
| 2000 | Stephanie McMahon | Lita | Chyna | Major Gunns |
| 2001 | Lita | Stephanie McMahon | Stacy Keibler | Torrie Wilson |
| 2002 | Trish Stratus | Stephanie McMahon | Stacy Keibler | Torrie Wilson |
| 2003 | Trish Stratus | Stephanie McMahon | Victoria | Torrie Wilson |
| 2004 | Victoria | Trish Stratus | Stacy Keibler | Molly Holly |
| 2005 | Trish Stratus | Christy Hemme | Melina | Lita |
| 2006 | Trish Stratus | Dixie Carter | Mickie James | Lita |
| 2007 | Candice Michelle | Beth Phoenix | Gail Kim | Karen Angle |
| 2008 | Awesome Kong | Beth Phoenix | Mickie James | Michelle McCool |
| 2009 | Mickie James | Angelina Love | Tara | Michelle McCool |
| 2010 | Michelle McCool | Angelina Love | Madison Rayne | Madison Eagles |
| 2011 | Mickie James | Kelly Kelly | Beth Phoenix | Madison Eagles |
| 2012 | AJ Lee | Gail Kim | Eve Torres | Sara Del Rey |
| 2013 | AJ Lee | Cheerleader Melissa | Dixie Carter | Kaitlyn |
| 2014 | AJ Lee | Paige | Stephanie McMahon | Jessicka Havok |
| 2015 | Sasha Banks | Nikki Bella | Charlotte | Paige |
| 2016 | Charlotte Flair | Sasha Banks | Bayley | Becky Lynch |
| 2017 | Asuka | Alexa Bliss | Charlotte Flair | Sienna |
| 2018 | Becky Lynch | Ronda Rousey | Asuka | Tessa Blanchard |
| 2019 | Becky Lynch | Tessa Blanchard | Shayna Baszler | Brandi Rhodes |
Stanley Weston Award (Lifetime Achievement)
The PWI Stanley Weston Award recognizes lifetime achievement by a professional wrestling personality. It has been given yearly since 1981, and was originally known as the PWI Editor's Award. Beginning with the March 2003 year-end edition, the award was renamed in memory of PWI founder and longtime publisher Stanley Weston, who died in 2002.Decade awards
2000s
| Category | Winner |
| Wrestler of the Decade | Triple H |
| Tag Team of the Decade | The Dudley Boyz |
| Match of the Decade | Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV |
| Woman of the Decade | Trish Stratus |
| Feud of the Decade | Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho |
| Most Popular Wrestler of the Decade | John Cena |
| Most Hated Wrestler of the Decade | Triple H |
| Inspirational Wrestler of the Decade | Shawn Michaels |
| Pay-Per-View of the Decade | WrestleMania X-Seven |
2010s
Defunct awards
Midget Wrestler of the Year
The PWI Midget Wrestler of the Year award recognized the best midget wrestler of the year. This award became defunct in 1976.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Little Bruiser | |||
| 1973 | Little Beaver | |||
| 1974 | Darlin' Dagmar | |||
| 1975 | Sky Low Low | |||
| 1976 | Lord Littlebrook | Sky Low Low | Cowboy Lang | Diamond Lil |
Manager of the Year
The PWI Manager of the Year award recognized the best manager of the year. Bobby Heenan won a record four times. Lou Albano, James J. Dillon, and Jim Cornette each won three times.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1972 | Bobby Heenan | |||
| 1973 | The Grand Wizard | |||
| 1974 | Lou Albano | |||
| 1975 | George Cannon | |||
| 1976 | Bobby Heenan | Lou Albano | Freddie Blassie | Gary Hart |
| 1977 | The Grand Wizard | Bobby Heenan | Lou Albano | Lord Alfred Hayes |
| 1978 | Arnold Skaaland | The Grand Wizard | Bobby Heenan | Gary Hart |
| 1979 | Arnold Skaaland | Lou Albano | Buddy Rogers | Oliver Humperdink |
| 1980 | Oliver Humperdink | Arnold Skaaland | Lou Albano | The Great Mephisto |
| 1981 | Lou Albano | Arnold Skaaland | Oliver Humperdink | The Grand Wizard |
| 1982 | James J. Dillon | Arnold Skaaland | Sonny King | Jimmy Hart |
| 1983 | James J. Dillon | Adnan Al-Kaissie | Lou Albano | Paul Ellering |
| 1984 | Paul Ellering | Jimmy Hart | Jim Cornette | James J. Dillon |
| 1985 | Jim Cornette | Lou Albano | Paul Ellering | Bobby Heenan |
| 1986 | Lou Albano | Paul Ellering | Miss Elizabeth | Jim Cornette |
| 1987 | Jimmy Hart | James J. Dillon | Jim Cornette | Paul E. Dangerously |
| 1988 | James J. Dillon | Miss Elizabeth | Jim Cornette | Paul E. Dangerously |
| 1989 | Bobby Heenan | Gary Hart | Teddy Long | Skandor Akbar |
| 1990 | Teddy Long | Bobby Heenan | Ole Anderson | Jim Cornette |
| 1991 | Bobby Heenan | Harley Race | Alexandra York | Paul Bearer |
| 1992 | Paul E. Dangerously | Mr. Perfect | Harley Race | Jim Cornette |
| 1993 | Jim Cornette | Harley Race | Mr. Fuji | Tammy Sytch |
| 1994 | Jimmy Hart | Ted DiBiase | Col. Robert Parker | Paul E. Dangerously |
| 1995 | Jim Cornette | Sherri Martel | Col. Robert Parker | Woman |
| 1996 | Sunny | Jimmy Hart | Jim Cornette | Bill Alfonso |
| 1997 | Bill Alfonso | Miss Jacquelyn | Paul Heyman | Ted DiBiase |
| 1998 | Paul Bearer | Bill Alfonso | Sunny | Paul Ellering |
| 1999 | Debra | Jimmy Hart | Bill Alfonso | Paul Bearer |
Announcer of the Year
The PWI Announcer of the Year award recognized the best announcer of the year. This award was only given in 1977.| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Second runner-up | Third runner-up |
| 1977 | Gordon Solie | Vince McMahon | Bill Carlisle | Roger Kent |