The Wrestling Observer Newsletter ‘Wrestler of the Year’ has been revealed and the voting was dominated by three names.
Securing the top spot was Jon Moxley, who landed 3101 votes, Roman Reigns came in second with 2,216 votes and Will Ospreay came third with 1,591 votes.
Victory for Moxley comes as a reward for what was arguably the best year of his career to date. The star had missed the tail end of 2021 as he entered an alcoholism rehabilitation program, later admitting that he was in a “bad place” during this period and even feared that he would die in the ring.
However, he returned in January looking leaner and sharper than ever. He went on to battle with the likes of Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, and more, as he became the first-ever three-time AEW World Champion. All of this was set against a backdrop of chaos behind the scenes in AEW with Kenny Omega out injured and then suspended alongside the Young Bucks and CM Punk.
Later in the year, Moxley signed a new five-deal with the company which sees the star take on an expanded role as a coach and mentor.
Roman Reigns also enjoyed an incredible year, adding the WWE Championship to Universal Title at WrestleMania 38 with a victory over Brock Lesnar. Roman Reigns and his storylines dominated WWE programming for the entire year with his World Championship reign becoming the longest in the modern era.
Meanwhile, Will Ospreay continued to add to his reputation as arguably the best pure wrestler in the world with a number of stunning matches, including eight that were given a 5-star or higher rating by Dave Meltzer.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Revealed
Elsewhere, Will Ospreay was named ‘Most Oustanding Wrestler,’ FTR were named ‘Tag Team of the Year’ and MJF won ‘Best on Interviews.’
AEW was named as the top promotion in 2022, while Dynamite won ‘Best Show.’
‘Match of the Year’ went to the clash between Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada on August 18th at G1 Climax 32.