Pro Wrestling Illustrated

Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) is an American professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston.[1] PWI is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publishing Group. The magazine is the longest published English language wrestling magazine still in production. PWI publishes bi-monthly issues and annual special issues such as their "Almanac and Book of Facts". The magazine recognizes various world championships as legitimate, similar to The Ring in boxing.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated
2014 PWI Year-end Awards cover featuring Daniel Bryan
CategoriesSports
FrequencyMonthly
PublisherKappa Publishing Group
First issueSeptember 1979
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Websitewww.pwi-online.com
ISSN1043-7576

PWI is often referred to as an "Apter Mag", named after its long-time photographer Bill Apter, a term used for wrestling magazines that keep kayfabe. In recent years, the PWI has moved away from reporting on storylines as actual news and mixed in editorial comments on the behind-the-scenes workings of wrestling.

Since 1991, PWI has been publishing its annual "Top 500 Wrestlers" listing the top male wrestlers in the world. In 2008, they added an annual "Top 50 Female Wrestlers" list, which was later expanded and renamed to the "Top 100 Female Wrestlers" list in 2018 and then again in 2021 as the "Top 150 Female Wrestlers." In 2020, they added an annual "Top 50 Tag Teams" listing the top tag teams in the world.

History

The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) was released in 1979. The magazine soon became known for not breaking kayfabe in its articles as it traditionally treated all "angles", or storylines, as real. However, in more recent years the magazine has taken an editorial approach between kayfabe and "shoot" writing, differentiating between on-screen feuds and controversies behind the scenes. PWI is not limited to covering only prominent professional wrestling promotions, as it also covers multiple independent promotions in the United States. PWI also published other special issues, which included: PWI Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts since 1996, Women of Wrestling, and a weekly newsletter entitled PWI Weekly from 1989 to 2000. The magazine was eventually acquired by Golden Boy Enterprises.

Yearly awards

PWI has given out annual awards and recognitions since its inception. These awards had previously been given out by another Victory Sports Magazine property, Sports Review Wrestling. PWI has also given out monthly rankings for big promotions, some select independent promotions, and overall rankings in singles and tag teams divisions. Additionally, readers are given the ability to vote for the winners of the year-end awards with ballots being included in special year-end issues. A special PWI Awards Magazine is issued annually, which reveals winners and the number of votes counted. The following is a list of categories in which PWI has issued awards.

World championship status

Historical recognition

Although many wrestling organizations promote their lead title as a world heavyweight championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) has only recognized a few championships as valid world titles at any one time. PWI has also generally recognized the main tag team title from any promotion with a recognized world heavyweight championship as being a world tag team championship (unless named otherwise by the promotion) and certain other select titles from those promotions as world championships.

In 1983, PWI withdrew world title recognition from the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, citing how champion Bob Backlund was not facing contenders from outside the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) territory and was only facing rulebreakers.[2] This coincided with the WWF's withdrawal from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in summer 1983. PWI reinstated the WWF's world title recognition retroactively in 1985[3] on account of the WWF's massive mainstream media profile.

The AWA World Heavyweight Championship was stripped of its world title status in January 1991 when the American Wrestling Association (AWA) was in its final days.[4] By this time, the championship was vacant and would remain so until the promotion's closure.[5]

Until March 1991, PWI and its sister publications steadfastly referred to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as "the NWA" despite WCW having increasingly phased out the latter name in the preceding months. In spring 1991, the family of magazines adopted a new policy of referring to the current promotion and its champions as WCW and the promotion's pre-1991 past as the NWA. The magazine also announced it would refer to the overall history of the promotion's world title as the "NWA/WCW World Championship" (and likewise with other WCW championships).[6] PWI generally traced the lineage of the NWA/WCW World Championship back to George Hackenschmidt's title victory in 1905, rather than the creation of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in 1948.[7] Subsequently, after Ric Flair left WCW and was stripped of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in July 1991, PWI and its sister publications nonetheless continued to recognize the WCW title as held by Lex Luger, Sting, Vader, and Ron Simmons as the rightful continuation of the historic NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. When Masa Chono won an NWA world title tournament in Japan in August 1992, PWI and its sister publications only recognized Chono's title as the "NWA Championship" and rejected it as a world title or as a continuation of the historic NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.[8]

PWI initially did not recognize the ECW World Heavyweight Championship as a world title but granted the championship and the promotion world title status in 1999.

Current recognition

Since 2023, Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) recognizes the WWE Championship, WWE Universal Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, AEW World Championship, Impact World Championship, ROH World Championship, MLW World Heavyweight Championship, and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship from the United States, the AAA Mega Championship and CMLL World Heavyweight Championship from Mexico, as well as the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, World of Stardom Championship, and GHC Heavyweight Championship from Japan as world heavyweight championships.[9][10][11][12][13] PWI later additionally recognized the independent wrestling titles the Independent Wrestling World Championship and the Pan-Afrikan World Diaspora Wrestling Championship as world championships.[14]

List of all recognized world heavyweight championships

Date of recognition Championship Promotion Country
July 14, 1948 – January 11, 1991
May 8, 2006 – May 13, 2007
January 1, 2021 – present
NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) United States
May 18, 1960 – December 12, 1990 AWA World Heavyweight Championship American Wrestling Association (AWA) United States
April 25, 1963 – present WWE Championship WWE:
SmackDown
United States
January 11, 1991 – December 9, 2001 WCW World Heavyweight Championship World Championship Wrestling (WCW) World Wrestling Federation United States
July 6, 1999 – April 11, 2001 ECW World Heavyweight Championship Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) United States
September 2, 2002 – December 15, 2013 World Heavyweight Championship WWE United States
May 13, 2007 – June 29, 2015
January 1, 2021 – present
Impact World Championship Impact Wrestling (Impact) United States
August 21, 2016 – present WWE Universal Championship WWE:
SmackDown
United States
August 31, 2019 – present AEW World Championship All Elite Wrestling (AEW) United States
April 3, 2020 – March 4, 2021 IWGP Heavyweight Championship New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) Japan
January 1, 2021 – present AAA Mega Championship Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) Mexico
January 1, 2021 – present ROH World Championship Ring of Honor (ROH) United States
January 1, 2021 – present CMLL World Heavyweight Championship Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) Mexico
January 1, 2021 – present Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) Japan
January 1, 2021 – present MLW World Heavyweight Championship Major League Wrestling (MLW) United States
January 1, 2021 – present World of Stardom Championship World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom) Japan
February 12, 2021 – present GHC Heavyweight Championship CyberFight (CF):
Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah)
Japan
March 4, 2021 – present IWGP World Heavyweight Championship New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) Japan
August 8, 2021 – present Independent Wrestling World Championship[15] IndependentWrestling.tv (IWTV) United States
August 8, 2021 – present Pan-Afrikan World Diaspora Wrestling Championship[16] PAWDWC Presents F1ght Club Pro Wrestling (F1ght Club) United States
May 27, 2023 – present World Heavyweight Championship WWE:
Raw
United States

According to the annual PWI almanac, PWI still recognizes select world title reigns from May 4, 1905 – January 28, 1946, before the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in July 1948.

Rankings

PWI 500

PWI has published the list of the top 500 professional wrestlers each year since 1991 in an annual special edition magazine, the PWI 500. PWI writers choose the position of the wrestler following a designated evaluation period starting from mid-June; anything a wrestler accomplished before or after that period is not considered. They follow a criterion that includes win–loss record, championships won, quality of competition, major feuds, prominence within a wrestler's promotion(s), and overall wrestling ability.[17][18] As of 2023, L. A. Park has been ranked in the most editions of the PWI 500, with 30 appearances.[19] John Cena and Seth Rollins have the most appearances at number one, with three. John Cena has the most appearances in the top 10, with 13. In 1993, Miss Texas (Jacqueline Moore) became the first woman to be ranked in the list, at number 249.[20] Since 2008, men and women have had separate lists.

Year 12345678910
1991[21]Hulk HoganLex LugerRic FlairRandy SavageStingScott SteinerRicky SteamboatSteve WilliamsArn AndersonRick Steiner
1992[22]StingRandy SavageRick RudeBret HartRicky SteamboatJerry LawlerScott SteinerThe Ultimate WarriorStunning Steve Austin
1993[23]Bret HartBig Van VaderShawn MichaelsStingYokozunaRic FlairLex LugerRick RudeMr. PerfectScott Steiner
1994[24]Hulk HoganRic FlairBig Van VaderShawn MichaelsStunning Steve AustinRazor RamonStingRicky SteamboatOwen Hart
1995[25]DieselShawn MichaelsStingBret HartSabuHulk HoganBig Van VaderRandy SavageRazor RamonMitsuharu Misawa
1996[26]Shawn MichaelsThe GiantKenta KobashiAhmed JohnsonKevin NashRey Misterio, Jr.Hulk HoganSabuRic Flair
1997[27]Dean MalenkoMitsuharu MisawaStone Cold Steve AustinDiamond Dallas PageLex LugerThe UndertakerShinya HashimotoThe GiantJushin Thunder LigerChris Benoit
1998[28]Stone Cold Steve AustinGoldbergMitsuharu MisawaThe UndertakerKenta KobashiBooker TKen ShamrockChris Jericho
1999[29]Rob Van DamRey Misterio, Jr.The RockDiamond Dallas PageKeiji MutohThe UndertakerGoldbergTaz
2000[30]Triple HThe RockChris BenoitKenta KobashiJeff JarrettJustin CredibleMike AwesomeJushin Thunder LigerChris JerichoKensuke Sasaki
2001[31]Kurt AngleStone Cold Steve AustinKeiji MutohBooker TTriple HScott SteinerMitsuharu MisawaRhyno
2002[32]Rob Van DamThe UndertakerKeiji MutohChris JerichoEddie GuerreroKurt AngleEdgeYuji NagataThe RockTriple H
2003[33]Brock LesnarTriple HKurt AngleKeiji MutohChris JerichoBig ShowBooker TKenta KobashiEddie GuerreroRob Van Dam
2004[34]Chris BenoitEddie GuerreroTriple HKenta KobashiRandy OrtonToshiaki KawadaJohn CenaA.J. StylesShawn MichaelsChris Jericho
2005[35]BatistaJohn CenaSatoshi KojimaTriple HJohn Bradshaw LayfieldKurt AngleA.J. StylesEdgeShelton BenjaminHiroyoshi Tenzan
2006[36]John CenaKurt AngleEdgeSamoa JoeMísticoRey MysterioBrock LesnarKenta KobashiShawn MichaelsJeff Jarrett
2007[37]EdgeMísticoKurt AngleThe UndertakerShawn MichaelsChristian CagePerro Aguayo, Jr.Bobby LashleyTakeshi Morishima
2008[38]Randy OrtonKurt AngleTriple HSamoa JoeEdgeThe UndertakerShawn MichaelsNigel McGuinnessJohn CenaShinsuke Nakamura
2009[39]Triple HChris JerichoJohn CenaEdgeRandy OrtonNigel McGuinnessHiroshi TanahashiCM PunkStingÚltimo Guerrero
2010[40]A.J. StylesJohn CenaCM PunkRandy OrtonChris JerichoBatistaShinsuke NakamuraThe UndertakerKurt AngleSheamus
2011[41]The MizRandy OrtonJohn CenaKaneTakashi SugiuraAlberto Del RioMr. AndersonRey MysterioEddie EdwardsCM Punk
2012[42]CM PunkBobby RoodeDaniel BryanSheamusJun AkiyamaDavey RichardsKurt AngleMark HenryAlberto Del Rio
2013[43]John CenaCM PunkHiroshi TanahashiBully RayKazuchika OkadaSheamusJeff HardyAlberto Del RioDolph ZigglerKevin Steen
2014[44]Daniel BryanRandy OrtonJohn CenaA.J. StylesBray WyattRoman ReignsMagnusAdam ColeBully Ray
2015[45]Seth RollinsJohn CenaA.J. StylesRoman ReignsShinsuke NakamuraRandy OrtonJay BriscoeRusevAlberto El PatrónKevin Owens
2016[46]Roman ReignsKazuchika OkadaFinn BálorA.J. StylesJay LethalKevin OwensShinsuke NakamuraSeth RollinsDean AmbroseJohn Cena
2017[47]Kazuchika OkadaA.J. StylesKevin OwensRoman ReignsKenny OmegaShinsuke NakamuraSamoa JoeDean AmbroseBobby RoodeThe Miz
2018[48]Kenny OmegaKazuchika OkadaBrock LesnarSeth RollinsBraun StrowmanRoman ReignsCody RhodesTetsuya Naito
2019[49] Seth RollinsDaniel BryanA.J. StylesKofi KingstonKazuchika OkadaJohnny GarganoKenny OmegaHiroshi TanahashiWill Ospreay
2020[50]Jon MoxleyAdam ColeChris JerichoDrew McIntyreTetsuya NaitoKazuchika OkadaCody RhodesSeth RollinsKofi KingstonAJ Styles
2021[51] Kenny OmegaRoman ReignsBobby LashleyKota IbushiJon MoxleyWill OspreayFinn BálorShingo TakagiRich Swann
2022[52] Roman ReignsKazuchika OkadaCM PunkAdam PageBobby LashleyCody RhodesBryan DanielsonEl Hijo del VikingoBig EJonathan Gresham
2023[53] Seth RollinsRoman ReignsJon MoxleyGuntherEl Hijo del VikingoMJFKazuchika OkadaOrange CassidyJosh AlexanderCody Rhodes

PWI Women's 250

PWI has published a list of the top female professional wrestlers each year since 2008 in a special edition magazine. As with the list of male professional wrestlers, PWI writers choose the position of the wrestler following a designated evaluation period starting from mid-June; anything a wrestler accomplished before or after that period is not considered. The list was originally limited to 50 wrestlers and was referred to as the Female 50. It has since been expanded and renamed, to Women's 100 in 2018 and Women's 150 in 2021. It was expanded and renamed again to Women's 250 in 2023.[54][55]

Year 12345678910
PWI Female 50
2008[56]Awesome KongBeth PhoenixGail KimMickie JamesMsChifSara Del ReyRoxxi LaveauxMelinaMichelle McCoolCandice Michelle
2009[57]Mickie JamesAngelina LoveMelinaMsChifTaraAwesome KongBeth PhoenixMichelle McCoolMaryseTaylor Wilde
2010[58]Michelle McCoolMercedes MartinezCheerleader MelissaEve TorresMadison RayneMickie JamesMsChifMaryse
2011[59]Madison EaglesMercedes MartinezMickie JamesNatalyaMadison RayneCheerleader MelissaTaraSara Del Rey
2012[60]Gail KimBeth PhoenixCheerleader MelissaSara Del ReyJessicka HavokLaylaMiss TessmacherSaraya KnightMercedes MartinezTara
2013[61]Cheerleader MelissaMickie JamesSaraya KnightJessicka HavokKaitlynGail KimKacee CarlisleTaraAJ LeeMercedes Martinez
2014[62]PaigeAJ LeeGail KimCheerleader MelissaLuFistoAngelina LoveIvelisse VelezCourtney RushNatalyaCharlotte
2015[63]Nikki BellaPaigeSasha BanksSantana GarrettGail KimCharlotteNaomiCherry BombCourtney RushTaryn Terrell
2016[64]CharlotteSasha BanksAsukaBecky LynchBayleyJadeNatalyaGail KimSexy StarSienna
2017[65]AsukaCharlotte FlairAlexa BlissSasha BanksIo ShiraiSiennaNaomiKairi Sane
PWI Women's 100
2018[66]Ronda RouseyAlexa BlissCharlotte FlairIo ShiraiAsukaShayna BaszlerCarmellaNia JaxMayu IwataniKairi Sane
2019[67]Becky LynchCharlotte FlairRonda RouseyShayna BaszlerTessa BlanchardBayleyNatalyaIo ShiraiMercedes MartinezNicole Savoy
2020[68]BayleyBecky LynchAsukaCharlotte FlairSasha BanksHikaru ShidaTessa BlanchardRihoIo ShiraiMayu Iwatani
PWI Women's 150
2021[69]Bianca BelairUtami HayashishitaDeonna PurrazzoBritt BakerThunder RosaSasha BanksSyuriIo ShiraiTam NakanoRaquel González
2022[70]SyuriBianca BelairThunder RosaBecky LynchJade CargillJordynne GraceSaya KamitaniCharlotte FlairStarlight KidTaya Valkyrie
PWI Women's 250
2023[71]Rhea RipleyGiuliaBianca BelairJamie HayterTam NakanoAthenaDeonna PurrazzoWillow Nightingale KamilleJordynne Grace

PWI Tag Team 100

PWI has published a list of the top tag teams since 2020. PWI writers ranks the wrestlers following a designated evaluation period starting from October; a minimum of 10 matches or 4 months as a tag team is required.[72][73] The ranking included both male and female tag teams.

Year 12345678910
2020[74] FTR
(Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
Kenny Omega & Adam Page Bayley & Sasha Banks The North
(Ethan Page & Josh Alexander)
The Street Profits
(Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)
Guerrillas of Destiny
(Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa)
Lucha Bros
(Pentagón Jr. & Fénix)
The New Day
(Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods)
The Kabuki Warriors
(Asuka & Kairi Sane)
Roppongi 3K
(Sho & Yoh)
2021[75] The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
Lucha Bros
(Pentagón Jr. & Rey Fénix)
Dangerous Tekkers
(Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.)
The Usos
(Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso)
FTR
(Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
Alto Livello Kabaliwan
(Syuri & Giulia)
Guerrillas of Destiny
(Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa)
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler The New Day
(Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods)
The Good Brothers
(Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
2022[76] The Usos
(Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso)
FTR
(Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
The Briscoes
(Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe)
Death Triangle
(Pac, Pentagón Jr. & Rey Fénix)
FWC
(Hazuki & Koguma)
RK-Bro
(Randy Orton & Matt Riddle)
The Good Brothers
(Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
The Hex
(Allysin Kay & Marti Belle)
Violence is Forever
(Kevin Ku & Dominic Garrini)

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Further reading

  • 2005 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts.
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