2021 Achievement Awards

JADE CARGILL (35%)

THE TERM “METEORIC rise” is a cliche you hear used quite frequently in the world of professional wrestling. Let it be known that Jade Cargill’s rookie year can be described as such while being as far from cliche as possible. Having debuted in March, Cargill’s professional career will have only spanned about nine months as we reach the end of 2021. And, while her resume is short, it is certainly stacked.

Debuting in AEW as a mouthpiece for basketball Hall-of-Famer and fellow pro wrestling novice Shaquille O’Neal, Cargill instantly entered into a feud with the Rhodes family, before embarking on a lengthy undefeated streak. As a participant in the TBS Championship Tournament with a first-round bye, Cargill has been earmarked as a potential finalist, currently awaiting her match against Thunder Rosa in the semi-finals. If Cargill can cement a tournament win and become the first TBS champ, it can be argued that she has achieved one of the greatest rookie years, if not the greatest, seen in professional wrestling in quite some time.

BRON BREAKKER (28%)

The son of wrestling legend Rick Steiner, Breakker’s burgeoning rookie year saw him placed directly into the NXT main event scene. Debuting at the relaunch of the NXT 2.0 brand, the second-gen grappler would defeat veteran LA Knight, and later confront NXT champion Tommaso Ciampa to close out the show. Although unsuccessful, Breakker has challenged Ciampa for his NXT title several times, most recently on WWE’s U.K. tour. Breakker would finally get his vengeance in a WarGames match pitting the old NXT guard versus the new, with Breakker pinning Ciampa to pick up the win for himself and his teammates.

BAD BUNNY (20%)

What else can be said about Bad Bunny? The international pop superstarturned-professional wrestler was the hot talking point this past spring, leading some to ask: “Should celebrities be involved in professional wrestling?” After winning the WWE 24/7 championship from Akira Tozawa (and thus becoming the youngest champion on record), Bad Bunny showcased the title during his SNL performance, bringing fresh eyes to the WWE product. While his wrestling career has been shelved for the time being, due to his endless concert schedule, Bunny made it clear with his standout WrestleMania performance that he can hang in the ring.

BROCK ANDERSON (6%)

The son of “The Enforcer,” Anderson is one of AEW’s promising homegrown talents. Graduating from the Nightmare Factory earlier this year, Anderson would join the Nightmare Family and begin teaming with stablemate Lee Johnson. Mainly appearing on AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation, this blue chipper’s biggest challenge came against Malakai Black last summer in the main event of Dynamite—his first and only singles match in AEW to date. Although Anderson would take the loss in under three minutes, his tenacity and integrity indicate that, with a little bit more experience, he’ll have a strong future in the company.

11% VOTES FOR OTHERS

Some of the top vote-getters who did not capture a runner-up spot include: Becca, Yoya, Lady C, Carlie Bravo

MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

BRITT BAKER (22%)

MIRRORING THE PHOENIX that rises from the ashes, Britt Baker’s remarkable 2021 solidified the doctor as one of this era’s great wrestlers, regardless of gender.

After struggling to captivate audiences throughout her initial run, it was Baker’s Unsanctioned Lights Out Match against rival Thunder Rosa that began to change the minds of those who doubted her. Although she was defeated in that outing, Baker’s performance proved she belonged among the elite in AEW.

And, after securing her place at the table, Baker sealed the deal by defeating Hikaru Shida for the AEW Women’s World championship at Double Or Nothing, ending Shida’s record-setting year-long run as the pandemic-era champion. Although a villain, the reigning champ has become an anti-hero of sorts, inspiring the AEW audience to chant “D! M! D!” at the mere mention of her name. Some believe that there is a very real chance Baker can make a run for Shida’s year-plus record, but only time will tell whether she can match her fallen opponent’s staying power.

BOBBY LASHLEY (12%)

Sixteen years after his debut, Bobby Lashley finally fulfilled his professional wrestling destiny and took home the WWE championship. A four-time IMPACT champion, Lashley was previously unable to win the big one during his initial three-year run with the WWE. While it can be argued by fans that his two ECW championship runs also qualified him, his WWE title victory now firmly places