2025 Pro Wrestling Awards: A Year of Triumphs and Transformations

The year 2025 marked a significant period in professional wrestling, characterized by notable retirements, championship victories, and the resurgence of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). John Cena embarked on a retirement tour, culminating in a match against Gunther at WrestleMania 41, while Seth Rollins captured the World Heavyweight Championship before vacating it due to injury. AEW saw "Hangman" Adam Page achieve a redemption arc by becoming the AEW World Champion, alongside standout performances from Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita.

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Dominik Mysterio was awarded Men's Wrestler of the Year, following a triumphant victory at WrestleMania 41 for the Intercontinental Championship. His career trajectory has been influenced by WWE's acquisition of the Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA, positioning him as a key figure for the brand's future. Mysterio's ability to channel the legacy of his father, Rey Mysterio, and Eddie Guerrero has resonated with audiences, establishing him as a prominent star in WWE.

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Stephanie Vaquer earned the title of Women's Wrestler of the Year after a remarkable ascent in WWE. She became the first women's double champion in NXT history and later claimed the Women's World Championship at WrestlePalooza. Vaquer's dynamic performances and charisma have made her a standout competitor, culminating in her fourth championship win at Crown Jewel in Australia.

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FTR, consisting of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, was recognized as the Tag Team of the Year. Their consistent performances and character development throughout 2025 solidified their status as one of the best tag teams in wrestling history. They captured the AEW men's tag team titles three times, showcasing their enduring appeal and skill.

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The highly anticipated match between John Cena and AJ Styles at WWE Crown Jewel was named Match of the Year. The bout featured emotional tributes and innovative moves, culminating in Cena's victory. The match served as a celebration of their storied rivalry, leaving a lasting impression on fans.

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The rivalry between Toni Storm and Mariah May was recognized as the Best Storyline of the year. This narrative unfolded with cinematic elements and culminated in a dramatic rubber match, showcasing the depth of character development and storytelling in AEW.

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ESPN contributors Andreas Hale and Sachin Chandan provided insights into the competitive nature of the awards, noting that every category was fiercely contested. The voting process highlighted the diverse talent present in the wrestling industry, reflecting a year filled with memorable moments.

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• “Dirty Dom" has been able to successfully channel Guerrero's lying, cheating and stealing schemes into so much of what he has done in the ring, and the audience can't get enough.” — Andreas Hale, ESPN Contributor

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• “From her entrance, which draws the eyes of everyone in the arena, to her unique attire and creative moves, Vaquer brings the complete package to the ring, where she's more than held her own alongside the biggest stars in the division.” — Sachin Chandan, ESPN Contributor

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• “the performance of a lifetime.” — ESPN Contributor

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The 2025 Pro Wrestling Awards encapsulated a year of evolution and excitement, setting the stage for what lies ahead in 2026.

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