The Year in Pro Wrestling: A Thrilling Rollercoaster Ride

Pro wrestling enthusiasts had a year full of exhilarating moments in 2021. From unforgettable matches to surprising comebacks, the wrestling world offered fans a thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions. Let's take a closer look at the most impactful occurrences, unforgettable feuds, and outstanding performances that made this year truly remarkable in the world of pro wrestling.

The Rise of New Stars

One of the most exciting aspects of the year in pro wrestling was the emergence of fresh talent who captivated audiences worldwide. The likes of Adam Cole, Jungle Boy, and Bianca Belair became household names, showcasing their incredible skills and connecting with the fans on an unprecedented level.

Adam Cole's arrival in a new promotion sent shockwaves throughout the industry. The audience witnessed his instant impact as he delivered breathtaking performances that cemented his status as a top-tier athlete. His matches against established stars like Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley became instant classics, propelling Cole to superstardom.

1988: The Year in Pro Wrestling: All the WWF, NWA and AWA supershows

by Nick Temple(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2987 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	260 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Jungle Boy's high-flying style and charismatic persona won the hearts of fans around the globe. His battles against the likes of MJF and Sammy Guevara showcased his agility and innovative moves, making him a fan favorite within a very short span of time.

Another shining star in 2021 was Bianca Belair, whose electrifying performances captivated audiences and earned her a well-deserved spot as one of the top female wrestlers. Her feud with Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women's Championship took the wrestling world by storm, pushing the boundaries of what women can achieve in the ring and leaving fans astonished.

The Return of Legends

2021 witnessed the long-awaited comeback of some legendary figures in pro wrestling, bringing back waves of nostalgia and sheer excitement among fans. The year indeed became memorable as several icons made their presence felt inside the squared circle once again.

One of the most breathtaking returns was that of Edge, after a nine-year hiatus due to a career-threatening injury. The Rated-R Superstar's comeback sent shockwaves across arenas as fans erupted in sheer disbelief and joy. Edge's triumphant return was followed by a series of jaw-dropping matches, including legendary encounters against Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan.

CM Punk, a beloved figure who had been absent from the wrestling scene for seven long years, made an earth-shattering return to the ring. His arrival brought about countless goosebumps-inducing moments, as fans chanted his name with unmatched passion. Punk's comeback ignited a blazing fire of enthusiasm, reminding everyone why he was considered a cult hero.

In addition to Edge and Punk, legends like Goldberg and Brock Lesnar also made their triumphant returns, adding a massive dose of nostalgia to the already electrifying year. These larger-than-life characters stepped back into the spotlight, delivering unforgettable moments and reigniting the magic they brought to the ring in their prime.

Thrilling Championship Moments

The year 2021 provided wrestling fans with a plethora of championship matches that will be remembered for years to come. These bouts pushed competitors to their limits, delivering heart-stopping encounters that left audiences on the edge of their seats.

Drew McIntyre's journey to reclaim the WWE Championship was a standout moment in 2021. His epic battles against the likes of Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton showcased his resilience and determination to reach the top once again. McIntyre's presence as a fighting champion brought a sense of passion and intensity that resonated with fans across all platforms.

In AEW, Kenny Omega's dominance as the AEW World Champion created an aura of invincibility. Omega's captivating performances against the likes of Hangman Adam Page and Jon Moxley solidified his status as one of the best wrestlers on the planet. His reign as champion brought forth countless unforgettable matches and moments that will be talked about for ages.

The women's division had its fair share of noteworthy championship bouts as well. Bianca Belair's win over Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37 sent shockwaves throughout the industry, emphasizing the significance of women headlining major events. The match between Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa at AEW's Unrestricted created history, becoming one of the most grueling and memorable encounters in recent memory.

A Shifting Landscape

2021 proved to be a transformative year for the wrestling industry as boundaries were shattered, bringing about a significant shift in the landscape. The rise of independent promotions like AEW, Impact Wrestling, and NJPW challenged the monopoly long held by WWE, providing fans with a wider range of options and fostering a healthy competition that benefited everyone.

The crossover moments between promotions, such as the collaboration between AEW and IMPACT, created unprecedented dream matches that were previously thought impossible. The forbidden door being opened led to thrilling encounters, surprising alliances, and wrestler movements that shook the foundation of the industry.

Furthermore, the advent of streaming platforms and innovative means of content delivery allowed wrestling fans to access promotions they were previously unaware of. The rise of digital media proved instrumental in growing the wrestling fanbase and generating more buzz around the sport.

The Legacy of 2021

As the year in pro wrestling comes to a close, it will be remembered as a time when new stars rose, legends made their triumphant return, and thrilling championship moments unfolded. The landscape of the industry underwent a seismic shift, embracing new opportunities and ushering in an era of immense excitement and unpredictability.

Pro wrestling enthusiasts were taken on a rollercoaster ride in 2021, experiencing the highs of unforgettable matches and the nostalgic thrill of witnessing legends reclaim their glory. With each passing year, the sport continues to evolve, constantly redefining the boundaries of what is possible inside the squared circle.

As we eagerly await what the future holds, one thing is certain: The year in pro wrestling will always be an enchanting chapter in the ongoing saga of sports entertainment.

1988: The Year in Pro Wrestling: All the WWF, NWA and AWA supershows

by Nick Temple(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2987 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	260 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

1992: The Year in Pro Wrestling now available for pre-order

From the author of The Year in Pro Wrestling series, "Really well written and very engaging from cover to cover" - Amazon review of 1993

1988 was the year Hulk Hogan offered to save Donald Trump from drowning, men bled to try and win a bronze cowboy boot and badly booked tournaments were all the rage. It was also the year Hulk Hogan lost a match, Randy Savage became the champion, Sting became a star and the NWA became WCW.

From the author of "1991: The Year in Pro Wrestling" comes the obvious sequel - 1988!

Corporate takeovers, new superstars, wrestlers not getting paid and Dusty Rhodes being the centre of the universe. 1988 was one of the most interesting, momentous and depressing years in the history of the business.

In this book I'm going to tell the story of the year through every PPV, Clash and Saturday Night's Main Event broadcast (as well as infamous disasters like the AWA's Super Clash III). The matches, the angles, the interviews and the talent - it's all here along with a healthy dose of humour. What would the ultimate 1988 super card look like? Were there 10 good matches on TV all year?

Forget star ratings - this is a lapsed fan enjoying some frequently awful pro wrestling and gaining a new understanding of a year where new faces ostensibly dominated television but behind the scenes nothing had changed.

Should Lex Luger have been NWA champion?
Would a Dusty heel turn have been a success?
Who wrestled for all three major companies in the year (but with very little fanfare)?
What was the greatest gimmick match that never happened?

1988 was a year of firsts - the first Royal Rumble, the first Clash of the Champions, the first SummerSlam and the first live prime time special. It was also the last year Dusty Rhodes booked himself as the bull of the woods, the last time a steel cage battle royal headlined a pay per view and the last time Terry Taylor had an ounce of credibility in the business.