Corrigan’s Corner: The 15 Wrestling Personalities I’m Thankful For In 2014

2014 has been the most eventful year in WWE history.

CM Punk walked out, Batista returned—then left again.

Daniel Bryan won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XXX, then was stripped of the title due to injury.

Ultimate Warrior went into the Hall of Fame, then died three days later.

The Shield broke up, the WWE Network launched, Brock Lesnar demolished John Cena in the most lopsided main event in WWE pay-per-view history, and the Undertaker’s streak ended.

And don’t forget the man they call Sting.

Despite the seemingly constant stream of newsworthy events, I still lost my interest in the product. The thought of flipping between Gotham, Raw, and The Blacklist would have been blasphemous only a year ago. Now it’s routine.

But with the aroma of pumpkin pie wafting in the air, I’ve decided to spend Thanksgiving reflecting on the 15 pro wrestling personalities I’ve been most grateful for in this tumultuous year.

15. Mick Foley

The Hardcore Legend recently cameoed on Raw to hype the carnage of Hell in a Cell. In less than ten minutes, Foley sold the importance of the pay-per-view in much more convincing fashion than an entire company had within weeks. A natural wordsmith and prolific storyteller, it’s not surprising that Santa Claus’ biggest fan was able to rally fans, just as he had done in January after Daniel Bryan was snubbed from the Royal Rumble. Swinging a baseball bat into his TV echoed the sentiments of the outraged WWE Universe.

14. Ultimate Warrior

Before his shocking passing, the Ultimate Warrior tagged Mr. Freeze into Hell by accepting induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Despite a slanderous assault in the form of a DVD released years ago, Warrior got the last snarl by having an entire weekend dedicated in his honor and receiving a hefty sum to boot. He came back on his own terms, put his family first, and thanked his loyal fans. You have to respect a man like that.

13. Nikki Bella

#GrowingUpBella.

12. Damien Mizdow

I’m still bitter he didn’t defeat John Cena during his cash-in last year, but at least the Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses has become must-see TV as the comedic staple of WWE.

11. Stone Cold

The Texas Rattlesnake hasn’t kick, WHAM, stunnered anyone this year, but he opens up a can of audio whoop ass twice a week with his podcast.

10. Alberto Del Rio

I became a diehard Alberto Del Rio fan during WrestleMania weekend when I watched him, surrounded by his children, shake hands and pose for photos with fans outside the hotel in New Orleans. To see a family man understand his celebrity appeal and juggle the elements effectively was impressive. I’ll never boo him again and either should you. The Mexican Aristocrat then stood up for himself after a racial slur was made by WWE’s social media manager. Sure, he got fired for slapping the shit out of the punk, but it was worth it.

9. Tommy Dreamer

Arguably the best wrasslin’ promoter of the year, Tommy Dreamer has created an alternative product with House of Hardcore which has yet to disappoint fans. Plus, he brought back a little ECW flavor to South Philly.

8. Jim Ross

Thank God he got fired last year because now Jim Ross can fully analyze WWE, TNA, ROH and the rest of the wrestling world with a critical and knowledgeable eye. The days of subtle “bowling shoe ugly” remarks are over; the BBQ sauce baron calls it like he sees it through Twitter, his weekly podcast, and often daily blog. His return to the announce table has already sold New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Jan. 4 PPV to countless homes, helping the business as a whole.

7. Paige

The English goddess made me care about women’s wrestling. She delivers in the ring, plays the bitchy psycho perfectly, and Good Gawd Almighty, she’s so hot. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s because she’s around my age, maybe’s it’s the accent, maybe I like the pale complexion, maybe I should move on before Amanda gets jealous.

6. Cassandro

I thought I had seen everything in pro wrestling, but then I experienced Cassandro. And that’s exactly what he is—an experience. The openly gay luchador competed at Masked Mania this past April in Philly and stole the show. His athleticism and flamboyant mannerisms resemble Goldust, except Cassandro brings the fans into the fun. You don’t see an original style in today’s cookie cutter formula. I recommend you check him out; Cassandro is the personification of sports-entertainment.

5. Seth Rollins

Think of how shitty this year would have been if not for Mr. Money in the Bank. As the breakout star of The Shield, Rollins became a fresh face in the main event scene. His matches are compelling and he’s the rare villain who knows when to cower, and when to kick ass.

4. Diamond Dallas Page

DDP got Jake the Snake and Scott Hall in the HOF. And I’m down 30 pounds. He kicked it this year.

3. Paul Heyman

The greatest advocate in the history of the business, Paul Heyman’s words have sold many a PPV. I anticipate his promos like a yearly Louie C.K. special. The ECW mastermind hasn’t been on TV lately, and on a related note, I’ve tuned out.

2. Daniel Bryan

Even though he stopped competing in May, D-Bry owned this year. He was the underdog we all rallied behind. He stole the show night after night, week after week. His pursuit of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was a roller coaster which we rode from August 2013 until this past April. 75,000 people pumping their arms in the air, chanting “YES!” over and over and over, embracing in joy over their hero finally achieving the gold…doesn’t get any better than that.

1. Brock Lesnar

You had to know this was coming. I’m an unabashed Brock Lesnar fanatic. Sure, he didn’t show up much this year, but when he did, it was pandemonium. Nobody compels me to jump out of my seat, scream like a banshee, and Tweet in all caps like the Beast Incarnate. He gave us the greatest moment in wrestling history when 75,000 fans gasped at the ref’s hand coming down for three, signifying the end of the Streak. Then Brock Lesnar revitalized SummerSlam as an institution by methodically annihilating Superman. Hell, I bought a ticket to Night of Champions solely to see him do it again. Truth be told, I watch pro wrestling for an escape from the daily grind and nobody gets me lost in the moment like Brock. And that’s why I’m thankful.

Wrestledelphia.com assistant editor John Corrigan can be reached at . Follow him on Twitter at .