Pro Wrestling Illustrated

Published every other month, the magazine’s mission is to bring our readers right to the ringside with brilliant, high-impact photography and to inform and entertain readers about the Pro Wrestling world. Get Pro Wrestling Illustrated digital magazine subscription today to get unbiased coverage of every major promotion and wrestling news.

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Pro Wrestling Illustrated

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SUPERFAN • The ubiquitous VLADIMIR takes center stage in a new WWE documentary—one years in the making—that celebrates the pure joy behind one man’s fandom.

TALKIN’ TRASH • Here’s a list of the TOP 10 WRESTLING-RELATED ITEMS you’ve been talking about lately and our tongue-in-cheek reactions to each:

STUDY IN MOTION • Boasting an enviable combination of youth, experience, and in-ring versatility, look for PERSEPHONE to achieve big in Mexico, Japan, and anywhere else she might go.

NOSTALGIA REWIND • Explore the enduring impact of John Carpenter’s iconic film, THEY LIVE, starring WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

RINGSIDE • A detailed look at the recent returns (and future prospects) of Randy Orton and CM Punk, stars sidelined by injury, and other news stories.

NEWS ANALYSIS

2023 IN REVIEW: STAFF MEMORIES

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

INSPIRATIONAL WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

MOST POPULAR WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

MOST HATED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

FEUD OF THE YEAR

INDIE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

MATCH OF THE YEAR

TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR

FACTION OF THE YEAR

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

STANLEY WESTON AWARD: STING

STANLEY WESTON AWARD: NANCY BENOIT

UNOFFICIAL OFFICIAL AWARDS

ENDEAVOR ACQUIRES WWE; VINCE MCMAHON ADJUSTS TO NEW ROLE

AEW’S BEST YEAR … OR WORST YEAR?

FREE AGENTS FLOURISH AMID WWE-AEW RIVALRY

WRESTLEMANIA BRINGS BIG BUCKS, BIG MATCHES, SOME DISAPPOINTMENT

CM PUNK ALIENATES AEW; RETURNS TO WWE

WRESTLING MOURNS BRAY WYATT, JAY BRISCOE, AND OTHER ICONS

WWE USHERS IN A NEW BOOM PERIOD

MERCEDES MONE KICKS OFF GROUNDBREAKING YEAR FOR WOMEN’S WRESTLING

TNA WRESTLING RETURNS (AND OTHER MAJOR MANEUVERS)

NJPW, CMLL, OTHER PROMOTIONS GROW INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

TITLE CHANGES

ROLL CALL OF CHAMPIONS • As of December 8, 2023, here is an extensive—though by no means exhaustive—list of top singles champions for notable indie and international promotions not listed on the preceding pages. (v) denotes filling of previously vacant title, victory over substitute competitor, or crowning of inaugural champion.

IN MEMORIAM

2023 IN PHOTOS

OFFICIAL WRESTLING RATINGS • For decades now, Pro Wrestling Illustrated has helped readers keep tabs on the best and brightest grapplers from around the world. Now, our newly retooled Ratings page is bigger and better than ever! (Please note: Title Changes section (pg. 62) was compiled with effective end date December 31, 2023.)

DRAWING BLOOD

AND STILL… • YOUR FAVORITE WRESTLING MAG IS BETTER THAN EVER!