It’s that time of year. As many of our readers sit down Thursday to watch football, eat lots of food and spend time with family and friends, it’s a great time to give thanks. Here at Wrestlenewz, we decided to take a look at the year in wrestling and see who might be thankful for something. It’s by no means an all-encompassing list, just some notable names and fun takes. If our readers want to put out some of their own ideas, feel free to chime in with the comments section below!
Over the hill wrestlers
This may be low hanging fruit, but it’s still fair game. Guys like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and that ilk are thankful in 2018 for the influx of Saudi money, no doubt. Sure, they’ve all made appearances at various events, but Undertaker worked several overseas, high profile shows. Shawn came out of retirement. That oil money makes people do funny things, but no doubt they are thankful for it.
Impact
Simple one for this company-they have to be thankful to still be in business.
Daniel Bryan
Forget his newly won title. He’s got to be thankful for receiving clearance earlier this year to return as an in-ring competitor. Thankful for the specialists who worked with him during his retirement as well.
Paige
She made it through the year scandal free. She returned to in ring action, though it was brief. She parlayed her retirement into the SmackDown GM gig, however, and has done well in the new role.
The Miz and Maryse
I know they are thankful for their daughter. They should also be thankful for their successful reality show. I can easily see WWE turning him into a babyface, because when you watch him on the show, he comes off as very likable.
Drake Maverick
Never would have imagined Rockstar Spud to have the role of 205 Live general manager. Then he goes and becomes a (bad) replacement for Paul Ellering, and guides the Authors of Pain to tag team titles. Talk about a soft landing…
Kurt Angle
See, you can go home. Sure, he got displaced as general manager (for now), but he’s largely enjoyed a nice return to the company, which has included several nice matches outside of his administrative role.
Ronda Rousey
For the decorated MMA star, I don’t think you could have asked for a better first year. To the electric debut at the Rumble, closing the show. Then she and Kurt Angle took part in a debut for her that received strongly positive reviews. She should finish the year as RAW Women’s Champion too. That is a lot to be thankful for.
Myself
OK, I am not a wrestler, but I have some thanks to give too. I am, as always, thankful for my Wrestlenews colleagues Dorathy and Joe. I am thankful for our behind the scenes support and guidance as well. Personally, I am also thankful for all of our readers-without you, this isn’t possible.
Finally, I am thankful for my family and friends. Even our new puppy, regardless of how many nights she’s kept me awake. Who needs a full night’s sleep, anyways?