On Monday night in Seattle, Washington, WWE will present their annual “Slammy Awards” during what is actually the WWE TLC “go-home” edition of RAW. Throughout the week, WWE has revealed an astonishing list of categories, nominees and presenters for this year’s version of their “awards show.” In the following space, I will list the categories and nominees that have been announced thus far and reveal my prediction for each one. You can share your Slammy Awards predictions in the “Comments” section at the bottom of this article.
Superstar of the Year (presenter: Shawn Michaels)
– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– CM Punk
– Daniel Bryan
– Big Show
– Brock Lesnar
Boone’s Analysis: According to some online rumors, WWE may shoot an angle between Shawn Michaels (who will be presenting the award) and Daniel Bryan (who is expected by WWE to win the award). Whether or not that actually takes place is another story. Personally, I don’t think it will. If they do, unless it somehow coincides with the current Daniel Bryan vs. Wyatt Family feud, which is scheduled to culminate on Sunday at the WWE TLC pay-per-view, then it’s a bad idea because it will take the focus off of that angle.
There are some arguments that could be made as far as Superstars who aren’t included as nominees, but for the most part, these guys were the cream of the crop in WWE in 2013.
Boone’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan
Diva of the Year (presenter: Eve Torres)
– AJ Lee
– The Bella Twins
– The Funkadactyls
– Natalya
– Kaitlyn
– Eva Marie
Boone’s Analysis: Are we supposed to take into account the performances of the divas involved in the Total Divas show? If so, that complicates the voting process for this one. If we’re looking at straight work in the ring, promos, and things of that nature on the regular weekly WWE programming, then it seems to me that AJ Lee is the obvious choice. She had the biggest year as far as Divas are concerned of anyone included in this list.
Boone’s Prediction: AJ Lee
Double-Cross of the Year (presenters: The Shield)
– Triple H costs Daniel Bryan the WWE Championship at SummerSlam
– Shawn Michaels Superkicks Daniel Bryan at Hell in a Cell
– Mark Henry’s “retirement speech” on Raw
– Paul Heyman costs CM Punk the Money in the Bank Contract at Money in the Bank
Boone’s Analysis: To me, this is a no-brainer. My vote without question goes to Mark Henry for his amazing “retirement swerve” on RAW. That was one of the best performances I’ve seen in a long time, and certainly Henry’s shining moment as a performer. Whether or not the “WWE Universe” will vote for the best performed “double-cross” or the one that riled them up the most could have some impact on the result. Seeing is how my official predictions for each of these categories is me picking who I feel will win, and not listing my personal favorites, I’m gonna have to go with something different in this one. For the record, however, I feel Henry should win this one.
Boone’s Prediction: Triple H costs Daniel Bryan the WWE Championship at SummerSlam
Match of the Year (presenter: Bret Hart)
– The Undertaker vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 29
– The Rock vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29
– Cody Rhodes & Goldust (w/Dusty Rhodes) vs. Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns (w/Dean Ambrose) with the Rhodes Brothers’ jobs on the line at Battleground
– Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar in a Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules
Boone’s Analysis: There are a few obvious matches that aren’t even on the list of nominations for this one. The one that absolutely baffles my mind is CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. I’m assuming the thought process behind this one was for each Superstar to only have one of their matches allowed as nominations, otherwise Punk vs. Lesnar should absolutely be included in this list. Keep in mind that I’m predicting who I feel will win, not my personal favorites.
Boone’s Prediction: The Undertaker vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 29
Insult of the Year (presenter: The Miz)
– Stephanie McMahon degrades Big Show on Raw
– AJ Lee disses the “Total Divas” cast on Raw
– Paul Heyman disowns CM Punk
– Zeb Colter offends the Universe
Boone’s Analysis: This is another category that contains a glaring absence. Where is Triple H’s promo where he put down Chris Jericho, Edge and Rob Van Dam? That became one of the most talked about “insults” of the latter part of 2013.
Boone’s Prediction: Zeb Colter offends the Universe
“LOL!” Moment of the Year (presenters: The New Age Outlaws)
– The Rock Concert at Raw 20th Anniversary
– Vickie Guerrero is fired as GM of Raw
– Titus O’Neil throws up on JBL, Michael Cole and Zeb Colter on SmackDown
– The Great Khali and Jinder Mahal try to charm Santino’s cobra on SmackDown
Boone’s Analysis: To me, nothing was funnier in 2013 than the recent “Divas musical chairs” segment on RAW. The problem there is that it was funny for all the wrong reasons. It was an atrocious train wreck. There were plenty of other legitimate “LOL moments” this year that didn’t make the cut, but again, what are you gonna do? WWE picks this stuff. Unfortunately, I’m predicting The Rock to win this one, and he won’t even be there to accept. Oh well.
Boone’s Prediction: The Rock Concert at Raw 20th Anniversary
Extreme Moment of the Year (presenter: Mick Foley)
– The Shield Triple Powerbombs The Undertaker on SmackDown
– Ryback spears John Cena through the LED light board at Extreme Rules
– CM Punk exacts vengeance on Paul Heyman at Hell in a Cell
– The Wyatts crush Kane at SummerSlam
Boone’s Analysis: Who better than Mick Foley to present the “extreme moment of the year” Slammy Award? I’m pretty torn on who to go with in this one, so I’ll just take a shot-in-the-dark guess on what I feel the “WWE Universe” will vote for.
Boone’s Prediction: CM Punk exacts vengeance on Paul Heyman at Hell in a Cell
Fan Participation of the Year (presenters: The Prime Time Players)
– Fandango-ing
– Yes! Yes! Yes!
– Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!
– What’s Up?
Boone’s Analysis: This absolutely should be the easiest to pick, however it may not be for one key reason. When it comes down to it, what will WWE fans vote more for — something they love, or something they hate? They love the Daniel Bryan “Yes! Yes! Yes!” chant, but they hate John Cena, so the “Let’s Go Cena / Cena Sucks” chants may receive a ton of votes as well.
Boone’s Prediction: Yes! Yes! Yes!
Trending Now (Hashtag of the Year) (presenters: Cody Rhodes & Goldust)
– #BelieveInTheShield (The Shield)
– #FollowTheBuzzards (The Wyatt Family)
– #BestForBusiness (The Authority)
– #WeThePeople (The Real Americans)
Boone’s Analysis: This one is pretty interesting. Another tough one to call, as the WWE fans could vote a million different ways in this one. I feel it will come down to The Shield and The Wyatt Family, however Zeb Colter’s “We The People” phrase could be a dark horse.
Boone’s Prediction: #BelieveInTheShield (The Shield)
Beard of the Year (presenter: Santino Marella)
– Daniel Bryan
– The Wyatt Family
– Damien Sandow
– Zeb Colter
Boone’s Analysis: As you all know, I did an entire editorial on the wicked beards in WWE in 2013. In my column, I ranked Erick Rowan as the best beard in WWE today, however it seems obvious again that with this being a fan vote, Daniel Bryan will likely get the nod. Fear the beard!
Boone’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan
“THIS IS AWESOME!” Moment of the Year (presenter: Christian)
– Dolph Ziggler cashes in his Money in the Bank contract
– Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Championship from Randy Orton at Night of Champions
– Big Show knocks out Triple H
– Kofi Kingston hops on a chair to stave off elimination in the Royal Rumble Match
Boone’s Analysis: Was Daniel Bryan winning the WWE Championship from Randy Orton at Night Of Champions really “awesome”? Personally, I don’t feel it was. If he was given a legitimate run with the title, absolutely. The way WWE booked it, not so much. I would love for Bryan to win this one just so WWE has even more proof that the fans want to see Daniel Bryan on top. I wouldn’t mind seeing Ziggler’s title win either. The pop he received for that victory was insane, and of course was wasted and forgotten within months of WWE booking him like crap. Still, I think WWE fans are going to vote for anything Daniel Bryan related. We could be looking at an Adele type Grammy performance from Bryan in terms of the amount of “Slammy Awards” he may win on Monday night.
Boone’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Championship from Randy Orton at Night of Champions
Breakout Star of the Year (presenter: John Laurinaitis)
– The Wyatt Family
– Big E Langston
– Fandango (w/Summer Rae)
– The Shield
Boone’s Analysis: This is one of the most obvious to vote for among every category listed. If The Shield doesn’t win this one, I’ll be shocked.
Boone’s Prediction: The Shield
“What a Maneuver!” Award
– Running knee strike (Daniel Bryan)
– Black Widow (AJ Lee)
– Spear (Roman Reigns)
– Cesaro Swing (Antonio Cesaro)
Boone’s Analysis: This is another obvious one. If Antonio Cesaro’s “Cesaro swing” doesn’t get the nod here, I’ll be pretty shocked.
Boone’s Prediction: Cesaro Swing (Antonio Cesaro)
Faction of the Year
– The Shield
– The Wyatt Family
– The Real Americans
– 3MB
Boone’s Analysis: If The Real Americans or 3MB win this one, I will be completely dumbfounded. They won’t, though, so it comes down to either The Wyatt Family or The Shield. I’m thinking the WWE fans will vote for The Shield in this one.
Boone’s Prediction: The Shield
“You Still Got It!” (Best Superstar Return)
– Rob Van Dam
– Goldust
– The Bella Twins
– Bruno Sammartino
– Chris Jericho
Boone’s Analysis: This one is interesting for a few reasons. First off, what does Bruno Sammartino “still got”? The ability to stand in front of a camera? WWE is clearly sucking up to the all-time great with his inclusion in this category. This will come down to Rob Van Dam and Goldust. Personally, I feel Goldust deserves the nod. Whether or not the RVD fans out-number the Goldust fans is the real question. Because Goldust is the more current of the two, and WWE fans have a short-term memory, I’m thinking Goldust gets the win in this one.
Boone’s Prediction: Goldust
Couple of the Year
– Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
– Fandango & Summer Rae
– Tyson Kidd & Natalya
– Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella
– John Cena & Nikki Bella
– Naomi & Jimmy Uso
Boone’s Analysis: Where is CM Punk and AJ Lee on this list? Just kidding. It’s interesting that all of these are actual real-life couples, with the exception of Fandango and Summer Rae. At least to my knowledge those two aren’t dating in real-life, but hell, you never know. Obviously Naomi and Jimmy Uso are winning this one. Just kidding again.
Boone’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella
Tag Team of the Year
– The Shield (Rollins & Reigns)
– The Prime Time Players
– The Usos
– Cody Rhodes & Goldust
– The Real Americans
Boone’s Analysis: In a year where WWE has attempted to put some emphasis back into their tag-team division, this one will be interesting as well. In my mind this one comes down to The Shield and Cody Rhodes and Goldust. Picking between the two is actually a little harder than I thought. I’m thinking WWE fans will go the babyface route here and vote for Cody Rhodes and Goldust. We’ll see what happens!
Boone’s Prediction: Cody Rhodes and Goldust
Feat of Strength of the Year
– Antonio Cesaro swings The Great Khali
– Ryback Shell Shocks Mark Henry
– The Shield Triple Powerbombs Big Show
– Mark Henry pulls two trucks with his bare hands
Boone’s Analysis: The Shield triple-powerbombing Big Show — big deal. Mark Henry pulling two trucks with his bare hands — the actual most legitimate strength feat on the list. That doesn’t mean it will win though. This one comes down to Ryback “Shell Shocking” Mark Henry or Antonio Cesaro “Cesaro swinging The Great Khali.” I’m pretty sure the latter will get the nod.
Boone’s Prediction: Antonio Cesaro swings The Great Khali
“Say What?!” Quote of the Year
– “Paul, say somethin’ stupid.” – Brock Lesnar
– “Rise above THIS!” – Damien Sandow
– “One stipulation: I’m in my boys’ corner and I’ll be your huckleberry all night long.” – Dusty Rhodes
– The “Paulcano” eruption
Boone’s Analysis: This comes down to Brock Lesnar and Dusty Rhodes in my book. Personally, I hope Dusty wins so he can come out and cut a light-hearted promo, unlike the serious style he had to perform during his few appearances on WWE programming this year. If we’re being honest though, how could any quote overcome Brock Lesnar’s “Paul, say somethin’ stupid” line? If Lesnar wins, will either he or Heyman be in attendance? In the case of Lesnar, I doubt it. Heyman could, although he’s rumored to stay off of television until Lesnar returns.
Boone’s Prediction: “Paul, say somethin’ stupid.” – Brock Lesnar
Best Dance Moves
– Fandango
– R-Truth
– Summer Rae
– The Funkadactyls
– The Great Khali
– “Miz-co Inferno”
Boone’s Analysis: The phrase “who cares?” comes to mind when reviewing this category. I’m assuming Summer Rae will get the win here because she is the darling of the WWE Universe these days, and outside of The Funkadactyls, is the only female on the list.
Boone’s Prediction: Summer Rae
Favorite Web Show
– “WWE Inbox”
– “30-Second Fury”
– “The JBL & Cole Show”
– “WWE Top 10”
Boone’s Analysis: Poor Zack Ryder. He started this entire YouTube phenomenon that WWE has capitalized on, and yet his show ceases to exist, meaning he’s obviously not up for the “Favorite Web Show” category. Oh well. I’m assuming The JBL & Cole Show wins here, but this is another case of “who cares?” in my opinion.
Boone’s Prediction: “The JBL & Cole Show”
Best Crowd of the Year
– Raw after WrestleMania 29 (East Rutherford, N.J.)
– WWE Payback (Chicago)
– SummerSlam (Los Angeles)
– Raw in England (London, Apr. 22)
Boone’s Analysis: There were many great crowds on both pay-per-view and television that were excluded in this one. Looking at the available options, I’m assuming RAW in England will win, just because there are so many WWE fans in the U.K. that will probably be voting.
Boone’s Prediction: Raw in England (London, Apr. 22)
Catchphrase of the Year
– “YES! YES! YES!”
– “That’s What I Do”
– “FAAAAAHHNNNN…DAAAAHHHHNNN…GO.”
– “Follow the Buzzards”
– “We the People”
– “Believe in The Shield”
Boone’s Analysis: Once again, you pretty much have to go with the obvious in this one, and the obvious choice is Daniel Bryan’s “YES! YES! YES!” Nothing is echo’d as passionately as his “Yes!” catchphrase among WWE fans at live events.
Boone’s Prediction: “YES! YES! YES!”
Check out the 2013 Slammy Awards on WWE RAW on Monday night. Many of these categories will not be included in the televised version, as several are “web-exclusive” categories. For results of those, make sure to check back here at eWrestlingNews.com on Monday. As noted in the opener, if you would like to share your Slammy predictions, you can do so in the “Comments” section below. You can debate my predictions or offer ideas for future columns you would like to read about by adding me as a friend on Facebook.
