EnviousStupid

One of the most fundamentally sound matches in recent memory. It's also one of the best matches to feature a Young Lion, playing up both the standard maneuvers a Young Lion is often restricted to, along with the difference in experience between both wrestlers. Most of the match is spent emphasizing these moves: Headlocks, Headscissors, Bearhugs, etc. Each of them is worked with a sense of struggle and intensity, always building to a necessary reversal. Just when it seems as though Coughlin may be on Gresham's level, they repeat the first sequence of a Headlock Takeover-Headscissors and this time, Gresham swiftly counters for the victory. Good match on its own, that's only further elevated with the context of its stipulation.

This is probably the first year since 1985 where I don't think anyone from AJPW is a real standout #1 contender for the year. WCW had managed to put out a great product nearly all year with the likes of Sting and Vader having strong cases of their own. Jushin Liger was generally outstanding both in New Japan and WCW whenever used. But for me, I think Bull Nakano stands out the most. This was her last year as ace of AJW, being part of great rivalries against the likes of Akira Hokuto and Aja Kong, the latter having dominated the whole company for the last few years and finally culminating with Bull dropping the WWWA world title to her. She had been one of the most badass figures in all of wrestling, and with her first pinfall loss since 1989, helped cement someone new as the undisputed ace.