The annual EuroGraps.com Awards returns for a second year and looks to recognise the very best in European Wrestling. We put our survey out to a carefully selected panel of journalists and fans from all across Europe to select their top three in a number of categories. 2019’s panel was @MikeKilby, @GaryOnGraps, @Spoilex16, @theianhamilton, @ArnoldFurious, @SarahFlann, @IwanMack, @AnotherOli, and @ManuRomeroGraps. Points were awarded with a first choice receiving 5 points, a second choice receiving 3 points and a third choice receiving 1 point.

Feud/Storyline of the Year:

1̶.̶ ̶J̶o̶r̶d̶a̶n̶ ̶D̶e̶v̶l̶i̶n̶ ̶v̶s̶.̶ ̶D̶a̶v̶i̶d̶ ̶S̶t̶a̶r̶r̶ ̶(̶O̶T̶T̶)̶ ̶-̶ ̶3̶5̶p̶t̶s̶.̶

1. Rise of Michael Oku (Rev Pro) – 9pts.

=2. The Kabal (ATTACK!) & WALTER vs. David Starr (Various Promotions) – 6pts.

4. Alexander James vs. Jurn Simmons (wXw) – 4pts.

=5. David Starr vs. Andy Quildan (Rev Pro), Charli Evans vs. Kanji (Wrestling Resurgence), Tim Thatcher’s redemption (wXw) & B Cool vs. Joe Cabray (wXw) – 3pts.

8. Spike Trivet vs. Everyone (RIPTIDE) – 2pts.

=9. Chuck Mambo vs. TK Cooper (RIPTIDE) & Lucky Kid wins 16 Carat (wXw) – 1pt.

UPDATE 18/6/2020

Due to recent developments regarding sexual abuse in independent wrestling, winners found to be tied up in this scandal will have their EuroGraps.com awards stripped and awarded to the next eligible recipient. The remainder of this article will remain the same for posterity. Any future references to the 2019 EuroGraps.com Awards will reflect the new results.

Another year, another OTT storyline that takes the top gong by an absolute landslide. It was only ever going to be this right? The hottest feud of the last two years reached its fiery climax in 2019 and Devlin & Starr cemented themselves in European wrestling history. This was an absolute masterclass in slow-burn storytelling with tiny little breadcrumbs of resentment being dropped until the flash-point in late 2018 which set this feud on fire for the majority of 2019. The battle of the fallen Irish hero who sold out for himself against the man who started a movement was essential viewing. Last year we wrote “More than anything, OTT deserves credit for their incredible video work – producing world-class hype videos that sold this feud (and several more) better than any other promotion on the planet.” Nothing has changed.

In a distant second place – Michael Oku’s rise up the Rev Pro card was another well told story which unfortunately suffered due to the lack of interest in the product from the wider community. Oku started the year a graduate of the Contender’s division but gained organic support with some spirited appearances against the likes of Shigehiro Irie, El Phantasmo, David Starr, Shingo Takagi and PAC. These matches spring-boarded Oku to win the third annual British J Cup in November, which he followed up with a sensational win against PAC in December – setting up a British Cruiserweight title match with El Phantasmo in February 2020.

Supernatural story lines can sometimes wear a little thin in the modern era but ATTACK! Pro Wrestling’s Kabal stable has been a breath of fresh air in 2019. Storming into the promotion early in the year, The Kabal has run roughshod across the entire ATTACK! roster and poisoned the mind of the much-loved Shay Purser who became M. Shay Ultra – eventually capturing the ATTACK! Championship from Damian Dunne in July. The combination of creepy rodent masks and a banging soundtrack of Ghost made The Kabal a real success story for the Welsh company.

Previous Winners:

2018: WALTER vs. Jordan Devlin (OTT)

✏️ @MikeKilby