Friday, January 3, 2014

The 2013 Year in Review: Part III - Best Overall for 2013

BEST OVERALL AWARDS FOR 2013
Breakout Star of the Year
4. Yasiel Puig / Jameis Winston (TIE) – In 2013, two first-year phenoms captured the imaginations of sports fans everywhere. The Los Angeles Dodgers called up outfielder Yasiel Puig on June 3. Puig immediately set the baseball world abuzz. In his first week in the majors, Puig hit four home runs in his first five games with 10 RBIs. With 27 hits in his first 15 games, Puig joined names like Joe DiMaggio and Terry Pendleton for second most hits to start a career. In addition, his late game heroics – both offensively and defensively – provided a spark to the Dodgers that helped lead them to the National League Championship Series. Meanwhile in Tallahassee, redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston turned college football upside down with a record-setting performance in his first year for the Florida State Seminoles. Winston led the Seminoles to a 13-0 record, ACC Championship, and spot in the BCS Championship Game against the Auburn Tigers. Winston’s 3,820 yards and 38 touchdowns were more than enough to have voters give Winston the 2013 Heisman Trophy – one of multiple accolades. Off-the-field issues – Puig’s multiple traffic violations and rape charges against Winston – tarnished both men in the public eye. However, their on-field heroics earned both men this honor as Yasiel Puig and Jameis Winston emerged as stars in 2013.

3. Florida Georgia Line – Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line emerged in 2013 as one of the top young acts in all of music with their successful year. Touring with Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan throughout 2013, Florida Georgia Line played to hundreds of thousands across the country while their collaboration with Nelly on the remix of “Cruise” became the longest-reigning number one single on the Billboard Country charts. That was one of four number ones in 2013 for the duo. Despite not appealing to every fan of the genre, the success of Florida Georgia Line in 2013 was certainly undeniable.

2. The Shield – World Wrestling Entertainment tends to push new talent to the top when they are fresh only to then waste them on reestablishing the main event status of John Cena, Randy Orton, or Big Show. When I look at the three members of The Shield, I think they can escape that fate. In 2013, The Shield scored wins over practically everyone in the company while earning championship gold and main event status in the process. Dean Ambrose won the United States Championship in May from Kofi Kingston while Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins defeated Team Hell No for the WWE Tag Team Championships that same night. All three men provided those titles with much-needed respect and credibility. While the future awaits the trio, and chances are high WWE will drop the ball with them, 2013 was a year wrestling fans learned to “Believe in the Shield.”

1. Ronda Rousey – “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey brought plenty of new eyes to the world of mixed martial arts as she blended beauty with brawn inside the octagon. Known as the best female fighter in the world already, Rousey displayed her dominance in a star-making performance over Liz Carmouche in her UFC debut at UFC 157 on February 23. Rousey successfully defended her UFC Bantamweight Championship against Miesha Tate at UFC 168 on December 28. In between successful title defenses, Rousey posed nude for “The Body Issue” of ESPN The Magazine and filmed roles for both The Expendables 3 and Fast and Furious 7. Ronda Rousey became one of the faces of UFC in 2013 through beauty, confidence, and dominance. In doing that, Rousey also became the breakout star of 2013.


Feud of the Year
4. Denny Hamlin vs. Joey Logano – Animosity between former teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing erupted in 2013 as Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano became one of the most intense rivalries in NASCAR. In the spring race at Bristol, Hamlin spun Logano while the two battled for position. This led to a physical confrontation after the race. The following week at California, the rivalry reached a boiling point when Logano crashed Hamlin while the two battled for the lead on the last lap of the race. Logano finished third while Hamlin finished 25th and suffered a fractured vertebrate that kept him out of action for six weeks, affectively ending his championship aspirations. While Logano and Hamlin kept away from each other after the California incident, there remains no love lost between two of NASCAR’s young stars.

3. Modern Country vs. Traditional Country – Country music got in a big fight with itself in 2013 as the contemporary artists of today fought with the traditionalists of yesterday and today over where the genre is heading. In January, Blake Shelton got into a war of words with 87-year-old artist Ray Price when Shelton said, “nobody wants to listen to their grandparents’ music.” Price took offense to Shelton’s remark and blasted Shelton (and artists from his generation) for attempting to change the country genre – something Price, ironically enough, did in the 1960s. Later in the summer, Zac Brown ignited a war of words with Jason Aldean after saying Luke Bryan’s song “That’s My Kind of Night” was “the worst song I’ve ever heard.” Aldean said Brown should keep his mouth shut while Bryan ignored the controversy. Gary Allan – a country artist best known for his covers of pop songs – criticized artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood for not being “country enough” while Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan notably joined Underwood in criticizing country radio for the lack of female artists getting music played on country radio. The genre as a whole appeared to be in one big fight in 2013 – not as deadly as the east coast/west coast beefs of hip-hop past but a fight just as divisive and annoying for fans who just want to enjoy the music.

2. Tiger Woods vs. Sergio Garcia – While this feud continued to be one-sided in the results column (Advantage: Woods), Sergio Garcia definitely took the lead in terms of racial remarks with a 2013 full of comments the golfer wishes he could take back. During the third round of the Players Championship in May, Woods and Garcia had disagreements on the course while paired together. Two weeks later, Garcia resorted to racial stereotypes when he said, “We’ll have him around every night. We’ll serve fried chicken,” in a response to a question about meeting Woods at the upcoming US Open. Garcia apologized multiple times afterwards. Woods refused to accept the apologies, saying they all felt forced and phony. Considering Woods’ history, he would be an expert on forced and phony apologies. With their history, this rivalry is nowhere near finished.

1. Liberals vs. Conservatives – At the root of most fights in 2013, it all boiled down to one thing – are you more liberal or conservative? This entire notion seems to be at the root of every major hot button issue in 2013 – gay marriage, abortion, minimum wage increases, tax increases, immigration policies, pepperoni or sausage, boxers or briefs, Ginger or Mary Ann. I witnessed more than my fair share of friendships ending in 2013 over political disagreements because liberals are playing too free and loose according to conservatives while conservatives are too narrow-minded for the liberal-minded. The blind ignorance in both parties allowing these belief systems to ruin friendships is mind numbing and astonishing. However, there appears to be no end in sight regarding this rivalry – the most heated of 2013.


Most Shocking Moment of the Year
4. Kevin Ware Breaks a Leg at the Big Dance – During the NCAA Tournament, all eyes were on the Louisville Cardinals and Duke Blue Devils when they met in the Elite Eight on March 31. Late in the first half, Ware attempted to block a three-point attempt and landed awkwardly on the floor. In the landing, Ware’s right leg appeared to explode on television as the 20-year-old suffered a compound fracture. After the ugly injury, Louisville responded by dominating Duke in the second half to win 85-63 – another victory on to way to Louisville’s National Championship victory over Michigan 82-76. While the Cardinals won the National Championship, the most lasting image of the 2013 NCAA Tournament was of Ware in a crumpled heap on the floor after one of the most gruesome injuries in sports history.

3. Gone Too Soon – Of the many deaths in 2013, four in particular shocked the world of entertainment and sports. On June 12, NASCAR journeyman driver Jason Leffler died at the age of 37 from injuries suffered in a crash in New Jersey during a sprint car race. On June 19, actor James Gandolfini – best known as Tony Soprano on the HBO series The Sopranos – died from a massive heart attack at the age of 51. On July 13, 31-year-old actor Cory Monteith – best known as Finn Hudson on the FOX series Glee – died from a drug overdose in Canada. On November 30, 40-year-old actor Paul Walker – best known for his work in the Fast and Furious series – was one of two people killed in a car accident in California. Of all of the many deaths in 2013, these four seemed to be the most shocking.

2. Super Bowl XLVII Goes Dark – Of all the things people will remember Super Bowl XLVII for, the massive blackout in the third quarter will be the most-memorable aspect of the game. With the score 28-6 in favor of the Baltimore Ravens, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome went dark as result of a massive power outage. This interrupted play for 34 minutes because of the 22-minute power outage inside the dome. Conspiracies ran rampant following the game – especially with the San Francisco 49ers making a comeback after the power outage to make the game competitive – and will continue to run rampant. Regardless of if you believe in a conspiracy or not, the reason does not matter. The fact a blackout happened on the biggest stage of them all is shocking enough in its own right.

1. The Boston Marathon Bombing – I remember exactly where I was on April 15 when I first heard about the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon. I was killing time in the library at Greensboro College before my World Cinema class. It was a shocking story – America the scene of terrorism again. The cowardly act of pure hatred from Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev ultimately claimed four lives while injuring 280 others. However, much like the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001, this terrorist attack only made America grow stronger. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is in custody and facing federal charges while Tamerlan already got what he deserved in death. This horrific attack shook our nation for a moment. However, in that moment, we all became stronger as a result.


Most Overrated of the Year
4. The Royal Baby – Entertainment television remained abuzz regarding the Royal Baby throughout the first half of 2013. From Kate Middleton’s maternity wears to possible names, you could not enjoy any entertainment news without getting beat over the head by The Royal Baby. On July 22, the madness ended when George Alexander Louis – Prince George of Cambridge – was born at 4:24PM. Of course, on the same day, Lady Antebellum member Hillary Scott gave birth to her daughter Eisele Kaye. Therefore, while the world went gaga over The Royal Baby, I was happy for the arrival of Baby Antebellum.

3. Miley Cyrus – Miley Cyrus’ 2013 was a well-calculated cry for help and attention that earned her millions of dollars and more attention than she could hope for receiving. However, it came at what cost. In an attempt to garner attention for her music career, Cyrus appeared at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in a barely-there outfit, twerking against Robin Thicke, sticking her tongue out while doing her best to get attention for her antics instead of the music. It worked. Cyrus’ performance was a fixture on entertainment television throughout the remainder of 2013. However, the majority of people talking were only talking about the performance – not the music itself. The same is true regarding her video for the song “Wrecking Ball” – a song worthy of critical acclaim and recognition instead lost in the joke that is a nude Cyrus riding a wrecking ball. At one time, Miley Cyrus appeared to have the world in the palm of her hand. Now, she does not seem to realize that the world is laughing at her, not with her.

2. Duck Dynasty – I cannot think of a more annoying fad in America right now than the “loveable, God-fearing, Christian, good old boys” known as the Robertson Family are. Based out of Louisiana, the Robertson family own Duck Commander – a multi-million dollar business specializing in hunting equipment and apparel. They are the focus of the A&E “reality” series Duck Dynasty – a show setting images of Southerners back 50 years with every new episode. These men made millions as clean-cut, highly educated Southerners. However, it was only after they grew their trademark beards and gained an all-camouflage wardrobe that they become a pop culture phenomenon. In December, the patriarch of the family – 67-year-old Phil Robertson – showed himself to be racist and homophobic with a controversial interview in GQ magazine. Sadly, this only led to more support from Duck Dynasty fans too blinded by their love of silly hillbillies on the television to realize the ugliness behind what he said, regardless of what biblical verse he was quoting. It appears doubtful these walking stereotypes will go back into the swamp for good anytime soon. That is a real shame too because the South will only look worse with these people as the unofficial representatives for the region.

1. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian – If there is a more disgusting duo on the planet right now, I have yet to see them. In a relationship since April 2012, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian reached an apex of annoyance in 2013 with the birth of their first child – a daughter named North West and known as “the Kimye” – and West’s extravagant proposal to Kardashian in front of TV cameras in San Francisco. In addition to their annoying relationship garnering undeserved media attention, West continued to show he is the most egotistical jerk in the entertainment industry today through public feuds with comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the paparazzi, comments comparing himself to police officers and soldiers, and calling himself “the biggest rock star on the planet.” Kanye West deserves anything and everything horrible that could possibly happen to a human being. He is one of the worst people on the planet. Alongside his bride-to-be Kim Kardashian, they create the most overrated people in the world for 2013.


Big A’s Fantasy Babes of the Year
(In no particular order)

America’s Sweetheart – Carrie Underwood


Goddess of the Cinema – Jennifer Lawrence


Heartbreak Queen – Taylor Swift


Hottest Spokesbabe – Morgan Smith Goodwin (a.k.a. the Wendy’s Girl)


Sexiest Sports Duo – Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson


TV’s Most Voluptuous Vixen – Sofia Vergara


Jerk of the Year
The United States Government – With this, I am assuring myself of an audit, my conversations recorded, and evidence planted against me within the next year. However, I am saying it anyway: the United States Government was the worst thing on the planet in 2013. For every good deed achieved by our soldiers overseas or our first responders here in America, bureaucratic bull crap courtesy of our politicians overshadowed those efforts.

In 2013, the government shut down from October 1 through 16 when Congress failed to reach an agreement regarding a budget the country will not follow anyway. The Affordable Care Act – a.k.a. Obamacare – passed and will tax millions for not having insurance. Ironically enough, insurance is a luxury millions of Americans cannot afford. Of course, when trying to sign up for Obamacare itself on the federally-ran website, users cannot sign up more times than not because the website is down more times than a Kardashian in an NBA locker room. Gun control legislation failed in spite of gun violence increasing. The IRS finally admitted to targeting members of the Tea Party in order to help benefit the Republican Party. Edward Snowden leaked information on how the US spied on allies – damaging America’s credibility with nations like Germany and Brazil. A cover-up regarding the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya made then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appear ridiculous while adding yet another black eye to the United States’ global image.

Approval rates are at all-time lows as the American public is sick of the ineffective government – all aspect of it. I cannot blame the American people for hating this government. However, I can blame them for voting these people into these positions of power in the first place. We all know Republicans and Democrats equal the best professional liars imaginable. Until our people start looking at politicians outside of the big two parties, America will continue to suffer as the government will continue with its revolving door of worthless politician after worthless politician taking office and collecting a check for a term before begin replaced with another equally as worthless.

The United States Government was the worst entity on the planet in 2013 and I am not afraid to say it.


Superstar of the Year
Jennifer Lawrence – Nobody had a more successful year in 2013 than the brash, outspoken, talented, beautiful actress from Kentucky. Jennifer Lawrence’s star reached new heights in 2013 as the 23-year-old actress received as much acclaim for her image as a positive role model as she did for her acting talents.

Lawrence started 2013 off successfully with multiple awards – including a Golden Globes and Academy Award for Best Actress – for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook (The Highlight Reel’s Best Movie of 2013). Even in victory, Lawrence maintained down-to-earth and relatable as America laughed with Lawrence when she tripped over her gown at the Oscars and when she appeared star-struck by a flirting Jack Nicholson. Her star-struck moment later in the year with Jeff Bridges further added to her likeability.

Lawrence topped the box office in November with the release of the critically acclaimed sequel to The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The film opened with a record-setting $110 million Thanksgiving weekend haul. In addition, Lawrence appears primed to add more hardware to her mantle during Awards Season after an amazing performance in another critically acclaimed film, American Hustle.

In addition to her success, Lawrence’s star grows through her generosity and kindness. Visits to military bases and hospitals to meet with the injured and sick show a kindness often overshadowed in today’s society of cynicism. Jennifer Lawrence is the kind of woman parents hope their children look up to as she remains humble, down to earth, and caring even in a time when the world is her oyster.

In 2013, there was no bigger star – or a better star – than Jennifer Lawrence was.


THE FINAL CREDITS for 2013
When I reflect on 2013, I think about the year as being one of the most challenging times of my life. However, I also look at 2013 as a year that strengthened bonds with friends and family while also being filled with wonderful moments I will always cherish.

I start Student Teaching in January 2014 – one of the final challenges before obtaining my teaching license and beginning my career as a high school teacher. Despite financial worries and concerns – some of which will never end – tormenting my mind, the truth is that I know this is all just part of a journey I will end as a stronger individual.

My mother survived skin cancer in 2013 and is doing better after surgery to unblock a blockage in her neck occurred in August. Both health scares were extremely trying, as I do not know where I would be without her. She is my biggest fan and supporter in this life. Thankfully, she is now okay.

Sadly, I lost many family members and family friends in 2013 including my aunt Frankie Kallam, Lemmie White, Chesley Overby, Sammie Lawson, and Mic Grimsley.

I had many great moments to remember. I will never forget enjoying Rascal Flatts or falling more in love with Kimberly of The Band Perry when I saw them in concert in February in Greensboro. In addition, I enjoyed watching Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, and Jana Kramer in concert in Greensboro in 2013. While I did not attend a major promotion’s show in 2013, I loved meeting Kevin Steen, Eddie Edwards, Roderick Strong, and Adam Cole at a CWF-Mid Atlantic event in February and the legendary Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle at a CWF-Mid Atlantic event in May. I had a wonderful time at the second-annual WrestleCade event in Winston-Salem with my friends Stephen, Kristin, Logan, and Doug meeting Demolition, Maria Kanellis, Brooke Tessmacher, Carlito, and dozens of other wrestling stars past and present. I took in my first Danville Braves game in 2013. I was in Greensboro for the home opener and season finale of the Greensboro Grasshoppers – in addition to seeing them against the Rome Braves and spending my friend Stephen’s 30th birthday at the ballpark. Late night trips to the cinema to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and American Hustle provided me with memories as fun as the movies themselves.

I spent too much time on Facebook and Twitter joking and talking nonsense with friends and family in 2013. However, I would not change a moment of it. Multiple wrestling personalities blocked me on Twitter – enough to start a Hall of Shame – in 2013. Meanwhile, I loved sharing positive interactions with Michelle Beadle, Shawna and Keifer from Thompson Square, Neil from The Band Perry, Matt Hardy, Steve Corino, Eric Bischoff, Lisa Marie Varon, actor Lucas Black, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, and my favorite driver of all-time: Jeff Gordon.

There were so many good times that, even outnumbered by the bad, I cannot help but smile when I think back on 2013. I hope that 2014 will be a better year for me. I hope it is a better year for us all. I hope that we can find more time to smile, more time to think, and more time to cry tears of joy and not sorrow or pain. In conclusion, I hope 2013 was great for you and that 2014 will be even better.

God bless.

- Aaron Goins

Thursday, January 2, 2014

The 2013 Year in Review: Part II - Entertainment and Music

ENTERTAINMENT
TV Show of the Year
4. The Following – When previews for this Kevin Bacon-helmed show started, I had doubts. However, after watching it, my doubts quickly turned into regrets for not watching The Following sooner. FOX’s freshman thriller starred Bacon as former FBI agent Ryan Hardy – a man leading a manhunt for escaped serial killer Joe Carroll (played by James Purefoy) and his cult of murderous followers. The bloodshed and violence on the series are extremely ambitious for a network television show yet are never without a point. The plot and direction of The Following is as calculated as the moves made by Joe Carroll and his followers. A suspenseful thrill ride from the beginning ten minutes of the pilot through the final minutes of the season finale, The Following was definitely the best show on network TV in 2013.

3. Justified – Another season in Harlan County and another season of television excellence, the fourth season of Justified provided viewers with one of television’s best dramas. US Deputy Marshall Raylan Givens, played by the extremely underrated Timothy Olyphant, encountered Detroit-based mobsters and his Harlan-based criminal rival Boyd Crowder (played by the charismatic Walton Goggins) while also attempting to solve the 30-year-old unsolved mystery of Waldo Truth. Justified features some of the best storytelling on television and one of the great heroes of all-time in Givens.

2. The Walking Dead – There is not another emotional roller coaster on television like AMC’s hit The Walking Dead. Now in its fourth season, The Walking Dead continues to show itself as a series less about the dangers of a zombie apocalypse and more a study on the dangers of humanity when left to police itself at the end of the world. Andrew Lincoln continues to shine as Rick Grimes – the one constant in an ever-changing landscape where no character is safe. I still mourn the deaths of Andrea (Laurie Holden) at the end of season three and Herschel (Scott Wilson) at the mid-point of season four. With the death of the villainous Governor (played wonderfully by David Morrissey) and the loss of their prison sanctuary at the mid-point of season four, The Walking Dead enters 2014 in a world of change. However, one thing remains certain – The Walking Dead will remain one of television’s best.  

1. Breaking Bad – In finishing its five-season run, Breaking Bad ended with an eight-episode run that may go down as the greatest season in television history. The saga of science teacher-turned-crystal meth kingpin Walter White ended in a hail of calculated violence as glorious as could be expected by anyone who witnessed the entire story unfold. The twists and turns throughout the final season kept viewers on the edge of their seats and water coolers hot with conversations the next day. Two episodes in particular – “Ozymandias” and the series finale “Felina” – set new standards for episodic television. From the amazing writing of series creator Vince Gilligan to the performances from Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, and Dean Norris over the final episodes, Breaking Bad was not only the best show on television in 2013 – it may very well be the best television show of all-time.


Movie of the Year
4. Prisoners – Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal give two of the best individual performances of 2013 in the thriller Prisoners. Jackman stars as Keller Dover, a deeply religious man searching for his daughter after someone kidnaps her and a family friend outside the Dover home after Thanksgiving dinner. Gyllenhaal is Detective Loki, a unique police officer who takes this case personal. As the search for both girls occurs, Dover and Loki both go to extremes in their respective pursuits for the kidnapped victims, creating a cat-and-mouse game between them as well as the kidnapper. Prisoners is an intense drama that grabs the audience’s attention early and stays deep in the viewer’s mind long after the end credits. This is drama at its finest.

3. American Hustle – With one of the finest assembled casts in recent Hollywood history, David O. Russell’s fast-talking criminal caper is as much a master class in filmmaking as it is an ode to the 1970s. American Hustle stars Christian Bale and Amy Adams as con artists Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser, Bradley Cooper as FBI agent Richard DiMaso, Jennifer Lawrence as Rosenfeld’s wife Rosalyn, and Jeremy Renner as Mayor Carmine Polito in a true story about a major con involving politicians, the mafia, a sheik, the FBI, and millions of dollars. While the film includes many comedic moments – namely involving 1970s fashion and hairstyles – American Hustle earns its praise through outstanding performances and expert storytelling. American Hustle is one of the year’s best.

2. Rush – The true story of one of Formula 1’s greatest rivalries came to life on the big screen under the direction of Ron Howard in Rush. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda and focuses on their epic rivalry – especially the 1976 season when their rivalry reached its pinnacle. The on-track action is brief but beautifully shot while the real greatness in Rush comes from the performances of Hemsworth, Bruhl, and their respective love interests played by Olivia Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara. The intensity in their rivalry captivates the audience and is that much more interesting when knowing that Howard used very little poetic license in the making of this film. Rush is a real glimpse of one of Formula 1’s greatest rivalries and is an amazing film.

1. Silver Linings Playbook – While it received awards and recognition during the 2012 awards season, Silver Linings Playbook opened nationwide in early 2013 and is eligible for my list. I did not see a better film all year than this one. Silver Linings Playbook is the story of Patrick Solitano, Jr. – a man with bi-polar disorder just released from a mental health facility after an eight-month court ordered stay – and his return to normal society. Solitano lives with his Philadelphia Eagles’ obsessed parents (played by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) and meets recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell (played by Jennifer Lawrence in an Oscar-winning performance). As his relationship with Maxwell develops, in spite of his own misguided attempts to win back his ex-wife, Silver Linings Playbook plays out as a story about love – love of dance, love of family, love of the craziness inside us all, and love of the Philadelphia Eagles. Silver Linings Playbook was easily the best film released in 2013.  


MUSIC
Album of the Year
4. Crash My Party – Luke Bryan – Released in August 2013, Luke Bryan’s fourth studio album topped both the Billboard Top 200 and the Billboard Country Charts with over 528,000 copies sold in its first week of availability. While critic reviews were mixed, I found myself enjoying another series of songs about rural living and the country life from one of Nashville’s best and brightest. Bryan topped the charts with the first two singles – “Crash My Party” and “That’s My Kind of Night” – while his current single, “Drink A Beer,” is climbing the charts. Crash My Party may not be a favorite of critics or traditionalists. However, the now-platinum release is a favorite of audiences in 2013.

3. Golden – Lady Antebellum – Lady Antebellum released their fourth studio release in May to critical acclaim and huge sales. Topping both the Billboard Top 200 and Billboard Country charts, Golden reached gold status before a deluxe edition hit stores in November with three additional tracks. The first single off the album – “Downtown” reached the top of the country charts in the summer. The album is loaded with tremendous songs – including the emotional second single “Goodbye Town” and the very popular title track “Golden.” Their current single, “Compass,” is climbing the charts and bringing in new fans with its new folk sound – a change from the sound Lady Antebellum fans have come to know. Golden was a welcome release for Lady Antebellum fans and one of the biggest joys for country fans worldwide in 2013.

2. Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves – One of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2013, Kacey Musgraves’ debut set the country music world abuzz while also exciting non-country fans who appealed to Musgraves’ honest lyrics and Middle America values. Released in March 2013, the album peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 200 and topped the Billboard Country charts off the momentum of Musgraves’ debut single “Merry Go ‘Round.” Subsequent singles “Blowin’ Smoke” and “Follow Your Arrow” have only helped Musgraves’ star rise. Nominated for multiple awards throughout the year – including a Best Country Album nomination for the upcoming 56th Grammy Awards – Same Trailer Different Park is one of the most celebrated albums of the last year; deservedly so too as it was one of 2013’s best.

1. Pioneer – The Band Perry – Without a doubt, Pioneer was my favorite album in 2013. The Band Perry’s sophomore release opened in April to positive reviews and topped the Billboard Country charts. In addition, the album peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 200. Loaded with amazing songs, the singles “Better Dig Two” and “DONE” both reached number one on the country charts while their current single, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely,” is already in the top five. For me, there was no better album in all of music in 2013. From the dark, Southern gothic appeal of “Better Dig Two” and inspiring message in “Pioneer” to the party anthems in “Night Gone Wasted” and “Forever Mine Nevermind,” the entire album is a roller coaster ride of awesomeness. Kimberly Perry’s vocals were incredible throughout the album while the songwriting abilities of all three Perry siblings showed an undeniable greatness in the trio. Pioneer by The Band Perry is easily the best album of 2013 and sign of great things to come from one of music’s brightest groups.


Song of the Year – Pop / Rock
4. “Just Give Me a Reason” – Pink (featuring Nate Ruess) – The vocals of Pink and Fun lead singer Nate Ruess blended into musical perfection in the 2013 hit “Just Give Me a Reason.” The third single off Pink’s sixth studio album, The Truth About Love, “Just Give Me a Reason” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April. Pink and Ruess’ vocals interact perfectly in this song about a dying relationship and the desire to save it. I have never enjoyed Pink more in her career than in this ballad. “Just Give Me a Reason” is the kind of song that an artist hopes for in a career, as it is pure magic.

3. “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke (featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams) / “Thrift Shop” – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (featuring Wanz) (TIE) – In 2013, two songs from genres I normally do not enjoy became fixtures on my radio as “Blurred Lines” and “Thrift Shop” both rose from the much of today’s R&B and hip-hop scenes. Released in March, the title track off Robin Thicke’s sixth studio album immediately polarized audiences – not because of the song but rather the risquĂ© music video accompanying it. The song itself was one of the most-played of 2013 – reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer. “Blurred Lines” shared an important quality with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song “Thrift Shop” – an undeniable infectious beat. Heavy on the saxophone and parodying the typical arrogant hip-hop lifestyle, “Thrift Shop” was both a humorous breath of fresh air from hip-hop and a song easily enjoyed by even non-fans of the genre.

2. “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons – Persistence paid off for the rock band Imagine Dragons, as the third time releasing “Radioactive” appeared to be the charm. After releasing it twice in 2012, a release of the single in March 2013 struck with listeners and critics everywhere as “Radioactive” became one of the biggest hits of the year. From sporting events and commercials to radios all over the country, “Radioactive” became that song everyone heard but nobody knew who performed it. As Imagine Dragons’ star rises, “Radioactive” will be the rocket that launched their careers. Energizes listeners more with every play, “Radioactive” was one of the most fun rock anthems of 2013.

1. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles – Inspiring, powerful, energetic, and beautiful are all adjectives worth of “Brave.” Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” – the lead single off her fourth studio album The Blessed Unrest – was one of my favorite songs of the year. The inspirational lyrics, performed wonderfully by Bareilles, can serve as a call to anyone facing obstacles of any nature to face them and be brave. There is a great message within this song. Released in May, “Brave” peaked at 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 – a great achievement in its own right with that chart dominated by hip-hop, R&B, and male-oriented songs. Bareilles’ nomination for a Grammy for Song of the Year at the upcoming 56th Grammy Awards serves as more of an indicator of the song’s success than chart positioning. “Brave” is one of the best songs from Sara Bareilles’ lineup and the best pop song of 2013.


Song of the Year - Country
4. “See You Again” – Carrie Underwood – Released as the fourth single off her Blown Away album, “See You Again” reached number two on the Billboard Country charts during the late summer of 2013. However, the song became an anthem for many in 2013 in need of a rallying cry. The song appealed to so many through its genuine nature. This ballad is a reminder to those left behind after a tragic loss they will see their loved ones again. With acts of terrorism and mass violence, horrible natural disaster, and more losses in the Middle East, “See You Again” provided motivation and inspiration to many in need. Carrie Underwood’s powerful vocals only added to the beauty of the song as a lesser singer could not convey the power or beauty behind “See You Again.”

3. “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker (featuring Lady Antebellum) – Darius Rucker’s cover of the Bob Dylan-penned, Old Crow Medicine Show song was one of the most-played songs on country radio in 2013. Released off Rucker’s True Believers album in January 2013, “Wagon Wheel” reached the top of the Billboard Country charts in June. His biggest country hit to date, “Wagon Wheel” earned multiple song of the year nominations and a Grammy nomination for Rucker at the upcoming 56th Grammy Awards. It sounded like a throwback to your grandparents’ country music. While I am not one of those country fans who complain about everything with a modern song, I really enjoyed this glimpse of a time long gone from the Nashville sound. Rucker and the background vocals from Lady Antebellum combined to make something special and one of the best of 2013.  

2. “Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw (with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban) – Released in March off McGraw’s Two Lanes of Freedom album, the musical union of Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban on guitar created one of the best country songs of the last decade. “Highway Don’t Care” is what happens when greatness collaborates. The song reached the top of the Billboard Country charts for two weeks in June and remains one of the most popular songs of the year on country radio. McGraw has not sounded this great in years while Swift adds just enough to make this song something special. Urban’s expert guitar playing throughout serves only as icing on the cake. “Highway Don’t Care” was a return to form for Tim McGraw as, with the help of some friends, he returned to country superstar status in 2013 with one of the best songs of the year.

1. “DONE.” – The Band Perry – The Band Perry’s second single off their Pioneer album was my favorite song of 2013 by a mile. Released in March, “Done” reached the top of the Billboard Country charts in August. Received acclaim from both fans and critics alike, The Band Perry created a rock anthem with a country feel – heavy on the fiddle and the heartache – in this song about a woman letting her man know it is over. Kimberly Perry’s vocals are never more sassy or confident than in this song – especially when she ends with a triumphant “Ugh!” at the end of each performance. “Done” was the kind of song that builds careers as The Band Perry now has an anthem on par with their tender ballad “If I Die Young” from a few years back. “Done” was a piece of musical goodness in 2013 – something I could not get enough of – and definitely the song of the year.


Artist of the Year
4. Carrie Underwood – Carrie Underwood’s star reached new heights and crossover success in 2013. Riding off a successful 2012, Underwood released two more singles off her Blown Away album – “Two Black Cadillacs” and “See You Again.” In addition, Underwood released her first live concert DVD – The Blown Away Tour Live. Underwood established a relationship with NBC as she replaced Faith Hill as the voice of Sunday Night Football and starred as Maria in a live production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music in December. Carrie Underwood had an incredible 2013 as this country queen’s star grew.

3. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – I am not a huge rap fan. I think that is a given. That is what makes the success of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in 2013 that much more impressive. The duo of Seattle-based rapper Macklemore and DJ/producer Ryan Lewis exploded in 2013 with three of the biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts – “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us,” and the Grammy-nominated “Same Love.” They appeal to the non-rap fan in me though things like the infectious sound of “Thrift Shop” and the powerful message in the lyrics of “Same Love.” Macklemore and Ryan Lewis scored huge in 2013 as they reached new audiences and helped rap expand from its stereotypical roots.

2. Florida Georgia Line – Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line took the music world by storm in 2013. Running on momentum from their 2012 hit “Cruise,” a remix of the single with rapper Nelly led to it becoming the longest-reigning number one single in the history of the Billboard Country charts. In 2013, the duo also topped the charts with the songs “Get Your Shine On,” “Round Here,” and “Stay.” They opened for Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan before headlining their own tour in 2013 as the duo played all over North America. Florida Georgia Line emerged from nowhere to become one of the hottest acts in all of music in 2013.

1. Taylor Swift – For another artist, the list of accomplishments achieved by this young woman in 2013 would make for an amazing career. For Taylor Swift, it is just another year of incredible success. Taylor Swift toured the globe in 2013 as her Red Tour sold out shows in North America, Europe, and Australia. Swift topped the country charts with the songs “Red” and “Highway Don’t Care” – her collaboration with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. In addition, Swift scored hits on the pop charts with “22,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “Everything Has Changed” with Ed Sheeran. Swift won a Grammy – her seventh – for “Safe and Sound” with The Civil Wars in February and is up for four more at the 56th Grammy Awards in February 2014. She won four American Music Awards – bringing her career total to 15 – and took home four CMA Awards – including the second ever Pinnacle Award for international excellence in country music – in November. In addition, Swift actually kept headlines surrounding her personal life to a minimum in 2013, which is a huge plus for any Swiftie sick of the same tired jokes. This was another outstanding year for one of the great artists of our time as Taylor Swift earned the title Artist of the Year for 2013.



Click here for Part III of the 2013 Year in Review edition of The Highlight Reel. If you missed Part I of the 2013 Year in Review edition of The Highlight Reel, click here.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The 2013 Year in Review: Part I - Wrestling and Sports...

One year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 525,600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds. It looks like a lot of time. However, looks can be deceiving as 2013 feels like it came and went in the blink of an eye. The only real difference between now and this time a year ago is that I’m writing about a brand new multitude of highlights, lowlights, rising stars, falling duds, glorious anthems, epic failures, and moments that will be forever associated with 2013.

2013 will go down in history as a year filled with controversy, angst, and unparalleled stress on humanity. For every heartwarming story of achievement and glory, a story caused outrage and disgust to overshadow the positive. For every story like five-year-old cancer survivor Miles Scott “saving” San Francisco under the guise of Batkid in November or celebrities like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Blake Shelton giving back to the community through charitable donations and good deeds, there were egotistical rants from Kanye West or gross misconduct from people like Miley Cyrus stealing attention.

Our government – ineffective when functional – actually shut down at one point while Toronto mayor Rob Ford showed America that it is not all bad with his cocaine-fueled antics. People screamed about gun rights throughout the year while nothing really changed as mass shootings still occurred – namely at high schools in Nevada and outside of Denver and at the Washington Naval Yard in Washington DC. The Obama administration celebrates improving unemployment numbers without acknowledging the improvement coming not from new jobs but rather from people no longer filing for unemployment benefits. In addition, the never-ending debate about gay rights and marriage continued with little to no progress achieved.

Boston was in the hearts of the nation in the aftermath of a cowardly act of terrorism at the Boston Marathon. As Boston Strong became a national mantra, the Boston Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Finals and Boston Red Sox won the World Series in memory of those affected by the tragedy. A blackout may have delayed the game but Super Bowl XLVII still ended in epic fashion with the Baltimore Ravens holding the Lombardi Trophy over the San Francisco 49ers. Jimmie Johnson won his sixth NASCAR Cup Championship, Scott Dixon won his third IndyCar Series Championship, and Sebastian Vettel won his fourth Formula 1 Championship while the racing world said farewell to Mark Martin and Dario Franchitti.

TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor Wrestling struggled while World Wrestling Entertainment continued to wallow in a top spot created by faded glory and nothing more. While Daniel Bryan’s star reached new heights, WWE Management continuously cut him off at the knees in a manner reeking of jealousy by the powers that be – namely Triple H – who are no longer in the spotlight. Of course, TNA dropped the ball themselves by holding on to Hulk Hogan way too long and then pushing Dixie Carter as their premiere heel while allowing majority of their roster – including AJ Styles – walk.

Taylor Swift remained a global phenomenon on both the country and pop charts while Florida Georgia Line exploded on the country charts with multiple number ones – including a Billboard record-setting performance with the song “Cruise.” Carrie Underwood topped the charts multiple times while also singing football fans into the Sunday night NBC matchup and introducing a new generation to the musical “The Sound of Music.” Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton led a movement in country music met by detractors while young acts like Kacey Musgraves and The Band Perry simply entertained millions. Justin Timberlake returned to the music world with an outstanding album and tour while rockers Imagine Dragons were all over radio and television advertisements with their hit “Radioactive.” Robin Thicke rode the success of “Blurred Lines” from a summer anthem into overplayed annoyance while Miley Cyrus allowed her “calculated acts of controversy” to overshadow wonderful new music. In addition, Justin Bieber remained popular in spite of himself, Kanye West's ego reached unparalleled levels, and BeyoncĂ© survived a lip-synching scandal that would kill a lesser artist.

A science teacher-turned-crystal meth kingpin inspired America while zombies, throwbacks to the old school, unique (some would say modern) families, and musical reality television dominated the television landscape. The cinematic world saw the returns of the Man of Steel and Iron Man, the second chapter of The Hunger Games saga, Sandra Bullock in space, another installment in the Fast and Furious series, and tales of everything from racial injustice to charter profiles of quirky individuals capture the imagination of moviegoers.

The world said goodbye to many familiar faces in 2013. We lost one of the world’s most enduring figures of freedom in South African leader Nelson Mandela. Other popular political figures lost in 2013 include former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former New York City mayor Ed Koch, former US Surgeon General C. Everett Coop, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The acting world mourned the passing of Paul Walker, James Gandolfini, Peter O’Toole, Jonathan Winters, Cory Monteith, Julie Harris, Annette Funicello, Lou Myers, Ed Lauter, Marcia Wallace, Ester Williams, Joan Fontaine, Jean Stapleton, Dennis Farina, Eileen Brennan, and famed film critic Roger Ebert. The music world lost the greatest voice in country music with the death of George Jones. Famed rock musician Lou Reed, country legend Ray Price, Patti Page, Patty Andrews, and troubled singer Mindy McCready also died. The sports world mourned the deaths of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Jason Leffler, Dick Trickle, Stan Musial, Earl Weaver, Ken Norton, Tommy Morrison, Bum Phillips, Deacon Jones, Art Donovan, Jack Pardee, Bud Adams, and Pat Summerall. The wrestling world said farewell to William “Paul Bearer” Moody, Reid Flair, Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon, Hector Garza, Matt Borne, and Jackie Fargo. In addition, the world lost well-known celebrities Dr. Joyce Brothers, famed psychic Sylvia Browne, journalist David Frost, and authors Tom Clancy and Elmore Leonard.

2013 was a year filled with triumph and tragedy, joy and pain, heartbreak and redemption, Royal Babies and Kimyes, and insanity that historians will look upon generations from now with bewilderment when questioning this year in humankind. The following edition of The Highlight Reel is my attempt to sum up the best and the worst of 2013. Here is the only year in review that matters (to me): The 2013 Highlight Reel Year in Review. It begins… now.

The Highlight Reel: 2013 Year in Review

WRESTLING
Match of the Year
4. Daniel Bryan defeated Antonio Cesaro – July 22 – In the second part of a gauntlet match on the July 22 edition of Monday Night RAW, Daniel Bryan and Antonio Cesaro provided WWE fans with a glimpse of what these two men can do inside a wrestling ring. For almost fourteen minutes, Cesaro returned to his glory days as Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan was Bryan Danielson as those two competed at a Ring of Honor wrestling show and not a WWE sports entertainment show. It was hard-hitting, competitive, and a beauty to witness. Bryan scored the win with a small package. However, the real winner was every fan who witnessed it.

3. Eddie Edwards defeated Taiji Ishimori – May 4 – At Border Wars, Eddie Edwards and GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori did battle in a non-title match renewing their rivalry from Japan while also introducing Ishimori to a North American audience. For almost 20 minutes, Edwards and Ishimori beat the hell out of one another with stiff kicks and chops, brutal stomps, and high impact offense that thrilled the Toronto crowd. In the end, Edwards scored the victory and earned a future title match while Ishimori became a name North American fans will look for in the future after his star-making effort in defeat.

2. AJ Styles defeated Austin Aries – September 12 – AJ Styles and Austin Aries competed in a semifinal match of the Bound for Glory Series at the No Surrender edition of TNA Impact. After having a classic a month earlier, expectations were even higher for this battle. Styles and Aries lived up to expectations and then some. For almost 15 minutes, Styles and Aries competed in a fast-fasted, high impact battle with countless near falls between the two men. Ultimately, Styles won after a Styles Clash from the middle rope. While Styles later defeated Magnus to win the BFG Series, this match that left people talking at the end of the night and the end of the year.

1. TNA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy defeated Austin Aries and Bobby Roode in a Triple Threat Elimination Match – January 13 – The main event of the first TNA pay-per-view of 2013 provided the best wrestling match of the year when Jeff Hardy retained the TNA World title over both Austin Aries and Bobby Roode. The highly competitive triple threat match saw Aries and Roode show the tandem skills that would later guide them to the TNA Tag team Championships while Hardy’s resilience was never more on display than in this match. The ending sequence of this 20-minute match saw more near falls, submissions, and counters between all three men than some promotions show in a month. In the end, Hardy scored the deciding pin over Aries to retain the title in the finish to what was the best match of 2013.


Tag Team of the Year
4. Bad Influence – Last year’s winner for Tag Team of the Year is this year’s third runner-up after a year filled with minimal success and angles simply beneath their talent level. 2013 started greatly for Christopher Daniels as he earned a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match against Jeff Hardy on Impact with a PPV win over James Storm. Despite the loss against Hardy, Daniels appeared primed for a title run. Instead, Daniels and Kazarian returned to the tag ranks. Feuds with Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, and James Storm and Gunner over the TNA World Tag Team Championships occurred throughout the spring and summer with Bad influence never regaining the gold. A brief pairing with Bobby Roode to form the faction EGO aside, the final three months of 2013 for Bad Influence have involved a pointless feud with Eric Young and Joseph Park. Still, even with bad angles saddling them, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian offer some of the best promos and tag team in-ring work in the business today.

3. Dirty Heels – Despite only a short run as a tag team in 2013, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode make their mark on the TNA tag team landscape in a big way. Aries and Roode won the TNA World Tag team Championships from Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez on January 25 in England. Aries and Roode were champions for 76 days before losing the titles back to Guerrero and Hernandez. The duo remained a part of the tag team scene through June’s Slammiversary event before going their separate ways and entering the Bound for Glory Series. While only a short run together, Aries and Roode were involved in multiple terrific matches and did enough to show themselves as the best tag team in TNA in 2013.

2. The Shield – Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, two-thirds of The Shield, were easily the most dominant tag team in World Wrestling Entertainment in 2013. Upon debuting in late 2012 alongside their partner Dean Ambrose, The Shield captured the imaginations of WWE fans worldwide as the young trio attacked main event stars like John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Big Show while building a tremendous amount of momentum. On May 19, Reigns and Rollins defeated Daniel Bryan and Kane for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Reigns and Rollins reigned supreme over a revitalized WWE tag team division throughout the summer and early fall before losing the titles to Cody Rhodes and Goldust in October. Despite not regaining the titles, Reigns and Rollins have remained a focal point of WWE television after the loss – a clear sign of their success as one of the elite tandems in the WWE.

1. ReDRagon – After joining forces because of a mutual hatred for Davey Richards in late 2012, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly dominated the tag team scene in Ring of Honor in 2013 under the name ReDRagon. At the 11th Anniversary Show on March 2, Fish and O’Reilly defeated the Briscoe Brothers to win the ROH World Tag Team Championships for the first time. Over the summer, they were a part of an excellent series of matches with the American Wolves and Forever Hooligans that ultimately saw ReDRagon lose the titles to Forever Hooligans on July 27 before regaining them from the American Wolves on August 17. Subsequent feuds with C and C Wrestle Factory and Outlaw, Inc. have seen Fish and O’Reilly victorious in terrific matches all over the country. With no reason for their union to end anytime soon, ReDRagon was the best tag team in wrestling in 2013 and has nothing but a bright future ahead of both men in 2014 too.


Diva / Knockout of the Year
4. ODB – ODB started 2013 as the referee of the Knockouts division in TNA. By July, ODB returned to the ranks of active competitors after disagreements with Gail Kim turned physical. ODB earned a championship match against then-champion Mickie James with a two-out-of-three-falls victory over Kim on August 29. ODB defeated James for the championship on Impact on September 12 to win her fourth TNA Knockouts Championship – her first title win since 2010. Despite losing the title a month later to Kim, ODB remains a top contender for the title and in the midst of career rejuvenation in 2013.

3. AJ Lee – AJ Lee continues to be one of the most divisive women in wrestling as fans either love or despise the top Diva in World Wrestling Entertainment. While I tend to hate Lee more times than not, there is no denying that AJ Lee had an outstanding 2013. In 2012, Lee was more of a focal point for the entire company – a position she did not deserve. As Lee’s time on television decreased, her role in the Divas division increased. In June, Lee won the WWE Divas Championship – a title she has yet to relinquish. While her backstage antics – starting a relationship with CM Punk when he was already in a relationship, creating a scene at Tribute to the Troops with NBC Sports host Michelle Beadle – have only earned her more critics, Lee’s in-ring work was definitely a step above the rest in the WWE in 2013. She gets this spot for her wrestling and nothing more.

2. Mickie James – At one point in 2013, I said there was no better performer – male or female – in the business than Mickie James was. That was how good James was during the summer of 2013. One of the most popular women in wrestling for years, Mickie James reinvented herself with an egotistical heel persona based on her musical endeavors outside of TNA in 2013. Breaming with self-confidence, James won her third TNA Knockouts Championship in May from Velvet Sky. James dominated the division until a real-life contract dispute led to James losing the title to ODB in September and subsequently departing from the company. While the end of her 2013 came prematurely, Mickie James’ year was still immensely better than the majority of her counterparts – both male and female.  

1. Gail Kim – 2013 was a career year for Gail Kim. The original TNA Knockout, Gail Kim started 2013 with a big win in a gauntlet match at Genesis. Her rivalry with Velvet Sky throughout the early months of the year led to multiple near wins against Sky. Her rivalry with Taryn Terrell revitalized Kim’s year while establishing Terrell as an in-ring competitor. Both women competed in Match of the Year candidates with their Last Knockout Standing match at Slammiversary and Ladder match at Impact. Kim’s subsequent rivalry with ODB led to Kim winning her third Knockouts Championship at Bound for Glory. Now aligned with Lei’D Tapa, Kim ends 2013 with a firm grip on the Knockouts Championship and at the top of the Knockouts division. Through in-ring success and matches second to none, Gail Kim was the premiere female in professional wrestling in 2013.


Wrestler of the Year
4. Adam Cole – 2013 saw Adam Cole evolve from a young man with tons of potential to one of the best professional wrestlers in the world. Cole entered 2013 as the ROH Television Champion. Despite losing the title to Matt Taven in early March, Cole quickly moved into the thick of the ROH World title picture. Teasing a heel turn for months, Cole finally completed the transformation on September 20 at Death Before Dishonor XI with cheap shots to Michael Elgin and Jay Briscoe after defeating Elgin to win the ROH World Heavyweight Championship in a tournament final. Since then, Cole’s persona is among the most entertaining in the business while his in-ring work is second to none. Cole ended 2013 with a win over both Elgin and Briscoe at Final Battle and looks poised to enter 2014 only improving on what was an outstanding 2013.

3. AJ Styles – Considering he was never more popular in 2013, AJ Styles should have been a lock for Wrestler of the Year. However, AJ Styles is the biggest victim of the same thing that affected all three of the top wrestlers in the world this year – poor booking. Styles started 2013 as a “lone wolf” in a company where people were either part of TNA or Aces and Eights. Styles returned to in-ring action in April with wins over James Storm, Christopher Daniels, and Kazarian. A brief feud with Kurt Angle led to a great series of matches in June between the two before Styles entered the Bound for Glory Series. During the series, Styles had two instant classics with Austin Aries while on the way to winning the series and earning a championship match at Bound for Glory. Real-life contract issues crept into the storylines and started a feud between Styles and TNA President Dixie Carter. On October 20, Styles defeated Bully Ray to win his fifth world championship in TNA. Styles immediately left the company with the title. Instead of playing off this in a way better than the WWE did with CM Punk in 2011, Styles returned at the December 5 taping to drop the title to Magnus in a TNA World Heavyweight Championship unification match before Styles left the company for good. TNA should have never let Styles go and should have used him better in the aftermath of his title win in October. Company errors are what limited Styles’ impact on the business in 2013 – a year when he was poised to be on top of the world.

2. Bully Ray – Normally a 42-year-old wrestler is nearing the end of his career. For Bully Ray, he is entering his prime. On March 10, Bully Ray defeated Jeff Hardy at Lockdown to win his first TNA World Heavyweight Championship. He also revealed himself as the President of Aces and Eights. Over the next seven months, Ray ran roughshod over TNA with his band of men until the angle lost steam. As it dragged on, members departed and Bully Ray looked weaker – despite being a world champion and a man at the peak of his career. Ray lost the world title for two weeks over the summer to Chris Sabin, but regained it for two more months until suffering a loss to AJ Styles at Bound for Glory in October. During his combined title reigns, Ray defeated Sting, Ken Anderson, Sabin, and Hardy in outstanding matches throughout the spring and summer. However, by the time the Aces and Eights angle ended, Ray’s year had a tarnish on it that he could not shake – even with outstanding promos and an intense rivalry with Ken Anderson to end the year. Poor booking aside, Bully Ray had a career year in 2013 – proving himself as a main event player, something his fans knew in 2002.

1. Daniel Bryan – There was no hotter superstar in World Wrestling Entertainment in 2013 than Daniel Bryan. Bryan performed at a level where even the most anti-sports entertainment, anti-WWE, wrestling fan still found hope for that company’s future. Bryan spent the first half of 2013 in the WWE Tag Team Championship hunt – teaming with Kane as part of Team Hell No and later teaming with Randy Orton as part of their mutual rivalry with The Shield. Once Bryan broke free of the tag team scene, a hot streak with wins over Orton, Sheamus, Christian, and others led Bryan to a WWE Championship match against John Cena at SummerSlam. Bryan won the title cleanly and appeared to have broken the glass ceiling in World Wrestling Entertainment. Instead, guest referee Triple H assaulted Bryan before Randy Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Bryan’s first WWE Championship reign lasted three minutes. Bryan defeated Orton for the title in September, only to have the title stripped from him 24 hours later. A loss to Orton for the vacant title in October later and Bryan then found himself in a mid-card feud with the Wyatt Family. Despite an undeniable connection with the audience – both PG Era fans and professional wrestling fans – WWE Management’s poor booking tarnished what should have been a meteoric rise to the top. With that said, Daniel Bryan still captured the imaginations of wrestling fans all over the world in 2013 in a way few have done before him. That is what makes Daniel Bryan the wrestler of the year for 2013.


SPORTS
Sports Story of the Year
4. Super Bowl Insanity – On February 3 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII. Despite being the biggest game of the year, the game itself seems to be the easiest forgotten part of a night filled with halftime spectaculars, a sibling rivalry, and an unexpected blackout that changed everything. Even before kickoff, fans and media alike labeled the game “The Harbowl” since John and Jim Harbaugh coach the Ravens and 49ers respectively. Finally, a pair of siblings gave America the Super Bowl match-up Peyton and Eli Manning never have. At halftime, BeyoncĂ© provided America with a halftime show that left some in awe and others laughing at its ridiculousness. It did the internet come great memes. Early in the third quarter, Baltimore led 28-6 when the unthinkable happened. Darkness engulfed everything as a massive power outage occurred inside the Superdome. After a 34-minute delay, play resumed with San Francisco exploding for 17 unanswered points. Eventually, the Ravens held on and defeated the 49ers, 34-31, for their second Super Bowl victory. It was an insane night in New Orleans as the Super Bowl proved to be too much for the Superdome power grid to handle (or Roger Goodell called in a diversion to help the 49ers regain their composure, right Ray Lewis?) when the Super Bowl became the Blackout Bowl.

3. The Saga of Lennay Kekua – In late 2012, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o led the Fighting Irish to a BCS National Championship Game against Alabama. While leading the Irish on the field, he was also an inspirational leader too after the loss of his girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, in an auto accident in September 2012. Alabama defeated Notre Dame to win the National title and everything seemed over. Then, sports website Deadspin dropped a bombshell on the sports world – Lennay Kekua never existed. While it remains a mystery as to why Te’o participated in this sham, the truth was Kekua was never real. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo was the man responsible for every social media account and every voicemail attached to Kekua. Te’o claimed innocence and portrayed himself as a victim of a “catfishing” hoax. While the truth behind Te’o’s involvement in the scandal remains a mystery, the fact that Notre Dame’s great inspirational leader of their national title runner-up in 2012 was a liar makes for one of the biggest stories – and jokes – of 2013.

2. So Many Drugs – Drugs played a huge role in sports in 2013. Baseball lived under the cloud of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in 2013. Voters chose to elect nobody into the Baseball Hall of Fame because the majority of eligible players come from the steroids era that shamed the game. Multiple suspensions put a black eye on the game – especially the suspensions of three All-Stars: Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta, Everth Cabrera for 50 games, and 2011 MVP Ryan Braun for 65 games. In addition, Major League Baseball suspended New York Yankees third basemen Alex Rodriguez for 211 games – a suspension never accomplishing anything thanks to appeals and the threats of lawsuits from A-Rod’s camp. Baseball was not alone in mixing drugs with sports in 2013. Lance Armstrong finally came clean in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in January, effectively ending his career and legacy as a champion bicyclist. Both the NFL and NBA saw player suspensions for abuse of PEDs (steroids, prescription medications) and substance abuse grow. In addition, Lamar Odom’s substance abuse issues only tarnished the legacy of the bets sixth man in the NBA in 2010-11. The drug culture surrounding sports continues to grow – and with that growth – cast an even darker shadow on a popular aspect of American life.

1. Terrorism at the Boston Marathon – On April 15 at 2:49PM, the 2013 Boston Marathon became the scene of a terrorist attack when two pressure cooker bombs went off. Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev committed the acts of terrorism. Three spectators – Krystle Campbell, 29; Lu Lingzi, 22; and Martin Richard, 8 – died while another 264 suffered injuries from the bombings. In the aftermath of the bombing, MIT police officer Sean Collier, 27, died after the Tsarnaev brothers ambushed and carjacked him. The city of Boston and its surrounding areas became the focus of a manhunt culminating four days later in Watertown, Massachusetts with the death of Tamerlan and arrest of Dzhokhar. This story helped put sports into perspective. The marathon meant nothing. Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins games meant nothing. America wept for those harmed and cheered when authorities brought the cowardly perpetrators behind the acts of terrorism to justice. Life in America changed on April 15 forever. However, in true American fashion, we did not crumble or fold under the pressure. Instead, the real American heroes – the police, firefighters, EMTs – stepped up and helped those in need while bringing the criminals to justice. All of America became Boston Strong and we all found heroes – real heroes – in those who made sure the Tsarnaev reign of terror ended at Boston Marathon.


Sports Game / Event of the Year
4. Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva – December 7 – At UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Bigfoot, heavyweights Mark Hunt and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva gave fight fans one of the greatest fights in UFC history. Hunt and Silva battled back and forth for the full five rounds in a bloodbath rarely seen inside the octagon. In the end, the judges could not name a winner. While one judge scored the fight 48-47 in favor of Hunt, the other two judges scored the fight as a 47-47 draw. The fight ended in a majority draw and drew rave reviews from fight fans everywhere. Hunt-Silva was everything great about mixed martial arts.

3. The 97th Indianapolis 500 – May 26 – While the IndyCar will never rival NASCAR in terms of popularity in America, there is still no bigger event in auto racing than the Indianapolis 500. Fans will remember the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 as one of the most competitive and most emotional events in the history of the event. Indianapolis native Ed Carpenter started from the pole and led a race-high 37 laps. Tony Kanaan, in his 11th attempt, finally won the Indianapolis 500 after a daring late-race pass on then-leader Ryan Hunter-Reay with three laps to go. After Dario Franchitti crashed in turn two, Kanaan cruised to his first checkered flag at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was an amazing race. The average speed of the race – 187.433mph – made Kanaan’s victory the fastest in Indianapolis 500 history. Not only was it fast, the 68 lead changes among 14 drivers also made this the most competitive Indianapolis 500 in race history. It was an incredible race – an event that lived up to the hype, pageantry, and spectacle behind it.

2. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #4 Auburn Tigers – November 30 – Fans will look back at the 2013 edition of the Iron Bowl as one of the greatest finishes in college football history. With 32 seconds remaining in the game, Auburn tied the score at 28-28 after a 39-yard touchdown pass from Nick Marshall to Sammie Coates. Instead of going to overtime, Alabama marched down the field. With one second on the clock, Alabama kicker Adam Griffith came up short on a potential game-winning 57-yard field goal attempt. Auburn cornerback Chris Davis caught the missed field goal in the back of the end zone and returned the ball 109 yards to score the game-winning touchdown for the Tigers. Those 32 seconds are 32 seconds that will live forever in college football history and in sports history. The excitement in that finish is what makes sports so special.

1. Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos – January 12 – Known as the Mile High Miracle, the AFC Divisional Round game between the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens provided fans with one of the greatest football games in history. Played in Denver under frigid conditions, Peyton Manning and Joe Flacco led their respective teams into a shootout with both teams scoring on all sides of the ball. In the first 11 minutes of the game, both teams scored 28 combined points – including three return touchdowns – while exchanging the lead five times. Denver led 35-28 with a minute left in the fourth quarter when Baltimore scored a game-tying touchdown on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to receiver Jacoby Jones. After a full overtime period, Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker connected on a 47-yard game-winning field goal to send Baltimore to the AFC Championship Game. There was no more complete game in all of sports in 2013 than Broncos-Ravens in the AFC Playoffs.


Athlete of the Year
4. LeBron James – Despite having NBA leader David Stern in his back pocket and a media empire worshipping his every move, LeBron James did something in 2013 I never thought possible – he won. Not only did James win his second NBA Championship with the Miami Heat though, James won without allowing his foolish ego to cast a dark cloud over his victory. James showed up in the clutch situations he avoided early in his career and proved the doubters – myself included – wrong in their doubts of his abilities. James also earned his fourth league MVP honor for the 2012-2013 season along with his Finals MVP trophy and second of seven guaranteed titles. While I still do not like him, there is no way you cannot respect the abilities of LeBron James.

3. Jimmie Johnson – Jimmie Johnson is quietly creating a resume that will have him among the greatest drivers of all-time. In 2013, Jimmie Johnson started the season with his second Daytona 500 victory. Johnson also scored victories at Martinsville, Pocono, Daytona in July, and at Dover and Texas during the Chase for the Championship. In addition, Johnson won his record-setting fourth All-Star Race in Charlotte in May. His six-win season (66 for his career) was enough to help Johnson dominate the Cup Series in both the traditional sense and the Chase format as Johnson won his sixth Cup Series Championship. Like him or not, Jimmie Johnson is rewriting the history book every time he gets behind the wheel of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet.

2. Peyton Manning – Peyton Manning’s 2013 started in typical Peyton Manning fashion – one-and-done in the playoffs after a 38-35 double overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Still, even the most adamant of Peyton detractors cannot deny Manning’s unbelievable record-setting 2013 regular season. Manning shattered records while leading the Broncos to another 13-3 season and number one seed in the playoffs. Manning set league records for touchdown passes (55) and passing yards (5,477) in a single season while leading the Broncos to the most prolific offense in league history. In addition, Manning’s seven touchdown passes in one game – against Baltimore in the season opener – made him one of only seven men to accomplish the feat. While history tends to lean more towards another postseason disappointment, nobody can take anything away from Peyton Manning’s 2013 regular season – a season for the record books.

1. The Boston Red Sox – One year earlier, the Boston Red Sox were a joke in all of sports. Known for ineptitude and failure on a grand scale before the 2013 season, the Boston Red Sox played like the teams who won World Championships in 2004 and 2008 in 2013. The Red Sox won 28 more games in 2013 than 2012 while moving from last place to win the American League East with a 97-65 record. Throughout the season, the Red Sox played to honor those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing – with David Ortiz making this clear before a game on April 20 as he said, “This is our fucking city, and no one is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong.” In addition to motivation (or sympathy) from fans in the aftermath of the terrorist attack, Boston also became a national phenomenon because of their team beards. Their facial hair became more recognizable than their late-inning heroics – something Boston lived on throughout the season. A notable comeback against Detroit in Game 2 of the ALCS seemed to propel the Red Sox as a team of destiny – destiny achieved when they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in six games to win the 2013 World Series. More of a team than a collection of individual superstars, the Boston Red Sox were the athletes of the year for 2013.


For Part II of the 2013 Year in Review, click here. For Part III of the 2013 Year in Review, click here.