2015 in professional wrestling explained

2015 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling.

List of notable promotions

These promotions held notable events in 2015.

Promotion NameAbbreviationNotes
CMLL
Global Force WrestlingGFW
Lucha Libre AAA WorldwideAAAThe "AAA" abbreviation has been used since the mid-1990s and had previously stood for the promotion's original name Asistencia Asesoría y Administración.
New Japan Pro-WrestlingNJPW
Pro Wrestling GuerrillaPWG
Revolution Pro WrestlingRevPro
Ring of HonorROH
Total Nonstop Action WrestlingTNA
World Wrestling CouncilWWC
WWEWWE stands for World Wrestling Entertainment, which is still the legal name, but the company ceased using the full name in April 2011, with the WWE abbreviation becoming an orphaned initialism.

Calendar of notable shows

January

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
3WWCEuphoriaBayamon, Puerto Rico
4NJPWWrestle Kingdom 9TokyoHiroshi Tanahashi (c) defeated Kazuchika Okada in a Singles match to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
25WWERoyal RumblePhiladelphiaRoman Reigns won the 30-man Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Rusev to earn a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 31
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

February

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
11WWE


TakeOver: RivalWinter ParkKevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn (c) by referee stoppage to win the NXT Championship
11NJPWThe New Beginning in OsakaOsakaA.J. Styles defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) in a Singles match to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
13TNAOne Night Only: Hardcore JusticeOrlando, FloridaBobby Roode defeated Lashley in a Last Man standing match
13TNAOne Night Only: Global Impact – USA vs. The WorldOrlando, FloridaTeam International's The Great Muta defeated Team USA's Mr. Anderson
14NJPWThe New Beginning in SendaiSendaiShinsuke Nakamura (c) defeated Yuji Nagata in a Singles match to retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
14TNAOne Night Only: Joker's WildOrlando, Florida16-person intergender Joker's Wild gauntlet battle royal
15TNAOne Night Only: X-TravaganzaOrlando, FloridaUltimate X match
15TNAOne Night Only: Knockouts KnockdownOrlando, FloridaKnockouts Gauntlet match to crown the "Queen of the Knockouts"
15TNAOne Night Only: World CupOrlando, FloridaSix-on-Six Elimination Tag Team match
16TNAOne Night Only: Gut CheckOrlando, FloridaFive-way elimination match
16TNAOne Night Only: The TNA ClassicOrlando, Florida
22WWEFastlaneMemphisRoman Reigns defeated Daniel Bryan in a Singles match to retain his spot as the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

March

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
1ROHROH 13th Anniversary ShowLas VegasJay Briscoe (c) defeated Tommaso Ciampa, Michael Elgin and Hanson in a Four corner survival match to retain the ROH World Championship
15NJPWNew Japan Cup FinalHiroshimaKota Ibushi defeated Hirooki Goto in the tournament final to win the 2015 New Japan Cup
18AAARey de ReyesZapopan, Jalisco, MexicoFour-way elimination Rey de Reyes tournament final match
27ROHSupercard of Honor IXRedwood CityJay Briscoe (c) defeated Samoa Joe in a Singles match to retain the ROH World Championship
29WWEWrestleMania 31Santa ClaraSeth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract during Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar's (c) singles match to make it a triple threat match and pinned Reigns to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

April

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
5NJPWInvasion AttackTokyoA.J. Styles (c) defeated Kota Ibushi in a Singles match to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
26CMLL59. Aniversario de Arena MéxicoMexico City, MexicoMarco Corleone defeated La Sombra, Pólvora, Barbaro Cavernario, Dragon Lee, Kamaitachi, La Máscara, Ripper, Morphosis and Titán
26WWEExtreme RulesRosemontSeth Rollins (c) defeated Randy Orton in a Steel Cage match to retain WWE World Heavyweight Championship with the RKO banned and Kane as the gatekeeper
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

May

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
3NJPWWrestling DontakuFukuokaHirooki Goto defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (c) in a Singles match to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
12ROH
NJPW
War of the WorldsPhiladelphiaChaos (Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura) defeated The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe) in a Tag Team match
13 The Kingdom (Adam Cole, Matt Taven and Michael Bennett) defeated Bullet Club (A.J. Styles, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) in a Six-man tag team match
15ROH
NJPW
Global WarsTorontoROH All Stars (Hanson, Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Ray Rowe and Roderick Strong) defeated Bullet Club (A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) in a Ten-man tag team match
16Bullet Club (A.J. Styles, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) defeated Chaos (Beretta, Kazuchika Okada and Rocky Romero) in a Six-man tag team match
17WWEPaybackBaltimoreSeth Rollins (c) defeated Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton in a Fatal 4-Way match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
20WWE


TakeOver: UnstoppableWinter ParkKevin Owens (c) vs Sami Zayn in a Singles match for the NXT Championship ended in a no contest
31WWEElimination ChamberCorpus ChristiDean Ambrose defeated Seth Rollins (c) by disqualification in a Singles match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

June

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
7NJPWBest of the Super JuniorsTokyoKushida defeated Kyle O'Reilly in final match in Best Of The Super Junior 2015.
14AAAMonterrey, Nuevo León, MexicoMyzteziz, La Parka and Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Johnny Mundo, El Mesias and Pentagón Jr. in a Six-man tag team match
14WWEMoney in the BankColumbusSeth Rollins (c) defeated Dean Ambrose in a Ladder match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
19ROHBest in the WorldNew York CityJay Lethal (c - TV) defeated Jay Briscoe (c - World) in a Winner Take All singles match to win both the ROH World Championship and ROH World Television Championship
28TNASlammiversaryOrlandoJeff Jarrett defeated Matt Hardy, Eric Young, Drew Galloway, and Bobby Roode in a King of the Mountain match to win the TNA King of the Mountain Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

July

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
4WWEThe Beast in the EastSumidaJohn Cena and Dolph Ziggler defeated Kane and King Barrett in a Tag Team match
5NJPWDominionOsakaKazuchika Okada defeated A.J. Styles (c) in a Singles match to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
17CMLLSin SalidaMexico City, MexicoÚltimo Guerrero defeated Rey Escorpión in a Best two-out-of-three falls Lucha de Apuestas hair vs. hair match
19WWEBattlegroundSt. LouisBrock Lesnar defeated Seth Rollins (c) by disqualification in a Singles match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
24GFWOne Night Only: GFW Amped Anthology – Part 1Las Vegas, NevadaGFW Global Championship Tournament match
24ROHDeath Before DishonorBaltimoreJay Lethal (c) vs. Roderick Strong ended in a 60-minute time limit draw in a Singles match for the ROH World Championship
25GFWOne Night Only: GFW Amped Anthology – Part 2Las Vegas, NevadaGFW Global Championship Tournament match
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

August

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
9AAATriplemanía XXIIIMexico CityRey Mysterio Jr. defeated Myzteziz
16NJPWG1 Climax FinalTokyoHiroshi Tanahashi defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in the final of the 2015 G1 Climax
21GFWOne Night Only: GFW Amped Anthology – Part 3Las Vegas, NevadaGFW Global Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat match
21GFWOne Night Only: GFW Amped Anthology – Part 4Las Vegas, NevadaGFW Global Championship Finals match
22ROHField of HonorBrooklynJay Lethal and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) in a Tag Team match
22WWE


TakeOver: BrooklynBrooklynFinn Bálor (c) defeated Kevin Owens in a Ladder match to retain the NXT Championship
23 WWESummerSlamBrooklynThe Undertaker defeated Brock Lesnar by submission in a Singles match
28–30PWGBattle of Los AngelesReseda, CaliforniaZack Sabre Jr. defeated Chris Hero and Mike Bailey in an elimination three-way match to win the 2015 Battle of Los Angeles tournament
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

September

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
18CMLLCMLL 82nd Anniversary ShowMexico City, MexicoAtlantis defeated La Sombra in a Best two-out-of-three falls Lucha de Apuestas, mask vs. mask match
18ROHAll Star ExtravaganzaSan AntonioJay Lethal (c) defeated Kyle O'Reilly in a Singles match to retain the ROH World Championship
20WWENight of ChampionsHoustonSeth Rollins (c) defeated Sting in a Singles match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
23NJPWDestruction in OkayamaOkayamaTogi Makabe (c) defeated Kota Ibushi in a Singles match to retain the NEVER Openweight Championship
26WWC42nd WWC AniversarioBayamón, Puerto RicoTommy Diablo vs. Peter the Bad Romance (c) for the WWC Junior Heavyweight Championship
27NJPWDestruction in KobeKobeShinsuke Nakamura defeated Hirooki Goto (c) in a Singles match to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

October

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
2NJPW / RevProUprisingBethnal Green, London, United KingdomAJ Styles (c) defeated Marty Scurll and Will Ospreay in a Three-way match for the British Heavyweight Championship
3NJPW / RevProGlobal Wars UKReading, United KingdomAJ Styles (c) defeated Jyushin Thunder Liger in a Singles match for the British Heavyweight Championship
3WWELive from Madison Square GardenNew York CityJohn Cena (c) defeated Seth Rollins in a Steel Cage match to retain the WWE United States Championship
4AAAHeroes InmortalesSan Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MexicoEl Patrón Alberto (c) (with Psycho Clown) defeated Johnny Mundo (with Brian Cage) in a Singles match for the AAA Mega Championship
4TNABound for GloryConcordMatt Hardy defeated Ethan Carter III (c) and Drew Galloway in a Three-Way match to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship with Jeff Hardy as special guest referee
7WWE


TakeOver: RespectWinter ParkBayley (c) defeated Sasha Banks 3–2 in a 30-minute Iron Man match to retain the NXT Women's Championship
12NJPWKing of Pro-WrestlingTokyoKazuchika Okada (c) defeated A.J. Styles in a Singles match to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
23GFWGFW Amped Anthology – Part 3Las Vegas, NevadaGFW Global Championship Finals match
23ROHGlory By HonorKalamazooThe Kingdom (Adam Cole, Matt Taven and Michael Bennett) defeated Dalton Castle and War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) in a Six-man tag team match
24DaytonROH Champions (Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong and The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Michael Bennett)) defeated ROH All-Stars (Moose, The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) and Dalton Castle) in an Eight-man elimination tag team match
25WWEHell in a CellLos AngelesBrock Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

November

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
7NJPWPower StruggleOsakaShinsuke Nakamura (c) defeated Karl Anderson in a Singles match to retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
13ROHSurvival of the FittestMilwaukeeBullet Club (A.J. Styles and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)) defeated The House of Truth (Jay Lethal, Donovan Dijak and Joey Daddiego) in a Six-man tag team match
14HopkinsMichael Elgin defeated Jay Briscoe, Christopher Daniels, A. C. H. and Silas Young to win Survival of the Fittest tournament final Five-way elimination match. Winner will receive an ROH World Championship match
22WWESurvivor SeriesAtlantaRoman Reigns defeated Dean Ambrose in the tournament final to win the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, then Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated Reigns (c) in a singles match to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

December

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
8WWETribute to the TroopsJacksonville, FloridaDean Ambrose, The Dudley Boyz, Ryback, Kane, The Bloodline (Roman Reigns & The Usos) defeated The League of Nations & The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman & The Reapers)
13WWETLC: Tables, Ladders & ChairsBostonSheamus (c) defeated Roman Reigns in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
16WWE


TakeOver: LondonLondonFinn Bálor (c) defeated Samoa Joe in a Singles match to retain the NXT Championship
18ROHFinal BattlePhiladelphiaJay Lethal (c) defeated A.J. Styles in a Singles match to retain the ROH World Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

Notable events

Tournaments and accomplishments

AAA

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Rey de ReyesEl Texano Jr.March 18
Alas de OroDragoJune 14Last eliminated Super Fly to win.
Copa Antonio PeñaTaurusOctober 4Last eliminated La Parka to win.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Joker's WildLashleyFebruary 14
Knockouts KnockdownAwesome KongFebruary 15
World CupTeam Hardy (Jeff Hardy, Gunner, Crazzy Steve, Davey Richards, Rockstar Spud, Gail Kim)February 15
TNA X Division Championship TournamentTigre UnoJune 27

WWE

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Royal RumbleRoman ReignsJanuary 25Last eliminated Rusev to win a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 31, but was unsuccessful in his match against champion Brock Lesnar due to Seth Rollins cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, converting the singles match into a triple threat match in which Rollins pinned Reigns to win Lesnar's title.
NXT Championship #1 Contender's TournamentFinn BálorFebruary 11Defeated Adrian Neville in the tournament final to win a match for the NXT Championship on the March 25 episode of NXT, but was unsuccessful against champion Kevin Owens.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Qualifying TournamentHideo ItamiMarch 28Defeated Finn Bálor in the tournament final to win a spot in the battle royal, but was unsuccessful in winning the battle royal.
André the Giant Memorial Battle RoyalBig ShowMarch 29Last eliminated Damien Mizdow to win the André the Giant Memorial Trophy.
King of the RingBad News BarrettApril 28Defeated Neville in the tournament final to win and be crowned King of the Ring. Barrett subsequently changed his ring name to King Barrett.
Money in the Bank ladder matchSheamusJune 14Defeated Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Neville, Kofi Kingston, Roman Reigns, and Randy Orton to win a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match contract. Sheamus cashed in and won the title from Reigns at Survivor Series after Reigns had just defeated Dean Ambrose to win the vacant title.
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team ClassicFinn Bálor and Samoa JoeOctober 7Defeated Baron Corbin and Rhyno in the tournament final to win the Dust Rhodes Tag Team Classic Trophy.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship TournamentRoman ReignsNovember 22Defeated Dean Ambrose in the tournament final to win the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship; previous champion Seth Rollins vacated the title due to suffering a legitimate injury.

Title changes

AAA

AAA Mega Championship
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
November 9VacatedN/A
AAA Latin American Championship
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
August 31Sin Límite
AAA World Mini-Estrella Championship
No title changes
AAA World Cruiserweight Championship
No title changes
AAA Reina de Reinas Championship
No title changes
AAA World Tag Team Championship
Incoming champions – Los Perros del Mal
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
October 4Los Güeros del Cielo
Héroes Inmortales IX
AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship
Incoming champions – La Sociedad
No title changes
AAA World Trios Championship
Incoming champions – Los Hell Brothers
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
June 14Los Hell Brothers
Verano de Escándalo

NJPW

IWGP Heavyweight Championship
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 11A.J. Styles
July 5Kazuchika Okada
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
May 3Hirooki Goto
September 27Shinsuke Nakamura
Incoming champions – Bullet Club
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 4Meiyu Tag
February 11Bullet Club
April 5The Kingdom
July 5Bullet Club
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 4Kenny Omega
July 5Kushida
September 23Kenny Omega
Incoming champions – reDRagon
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 11The Young Bucks
This was a three-way match, also involving Time Splitters (Alex Shelley and Kushida).
April 5Roppongi Vice
May 3The Young Bucks
This was a three-way match, also involving reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly).
August 16reDRagon
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 4Togi Makabe
February 14VacatedThe title was vacated due to Togi Makabe being sidelined with influenza.
February 14Tomohiro IshiiDefeated Tomoaki Honma to win the vacant title.
April 29Togi Makabe
October 12Tomohiro Ishii

ROH

width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
June 19Jay LethalBest in the World
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
October 23Roderick StrongGlory By Honor XIV
Incoming champion(s) – reDRagon)
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
April 4The Addiction
Ring of Honor Wrestling
September 18The Kingdom
)
All Star Extravaganza VII
December 18War Machine
)
Final Battle

The Crash Lucha Libre

width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
May 8Pentagón Jr.The Crash showThis was a four-way match also involving Drago and Zarco[1]
October 2Bestia 666The Crash show[2]
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
July 3Star DragónThe Crash show[3]
October 11MirageThe Crash show[4]
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
May 8Black Boy and Rey HorusThe Crash showDefeated Bestia 666 and Mosco Negro, and Daga and Steve Pain in the Three way match to become the inaugural champions.[5]
September 18Tony Casanova and ZarcoThe Crash show[6]

TNA

TNA World Heavyweight Championship
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 7Impact Wrestlingalign=left
January 31
Impact Wrestling
June 25
Impact Wrestling
October 4align=left This was a three-way match also involving Drew Galloway. Jeff Hardy was the special guest referee
October 6Vacatedalign=left Vacated due to a legal injunction filed by Ethan Carter III as part of the storyline
TNA X Division Championship
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 7Austin AriesImpact Wrestlingalign=left
January 8
Low KiImpact Wrestling
January 31
Rockstar SpudImpact Wrestlingalign=left Spud invoked his Feast or Fired title opportunity.
March 15
Kenny KingImpact Wrestlingalign=left This was a four-way ladder match also involving Tigre Uno and Mandrews.
May 10
Rockstar SpudImpact Wrestlingalign=left This was a gauntlet match featuring King, Suicide/Manik, Zema Ion, Mandrews, Argos, Crazzy Steve, and Tigre Uno.
May 10
VacatedImpact Wrestlingalign=left Rockstar Spud vacated the title in exchange for an opportunity to wrestle for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
June 24Tigre UnoImpact Wrestlingalign=left Tigre Uno defeated Low Ki and Grado in a three-way elimination match to win the vacant championship.
TNA World Tag Team Championship
Incoming champions – The Revolution
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 30
The Wolves
Impact Wrestling
March 13
VacatedImpact Wrestling
March 16
The Hardys
Impact Wrestling
May 8VacatedImpact WrestlingVacated due to Jeff Hardy suffering a broken leg.
June 25
The Wolves
Impact Wrestling
July 28
Brian Myers and Trevor LeeImpact Wrestling
July 29
The Wolves
Impact Wrestling
TNA King of the Mountain Championship
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
June 28Jeff JarrettSlammiversaryalign=left The TNA Television Championship was reactivated on June 25 and renamed the "TNA King of the Mountain Championship." Jeff Jarrett defeated Matt Hardy, Drew Galloway, Eric Young, and Bobby Roode in a King of the Mountain match to win the reactivated championship.
July 27
VacatedImpact Wrestlingalign=left The title was vacated after Jeff Jarrett became TNA General Manager.
July 27
PJ BlackImpact Wrestlingalign=left PJ Black defeated Lashley, Chris Mordetzky, Eric Young, and Robbie E in a King of the Mountain match to win the vacant title.
July 28
Bobby RoodeImpact Wrestling
TNA Knockouts Championship
Incoming champion – Taryn Terrell
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
June 25
BrookeImpact WrestlingBrooke was formerly known as Miss Tessmacher
July 29
Gail KimImpact Wrestlingalign=left Fatal four-way match also involving Awesome Kong and Lei'D Tapa.

WWE

width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
March 29Seth RollinsWrestleMania 31Cashed in his Money in the Bank contract during a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, thus making it a triple threat match. Rollins pinned Reigns to win the championship, thus becoming the first wrestler to cash in their Money in the Bank contract during a match as well as cash-in and win the title without pinning or submitting the champion.
November 4VacatedWWE LiveVacated after Seth Rollins suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and a damaged meniscus at a live show in Dublin, Ireland.
November 22Roman ReignsSurvivor SeriesDefeated Dean Ambrose in a tournament final for the vacant title.
SheamusCashed in his Money in the Bank contract.
December 14Roman ReignsMonday Night RawTitle vs. career match
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 5Bad News BarrettMonday Night RawDolph Ziggler originally retained his title against Barrett, but Director of Operations Kane made the match a two-out-of-three falls match, which Barrett won.
March 29Daniel BryanWrestleMania 31Seven-way ladder match, also involving Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper, R-Truth, and Stardust.
May 11VacatedMonday Night RawVacated due to injury.
May 31RybackElimination ChamberElimination Chamber match for the vacant title, also involving Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry, R-Truth, and King Barrett (formerly Bad News Barrett).
September 20Kevin OwensNight of Champions
December 13Dean AmbroseTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
March 29John CenaWrestleMania 31
August 23Seth RollinsSummerSlamWinner Takes All match, in which Rollins also defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
September 20John CenaNight of Champions
October 25Alberto Del RioHell in a CellOpen challenge.
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
September 20CharlotteNight of Champions
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 22Tyson Kidd and CesaroFastlane
April 26The New Day
Extreme RulesBig E and Kingston won the match, but Woods was also recognized as champion under the Freebird Rule.
June 14The Prime Time Players
Money in the BankBig E and Xavier Woods represented The New Day.
August 23The New Day
SummerSlamFatal four-way tag team match, also involving The Lucha Dragons and Los Matadores.

NXT

width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 11Kevin OwensTakeOver: RivalOwens won when the referee decided that Sami Zayn was unable to continue.
July 4Finn BálorThe Beast in the East
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 11Sasha BanksTakeOver: RivalFatal four-way match, also involving Bayley and Becky Lynch.
August 22BayleyTakeOver: Brooklyn
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 15
Blake and Murphy
NXTDuring their reign, their ringnames were shortened to Blake and Murphy, respectively.
August 22The Vaudevillains
TakeOver: Brooklyn
October 22
The Revival
NXTThey won the titles as Dash and Dawson. During their reign, they were renamed to The Revival.

Awards and honors

AAA Hall of Fame

See main article: AAA Hall of Fame.

Inductee
Héctor Garza
El Hijo del Perro Aguayo

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

See main article: List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards.

Category Winner
Wrestler of the Year
Tag Team of the YearThe New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Match of the YearBayley vs. Sasha Banks
Feud of the YearBrock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
Most Popular Wrestler of the YearDean Ambrose
Most Hated Wrestler of the Year
Most Improved Wrestler of the YearRoman Reigns
Inspirational Wrestler of the YearBayley
Rookie of the YearMoose
Sasha Banks
Stanley Weston Award (Lifetime Achievement)Roddy Piper

TNA Hall of Fame

See main article: TNA Hall of Fame.

Inductee
Jeff Jarrett
Earl Hebner

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

See main article: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.

CategoryInductee
IndividualBrock Lesnar
Shinsuke Nakamura
Perro Aguayo, Jr.
Ivan Koloff
Carlos Colón
Eddie Quinn
GroupThe Assassins (Jody Hamilton and Tom Renesto)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

See main article: List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards.

CategoryWinner
Wrestler of the YearA.J. Styles
Most OutstandingA.J. Styles
Tag Team of the YearThe Young Bucks
(Matt and Nick Jackson)
Most ImprovedBayley

WWE

WWE Hall of Fame

See main article: WWE Hall of Fame.

CategoryInducteeInducted by
IndividualRandy SavageHulk Hogan
RikishiThe Usos
Alundra BlayzeNatalya Neidhart
Larry ZbyszkoBruno Sammartino
Tatsumi FujinamiRic Flair
Kevin NashShawn Michaels
GroupThe Bushwhackers
CelebrityTriple H
Warrior AwardConnor "The Crusher" MichalekDana Warrior and Daniel Bryan

Slammy Awards

See main article: Slammy Award.

Poll[7] Winner
Tag Team of the YearThe Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso)
Best John Cena's U.S. Open Challengevs. Cesaro on Raw (July 6)
Hashtag of the Year
  1. SuplexCity
Celebrity Moment of the YearStephen Amell dives onto Stardust and King Barrett at SummerSlam
"Tell Me You Didn't Just Say That" Insult of the YearBrock Lesnar coins "Suplex City" at WrestleMania 31
Rivalry of the YearThe Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar
Best Original WWE Network ShowStone Cold Podcast
Double-Cross of the YearDamien Mizdow eliminates The Miz from the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31
Extreme Moment of the YearRoman Reigns attacks Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, and Triple H with a steel chair at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs
Breakout Star of the YearNeville
LOL! Moment of the YearR-Truth mistakes himself of being in the Money in the Bank ladder match on Raw. (June 8)
The "OMG!" Shocking Moment of the YearKalisto executes Salida del Sol off the top of a ladder through another ladder on Jey Uso at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs
Superstar of the YearSeth Rollins
"The Hero in All of Us" Award, presented by Coca-ColaJohn Cena
Surprise Return of the YearSting returns, as Seth Rollins' statue, and attacks Rollins on Raw. (August 24)
Diva of the YearNikki Bella
"This is Awesome!" Moment of the YearThe Rock and Ronda Rousey attack Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31.
Match of the YearBrock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match at Hell in a Cell

NXT Year-End Awards

See main article: NXT Year-End Award.

PollWinner[8]
Tag Team of the YearEnzo Amore and Colin Cassady
Female Competitor of the YearBayley
Male Competitor of the YearFinn Bálor
TakeOver of the Year
Match of the YearSasha Banks (c) vs. Bayley for the NXT Women's Championship at
Overall Competitor of the YearFinn Bálor

Debuts

Retirements

Deaths

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ¡Pentágon Jr. es el nuevo campeón de peso crucero, y dedica su triunfo al líder de la jauría! . Pérez Navarro . Samuel . May 10, 2015 . May 11, 2015 . The Gladiatores . es.
  2. Web site: The Lucha Report . Zellner . Kris . October 4, 2015 . October 4, 2015 . Pro Wrestling Insider.
  3. Web site: The Crash Junior Championship >> Title history >> 03.07.2015 - 11.10.2015: Star Dragon . CageMatch . de . August 28, 2018.
  4. Web site: The Crash Junior Championship >> Title history >> 11.10.2015 - 12.02.2016: Mirage . CageMatch . de . August 28, 2018.
  5. Web site: The Crash Tag Team Championship >> Reigns >> 08.05.2015 - 18.09.2015: Black Boy & Rey Horus . August 26, 2018 . CageMatch . de.
  6. Web site: The Crash Tag Team Championship >> Reigns >> 18.09.2015 - 13.08.2016: Tony Casanova & Zarco . August 26, 2018 . CageMatch . de.
  7. Web site: 2015 Slammy Awards voting opens tonight!. December 14, 2015. WWE. December 14, 2015.
  8. News: The 2015 NXT Year-End Award acceptance speeches. WWE. 2018-01-04. en.
  9. Web site: RIP The ECW Zombie Tim Roberts, 1976–2015. 7 January 2015.
  10. Web site: ORIGINAL ECW BOOKER, TWA STAR LARRY WINTERS PASSES AWAY PWInsider.com. www.pwinsider.com. 2017-12-25.
  11. Web site: Pro Wrestlers Who Have Died In 2015 – Rowdy Roddy Piper Makes 14. 1 August 2015.
  12. http://nwhof.org/blog/remembering-nwhof-distinguished-member-dan-brand/ Daniel Brand's obituary
  13. News: 東京五輪レスリング銅メダルの堀内岩雄さん 糖尿病で死去 . 6 March 2015 . . ja . 19 June 2015.
  14. Web site: Falleció el Hijo del Perro Aguayo . March 21, 2015 . March 20, 2015 . MedioTiempo . es . MSN.
  15. Web site: Fallece en Tijuana "El Hijo del Perro Aguayo . March 21, 2015 . March 21, 2015 . El Mexicano . es . March 22, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150322185031/http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/informacion/noticias/1/5/deportes/2015/03/21/837022/fallece-en-tijuana-el-hijo-del-perro-aguayo . dead .
  16. News: NZ wrestling great dies. 2015-04-06. Radio New Zealand. 2017-12-25. en-nz.
  17. News: Breaking News: wrestling legend, Observer first year Hall of Famer Verne Gagne passes away at 89. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. April 27, 2015. April 28, 2015.
  18. Web site: WWE Legend Roddy Piper Dies at 61 | Variety . 2015-07-31 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150731234510/http://variety.com/2015/biz/obituaries-people-news/roddy-piper-dies-dead-wwe-wrestler-1201554513/ . 2015-07-31 .