Dot Net Awards: 2009 MVP

Dot Net readers voted on a variety of 2009 awards throughout January and February. We will be revealing the winners throughout the weekend. The following are the poll results of the MVP category.

(1) Chris Jericho: 28 percent
(2) C.M. Punk: 15 percent
(3) A.J. Styles: 12 percent
(4) Jeff Hardy: 10 percent
(5) Randy Orton: 7 percent
Others: 28 percent

Rich Twilling's thoughts: If I could cut this award in half, I would, and I would split it between Chris Jericho and C.M. Punk. Punk had a great year as the winner of the Money in the Bank ladder match, as the World Heavyweight Champion, and when he successfully turned heel. His Straight Edge Society is the best thing going in wrestling right now. Since there is only one award, I will give it to Jericho. He made the Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships relevant again. His mic work on both Raw and Smackdown was top notch. He made other people look good too. So, I'll go Jericho one, Punk a close second, and a tie for third with Kurt Angle and Randy Orton.

Jason Powell's thoughts: Jericho ran away with the award, which is no surprise. He was so valuable to WWE that they put the tag titles on him to provide a storyline excuse for him appearing on both television shows. Despite appearing on Mondays and Fridays, his act never got stale. Punk is a strong choice for second, and Jeff Hardy is right there with him, as no one was hotter as a babyface when he was active.

A strong argument can be made for John Cena, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Undertaker belonging on this list. Cena remains the WWE poster boy. He, DX, and Taker are the reigning merchandise kings in pro wrestling and the true box office draws, which should count for more than it seems to with online fans.