2016 in professional wrestling

2016 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling.

List of years in professional wrestling
+...

List of notable promotions

These promotions held notable events in 2016.

Promotion NameAbbreviationNotes
Consejo Mundial de Lucha LibreCMLL
DDT Pro-WrestlingDDT
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.
In July, WWE reintroduced the brand split, where it divided its main roster into two storyline divisions, Raw and SmackDown, referred to as brands where wrestlers exclusively performed on their respective weekly television programs. NXT served as WWE's developmental territory.

Calendar of notable shows

January

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
1CMLLSin PiedadMexico CityNegro Casas defeated Super Parka in a two out of three falls hair vs. hair match[1]
4NJPWWrestle Kingdom 10TokyoKazuchika Okada (c) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[2]
5–7TNAOne Night Only: RivalsBethlehem, PennsylvaniaMr. Anderson vs. Bram
7–9
30–31
TNAOne Night Only: Joker's WildBethlehem, Pennsylvania
London, England
Birmingham, England
14-person intergender Joker's Wild gauntlet battle royal
8TNAOne Night Only: Live!Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaEric Young and Bram vs. Beer Money, Inc. (Bobby Roode and James Storm)
9WWCEuphoriaBayamon, Puerto RicoMr. 450 Hammett defeated Carlito in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship
22AAAGuerra de TitanesZapopanEl Mesías & El Texano Jr. defeated Dr. Wagner Jr. & Psycho Clown in the semi-final of the AAA Mega Championship tournament[3]
22CMLL
NJPW
Fantastica Mania
(Tokyo shows)
TokyoMephisto & Último Guerrero defeated Místico & Volador Jr. in a tag team match[4]
23Kazuchika Okada, Mephisto & Último Guerrero defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Místico & Volador Jr. in a 6-man tag match[5]
24Volador Jr. (c) defeated Mephisto to retain the NWA World Historic Welterweight Championship[6]
24WWERoyal RumbleOrlando, FLTriple H won the 30-man Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Dean Ambrose to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, which Roman Reigns, who entered at number one, was defending in the match; Triple H eliminated Reigns before lastly eliminating Ambrose[7]First time one of WWE's world championships was defended in the Royal Rumble match, which traditionally awards the winner a match for a world championship at WrestleMania.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

February

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain Event
11NJPWThe New Beginning
in Osaka
OsakaKazuchika Okada (c) defeated Hirooki Goto to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[8]
14NJPWThe New Beginning
in Niigata
NagaokaKenny Omega defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the vacant IWGP Intercontinental Championship[9]
19ROH
NJPW
Honor Rising: JapanTokyoTomohiro Ishii defeated Roderick Strong (c) to win the ROH World Television Championship[10]
20Jay Lethal (c) (with Truth Martini) defeated Tomoaki Honma to retain the ROH World Championship[11]
21WWEFastlaneCleveland, OHRoman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose in a triple threat match to become the number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32[12]
25NJPWLion's Gate Project 1Tokyo, JapanYuji Nagata defeated Mitsuhiro Kitamiya in a Singles match
26ROH14th Anniversary ShowLas Vegas, NVJay Lethal (c) (with Taeler Hendrix & Truth Martini) defeated Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly to retain the ROH World Championship[13]
28DDTInto The Fight 2016Tokyo, JapanHarashima defeated Shigehiro Irie to determine the No. 1 contender to the KO-D Openweight Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

March

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain Event
12WWERoadblockTorontoTriple H (c) defeated Dean Ambrose to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[14]
12NJPWNew Japan Cup FinalAomoriTetsuya Naito defeated Hirooki Goto in the tournament final to win the 2016
17TNAOne Night Only: Knockouts KnockdownOrlando, FloridaKnockouts Gauntlet match to crown the "Queen of the Knockouts"
17–19TNAOne Night Only: Victory RoadOrlando, FloridaEthan Carter III vs. Eli Drake
18CMLLHomenaje a Dos LeyendasMexico CityVolador Jr. (with Flyer) defeated Negro Casas (with Mephisto) in a two out of three falls hair vs. hair match[15]
21DDTJudgement 2016: DDT 19th AnniversaryTokyo, JapanHarashima defeated Isami Kodaka (c) to win the KO-D Openweight Championship
23AAARey de ReyesSan LuisEl Texano Jr. defeated El Mesías to win the vacant AAA Mega Championship[16]
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

April

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain Event
1WWE:
TakeOver: DallasDallas, TXFinn Bálor (c) defeated Samoa Joe to retain the NXT Championship[17]
1ROHSupercard of Honor XDallas, TXThe Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) defeated The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in a tag team match[18]
2Kyle O'Reilly defeated Adam Cole in a No Holds Barred match
3WWEWrestleMania 32Arlington, TXRoman Reigns defeated Triple H (c) to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[19]
10NJPWInvasion AttackTokyoTetsuya Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada (c) to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[20]
29CMLLArena México
60th Anniversary Show
Mexico CityMístico & Mephisto defeated Carístico & Cibernético in the final of the 2016 Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles tournament
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

May

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain Event
1WWEPaybackRosemont, ILRoman Reigns (c) defeated AJ Styles in a no countout, no disqualification match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[21]
3NJPWWrestling DontakuFukuokaTetsuya Naito (c) defeated Tomohiro Ishii to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[22]
8ROH
NJPW
Global WarsChicago Ridge, ILJay Lethal (c) vs. Colt Cabana for the ROH World Championship ended in a no contest[23]
19NJPWLion's Gate Project 2Tokyo, JapanHiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi, Satoshi Kojima and Yuji Nagata defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima, Masa Kitamiya, Maybach Taniguchi and Quiet Storm in an Eight-man tag team match
22WWEExtreme RulesNewark, NJRoman Reigns (c) defeated AJ Styles in an Extreme Rules match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[24]
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

June

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
3–5AAALucha Libre World CupMexico CityJohnny Mundo defeated Pentagón Jr. in the final sudden death match to win the 2016 Lucha Libre World Cup for Team Lucha Underground, after the final and first two sudden death matches had ended in time limit draws[25]
8WWE:
TakeOver: The EndWinter Park, FLSamoa Joe (c) defeated Finn Bálor in a Steel Cage match to retain the NXT Championship[26]
12TNASlammiversaryOrlando, FLLashley defeated Drew Galloway (c) by submission in a "knock out or tap out" match to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship[27]
13TNAOne Night Only: World CupOrlando, FloridaTen person intergender elimination tag team matchAired on July 22
19NJPWDominionOsakaKazuchika Okada defeated Tetsuya Naito (c) to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[28]
19WWEMoney in the BankLas Vegas, NVSeth Rollins defeated Roman Reigns (c) to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, then Dean Ambrose cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated Seth Rollins (c) to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[29]On June 27, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was renamed to WWE Championship
24ROHBest in the WorldConcord, NCJay Lethal (c) defeated Jay Briscoe to retain the ROH World Championship[30]
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

July

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
1CMLLInternational Gran PrixMexico City, MexicoVolador Jr. defeated Tama Tonga to win the match for "Team Mexico"

Also in the match: Team Mexico (Diamante Azul, Máximo, La Máscara, Rey Escorpión, Rush, Shocker and Último Guerrero), Team International (Johnny Idol, Kushida, Marco Corleone, Michael Elgin, Okumura, Sam Adonis and Tanga Roa) in a 2016 CMLL International Gran Prix, 16-man Torneo Cibernetico

13–14TNAOne Night Only: X-TravaganzaOrlando, Florida7-man Ladder match to determine the #1 contender for the TNA X Division ChampionshipAired on August 26
24WWEBattlegroundWashington, D.C.Dean Ambrose (c) defeated Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to retain the WWE Championship[31]Final WWE PPV before the second brand split went into full affect
After the unveiling of the WWE Universal Championship for the Raw brand on July 25, the WWE Championship was renamed to WWE World Championship on July 26
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

August

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
11–14TNAOne Night Only: SeptemberOrlando, FloridaEddie Edwards vs. Lashley
14NJPWG1 Climax FinalTokyoKenny Omega defeated Hirooki Goto in the final of the 2016 G1 Climax tournament[32]
16–17TNAOne Night Only: Against All OddsOrlando, FloridaMatt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III
19ROHDeath Before DishonorLas Vegas, NVAdam Cole defeated Jay Lethal (c) to win the ROH World Championship[33]
20WWE:
TakeOver: Brooklyn IIBrooklyn, NYShinsuke Nakamura defeated Samoa Joe (c) to win the NXT Championship[34]
21NJPWSuper J-Cup FinalTokyoKushida defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru in the final of the 2016 Super J-Cup[35]
21WWE:
SummerSlamBrooklyn, NYBrock Lesnar defeated Randy Orton by TKO in a singles match[36]First WWE PPV after the second brand split went into full affect.
27ROHField of HonorBrooklyn, NYAdam Cole (c) defeated Jay Lethal, Tetsuya Naito and Hiroshi Tanahashi in a Four Corner Survival match to retain the ROH World Championship[37]
28AAATriplemanía XXIVMexico CityPsycho Clown defeated Pagano in a two-out-of-three falls lucha de apuesta, mask vs. hair match[38]
DDTRyōgoku Peter Pan 2016Tokyo, JapanShuji Ishikawa defeated Konosuke Takeshita (c) to win the KO-D Openweight Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

September

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
1NJPWLion's Gate Project 3Tokyo, JapanHiroyoshi Tenzan, Katsuyori Shibata, Manabu Nakanishi, Satoshi Kojima and Yuji Nagata defeated Go Shiozaki, Kaito Kiyomiya, Katsuhiko Nakajima, Masa Kitamiya and Maybach Taniguchi in a Ten-man tag team match
2CMLL83rd Anniversary ShowMexico CityDragon Lee defeated La Máscara in a two-out-of-three falls lucha de apuestas, mask vs. mask match[39]
2–4PWGBattle of Los AngelesReseda, CAMarty Scurll defeated Trevor Lee and Will Ospreay in a three-way elimination match to win the 2016 Battle of Los Angeles tournament[40]
11WWE:
BacklashRichmond, VAAJ Styles defeated Dean Ambrose (c) to win the WWE World Championship[41]First Backlash event since 2009. First brand-exclusive event since the reintroduction of the brand split, subsequently the first SmackDown-exclusive event under the second brand split.
14WWECruiserweight Classic FinaleWinter Park, FLT. J. Perkins defeated Gran Metalik in the tournament final to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship[42]First event to feature the WWE Cruiserweight Championship (new version with a separate lineage from the original).
17NJPWDestructionTokyoBushi defeated Kushida (c) to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship[43]
22HiroshimaKenny Omega defeated Yoshi-Hashi to earn the right to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 11[44]
25KobeTetsuya Naito defeated Michael Elgin (c) to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship[45]
25WWE:
Clash of ChampionsIndianapolis, INKevin Owens (c) defeated Seth Rollins to retain the WWE Universal Championship[46]First Raw-exclusive event under the second brand split.
30ROHAll Star ExtravaganzaLowell, MAThe Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) defeated The Addiction (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) (c) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in the Ladder War VI to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship[47]
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

October

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
2AAAHéroes Inmortales XMonterreyJohnny Mundo (c) defeated Garza Jr. to retain the AAA Latin American Championship[48]
2TNABound for GloryOrlando, FLLashley (c) defeated Ethan Carter III in a No Holds Barred match to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship[49]
5TNAOne Night Only: DecemberOrlando, FloridaMike Bennett vs. Eddie EdwardsAired on December 12
9WWE:
No MercySacramento, CAAdvertised main event: AJ Styles (c) defeated John Cena and Dean Ambrose in a triple threat match to retain the WWE World Championship
Final match: Bray Wyatt defeated Randy Orton in a singles match[50]
The advertised main event was originally the last match on the card, but was changed last minute due to the presidential debate the same night
10NJPWKing of Pro-WrestlingTokyoKazuchika Okada (c) defeated Naomichi Marufuji to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[51]
14ROHGlory By Honor XVChicago Ridge, ILThe Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) (c) defeated Colt Cabana & Dalton Castle to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championship[52]
15Dearborn, MI
15WWCWWC Anniversary 43Bayamón, Puerto RicoAngel Cotto defeated Jaycobs (c), Angel Fashion, Tommy Diablo, Engel and OT Fernandez
30WWE:
Hell in a CellBoston, MACharlotte defeated Sasha Banks (c) in a Hell in a Cell match to win the WWE Raw Women's Championship[53]This was the first-ever women's Hell in a Cell match and the first time that a women's match was the main event of a WWE pay-per-view
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

November

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
3ROHSurvival of the FittestArlington, TXBobby Fish defeated Lio Rush, Punishment Martinez, Jax Dane, Dalton Castle and The Panther in a six-way elimination match to win the 2016 Survival of the Fittest tournament[54]
4San Antonio, TX
5NJPWPower StruggleOsakaTetsuya Naito (c) defeated Jay Lethal to retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship[55]
10NJPW / RevProGlobal Wars UKBethnal Green, United KingdomKatsuyori Shibata defeated Zack Sabre Jr (c) in a Singles match for the British Heavyweight Championship
11Global Wars UKWalthamstow, United KingdomKatsuyori Shibata (c) defeated Chris Hero in a Singles match for the British Heavyweight Championship
19WWE:
TakeOver: TorontoTorontoSamoa Joe defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (c) to win the NXT Championship[56]
20WWE:
Survivor SeriesTorontoGoldberg defeated Brock Lesnar in a singles match[57]Goldberg's first match in WWE after 12 years.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

December

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
2ROHFinal BattleNew York City, NYKyle O'Reilly defeated Adam Cole (c) in the No Disqualification match to win the ROH World Championship[58]
4WWE:
TLC: Tables, Ladders & ChairsDallas, TXAJ Styles (c) defeated Dean Ambrose in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match to retain the WWE World Championship[59]On the following episode of SmackDown Live, the WWE World Championship was renamed to WWE Championship
10NJPWWorld Tag League FinalRifuGreat Bash Heel (Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma) defeated Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) in the final of the 2016 World Tag League tournament[60]
13WWE:
Tribute to the TroopsWashington, D.C.Roman Reigns and Big Cass (with Enzo Amore) defeated Kevin Owens and Rusev in a Tag team match
18WWE:
Roadblock: End of the LinePittsburgh, PAKevin Owens (c) defeated Roman Reigns by disqualification to retain the WWE Universal Championship[61]
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

Cancelled events

DatePromotion(s)EventLocationMain EventNotes
TBAWWE:
WWE Elimination ChamberTBATBA

Accomplishments and tournaments

AAA

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Rey de ReyesPentagón Jr.March 23
Copa TriplemaníaAustralian SuicideAugust 28Last eliminated Daga to win
Copa Antonio PeñaPimpinela EscarlataOctober 2Last eliminated El Zorro to win

JWP

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Tag League the Best 2016Hanako Nakamori and MakotoFebruary 21

Ring of Honor

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship TournamentThe Kingdom (Matt Taven, T. K. O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia)December 2

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
TNA World Title SeriesEthan Carter IIIJanuary 5
Joker's WildDrew GallowayJanuary 31
Knockouts KnockdownJadeMarch 17
World CupTeam Hardy (Jeff Hardy, Eddie Edwards, Robbie E, Jessie Godderz, Jade)June 13
Impact Grand Championship TournamentAron RexOctober 2
Turkey BowlRobbie ENovember 24

WWE

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Royal RumbleTriple HJanuary 24Unlike the traditional means in which the winner received a world championship match at WrestleMania, this year's match was for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in which Roman Reigns, who entered at number one, defended the title; Triple H eliminated Reigns before lastly eliminating Dean Ambrose to win the title.
André the Giant Memorial Battle RoyalBaron CorbinApril 3Last eliminated Kane to win the André the Giant Memorial Trophy.
WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's TournamentThe Vaudevillains
(Aiden English and Simon Gotch)
May 1Faced Enzo Amore and Big Cass in the tournament final, but the match ended in a no contest due to Enzo suffering a legitimate injury. The Vaudevillains were instead awarded the WWE Tag Team Championship match against champions The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) at Extreme Rules, but were unsuccessful.
Money in the Bank ladder matchDean AmbroseJune 19Defeated Kevin Owens, Alberto Del Rio, Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, and Cesaro to win a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match contract. Immediately following the main event that same night, Ambrose cashed in the contract and won the title from Seth Rollins, who had just won the title from Roman Reigns.
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship TournamentHeath Slater and RhynoSeptember 11Defeated The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) in the tournament final to determine the inaugural SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Cruiserweight ClassicT. J. PerkinsSeptember 14Defeated Gran Metalik in the tournament final to win the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team ClassicThe Authors of Pain
(Akam and Rezar)
November 19Defeated TM-61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) in the tournament final to win the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Trophy.

Title changes

AAA

AAA Mega Championship
Incoming champion – Vacant
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
March 23El Texano Jr.Rey de Reyes
AAA Latin American Championship
Incoming champion – Psycho Clown
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
July 3Pentagón Jr.Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
August 28Johnny MundoTriplemanía XXIV
AAA World Mini-Estrella Championship
Incoming champion – Dinastía
No title changes
AAA World Cruiserweight Championship
Incoming champion – El Hijo del Fantasma
No title changes
AAA Reina de Reinas Championship
Incoming champion – Taya
No title changes
AAA World Tag Team Championship
Incoming champions – Los Güeros del Cielo (Angélico and Jack Evans)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 22VacatedGuerra de Titanes
Los Hell Brothers
(Averno and Chessman)
July 17Los Hell Brothers
(Averno and Chessman)
AAA Sin Límite
August 28Aero Star and DragoTriplemanía XXIV
AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship
Incoming champions – La Sociedad (Pentagón Jr. and Sexy Star)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
February 19VacatedAAA Television Taping
AAA World Trios Championship
Incoming champions – Los Hell Brothers (Averno, Chessman and Cibernético)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 22Los Xinetez
(Dark Cuervo, Dark Scoria and El Zorro)
Guerra de Titanes
November 4Los OGT
(Averno, Chessman and Ricky Marvin)
AAA Worldwide

TNA

TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Incoming champion – Vacated
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 5Ethan Carter IIIImpact WrestlingCarter III defeated Matt Hardy in the finals of the TNA World Title Series to win the vacant title
January 8
(aired January 19)
Matt HardyImpact WrestlingThis was a Last Man Standing match. Had Hardy not won, he would have left TNA.
March 15Drew GallowayImpact WrestlingGalloway invoked his Feast or Fired title opportunity to challenge Hardy for the championship and win the title
June 12LashleySlammiversaryThis was a Knockout or Tapout Only match.

On July 13, Lashley also won the TNA X Division Championship defeating then-champion Eddie Edwards in a title vs. title steel cage match. On August 11, Lashley also won the TNA King of the Mountain Championship by defeating then-champion James Storm in a title vs. titles match. The following day, Lashley retired the TNA King of the Mountain Championship and vacated the X Division Championship

October 3
(aired October 6)
Eddie EdwardsImpact Wrestling
TNA X Division Championship
Incoming champion – Tigre Uno
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 9
(aired February 2)
Trevor LeeImpact Wrestling
June 12Eddie EdwardsSlammiversaryThis was a four-way match, also involving Andrew Everett and DJ Z
June 14
(aired June 21)
Mike BennettImpact Wrestling
June 15
(aired July 5)
Eddie EdwardsImpact WrestlingUltimate X match, also involving Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, DJ Z, Rockstar Spud, Mandrews, and Braxton Sutter.
July 13
(aired July 21)
LashleyImpact WrestlingThis was a Winner Takes All Six Sides of Steel match for both Edwards's X Division Championship and Lashley's TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
August 12
(aired August 18)
VacatedImpact WrestlingLashley unified the TNA King of the Mountain Championship with his TNA World Heavyweight Championship and vacated the X Division Championship.
August 13
(aired September 1)
DJ ZImpact WrestlingUltimate X match, also involving Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Rockstar Spud, Mandrews, and Braxton Sutter.
TNA King of the Mountain Championship
Incoming champion – Bobby Roode
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 6
(aired January 12)
Eric YoungImpact WrestlingWith this victory, Young became the only wrestler to win this championship under all four (Legends, Global, Television, King of the Mountain) of its incarnations
March 19
(aired April 26)
BramSacrificeFalls Count Anywhere match.
April 23
(aired May 31)
Eli DrakeImpact WrestlingDrake invoked his Feast or Fired contract after Bram had been attacked by Lashley.
July 14
(aired August 4)
James StormImpact WrestlingDrake invoked his Feast or Fired contract after Bram had been attacked by Lashley.
August 11LashleyImpact WrestlingThis was a Winner Takes All match, also for Lashley's TNA World Heavyweight Championship and TNA X Division Championship
August 12
(aired August 18)
RetiredImpact WrestlingLashley unified the championship with his TNA World Heavyweight Championship, however at the August 13 tapings of Impact Wrestling, TNA President Billy Corgan announced that the title would be deactivated and retired.
TNA Grand Championship
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
October 2Aron RexBound for GloryDefeated Eddie Edwards in a tournament final by split decision to become the inaugural champion. Edwards was a substitute for Drew Galloway, who was legitimately injured
October 9
(aired December 1)
MooseImpact Wrestling
TNA World Tag Team Championship
Incoming champions – The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 31
(aired March 8)
Beer Money, Inc.
(Bobby Roode and James Storm)
Impact WrestlingStorm cashed in his Feast or Fired Tag Team Championship contract.
March 19
(aired April 26)
Decay
(Abyss and Crazzy Steve)
Impact WrestlingValley of Shadows match.
October 2The Broken Hardys
(Matt Hardy and Brother Nero)
Bound for GloryThis was The Great War. The team was previously known as The Hardys, and Brother Nero was previously known as Jeff Hardy.
TNA Knockouts Championship
Incoming champion – Gail Kim
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
March 17
(aired April 5)
JadeImpact WrestlingThree–way match also involving Madison Rayne.
June 12SiennaSlammiversaryThree–way match, also involving Gail Kim
August 12AllieTurning PointFive–way match, also involving Madison Rayne, Jade, and Marti Belle
August 13
(aired September 1)
Maria Kanellis-BennettImpact Wrestling
October 2Gail KimBound for Glory
October 9VacatedImpact WrestlingThe title was vacated due to Gail Kim sustaining an injury
October 9
(aired December 1)
RosemaryImpact WrestlingDefeated Jade in a Six Sides of Steel match to win the vacant title.

NJPW

IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Incoming champion – Kazuchika Okada
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
April 10Tetsuya NaitoInvasion Attack
June 19Kazuchika OkadaDominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall
Incoming champion – Shinsuke Nakamura
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 25VacatedVacated due to Nakamura leaving NJPW
February 14Kenny OmegaThe New Beginning in NiigataDefeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the vacant title
June 19Michael ElginDominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo HallThis was a ladder match
September 25Tetsuya NaitoDestruction in Kobe
Incoming champions – Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 4G.B.H.
(Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma)
Wrestle Kingdom 10
April 10Guerrillas of Destiny
(Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa)
Invasion Attack
June 19The Briscoe Brothers
(Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe)
Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall
October 10Guerrillas of Destiny
(Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa)
King of Pro-Wrestling
Incoming champion – Kenny Omega
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 4KushidaWrestle Kingdom 10
September 17BushiDestruction in Tokyo
November 5KushidaPower Struggle
Incoming champions – reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 4The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)
Wrestle Kingdom 10
February 11Matt Sydal and King RicochetThe New Beginning in OsakaThis was a three-way match, also involving reDRagon
April 10Roppongi Vice
(Beretta and Rocky Romero)
Invasion Attack
May 3Matt Sydal and King RicochetWrestling Dontaku
June 19The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)
Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo HallThis was a four-way elimination match, also involving reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) and Roppongi Vice (Beretta and Rocky Romero)
Incoming champion – Tomohiro Ishii
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 4Katsuyori ShibataWrestle Kingdom 10
May 3Yuji NagataWrestling Dontaku
June 19Katsuyori ShibataDominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall
November 5EvilPower Struggle
November 15Katsuyori ShibataWrestling World in Singapore
Incoming champions – N/A
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 4Chaos
(Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe and Toru Yano)
Wrestle Kingdom 10Defeated Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi) to become the inaugural champions
February 11Bullet Club
(Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi)
The New Beginning in Osaka
February 14Chaos
(Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe and Toru Yano)
The New Beginning in Niigata
February 20The Elite
(Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)
Honor Rising: Japan
April 10Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin and YoshitatsuInvasion Attack
May 3The Elite
(Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)
Wrestling Dontaku
July 3Matt Sydal, Ricochet and Satoshi KojimaKizuna Road
September 25VacatedVacated due to Sydal failing to make a scheduled championship defense because of "travel issues"
September 25David Finlay, Ricochet and Satoshi KojimaDestruction in KobeDefeated Bullet Club (Adam Cole, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) to win the vacant title

ROH

Incoming champion – Jay Lethal
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
August 19Adam ColeDeath Before Dishonor XIV
December 2Kyle O'ReillyFinal Battle
Incoming champion – Roderick Strong
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
February 9Tomohiro IshiiHonor Rising: Japan
May 8Bobby FishGlobal Wars
November 18Will OspreayReach for the Sky Tour
November 20Marty ScurllReach for the Sky Tour
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
December 2The Kingdom
(Matt Taven, T. K. O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia)
Final Battle
Incoming champions – War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
May 9The Addiction
(Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian)
War of the Worlds
September 30The Young Bucks
(Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)
All Star Extravaganza VIII

The Crash Lucha Libre

Incoming champion – Bestia 666[62]
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
2016VacatedN/AChampionship vacated for undocumented reasons[63]
August 13FlamitaThe Crash showDefeated El Torito, Fly Warrior, Laredo Kid, Lince Dorado, Septimo Dragon, and Willie Mack to win the vacant title[64][65]
Incoming champion – Mirage[66]
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
February 12Black BoyThe Crash showThis was a five-way elimination match also involving Jinzo and Proximo and Septimo Dragon[67]
July 24Black DangerThe Crash show[68]
Incoming champions – Tony Casanova and Zarco[69]
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
August 13Garza Jr. and Último NinjaThe Crash show[70]
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
November 26Sexy DulceThe Crash V AniversarioDulce defeated Keira to become the first champion[71]

WWE

 Raw
 SmackDown
 NXT

Raw and SmackDown

Following the reintroduction of the WWE brand extension in July, in which titles became exclusive to a brand and others were established as counterparts to the opposing brand's championships, Raw and SmackDown each had a world championship, a secondary championship, a women's championship, and a male tag team championship. A championship was also established for Raw's cruiserweight wrestlers.

Incoming champion – Roman Reigns
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 24Triple HRoyal RumbleThis was the Royal Rumble match, in which Roman Reigns defended the title. Triple H eliminated Reigns before lastly eliminating Dean Ambrose
April 3Roman ReignsWrestleMania 32
June 19Seth RollinsMoney in the Bank
Dean AmbroseCashed in his Money in the Bank contract
The title was renamed to WWE World Championship
The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the Draft in July when Dean Ambrose was drafted to SmackDown and retained the title against Raw draftees Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match at Battleground.
The title was renamed to WWE World Championship after the unveiling of the WWE Universal Championship for the Raw brand in July.
September 11AJ StylesBacklash
The title was renamed back to WWE Championship
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
August 21Finn BálorSummerSlamDefeated Seth Rollins in a pinfall and submission-only match to become the inaugural champion
August 22VacatedMonday Night RawFinn Bálor suffered a legitimate shoulder injury in winning the title
August 29Kevin OwensMonday Night RawFatal four-way elimination match for the vacant title, also involving Big Cass, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins
Incoming champion – Dean Ambrose
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
February 15Kevin OwensMonday Night RawFatal five-way match, also involving Tyler Breeze, Stardust, and Dolph Ziggler
April 3Zack RyderWrestleMania 32Seven-way ladder match, also involving Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn, Stardust, Sin Cara, and The Miz
April 4The MizMonday Night Raw
The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the Draft in July when The Miz was drafted to SmackDown and retained the title against Raw draftee Darren Young at Battleground.
October 9Dolph ZigglerNo MercyTitle vs. career match
November 15The MizSmackDown Live
Incoming champion – Alberto Del Rio
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 11KalistoMonday Night Raw
January 12Alberto Del RioSmackDown Live
January 24KalistoRoyal Rumble
May 22RusevExtreme Rules
The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the Draft in July when Rusev was drafted to Raw and retained the title against SmackDown draftee Zack Ryder at Battleground.
September 25Roman ReignsClash of Champions
Incoming champion – Charlotte
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
April 3RetiredWrestleMania 32The Divas Championship was retired and replaced by the new WWE Women's Championship
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
April 3CharlotteWrestleMania 32Defeated Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks in a triple threat match to become the inaugural champion. Charlotte was the Divas Champion going into the match and that title was retired after the unveiling of the new Women's Championship
The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the Draft in July when Charlotte was drafted to Raw.
July 25Sasha BanksMonday Night Raw
August 21CharlotteSummerSlam
The title was renamed to Raw Women's Championship on September 5 after the unveiling of the SmackDown Women's Championship
October 3Sasha BanksMonday Night Raw
October 30Charlotte FlairHell in a CellFirst women's Hell in a Cell match and first time a women's match was the main event of a WWE pay-per-view. Charlotte's ring name was lengthened to "Charlotte Flair"
November 28Sasha BanksMonday Night RawFalls Count Anywhere match
December 18Charlotte FlairRoadblock: End of the Line30-minute Iron Man match; Charlotte won 3–2 in sudden death overtime. Sasha Banks could no longer challenge for the title as long as Flair was champion (had Banks won, Flair could not have challenged for the title as long as Banks was champion).
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
September 11Becky LynchBacklashDefeated Alexa Bliss, Carmella, Naomi, Natalya, and Nikki Bella in a six-pack elimination challenge to become the inaugural champion
December 4Alexa BlissTLC: Tables, Ladders & ChairsTables match
Incoming champions – The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the Draft in July when The New Day were drafted to Raw.
The title was renamed to Raw Tag Team Championship on September 5 after the unveiling of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
December 18Cesaro and SheamusRoadblock: End of the LineBig E and Kofi Kingston represented The New Day.
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
September 11Heath Slater and RhynoBacklashDefeated The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso) in the tournament final to become the inaugural champions
December 4The Wyatt Family
(Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Randy Orton)
TLC: Tables, Ladders & ChairsWyatt and Orton won the match, but Harper was also recognized as champion under the Freebird Rule.
December 27American Alpha
(Chad Gable and Jason Jordan)
SmackDown LiveFatal four-way tag team elimination match, also involving Heath Slater and Rhyno and The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso).
Luke Harper and Randy Orton represented The Wyatt Family.
(Title created)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
September 14T. J. PerkinsCruiserweight ClassicDefeated Gran Metalik in the tournament final to become the inaugural champion
October 30The Brian KendrickHell in a Cell
November 29Rich Swann205 Live

NXT

Incoming champion – Finn Bálor
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
April 21Samoa JoeNXT Live
August 20Shinsuke NakamuraTakeOver: Brooklyn II
November 19Samoa JoeTakeOver: Toronto
December 3Shinsuke NakamuraNXTAn edited version of this match aired on the December 7 episode. The full match aired on the December 28 episode
Incoming champion – Bayley
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
April 1AsukaTakeOver: Dallas
Incoming champions – The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder)
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
April 1American Alpha
(Chad Gable and Jason Jordan)
TakeOver: Dallas
June 8The Revival
(Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder)
TakeOver: The End
November 19#DIY
(Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)
TakeOver: TorontoTwo-out-of-three falls match

Awards and honors

AJ Styles was awarded Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestler of the Year and Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler of the Year in 2016

AAA Hall of Fame

Inductee
Art Barr
Joaquín Roldán

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

CategoryWinner
Wrestler of the YearA.J. Styles
Tag Team of the YearThe New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Match of the YearA.J. Styles vs. John Cena (SummerSlam)
Feud of the YearSasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair
Most Popular Wrestler of the YearShinsuke Nakamura
Most Hated Wrestler of the YearRoman Reigns
Comeback of the YearGoldberg
Most Improved Wrestler of the YearThe Miz
Inspirational Wrestler of the YearBayley
Rookie of the YearNia Jax
Woman of the YearCharlotte Flair
Stanley Weston Award (Lifetime Achievement)Dick Beyer

TNA Hall of Fame

Inductee
Gail Kim

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

Inductee
Daniel Bryan
Gene Okerlund
Sting
James H. McLaughlin

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

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

WWE

WWE Hall of Fame

CategoryInducteeInducted by
IndividualStingRic Flair
The GodfatherThe Acolytes Protection Agency
Big Boss ManSlick
JacquelineThe Dudley Boyz
Stan HansenVader
GroupThe Fabulous FreebirdsThe New Day
CelebritySnoop DoggJohn Cena
Warrior AwardJoan LundenDana Warrior
LegacyMildred Burke
Frank Gotch
George Hackenschmidt
Ed "Strangler" Lewis
Pat O'Connor
Lou Thesz
"Sailor" Art Thomas

NXT Year-End Awards

PollPresenterWinner[72]
Breakout of the YearNigel McGuinnessBillie Kay and Peyton Royce
Match of the YearCharly CarusoThe Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) (c) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) in a two-out-of-three falls match for the NXT Tag Team Championship at NXT TakeOver: Toronto
Tag Team of the YearCorey GravesThe Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder)
Female Competitor of the YearNigel McGuinnessAsuka
Male Competitor of the YearNigel McGuinnessShinsuke Nakamura
Overall Competitor of the YearNigel McGuinnessShinsuke Nakamura

Debuts

Hana Kimura
Takuya Nomura
Nobuhiro Shimatani

Retirements

Sting
Booker T

Deaths

Hayabusa
Balls Mahoney
Chyna
Mr Fuji
Blackjack Mulligan

See also

References