WWE's Best Matches of 2017

[Psycho666Soldier]

I would love one year to have each match be accompanied by who voted for it and where they had it ranked.

I always do who ranked it highest, though I could attempt adding all of the rankings if people are interested. It just might be a bit more tedious to track.

[Psycho666Soldier]

The second part of the three-way tie for #25 will be posted later tonight. It should be up by second hour of Smackdown. And just so every one knows, the plan is to release a match a day and skipping the weekends(due to low activity on the boards).

[Dr_Seldon]

Very good women's title match, surprised it only appeared on three lists. They really should have saved it for Wrestlemania and they had two less good PPV matches which may have put a dampener on the enthusiasm for this match. I had this at #16 which makes it both the main roster women's match of the year as well as the best WWE TV match I saw in 2017.

# of matches in the top 25:
1 - Charlotte, Bayley

With the exception that I had it at #17, the same for me.

Another reason why this match might be underrated is how much Bayley cooled of during the year. It's easy to forget that at the time, she still had a lot of steam. Also, great to see Charlotte playing the heel part. She's so good in that role.

[Andy]

Sorry I didn't get round to catching up on the last few matches, just haven't had the time.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#25(tied).

United Kingdom Championship Tournament Semi-Final
Mark Andrews vs. Pete Dunne
United Kingdom Championship Tournament Day 2 1/15


The dawning of the WWE United Kingdom division began one hell of a ride that ended up producing one of the greatest in-ring rivalries of the last decade, possibly all-time. But the United Kingdom Championship Tournament brought a roster of ready talent. One if its true stars came in the form of Mark Andrews. And with the help of the Bruiserweight, his breath-taking style earned him a spot on the list.

Pete Dunne and Mark Andrews had their first match together, so it's an understatement to say both men are plenty familiar with each other. And it shows. While bringing new fans on a brand new journey, they expertly anticipate spots in order to create a devastating counter. Here you get to truly see Pete Dunne and Mark Andrews full abilties. where Pete Dunne is merciless and efficient, Mark Andrews is clever and creative. Dunne makes the most of every movement, expertly preparing for Andrews' high-flying antics. Mandrews is effortlessly smooth and masters the air so well that he never actually feels like an underdog despite being the physically weaker of the two.

Perhaps most compelling about this match is Andrews being the first to truly take Dunne to his limit, and it makes sense. It's hard to have an answer for Andrews' frenetic offense when it seems he can twist any motion into favorable offense. He's constantly flipping X-Plexes into hurricanranas and Bitter Ends into arm drags. Perhaps most stunning(pun intended) is the Stundog Millionaire counter out of the X-Plex. To Dunne's credit, he does have an answer, and that's unbridled brutality. His will to punish allows him great feats of strength to counter the counters of Mark Andrews. Never has an X-Plex to the apron looked more disgusting, or an elbow looked so crippling.

The engine keeps revving from beginning to end, accelerating to an unprecedented pace straight to the finish. The final moments leave the crowd unglued, but it's near impossible to pinpoint the moment it got there, because after the first minute, it's already the makings of something spectacular. Obviously, it was overshadowed by the instant classic that followed later that night, and the legend of Bate-Dunne 2017 put the spotlight elsewhere in the UK Division. But I think there's no denying that this was the moment its potential was realized.

Points: 30
Highest Rank: #7(mr sabu)
2 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

Charlotte/Bayley only just missed my list simply because I thought there were better matches last year. That said, I meant every word and think it was their best in-ring outing. I know at the time I had high praise for it and consider it the benchmark for women so far that year. I'm happy it made it's way onto the list.

Dunne/Andrews is a bit of a forgotten gem, I think, and I honestly made a mistake in not re-watching it for my list. It was my favorite match of the tournament the first time around, and re-watching it for the write-up made me feel like that statement might still be true, though I appreciated Bate/Dunne much more the second time. If anyone else missed out on this match while making their lists, they should check it out.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#25(tied)

Money in the Bank Briefcase
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Money in the Bank 6/18


What used to be a yearly staple sneaks it way back on the list after a brief absence, and while it's easy to put a Money in the Bank Ladder Match in a Match of the Year list, this one definitely earns its keep with strong storytelling backing up the usual innovation.

As usual, Money in the Bank provides spots galore. But this time its well-paced and not as chaotic as normal, without sacrificing the big bumps you expect from these matches. And the investment starts before the bell even rings when Baron Corbin annihilates Shinsuke Nakamura seconds into his entrance. This was a bold move as not only are you taking Shinsuke out of a good chunk of the match, you're robbing many fans of their first time witnessing his entrance live. As someone who was in attendance, the one thing I was most looking forward to was seeing Shinsuke live after all these years, and I wanted the full package. By the crowd reaction, many others felt the same. But what's important here is it set-up for one of the biggest reactions later on.

But before that point, there is plenty meat to tear into from all the competitors. Ziggler is somewhat of an unsung master of ladder matches, as his ring awareness and attention to build allows him to maximize his spots and help an otherwise basic manuever hit with more oomph. AJ Styles' influence is somewhat minimal with great reason, but he still manages to squeeze in a couple crowd-rockers, like essentially using a ladder to complete an Ushigaroshi on Kevin Owens. But the former "Mr. Wrestling" rivals AJ Styles in the department of bump sponging, and he clearly takes the most punishment here. That said, whenever he and Sami Zayn get near a ladder, you can expect to see something new or fresh, like tossing someone onto an open ladder from the turnbuckle.

Speaking of Sami, while his story might not have been the focus of the climax, he was definitively the star of this match. Before Shinsuke's reemergence, he completely controls this match. He is ever-present and resilient, and the crowd is firmly behind him more with each passing moment. He looks the strongest and comes the closest besides AJ and the eventual winner. He was the source of the biggest bumps, such as the wicked Sunset Flip Powerbomb off the ladder and his Half-and-Half Suplex on the apron. In retrospect, it may have even been the best option to let him win the briefcase after such an incredible performance, but again, this wasn't his story.

This was about Shinsuke Nakamura fighting to prove his place on the WWE throne, AJ Styles proving that he was the man he'd have to get through first, and Baron Corbin absolutely ruining it all for maximum heat. Outside of that last moment, you see where the seeds were planted well before the Royal Rumble. When Shinsuke's music hits as Baron tries to claim the briefcase, the arena explodes. Nakamura heads straight for the ring, ready to crack open several cans of whoop-ass on the man who tried to rob him of his shot. He destroys Corbin with ease, followed up by a meddling Ziggler and a plucky Sami. They all eat knee, boot and/or elbow and get tossed aside. Even a deathly Kevin owens manages to stir up enough interest to get a knee to the face. With everyone out of the way, Nakamura is free to set up the ladder to victory. Or so he thinks as one of the greatest moments of 2017 takes place - when AJ Styles puts his hand on the other side of the ladder and shares an intense stare with the King of Strong Style. And this was the moment when the Smackdown main event of WrestleMania was penned officially after hearing that crowd reaction.

The rest is pretty obvious. AJ and Shinsuke have a brief classic as a teaser to what their match could be like under the guise that it would actually happen for something as little as the Money in the Bank Briefcase. They eventually reach the top of a ladder and vie for the opening to grab the prize, but Baron Corbin pushes the ladder over like any smart man would and grabs the briefcase for himself. To his credit, Corbin looked wonderful throughout the match, getting in some heavy spots and really putting over the destructive force he's supposed to be. He earns enough of his way towards the briefcase despite the flop to come soon after. Had there been a better victor or perhaps a more satisfying finish, the match might have made it to a more meaningful spot, but for what the talent provided, it deserved at least more than an honorable mention.

Points: 30
Highest Rank: #10(MJH1986)
2 lists total

[Sasori]

Bayley vs Charlotte is one of the main roster matches that stuck with me all year long. Maybe because it was the high mark for the Women on RAW and Smackdown and nothing else came close. Also, it caught me by surprise because I wasn't expecting much. The other Bayley/Charlotte matches had been disappointing and I remember people wondering if the two of them had a good one in them. I wasn't really paying attention during the first half, but when they kicked it into the next gear, I realized I needed to give this match my full attention. It's a shame that women's wrestling on the main roster went downhill after this.

I wasn't as high on Andrews/Dunne as some people were. It was a great match, but if it had gone just a little bit longer, I might have liked it more.

[Ringo]

Andrews/Dunne was good. I loved that tournament, it feels so long ago. Didn’t make my list, maybe because I struggle to get into Mark Andrews. MITB was a good one too, loved the AJ/Shinsuke tease. Again though, didn’t come close to my top 20.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#24

Cruiserweight Championship
Neville(c) vs. Austin Aries
WrestleMania 33 4/2


As I won't get the chance to talk about this anywhere on the list(disappointing for some, including myself), allow me a moment to gush. Neville is hands-down one of the best in-ring talents today, and the only reason that isn't more apparent is because WWE never booked him right. The biggest mistake anyone could ever do with Neville is to book him as a sympathetic underdog, because that's not how he wrestles. He wrestles like a veteran. And he can pull it off as a babyface, as shown in the latter portion of his NXT run, and he dominates it as a heel, as we see in this painfully cut short storyline. Neville was under-used on the main roster and his career resulted in a celebrated fart. The tipping point was when he was blatantly absent from the Cruiserweight Classic. This created a monster within Neville, but a monster that truly could be dubbed as nothing more appropriate than the King of the Cruiserweights.

Fed up with the rules and the pandering, he went for self, and it was basically breaking the shackles of a chained man. His style almost transformed over night, and he was dominating every single opponent in the Cruiserweight division, quickly becoming champion and leaving a path of ruin and broken dreams behind him. Men like Jack Gallagher and Akira Tozawa took him to his greatest extremes(and had wonderful matches worth checking out, might I add), but no one could unseat the King for months. But the man that first pushed him to the brink of losing his crown was none other than the self-proclaimed Greatest Man That Ever Lived, Austin Aries. Perhaps Aries was not quite the hero to dethrone Neville, considering A Double his self performs far better as a heel. But there's no denying he's the only one with the raw talent and relative star power to properly give Neville the hype his reign deserved.

In front of the biggest crowd of the year, Neville and Aries get started with a pure technical exhibition, that is honestly of such high quality that it's a shame they didn't keep it up for a few minutes longer. But it ramps up within minutes with Aries attempting a suicide dive early, only to catch a boot in the face. Neville takes advantage of Aries' weak points and manages to control the overall pace of the match no matter what Austin does. It's in these moments that Neville sinks deep into his role and leaves no room for heat-generating error. That's not to say he doesn't still pull off spectacular feats of aerial ability as well, but these are mostly delicious accents to layers of ring psychology and ring awareness. The way he brutalizes Aries with a suplex to the head in one moment while sneakily rolling out of the ring to avoid a pinfall is seamless.

Austin Aries executes everything with the same level of perfection as Neville, though, and it takes Neville pulling out new tricks to ultimately get the job done. Because while Neville may control most of that match, Aries gets some serious licks in that nearly cost Neville the match. His discus forearm is heinous, and the way he bleeds ability makes him look like a star on any level. Ultimately, he falls victims to Neville's dastardly methods when his Last Chancery is disrupted by a full palm of fingers to the eyes. This sets him up or the inevitable Red Arrow, and the rightful King walks away with his throne and crown intact. Unfortunately, this may be one of the last moments Neville or Aries ever set foot in a WWE ring, but at least they can leave knowing that at least once, they created magic on the grandest stage of all, and they made it into the Match of the Year list somewhere.

Points: 32
Highest Rank: #8(Peter Griffin)
2 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

Admittedly, this match wasn't too close to my list. Nevile/Gallagher almost got the nod and I regrettably left it off, but other than that the matches never quite passed a certain plateau in my eyes, and that's not an indictment of the matches. Neville's reign was great and I think everything he did during the title had a minimum quality of "really good." And while I wasn't as big on this match, I definitely came out digging it more on the re-watch. It's definitely Aries' best showing on the main roster.

Andrews/Dunne was good. I loved that tournament, it feels so long ago. Didn’t make my list, maybe because I struggle to get into Mark Andrews. MITB was a good one too, loved the AJ/Shinsuke tease. Again though, didn’t come close to my top 20.

I used to feel the same way about Mark Andrews. This match turned that around, even if I absolutely hate his entrance music.

[Sasori]

I really should have put Neville/Aries on my list. Probably my favorite actual "wrestling" match from 'Mania. I really loved it at the time, but didn't re-watch it and thought it couldn't hold up. Another one I almost put on my list was the Gallagher vs Daivari "I Forfeit Match". It stuck in my head for a while, but I didn't get around to re-watching it either.

[Ringo]

Good match, thought I liked it more than most but I guess not. Had it about #40.

# of matches in the top 25:
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Pete Dunne, Austin Aries, Neville, AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin

[Psycho666Soldier]

Next entry should be up around noon my time(central). Going out shopping first. And don't forget the following entry won't be until Monday. This year I will attempt to use weekends to write ahead so there will be no days where I don't have time because of real life.

I really should have put Neville/Aries on my list. Probably my favorite actual "wrestling" match from 'Mania. I really loved it at the time, but didn't re-watch it and thought it couldn't hold up. Another one I almost put on my list was the Gallagher vs Daivari "I Forfeit Match". It stuck in my head for a while, but I didn't get around to re-watching it either.

I was more partial to the Tozawa/Kendrick series, but that was a fun match.

[Badger]

Psycho just so you know if/or before it comes up, I actually wanted to put the latest Dunne/Bate match in my list but took my list off matches that made the cut on the first page. I scrambled a top 10 at the last minute but hopefully a few of my entries make the official top 10.

And completely agreed on Tozawa/Kendrick series. It was really fun seeing Tozawa turn the tableson Kendrick. If I did a bigger list, one or two of them would definitely be on there.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#23

Universal Championship
Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns
No Disqualification, Chris Jericho in a Shark Cage
Royal Rumble 1/29


I spoke of Neville's title reign being soemthing of beauty, but unfortunately, a meandering Cruiserweight division made it feel much less important than it should have been. Kevin Owens fell victim to something similar when he was handed the Universal Championship via Triple H interference in a 4-way back in 2016. The timing couldn't have been worse, as Owens had cooled off considerably from the momentum of his first few months and he was in the midst of an amusing comedy duo with Chris Jericho. Needless to say, his run with the title fell flat through much of its duration, but it had its moments of brilliance. And while much of that had to do with Chris Jericho's resurgence, Kevin Owens made sure to leave his mark on the WWE main event scene before relinquishing his prize.

Enter the feud with Roman Reigns, something many thought would be an unceremonious end to Owens' reign. But even had he lost at the Royal Rumble, the match they left in the ring was truly something to be celebrated. It plays on the characters perfectly. Kevin Owens has crafted a character that is only crafty and cowardly whenever he isn't smelling blood. Once he sees red, he snaps into a barbaric state of bloodlust that consumes him. We see both sides as he constructs sick machinations of destruction, while also taking any shortcuts he can find and willingly accepting help from others - like the intervention from Braun Strowman that ultimately protects KO's reign in the end. Roman, after being dicked around by Owens and Jericho for weeks, is fueled by a violent lust for revenge, and while Owens might be more twisted, Reigns sees the no-disqualificaion setting as the perfect stage for him. And he outclasses Owens on every physical level, but he finds beating Owens in a hardcore match is more troublesome than it appears.

It's filled with explosive offense from both parties. Kevin Owens can be guilty of stringing spot after spot in these matches, but this is an example of when he's paying attention to pace, making spots like his massive Frog Splash through a table outside carry that much more meaning. Reigns' emoting is terrific here, as evidenced by the look on his face when he sees the pyramid of chairs outside the ring KO intended to powerbomb him through - something that bites KO in the ass when he's Superman Punched off the turnbuckle into them. And while Chris Jericho's presence seems almost unnecessary, they utilize it to perfection with his reaction shots and the brass knuckles he drops to Owens for a Superman Punch of his own. There's a beautiful moment following that spot where Reigns and Owens trade blows as they run around each other, resulting in a superkick from Owens allowing him to hurl Roman skull-first into a chair in the corner. This sequence is potentially one of the smoothest on the list, and the momentum riled the crowd up to a fever pitch, something they keep going from bell to bell. And it's in this moment you realize that Reigns and Owens have an unsung chemistry that begs to be explored again in the future.

Points: 33
Highest Rank: #8(Andy)
2 lists total

[Kdestiny]

This one just missed my list. Had it at 23

[Sasori]

I think I had this at 11 or 12. I know allot of people weren't that impressed and pretty much forgot about it, but I give these guys credit for managing to put something really entertaining together. Kevin worked his ass off and he was a big reason why this match worked so well.

[Ringo]

Just missed my list but it was close. One of Owens' best singles matches in WWE I'd say.

# of matches in the top 25:
2 - Kevin Owens
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Pete Dunne, Austin Aries, Neville, AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin

[Psycho666Soldier]

Next entry will be up in the next hour

[Psycho666Soldier]

#22

RAW Tag Team Championships
Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows(c) vs. Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Enzo & Big Cass vs. The Hardy Boyz(Matt & Jeff)
Ladder Match
WrestleMania 33 4/2


Crashing in at Number 22, The RAW Tag Team Championship Ladder Match had everything you want in a WrestleMania match. Grandeur, surprise, memorable bumps, stars you love, and damn good wrestling. Of course, this wasn't really a wrestling showcase as much as it was a well-structured spot-fest. And let's not fool around. This match was hot as hell and arguably stole the show at WrestleMania thanks to everyone involved, but this was about the DELIGHTFUL return of The Hardy Boyz. And what a moment it was, the shocking inclusion of Team Extreme in what was supposed to be a Triple Threat. The +50,000 fans unanimously lost their minds, as did pretty much everyone across the world, and this energy carries into the match. And perhaps without that spark, this match might have fallen a bit more flat.

Before going back to The Hardyz, it's worth mentioning that the other guys take that energy and harness it to their fullest. Enzo and Big Cass actually had the crowd audibly spouting their catchphrase, which is impressive in a WrestleMania arena, so while their moment was likely robbed, no one can take away the fans enthusiasm for them. And they knocked it out of the park with that support and energy by going full stop, tossing Enzo over ladders and booting skulls until there's nothing left. With heart and teamwork, they come closer than any of the other losing teams. But for all Enzo & Cass' natural crowd support and momentum, it's nothing compared to the raw work ethic and ring capability of soon-to-be-known-as The Bar. Sheamus & Cesaro pull out all the stops, showing new tricks and utilizing the ladder to maximum creativity(clearly taking cues from their seniors), making sure to clobber every one along the way. And Gallows & Anderson...well, they got to come into WrestleMania as champs and do some moves. They put in good work, but they unfortunately fill the role of "rushed team that's obviously gonna lose their titles."

And while I wouldn't say The Hardyz were necessarily the hardest-working team in the match, they definitely brought the juice when it came to their performance. What they gave us played like a Greatest Hits Bootleg mixed by a true fan. They hit their big spots, but kept it all within the flow of the match. It's things like this that made The Hardyz feel nostalgic, yet fresh and new. And while Matt might not have been influenced by his full Broken Brilliance, the ferocity and renewed energy of his transformation burns bright here. It's excellent to see how smoothly they can still hit Poetry in Motion and throw caution to the wind for the big bumps, which they certainly provide the biggest. One in the form of a drilling Twist of Fate from Matt off the top of the ladder, and the classic Swanton Bomb off a 20 ft. Ladder through The Bar lying on a ladder between the ring and barricade. Needless to say, they are as awe-inspiring as ever and still make you wonder if they'll be standing afterward. But The Hardyz triumphantly dominate over the RAW Tag Team scene still in self-discovery, as Matt ascends the ladder to tear down the prize they once made great nearly two decades before. The Hardy Boyz were back, and they came back swinging hard.

Points: 34
Highest Rank: #6(MikeHunt)
2 lists total

[Ringo]

Brilliant surprise, match was a lot of fun but it didn't really come close to my list.

# of matches in the top 25:
2 - Kevin Owens
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Pete Dunne, Austin Aries, Neville, AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Cesaro, Sheamus, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson

[Psycho666Soldier]

Next entry will be up late tonight. Tomorrow's entry should be within 12 hours of it's posting.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#21

Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose & Kurt Angle vs. The Miz Coalition(The Miz, Sheamus, Cesaro, Kane & Braun Strowman)
TLC Match
TLC: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs 10/22


TLC was a weird night. At one point we were going to witness Bray Wyatt attempt to imitate Finn Balor's demon persona to vanquish him and the official in-ring return of The Shield against what I have to come to label as The Miz Coalition in a TLC Match. You see, The Miz was the reason The Shield even came back together after badgering Roman Reigns about his success. To complete the push, Miz stirred up Cesaro & Sheamus into the mix, who were embroiled in a feud with the recently reunited Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins. This made for a highly anticipated return to form as three former brothers banded together once more with once cause in mind: tear through The Miz's assembled meat shields and beat the ever living shit out of him. Considering the meat consisted of The Bar, Kane and The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman, you kind of need to get one of the greatest teams back together.

And then, Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt got sick out of nowhere, forcing them to miss the Pay-Per-View. So last minute, Bray Wyatt is swapped for AJ Styles to set up a dream match, and more currently relevant, Kurt Angle is suddenly making his anticipated, but unexpected in-ring return to replace Roman. And one of the most insane fantasy booking shows randomly takes place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. And it produced two one-of-a-kind matches.

The Shield x Angle team start great, completely bombarding their opponents with chairshots before the bell even rings, taking charge of the pace and controlling the match momentum early. Despite it only being a partial reunion, this was a complete call back to the style of The Shield of old, and Kurt coming dressed in the gear made for both a strong sign of solidarity and a unique moment that remains etched in my mind. This start allows the three to gain an advantage and actually look strong against a team of five without taking anything away from their credibility. And even as early as here, Ambrose & Rollins continue to exhibit extraordinary teamwork that made their tag team run so enjoyable. At every step, they're sticking it out for each other and going to the same extremes to blindside their opponents. It's almost a wonder why they didn't pair them up back when Seth and Roman were the tag champs. Kurt Angle, for his limited mobility, actually looks pretty solid in the ring, and having him be a part of the chair beatdown made him look menacing without highlighting how well he can actually move.

However, the heels actually make up most of the offense in the match after a few minutes of chaos. Again, Sheamus & Cesaro do most of the heavy-lifting for their team, and while we don't see the same level of creativity from them as we did in the WrestleMania ladder match, they're just as effective at using the myriad tools and hardware around the ring to punish the boys in black. Of course, while The Bar put in the work to keep the match going, Braun and Kane take the starring roles, perfectly portrayed as the destruction-craving monsters they are. Kane has a spark in his work again and is utilized only for his most impactful moments, whereas Braun is able to create destruction for a new era that captivates the audience in nearly every match. This obliterating force is what takes Kurt Angle out of most of the match when he's powerslammed through a table, despite valiantly suplexing everything he could in the process.

There's a long stretch of the match where the Miz Coalition completely overwhelm Ambrose and Rollins in a beatdown, and it's honestly the moment that drags the entire match down. The crowd is dead at this point and perhaps a bit deflated as they were expecting something a little more exciting. The sheer amount of people just standing around watching the beatdown for so long just makes the entire process feel awkward, but every single time Ambrose & Rollins make a comeback, no matter how brief, the crowd immediately lights back up. And to be fair, the deliberately overkill beatdown really sold how much punishment The Shield can take, and it did accomplish making The Miz look like an evil mastermind. This is particularly true when he brings in a surprise that he referred to...a garbage truck.

This is where the match becomes more of a theatrical masterpiece than anything normally seen in these matches. It becomes very convoluted and ridiculous, and involves what would be considered attempted murder, but that's where the charm of this match rings. The big spots are the highlights of the chaos that all the stories being told have wrought. And it starts with Kane accidentally hitting Strowman with a chair during the long beatdown. Immediately this creates tension between the two, and later, you realize perhaps it was an accident. After attempting to crush The Shield in the truck but failing, Kane suddenly attacks Strowman, chokeslamming him through the stage and burying him in a pile of chairs. This inevitably sets up Braun emerging from the pile of chairs, turning on his team by wrecking all of them, soon being tossed into and crushed by the garbage compactor, and setting up one of the coolest short-term returns in WWE history. It's like the set-up of a horror movie where the killer is fueled and revived by revenge.

Miz shows brilliant leadership, both in the way he directs his gang of villains and the way he absorbs most of the punishment for his team, becoming the head of the heel snake, if you will. And while Ambrose & Rollins have excellent resilience and keep coming back, Miz is still able to get the upper hand without Braun. That is, until the olympic fanfare hits the PA System. The crowd erupts, and Angle's comeback is immense. In this moment, it feels like he's completely shaken off the rust to give us the real Kurt Angle. And this leads to the systematic elimination of Sheamus, Cesaro, and Kane - with the assistance of the Shield brothers. The former two are destroyed with two Angle Slams on the ground and through a table, and the Big Red Machine with an explosive double spear through the barricade. This leaves only The Miz left to atone for his sins, taken in the form of each man's individual finishing manuever followed up by the aptly-dubbed "Olympic Shield Bomb" to put away the most must-see villain in the WWE.

All around, the match had way too many elements in it and the resulting product was chaotic and insane. But that's what made the match so fun, was how ridiculous the bar was getting pushed. And were it not for the awkward middle portion, this could have been a true revolution in the way WWE portrays some of its matches. If nothing else, it worked excellent for Braun and Kurt Angle, and everyone else involved made it an enjoyable, if not wild ride. It's mark can never be scrubbed from the year of 2017.

Points: 38
Highest Rank: #4(MikeHunt)
2 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

Pretty big write-up for that one because there was so much to unpack from it. Couldn't find a better way to condense it and still feel like some things were brushed over. The match barely missed out on my list, though I might rank it just a bit higher after rewatching it for the write-up.

Last night had company over later than expected. So tomorrow there will be two entries. Enjoy!

[Sasori]

Just missed my list, but it was a very entertaining match. It felt like a throw back to the Attitude Era with the massive overbooking, the Garbage Truck, and the sheer spectacle of the whole thing. Kurt being a participant really made the match since surprises are few and far between in the current Era.

[Tainted Eclipse]

i liked that match a lot less than most.

[Dr_Seldon]

Fun match. The overbooking was a bit too much for my taste though, so it didn't make my list.

[lotjx]

It did remind me a lot of ECW booking. I say that in a loving way.

[mth]

i liked that match a lot less than most.

Yeah, I was not particularly high on it myself.

[Kdestiny]

Fun match, but not good enough for me either

[Ringo]

Same here. Fun stuff though.

[Atty]

I didn't see that match, but from that picture...

...Was Kurt wrestling in Shield gear? If so, please tell me he wore one of those skull masks to the ring.

This thread has been a great read so far to catch up on what I've missed.

[Kdestiny]

He was in Shield gear, no mask though

[Atty]

Shame. A promo with The Shield sitting around being all serious in skull masks when Kurt busts in and plays on a tiny guitar while wearing a skull mask would have been gold.

I'd be giving Vince ten bucks right now to see it.

[Torn]

I didn't see that match, but from that picture...

...Was Kurt wrestling in Shield gear? If so, please tell me he wore one of those skull masks to the ring.

This thread has been a great read so far to catch up on what I've missed.

The entrance was incredible, Dean and Seth come through the crowd, looking intense then Kurt pops up behind them looking like this..

[Atty]

hahahhahhahahahahahaha

YES!

What a man.

[Atty]

Ok, Kurt has to team with Ronda now. She comes out with her mean face on and he's all smiles right behind her.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#20

AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon
WrestleMania 33 4/2


For many people, 2016 was the year of AJ Styles. He delivered top quality match after top quality match, made the Smackdown main event feel exciting, was a part of increasing their ratings against RAW, and ultimately, proved within a matter of months that he absolutely belonged on the top in WWE. So it's no surprise that when it was announced his phenomenal(pun intended) first year would be capped with a WrestleMania match against Shane McMahon - the Smackdown Live Commissioner - it was considered a let-down. We wanted to see him face someone of consequence, or something akin to a dream match. And I would argue it was still technically the wrong move. But with everyone else tied up in seemingly more pressing matters, Shane McMahon still comes off as a big deal that draws attention. And most importantly, the match delivered more than I think anyone had even hoped for.


There's something unique about the vibe of this match. Perhaps it's the reckless feel of the offense, such as when AJ baseball slides Shane so hard he flies over the announce tables into the barricade. Or maybe it's the contrast of a wrestler who has evolved the traditional style vs. a performer who has delivered on sheer heart and guts with minimal training. Whatever the case, it certainly takes this match a step above from the opening bell. It provides for tiny bits of innovation to make the entire story feel one-of-a-kind. It's refreshingly organic the way Shane and AJ start by proving the better technician. AJ seems to take the edge at first, but Shane surprisingly has an answer for every hold of The Phenomenal One, leaving AJ with egg on his face after spending ample time mocking Shane. Frustrated, AJ switches to a striking game, but Shane is even quicker to respond and even outdo him. Realizing he's vastly underestimated Shane's ability, Styles resorts to clever manipulation and ring awareness to get a foothold on victory. And from here, the match begins shifting into a higher gear.


Shane and AJ spontaneously create a superb chemistry that sees them effortlessly(at least, as much as possible for Shane) flowing from spot to insane counter to spot with nary a hiccup. And somehow, despite how big some of the moments in the first half feel, they keep managing to make it bigger. Shane is a bit of a submission machine with the way he ties up AJ Styles, transitioning out of the Calf Crusher into a rear choke hold before transitioning into more as AJ tries to escape, just barely getting the rope when stretched by an Omoplata. Another great moment is when Shane stops the Springboard 450 Splash with a Triangle Choke, only to be hoisted up and flattened with a desperate Styles Clash. And just when you think they've reached the fever pitch, the ref takes an excellently timed bump. While AJ tries to use it to his heel advantage, pulling out weapons only shifts the favor back to Shane. His home is in a hardcore environment, especially when trashcans are involved.


And while a stunning Coast to Coast Dropkick almost seals the deal for McMahon, his penchant for risk-taking costs him. In both an attempt to drop an elbow from the ring to the announce table and his final maneuver of the match, the Shooting Star Press, he gains no reward - only exploding tables and a Phenomenal Forearm to the jaw to bring this war to a close. Shane McMahon was persistent, tough, crazy, and uncharacteristically prepared for everything. But no matter how many times he got back on top, he could not outlast the pure athleticism and skill of AJ Styles. And while Shane has rarely had a bad match, this is just another testament to AJ's ability to bring out the best of his opponent and make them look golden. But no one came out of this fight looking more valuable the man taking WWE by storm, AJ Styles.

Points: 49
Highest Rank: #7(Andy)
3 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

The Shield/Angle vs. Miz Coalition match was a really fun car wreck, and had it not been for the big slow portion in the beginning, it would have officially made my list. But I still have a blast watching it and think it belongs towards the bottom.

#20 just missed out on my list as well, and I kept kind of wondering if I should have ranked it higher. I think I might have done so in retrospect, but I think it ranked appropriately. It really was an excellent showdown between the two and a great way to officially start WrestleMania.

#19 incoming

[Badger]

Shane is like Superman in his resiluency only he still loses in the end. This was very good though, as great as AJ is straigh I hope we get ro see AJ in morr "hardcore" matches like this.

[Badger]

The entrance was incredible, Dean and Seth come through the crowd, looking intense then Kurt pops up behind them looking like this..

Seth looks like he wants to kill the owner ofvthat hand for touching him.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#19

NXT Women's Championship
Asuka(c) vs. Nikki Cross
Last Woman Standing
NXT 6/28


This NXT match had a big match feel from the get go. For the women’s title in the first ever Last Woman Standing match. You had Asuka and Nikki Cross, both very different but very alike in that they are, in their own way, out of their minds.

Asuka obviously had this undefeated streak going and this historic title reign and she was trying to build momentum to Brooklyn. Nikki Cross had shown Asuka that she might be her biggest threat and not Ember Moon in her unpredictability while in multi-woman matches with Asuka. Two juggernauts preparing for a war.

Almost from the get go you see a fight. Asuka and Cross just trading kicks and forearms. Pulling hair. Asuka gets the advantage until Nikki Cross does one of my favorite defenses in a match which is using the apron.

“Cross is unhinged and she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Which makes her a very dangerous woman.” Dangerous indeed Nigel. Just before the first break she takes out several steel chairs while we think of what she is going to do.

We return and they are trying to suplex the other into the chairs. Despite the general chaos from this match you can still sense this being a very violent chess match of each of them trying to think ahead of the other. Asuka intends to take out the trash. She stuffs Cross into a trash can and hits her with several kicks before taking to the top rope to hit her with a drop kick from the top, a different way to use the trash can.



Asuka gets several more chairs, but Cross catches on. Tug of war, but Cross ends up with a knee in the face for her troubles. Whoops. Asuka gonna keep bringing in more chairs. Asuka loses a bit of focus as Cross was able to hit her with a falling reverse ddt on the apron. The viciousness from Cross is on full effect here.

She takes to the skies, but Asuka hits her with a huge spinning back kick and ends up tossing her by he hair onto the chairs. Nikki must be done right? Nope... she hits Asuka with a back suplex on the same stack of chairs. Ouch.

Commercial break.

We come back to Nikki enjoying these kicks. She wants more. Asuka wants to oblige, nice bit of back and forth here and good psychology before Nikki hits Asuka with her fisherman neck breaker. You would think she would want it to end, but she begs Asuka to get up. She then proceeds to hit her with three more in a row. Cross wants her championship.

Asuka answers with a roundhouse kick just before ten.

“Is that all you got?” Nikki shouts as she gets to her feet.

Asuka tries for a suplex from the inside out to the pile of chairs on the outside. Nope. Nikki hits her with a pretty vicious looking powerbomb onto those chairs, and Asuka seems to be pretty hurt here.



But no, the reign doesn’t end there.

The battle goes up the ramp way and then into the announce table area. Asuka kicks the crap out of a light and Cross hits a draping spinning neckbreaker with the assistance of a guard rail. Asuka is going through the ringer here, but she answers the count somehow.

After a spinning back fist by Asuka, Cross brings a ladder into play. She sets up a table and a ladder next to it, but Asuka doesn’t stay on the table, and it leads to this to end the match...



After this brutal story, both ladies are spent. They worked their asses off and made this into quite a battle. Both come out of this looking incredible and they ended it with a visual that will live in NXT infamy.

Asuka is still champion, but Cross brought out a new side that we had not yet seen from her.

-kdestiny

Points: 59
Highest Rank: #10(Saintevil)
6 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

Had #19 at #20 on my list, so that adds up pretty nicely for me. I know some weren't as big on that match, but for me, it was such a fun ride, and one of the most unique things the women have done on NXT ever. Perhaps a bigger stage and more build would have made it feel like a stronger match, but as it was, it stood out enough to get the nod for me. Such fun chaos and a strong showing for Nikki Cross. And probably my favorite Asuka match in NXT until the match in Brooklyn.

We'll be back to your regularly scheduled programming with #18 tomorrow.

[Ringo]

Now we’re talking. Great match, most violent women’s match I can remember in WWE probably?

[Kdestiny]

Now we’re talking. Great match, most violent women’s match I can remember in WWE probably?

I loved it a lot. Great story telling mixed in with some really cool spots.

[Sasori]

Most people liked AJ vs Shane allot more than I did, but I think #20 is a pretty fair ranking for it. I admit, Auska vs Nikki is one I didn't get around to re-watching. I can't remember if it made my list or not. Definitely need to give it another viewing.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#18

RAW Tag Team Championship
Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins(c) vs. The Bar(Sheamus & Cesaro)
No Mercy 9/24


When it was first pitched that Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins were being paired back together, I know I wasn't the only one who was skeptical. Still felt too soon for some reason, almost like they were doing it just because. But once the reunion officially happened, it ended up feeling more organic than it did in the building phases. And when they stepped into the ring as a team, they looked more strong and unified than almost any point in The Shield. So when they won the RAW Tag Team Titles, it felt good, even if it was at the expense of a new team still making their stamp on the division. Cesaro & Sheamus grew so quickly as a pair, and once they established their heel turn, there was a full transformation into The Bar: a viciously efficient force of great power. And now having lost their titles in the midst of their conquest, they look to decimate Ambrose & Rollins for cutting into their territory.

It begins with some business as usual tag wrestling - nothing too extraordinary. But with the talented men involved, they display a solid setting of the stage for the war that was to come later. Ambrose and Rollins start strong, but they are soon overwhelmed by the power and schemes of The Bar, leaving Ambrose as the first victim of tag team trickery. It's about the point Cesaro eats a little too much turnbuckle during a slingshot spot that the match hits on a deeper level. A big part of this is because Cesaro hit so hard that his teeth were rammed into his gums and he's quickly bleeding all down his jaw. After reeling from the shock and surviving a hot tag from Rollins, Cesaro comes back even more fierce than before, as if fueled by his own injury to deal as much punishment as possible to the Shield brothers. Each of his strikes have just a little more stank, and Sheamus feeds off this aggression for a seemingly stronger Bar than we've seen before.

I've mentioned the excellent teamwork of both pairings in previous matches, but it's worth reiterating how well-oiled and integrated the teams of Ambrose/Rollins and The Bar are. Ambrose's frenzied offense and outlandish selling resonates stronger when having a partner to bounce off of, while Rollins seems inspired by the wild explosiveness of his hot runs. Cesaro & Sheamus are constantly operating like cogs, switching in and out and trading offense back and forth on their chosen targets. And these elements are what makes this Tag Match something more spectacular than the norm. Their individual teamwork and general chemistry with the opposing team makes everything fall into place for an emotionally-draining spectacle. This comes to a climactic head when Ambrose is flattened with a White Noise and immediately crushed by Seth - via a surprise Ricola Bomb off the second rope. Not only is this what I believe to be the first time Cesaro has used a variation of that move since FCW, it makes for a disgustingly amazing finish to reclaim their titles.

But Dean Ambrose kicks out!

The crowd goes absolutely insane as The Bar sell the kickout like a jobber just kicked out of Undertaker's Tombstone, and despite staying on top of the matter, their hubris winds up costing them, setting theirselves up for defeat. Ambrose and Rollins again show how incredibly resilient they are, hanging on to every thread and working just a little bit smarter to affirm their grip on the RAW Tag Team Championship. Because while Sheamus & Cesaro may be The Bar, Ambrose & Rollins have just enough wherewithal to climb over it.

Points: 78
Highest Rank: #8(Sasori)
6 lists total

[Badger]

Rollins/Ambrose and The Bar could wrestle a hundred times and it would never get old.

[Sasori]

The Bar have been, hands down, the best Tag Team on RAW. I never expected Cesaro and Sheamus to click so well. They really came into their own after the Heel turn.

[Badger]

Indeed they have.

[Ringo]

I'm a huge fan of this match. They had a good one at Summerslam and then stole the show here - a show with a bunch of big matches. I think in another era this would probably stick out more but there's a hell of a lot of good tag team wrestling across the WWE these days. It does stick out for Cesaro's unfortunate (and nasty) injury which ends up adding to the match as Cesaro battles through the pain with a bloody mouth and finishes the match. The Bar are a tremendous tag team to watch and I think this is definitely their best match as a team for me.

# of matches in the top 25:
3 - Cesaro, Sheamus
2 - Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Pete Dunne, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, The Miz, Kane, Braun Strowman, Shane McMahon, Asuka, Nikki Cross

[Psycho666Soldier]

#16(tied)

United Kingdom Championship
Pete Dunne(c) vs. Tyler Bate
NXT 12/20


This is the moment every one has been waiting for. Surely most of you were wondering which of the classic matches between Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne would make the list, if not all of them. Well today, we're starting at the end of the story. And despite not quite making it to the Top Ten, you would be remiss in assuming Bate/Dunne III isn't as good as the other two. In fact, the foundation that was set by the first two matches helped to make this one of the strongest entries. Where the previous two fall in line with the grueling first encounter followed by the "Now I Know Your Tricks" sequel, this one manages to turn it up a notch by having each man struggling to gain any actual control.

Both men are superb mat wrestlers at the top of their game. Dunne stays slow and methodical in the beginning, perhaps a little more than previous bouts. While Bate finds a way to weasel through most of the submissions and joint/digit manipulation, Dunne remains in charge, both physically and mentally. At least, it would seem so when Bate gets too much momentum and Dunne tries to manipulate his emotions to keep control. But what Dunne isn't prepared for is Bate's willingness to play Dunne's game in order to regain the UK Championship. And this is where the heart of the match begins to bleed through. It seems every time Dunne turns the tide, Bate flips it right back. He never stops fighting through almost every piece of Dunne's offense until an attempt to bend the rules results in Bate being flattened with a suplex onto the steel ramp from the steel stairs. Dunne finally seems to find his foothold and begins brutalizing Bate's fingers in a way that would make Marty Scurll weep in terror. And Tyler Bate sells this damage like Dunne tore them clean off. But as Dunne pushes Tyler past a new brink of punishment, Bate's determination and resistance grows even stronger. After surviving the torture and no-selling debilitating front kicks like the second incarnation of Kane, Bate finally turns the tables long enough to string a significant chain of attacks. And each one hit with immense impact.

An incredible sequence this results in is Bate going for the Tyler Driver, getting countered into a Triangle choke, fighting to get a powerbomb counter, being dragged back down to the mat, then eventually lifting Dunne up for a sort of throat slingshot on the top rope. This level of desperation and endurance reflects how important the United Kingdom Championship has become to both competitors, both consumed by an obsessive need to beat their greatest rival.

The final 10 minutes is just a flurry of incredible athleticism and exchanged blows that up the ante with every push. There's so much to unpack that the best way to describe is to just vomit it all out. Bate spins his longest to leave Dunne vulnerable for a springboard exploder. They engange in a violent war of kicks and stomps to the face while holding each others arms. They trade finishing manuevers that only reach the count of two. They trade clotheslines and engage in ANOTHER war of stiff punches to the face, ending in a killing blow from Bate - of which he's unable to capitalize on BECAUSE HE SELLS THE DAMAGED FINGERS. And it seems to just keep going on with even greater spots to be seen by your own eyes.

The amazing part is no matter how much Dunne terrorizes Bate, he somehow keeps coming back stronger than the last move. But he grows more weary as the match goes on, and eventually the body has to give. Ultimately, the desperate lust for victory takes hold. Bate goes outside of his usual gameplan one time too many, as Dunne nimbly flips out of his release German Superplex. The Bruiserweight instantly closes the distance and hurls Bate up for the Bitter End that finally puts the inaugural champ to rest. Despite this being their third match on probably the smallest stage and with less unpredictability, Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne find some way to physically outdo theirselves and create something that not only stands against their other legendary bouts - it feels completely unique from the other two and generates the same level of excitement by the final bell.

Points: 94
Highest Rank: #5(Tainted Eclipse)
5 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

Highly rated this match on the first watch and I'm pretty sure I claimed I liked it more than their first match. I didn't rewatch before making my list and it came in at #11. Had I watched it again, I would have remembered how much I REALLY loved the match and would have had it at #4. I rank the match in Chicago higher because it was Dunne's moment and the stakes felt higher, but this one is definitely my favorite of the three.

[Sasori]

I completely missed this one so it didn't make my list. Time to give it a watch.

[Ringo]

A fantastic match that may not have been seen by as many people as the first two (well, certainly the Takeover Chicago match) with it airing on NXT just before Christmas but it's on the same level as the other two for sure. I had it at #6, just one place behind their Chicago match and a couple of places below the tournament final. I'd like to watch all three again because I feel like it might actually be my favourite of the series on reflection.

3 - Cesaro, Sheamus
2 - Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Pete Dunne
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, The Miz, Kane, Braun Strowman, Shane McMahon, Asuka, Nikki Cross, Tyler Bate

Definitely seems like a larger group of guys with matches on our list this year, just shows how deep the roster is right now.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Seems fitting that Cesaro and Sheamus would take an early lead.

Working on the second part of the #16 tie now. Should be up in an hour or two.

[lotjx]

I think The Bar/Rollins&Ambrose is the New Day/Usos of Raw. Where that combination is just tailored made to have a Match of the Night. I am not a fan of Aj/Shane. It went on forever and Shane should not be able to go the distance with AJ. Not even Attitude Era Shane should pull that off. I am also a guy who thought he could take Shane back in the day. Asuka/Nikki was everything I miss about hardcore wrestling.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#16(tied)

WWE Championship
John Cena(c) vs. AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
Elimination Chamber Match
Elimination Chamber 2/12


There are a few things the Elimination Chamber is great at: inspiring creative manuevers, accentuating character traits, providing main event spotlights for otherwise under-card superstars, and having the potential to create a star in one night. In most cases, the Chamber capitalizes on some or most of those traits, but hardly does it hit all four. In 2017, the Smackdown roster seemed determined to prove their worth, and that's why the return of the Elimination Chamber ended up hitting all four out of the park and sparking considerable buzz for being in the middle of the predictable period of the WrestleMania Road(Did I do it right?).

Only two weeks removed from their Match of the Year caliber match at Royal Rumble, John Cena and AJ Styles begin this intense war for the WWE Championship. Starting with these two gives the fans a mini-classic. It's like they give us one minute of the feeling out process, and then immediately jump to the 5 minutes before the final stretch of one of their barn-burners. AJ is clearly hungrier than ever to regain the prize, while Cena won't slow down just to lose it after hitting the Ric Flair milestone. And often, when the third man comes in, things can slow down for a moment. Ambrose, however, rushes in with burning energy, treating both AJ and Cena with almost no adversity. He's the most Dean Ambrose-like Dean Ambrose we've seen in some time, bouncing off the walls everywhere and hitting at every opportunity when he's not setting up something that'll hurt even more, like an elbow off the chamber. Cena, Styles and Ambrose take advantage of the triple threat set-up and, again, it's like a small taste of what a three-way between them would be like - and let me say with what I saw, I want that match to happen. It's that perfect triple threat equilibrium where every one seems to feed off the same spots simultaneously.

But tonight is all about fiery entrances as Bray comes in and starts flexing his creative muscle(tossing Ambrose off the ropes into the chain wall), but AJ Styles immediately follows suit with moves like his rope hung leg drop where Wyatt was actually draped through the turnbuckle. And while Wyatt seems to be stopped here, he remains perseverant long enough to blast Ambrose in the jaw when he comes flying off the middle of the chamber wall. This, of course, followed an incredible brawl along the wall and the top of the chamber between Ambrose, Cena and AJ. And while Ambrose does get the upper hand for a bit, Wyatt is partially responsible for the most organic, and newest way to execute a Tower of Doom - via Bray overhead belly-to-bellying AJ instead of a basic suplex.

Remember what I said about Baron Corbin in the Money in the Bank match? The same mostly applies here, except even more is done here to make him look like the beast they want him to be. He comes in like a bull unchained and bulldozes through all of his opponents sans the waiting Miz, who is clearly pissing his trunks at the site of his destruction. Corbin's also not part of an unsatisfying finish, and once his usefulness has ended he's eliminated via distraction to show how green he still is. Of course, he doesn't go without decimated Dean Ambrose for about 2 minutes for rolling him up. Seeing the wreckage left behind, Miz waits until Corbin is gone to finally leave his chamber and eliminate Dead Ambrose. Miz ends up having one of the most enjoyable hot runs, manipulating the crowd, actually beating up all three remaining opponents at once, and using Daniel Bryan's moves to near perfection. He holds on tight to his control with no breaks while he's in the ring, until he's caught in John Cena's arms for the only AA needed to vanquish the A-Lister. And with The Miz out of the way, that leaves only AJ and Cena to finish business and Bray Wyatt to interlope.

Cena and AJ pick up where they left off at the beginning, forcing each other to go past their limits yet again. This is specifically true when Cena goes to the extreme and makes a daring crossbody off the top of a chamber onto Styles and Wyatt. And while successful, the amount this took out of Cena was enough to set him up for a Sister Abigail that lights the fire for a new era. Wyatt eliminates Cena, and suddenly, we realize we're getting a brand new champion regardless...and it will either be wrestling fan's #1 love AJ Styles, or the man who had been dicked around in WWE harder a gangbang video, Bray Wyatt. And while AJ Styles has been a star in this match, Wyatt is truly possessed by a reinvigorated spirit. Styles fights hard and expertly, but Wyatt withstands all of it and comes back twice as hard. When AJ finally gets a glimpse at an opening with a successful Springboard 450, Bray Wyatt kicks out with gusto. And where normally AJ would just be a Forearm or Styles Clash away from victory, Wyatt proves the better man that night, swooping him into Sister Abigail's sweet caress.

And boom. In one night, Bray Wyatt pinned both John Cena and AJ Styles, with no shenanigans, and became the WWE Champion. There was no greater way to propel someone into immediate stardom. Everyone was shocked, and all eyes were on Bray Wyatt to see what he would do after such a staggering performance. A rare moment when WWE captured lightning in a bottle in a single night, despite all of the harrowing booking Bray has had to endure. Unfortunately, the moment was ruined in a matter of weeks when he became a side act to AJ and Shane and was booked to look like a chump against his incoming challenger, Randy Orton. But with proper follow-through, this could have been the start of a terrifying and unorthodox reign from one of the most creatively misused dudes in professional wrestling history. And on its own, the moment and the entire match preceding it will stand as a testament to the skill of six ring warriors.

Points: 94
Highest Rank: #5(kdestiny)
5 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

Excellent match that I made a mistake in not rewatching before making my list. It missed, but damn was this match so fun. And it made Bray Wyatt look like a fucking monster. This should have been the launching point, but they fucked that up hardcore. He didn't even have to win for it work, they just needed to book something better. Bah. Great Elimination Chamber, though. Everyone looked great.

[Sasori]

Such a great match. I had it pretty high on my list. If only the "Brock gashing open Orton's head with his elbow" fiasco hadn't happened, they might have run with Bray a while longer.

Instead, Randy got his reward for being Brock's practice dummy.

[Sasori]

Double post, so I give you this:

[Psycho666Soldier]

#15

Universal Championship
Goldberg(c) vs. Brock Lesnar
WrestleMania 33 4/2


There's nothing that sticks to a wrestling fan's mind greater than a shocking moment that shakes the foundation of everything you believe in professional wrestling. In 2016, we were treated to such a moment when Goldberg made his epic return to WWE to face The Beast Incarnate. And while Brock Lesnar had crushed everyone in his path in record time since conquering The Streak, Goldberg didn't seem to care one bit about that. Moments after the bell rang, all it took was a spear and a Jackhammer before Goldberg was pinning Lesnar for a jaw-dropping one minute and twenty-six second match. This both sparked an interest in seeing Goldberg return again and bred a fury within Brock's icy, black heart. All he could think about was avenging that humiliating loss, and when his first attempt resulted in getting eliminated by him in the Royal Rumble, his true power was finally unlocked.

At WrestleMania, Brock does what he tried last time, which is to come hard and fast and Goldberg. Only this time, there's a new fire in his steps. Every single German Suplex is unleashed with totalitarian authority. He wants to make sure that Goldberg is absolutely destroyed and disassembled before he reclaims his victory. While probably the only way to put Goldberg down, it allows Goldberg enough room to lay in plenty of offense. And by plenty, I mean just a few moves, but each Spear is more explosive than the last, including the wretched collision through the barricade that legit felt like a car crash. It's only moments before he has Lesnar back in the ring for the Spear/Jackhammer combo that put the Beast to rest last time. But Brock is no longer the weak Beast he was before. He kicks out, lets Goldberg run another spear into the turnbuckle, than gets his suplex count up to 11 - much to the crowd's delight - before finally flinging Goldberg out of an F5 and righting the wrong of Survivor Series.

It's one of the quickest World Title matches to ever happen on the grandest stage of them all. Possibly the quickest. It's Goldberg's first clean singles loss. And perhaps most importantly, it's complete redemption for the debacle of WrestleMania XX. Both men are motivated and operated at full steam, with their in-ring personas finally nailed on perfectly in WWE. They obliterate each other, leaving shockwaves through the arena as they captivate the fans, and remind you of a time when you weren't always so sure the wrestling was choreographed. And in essence, that's what people always hope for those dream match, part-time legend scenarios.

Points: 128
Highest Rank: #1(Alex)
8 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

A really fun and worthy match, and perhaps I underrate it a bit more than I should. Had we done list of 25, it would have been at the end. I think the other matches that have been great this year have been more creative or involved more relevant/younger stars to feel more impactful. But this match was such an excellent WrestleMania showcase, and a great cap to a fun feud.

[Dr_Seldon]

That Elimination Chamber match was really great. I had it at number 6, and was actually considering for a while to put it even higher. I think it gets a bit underrated, or at least forgotten, due to taking place early in the year, but maybe even more for what happened with Bray afterwards. But at that day we got a really exiting match, a title change and a new star. Too bad it was just a transition to Orton's Mania moment.

Brock vs Goldberg was both super exiting and memorable when it happened. It really was the perfect use of the talent available. I don't think it holds up quite as well as some of the other matches on a re-watch, but even then it never overstays its welcome.

[Psycho666Soldier]

I'd just like to say ahead of time that I think the next entry is criminally low. That's also my way of saying it should be in an hour or so.

[Atty]

Of what I saw last year, Brock/Goldberg probably would have been my number one had I done up a list. It was so much fun and one long mark out match for me. I wish they had that match 13 years earlier.

I chose not to do a list solely because I missed the majority of the year.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#14

NXT Tag Team Championship
Authors of Pain(Akam & Rezar)(c) vs. #DIY(Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)
Ladder Match
NXT Takeover: Chicago 5/20


While DIY quickly became stalwarts in the Rajah Top 25 List last time, the Authors of Pain officially make their debut in what was a hot year for the monstrous duo. Less than a year into their on-screen career, Akam & Rezar ran through the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, demolished DIY fresh out of their standout year and took their championship, and established that no one could take them down two-on-two on a good day. And until SAnitY persevered with their trickery and mind games, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa were the only two that ever came close. But it was a great day for them in Chicago, and their best was still not enough to beat the unbeatable. But they made sure the Authors of Pain earned their stripes before asserting their claim on the NXT Tag Team Championship.

From the outset, it is obvious that DIY are true crowd favorites. They've both wrestled there many times, and as is commonly known, Chicago is a hot bed for hardcore wrestling fans. Consider the fact that the Authors of Pain had a bad reputation with most smart fans at this point, and you have the recipe for passionate wrestling psychology. And that's exactly what DIY and AoP deliver, utilizing the ladders with perfect pacing and dramatic timing. That, of course, is only provided to enhance the insane innovation we see from both teams. Gargano launches a crazy suicide dive through an open ladder, while Rezar just uses one as a surface to elbow Ciampa's skull against. And outside of the big bumps, some of the spots are just brilliant works on the crowd. Hearing them go bananas when Gargano lands on the center ladder after Ciampa pushes the one he and Akam were just atop fills me with joy and sends chills down my spine. Of course, few things were more jaw-dropping than DIY's dual splashes off a 20-ft. ladder.

The psychological part of this match really comes through in the basic set-up. DIY have a completely even playing field with the ladder gimmick. Their tag team continuity, enormous determination and overall talent allows them to completely own the match style. Ciampa & Gargano watch each others back and play off each other's spontaneity like a dream. This allows them to surprise AoP multiple times as they avoid being powerbombed through ladders, leap out of their grasp to climb up ladders, and then use said ladders to batter the Authors whenever possible. Authors of Pain are ruthlessly powerful throughout and force DIY to play this relentlessly smart game, having proven that raw ability was not enough to defeat them before. And from a compatibility standpoint, AoP and DIY are perfect foils, while DIY help bring out the creative brutality of the Authors.

While Gargano and Ciampa have impeccable chemistry, the Akam & Rezar operate as a unit, almost as if sharing the same brain - mostly due to the tutelage of Paul Ellering, who even gets involved in preventing Gargano from grabbing the titles. Because of it, their strength becomes a greater obstacle. It nearly takes the lives of Johnny and Tommaso to even survive the match, let alone get close to the championship. This becomes especially true when the match takes an emotional turn: Johnny Wrestling dives in the way of a ladder shot to the jaw, sacrificing his self to protect his best friend - Tommaso Ciampa. It looks fatal, and Johnny sells it like he needs to get his jaw surgically reattached. This sparks a fire in Ciampa, the final burst to reclaim what they fought so hard to attain only months ago. And it's just enough to dump Rezar off a ladder through a cornered ladder with a Uranagi. This brings Johnny back to life long enough to get Akam on his knees with a ladder draped over his head. And in their last ditch effort, Ciampa & Gargano crush his head with a Meet Me in the Middle finish, seemingly to seal the deal.

But Johnny is still half-dead. He can barely stand. And while he's also lying on top of the good ladder, it Ciampa's general concern for Johnny that eats up their time. He helps Gargano up so they can have their moment together, and that decision, whether intended or not, is ultimately what cost him. So instead of having a joyous celebration with the fans of Chicago, the Authors of Pain come back like The Juggernaut - pushing the ladder out from their feet and Powerbombing them to hell before dominantly claiming their titles. The heat this brings is intense, and some may consider the framing of the finish a bit flat. But the absolute curtness of it makes the Authors of Pain feel like a much more convincing pair of monsters. They crush your dreams emphatically and leave with the sad reality that your favorites just aren't strong enough, leaving them behind in a crippled heap.

And unfortunately, this would be the end of DIY's story. For the weight of the loss and an aggravated injury snapped something inside of Tommaso Ciampa. Knowing he would be up on the shelf for a while, he wanted to make sure his best friend wouldn't get all the glory in his absence...and tossed him into the minitron. It was the perfect emotional peak for the conclusion of one of the greatest chapters in NXT history. Of course, it's only the beginning of a new chapter for both men. But if this match was the last piece of either team's legacy in WWE, it was a masterpiece one could be proud to end with.

Points: 136
Highest Rank: #1(Psycho666Soldier)
9 lists total

[Ringo]

Liked the Chamber a lot at the time but it didn't make my list - I think much like the MITB matches because there's been so many it's easy to forget which one was which.

Goldberg/Brock was basically perfect and I loved every second of it. The spear dodge, the barricade spot... it was non-stop excitement. Was so happy they were able to right the wrongs of their Wrestlemania XX match and have the kind of encounter they should have had then. In under 5 minutes there's only so much you can do though.

Figured the Ladder match might be a bit higher. Didn't quite make my list by the looks of it, I thought it did. The aftermath was monumental but I liked the 3-way tag from Mania weekend better as well as DIY/Revival III from early in the year.

3 - Cesaro, Sheamus, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose
2 - Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Pete Dunne, Baron Corbin, The Miz
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, Kane, Braun Strowman, Shane McMahon, Asuka, Nikki Cross, Tyler Bate, Akam, Rezar, Johnny Gargano, Tomasso Ciampa, Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Bray Wyatt

[RFF Champ]

Of what I saw last year, Brock/Goldberg probably would have been my number one had I done up a list. It was so much fun and one long mark out match for me. I wish they had that match 13 years earlier.

I chose not to do a list solely because I missed the majority of the year.

Brock/Goldberg was everything pro wrestling should be about. It had strong character development, great meaningful build, and a believable and well structured match. It was comfortably my match of the year.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Gonna take a break today because I have the day off and just want to relax. The next entry will be up on Sunday to make up for today's absence.

[Peter Griffin]

Gonna take a break today because I have the day off and just want to relax. The next entry will be up on Sunday to make up for today's absence.

BOOOOOOOO!

Just kidding, Appreciate your work

[Badger]

DIY/AOP ladder match was my number 5, loved that match to bits and the aftermath was certainly memorable.

[Psycho666Soldier]

My entire day went awry due to traveling to a wrestling show and trying to quell a friend's depression before hand, and now I have a headache and am tired as shit. I'll have something up tomorrow whether it's early morning or late night, and some time this week I'll give a double shot to make up for the lost day. Sorry for the delay, all.

[Dr_Seldon]

No worries at all. Priorities are important, and you seem to have yours right. No rush.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Again, apologies for the delay, everybody. It's been a hectic couple days. I don't even know if I signed on to Rajah since Sunday. But I'm working on the next entry now. Subsequent entries will come to make up for the three days I missed, but no guarantees on when they will come.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#13

Smackdown Tag Team Championship
The New Day(Big E & Xavier Woods)(c) vs. The Usos(Jimmy & Jey)
SummerSlam 8/20


When it comes to WWE in 2017, the rivalry you'll most likely hear about is Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne. And that's fully deserved as I've alluded to in their previous entry. But there's another series of matches that lit the wrestling world on fire. After all, The New Day and The Usos will go down as two of the greatest tag teams in the history of WWE, so it's no surprise that when they met again firmly in their prime, they made that history by stamping their brand on the tag team wrestling in Smackdown. Some of what they create in the ring together is ground-breaking, and that became substantiated when they collided at SummerSlam. While they were relegated to the pre-show, they had a match that damn near stole the complete show, leaving wrestling fans hungry for more.

The Usos have been an excellent pair of performers since they first started doing the haka entrance, but they were always trapped by babyface leanings and constant attempts at hype and personality that were a bit grating for some. Then they tuned in to a growing negative reaction, ditched the paint and the baby kissing, and a metamorphasis began. Now, The Usos have unlocked their hidden potential as their heel turn let them experiment with their ruthlessness, with less of a focus on crowd-pleasing movesets. This match might be the moment where it's most apparent how comfortable they are with this role, taking advantage of every moment to either get heat on The New Day or deliver the most vicious of punishment. They're violent and efficient, with a tag team continuity that trumps even that of DIY, whom I last heaped a bunch of praise on. Some of the things they do to inflict pain on New Day here is just plain inventive. I don't think I've ever seen a splash to an opponent hanging through the ropes over the apron, a moment that felt like it could have been a finish with the in-ring splash that followed.

On the other side of the coin, you have The New Day who, while having somewhat different strengths, is on the exact same level as The Usos. Perhaps they are stronger as a heel team, but few in WWE can babyface as hard as New Day. They catch all facets of a tag match, from operating as a well-oiled machine to hyping people on the outside of the ring to building up that hot tag sympathy like no one else. They are coanstantly finding new tag team manuevers to employ to keep things fresh. They weave in subtle touches throughout that makes an average match feel more alive, and an excellent match more memorable. And while the Older Day relied on the pair of Big E and Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods has been getting more in-ring shine this year. Whether you need him to be flashy or capture your emotion, he can do the trick, and this is only accentuated in a tag team environment. In this match, he pulls off amazing feats of both dexterity and strength. The man lifts Big E onto his shoulders to elevate him for a splash, for pete's sake!

But what makes this match so magical is the combination of these elements. While they had good chemistry when the roles were reversed, they found a new plateau of quality on the revisit. Once the flow of the match picks up pace, the spots feel like a seamless chain of events with direct consequences for the next one. And this flow spurns the spirit of pushing the envelope that The New Day and The Usos seem to possess. The offense is increasingly innovative while never trading ring psychology for shock value. Case in point, the set-up for the Midnight hour sparked by Xavier's leaping DDT to the outside. It's hard-hitting, as highlighted when Jimmy and Xavier are exchanging strikes, where Woods ends up unleashing some wicked headbutts. And the timing of everything is superb, like Big E getting pulled off the apron just before a long-building hot tag. Or the false finish of Big E pulling Jimmy out of the ring while Xavier wrenches Jey in a Koji Clutch.

Just when it seems there's nothing more that can be done to raise the bar, The Usos get a bit sick in the head when Jey tosses Woods over the top rope, Jimmy catching him to complete a shattering Alley-Uce to the outside. Xavier is officially incapacitated for the foreseeable future, and it seems it's all done for The New Day. But Big E still has a flame blazing within him. He plows through both Usos, almost seeming to save the match for his team while Xavier remains dead. But for as strong and fired up Big Wool is, he can not match the pure tag team dominance of The Usos on his own. All it takes is a few superkicks to set him up for the Double Uce. One pinfall later, The Usos win their Smackdown Tag Team Titles back, and establish that authority of The Usos Penitentiary. But it took four to tango, and were it not for New Day, The Usos might not have been able to reach the level they are at now.

Points: 167
Highest Rank: #2(Sasori)
10 lists total

[Beer-Belly]

Kinda wish I'd submitted a list, but I'm not very good at ranking matches. I'm sure AJ/Brock would have been near the top. Partly because I'm biased because I saw it live, but mostly it's one of the best big man vs. little man matches I've seen in a while and it felt close to a real fight.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Kinda wish I'd submitted a list, but I'm not very good at ranking matches. I'm sure AJ/Brock would have been near the top. Partly because I'm biased because I saw it live, but mostly it's one of the best big man vs. little man matches I've seen in a while and it felt close to a real fight.

I don't think you have to be all analytical like some of us are. Sometimes I think it's as simple as thinking of 10 matches you really liked throughout the year and taking a few seconds to think about which one you liked more than the other. But I appreciate spectators and participants alike.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#12 coming in the next few minutes!!

[Psycho666Soldier]

#12

NXT Women's Championship
Asuka(c) vs. Ember Moon
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III 8/19


NXT has bred many special elements in the last few years. As much is evidenced by the fact that it usually dominates approximately half of the list each time. Whether it be personas, matches, atmospheres, or whatever small thing that makes wrestling special for you, NXT has probably given it to you better than most of what's under the WWE umbrella. Well they truly created a monster when they brought in Asuka, formerly known as Kana in Japan and the independents. She came in with twice the hype of Hideo Itami, and delivered three times as well. And though she didn't seem to deliver a performance that outshone the hot run of the Four Horsewomen for a long time, her quality of work was always in the apparent in the way she moved and carried herself in the ring. It was a formality that she wasn't handed the championship the moment she walked in, and once she won it from Bayley, there was no stopping her from creating the undefeated streak that still continues on the main roster. She has created a mystique around her that all wrestlers dream of but few ever capture. With her natural talent, WWE's marketing, and NXT's booking philosophy, Asuka became one of the hottest commodities in professional wrestling, and could be well on her way to entering the Hulk Hogan tier. Needless to say, there was truly no one in NXT during the summer of 2017 that was ready for Asuka.

Enter Ember Moon. Unlike Asuka, she entered with plenty of hype that never seemed fully realized since her debut. But while she didn't seem to show her full potential, there was no denying she had more heart and passion for the craft than most of her peers. Her wrestling was more than solid and her finish is the perfect blend of flashy and effective that any performer can bank on for stardom. All she needed was someone to bring that fire out of her, to bring us into her world at the deepest emotional level and push her to reach for the next plateau. And when Ember made her first attempt at the NXT Women's Championship, Asuka showed her that all the heart and passion means nothing if you don't focus it. Otherwise you might underestimate your opponent's willingness to take a shortcut, like Ember did when Asuka used the ref to knock her off the top rope. Ember was one Eclipse away from putting away Asuka, and she was too caught up in the moment to get past the cheap trick.

But everyone felt it. Ember had Asuka's number. Were it not for Asuka's dirty tactic, she would have eaten The Eclipse and probably lost her title and her streak. Instead, Asuka went on to boast even stronger than before about no one being able to defeat her. To the point that she interferes in a fatal 4-way to prevent their being a #1 Contender. Not even because she's scared of the opponents, but rather because she thinks there's no point. However, one woman seemed to particularly get taken out of the equation when Asuka sent Ember soaring shoulder-first into the barricade from the ring. While the other three in the match went on to face Asuka in another 4-way, Ember's shoulder was injured, and she was effectively taken out of action for most of the summer. But preparing for her return, she made one thing clear: she was more focused than ever, and she was coming back to right the wrong of her loss to Asuka.

From the moment the bell rings, Ember is all over Asuka. She makes sure to take control early and wants there to be no room for the Empress to manipulate her offense, something Asuka is excellent at. In these first few minutes, you can already see that Ember Moon really was the only one who could push Asuka to the brink of defeat, and with her renewed focus and greater experience, it's immediately believable that Ember could be the one to conquer the unconquerable. This completely forces Asuka to be crafty to get her openings, starting with some reversed momentum into the steel steps. And one arm-trapped suplex on the ramp later, and Asuka has reaggravated the shoulder injury that she caused. Like a shark smelling blood, she latches onto that arm and yanks to and fro, kicking it to hell and twisting it into painful holds that Ember sells like magic. Asuka is ruthless, stomping the back of Ember's head and not letting go of the arm as Ember tries to fight out of hold after hold. It's a dramatic storytelling device that builds for minutes, feeling like smaller contained segments that leads to a bigger payoff. In this specific case, Asuka's various arm holds were capped off by Ember finally lifting her up to her shoulder for a flattening Teardrop Suplex variation.

Ember Moon is too driven at this point. She starts coming back stronger with determined intensity every time. And the way Asuka has to work for every hold she puts on highlights it. Unlike the Ember Moon before who couldn't get around Asuka's ring intelligence, this Ember is too powerful to put away with a cheap trick. There is too much at stake for Ember, and she is certain the victory will come to her no matter what it takes. Asuka remains persistent, but Ember is remarkably resilient. It's heart-wrenching watching Asuka struggle with to put the Asuka lock on as Ember fights it and even attempts to lock one on herself. It gives such a cathartic release when Ember counters the official lock twice with a Backpack drop and unique pin before blasting Asuka with a forearm. Ember, despite falling into Asuka's tricks and having her shoulder tortured, pulls through, and unlike last time, actually hits The Eclipse. Every one knew that if she hit that, it would be over for Asuka's streak.

More like, every one thought that, as Asuka becomes the first person to kick out of The Eclipse. The crowd is absolutely shocked as everyone has bought in. This was the moment everyone envisioned, and if anyone was going to dethrone Asuka, it had to be Ember. And The Empress of Tomorrow crushed her dreams in one moment with that kick out. Ember stays focused, going for the Eclipse again and saying "Screw it" when leaping for a crossbody even while Ember holds the ref for protection. But it's not enough. It doesn't matter whether Asuka uses a cheap trick or beats it out of you. Once you're trapped in the Asuka Lock, there's only one escape, and that's in defeat. And while everyone thought Asuka cheated because she couldn't beat Ember, the truth is she didn't want to bother with her next gear. But just as she forced the strongest Ember Moon out of her greatest challenger, Ember necessitated Asuka to show her true form. And while Ember may be going home in defeat, she had proven to the entire world that she was worthy of the hype. She left part of herself in that ring and gave Asuka the match of her WWE career, and for that...she might have gained something greater than a championship.

Points: 175
Highest Rank: #4(Ringo)
11 lists total

[Ringo]

Yeah this was spectacular. The moment when Ember Moon finally clicked and pushed Asuka harder than she's ever been pushed. It started great and didn't stop for 15 minutes. The Eclipse near fall was so convincing. Asuka became more and more desperate as for the first time SHE seems to think she could lose and ends up attempting to cheat to win. Asuka comes out looking even stronger than before and Ember elevated in a big way even with a defeat setting her up to become the new champion when Asuka moved on. Probably the best women's match since Sasha/Bayley.

3 - Cesaro, Sheamus, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose
2 - Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Pete Dunne, Baron Corbin, The Miz, Asuka
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, Kane, Braun Strowman, Shane McMahon, Nikki Cross, Tyler Bate, Akam, Rezar, Johnny Gargano, Tomasso Ciampa, Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Ember Moon, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Big E, Xavier Woods

[Badger]

I had this at #8, great match. This was the one moment I thought Asuka was beat and the kick-out from the Eclipse really threw me off.

[Dr_Seldon]

Great match, made it all the way to seven on my list. It was probably the match that surprised me most when re-watching it. Originally I felt it was good, but not really memorable, outside of the Eclipse kick out. However, when I watched it a second time it was really exiting all the way through. Goes to show how important your frame of mind/mood is to how you appreciate a match.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#11

Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar(c) vs. Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
SummerSlam 8/20


When Brock Lesnar redeemed his loss to Goldberg, he killed two birds with one stone, because he had also gained the prize of the Universal Championship, undoing the asterisk of his loss at the hands of Seth Rollins' Money in the Bank cash-in. And now back on top of the mountain without having properly been beaten by anyone who started after the year 2000, this brought us back to the original question of his first reign: who other than Roman Reigns can provide a credible threat to Brock Lesnar? At the time, it might have felt more unclear, but the landscape is different than it was in 2014. While Roman raised his stock by defeating and presumably retiring The Undertaker, a new face had made his presence known by the name of Samoa Joe. Joe crushed anyone in his path, whether by brute force or smart tactics, and with an undefeated streak against Roman Reigns, he was well on his way to something big. All the while, a certain Monster Among Men broke away from his Family roots following the brand split, transforming from a green as grass, babyfaced giant to a one man wrecking crew that the crowd can't get enough of. And while Braun Strowman is still learning his craft(obviously so, at points), he has consistently been more dominant and entertaining than any other superstar on the entire roster.

Whereas previously you had men with the skill who lacked the image, you now had a handful of guys who looked the part and more than backed it up. Roman already took Brock to the limit the same night Rollins stole the opportunity away. Samoa Joe bled legitimacy with everything he did and was part of a terribly convincing program with Lesnar where he nearly choked him out to win the title. And while Braun had little interaction with The Beast, he had made handling Roman and practically anyone else look like child's play, so his credentials spoke on their own merit. And all three were incredibly hungry to prove that they had what it takes to slay The Beast. And when the 4-Way was announced, even Paul Heyman said this would be Lesnar's last match, because it would be ludicrous to think he could both survive all three competitors AND prevent them from pinning each other. If it didn't feel credible before, they sure built it like that, and once the bell rang, it was obvious a storm was forming.

The match explodes from the start and never stops. This is a battle of four men who have all been considered the most dominant of their stomping grounds, proving that they are undisputedly the strongest. However, while the Universal Championship is the ultimate prize, every one wants that badge of honor for defeating Brock Lesnar. So they all gun for him at every turn. And while egos and opportunity see them attacking each other, they all want to leave their mark on Brock to claim their greater fame. As such, Lesnar gets no chance to clobber anyone, and when it seems like he might finally do some damage, he runs into Braun Strowman. In the most uncharacteristic of fashions, Braun absolutely manhandles Brock Lesnar. Lesnar's greatest weakness is underestimating the potential of a new opponent no matter how intimidating, and it leaves him open to absolute devastation in the hands of someone of his caliber. And that's what's most magical about this meeting. Braun is on the same level of sheer power and destruction that Brock is, and no one in between the two has ever taken that role. So when Braun drives Lesnar through two announce tables and dumps a third one on top of him, not only is it awe-inspiring, it's almost like a torch-passing. For once, someone can dominate The Beast like he has done to so many others. It even almost takes more to take him out than Lesnar, who gets hauled off on a stretcher due to his underestimation.

Braun causes carnage with every step he takes, decimating Reigns and Joe just as easily as Brock, but benefiting from the initial target on Brock, they both get their moments in and come just as close to a win as Strowman. Joe is opportunistic and calculating, choking out a weakened Brock before leaving him to eat a barricade Spear, and catching every opponent off-guard to try to steal a win. Roman is naturally persistent, but also resourceful, utilizing stairs to neutralize Braun Strowman and punching everyone in sight. Joe and Roman even have a brief moment of a more traditional match that's about as great as you'd expect between the two, but it's not long before the unstoppable force of Braun ruins that with a double chokeslam! And that's just in time for Lesnar to come storming back to the ring to reclaim the keys to Suplex City. From here, Brock finally shows off the imposing ferocity he's known for, getting a piece of everyone. Treating it like Brock can't suplex Braun easy and has to resort to the Kimura does wonders for Braun's mystique, but it also showed that Brock knows his way out of any situation when he's focused.

Whenever it seems like on person has victory in their grasp, the 4-way rules hinder them as a third man always seems to stop the fall, and no matter how powerful each man is, they all lose grip on their control by the end. Lesnar in particular actually looks in trouble, surrounded by the only three people of the modern era that have come close to defeating him. It's quite a sight, seeing him desperately break up a pin while panting on the ground and struggling to get up, having been pushed to the limit by three other equals. And to Roman's credit, he ends up being the one to outlast all other punishment to have Brock Lesnar dead in his sights for the last Spear that would put him away. But The Beast never goes quietly, and no matter how many Superman Punches Roman unloads, he is swept into the cyclone of an F5. And after a hard-fought pinfall, Brock Lesnar once again proves that there are no true equals. Not now. Not when he still has victims to crush.

Points: 185
Highest Rank: #2(Dr_Seldon, Ringo)
9 lists total

[Ringo]

Woah, was sure this would make the top 5 or even top 3. Not even top 10! Best 4-way in WWE history, one of the best Summerslam main events too for me. Carnage.

3 - Cesaro, Sheamus, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose
2 - Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Pete Dunne, Baron Corbin, The Miz, Asuka, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, Kane, Shane McMahon, Nikki Cross, Tyler Bate, Akam, Rezar, Johnny Gargano, Tomasso Ciampa, Goldberg, John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Ember Moon, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Big E, Xavier Woods, Samoa Joe

[Kdestiny]

Was definitely not as high on this one as most were. I had it at 14.

[Dr_Seldon]

Fantastic match, very surprised that it didn't even make the top 10. Brock really is a fantastic multi man match competitor.

[Psycho666Soldier]

The 4-way was at one point in the top 3 halfway through getting lists, but it was quickly dropped after subsequent lists. I had it at #6 and Asuka/Moon at #7. Both stellar matches and I stand by every word in the write-ups. I should hopefully have #10 up later tonight after work.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#10

Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade Almas
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III 8/19


2017 started many intense rivalries all across the board. From RAW to NXT, and even in promotions outside of WWE, there were many pairings that took up air time and ring space, settling scores and in some cases having the best matches of the year. Amidst all of these feuds with pomp and circumstance, a spark happened that seemed like a wonderful blip on the NXT radar. What no one expected was the spark igniting one of the most organic and emotional rivalries that bled in to 2018. Even Johnny Gargano himself was primed for a deep program with Tommaso Ciampa when he recovered from injury, but while that was on hold, Johnny set his sights on the NXT Title. Everything seemed set in stone for him to get a good ride into the main event. Until Andrade "Cien" Almas came along, steering Johnny on a path leading to one many are calling a 5-star classic. But that all started here, in a match that looked like a typical Takeover curtain-jerker on paper.

While Gargano was proving he could succeed without the help of Ciampa, Almas had undergone a rehabilitation. After weeks of Almas showing no motivation in the ring - more concerned with partying and getting laid than winning - a mysterious woman by the name of Zelina Vega began chastising Andrade's behavior. And before long, Almas was mentored into a stronger focus. And while his heel turn produced a much more successful performer than that which we witnessed on his debut, the Andrade Almas that arrived with Zelina Vega at his side was like a whole new man. His moves were crisper, his strikes more purposeful, and he started gaining wins. This came to a head when Regal paired Almas with Johnny Wrestling to open NXT's second return to Brooklyn. And at the risk of sounding cliche - the rest, as they say, is magic.

The most tangible aspect of the match is the instant chemistry between Johnny and Andrade. Despite never having touched each other except maybe at house shows, they wrestle like they're operating on the same frequency. This is immediately apparent in the fluid mat wrestling at the start, which reflects the general fluidity of Almas and Gargano's work. As a whole, the match is perfectly timed, which is accentuated by the constant pace it keeps up. Both men's movesets are rooted in speed and maneuverability. So one's offense feeds into the other's, creating a sense of momentum that emboldens the final impacts. Every successful hit and slam matters, and whenever Almas punches into a new gear, Gargano is in hot pursuit and outdoes him, creating a vicious cycle. Some of the strikes are downright vicious, and they only get more spiteful the longer the match goes on. In the same vein, in the span of the one match, both Gargano and Andrade learn each other's tricks like they were having a rematch. Gargano kicks Almas in the mush when he tries to cradle himself in the ropes, and Almas stops Johnny's slingshot spear with a headlock lariat.

For both men, it was the first test of sorts. For Almas, it was the first real test of his renewed outlook with the guidance of Zelina Vega, taking on a former champion on one of the biggest stages of the year. For Gargano, it was showing that he can be Johnny Wrestling in WWE without Tommaso Ciampa. And in fighting to prove their relevance, they carried a match that had no real stakes or build into the territory of a year-long heated rivalry, and the crowd lapped up every second of it. The last couple minutes is a mad sprint of false finishes and desperation, with the constant pace I mentioned now in triple time. They continue throwing their best shots, Andrade growing into the zenith of his ring innovation while Johnny sells his arm and his determined heart like his life depended on this victory. And after an exhausting exchange ending with Almas getting Lawn Darted into the turnbuckle, Gargano finally has Almas right where he needs him. He's a superkick away from leaving his stamp on the NXT singles division, but there's another element to Zelina Vega's presence beyond guidance. With a brilliant toss of a DIY shirt, Zelina leaves Gargano stunned long enough for Almas to mount a final rush of offense, sealing the deal with the Hammerlock DDT that would create an insane butterfly effect.

This was the first taste of a losing streak for Johnnyt Gargano, and the beginning of Gargano's inability to defeat Andrade Almas, which suddenly became a wonderful stroke of creativity when Almas improved so much that he won the World Title. Whether the plan was to plant seeds for what became an epic rivalry or it was a happy accident, the fact remains that this match was an unexpected hit that tuned the world into just how great these two are, especially when working together. Here's hoping the feud continues long into the future.

Points: 187
Highest Rank: #3(Saintevil)
11 lists total

[Kdestiny]

This one should’ve not only been higher on my list, but on it period. Can’t believe I forgot this one.

[Psycho666Soldier]

Working on the next entry now. I think it'll be kind of a controversial ranking. I'm interested to hear reactions.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#9

United Kingdom Championship
Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne
United Kingdom Championship Tournament, Night Two 1/15



And here it is. The moment that sparked a new division and clued many fans in on what they had been missing across the pond. Another moment where WWE redefined the boundaries of contracted talent. And, of course, the day Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne 2017 began. While the overall rivalry is what created the legend, when Bate and Dunne clashed in the finals of the United Kingdom Championship Tournament, people were quick to claim Match of the Year, and with great reason. The level of chemistry between the two is uncanny, and their individual wrestling skill is through the roof. Besides, this was no ordinary match. This was the main event of the United Kingdom's first showing to a worldwide audience under the WWE umbrella - a chance to show the world who has been most slept on. And with the UK Championship hanging in the balance, the winner would leave an eternal mark on WWE. Tyler Bate planned on earning that right by fighting harder than anyone else, while Pete Dunne was intent on forcing his way to greatness by any means necessary.

Due to that mentality, Dunne attacks Bate right after his semi-final, trying to gain an early advantage by injuring his shoulder. This plays a major factor as without it, Tyler Bate will have tremendous difficulty executing the Tyler Driver '97. Bate tries to keep it away from the Bruiserweight to avoid maximum damage, and surprisingly takes some control early on. Dunne eventually gets him locked down in various arm holds, bute Bate emphatically escapes or counters to show that the injury makes him no less of a threat. And for a while, every time Dunne tries to go for the shoulder, Bate seems to fire back even stronger. Mind you, Pete Dunne is putting a lot of work and getting some debilitating hits in, and while Tyler's resilience seems endless, there are moments where he can do nothing more than absorb Dunne's punishment. And while Bate does always finds a way on top, he pays for every step of it in pain.

But no matter how efficient and merciless Dunne is, Bate stays focused and finds a way out from underneath every circumstance. Whether he has to literally fight from the ground or push his body to extreme limits of suffering to counter a submission, Tyler never once forgets the prize at hand. And once he's found his groove, he is nigh unstoppable. He throws caution to the wind and pulls out all the stops, flying over the ropes and uncorking some of his hardest strikes in order to immortalize his effort. And when Dunne finally catches Bate in the Bitter End, signaling the finish like we've seen through the entire tournament, Bate miraculously kicks out! This leaves both Dunne and the crowd stunned, the Bruiserweight not sure what he should even do next, clearly putting all his chips on that move hitting. He scrambles for a Kimura Lock which seems effective, but the will of Tyler Bate is too great to be crushed on this night. He sees the light at the end of the tunnel and perseveres, countering the Kimura into a suplex, unloading some rolling kicks and preparing for the moment of truth - hoisting up Pete Dunne for the Tyler Driver, planting him to the mat with authority, and getting the 1...2...3.

The look on his face following the victory is priceless, and is truly indicative of the prestige he had just won. He came out of a disadvantaged battle for the biggest reward of his life and was victorious, against one of the most barbaric wrestlers in modern history. And that's where the beauty of this match lies: the pure heart and determination that it takes to earn these moments. This was bolstered by how well sold both Dunne and Bate's finishes were, so that when Bate kicked out of the Bitter End, it made for the biggest reaction of the entire tournament. It showed how much more badly Tyler Bate wanted this moment. And while Dunne would take his spotlight months later, Tyler Bate had more drive on this night to be the face of the new United Kingdom division. He did his country proud, and in the process captured the imagination of wrestling fans across the world. Of course, this was only the start of his legacy that he was destined to share with Pete Dunne.

Points: 201
Highest Rank: #1(Badger, mr sabu)
10 lists total

[Psycho666Soldier]

It took me a while to properly warm up to this match. I don't know why, but it didn't really resonate with me much the first time. Watching it again for the list, I had a higher opinion of it, but still found it inferior compared to the other two. Watching it one more time...it definitely deserved a few more spots up. I had it at 13, but if I were to bump it up, I would probably put it about here anyway. A great example of some of UK's best just going all out and starting a feud that people will remember for a long time. Great stuff, and I can't wait until we get a revisit down the line(hopefully even further).

The next entry is ready to go(I may have read the wrong match after Asuka/Moon and typed up #8 on accident), I'll post it after work tonight. From there, I'll be back to one match a day, including Saturday and Sunday to make up for the days I missed last week. Thanks for the patience everyone.

[Ringo]

I liked Gargano/Almas at the time but this was before I was really on board with Gargano or Almas as Almas and it ended up just missing my list. In light of their recent Takeover match and follow up on NXT I'd like to rewatch it as I imagine it might rank higher for me now.

Dunne/Bate I was a fantastic match that felt unique under the WWE umbrella and the perfect culmination to a very enjoyable and also very un-WWE like two night tournament. I watched this one as it happened. Their longer, spottier rematch at Takeover Chicago which got a lot more love I watched retrospectively which probably had an impact but when I put together my list this was the match I favoured of their three match series. It was my #3.

3 - Cesaro, Sheamus, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Pete Dunne
2 - Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Baron Corbin, The Miz, Asuka, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, Johnny Gargano, Tyler Bate
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, Kane, Shane McMahon, Nikki Cross, Tyler Bate, Akam, Rezar, Tomasso Ciampa, Goldberg, John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Ember Moon, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Big E, Xavier Woods, Samoa Joe, Andrade Almas

[Tainted Eclipse]

dunne/bate was my #2. i can't remember the last WWE show i enjoyed as much as night two of the UK tournament. it would have to be way up there for my all time favorite WWE shows. perfect final with legit emotion and bate over the two nights turning into a true star in the eyes of the crowd. everyone pretty much expected dunne to win and bate pulling it off was a legit dramatic, emotional moment. man, what could have been with that UK show.

[Badger]

No shame about this being my Number 1, Dunne and Bate had amazing chemistry. Dunne was a machine and Bate just would not gieup. It's a classic David vs Goliath story but these two pulled it off tremendously.

Currently, Bate is losing to the likes of TJP in the Cruiserweight tournament which left a sour taste in my mouth at the time, however Bate is still very young. Hopefully he gets more of a chance to shine as he has great underdog value.

[Psycho666Soldier]

#8

The Undisputed Era(Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish) vs. Authors of Pain(Akam, Rezar, & Roderick Strong) vs. SAnitY(Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain)
WarGames
NXT Takeover: WarGames 11/18



For years, fans have clamored for WWE to take advantage of their owned properties by bringing back elements from WCW that would both freshen things up and give the old fans some nostalgia. However, I don't think anyone expected that when one of the most asked for gimmick matches, WarGames, made its return that it would be in NXT. But with the powder keg of elements they had unfolding surrounding the invasion of Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish, and Adam Cole, better known as The Undisputed Era. They made their presence known during the last Takeover by attacking both after the Tag Team Title match and the World Title match. The Era made known their intentions: to take over NXT and claim it as their own by any means necessary, and doing so at a blistering pace. In the midst of this chaos were its agents, SAnitY, who had just won the Tag Team Championship from the seemingly unbeatable Authors of Pain. Relishing in the ruckus Undisputed Era stirred up but burned by their attack in Brooklyn, SAnitY made it their personal mission to decimate The Undisputed Era. But they were not the only ones out for revenge. The Undisputed Era made a lot of enemies in the course of one night, and when SAnitY ate a beatdown at Brooklyn, the Authors of Pain were targeted as well. Mix in the fact that the Era failed to recruit a stalwart Roderick Strong as a meta-tease of an ROH-invasion storyline, and you see how the pieces fall in place for this to be settled in some ridiculously grandiose and complex gimmick match that turns out better than its concept should warrant.

Thus, WarGames begins.

A large focus of this match is the Authors, SAnitY and Roderick Strong wanting a piece of the Undisputed Era, especially Adam Cole. But there are clearly more elements at play here, as the Authors of Pain want their titles back, Roderick Strong still has beef with SAnitY, and SAnitY just wants to destroy everything regardless of whether they have a reason or not. This three-way dynamic is best seen in the starting triple threat between Roddy, Cole, and Young. It's a unique way of starting the match and allows the singles stars of the groups to shine before being swallowed by the pandemonium. It was excellently timed as far as which teams got their partners first. The Era are released first, letting them get the heat of outnumbering the more powerful teams. And here, we finally get to see how Cole, Fish & O'Reilly operate as a unit, and to say it's efficient is an understatement. The Authors get the honor of second, which gives them the best spotlight for their power as they bulldoze through the Undisputed unit and keep Eric Young destroyed while tossing Roderick Strong like a projectile into everyone else.

And last, but definitely not least, is the release of Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe, when WarGames officially begins. And this couldn't be more true when they introduce weapons to the fray, Killian Dain emptying out the under ring to bring it all inside the cage. And suddenly, SAnitY are embodying the chaos they preach more than ever before and become real stars over night. Killian Dain had always been impressive, but didn't have the proper vehicle to show his engine at full performance. He takes on the Authors of Pain on his own, clobbers The Undisputed Era and is flying across the ring with the fastest of them while attacking some people two at a time. And Alexander Wolfe, someone who had previously seemed somewhat generic and non-descript, came out swinging like a madman. He suplexes everyone in sight, emotes like he should be a message board smiley, and comes out of his wrestling shell to show why he belongs. He also was part of some of the best imagery when a german superplex through a table leaves his head drenched in blood.

While SAnitY got most of the non-victory shine, every single performer was made to look strong in this match, and a lot of this was due to how well structured it was. There were plenty of unique moments and set pieces that could only be accomplished with the ingredients provided by the WarGames match. Outside of some unfortunate camera work, the two rings were utilized at all opportunities, and the large amount of players kept the action at a frenetic pace. With the weapons introduced, the match feels even more violent and fatal, and it helps create some of the more memorable spots of the match. Chains used for armbars, chairs used for shining wizards, trashcans are crushed and dropkicked from the turnbuckle, and so much more. When all men are found onf the ground at any point, it feels truly earned. Every warrior has gone through so much to try and outlast the onslaught. Each wrestler pushing theirselves farther to inflict more punishment. Doing whatever is necessary to come out of this mess with their hand held in triumph. But no matter how hard they fought, no matter how tough or strong they were, The Undisputed Era seem like an inevitable force. The three of them are on a quest that will take more than determination and skill to stop.

It brilliantly came down to the first three that started the match to decide who would come out of this monstrosity in victory. And the perfect irony is that Eric Young's master plan, having Dain and Wolfe introduce the weapons, ended up being the albatross around his neck. Adam Cole excels when he doesn't have to rely on his own strength, and even though he was able to do away with Roderick Strong, Cole was able to take advantage of the smallest opening to blast Young with a cane and destroy him with the chair Eric Young used for stability. And while I would love to just list off the amount of insane, jaw-dropping, and mind-imprinting moments of this match, there really were too many to properly portray in words. But what I can say is what happened in this ring was the most I have ever felt like I witnessed an in-ring war. And in that sense, NXT and WarGames completely lived up to its name and delivered beyond expectations.

Points: 202
Highest Rank: #4(Dr_Seldon)
12 lists total

[Ringo]

This was just so much fun. People had talked about WWE bringing back the War Games so many times over the last 15 years or so. It was great to see it finally go down, in the right setting, with a good enough rivalry to back it up and then completely deliver. Lots of great spots, so many great visuals, break out performances for Dain and Wolfe. I liked the little touches like Strong dressing in the AOP gear. #13 on my list.

3 - Cesaro, Sheamus, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Pete Dunne
2 - Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Baron Corbin, The Miz, Asuka, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, Johnny Gargano, Tyler Bate, Akam, Rezar
1 - Charlotte, Bayley, Mark Andrews, Austin Aries, Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Kurt Angle, Kane, Shane McMahon, Nikki Cross, Tomasso Ciampa, Goldberg, John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Ember Moon, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Big E, Xavier Woods, Samoa Joe, Andrade Almas, Kyle O'Reilly, Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Killian Dain, Alexander Wolfe, Eric Young, Roderick Strong

[RFF Champ]

I am shocked that is so high.