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Post by ADudeThatIsAwesome on Jan 7, 2017 0:57:35 GMT -5
Found my blog... never got around to posting it on my blog... figured i'd post it here lol I know, top "_" lists are a bit of a cliche. But I LOVE pro wrestling. It's the closet thing I have to a favorite sport. So, with the huge amount of matches that happened last year, I decided, thanks in large part to the WWE Network to review some of them and compile this, my own top 20 list. _________________________________________________________________________________ {Spoiler}{Spoiler}Number 20: Brock Lesnar VS Goldberg: Survivor Series, November 20
This match isn't listed because it was a technical masterpiece, or a hardcore war, this match is listed because of the WTF factor it had. Brock Lesnar is arguably the most legit monster WWE has ever had, the only thing that comes close IMO is early 90's Vader. Brock broke the Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak, SQUASHED John Cena and has been unstoppable for so long.
Then there's Goldberg. For a short time in the late 90's Goldberg was arguably the biggest star in wrestling. He was winning matches in under 5 minutes, and pinned Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Title. Then he came to WWE. His WWE run wasn't the best, but he beat the Rock in his debut and did capture the WWE Heavyweight title.
In 2004, these two met in what was the closet thing to a "Dream Match" WWE had put on in years. And it was lackluster. Goldberg and Brock were both leaving. Goldberg had reached the end of his contracted dates and decided not to renew, and Brock was gonna go play football. The match suffered, the crowd turned on it, and Goldberg won.
Fast forward 12 years later and here we are. Brock strolled to the ring, Paul Heyman in tow, confident as could be. Then came Goldberg. With the entire arena chanting his name, walking through the pyro, the 50 year old Goldberg still looked like the monster, the phenomenon that steamrolled WCW.
The bell rang, Brock shot a double leg, shoving Goldberg back into the corner. Goldberg shoved Brock back. Brock laughed, and turned his back as he got up. BOOM! Spear! Goldberg waited, hit a second spear, and then lifted Brock up, Jackhammer. 1, 2, 3! 1:26. That's all it took for Goldberg to shock the world.
Number 19: Roman Reigns VS Finn Balor: Spot in the Universal Title Match: July 25th
Finn Balor has been an International star for years now. With a long run in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Known for his elaborate body paint, and unique style in the ring, the former Prince Devitt, had multiple reigns as the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title, arguably the most prestigious "Cruiserweight" title in the world. He came to WWE and dominated the developmental league, NXT. In his first match on the Main Roster he won a fatal four way, and now was facing the man the WWE wanted to be the new face of the company.
Roman Reigns was handpicked by the WWE to be the new face of the company. A member of the WWE Samoan dynasty, with explosive power and a cool, bad ass charisma, Reigns was loved by the fans as part of the Shield. But when that group broke up, it became clear that WWE was gonna push Roman, despite the crowd beginning to turn. Despite the reaction of the crowd, Roman was a 3 time World Champion, and still capable of having amazing matches. A failed drug test slowed his momentum a bit, but many thought he'd regain it here.
This match was incredible. The fans where on their feet, the two men brought everything they had, and in a shock, Balor cleanly won, with a huge Coup De Grace. Finn Balor had arrived and WWE had strapped the rocket to his back.
Number 18: Finn Balor VS Shinsuke Nakamura: NXT July 13th
Before Finn would join the main roster he had a "going away party" of sorts as he faced Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura is a legend in Japan, multiple time IWGP World and IC champion, he was selected in 2015 to join the prestigious Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Nakamura has a unique charisma and style, unlike anything seen before. His style is strike heavy, and his Kinshasa Knee Strike is amazing.
This match took up the entire episode of NXT and was a back and forth war. Both men hit everything they had, 1916's, Reverse Exploder Suplexes, Coup De Grace, even the Kinshasa. Nakamura eventually got the win and the two men shook hands. A great send off for Finn and Nakamura took one more step towards becoming the ace of NXT.
Number 17: Y2AJ VS The New Day WWE Tag Titles: Raw, March 7th
AJ Styles. He was long considered the greatest wrestler to never wrestle for WWE, after Sting. For over a decade Styles was the face of TNA Wrestling. When Styles left TNA, many wondered, "Would it happen?" After re-inventing himself in Japan and the American Indy scene, including runs with the IWGP World title, AJ finally debuted in WWE at the Royal Rumble. After a few matches, including a PPV win over Jericho, this tag team was formed, Y2AJ.
Jericho is a legend. He's done it all, most reigns as IC Champ, the man who beat The Rock and Stone Cold in the same night. He was back in WWE and he was hungry for gold. This was his chance.
The New Day. From the "angry black guys" stereotype, to becoming arguably the most over act in the WWE, The New Day were making waves. Funny promos, nerd culture characters, and great in-ring action, Kofi, Xavier and Big E. were new stars, in a company that needed them.
This night on Raw was magic. Just a fantastic tag team match. All 5 men, the 4 in the ring and Xavier on the outside, brought their A-Game. In the end The New Day would retain. After wards Jericho would turn on AJ, and they would have a decent WM match.
Number 16: Cedric Alexander VS Kota Ibushi: Cruiserweight Classic: August 10th
Ibushi is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. A Junior heavyweight icon in Japan, and former winner of the Super Junior Cup, Ibushi was one of two heavy favorites to win the entire CWC tournament. Ibushi had the hype, the legacy and the skills to wow.
Cedric was lesser known, but had shown flashes of brilliance in his first round match. Here, on this night, the two made history, For nearly 20 minutes these two had a masterful match. Hard kicks, flashy dives, and even a bit of mat wrestling. These two went full tilt. Several times Cedric came close to shocking the world, but ultimately Ibushi would not be denied, hitting his Sit-Out Last Ride powerbomb to win the match.
After the match the crowd in the Full Sail Arena chanted "Please sign Cedric!" This prompted HHH to come out from behind the curtain, shake Cedric's hand and nod and wink at the crowd. The crowd got their wish, as Cedric was ultimately signed to the WWE.
Number 15: Asuka VS Bayley: NXT: Takeover: Dallas April 1st
Bayley has become the face of the female division, at least in NXT. Last year, Bayley had the MOTY, not just in my opinion, but in WWE's, PWI's and several other websites and publications, when she faced off against Sasha Banks. Bayley is the classic baby face, akin to a female Sting. She has the fire, the passion and the in ring skills to back it up.
Asuka, much like Nakamura. is some one I'd heard of, but not seen any of. Asuka had a reputation as a stiff woman, known for great strikes, amazing submissions and being a great wrestler, regardless of gender.
This match delivered. Bayley played an amazing "face in peril", as Asuka dominated with her Japanese Strong Style. Bayley got her hope spots and there were a few times when it looked like she might defy the odds and pull through. But it wasn't to be on this night, as Asuka got her cross face chicken wing submission, the Asuka Lock, locked in. Bayley fought valiantly, but it wasn't enough. She passed out, and her reign was over.
Number 14: The Revival VS American Alpha: NXT Tag Titles: NXT Takeover: Dallas: April 1st
American Alpha are like the Steiner Brothers meets Worlds Greatest Tag Team. They combine classic mat wrestling, with submissions and suplexes into a hybrid style that is incredibly over with the fans, and has made them an amazing tag team IMO the second best tag team next to:
The Revival. the Revival invoke call backs to classic teams like The Midnight Express, or more aptly The Brainbusters, Arn and Tully. Classic old school tag team offense. mixed with a cocky arrogance, The Revival are the best tag team in the world. Their finisher, The Shatter Machine, is an amazing move.
These two had an all out classic. Back and forth, submissions, suplexes, old school classic tag team moves. These two teams went full tilt. In the end, AA scored the victory, capturing the NXT Tag Team belts, and establishing BOTH TEAMS as the future of tag team wrestling.
Number 13: Charlotte VS Sasha Banks: Raw Women's Title: Raw: November 28th
Sasha Banks is "The Boss". A cocky, arrogant, big time sports star. She plays it to perfection, and has parlayed it into a mega successful character. Sasha was in the MOTY last year against Bayley, and it was her matches in NXT that had fans excited in her main roster run. Sasha was in several amazing matches in this historic rivalry.
Charlotte is the daughter of Ric Flair. She has amazing ring presence, great in ring work and plays her character to the hilt. She has everything going for her, size, skill, and can work her ass off.
This match was their fifth major match against each other on Raw. And boy did it deliver. They beat the hell out of each other, and even brawled all over the arena. In the end, Sasha used the guardrail to assist her in a Banks Statement submission, forcing Charlotte to tap and giving Sasha another reign as champion.
Number 12: Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens: WWE Payback: May 1st
Kevin Owens was a standout in ROH and his arrival in NXT had a buzz. He immediately targeted Sami Zayn his former partner/foe on the indy scene. Owens dominated in NXT and ended up winning the NXT title, in the midst of his reign he showed up on Raw and beat John Cena in his main roster debut match. To say he had momentum , is an understatement.
Sami Zayn is arguably the greatest underdog babyface of all time. On the indys he was known as El Generico and developed his in ring skills. In NXT, without his mask, he showed that he had the facial expressions and promo skills to be a top guy. As soon as he made his debut on the main roster he targeted Kevin Owens.
They'd competed against each other at WrestleMania in the 7 man IC Title Ladder Match and they finally had a chance to meet one on one on the main roster. These two started off hot and never slowed down. For 15 minutes they went full tilt, balls to the wall, and had the fans buying into every false finish, and just when it looked like the match was over it continued.
Ultimately Owens hit the umpteenth Pop-Up Powerbomb to get the victory. A great match, and one that showed that these two men had arrived.
Number 11: The Miz VS Kevin Owens VS Cesaro VS Sami Zayn: IC Title: WWE Extreme Rules May 22nd
The Miz went from reality star stand out to WM main eventer. He may have been undeserving, but in the years since, he had worked himself back up to become the best heel in the WWE. He was making the IC title seem important again and interest in this match was high.
Cesaro has been, seemingly, on the cusp of greatness for years. Amazing strength, insane in ring skills, and a physical charisma that captivates audiences. Fans have been waiting for him to break through and many thought this was his chance.
This match also allowed the Sayn/Owens feud to continue without doing another singles match and burning the fans out.
From the moment bell rang these four men went all out. Over and over, balls to the wall. Cesaro hit his uppercut train, Owens hit a cannonball train, Zayn and Owens re-ignited their rivalry, beating the hell out of each other. The Miz ultimately snuck away with the cheap win, getting the pin after a Heeluva Kick to Cesaro and while Owens and Sami brawled outside the ring.
Number 10: Roman Reigns VS AJ Styles: WWE World Championship: WWE Payback: May 1st
AJ Styles had arrived in WWE just under four months ago, he might have lost at WM, but he won a huge Fatal Four Way the next night to gain a shot at Reigns and his WWE title.
Reigns still wasn't the choice of 100% of the crowd, but he had delivered in big match situations and fan interest was high as these two men approached the main event of Payback.
This match had it all. Reigns brought his A-Game, busting out awesome new moves, chief among them a Sit-Out Razor's Edge. AJ hit insane high spots, including his amazing Springboard 450 Splash. The only thing that really hurt this match was the interference from The Club and The Usos.
Ultimately AJ missed his Phenomenal Forearm and Reigns nailed a huge spear to win. AJ came up short, but proved that no matter what, he is "Phenomenal".
Number 9: Samoa Joe VS Finn Balor: Steel Cage Match: NXT Championship: NXT: Takeover The End: June 8th
Samoa Joe. He is known all over the world as the "Samoan Submission Machine". For years he had dominated ROH, being the longest running champion in companies history. He then moved to TNA, dominating the X-Division, having dream matches with Kurt Angle and becoming a main stay.... But things changed. TNA kept... being TNA and Joe became unmotivated. Ultimately Joe left TNA. When he showed up in NXT he instantly was over, and his merch was high selling. He marched through NXT ultimately winning the NXT title.
Finn Balor had dominated NXT. he was the longest reigning NXT Champion, and going into this match, the first Steel Cage Match in NXT history, he had never lost when in his "Demon" attire. Would he regain the NXT title?
NXT made the Cage match seem important again, and this match delivered. The match started with both men trying to escape the cage, and cutting each other off. They then moved to hitting the big moves. A Sling Blade from the top rope couldn't put Joe down. A Coup De Grace failed as well, and Joe went for his Rear Naked Choke. But it didn't work, Finn escaped and tried to climb the cage. But a massive top rope Muscle Buster put Balor down, and Joe retained the title.
Number 8: John Cena VS AJ Styles: Money In The Bank: June 19th
John Cena. He is the biggest name in wrestling today, arguably a top five of all time. He has been on top for over a decade, the undisputed face of WWE. He's gone from being the Internet favorite, to being the most controversial superstar in WWE history. The crowd is always invested in a Cena match, half wanting him to win, half wanting him to lose.
AJ of course was the Face of TNA for a decade. This match was undoubtedly a "Dream Match". Every WWE fan in the world wanted to see it, and when they had their first face to face meeting to set up this huge match, the fans were buzzing.
AJ would turn heel in the lead up to the match, reuniting with his former NJPW buddies, The Club, and fans wondered, since AJ is now the heel, does he lose?
From the moment the match began fans were interested. Even though AJ was a heel, he still had his share of audience support. Cena hit his Attitude Adjustment, AJ kicked out. AJ hit his Styles Clash, Cena kicked out. Next they traded submissions, with AJ locking in the Calf Crusher, and Cena locking in his STF. That didn't work either.
Cena went for another AA, and the ref was accidentally knocked down. This allowed The Club to interfere and hit The Magic Killer, laying out Cena and giving AJ the victory. A great match, with a small black mark resulting from the interference.
Number 7: Sasha Banks VS Charlotte: Raw Women's Title: 30 Minute Iron Man Match: Roadblock: End of The Line: December 18th
Sasha Banks and Charlotte have re-defined women's wrestling on the main roster of WWE. After having amazing matches on both Raw and PPV this was the blow off to their amazing feud.
From the moment the bell rang, the fans knew a classic was coming. As usual these two women brought out the best in each other, hitting the big moves, going full tilt, balls to the wall. It took nearly 20 minutes before a fall was scored, with Charlotte nailing a top rope version of Natural Selection to gain a pin.
Next came Sasha's turn scoring Rana to gain a pin fall and tie it all up. Charlotte fought back, but Banks cut it off, and forced her to submit with the Banks Statement, gaining the lead, 2-1. The clock ticked down, and Charlotte finally locked in the Figure Eight Leglock. With two seconds to go, Banks tapped. The clock struck zero.
What would happen? The ref decided that it would go into overtime. Sasha was limping and Charlotte went right back. Sasha fought valiantly but it wasn't to be. Charlotte locked in another Figure Eight and forcing Sasha to tap out. Charlotte continued her undefeated streak on PPV and capped off the division defining feud.
Number 6: DIY VS The Revival: NXT Tag Team Title: NXT: Takeover: Toronto: November 19th
DIY, Ciampa and Gargano, are two indy standouts, who have become an exciting tag team. They've only teamed a year, and look like they have been teaming for years. The Revival, as I already stated, are the BEST team in wrestling.
Fan interest was high going in and these two teams delivered. After the usual Revival greatness, old school tag team tactics and cheating, the first fall came after The Revival hit Shatter Machine, going up 1-0. DIY wasn't to be outdone, they battled back and finally connected with their running superkick/running knee combo to even up the score, 1-1.
The final few minutes of this match were flat out amazing. Jaw dropping excitement, heart stopping near falls, these two teams were bringing the best. Finally, after over 20 minutes of exciting tag wrestling Gargano locked on the GargaNO Escape crossface on Dash, as Dawson tried to interfere, Ciampa cut him off locking on the bridging arm bar. The Revival tapped out simultaneously and DIY were your new NXT Tag Champions.
Number 5: Sasha Banks VS Becky Lynch VS Charlotte: Women's Title: WrestleMania 32: April 3rd
Becky Lynch is the "Irish Lass Kicker" who had been a standout on NXT. Along with Bayley, Charlotte and Banks she was part of the famed NXT "Four Horsewomen" and many thought this match was hers to win.
Charlotte and Sasha would sow the seeds for their rivalry later in the year in this match, which saw the "Diva's" title retired and a new "Women's" title introduced. Fan interest was high and the spotlight was on as these Women Superstars had the chance on the biggest stage in wrestling, in front of the largest crowd in WM history.
IMO these women had the best match on the show. That's right, the WOMEN'S TITLE stole the show on the biggest show of the year. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the match was Charlotte's huge moonsault to the outside on both women. After over 15 minutes of excitement, Lynch nailed a huge top rope fisherman's suplex to Charlotte. Charlotte rolled to the outside, and Lynch got caught, trapped in the Banks Statement.
As Lynch looked about to tap, Charlotte re-entered the match and tossed Banks out of the ring. With Banks out of the ring, Charlotte locked the Figure Eight on Lynch. Banks tried to re-enter the ring, but Charlotte's father, Ric Flair, held her back as Lynch tapped. Charlotte had won, and the Women's Division had ARRIVED!
Number 4: The Miz VS Dolph Ziggler: IC Title VS Career: No Mercy: October 9th
The Miz is the top heel in the business IMO. After a fired up promo on "Talking Smack" and a pretty good match at the previous SDL PPV, The Miz was riding a huge wave momentum.
Ziggler was the angry, pissed off underdog. He had come up short, been screwed, and was tired of being held back. After losing to The Miz, thanks to interference from Maryse, Ziggler decided, that to get one last shot at the IC title, he'd put his career on the line.
The stipulation definitely helped this match. Every near far, every big move, every high spot, it had the fans biting. They reacted to the submission attempts. they reacted to the reversals. From bell to bell, the fans were invested. Ziggler escaped the Figure Four and hit the Zig Zag, Miz shocked the crowd and kicked out.
Maryse became involved again, spraying pepper spray into Ziggler's face and allowing Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale. Dolph got his foot on the bottom rope, saving his career. The Spirit Squad rand down, but Ziggler knocked them off the apron with a superkick, but it left him open for another Skull Crushing Finale. To the shock of everyone, the crowd and myself, Dolph kicked out.
The ref sent Maryse and the Squad to the back and the match continued. Finally, Ziggler nailed another superkick and with the fans counting along, got the 1, 2, 3! Career saved, IC Title won. Amazing match!
Number 3: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Sami Zayn: NXT: Takeover: Dallas: April 1st
Going into this match, I knew the name Nakamura, but had never seen a match. Zayn I knew. He had been in amazing matches, both on the main roster and in NXT.
This was Zayn's NXT swan song. Nakamura had the hype, and the fans were hooked. The match had a serious buzz around that only grew as Nakamura made his epic entrance, with arguably the best theme song in wrestling.
The bell rang and it was on. The entire 20:07 was full of excitement. Full tilt, balls to the wall, this match had everything. Nakamura locked his cross arm breaker on Zayn, but Zayn fought out and locked on his Koji Clutch. Nakamura fought it off, and the match continued.
Nakamura went for his Kinshasa but Zayn countered to hit the Blue Thunder Bomb. The entire watching audience bought this as the end of the match, but Nakamura kicked out. Zayn went for the Corner Exploder Suplex, but Nakamura countered. One knee smash from the middle rope, followed by a Kinshasa put Zayn down for the three count.
Nakamura shook Zayn's hand, and the fans gave them a standing ovation. Zayn was main roster bound and Nakamura had arrived.
Number 2: Charlotte VS Sasha Banks: Raw Women's Championship: Hell in A Cell Match: Hell In A Cell: October 30th
For the first time ever, the Women's Division main evented a main roster PPV event as the Raw Women's Title was on the line. The match also was historic for being the first Hell in a Cell match involving women as well.
As the cell was lowering Charlotte struck first. Attacking Banks and knocking her out of the ring. They fought out of the cage, and into the crowd. As Banks gained the advantage Charlotte began climbing the cell. Banks followed, knocking Charlotte off the cell. Charlotte saw her moment and grabbed Banks, hitting a huge powerbomb, slamming Banks off the cell wall and through a table.
As the EMT's began to stretcher Banks out, Charlotte demanded to be awarded the title by forfeit. But Banks was not to be denied. She climbed off the stretcher, and entered the cell. The match was on!
Charlotte slammed Banks into the cell wall, earned a near fall, and then found herself locked in a Banks Statement. Charlotte countered, hitting a huge sidewalk slam on an opened chair. Paying tribute to her childhood idol, Sasha hit the triple vertical suplexes and followed it up with a massive frog splash for a 2 count.
Banks went for the Banks Statement again, but Charlotte rolled to the floor. Charlotte had set up a table earlier, and now attempted a Superplex to the floor, through the table, but Banks countered and shoved Charlotte through the table. Back in the ring, Charlotte was able to regain the advantage and locked in a figure Eight. Banks fought out, using a chair to strike Charlotte and escaping the hold.
Another table came into play and Banks attempted a powerbomb. Charlotte countered, tossed Banks onto the table a few times and nailed the Natural Selection, to win the match. Fans had witnessed something special, and Charlotte kept her PPV streak alive.
NUMBER ONE:
JOHN CENA VS AJ STYLES: WWE SUMMERSLAM: AUGUST 21ST
After their historic match at MITB Styles and Cena next met in a Six Man Tag at the following PPV, with Styles teaming with his Club partners, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, while Cena teamed with the popular Enzo Amore and Big Cass. Cena had gained a small measure of revenge, gaining a pinfall with a Top Rope AA.
This was, essentially, the rubber match. Fans were excited, but many thought the time had come for Cena to win the feud and move in.
But this wasn't a typical Cena PPV match. From the outset, AJ out wrestled Cena, and as the 50/50 crowd reacted strongly, cheering AJ, booing Cena, cheering Cena, booing AJ, Cena sold it as if he was just a step behind.
The action picked up, as the two traded finishers, first was the AA. which AJ countered, hitting a huge pele kick to nail a Styles Clash. Cena kicked out, and the match continued. Moments later Cena hit a huge AA and gained a near fall of his own. Styles took advantage and went for a springboard move, but Cena countered, to finally lock in the STF.
Styles fought out, and the two played trade the submission, STF into Calf Crusher and and back again. Styles escaped and finally nailed a Phenomenal Forearm. Cena kicked out and then took over. A few seconds later he went for the Super AA off the top rope. This has been Cena's go to "Super Finisher" for years, to my knowledge it's never been kicked out of, and just a month ago it had felled AJ.
This time, the move failed, as AJ shocked everyone, me, the crowd, the announce team, and most importantly, Cena, as he kicked out. Cena was shocked and tried another regular AA. Styles countered into another Styles Clash. One huge Phenomenal Forearm later and AJ got the biggest win of his career, CLEANLY PINNING JOHN CENA. 1, 2, 3!
After AJ left the ring, Cena received a standing ovation and left his armband in the ring. The fans realized they had seen something special.
_____________________________________________________________________________ And there you have it, my personal TOP 20 MATCHES!! Thanks for reading.
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