Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It is likely not many will look back on WWE's 2017 with much fondness. The stories have not been all that engaging, and the events have largely been disappointing. However, there is one area where 2017 succeeded in spades, and that was in wrestling quality.
In all my years watching WWE, there has never been a year with more consistently excellent wrestling over the year than this one. Perhaps there were not as many main-event classics, but there were far more very good matches. It proves that this is one of if not the most talented roster WWE has ever assembled.
Making a list of the top 25 matches in 2017 was tough even though I started it at the beginning of the year and limited it to just one instance of a match-up (no repeats). The problem was not finding enough matches but limiting it to just 25. I feel really bad about some of the matches not on this list, but I am sticking to 25.
In all my years watching WWE, there has never been a year with more consistently excellent wrestling over the year than this one. Perhaps there were not as many main-event classics, but there were far more very good matches. It proves that this is one of if not the most talented roster WWE has ever assembled.
Making a list of the top 25 matches in 2017 was tough even though I started it at the beginning of the year and limited it to just one instance of a match-up (no repeats). The problem was not finding enough matches but limiting it to just 25. I feel really bad about some of the matches not on this list, but I am sticking to 25.
Next time, they'll just rename the tournament the Kairi Sane Classic because everyone knew it was all made to make her.
Honorable Mentions
While I am happy with my 25 and I would not consider changing out any of these contests for ones on the list, there are a few matches I wanted to highlight just because they are important to WWE's 2017 and showcase a few aspects of the year overlooked in the top 25.
Charlotte vs. Alexa Bliss, WWE Survivor Series: This was the best women's match on PPV in 2017, and it showed a dynamic chemistry between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. It was a bit sloppy but nonetheless an exciting first step in a feud that could continue to change the business.
Kairi Sane vs. Toni Storm, Mae Young Classic Semifinal: The Mae Young Classic was the best tournament experience of the year from start to finish, and the standouts were Kairi Sane and Toni Storm. They were electric together, and I hope Storm eventually gets a call from WWE as she came off as a star waiting to be given a chance.
Pete Dunne vs. Mark Andrews, UK Championship Tournament Semifinal: While Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate have made themselves in NXT since the tournament, it has gone under the radar just how good Mark Andrews is. I'm hoping he's next up for a title shot because he and Dunne were electric together in the tournament.
Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper, WWE Elimination Chamber: What happened to Luke Harper? The guy had one of the best matches of his career and gave Randy Orton his only great match of the year then disappeared before being repackaged as a tag team specialist? While a bit slow, this physical battle proved he's main-event worthy.
Neville vs. Jack Gallagher, WWE Fastlane: If Neville does not come back to WWE, that would be a shame because he was WWE's MVP for a while. He elevated his opponents with his match with Jack Gallagher my personal favorite. It felt like the entire division could never quite keep up with Neville this year which made him underappreciated.
Charlotte vs. Alexa Bliss, WWE Survivor Series: This was the best women's match on PPV in 2017, and it showed a dynamic chemistry between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. It was a bit sloppy but nonetheless an exciting first step in a feud that could continue to change the business.
Kairi Sane vs. Toni Storm, Mae Young Classic Semifinal: The Mae Young Classic was the best tournament experience of the year from start to finish, and the standouts were Kairi Sane and Toni Storm. They were electric together, and I hope Storm eventually gets a call from WWE as she came off as a star waiting to be given a chance.
Pete Dunne vs. Mark Andrews, UK Championship Tournament Semifinal: While Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate have made themselves in NXT since the tournament, it has gone under the radar just how good Mark Andrews is. I'm hoping he's next up for a title shot because he and Dunne were electric together in the tournament.
Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper, WWE Elimination Chamber: What happened to Luke Harper? The guy had one of the best matches of his career and gave Randy Orton his only great match of the year then disappeared before being repackaged as a tag team specialist? While a bit slow, this physical battle proved he's main-event worthy.
Neville vs. Jack Gallagher, WWE Fastlane: If Neville does not come back to WWE, that would be a shame because he was WWE's MVP for a while. He elevated his opponents with his match with Jack Gallagher my personal favorite. It felt like the entire division could never quite keep up with Neville this year which made him underappreciated.
To think, AJ Styles went through all this trouble, and all he had to do to get the WWE Championship back was lie to Jinder Mahal about having never lost to him.
*Note: I have rewatched every match on this list as well as multiple others that did not make the list but were in contention, and my ratings for these matches now are more accurate to my feelings on the contests than what I gave originally in my review.
25. SmackDown Women's Championship Money in the Bank Ladder Match, SmackDown Live June 27
There may not have been a match in 2017 that was more fun to watch than the second women's Money in the Bank ladder match. While the first was rushed and ultimately had a terrible finish, it felt like everything went right the second time. The women worked with extra motivation and got a ton of time that they used to the fullest.
There were sloppy moments, but that came from Becky Lynch, Charlotte, and Natalya going all out in every frame of the action. The spots throughout were creative, and the storytelling was top notch with everyone trying to keep Carmella away from stealing history again only to still have her survive with a smaller assist from James Ellsworth.
There were sloppy moments, but that came from Becky Lynch, Charlotte, and Natalya going all out in every frame of the action. The spots throughout were creative, and the storytelling was top notch with everyone trying to keep Carmella away from stealing history again only to still have her survive with a smaller assist from James Ellsworth.
Final Rating: 9/10
24. Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens, WWE WrestleMania 33 (WWE United States Championship)
Review for the Event
There had to be high expectations for Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho going into WrestleMania just because the build up was so great. While the match didn't wholly live up to expectations, it was still a heated and dramatic bout that never had a dull moment.
This was the last great match of KO's year, unfortunately, but here you can see him working at his best. He has an aggressive edge with top-notch selling that makes Jericho's offense look lethal. The two tried to better this match later, but they just seemed to be missing the magic of WrestleMania.
There had to be high expectations for Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho going into WrestleMania just because the build up was so great. While the match didn't wholly live up to expectations, it was still a heated and dramatic bout that never had a dull moment.
This was the last great match of KO's year, unfortunately, but here you can see him working at his best. He has an aggressive edge with top-notch selling that makes Jericho's offense look lethal. The two tried to better this match later, but they just seemed to be missing the magic of WrestleMania.
Final Rating: 9/10
23. WWE Championship Money in the Bank Ladder Match, WWE Money in the Bank
Review for the Event
This match certainly could have used a few minutes shaved off its run time (the women could have used five more minutes). At 29:45, it is the longest Money in the Bank ladder match in history, but it is understandable with the talent involved here. These six are excellent through and constantly showcase their creativity.
The crux of the match was Shinsuke Nakamura's early exit before his rabid return to action, and it felt contrived the first time I watched it. Coming back, I appreciate the whole experience more with crazy athleticism, top spots, and multiple incredible moments especially from AJ Styles. Shame Baron Corbin's win was so wasted.
This match certainly could have used a few minutes shaved off its run time (the women could have used five more minutes). At 29:45, it is the longest Money in the Bank ladder match in history, but it is understandable with the talent involved here. These six are excellent through and constantly showcase their creativity.
The crux of the match was Shinsuke Nakamura's early exit before his rabid return to action, and it felt contrived the first time I watched it. Coming back, I appreciate the whole experience more with crazy athleticism, top spots, and multiple incredible moments especially from AJ Styles. Shame Baron Corbin's win was so wasted.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
22. WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match, WWE Elimination Chamber
Review for the Event
This was a match that showed the full benefit of the new Elimination Chamber. It was fast, exciting, and slick with more risky moves easier to perform, making sure the botches did not cause any serious harm. While other Chambers have felt more vicious and brutal, there is something to be said for the consistent quality here.
If not for the booking of The Miz here and the occasional botch, this could have been match of the year because everyone had their moment to stand out. Plus it was a perfect way to crown Bray Wyatt even if the future would ultimately prove his undoing. Looking back, the main thing this match proved was Styles elevates every match he's in.
This was a match that showed the full benefit of the new Elimination Chamber. It was fast, exciting, and slick with more risky moves easier to perform, making sure the botches did not cause any serious harm. While other Chambers have felt more vicious and brutal, there is something to be said for the consistent quality here.
If not for the booking of The Miz here and the occasional botch, this could have been match of the year because everyone had their moment to stand out. Plus it was a perfect way to crown Bray Wyatt even if the future would ultimately prove his undoing. Looking back, the main thing this match proved was Styles elevates every match he's in.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
21. Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor, WWE No Mercy
Review for the Event
The most underrated dynamic in 2017 was the chemistry of Wyatt and Finn Balor in the ring. The two were electric even if the story around them was not always great. Forget all the magic shows that came before and focus on the story told in this contest, and it's hard to not be entranced.
Wyatt assaulted Balor before the contest, leaving Balor to decide whether he could be superhuman and fight on. He does so without The Demon, and he overcomes the most furious onslaught Wyatt could dish out. You can feel the impact of every move from Wyatt. He leans into his shots in a way you rarely see, and it makes this incredible.
The most underrated dynamic in 2017 was the chemistry of Wyatt and Finn Balor in the ring. The two were electric even if the story around them was not always great. Forget all the magic shows that came before and focus on the story told in this contest, and it's hard to not be entranced.
Wyatt assaulted Balor before the contest, leaving Balor to decide whether he could be superhuman and fight on. He does so without The Demon, and he overcomes the most furious onslaught Wyatt could dish out. You can feel the impact of every move from Wyatt. He leans into his shots in a way you rarely see, and it makes this incredible.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
You better believe Vince McMahon made sure Linda had a position of political power just to protect Roman Reigns from murder charges.
20. Bobby Roode (c) vs. Hideo Itami, NXT TakeOver: Chicago (NXT Championship)
Quietly, one of the most underrated matches of 2017 was also Hideo Itami's statement to WWE, a showcase of just how good he still is. This match is completely unique in this day and age with the face actually dictating the pace of the contest and wearing down the heel.
The methodical pacing may not be for everyone, but I adored it, seeing Itami dominate and make clear he is a special talent. This is Roode at his best, working a style that made Ric Flair a household name, and I can only hope both continue to find success in 2018 in unfortunately lessened roles on the main roster.
The methodical pacing may not be for everyone, but I adored it, seeing Itami dominate and make clear he is a special talent. This is Roode at his best, working a style that made Ric Flair a household name, and I can only hope both continue to find success in 2018 in unfortunately lessened roles on the main roster.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
19. Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Bayley, WWE Monday Night Raw February 13 (Raw Women's Championship)
Review for the Show
I have missed this Bayley. She and Charlotte had several matches together early in 2017, but this was the only one that truly captured who Bayley is and her dynamic with Charlotte. These two grappled physically and mentally in this bout as Charlotte tried to show her greatness by wearing Bayley down until she had nothing left.
This match has sleeper holds, but even those are energized because Charlotte is in constant motion. You feel her disdain and Bayley's need to overcome. It is a battle of wills that is as good as both women looked in 2017 and matches up to the quality of their best work in 2016 which was both women's most impressive year to date.
I have missed this Bayley. She and Charlotte had several matches together early in 2017, but this was the only one that truly captured who Bayley is and her dynamic with Charlotte. These two grappled physically and mentally in this bout as Charlotte tried to show her greatness by wearing Bayley down until she had nothing left.
This match has sleeper holds, but even those are energized because Charlotte is in constant motion. You feel her disdain and Bayley's need to overcome. It is a battle of wills that is as good as both women looked in 2017 and matches up to the quality of their best work in 2016 which was both women's most impressive year to date.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
18. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, WWE Great Balls of Fire (Ambulance Match)
Review for the Event
Ambulance matches are never supposed to be good. It's one of those stipulations tailor-made to be terrible. While the stipulation ended up leading to a lackluster finish, these two did as much as they could to make it great with their most vicious and hard-hitting bout of the rivalry.
Braun Strowman's rise in 2017 has proved that wrestling has not moved past throwing fists and doing damage, and he had no better partner to work off than Roman Reigns. There was not a lot of typical "wrestling" here. It was just pushing and smashing, but Reigns and Strowman made every moment believable.
Ambulance matches are never supposed to be good. It's one of those stipulations tailor-made to be terrible. While the stipulation ended up leading to a lackluster finish, these two did as much as they could to make it great with their most vicious and hard-hitting bout of the rivalry.
Braun Strowman's rise in 2017 has proved that wrestling has not moved past throwing fists and doing damage, and he had no better partner to work off than Roman Reigns. There was not a lot of typical "wrestling" here. It was just pushing and smashing, but Reigns and Strowman made every moment believable.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
17. Kevin Owens (c) vs. Roman Reigns, WWE Royal Rumble (No Disqualification Match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho Above the Ring in a Shark Cage)
Review for the Event
Before Reigns and Strowman were killing each other for months, Reigns was perfecting the brutal formula with Owens in a match that more than proved the worth of their whole feud. It was often silly and ridiculous especially with Jericho high above, but the escalating weapon-driven action was enthralling fun.
The biggest issue in KO's lowering quality of matches over the year was the slow pacing that pervaded his contests, but this bout never stopped with KO trying everything to put down Reigns from steel chair towers to moves he has not used since. Even Strowman's interference felt appropriate as the climax to save KO when nothing else was left.
Before Reigns and Strowman were killing each other for months, Reigns was perfecting the brutal formula with Owens in a match that more than proved the worth of their whole feud. It was often silly and ridiculous especially with Jericho high above, but the escalating weapon-driven action was enthralling fun.
The biggest issue in KO's lowering quality of matches over the year was the slow pacing that pervaded his contests, but this bout never stopped with KO trying everything to put down Reigns from steel chair towers to moves he has not used since. Even Strowman's interference felt appropriate as the climax to save KO when nothing else was left.
Final Rating: 9.25/10
16. Bobby Roode (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, NXT TakeOver: Orlando (NXT Championship)
I honestly surprised myself with how high this match ranked by the time I was done with my list, but there is a powerful chemistry that Bobby Roode and Nakamura have that is hard to pin down but truly special to sit down and watch play out.
I have rarely found moments where I was truly enamored with Nakamura, but here you see him embrace working from behind and even choosing not to play the superhero. There is no grand face comeback here. This is just Roode breaking Nakamura down with technical flair and Nakamura not quite able to overcome the onslaught.
I have rarely found moments where I was truly enamored with Nakamura, but here you see him embrace working from behind and even choosing not to play the superhero. There is no grand face comeback here. This is just Roode breaking Nakamura down with technical flair and Nakamura not quite able to overcome the onslaught.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
Took WWE long enough to admit all wrestling is homoerotic and just roll with it.
15. The Authors of Pain (c) vs. DIY, NXT TakeOver: Chicago (Ladder Match for the NXT Tag Team Championships)
This was a hard match to watch because it was so brutal, but there was a beauty to the brutality. DIY have been putting so much into their run as a team and added so much purpose to holding the tag team championships. They were willing to step into a minefield with behemoths to get them back.
Even with Tommaso Ciampa hurt and about to take extended time off, he worked at an incredible pace. Moreover, this was a Johnny Gargano performance for the ages, capped by his brutal moment of taking a ladder to the face for Ciampa. The Authors of Pain were wrecking balls here, and DIY were the insistent crash dummies.
Even with Tommaso Ciampa hurt and about to take extended time off, he worked at an incredible pace. Moreover, this was a Johnny Gargano performance for the ages, capped by his brutal moment of taking a ladder to the face for Ciampa. The Authors of Pain were wrecking balls here, and DIY were the insistent crash dummies.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
14. The Miz vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor, WWE Monday Night Raw 5/1 (No. 1 Contendership for the WWE Intercontinental Championship)
Review for the Show
Most of the time, it is easy to see great matches coming. They are built up over time with deep stories behind them. Then there are the matches where it is just clear that everyone involved is motivated and wants to steal the show. That was this match, the best Raw showing of 2017.
The night after Payback, the PPV had its main event with The Miz and Finn Balor working over time after frustratingly being relegated to a Kickoff segment. Every moment of this match built forward into an incredible home stretch accentuated by interference from Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe that felt appropriate.
Most of the time, it is easy to see great matches coming. They are built up over time with deep stories behind them. Then there are the matches where it is just clear that everyone involved is motivated and wants to steal the show. That was this match, the best Raw showing of 2017.
The night after Payback, the PPV had its main event with The Miz and Finn Balor working over time after frustratingly being relegated to a Kickoff segment. Every moment of this match built forward into an incredible home stretch accentuated by interference from Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe that felt appropriate.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
13. Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman, WWE SummerSlam (WWE Universal Championship)
Review for the Event
While Lesnar's battles with Samoa Joe and Strowman individually were disappointing, his clash with all these heavyweight hard-hitters at once was a car crash special in the best way possible. In particular, this was Strowman's match, a showcase of his power and ferocity which Lesnar sold perfectly.
Once Strowman took Lesnar out of the action for a while, three men with incredible chemistry went at it, and they did not let up. Lesnar's return brought the action to a new high, and ultimately we were witness to what the monsters of WWE can do when placed in the same ring at the same time.
While Lesnar's battles with Samoa Joe and Strowman individually were disappointing, his clash with all these heavyweight hard-hitters at once was a car crash special in the best way possible. In particular, this was Strowman's match, a showcase of his power and ferocity which Lesnar sold perfectly.
Once Strowman took Lesnar out of the action for a while, three men with incredible chemistry went at it, and they did not let up. Lesnar's return brought the action to a new high, and ultimately we were witness to what the monsters of WWE can do when placed in the same ring at the same time.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
12. Aleister Black vs. The Velveteen Dream, NXT TakeOver: WarGames
There is not a greater experience in wrestling than watching a new star emerge before your eyes. It's particularly effective when his emergence is the very fabric of the story the match is telling. While it was always clear The Velveteen Dream was a charismatic performer, I had no idea he was already this good.
This was the tale of the unorthodox rookie looking for recognition, and every moment of this contest is driven by that need for validation. From mind games to an innovative offensive display, this match ramps to its finish with career-best performances from Dream and Aleister Black, at least in WWE.
This was the tale of the unorthodox rookie looking for recognition, and every moment of this contest is driven by that need for validation. From mind games to an innovative offensive display, this match ramps to its finish with career-best performances from Dream and Aleister Black, at least in WWE.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
11. Triple H vs. Seth Rollins, WWE WrestleMania 33
I've rated every Triple H WrestleMania match in recent memory highly on first watch. I can get enamored with his indulgent style, but I do try to go into the second watching more skeptical. While the finish was a bit silly and Rollins' selling could have been stronger, this was still a fantastic clash to rewatch.
The early part of this contest as Rollins clearly overwhelmed Triple H until Hunter landed the right shots on Rollins' bad knee was pretty much perfect. The pacing throughout was excellent, and the frantic energy of Rollins trying to save himself, throwing steel chairs, was memorably brilliant. You do not beat chemistry like this.
The early part of this contest as Rollins clearly overwhelmed Triple H until Hunter landed the right shots on Rollins' bad knee was pretty much perfect. The pacing throughout was excellent, and the frantic energy of Rollins trying to save himself, throwing steel chairs, was memorably brilliant. You do not beat chemistry like this.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
It's impressive how much wrestlers went out of their way to carry Dean Ambrose in 2017.
10. AJ Styles vs. Brock Lesnar, WWE Survivor Series
I gave up hope early in this year that we would ever see Lesnar work a long match again. I had no idea it would be Styles that brought out a new side of The Beast, pulling out a vicious motivated effort from Lesnar like we haven't seen since his battles with The Undertaker.
Perhaps it was because Paul Heyman got in his ear, but this was a delightfully vicious bout to watch. It was at times sloppy and rough around the edges, but the two men sold it like a war of legends which is exactly what it ended up becoming.
Perhaps it was because Paul Heyman got in his ear, but this was a delightfully vicious bout to watch. It was at times sloppy and rough around the edges, but the two men sold it like a war of legends which is exactly what it ended up becoming.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
9. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt, WWE Extreme Rules (No. 1 Contendership for the WWE Universal Championship)
Review of the Event
I had a bad time watching Extreme Rules, and it hurt my enjoyment of this Fatal 5-Way match the first time. Luckily, I gave it a second chance. There is so much to dissect in this match. From Reigns' cocky wait for everyone to come to him to the alliance of Joe and Wyatt to Balor's furious domination, each stage of this match was excellently told.
Most impressive was just how clear it was that each wrestler had a strong grasp of how to counter everyone else. The sequences in this match were so well paced, and it was easy to believe anyone could win with this especially driven by Balor in his best form again after so long away injured.
I had a bad time watching Extreme Rules, and it hurt my enjoyment of this Fatal 5-Way match the first time. Luckily, I gave it a second chance. There is so much to dissect in this match. From Reigns' cocky wait for everyone to come to him to the alliance of Joe and Wyatt to Balor's furious domination, each stage of this match was excellently told.
Most impressive was just how clear it was that each wrestler had a strong grasp of how to counter everyone else. The sequences in this match were so well paced, and it was easy to believe anyone could win with this especially driven by Balor in his best form again after so long away injured.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
8. Asuka (c) vs. Ember Moon, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III (NXT Women's Championship)
While the women's revolution has fully moved up the WWE roster, NXT still remained the best place to find great matches from the women, in particular because of Asuka. Just calling her WWE's best female wrestler is an understatement. She is one of the elite performers in the company of either gender.
This was on full display in 2016 when she fought Bayley and in 2017 in her matches with Ember Moon. This was the first time we saw Asuka taken to the limit, and it was marvelous as Asuka tried to wear Moon down only for her come back with a flurry of huge moves, falling just short when it mattered most.
This was on full display in 2016 when she fought Bayley and in 2017 in her matches with Ember Moon. This was the first time we saw Asuka taken to the limit, and it was marvelous as Asuka tried to wear Moon down only for her come back with a flurry of huge moves, falling just short when it mattered most.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
7. The Authors of Pain (c) vs. DIY vs. The Revival, NXT TakeOver: Orlando (NXT Tag Team Championships)
In 2016, the stars of NXT were DIY and The Revival, and it is no wonder they are near topping the list in 2017. This match was all about rivals turned unlikely allies as they tried to topple the new unstoppable behemoths of NXT, and they both ultimately failed.
It was the last time we truly got to see The Revival at their peak in 2017, and they put on a show, surprisingly playing a face role mostly. Their technical dissecting style was fascinating to watch play out even if the final stretch of this match between them and The Authors of Pain felt a bit lacking in comparison to the incredible opening.
It was the last time we truly got to see The Revival at their peak in 2017, and they put on a show, surprisingly playing a face role mostly. Their technical dissecting style was fascinating to watch play out even if the final stretch of this match between them and The Authors of Pain felt a bit lacking in comparison to the incredible opening.
Final Rating: 9.5/10
6. Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (c) vs. Sheamus & Cesaro, WWE No Mercy (Raw Tag Team Championships)
No one has benefited more from the reunion of The Shield than Dean Ambrose, who just has looked energized again since working with Seth Rollins. This duo's dynamic with one of the true MVPs for Raw this year, Sheamus and Cesaro, has been so impressive WWE relied on them for a third of the year.
Their best outing was at No Mercy in a brisk energized 15-minute clash that was heightened by an injury to Cesaro that he battled through, showcasing his toughness and will to put on a show. All four men just clicked here with storytelling coming from both familiar and unplanned places.
Their best outing was at No Mercy in a brisk energized 15-minute clash that was heightened by an injury to Cesaro that he battled through, showcasing his toughness and will to put on a show. All four men just clicked here with storytelling coming from both familiar and unplanned places.
Final Rating: 9.75/10
I would like it to be remembered that The Usos debuted in 2010 and did not win their first tag team titles until 2014. Now it's hard to imagine a WWE where they aren't tag champion.
5. The Shield vs. The New Day, WWE Survivor Series
When The Shield first reunited, I had forgotten just how good the trio could be. This match was a clear reminder, turning back the clock on Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns as they returned to the chaotic, high-energy style that made their six-man tag matches a new art form.
Of course it helped that they were facing the new best trio in WWE, and all six men had a game plan to both tell a perfectly paced tale and do things they had never done before. The only thing that could hold this match back was some sloppiness in the attempts to keep the action exciting and Booker T's abysmal commentary.
Of course it helped that they were facing the new best trio in WWE, and all six men had a game plan to both tell a perfectly paced tale and do things they had never done before. The only thing that could hold this match back was some sloppiness in the attempts to keep the action exciting and Booker T's abysmal commentary.
Final Rating: 9.75/10
4. The Usos vs. Sheamus & Cesaro, WWE Survivor Series
This match was pure tag team wrestling at its finest, slowly building the pacing to a boiling point with no dull moments. As two of the best tag teams in WWE right now pushed toward greater spots, it was clear just how masterfully they had laid out and executed this contest.
The nearfalls here were plentiful, and the pride these two showed was infectious. You really got the feeling these teams wanted to be known as the best in the business. This is as good as tag team wrestling gets, physical, athletic, and surprising. Plus it had one of the spots of the year with the surprise Samoan drop off Cesaro's shoulders.
The nearfalls here were plentiful, and the pride these two showed was infectious. You really got the feeling these teams wanted to be known as the best in the business. This is as good as tag team wrestling gets, physical, athletic, and surprising. Plus it had one of the spots of the year with the surprise Samoan drop off Cesaro's shoulders.
Final Rating: 9.75/10
3. Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne, WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament
I am wholly aware that the sequel is the more acclaimed match from Tyler Bate and Dunne, and that is a very good match. I just think this one is better because it simply tells a more complete story, a tale driven by opportunity and the perfect environment.
Dunne injuring Bate beforehand led to a vicious one-sided affair at first only for Bate to come back with a vicious streak that would not quit. Even with basically one arm, he managed to pull through, and the moment of his victory sold me on the importance of that tournament and championship more than any other moment in 2017.
Dunne injuring Bate beforehand led to a vicious one-sided affair at first only for Bate to come back with a vicious streak that would not quit. Even with basically one arm, he managed to pull through, and the moment of his victory sold me on the importance of that tournament and championship more than any other moment in 2017.
Final Rating: 10/10
2. AJ Styles (c) vs. John Cena, WWE Royal Rumble (WWE Championship)
In 2016, we finally got to see two legends of the past decade clash with Cena vs. Styles, and those matches were excellent. This finale to the trilogy though was perfect. This was high athleticism coupled with a story of earning respect with wrestling that just felt like it was on a higher plane than anything else this year.
It is possible this ends up as the last great match of Cena's career. As he has become a bigger movie star and stepped further away from WWE, his work has taken a step back that may be unsalvageable. At least we have Styles still going all out every night with anyone he can get in the ring with.
It is possible this ends up as the last great match of Cena's career. As he has become a bigger movie star and stepped further away from WWE, his work has taken a step back that may be unsalvageable. At least we have Styles still going all out every night with anyone he can get in the ring with.
Final Rating: 10/10
1. The New Day (c) vs. The Usos, WWE Hell in a Cell (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
Review for the Event
If the top of this list shows anything, it is that tag team wrestling was a vital part of 2017 for WWE, and honestly the pinnacle of that movement was the feud between The Usos and New Day. Their final match at Hell in a Cell was pretty much perfect, driving forward from the first moment to the last.
The creativity and brutality on display showcased the talent involved, and there was also a powerful story underneath of animosity finally unleashed. These two didn't just fight for gold. They fought for pride and the ability to hurt their opponents. Plus this was a perfect showcase of how good Xavier Woods has gotten just over the course of 2017.
If the top of this list shows anything, it is that tag team wrestling was a vital part of 2017 for WWE, and honestly the pinnacle of that movement was the feud between The Usos and New Day. Their final match at Hell in a Cell was pretty much perfect, driving forward from the first moment to the last.
The creativity and brutality on display showcased the talent involved, and there was also a powerful story underneath of animosity finally unleashed. These two didn't just fight for gold. They fought for pride and the ability to hurt their opponents. Plus this was a perfect showcase of how good Xavier Woods has gotten just over the course of 2017.
