Written by: Kevin Berge
2018 has been an impressively spectacular year of wrestling to the point that most seem to not even understand just how good it was. The level of the average match in 2018 is staggering.
Matches I thought were shoo-ins for this list in January and February were drifting off the list by mid-August, and this could have easily been a top 50 for how many great matches there were.
Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Johnny Gargano, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Mustafa Ali, Ricochet: these are just a few names that dominated this list. Even while WWE continues to do uninspired work writing the shows, the talent outshine all expectations.
Note: This list will avoid repeats. For every singles feud with multiple clashes between the same two wrestlers, only one match will be included.
Best of 2018: Movies | TV Shows
Matches I thought were shoo-ins for this list in January and February were drifting off the list by mid-August, and this could have easily been a top 50 for how many great matches there were.
Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Johnny Gargano, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Mustafa Ali, Ricochet: these are just a few names that dominated this list. Even while WWE continues to do uninspired work writing the shows, the talent outshine all expectations.
Note: This list will avoid repeats. For every singles feud with multiple clashes between the same two wrestlers, only one match will be included.
Best of 2018: Movies | TV Shows
Dean Ambrose's brief run as the heavyweight enforcer for Seth Rollins was truly inspired especially when he tried to look big next to Drew McIntyre.
25. Meiko Satomura vs. Mercedes Martinez, Mae Young Classic 2018 October 3, 2018
The Mae Young Classic was great for many reasons, but chief among them was introducing more fans to Meiko Satomura. The Japanese legend dominated the whole tournament with her performances with the peak clash against Mercedes Martinez.
This was a fast-paced, physical war that showed just how good both are. In a year where it felt like the women's division was reaching new heights in quality, these two proved it goes far beyond just WWE's main stars. For once, WWE is enabling a whole new collection of stars to shine.
This was a fast-paced, physical war that showed just how good both are. In a year where it felt like the women's division was reaching new heights in quality, these two proved it goes far beyond just WWE's main stars. For once, WWE is enabling a whole new collection of stars to shine.
Rating: 9.25/10
24. Money in the Bank Ladder: Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Ember Moon vs. Lana vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Sasha Banks, WWE Money in the Bank 2018
This was the moment that changed everything. It wasn't obvious at first, but Becky Lynch's rise to the top began with this match. The third women's Money in the Bank ladder match outshined both its predecessors with a focus purely on the talent involved.
No one though was more integral to the contest than Lynch. After a lackluster start to the year, everyone in the arena was completely on board with The Irish Lass Kicker winning the briefcase she continues to be just a few fingertips away from taking. She was the ultimate babyface in an epic drama of a ladder match.
No one though was more integral to the contest than Lynch. After a lackluster start to the year, everyone in the arena was completely on board with The Irish Lass Kicker winning the briefcase she continues to be just a few fingertips away from taking. She was the ultimate babyface in an epic drama of a ladder match.
Rating: 9.25/10
23. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins, WWE SummerSlam 2018
Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler fought way too many times in 2018, and it diluted the impact of their individual contests. Their infamous Iron Man match at Extreme Rules was a disaster thanks to the fan reaction, so the two had to bring everything in their SummerSlam clash.
Luckily, they did just that. This was the one time that the two truly got everything right. Their chemistry was clear. Dean Ambrose helped keep Drew McIntyre from ruining the flow with interference. They fought, and it felt like a true culmination of a long-standing rivalry.
Luckily, they did just that. This was the one time that the two truly got everything right. Their chemistry was clear. Dean Ambrose helped keep Drew McIntyre from ruining the flow with interference. They fought, and it felt like a true culmination of a long-standing rivalry.
Rating: 9.25/10
22. No Disqualification/No Count Out: WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe, WWE Super Show-Down
Every AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe was really good, but this was their apex. The two got physical early and worked with clear veteran instincts. The storytelling of The Phenomenal One pushing The Samoan Submission Specialist past his limit was on point.
This was the closest Joe got to truly showcasing his potential in the ring all year. It was good in spite of the fact that it still seemed like these guys could have hit a higher ceiling together. Their age has made them wise but has also slowed them down.
This was the closest Joe got to truly showcasing his potential in the ring all year. It was good in spite of the fact that it still seemed like these guys could have hit a higher ceiling together. Their age has made them wise but has also slowed them down.
Rating: 9.25/10
21. Lucha House Party vs. Buddy Murphy and Tony Nese, 205 Live August 21, 2018
No one else will likely put this match on a best-of list, but 205 Live had a lot of matches in 2018 that will also be ignored. This contest really came out of nowhere. Buddy Murphy was great all year, but Tony Nese took a while to show he could work at that same level.
Lucha House Party also were at their apex here even without Kalisto. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik were a perfect team, and Murphy and Nese pushed them to their limit. This was both a great cruiserweight match and a great tag team match that deserves way more attention.
Lucha House Party also were at their apex here even without Kalisto. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik were a perfect team, and Murphy and Nese pushed them to their limit. This was both a great cruiserweight match and a great tag team match that deserves way more attention.
Rating: 9.25/10
Kyle O'Reilly is always living his best life.
20. Extreme Rules: Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole, NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia
What a war! In a year where Adam Cole certainly showed off at times, this was the best he looked one-on-one. He absolutely pushed Aleister Black in a physical war that went to crazy lengths from start to finish. These two had no qualms about using everything at their disposal.
It felt like Black's style was what defined the contest as he always adds a volatile element to an otherwise physical and strike-focused offense. This match goes from crazy moment to crazy moment with one of the best home stretches of the year.
It felt like Black's style was what defined the contest as he always adds a volatile element to an otherwise physical and strike-focused offense. This match goes from crazy moment to crazy moment with one of the best home stretches of the year.
Rating: 9.5/10
19. NXT Champion Pete Dunne vs. Zack Gibson, United Kingdom Championship Tournament 2018
Zack Gibson made his name quickly in WWE, proving why he should have been the favorite coming in. He was great working with everyone and backed up everything with a heel cockiness that may have even surpassed Pete Dunne's work in the first tournament.
This dynamic was best showcased in their title match on night two. Dunne fought a man who was playing a better villain than him, and he had to adjust to actually being outmaneuvered. Watching the UK Champion slowly but surely find ways to wear and ultimately take down Gibson was classic UK technical wrestling fun.
This dynamic was best showcased in their title match on night two. Dunne fought a man who was playing a better villain than him, and he had to adjust to actually being outmaneuvered. Watching the UK Champion slowly but surely find ways to wear and ultimately take down Gibson was classic UK technical wrestling fun.
Rating: 9.5/10
18. NXT Champion Aleister Black vs. Tommaso Ciampa, NXT July 25, 2018
With how many times Tommaso Ciampa has been in hardcore matches in 2018, it can be easy to forget he is a genuinely great wrestler without any gimmicks. He showed it here in a perfect mix of styles as he and Black brutalized each other for 20 minutes.
This felt like the true highlight of why Ciampa needed to become champion. He brings the best out of everyone and pulls stories out of the simplest feuds. Even though the ending is messy, it feels right with the NXT champion using Johnny Gargano to win the gold he still has at the end of the year.
This felt like the true highlight of why Ciampa needed to become champion. He brings the best out of everyone and pulls stories out of the simplest feuds. Even though the ending is messy, it feels right with the NXT champion using Johnny Gargano to win the gold he still has at the end of the year.
Rating: 9.5/10
17. NXT Tag Team Champions Undisputed Era's Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly vs. Moustache Mountain, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4
These teams could do no wrong together in their trio of title clashes, and their final match felt like the best combination of the frantic fun of their first and the story-heavy drama of the second. This was the perfect opener, built around insane action with heart behind its conflict.
Moustache Mountain were the ultimate underdogs, pushing the dominant Undisputed Era to a limit they have not been forced to meet before or since. Roderick Strong, Kyle O'Reilly, Tyler Bate, and Trent Seven are all at their absolute best in this contest with some insane nearfalls.
Moustache Mountain were the ultimate underdogs, pushing the dominant Undisputed Era to a limit they have not been forced to meet before or since. Roderick Strong, Kyle O'Reilly, Tyler Bate, and Trent Seven are all at their absolute best in this contest with some insane nearfalls.
Rating: 9.5/10
16. NXT North American Champion Ricochet vs. Pete Dunne vs. Adam Cole, NXT October 10, 2018
Two wrestlers at the absolute top of their game in 2018 were Ricochet and Dunne. Their previous match together was always a strong contender for this list, but it was their work with Cole that defined how good the two were in NXT.
This was an insane high-energy triple threat that tested just how far each man was willing to go to be champion. In the end, it turned out it was pretty impressively far. All three went for everything in their arsenal, and it was especially fun watching Dunne twist and smash the other two men's limbs whenever their guard was down.
This was an insane high-energy triple threat that tested just how far each man was willing to go to be champion. In the end, it turned out it was pretty impressively far. All three went for everything in their arsenal, and it was especially fun watching Dunne twist and smash the other two men's limbs whenever their guard was down.
Rating: 9.5/10
Who would have bet going into this year it would be Buddy Murphy that changed the cruiserweight division not Cedric Alexander?
15. Falls Count Anywhere: Mustafa Ali vs. Hideo Itami, 205 Live October 24, 2018
Hideo Itami may be the biggest anomaly in WWE. He's way too good to be as inconsistent as he is. He just never seems to have an opponent who wants to push him to work. Mustafa Ali is not afraid to push anyone to be better though.
These two had two great matches together in 205 Live, and it's fairly arguable, which was better. They each had their own flavor, but this was just the more fun clash. Ali jumped off anything in his way, and Itami reveled in the chance to brutalize his opponent with steel in all forms.
These two had two great matches together in 205 Live, and it's fairly arguable, which was better. They each had their own flavor, but this was just the more fun clash. Ali jumped off anything in his way, and Itami reveled in the chance to brutalize his opponent with steel in all forms.
Rating: 9.5/10
14. TLC: SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka, WWE TLC 2018
It is rare to see TLC matches this brutal and dangerous these days. While it is a stipulation with serious potential, it often comes off as a backdrop rather than a true boon to a match for recent men's TLC matches. However, the women went all out with their first shot at the stipulation.
It is hard to watch this match at times, but it's a masterful showcase the three best female wrestlers going right now. They make everything count, and there's more than a few moments where it looks like everything may have gone wrong. Somehow they all made it out healthy with another excellent contest to add to their careers.
It is hard to watch this match at times, but it's a masterful showcase the three best female wrestlers going right now. They make everything count, and there's more than a few moments where it looks like everything may have gone wrong. Somehow they all made it out healthy with another excellent contest to add to their careers.
Rating: 9.5/10
13. Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan, Survivor Series 2018
Daniel Bryan has said for years that he had one dream match, and he got it at Survivor Series. He led his match against Brock Lesnar with the kind of ruthless focus that he has almost never shown in WWE. He was utterly brilliant and convinced The Beast to follow his lead.
Lesnar clearly enjoyed working with someone who leaned into his shots with the two telling a top notch story. The WWE champion pulled out all the stops, but he never had quite enough to topple the man that seems unstoppable more often than not.
Lesnar clearly enjoyed working with someone who leaned into his shots with the two telling a top notch story. The WWE champion pulled out all the stops, but he never had quite enough to topple the man that seems unstoppable more often than not.
Rating: 9.5/10
12. Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander vs. Buddy Murphy, 205 Live May 29, 2018
While most got the best view of this contest later in the year, the best match between Cedric Alexander and Murphy was their first in May. It was the biggest showcase of just how good The Juggernaut is and what Alexander can do when he is pushed to be his best.
Physical and flat-out insane in its frantic pacing over 20 minutes, this was the true showcase for 205 Live that proved it was going to stand out far beyond just being the secondary brand. It was also the apex of the Soul of 205 Live's title run.
Physical and flat-out insane in its frantic pacing over 20 minutes, this was the true showcase for 205 Live that proved it was going to stand out far beyond just being the secondary brand. It was also the apex of the Soul of 205 Live's title run.
Rating: 9.5/10
11. Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz, WWE SummerSlam 2018
Sometimes, I feel like I might love this match more than it deserves, but I'm a sucker for a truly great story. Bryan and Miz finally got in the same ring together, and they went all out in a match that defined their relationship. The Beard tried to outwrestle The A-Lister, who could only manage to out-think his opponent.
These two make every second of a 23 minutes contest count. Every story going in was utilized here. Miz was right about Bryan. Bryan was right about Miz. Only The Most Must-See Superstar won though, which was what mattered most in this personal clash.
These two make every second of a 23 minutes contest count. Every story going in was utilized here. Miz was right about Bryan. Bryan was right about Miz. Only The Most Must-See Superstar won though, which was what mattered most in this personal clash.
Rating: 9.5/10
We are not good enough to have a hero like Daniel Bryan who actually calls out AJ Styles for his... frustrating ideas.
10. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles, WWE TLC 2018
Welcome back the best wrestler in the world. Bryan's return to WWE was tame for a while. He didn't really stand out, and the crowd reaction echoed this. Luckily, The "Yes" Man realized it too and began to reinvent himself in a way that only fully showcased at WWE TLC.
This match is absolutely fantastic. It is Bryan at his peak, pushing Styles to be at his best. I was so invested in every moment of The Beard's sick twisted technical domination that the ending frustrated me, not giving me the satisfying ending to the otherwise electric action. I still think the two can be even better together.
This match is absolutely fantastic. It is Bryan at his peak, pushing Styles to be at his best. I was so invested in every moment of The Beard's sick twisted technical domination that the ending frustrated me, not giving me the satisfying ending to the otherwise electric action. I still think the two can be even better together.
Rating: 9.5/10
9. Last Man Standing: WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Money in the Bank 2018
The first match between Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura gave the whole feud a bad name. Their WrestleMania clash was slow and out-of-sync in a way they quickly remedied with The Artist's heel turn. Each match that followed had a non-finish, but the action that preceded was intense.
Their final match allowed them the satisfying conclusion they needed on top of pushing the physicality to its peak. Never letting the Last Man Standing match ruin the pacing, these two veterans went all out in an unbelievable end to a rivalry most may have already forgotten.
Their final match allowed them the satisfying conclusion they needed on top of pushing the physicality to its peak. Never letting the Last Man Standing match ruin the pacing, these two veterans went all out in an unbelievable end to a rivalry most may have already forgotten.
Rating: 9.75/10
8. NXT North American Championship Ladder: Adam Cole vs. Ricochet vs. The Velveteen Dream vs. Lars Sullivan vs. EC3 vs. Killian Dain, NXT TakeOver: New Orleans
A great ladder match can come in many forms. Sometimes, it's just a glorious car crash like what these NXT stars put together in New Orleans. This match just had the perfect blend of stars. Lars Sullivan and Killian Dain worked as the destructive monsters. Velveteen Dream and Ricochet were the highlight reels.
Cole and EC3 were the charismatic opportunists. Together, this was a complete wreck in the best way possible, making a 30-minute clash feel like it ended too soon. It was an absolute blast that made everyone look better.
Cole and EC3 were the charismatic opportunists. Together, this was a complete wreck in the best way possible, making a 30-minute clash feel like it ended too soon. It was an absolute blast that made everyone look better.
Rating: 9.75/10
7. Ricochet vs. The Velveteen Dream, NXT TakeOver: Chicago II
Dream isn't the biggest or the fastest guy in NXT, but he's the absolute best storyteller. The way he frames each of his major matches as its own journey makes each completely unique and captivating. This was the best yet as Dream continued to try to be better than The One and Only and couldn't.
It wasn't that Dream couldn't Ricochet. He had him on the ropes near the end. It's just that Dream was too consumed with being better. His arrogance proved to be his undoing when it mattered most.
It wasn't that Dream couldn't Ricochet. He had him on the ropes near the end. It's just that Dream was too consumed with being better. His arrogance proved to be his undoing when it mattered most.
Rating: 9.75/10
6. WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Miz, WWE Backlash 2018
What happens when you put two guys together that are at their absolute best? You get a truly underrated classic. In a year where Rollins and Miz went on to be integral parts of their opposing brands, this was the true pinnacle of their singles runs in 2018.
The A-Lister tried to treat The Architect like any other opponent, and he ultimately had to play Rollins' game. He almost managed to keep up, but eventually he just didn't have enough. This is a classic WWE-style match at its best, and it's a shame the two didn't get to fight again.
The A-Lister tried to treat The Architect like any other opponent, and he ultimately had to play Rollins' game. He almost managed to keep up, but eventually he just didn't have enough. This is a classic WWE-style match at its best, and it's a shame the two didn't get to fight again.
Rating: 9.75/10
And here we see the apex of both these men's WWE careers. Shame they both will soon be forgotten pieces on SmackDown.
5. Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre vs. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, WWE Hell in a Cell 2018
For most of the year, this was the best match from anyone on the main roster. These four were on fire at such a level you would have believed in the heat of the moment these were the four best wrestlers in WWE. The chemistry was undeniable in every single moment.
McIntyre and Ziggler were an inspired tag team that should have been given more chances to show it, and Rollins and Ambrose almost guarantee a top-notch performance every time they team together. This was pure fire especially for the last five minutes.
McIntyre and Ziggler were an inspired tag team that should have been given more chances to show it, and Rollins and Ambrose almost guarantee a top-notch performance every time they team together. This was pure fire especially for the last five minutes.
Rating: 9.75/10
4. Unsanctioned: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano, NXT TakeOver: New Orleans
Quality is subjective and can change based on perception. At one point, this was my match of the year. I loved watching these two brutalize each in a wild over dramatic frenzy. I still love it. The only reason it's not quite at the peak is what followed.
These two should not have fought at the next two straight TakeOvers because it really took away from why this first bout felt so special. It was the culmination of an endless build, and it was every bit the storytelling masterpiece it should have been. On its own, it is quite near perfect.
These two should not have fought at the next two straight TakeOvers because it really took away from why this first bout felt so special. It was the culmination of an endless build, and it was every bit the storytelling masterpiece it should have been. On its own, it is quite near perfect.
Rating: 9.75/10
3. No Disqualification: Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy, 205 Live July 3, 2018
This was the match that put 205 Live on the map. Murphy and Ali were guaranteed to be great working with each other every time out, but this time was spectacular. It was a phenomenon that everyone could enjoy even if they had never watched another episode of the show.
The Juggernaut brutalizes Ali with reckless abandon, and the babyface just seems to get fueled by it. He puts himself at risk even more than Murphy hurts him. It makes the final stretch all the more enthralling. Ali's steel steps elevated tornado DDT is a true star-making moment more people should see.
The Juggernaut brutalizes Ali with reckless abandon, and the babyface just seems to get fueled by it. He puts himself at risk even more than Murphy hurts him. It makes the final stretch all the more enthralling. Ali's steel steps elevated tornado DDT is a true star-making moment more people should see.
Rating: 9.75/10
2. Last Woman Standing: SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair, WWE Evolution
The best women's match of the year as well as the best main-roster bout of the year was as great as it was important. Lynch had been making a name for herself for weeks, but she still needed a statement match, something to solidify her standing. She and Charlotte had had many good match together but nothing like this.
This is an absolute epic that makes the most of an impressive near-30-minute run time. These two battle around the ring as Lynch's cockiness slowly wavers at the continue resilience of Flair. These two make everything look like it hurts and tell an incredible story along the way in a match that should be talked about for years to come.
This is an absolute epic that makes the most of an impressive near-30-minute run time. These two battle around the ring as Lynch's cockiness slowly wavers at the continue resilience of Flair. These two make everything look like it hurts and tell an incredible story along the way in a match that should be talked about for years to come.
Rating: 9.75/10
1. NXT Champion Andrade Cien Almas vs. Johnny Gargano, NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia
Sometimes, it just takes two great wrestlers and the right spotlight. So much went into making this spectacular, but it really just came down to Gargano and Andrade Cien Almas being incredible performers. They worked the crowd with a straightforward babyface/heel dynamic that never wavered.
The live crowd was eating out of the hands of both men as they ratcheted up the drama and the offense to a fever pitch as Johnny Wrestling made a furious comeback. This is peak babyface work that Gargano may not be able to match for a while as he works the heel role in the new year.
Hopefully, these two are both helping reshape WWE in 2019 because it felt like this performance was not quite rewarded as it should have been in 2018.
The live crowd was eating out of the hands of both men as they ratcheted up the drama and the offense to a fever pitch as Johnny Wrestling made a furious comeback. This is peak babyface work that Gargano may not be able to match for a while as he works the heel role in the new year.
Hopefully, these two are both helping reshape WWE in 2019 because it felt like this performance was not quite rewarded as it should have been in 2018.