Top 10 Divas Matches of the Year
10) Team B.A.D VS Team Bella (Smackdown 1/10)
Kicking off my top ten divas matches of the year is a tag team match! Now, just like everyone else I really did grow bored and frustrated with the tag team divas matches. It was pretty much the same thing week in and week out and I did end up not paying any attention to them what so ever because we had seen it all before and it was so predicable. However, on the first of October on an episode of Smackdown Sasha Banks, Naomi and Tamina took on team Bella in what was surprisingly a really good match and one that enjoyed a heck of a lot. I'll be honest, I haven't watched Smackdown all that much this year so when I tuned into this episode I wasn't really expecting anything amazing especially from a divas match that we have seen a million times before, but I was left really impressed with this match and I did recommend it to a lot of people. It wasn't the best match we have seen from the divsion this year at all but it was easily one of the most entertaining. The wrestling in this match was strong, all six divas had their time to shine and showcase their individual talents. I did think that Sasha was the stand out again. She had so much character as usual, she received a strong reaction from the crowd and took on that leader role naturally. It was also great seeing how every diva from team bad forced a member from team Bella to showcase more and up their game. We didn't see all that much of Alicia Fox witch is a shame because I do think she is one of the most underutilised divas on the roster. She's such a strong talent and a true veteran in the division and it's a shame she doesn't get to show everyone what she can do. I thought both Bella's looked really strong throughout the match. They too brought a lot of character and had a good chunk of the crowd behind them. Whenever we have a Bella match people have a lot to say witch, love them or hate them, is always a good thing. The match had a good flow, it was easy to watch and get into and I did really really enjoy the match. Everything about it was well put together and it felt right to feature it this year.
9) Nikki Bella VS Paige ( Main Event 6/1)
Up next we are going all the way back to the start of the year, when on the sixth of January on an episode of Main Event we saw Paige challenge the divas champion, Nikki Bella in a none title match. The two divas had spent the past several weeks feuding for the title and with Natalya keeping the numbers even for Paige the two divas collided in one of the strongest main roster diva matches of the entire year. Now, I am someone has spent a great deal of time ignoring main roster diva storyline's and matches for the obvious reasons. The matches tend to be under seven minuets long if that and the actual storyline's lack interest and entertainment. The feud between Nikki Bella and Paige wasn't something I enjoyed if I'm being totally honest. The two girls spent pretty much the entire year feuding over the championship and the lack of story and depth made this just another boring divas feud with no entertainment. However, this match stood out for me this year because it was truly a great performance from both women. Because of how long the two of them had been feuding and working together they had great chemistry and worked amazingly well together. One thing that has been clear throughout the year is that if you want slightly longer and better divas matches from main roster talent then it's best to tune into Main Event. On the night I wasn't actually accepting a lot from the match up for all the obvious reasons but by the end of it I was left very impressed. The match was far from the best thing I had ever seen and didn't reach the limits of what we have seen from the NXT women over the year but it was such an improvement and difference from what we are used to seeing. They were given thirteen minuets and within those thirteen minuets they both showed us a great deal of skill and strength. Despite the fact that the champ last the match, this was one of Nikki's best performance not just from this year but from what we have ever seen of her over the years she has been with the WWE. Paige really did push her to her limits and Nikki was very impressive throughout showing impressive strength and agility. It was the one performance that really did show why Nikki deserved to be the divas champion. Throughout the match she told a decent story working on the arm of the former NXT Women's Champion. Paige did a great job on the night as well. She fixed a lot of moves that were botched a little and we actually got a little taste/reminder of what we used to see from her when she was competing down in NXT. There were a couple of mistakes and messy moments during the match up but they were forgotten easily by how well they were covered up. The match proved that when you give these divas a chance they can really impress everyone and put on a strong match. If the match had gone on for another five to ten minuets than I honest believe this would have been higher up in the list. The reaction this match received is another strong reason why it has featured in my top ten divas matches of the year. It's a shame that Nikki never got to have other matches as strong as this one while champion, maybe then she wouldn't have received the heat she got.
8) Brie Bella VS Charlotte VS Sasha Banks
Back in July we saw the start of the divas revolution. The start of a change in a divsion that has become a joke over the years. On the night Stephanie McMahon introduced three NXT Divas, three women who have revolutionised women's wrestling; Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch all place either in Team Paige or Team B.A.D. So with three of the greatest female talents in the company up on the main roster, Stephanie McMahon was promising a change and stated that the divas division was about to undergo a serious power shift. This was the change that we had all been waiting for for a long time and the first match that would prove she was serious and things really were changing was at the Payback pay per view when the three teams were told to choose a representative for their team to compete in a triple threat during the pay per view. We soon found out that Charlotte and Sasha Banks would be standing tall for their teams and Brie Bella would be stepping in for sister Nikki after the divas champion opted out of the triple threat after a little realisation of who her opponents were. I'll be honest, I was very optimistic about the match. I wasn't sure what to expect and after hearing about changes coming to the division several times before I wasn't expecting this one to be anything major. However, competing in this match was two former NXT Women's Champions. Two women who had changed the game completely and two women who shared fantastic chemistry. Now, the match had it's messy moments and it was clear that both Charlotte and Sasha Banks were a little nervous as expected but this match was so much better than I thought it was going to. The girls were given around sixteen to eighteen minuets and it was just enough time for every single one of the women to make an impression and prove that a change really is coming. I was particularly surprised with Brie Bella. I'll be honest, I have never ever been a Brie Bella fan and her wrestling skills have never impressed truly impressed me, however on this night I was left applauding her and actually wanting to see more of what she could do. The match proved that with the right opponents and with the right amount of time she could really impress everyone and put on a great match. She was able to work ell with two divas she had hardly worked in the ring with and stood her ground well against two of the most talented in ring performers within the division. Charlotte and Sasha of course showed their amazing chemistry and were very impressive. They were both able to bring out the best in one another showing some of their best moves and they also brought out a side in Brie Bella that we just hadn't seen before. This match was the true start of the divas revolution on the main roster and was the match that changed the way a lot of people viewed Brie Bella. As time went on the divas revolution storyline grew weak but this was match that I won't be forgetting any time soon as it goes down as one of the best main roster diva matches in a very very long time.
7) Charlotte VS Nikki Bella (Hell in a Cell)
At number seven is a match I was not expecting to be featuring in this blog post what so ever. When it was announced that Charlotte and Nikki Bella would do battle one last time at the Hell in a Cell pay per view for the diva championship I wan't very optimistic to say the least. The storyline and the build up could have been a lot stronger and with the divas revolution failing to make the impact it was supposed to make my expectations were not very high at all. However, the two divas ended up delivering what was one of the better matches throughout the revolution. The two took on one another without their team mates by their side witch made things a whole lot better. By this point of the year I think we were all over the team idea. It was refreshing to once again see two women compete for the championship without anyone at ringside and a clean ending almost guaranteed. Nikki spent a great deal of time in control of this match. Applying submission after submission to the champ focusing mainly on the lower back witch of course would effect how she would apply the figure eight. The story of working on each other's weak spots was the focus point of this match. Half way through we saw Charlotte attempt to apply the figure eight but could't completely lock it in because of how well Nikki had focused on the lower back. Even after escaping the figure four she continued to four her attentions on the same area hitting an amazing Alabama slam on the apron. Now, while Nikki did dominate a good chunk of this match Charlotte didn't hold back showing off some of her best moves and targeting the knee of Nikki Bella witch of course would work in her favour when she eventually did apply the figure eight and lock it in. The story telling throughout this match was much stronger than we have seen in the past from the main roster divas however so much of it didn't make sense and piece together. For example, Nikki spent most of the match focusing/attacking the lower back and moments after hitting the Alabama slam on the apron Charlotte was able to pick up the victory using the figure eight with ease. If the time between the slam and the victory was a little longer then it would have been a much stronger story and would have been much more believable. Apart from that it was great seeing two rather different divas come together to put on a pretty strong match. Nikki really did impress me and I'm sure most of you reading this. It was one of her best performances of the year and she really did prove that she has worked her butt off to improve herself and with time she can really shine in her matches.
6) Paige VS Charlotte (Survivor Series)
The feud between Charlotte and Paige was without a doubt one of the most entertaining diva feuds of the year. Yes, there was a couple of controversial segments and the storyline itself did become very messy but both divas showcased themselves really really well and I did end up really enjoying the feud as a whole. The story they were going off was solid. Paige played the perfect heel turning on her team mates and targeting Charlotte and the divas Champion. She came across as the spoilt, bitter, attention seeker with ease and everything she seemed to do the fans loved. From her heel turn itself, to her attacks on the champ and Becky Lynch to the promos and segments she delivered. What was also great about their feud was both divas pushed one another and forced each other to take thins to the next level. If you follow me on twitter then you will know that I'm not a fan of Charlotte mic work but the fact tat their feud got so much attention and time, and with Paige being as strong a she is on the mic it really did force Charlotte to up her game and show more character. The build up to their match was actually really strong and the did main event an episode of RAW when they signed the contract for their championship match. Now, it was a controversial contract signing but it was great seeing two women close the show and for a main roster divas feud to generate at much attention as it did. The match itself was actually much much better than I was expecting it to be. The two had a great amount of chemistry and they managed to keep the story strong and active throughout the match. Paige was for me the stand out. She brought more character, interacted with the fans more, her wrestling was strong, and I found her much more entertaining to watch. That's not so say Charlotte was weak on the night what so ever because she wasn't at all. She held her own perfectly fought like a true champion. Her problem in this match was her lack of character. I actually mentioned in my Survivor Series review that being a great wrestler really isn't going to be enough for Charlotte especially when there's characters in the division like Paige and Sasha Banks. Anyway, back to the match and the length of time they had was actually pretty good. They had enough time to put on an enjoyable, entertaining match and to showcase some great wrestling. I really did enjoy this match and it just had to go into the list this year.
5) Charlotte VS Sasha Banks ( NXT July 15th)
After teaming up with long term rival and NXT Women's Champion, Sasha Banks to face Dana Brooke and Emma, Charlotte wanted something in return, a shot at becoming champion once again. Sasha being the fighting champion she is of course accepted the challenge and a week later the two women main evented NXT in what was set to be their final one on one match at full sail university on the NXT roster with both women heading up to the main roster. Over the past year we have learnt that whenever these two divas step in the ring with another they create magic. We're allowed to get our hopes up and have high expectations. Every single one of the matches these two have competed in has been of a seriously high standard and this match was no different what so ever. There was so much passion in this match, so much heart, and it felt slightly different to their previous one on one matches. It had the final feel to it. We all knew this was going to be the last time we saw Sasha Banks VS Charlotte at an NXT event and it made thins so much more emotional and so special. It was the end of something amazing and these women did not let us down what so ever. They told a great story showing everyone what they had done over the past year. It was like watching a movie in a wrestling match. They have some new stuff that had the crowd on their feet chanting and they showed some of the moves they changed public opinion on women's wrestling and made them the superstars they are today. This was the story of two women who had worked their butts off over the years to get where they are right now. It was the story of two women who were once allies during the BFF days. It was the story of two women who had created one of the hottest and intense female rivalries since Lita VS Trish. This was a special night for both Sasha Banks and Charlotte and the NXT universe. The match was fun, it was energetic, and because these women know each other so so well after all their matches against and with one another as Corey Graves mentioned on the night, it was like watching a game of chess in a wrestling match. They had counters for each others counters and knew what the other had waiting around the corner. I did wish that the match was slightly longer because I could honestly watch these two compete all night long witch is why this match isn't higher up in the list. However, because this match so special, so emotional, and so intense there was no way I could not have it in my top ten divas matches of the year. The little embrace after the match was such a vital part in the divas feud. It showed that after the year they have had working against one another they had now found common ground, respect and they both left us waiting for the next time we would see them go one on one while at the same time closing an epic chapter in the careers as they go down in history as one of the best rivalries in NXT history.
4) Charlotte VS Bayley VS Becky Lynch VS Sasha Banks ( NXT Takeover Rival)
The four horsewomen of NXT. Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley. Four women who revolutionised women's wrestling. Changed the game and brought back interest in women's wrestling. If we go back to February at the NXT Takeover Rival live special all four women competed in one heck of championship match in one of the best fatal four way matches I have seen in years, and trust me as someone who is not a fan of fatal four way matches I really really did enjoy this match. I mentioned this in my Takeover Review and Reactions blog post but my problem with a lot of fatal four way matches in fact most (and it's the same with triple threat's) there's always at least one superstar/diva who doesn't belong in the match and doesn't really play role. Their just there and they have a couple of decent spots and that's it, they just fade out after that but that just wasn't the case with this match. All these divas had so much history and there were a couple of strong stories going on in the match which just made it so much more entertaining. We had the on going rivalry between Charlotte and Sasha Banks. For months these two divas had been feuding after the split of the BFF's and we had seen Banks try and capture the NXT Women's Championship on several occasions. Because of their history and the months we had seen of Banks trying to capture the championship seeing her pin Charlotte for the victory was so much more special. After months and months of trying to defeat Charlotte at the big one she had finally done it and the emotion on her face, you could just tell how much winning that match and becoming champion meant to her and it was such a special moment after seeing Charlotte and Banks show a sign of respect for one another. Throughout the match we also saw the alliance of Sasha and Becky Lynch come to an end. The girls had spent several weeks teaming up and taking out both Charlotte and Bayley and or the first half of this match we saw them work together again until they both went in for the cover on Bayley witch led to the match truly becoming an every diva for herself situation. Becky may not have had her stand out moment in this match but she sure as hell proved to be one to watch. Bayley was of course just as impressive. She hit several amazing spots and the chemistry and story being told between her and Charlotte was another great aspect of this match. Every single diva had a role in this match and they all each had a stand out moment. I've said it already but this really was one of my favourite Fatal four way matches in years and it was a very special night for the women's division in NXT.
3) Sasha Banks VS Bayley 30 Minuet Ironman Match ( NXT Takeover Respect)
In at number three in my top ten divas matches of the year is a match that made history in both the WWE and NXT. A match that got the whole world taking. And a match that no one will be forgetting any time soon. After their amazing championship match at NXT Takeover Brooklyn, Sasha Banks and Bayley were given the opportunity of a life time. A Chance to make history twice in one night. Thanks to the reception their Brooklyn match received William Regal announced two weeks later during Bayley's return as Champion to Full Sail that at NXT Takeover Respect Bayley and Sasha Banks would compete in the first ever women's Ironman match and for the first time ever we would see two divas main event an NXT and WWE live special. The announcement went down a treat and everyone both at Full Sail and at home went insane as the holly shit and this is awesome chants went through the roof. Of course the match had extremely high expectations after what we had seen at Brooklyn. Both Bayley and Sasha had put on the match of a lifetime back at the previous takeover and so everyone was expecting a match that either was of the same standard or better than Brooklyn. Both women received a strong reaction from the live crowd as they made the entrances and the crowd didn't hold back on chants with this is awesome, women's wrestling, and you deserve it chants taking place before they even put their hands on one another. After all the matches these two had had together over the years they knew each other so so well and because of the respect they had for one another this match felt very special and they had counters after counters for each other's move, like they knew what the other was about to do. Roughly nine minuets or so into the match Banks showed how desperate she was to leave Full Sail as a two time NXT Women's Championship when she poked Bayley in the eyes and followed it up with a small package to pick up the first victory. However, it was only a couple of minuets later when Bayley evened the score with an amazing Belly to Bayley. It was after that that the match really got exciting and became much more serious. The action was taken outside of the ring as Banks showed her viscous side once again sending Bayley into the steal steps several times and eventually sending her into the LED board at the top of the ramp witch eventually gave Banks her second win due to a count out. One of the most shocking and memorable moments oft he match was without a doubt the moment Sasha proved why she is one of the greatest heels around right now yelling at Izzy (Bayley's biggest fan) and taking her head band witch she later threw back at her from the ring. Honestly, I was left applauding banks after that moment. Now days heels in the WWE are so scared to do something that would be considered taking it too far but Sasha was so ruthless, so into her character and even though it was a harsh move it was so effective and such a highlight of this match and her character. There was a lot of Irony in this match. Back at Brooklyn we saw Sasha work on the injured hand and arm of Bayley and during this match Bayley did the exact same thing to Sasha and in the end it was the reason why Bayley was able to retain her championship. Because of her injured hand it meant that Sasha was unable to lock in the Bank Statement fully and Bayley was able to work on that and get Sasha in a submission forcing the former champion to tap out. Now, this match had everything you could ask for in a wrestling match up. Phenomenal story telling, high spots, intensity. It was match that proved that women are capable of main eventing and putting on outstanding matches. Matches that many WWE Superstars on the main roster would struggle to deliver. Every fall was smartly booked and the emotion in the match made this so much more special. It was another amazing moments seeing the roster come out to congratulate both divas and the thank you Sasha chants were the cause of my tears. I can sit here with no shame and say this match literally brought tears to my eyes. This was a history making match up and one that I for sure will be talking about for many many years to come.
2) Sasha Banks VS Becky Lynch
Coming in at number two and just missing out on the number one spot in my top ten divas matches of the yeas is another NXT Women's Championship match and this time we are going back to May twentieth when Sasha Banks put her title on the line against Becky Lynch. If I'm being completely honest I wasn't originally sure what to expect from this match. After watching the WWE product pretty much my entire life I have learnt not to get too into a moment of good times for the divas divsion because doesn't usually last long and I was worried that this would be the weakest of the matches we had seen so far at the point in time, however, I could not have been more wrong and as a matter of fact this turnt out to be one of the greatest divas matches I have ever seen and one of the best matches of the entire year regardless of gender. The story for this match was perfect and the build up was strong. After being on the NXT roster for almost a year, Becky Lynch was still struggling to get her moment in the spotlight and rise to the top and after a little push from the boss she found herself allying with the NXT Women's Champion herself, Sasha Banks. The two women spent a sold month working together, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the division. They proved time and time again that they were a dangerous team but made it perfectly clear that it was an alliance not a friendship and at NXT Takeover Rival in February they proved just that. As the two divas both went for the cover on Bayley at the same time it became every diva for herself and the little alliance completely tore apart. After Sasha became champion Becky had made it clear she had had enough of being Sasha's puppy dog and realised it was time she took the spotlight just the way Sasha had taught her and after pinning Bayley in a triple threat number one contenders match Becky Lynch reminded everyone that she was in the NXT not to take part but to take over and she was coming after that NXT Women's Championship. After a great contract signing that saw Becky take the upper hand she was walking into NXT Takeover Unstoppable with all the momentum in the world and rocking a new look this was a new Becky Lynch and it's safe to say she truly did arrive on that night. The match itself was simply amazing and was so much better than I could ever have expected. The girls were given almost twenty minuets worth of action and they used every single second to their advantage.This was the perfect showing of two women who have a genuine passion for this business. We had some amazing technical wrestling and the women left everyone speechless with the moves they were pulling out of the bag. The irony of the story telling was amazing. As seen in the contract signing for this match Becky Lynch has used the breaker to make Sasha tap out and throughout this match both women focused on the arm of their opponent and in the end it would be the inured left arm of Becky that would allow Banks to pick up the victory and retain her title.The story telling for this match was amazing strong and entertaining and something we just never see on the main roster in the division. Now, Becky may have lost the match but she was a winner in everyone's eyes as she had earned the respect of the NXT Universe who stood up and applauded her chanting her name and singing her entrance theme. This is a match that I have gone back and watched several times. Honestly, I have lost count. It was the night that saw Becky Lynch arrive, the night that Sasha Banks truly marked herself as the best women's wrestling in the company, and the night that made women's wrestling reach new heights. This was without a doubt a match for the ages and it had to be in my top ten divas matches of the year.
1) Bayley VS Sasha Banks ( NXT Takeover Brooklyn)
Deciding on a divas match of the year for two thousand and fifteen was not difficult. Despite the long list of outstanding women's matches brought to us by NXT there was only one match that truly stood out and could really be voted the divas match of the year. This was a match that changed the game completely and changed the way women's wrestling would be seen forever. The date: August twenty second. The Venue: Brooklyn New York. The match: Sasha Banks VS Bayley for the NXT Women's Championship. The build up to this match was strong and the expectations were extremely high. Both women had spent the past year building up their names as two of the best in WWE and NXT history. For twelve months they had both been re-shaping the divas division, providing fans with phenomenal matches proving that women could do exactly what men can do in the ring only better. However, nothing could have prepared us for what these two women were about to deliver at NXT Takeover Brooklyn. The entrances alone where history making in themselves. Usually, even at a WWE special like Wrestlemania you don't see the divas get any special entrance in fact, because of timing they are usually rushed and used as bathroom breaks along with the actual match. But on this night in particular the girls were able enough time to create a strong fight feel and get everyone ready for what was bound to be a match for the ages. Sasha Banks in particular arrived like a true boss in her own car and personal security team.The reaction from the live crowd said it all and everyone knew we were about to get something special. This was a match the WWE did not want us to forget. The match itself was phenomenal. I honestly, cannot think of a word strong enough to describe just how amazing it was. The story telling was so so strong. The build up to this match was all about Bayley proving herself and finally becoming champion after years of being told she just wasn't good enough.Throughout the months leading up to the title match she proved herself time and time again defeating former champion and one of the most decorated NXT talents we have ever seen,Charlotte along with many other divas along the way including fellow four horsewomen member, Becky Lynch. This was the story of a girl who for fifteen years wanted to be a professional wrestler and wanted to be champion and we were all lucky enough to witness her dream come true. From the start of this match Sasha made it clear she had zero respect for Bayley, laughing at her, belittling her, and talking trash, but Bayley made sure that she was going to make Sasha respect her and no matter what was thrown at her the baby face always had a comeback and refused to give up even when Sasha stooped low working on the injured hand of Bayley. The match was full of trick and monomers that
we have never seen from a female compositor in the WWE including Sasha using the referee to jump over the ropes and an incredibly dangerous backwards hurricanrana from the top rope. These girls proved that women can captivate and entertain just as much as anyone else. They both had the arena full of fifteen thousand plus on their feet and when Bayley closed in on the victory everyone was left applauding the girls and the this is awesome, holy shit, and this is wrestling chants became an understatement of how great the match was. The emotional moment between the four horsewomen after the match topped the night off. It added to the emotion and left a lot of we eyes in the arena. These were the four women who changed the game and became a very special moment. Sasha let everyone know that Bayley had earned her respect and trust me, it gives me goose bumps just thinking about how great this moment was. This was truly a match for the ages. Introduced by Stephanie McMahon as the first of two main events these girls revolutionised women's wrestling. They earned respect from the entire footlocker and NXT universe putting on the stand out and match of the night at the biggest NXT special to date. After this match women's wrestling was never same and both ladies proved they are two of the best wrestlers in the world and gender doesn't even come into it. There was no match better suited for the number one spot.
So that is my top ten divas matches of the year. The start of this blog post probably sounds a little crappy, I was super ill this morning when I was finish off the post so I'm sorry about that. This year we have had some great divas matches and there are a couple I didn't mention in today's post but I'm happy with the list and I think it's a really strong one this year. Remember you can let me know what your divas match of the year is by leaving a comment bellow or by tweeting me at @TezangiVictoria.
Top 5 WWE Heels of the year
Top 5 WWE Divas of the year
Most Improved Superstars of the year
Top 5 NXT Superstars of the year
Top 5 WWE Diva Moments of the year
So that is my top ten divas matches of the year. The start of this blog post probably sounds a little crappy, I was super ill this morning when I was finish off the post so I'm sorry about that. This year we have had some great divas matches and there are a couple I didn't mention in today's post but I'm happy with the list and I think it's a really strong one this year. Remember you can let me know what your divas match of the year is by leaving a comment bellow or by tweeting me at @TezangiVictoria.
Top 5 WWE Heels of the year
Top 5 WWE Divas of the year
Most Improved Superstars of the year
Top 5 NXT Superstars of the year
Top 5 WWE Diva Moments of the year
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