Top 20 Matches Of the year PT 2
10) Finn Balor VS Kevin Owens (Beast in the East)
Content from top twenty matches of July: The build up to this match was great. The WWE had put a lot of effort into making this an all star match up and that is exactly what it was. The hype was lived up to, the expectations were exceeded, and this was by far not only the match of the month but one of the best matches of the entire year. After weeks, months even, of a great build up these two finally stepped in the ring together, one on one for the NXT Championship. Before we get into the actual match I want to talk about that build up. For weeks, since he became number one contender at NXT Takeover Unstoppable, Finn Balor was on a momentum high. He managed to pick up huge, clean victories over the likes of Tyler Breeze, Tye Dillinger, Rhyno and even the champ, Kevin Owens. He was made centre of attention on the NXT roster and when he wasn't in the ring competing everyone was still talking about him. We were treated to a three part mini documentary that told the story of Finn Balor generating even more attention. I thought it was an amazing idea and great Documentary, if you haven't seen it I really advise that you check it out. It was such a key part in the build up. It allowed the NXT universe to connect with Balor on a much more personal level and to be fair it was a big clue to how the championship match was going to end. There was then the little video that they did with Balor promoting the show and he's "demon" side coming out witch I loved as well. All of this tied together amazingly well and made the match something it wouldn't of been without it. The entire build up gave this match I haven't seen any other match have. There was a massive story in it and that's what I loved. It was as if we had bee invited into Finn's life and we were all in the big journey with him. Coming back to Japan, the place that truly made him a star was the story of this match. It was about Balor picking up the big one in the place that made him. It was such an important big chapter of he's life and career and we all felt apart of it. I haven't ever watched a match and it had had that feel to it. The energy from the moment Balor entered the arena to the moment he left was insane. It felt as though I was right there, in Japan watching the action from ringside. I don't think I have been that into a match all year round. I was cheering, clapping, banging the table, and screaming at my lap top like a mad person. The actual wrestling was mental! The diversity, the skill, the technique,it was all just amazing. These guys pushed each other to the limits and brought out the very very best in each other. Owens brought so much character. Throwing the flowers before the match started, the blatant disrespect shown it all just made the match a whole lot better. Throughout the match you Owens just kept reminding us why we should hate him but then he would just put on such a great performance that you have to admire him as a wrestler. He had a dominate performance but it was Balor who picked up the big win in the end. I was honestly expecting Owens to retain just because I was convinced he was dropping the title to someone else so that was a great surprise. I remember jumping up and down, cheering and clapping like I was there. I may even of had a little tear or two. It all just tied together so well. Balor brought so much heart and passion that I loved every moment of this match. I knew from the moment it finished that this was going to be the match of the month. It had a phenomenal story, outstanding wrestling, and it all just came together perfectly. There is no other match that could of topped this and so it deserves to be my match of July.
9) John Cena VS Seth Rollins (SummerSlam)
For number eight we are going right back to SummerSlam and what was an amazing match up between John Cena and Seth Rollins. Since joining the WWE we have seen Rollins and Cena put on a handful of great matches many of witch I have spoken about here on my blog. We know that they have amazing chemistry, we know how well they work together, and of course we know what they are capable of putting on when they step in the ring together. Their match at SummerSlam was simply another to add to the list of amazing match ups we have seen between these two. Now, this match was all about being the man. With Rollins already the WWE World Heavyweight Champion he setted he's eyes on making history again this time in a champion VS champion match where the winner would walk out of SummerSlam both the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and the United States Champion. So there was a lot at stake and that all fight feel was well and truly alive throughout this match. A split crowd meant that it was anyone's game and with history guaranteed to be made we were all left on the edge of our seats as as the match developed the intensity grew even more. For the first part of this match Cena used a tight headlock to headlock to out wrestle Rollins but the world Champion found he's way out and soon gained some control of the match. It was once again the speed and agility of Rollins that worked in he's favour and he was able to take control and force the match to go at he's pace witch of course was a much faster high energy pace. After battling each other on so many occasion in the past the two superstars knew each other and their move sets very very well so it didn't come as a surprise to see both men pull out some new moves. As seen soon learnt an Attitude Adjustment was not going to be enough to put Rollins away. Throughout the match we saw them counter each others best of shots and very quickly became a back and fourth bout. Now, I was one of the many people who were far from happy with the closing moments of this match. Its no secret that I'm not the worlds biggest fan of Jon Stewart and even though he came down to the ring to give us all the twist of all twist by hitting Cena with a chair allowing Rollins to get the win, I was looking forward to clean ending and so I'm not going to pretend like I wasn't disappointed. However, saying that, some controversy is always a good thing in wrestling and after all it was SummerSlam there was bound to be some kind of twist. This was a phenomenal match. Taking out and ignoring those closing moments with Jon Stewart this match left me quite literally on the edge of my seat. The action was fast paces, intense, and completely captivating. The wrestling was of such a high quality and the chemistry between the two superstars was just amazing. This list would not have been complete without this match being added to it.
8) Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn (NXT Takeover: Rival)
Up next is another NXT match and this time it's Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn. This match took place right at the start of the year in February and was without a doubt one of my favourite matches of the entire year and one of my all time favourite NXT matches. This was one of the strongest storyline's of the year and once again in NXT history and the way the match was booked and played out was just perfect. Heading into this match we were treated to a really good, strong, captivating story. Owens and Zayn had known each other for a long long time after competing with and against one another throughout their careers and time on the independent scene so they had a rare level of friendship and respect for one another. However, Owens was full of bitterness. The WWE focused their story on Owens finally getting he's moment. He had seen guys he had worked with outside of the WWE make it to the top from Seth Rollins, to Daniel Bryan, to Cesaro and of course Sami Zayn, and now that he was in the WWE he wasn't going to waste any time making he's way to the top and getting he's time to shine. And that is exactly what he did. Taking Zayn out in a shocking heel turn on he's debut night, Owens set he's sights on the NXT Championship and at Takeover Rival the two superstars did battle in a phenomenal match. Their chemistry was undeniably strong. You geniuenly felt as though you were watching two former friends compete against one another. You felt the betrayal, the frustrations, the desperations from both Zayn and Owens and it made this such a captivating match up. The story was clear and solid. You knew what was driving these two superstars and it was once again another example of NXT keeping storyline's basic but so extremely entertaining. The wrestling in this match was amazing. They both showed why they are two of the best and why they were main eventing. Owens dominated most of the match and we had pretty much that exact same feel that we had during that history making match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Owens dominated Zayn big time, showing he had no emotion what so ever and all he wanted was to become champion. But the resilience of Zayn was just insane. No matter what Owens throwed at him he didn't give up and kept fighting on. In the end the referee stopped the match with Zayn being unable to continue witch just added to the amazing story telling of this match. It was an ending we don't see done very often and it added to that ruthless feel Owens brings. It showed him to once again be the dominate character and then champion that he is/was. The match was intense and entertaining to watch. You didn't want to take your eyes off the screen and that is what I want in any and every wrestling match.
7) Kevin Owens VS John Cena (Elimination Chamber)
6) Rusev VS John Cena (Payback)
One of my personal favourite feuds of the year was without a doubt John Cena VS Rusev. It was a feud that we all saw coming months before they actually began feuding but one that turnt out to be extremely entertaining and well written. I will admit that I did think it went on for a little too long. They dragged it out quite a bit and I did grow bored of it but I don't think any one can deny the simple fact that in two thousand and fifteen, John Cena and Rusev gave us some outstanding matches and one of their best was without a doubt the I Quit match back at the Payback pay per view. If you have been following me on twitter or have been reading my blog for the past year or so then you will know that I'm a major Rusev fan and I have been for a while now. I love he's character and what the WWE have done with it. I think he's without question one of the most talented in ring performers the WWE have, he's mic ability is strong, and he's unbelievably convincing with how he plays he's character. He's feud with Cena has easily been he's best feud to date as we really did see the very best of him. Before then we had only really seen Lana speak for Rusev with Rusev pretty much staying away from the mic and cutting promos but with he's issues with Lana growing and so much attention on he's feud with Cena, Rusev really upped he's game and left me very very impressed with he's mic skills, cutting some great promos that just added to the excitement and intensity of this match. Personally, I'm a big fan of I Quit matches. I have been for as long as I can remember and with Cena appearing some of my favourite "I quit" matches and Rusev being one of my favourite WWE superstars (not to mention the great storyline and build up) I was very very excited for this match and was expecting a lot! Prior to this match we had seen Rusev and Cena go toe to toe on several occasions including at Wrestlemania were Rusev had dropped the US Championship to John; so we knew that they were capable of putting on a great match and with the right timing this could be something special and trust me it was. Throughout the long bout we saw Rusev and Cena through everything they possibly could at one another. Unlike most of their previous matches, this one had a much bigger hardcore feel meaning the Rusev was performing at a level we hadn't yet seen of him. However, with such a barbaric environment and style of match, Rusev shined brightly. He had no hesitation in using he's surroundings to get the upper hand and at times he actually looked to be enjoying torturing Cena. He also to be fair, took everything Cena had to through at him really well and bounced back greatly. Throughout the match we saw tensions continue between Lana and Rusev and it was that that caused the ending of this match to be as drastic as it was. I know a lot of people were not a fan of Lana telling the referee that Rusev had said he quit but I thought it was great writing and a strong way to end the feud with Cena allowing Rusev to transition into something new. This was a very very physical and intense match and a match that allowed Rusev to shine and prove he was a big big talent in the WWE. This was easily one of my favourite matches of the entire year and one I will continue to talk about for a long long time.
5) Sasha Banks VS Bayley (NXT Takeover Respect)
In at number five 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.
4) Finn Balor VS Adrian Neville
Content from top twenty matches of July: The build up to this match was great. The WWE had put a lot of effort into making this an all star match up and that is exactly what it was. The hype was lived up to, the expectations were exceeded, and this was by far not only the match of the month but one of the best matches of the entire year. After weeks, months even, of a great build up these two finally stepped in the ring together, one on one for the NXT Championship. Before we get into the actual match I want to talk about that build up. For weeks, since he became number one contender at NXT Takeover Unstoppable, Finn Balor was on a momentum high. He managed to pick up huge, clean victories over the likes of Tyler Breeze, Tye Dillinger, Rhyno and even the champ, Kevin Owens. He was made centre of attention on the NXT roster and when he wasn't in the ring competing everyone was still talking about him. We were treated to a three part mini documentary that told the story of Finn Balor generating even more attention. I thought it was an amazing idea and great Documentary, if you haven't seen it I really advise that you check it out. It was such a key part in the build up. It allowed the NXT universe to connect with Balor on a much more personal level and to be fair it was a big clue to how the championship match was going to end. There was then the little video that they did with Balor promoting the show and he's "demon" side coming out witch I loved as well. All of this tied together amazingly well and made the match something it wouldn't of been without it. The entire build up gave this match I haven't seen any other match have. There was a massive story in it and that's what I loved. It was as if we had bee invited into Finn's life and we were all in the big journey with him. Coming back to Japan, the place that truly made him a star was the story of this match. It was about Balor picking up the big one in the place that made him. It was such an important big chapter of he's life and career and we all felt apart of it. I haven't ever watched a match and it had had that feel to it. The energy from the moment Balor entered the arena to the moment he left was insane. It felt as though I was right there, in Japan watching the action from ringside. I don't think I have been that into a match all year round. I was cheering, clapping, banging the table, and screaming at my lap top like a mad person. The actual wrestling was mental! The diversity, the skill, the technique,it was all just amazing. These guys pushed each other to the limits and brought out the very very best in each other. Owens brought so much character. Throwing the flowers before the match started, the blatant disrespect shown it all just made the match a whole lot better. Throughout the match you Owens just kept reminding us why we should hate him but then he would just put on such a great performance that you have to admire him as a wrestler. He had a dominate performance but it was Balor who picked up the big win in the end. I was honestly expecting Owens to retain just because I was convinced he was dropping the title to someone else so that was a great surprise. I remember jumping up and down, cheering and clapping like I was there. I may even of had a little tear or two. It all just tied together so well. Balor brought so much heart and passion that I loved every moment of this match. I knew from the moment it finished that this was going to be the match of the month. It had a phenomenal story, outstanding wrestling, and it all just came together perfectly. There is no other match that could of topped this and so it deserves to be my match of July.
9) John Cena VS Seth Rollins (SummerSlam)
For number eight we are going right back to SummerSlam and what was an amazing match up between John Cena and Seth Rollins. Since joining the WWE we have seen Rollins and Cena put on a handful of great matches many of witch I have spoken about here on my blog. We know that they have amazing chemistry, we know how well they work together, and of course we know what they are capable of putting on when they step in the ring together. Their match at SummerSlam was simply another to add to the list of amazing match ups we have seen between these two. Now, this match was all about being the man. With Rollins already the WWE World Heavyweight Champion he setted he's eyes on making history again this time in a champion VS champion match where the winner would walk out of SummerSlam both the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and the United States Champion. So there was a lot at stake and that all fight feel was well and truly alive throughout this match. A split crowd meant that it was anyone's game and with history guaranteed to be made we were all left on the edge of our seats as as the match developed the intensity grew even more. For the first part of this match Cena used a tight headlock to headlock to out wrestle Rollins but the world Champion found he's way out and soon gained some control of the match. It was once again the speed and agility of Rollins that worked in he's favour and he was able to take control and force the match to go at he's pace witch of course was a much faster high energy pace. After battling each other on so many occasion in the past the two superstars knew each other and their move sets very very well so it didn't come as a surprise to see both men pull out some new moves. As seen soon learnt an Attitude Adjustment was not going to be enough to put Rollins away. Throughout the match we saw them counter each others best of shots and very quickly became a back and fourth bout. Now, I was one of the many people who were far from happy with the closing moments of this match. Its no secret that I'm not the worlds biggest fan of Jon Stewart and even though he came down to the ring to give us all the twist of all twist by hitting Cena with a chair allowing Rollins to get the win, I was looking forward to clean ending and so I'm not going to pretend like I wasn't disappointed. However, saying that, some controversy is always a good thing in wrestling and after all it was SummerSlam there was bound to be some kind of twist. This was a phenomenal match. Taking out and ignoring those closing moments with Jon Stewart this match left me quite literally on the edge of my seat. The action was fast paces, intense, and completely captivating. The wrestling was of such a high quality and the chemistry between the two superstars was just amazing. This list would not have been complete without this match being added to it.
8) Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn (NXT Takeover: Rival)
Up next is another NXT match and this time it's Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn. This match took place right at the start of the year in February and was without a doubt one of my favourite matches of the entire year and one of my all time favourite NXT matches. This was one of the strongest storyline's of the year and once again in NXT history and the way the match was booked and played out was just perfect. Heading into this match we were treated to a really good, strong, captivating story. Owens and Zayn had known each other for a long long time after competing with and against one another throughout their careers and time on the independent scene so they had a rare level of friendship and respect for one another. However, Owens was full of bitterness. The WWE focused their story on Owens finally getting he's moment. He had seen guys he had worked with outside of the WWE make it to the top from Seth Rollins, to Daniel Bryan, to Cesaro and of course Sami Zayn, and now that he was in the WWE he wasn't going to waste any time making he's way to the top and getting he's time to shine. And that is exactly what he did. Taking Zayn out in a shocking heel turn on he's debut night, Owens set he's sights on the NXT Championship and at Takeover Rival the two superstars did battle in a phenomenal match. Their chemistry was undeniably strong. You geniuenly felt as though you were watching two former friends compete against one another. You felt the betrayal, the frustrations, the desperations from both Zayn and Owens and it made this such a captivating match up. The story was clear and solid. You knew what was driving these two superstars and it was once again another example of NXT keeping storyline's basic but so extremely entertaining. The wrestling in this match was amazing. They both showed why they are two of the best and why they were main eventing. Owens dominated most of the match and we had pretty much that exact same feel that we had during that history making match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Owens dominated Zayn big time, showing he had no emotion what so ever and all he wanted was to become champion. But the resilience of Zayn was just insane. No matter what Owens throwed at him he didn't give up and kept fighting on. In the end the referee stopped the match with Zayn being unable to continue witch just added to the amazing story telling of this match. It was an ending we don't see done very often and it added to that ruthless feel Owens brings. It showed him to once again be the dominate character and then champion that he is/was. The match was intense and entertaining to watch. You didn't want to take your eyes off the screen and that is what I want in any and every wrestling match.
7) Kevin Owens VS John Cena (Elimination Chamber)
The Kevin Owens/John Cena feud was without a doubt one of my favourite feuds of the entire year. I have mentioned it several times throughout my of the year series this month and on twitter and so I'm sure most of you were expecting this match to feature in today's blog post. Choosing one of the three matches to go into the list however was not the easiest of tasks. Every single one of the matches was just amazing and I enjoyed all of them as did everyone else but when it came down to my personal favourite it had to be the match that featured at the Elimination Chamber network special. I'm sure most of you would have gone for the Money in the bank match up but personally it was their first bout that was my favourite. It was the first time these two superstars had gone up against one another and the excitement, the unpredictability added to the reasons why this was my personal favourite. I didn't know what to expect from this match, who was going to win, how long it was going to be, and how well the two of them were going to work together. What was so great about this match was the build up. There was clear, strong storyline that divided the WWE universe. There was no in-between, you were either team let's go Cena or team fight Owens Fight and it just added that rawness to the match. The two superstars both brought something different to the match. They have very different styles but it meant that they were able to push each other and false the other to show even more and up their game. For Owens this was a test to see how he would fair when he was up against the big dogs and there's no better way to be tested then going up against fifteen time world champion, John Cena. However since joining the WWE we have seen Owens completely dominate NXT becoming champion in a matter of months since signing he's contract and becoming one of the biggest heels and one of the most must see talents in NXT history. It's fair to say Owens is far from a rookie and was bound to give Cena a true run for he's money. Now, while the match was split with both superstars having their time to shine and hitting some great spots Owens naturally controlled the match dominating Cena like we had seen him do so against the likes of Sami Zayn. Once in control, Owens spent a great deal of time brining down the pace of the match allowing him to completely dominate Cena and let the match go at he's pace. Even when he wasn't in control of the match he was brining all the character and making sure everyone was watching him. For anyone who had not see Owens perform before it was the perfect way to introduce him to them. He showcased some of he's greatest, best received moves and threw in a couple of surprises. Cena too showcased he's best moves while also introducing some new stuff to shake things up a little. Together, Cena and Owens had great chemistry and worked amazingly well together. One of the main reasons this match came in at number four is because for once we actually saw a young, up and coming WWE Superstar knock off invincible Cena and while it was the only match Owens did come up on top of against John it shocked the WWE Universe and started a shift in power in the WWE sending a message the future well and truly is now.
6) Rusev VS John Cena (Payback)
One of my personal favourite feuds of the year was without a doubt John Cena VS Rusev. It was a feud that we all saw coming months before they actually began feuding but one that turnt out to be extremely entertaining and well written. I will admit that I did think it went on for a little too long. They dragged it out quite a bit and I did grow bored of it but I don't think any one can deny the simple fact that in two thousand and fifteen, John Cena and Rusev gave us some outstanding matches and one of their best was without a doubt the I Quit match back at the Payback pay per view. If you have been following me on twitter or have been reading my blog for the past year or so then you will know that I'm a major Rusev fan and I have been for a while now. I love he's character and what the WWE have done with it. I think he's without question one of the most talented in ring performers the WWE have, he's mic ability is strong, and he's unbelievably convincing with how he plays he's character. He's feud with Cena has easily been he's best feud to date as we really did see the very best of him. Before then we had only really seen Lana speak for Rusev with Rusev pretty much staying away from the mic and cutting promos but with he's issues with Lana growing and so much attention on he's feud with Cena, Rusev really upped he's game and left me very very impressed with he's mic skills, cutting some great promos that just added to the excitement and intensity of this match. Personally, I'm a big fan of I Quit matches. I have been for as long as I can remember and with Cena appearing some of my favourite "I quit" matches and Rusev being one of my favourite WWE superstars (not to mention the great storyline and build up) I was very very excited for this match and was expecting a lot! Prior to this match we had seen Rusev and Cena go toe to toe on several occasions including at Wrestlemania were Rusev had dropped the US Championship to John; so we knew that they were capable of putting on a great match and with the right timing this could be something special and trust me it was. Throughout the long bout we saw Rusev and Cena through everything they possibly could at one another. Unlike most of their previous matches, this one had a much bigger hardcore feel meaning the Rusev was performing at a level we hadn't yet seen of him. However, with such a barbaric environment and style of match, Rusev shined brightly. He had no hesitation in using he's surroundings to get the upper hand and at times he actually looked to be enjoying torturing Cena. He also to be fair, took everything Cena had to through at him really well and bounced back greatly. Throughout the match we saw tensions continue between Lana and Rusev and it was that that caused the ending of this match to be as drastic as it was. I know a lot of people were not a fan of Lana telling the referee that Rusev had said he quit but I thought it was great writing and a strong way to end the feud with Cena allowing Rusev to transition into something new. This was a very very physical and intense match and a match that allowed Rusev to shine and prove he was a big big talent in the WWE. This was easily one of my favourite matches of the entire year and one I will continue to talk about for a long long time.
5) Sasha Banks VS Bayley (NXT Takeover Respect)
In at number five 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.
4) Finn Balor VS Adrian Neville
I'll be honest, it took be some time to decide on what to have at number three for this years top twenty matches of the year. We have had so many great matches both from NXT and the main roster throughout the year but when it came down to choosing personal favourite there wasn't much that topped Finn Balor VS Adrian Neville. I'm sure there are plenty of you reading this that most probably would not have had this match so high in the list but it honestly was one of my personal favourite matches of the entire year. It had everything I could have possibly asked for and over the months I have lost track of how many times I have re-watched it and spoken about it here on my blog and on twitter. It was easily one of my favourite NXT matches of the year and one of my favourite all time NXT matches. It was full of countless breathtaking moves and near-falls witch all had everyone on their feet and amazed. In the weeks leading up to the match both Balor and Neville had competed in several matches to earn there spot in the finals of the number one contender tournament for the NXT Championship. Before they did battle at Takeover we did see them shake hands a week before witch just added to the build up of what was bound to be a great match up. Now, Neville and Balor are without a doubt two of the brightest talents in NXT history and it was always going to be a treat seeing them collide and when they came together at NXT Takeover Arrival they blew us all away as they proved why they really are two of the best talents in the WWE/NXT. Now, it was a case of baby face VS baby face and while usually I'm not the biggest fan of seeing two good guys go at it this match just worked. They both wanted this win so much and that was so clear and obvious from the looks in their eyes and that was easily enough of a story to go off of for this match. It was a simple storyline with a basic, minimalistic, simple storyline but everyone was captivated and interested in the match. With Neville being one of the most entertaining, exciting and explosive superstars since the start of NXT and Balor adopting the same characteristics the pair were able to put on a memorable, show stealer match. On the night they both fully showcased their skills in what was a great technical match that saw them both go over and make home of the top rope. They were both over with the fans massively but with Finn's dramatic entrance and the fact that he was the latest hot talent to join NXT meant that he was slightly more over and was clearly the favourite for the win. This was one of the most entertaining, action packed matches of the year and it just had to feature in the list today. It was one of Neville's last NXT matches and one of Balor's firsts so it's a very very special one.
3) Finn Balor VS Samoa Joe (NXT Takeover London)
In at number three is the most recent of all twenty matches in this blog post as the NXT Championship match at Takeover London between Finn Balor and Samoa Joe makes its way into the list. After teaming up together to win the Dusty Rhodes tag team classic at the last Takeover event, Joe had asked for a championship match against Balor but after General manger William Regal forced him to earn the right at a championship match by participating in a Battle Royal the cracks slowly began to show and after falling short in the royal Joe took matters into he's own hands and attacked Balor and gaining the attention of the NXT universe, the champion, and William Regal. Eventually Joe got what he wanted and the contract was signed. At NXT Takeover London it would be Samoa Joe VS Finn Balor for the NXT Championship but before they could get to the UK Joe wanted to send one last message and was able to get the upper hand over the champion on two separate occasions allowing him to gain some serious momentum. It became perfectly clear to Balor that Samoa Joe was a new kind of competition and like something he had never been faced with before. The build up for this match was simple. NXT once again kept to a basic storyline but it didn't change the fact that this was a brilliant feud with an entertaining, solid build up. There was nothing fancy but it made sense and the NXT universe were able to get into the action easily and quickly. At London both superstars received a strong reaction from the live crowd and trust me, being there myself I can honestly say that it felt very even when it came to picking a side. Balor of course channelled he's inner demon and gave us another epic entrance adding to the intensity. The match itself was undoubtedly one of the best of the year and another to add to the ever growing list of must see NXT matches. While both superstars spent a great deal of time in control it was Joe for me who stole the show. He was able to not only keep up with a very fast paced Balor but he never slowed down. He always had something waiting for the champ. Every submission he locked in was done almost to perfection and he did everything in he's power to stop Balor from getting to the ropes. He's energy was electric delivering shot after shot taking all the life out of Finn. Whenever Balor looked to be gaining control Joe had something new waiting and ready to throw at him picking up control again. The champ however showed great resilience bouncing back from everything Joe threw at him. Every strike was sharp and echoed around the arena. He fought on like a true champion and in the end was able to pick up the win and allow he's championship reign to continue on. Throughout the match a great story was being told. You knew how badly Joe wanted that championship and you could feel he's frustrations. Balor brought he's own form of intimidation and with the crowd behind him and he's amazing agility he was able to keep hold of the NXT Championship for a little longer. Being there and seeing this match made everything so much more special and I had to have this in the top twenty this year.
2) Brock Lesnar VS Seth Rollins VS John Cena (Royal Rumble)
At number two and just missing out on being crowned my two thousand and fifteen match of the year is one of my favourite triple threat matches of all time, of course I'm talking about the amazing championship match up between Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, and John Cena witch took place all the way back in January at the Royal Rumble pay per view. If you read my top ten matches of the year in the Summer then you would know that this was actually my number one holder but after a history making match stealing the spotlight we have settled for second place this time round. Now, like I said in my previous post I'm not the biggest fan of triple threat or fatal four way matches mainly because it always feel like there is at least one person who shouldn't be in the match/doesn't really have a place in the match but in this just wasn't the case for this triple threat what so ever. All three superstars had a purpose and neither one of them got lost in the match or seemed to be carrying someone else. It was a case of three amazing, very different superstars all competing in a phenomenal match. Regardless of how controversial the actual Royal Rumble match was I don't think there is a single person in the world that could deny the fact that this was one of the best triple threat matches we have ever seen from the WWE especially in recent years. It had everything you could have possibly asked for and all three superstars brought something different. We had Lesnar who of course was extremely dominate. He manhandled both Cena and Rollins in the early stages and even after going through the Spanish announce table he somehow found the strength to refuse being taken backstage for medical help and got right back up to continue fighting on like he was terminator and went on to retain he's championship. Rollins, despite being the smallest in the match was for me most probably the stand out of the match. He really did give both veterans a run for their money and with he's speed, agility, and move set it meant that he was able to keep both Cena and Lesnar on their toes and after hitting an elbow drop from the top rope sending Lesnar through the Spanish announce table. He then focused he's attentions on Cena while Lesnar took some time to recover. Talking of Cena he played a slightly more subtle role in the match but he had some amazing spots throughout including spearing Lesnar through a barricade and hitting an AA on both members of J&J Security simultaneously. The action in this match was so intense, it was action packed, and it was non-stop and everything made sense and came together amazingly well. From the moment I saw this match I knew that every other match I saw would be in competition with this one and I would always be comparing every match back to this. It was more than just one of my favourite matches of the year it was easily one of my favourite triple threat matches of all time.
1) Sasha Banks VS Bayley (NXT Takeover Brooklyn)
Throughout twenty fifteen we were treated to a handful of outstanding matches. From Kevin Owens VS John Cena, to Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins, to Finn Balor VS Adrian Neville, but when it came down to deciding on a number one spot it was a fairly simple decision to make. Even before asking on twitter what you all thought was the match of the year over the past twelve months there hasn't been any match more talked about, more respected, and more history making than this year's number one spot, Sasha Banks VS Bayley from the NXT Takeover Brooklyn show. Women's wrestling fan or not everyone was left talking about this match, everyone in the arena was left on their fee, and everyone was left truly amazed by what these two women had just put on. In that one night, they changed the game. They reminded everyone of what a divas revolution in the WWE was and brought back women's wrestling. The build up to the match was extremely well written with NXT keeping to a basic storyline that gripped and entertained the fans. It was a simple battle of baby face VS heel. The underdog, Bayley, fan favourite out to prove herself once and for and finally win the big one. The boss, Sasha Banks, on a mission to prove that she is the best female wrestler in NXT and keep hold of her Women's Championship. I have said it a million times before but NXT's ability to provide us with such basic storyline's has been one of the many factors that has kept everyone tuned into the product. This was a classic story and these two women were able to add their own little twist on it. They received the attention they deserved, the build up the deserved and with the match being pushed as one of two main events this was a one to watch match right from the moment their feud began but not even a solid build up could have left us all predicting what we actually were treated to. Entrances alone were pretty awesome, with Bayley picking up a huge response from the live crowd and Sasha arriving like a true boss with her own personal security and car. Before the bell was even rang the match had that all fight feel. This wasn't a story of two divas "diva wrestling" for a thew minuets for no reason. This was a story of two women both of witch grew up aspiring to be wrestlers fighting for a championship that geniuenly meant something to them. The match itself was phenomenal.Throughout the match Sasha targeted the previously broken hand of Bayley witch included a Bank statement that was followed up with stomps to the hand and an attack with the ring steps. Talking of Sasha, her over all performance in this match was just amazing, pulling some new moves and remaining inn full character, Sasha had us all on our feet after several top rope monomers and jumping over the referee after he stopped her from going for a suicide dive. Bayley on the other hand showed us all a whole new side of her channelling her inner aggression and competing at a level we have never ever seen her compete at. Her intensity was stronger than we had ever seen before and you could see in her eyes just how much this match actually meant to her. The closing moments were pretty much perfect. Hitting reverse hurricanrana from the top rope and following it up with a Bayley-to-belly had everyone on their feet as the underdog found herself coming up on top and being crowned the new NXT Women's Champion. This match wasn't about gender at all. This was two amazing wrestlers simply wrestling and wrestling to an extremely high standard. These two women pulled moves out that I haven't even seen superstars on the main roster pull off. Everyone both in the arena and at home was captivated and left hanging on their every single move, every near-fall, and
every submission. They both played their heel/face roles down to perfection with Sasha arriving like a true boss and spending a majority of the match trash talking and belittling her opponent. While Bayley fought through the pain and presented a whole new side of herself. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this match and I can honestly say I have lost track of how many times I have re-watched this match. I have recommended it to people, I've spoken about it to people who don't even watch wrestling, and I have written about it over and over again here on my blog. The match felt a lot longer than sixteen minuets and I could have watched them go at it for much much longer. This was a classic match and one that will go down in NXT and WWE history. The reaction it received online was insane and had everyone talking for weeks and weeks. Regardless of how many amazing matches we had this year nothing was able to top this on for me and for so many reasons this had to b number one for twenty fifteen.
So that is my top ten matches of the year, the two thousand and fifteen addition! Sasha Banks VS Bayley is my official match of the year and I could not be more happier to see not only an NXT match at number one but a well deserve women's match. There are plenty of matches that didn't make the list that were still amazing so keep that in mind. Remember you can let me know what has been your match of the year by leaving a comment bellow or by tweeting me at @TezangiVictoria. Don't forget tomorrow I will be uploading my final top ten superstars of the year so keep an eye out for that post coming up tomorrow!
Top 20 Superstars of the year Part 1
Top 20 Matches of the year part 1
Top 20 Superstars of the year Part 1
Top 20 Matches of the year part 1
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