Top 10 WWE Matches of 2018

As we approach the end of the year and the end of “Of the year” season here on my blog its time to focus on the overall WWE matches of the year and in today’s blog post we conclude this huge series here as I finally crown my WWE two thousand and eighteen match of the year! It was a tough one but I finally have my top ten. This list consist of matches from both the main roster and NXT looking at the year as a whole however, don’t forget we have had many of the year season posts go up over the last month were we have looked at NXT and main roster matches specifically so make sure to check them out by clicking the links listed at the end!

Ricochet vs Pete Dunne vs Adam Cole

On another episode of NXT fans sat back and witnessed a huge triple threat that was destined to be a standout of the year from the moment it was announced! Ricochet, Pete Dunne, and Adam Cole were all set to do battle in a huge contest that left the NXT universe completely invested and stunned. As three of the biggest stars on the roster the match was a major attraction and expectations were high and when the bout rolled around these three stars of the future did not disappoint! An action-packed contest there wasn’t a single dull moment with bodies flying everywhere and a series of high flying monoverse, technical skill, and wrestling at its finest on show there was something for everyone and with the booking done so well this was a bout that showcased the future of the WWE amazingly well but also proving NXT is the home of some of the best wrestling in the world.

Aleister Black vs Johnny Gargano

Both Aleister Black and Johnny Gargano have stood out as two of the best all-around performers of the year and this contest was a total show stealer going down as one of the strongest of the entire year. The story of who attacked Aleister Black was hands down one of if not the strongest storylines of the year going down as an all-time great in NXT history. The reveal of Gargano being the attack was a huge surprise and further proof that black and yellow brand know exactly how to pull of the perfect story. Their collision at NXT takeover War Games saw both men showcase their incredible talent! Evenly matched it was difficult to tell who would walk away with the victory but throughout we saw so much character, a strong story being told, and a sheer excellent wrestling match leaving fans completely hooked from start to finish showcasing the best of the best in NXT and the WWE

Pete Dunne vs Ricochet

Just like every other year, there has been an array of standout matches on the weekly NXT product. Despite only having an hour every week fans are left totally entertained and one of the best matches to come from the show this year was a champion vs champion bout between Pete Dunne and Ricochet. With so much on the line and with these two superstars being so massively popular amongst the NXT universe this was a huge must-see match that had fans completely invested from the start. Dunne and Ricochet completely tore the house down in this huge episode proving that the future of the WWE is in very safe hands! The involvement of Adam Cole made for a perfect ending that would lead to another standout of the year this time being massive triple threat that also had the NXT universe buzzing!

Dolph Ziggler vs Seth Rollins (RAW 18/9)

Throughout the year Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins have engaged in several excellent bouts. The two have both showed themselves to be at the top of the chain in terms of in ring capabilities and with solid chemistry, a decent story, and the perfect amount of time to show just what they can create in the ring together we have been treated to an array of must-see matches. Their collision on this particular episode did indeed turn heads and set the WWE universe up for more to come putting a huge spotlight on the Intercontinental championship in the meantime.

Velveteen Dream vs Tommaso Ciampa

Now, my number three entrant may just be a little higher in the list than some would have expected but I have to be honest and say this was by far one of my favourite matches of the entire year and it just had to make the top three; I, of course, am talking about the NXT championship contest between Velveteen Dream and Tommaso Ciampa. Now, both these superstars have been standout performers of the entire year and seeing them compete for the NXT championship was a huge deal! Now I was backing the Dream in this one but after such an epic matchup it was impossible to be disappointed with the end result. The Dream proved once and for all he is championship material while Ciampa cemented himself as the top NXT star today In a classic one on one that has truly raised the bar across the WWE world.

Buddy Murphy vs Mustafa Ali

I’ll admit that I haven’t been the most loyal of 205 LIVE viewers but even I am aware of the pure magic Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy have delivered throughout the year. I have previously spoke about the journey Murphy has been on this year but it must be noted that Mustafa Ali has gone down as one of the biggest stars and main attraction on the 205 LIVE Roster. Apart of so many classic he has been established as a true future champion and his greatest opponent has hands down been Murphy. Showing the world exactly what the cruiserweight division is about and capable of this match and every other the pair have been apart of left fans hooked from the get-go. Fast paced, intense, hard hitting, we witnessed two of the best all round wrestlers in the WWE today provide an entertaining contest that genuinely did not have a dull moment. If you happen to also not be the most loyal 205LIVE viewer it is worth checking out this match up for its enough to have you totally obsessed and aware of the fact these two superstars have a huge future ahead of themselves.

Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey

Both Charlotte and Ronda Rousey have been established two of the biggest superstars in the WWE today putting gender aside completely and in their must-see match at Survivor Series they proved this once and for all. Now, despite their match being massively much anticipated fans initially were a touch disappointed and the announcement of this match with original plans set to see Rousey and Becky Lynch go one on one however, the disappointment did not last long what so ever with Flair and Ronda engaging in an intense, physical, and entertaining contest for the ages. Once again raising the bar in terms of women’s wrestling this was Rousey’s toughest challenge to date! The women were so evenly matched it was tough to tell who would walk away with the win but the shocking ending was one no one saw coming. Flair’s barbaric attack on Rousey will go down as an all time great moment and a moment that highlighted women’s wrestling as the best thig in the WWE at that time.

Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa

Okay, so this may be cheating but I have decided to include all three matches between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa in today’s blog post. This was not only the rivalry of the year or the best rivalry in NXT history, but this will go down as one of the best in WWE history. The realistic feel, the chemistry, the backstory, the build and of course the quality of each and every single bout. A personal favourite for me was the second contest we saw between the two but it must be said that there wasn’t one match we saw from Ciampa and Gargano that didn’t totally steal the show, that didn’t have everyone hooked, and that didn’t keep the whole NXT universe entertained.

Charlotte Flair vs Becky Lynch (Evolution)

Two thousand and eighteen has been one heck of a year for women’s wrestling as we have touched on throughout the past month or so. Back in October the first ever All Women’s pay per view took place and on that night two standout stars tore the house down in a bout that changed the shape of the women’s division entirely. The feud between Charlotte and Becky Lynch has been one of the best of the entire year and their historic Last Woman Standing match raised the bar to brand new heights completely. The fans in attendance roared with excitement from start to finish with the support for Lynch In particular shining brightly. It was on this night, in this match that fans witnessed women’s wrestling at a level we have never seen. We had fantastic storytelling, brilliant wrestling, and smart use of objects and soundings that made for a five-star worthy contest difficult to top in this list.

Andrade Cien Almas vs Johnny Gargano

And finally, taking the number one spot is the five stars matchup between Johnny Gargano and Andrade Cien Almas. There were truly so many bouts that could have taken the top spot this year and I did struggle but, in the end, there really wasn’t a contest that quite was able to top this classic from back in January. Competing for the NXT championship, Gargano looked to finally get his hands on the most prestigious prize on the black and yellow brand, however, despite an incredible performance Almas was still able to keep hold of the gold. The match was a total standout and from the get-go was the bout everyone looked to top throughout the year. We had an excellent story kept basic but entertaining between the typical heel and babyface. We also had perfectly timed involvement from Zelina Vega and Candice LeRae and the shock post-match actions from Tommaso Ciampa allowed this NXT title match to become an all-time great in the WWE.

And that is my list! I tried my best to include as many main roster and NXT matches as possible making it as even and fair as I could! As I mentioned in the intro, I have linked all the post from the entire season below so make sure to check them out if you missed any! Before we conclude the series and the year I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has read my posts this year and continues to support and enjoy my little articles! I cannot wait for the next year and what the next twelve months hold! Happy new year everyone! 😊