The 25 Best Matches of 2017

What's good my kind people?! It's that time where we break down the best matches of the year, and trust me when I tell you, this was NOT an easy list, as this has been the single greatest year of athletic showmanship and storytelling we have experienced in many, many years. From every organization possible, there was at least one match this year in each promotion that delivered a five star match or close.  If you were a wrestling fan at all, this year made you remember that wrestling isn't dead, but alive and well.  You'll notice something obvious about this list, and that's that New Japan DOMINATED this year in terms of stellar and memorable matches.  They were undeniably the best promotion this year more than any other year in recent memory.  Organizations such as PWG, WWE, Progress, WCPW (now Defiant Wrestling), and even Lucha Underground (a kayfabe promotion with a killer show) delivered with unbelievable action this year.  It was very strenuous to pick out the top twenty-five matches, but here we go. Enjoy.

25. Asuka vs. Nikki Cross

WWE Women's Title/Last Woman Standing

NXT TV Taping

What a year for the WWE Women's division. Stars such as Charlotte, NXT's Ember Moon, and Sasha Banks put on overall very good performances this year, plus the Mae Young Classic had moments of sheer excellence.  However, it can be argued that there wasn't a better women's match in the entire company this year than the Last Woman Standing match between historic, undefeated champion Asuka and Sanity's Nikki Cross.  We don't often see Last Woman Standing matches, at least not in the mainstream, but this match was an absolute FIGHT. These ladies delivered with intensity a lot of men didn't present this year in this one match.  Ladders, tables, you name it.  It was used at some point in this war.  While Asuka came away the victor, Nikki showed the world her undisputed toughness. Talk about leaving it all out there. HELL of a match.

24. Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega

IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship Finals

G1 Special in USA

Has anyone had a better year than Kenny Omega? Truly. Unless your name is Kazuchika Okada, NOBODY in the world has had a better 2017 than Omega. Just before the summer hit, NJPW had their first U.S. show and it was to crown their first U.S. Champion. The tournament was a damn good one as is, but it was this match and the finals with Ishii that Omega just shined.  The Bullet Club leader proved why he was touted as the best in the world after the amount of punishment he endured and still came back and became the inaugural IWGP U.S. Champion. As for Big Mike, he had incredible matches himself this year and trust me, just like Omega, you'll see him again on this list.

23. DIY vs. Authors Of Pain vs. The Revival

NXT Tag Team Championships/Triple Threat Match

NXT Takeover: Orlando

The three best teams in NXT at the time all competed for th NXT Tag Team Championships on Wrestlemania weekend at NXT Takeover: Orlando. Arguably the match that stole the show was this awesome triple threat match for the belts as tow former championship teams of DIY and The Revival challenged the brutal Authors Of Pain, led by Hall of Famer Paul Ellering.  This was elimination rules, but this match saw the absolute best come from all teams.  The Revival would have their last big match in NXT here, but what a way to go out as this match was one of the major highlights all Wrestlemania weekend.

22. Braun Strowman vs. Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE Universal Heavyweight Title/Fatal Four Way Match

Summerslam '17

The major heavy hitters on the Raw brand were all highlighted in this enormous Fatal Four Way match at Summerslam.  Samoa Joe, Braun Strowman, and Roman Reigns all challenged Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title.  This had all the dressings of a car crash, and it was just that. Lesnar got stretchered out early but came back and tore asses apart on his way to retaining the title.  Before then, this was an all-out brawl the likes of which was rarely matched all year within WWE.  While Lesnar was the winner and the match further showed how much of a star Strowman is on the verge of being, Reigns and Joe also showed their worth  

21. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi

G1 Climax 2017

This year's G1 Climax tournament was arguably the greatest of all-time, or at least in many years.  Every day was special and provided absolutely overall fantastic matches.  One of the more standout matches was NJPW modern legend, six-time IWGP Champion and current Inter-Continental Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi against multiple time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi. Ibushi has always been considered a main event talent, and this was evidenced in his star making match against Shinsuke Nakamaura at Wrestle Kingdom 9.  This was very easily another match that proved his star power. Anytime you have the opportunity to show off against a Hall of Fame talent like Tanahashi, you better deliver, and that he did in abundance.

20. Zach Sabre Jr. vs. WALTER

PWG All-Star Weekend 2017

There's no denying the in-ring skills of Zach Sabre Jr, as he is likely the best technical wrestler on the planet. ZSJ has had absolutely fucking good matches all year, not to mention his performance in the G1 Climax this year.  However, the former PWG Champion was involved in one of PWG's most talked about matches ever against German brute WALTER. Sabre is a master when it comes to making scientific wrestling look cool, and his skills against the big German were as tested as we had ever seen. WALTER is known primarily as the hardest chopper in the business, and he dealt out some re verse knife edges the likes of which Ric Flair would envy.  This was a phenomenal match based around a different type of storytelling, but this was one of the single best PWG matches all year and one of the best in company history.

19. KUSHIDA vs. Will Ospreay

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2017

Anytime these two marvelous competitors get together, it's special.  Two of the best junior heavyweights in the world, these two are money. They also met in the finals of the WCPW World Cup Finals, but this one was the better of the two. This was such a back-and-forth match, and it deserved all the acclaim it received. Both guys have had an incredible 2007 individually, and with matches like this one, their 2018 looks just as great. These two tore it down in what was a hell of a tournament.

18. Keith Lee vs. Donovan Dijak

PWG Best of Los Angeles 2017

My God! If there's a better match that exhibited uncanny athleticism from guys this big for a whole match, I would like for you to show me. This was remarkable. The 6'7", 270-pound Dijak against the 340-pound Keith Lee was the talk of the whole BOLA tournament. We saw flips, moonsaults, and other things we typically see junior heavyweights or cruiserweights do. It was a marvel to behold and took the entire tournament afterwards with them. Big guys/super heavyweights like Keith Lee continue to redefine the big man in modern day wrestling and with the help of the huge Dijak, this match was amazing.

17. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Will Ospreay

WCPW World Cup '17

There's no denying that Rey Rey is a lucha icon and arguably the greatest luchador to ever dross over into north American wrestling. He influenced a generation of highflyers and is destined to be in many Hall of Fames before it's all said and done. At the WCPW World Cup, he faced another thrilling kid that was influenced by him, Will Ospreay.  These two put on arguably the best match of the tournament and at over forty years of age, Rey showed that even with age and multiple knee surgeries, that he still had it, and had plenty of it.

16. Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito

G1 Climax 27

Earlier I stated how incredibly talented Ibushi was, and that was shown particularly in his match with the unbelievable talents of the Los Ingornablas de Japon leader Tetsuya Naito.  Naito is likewise regarded as one of the true best in the world and had quite the amazing 2017 himself. This was one of the first days of G1 this year and was placed among the highest in terms of acclaim, which considering how good this tournament was is saying something. You may not like Naito's brazen attitude or his rebellious disrespect, but there's no denying that he can hang with the best in the business bar none. Same with Ibushi. This match was fantastic.

15. Killshot vs. Dante Fox

The Hell Of War

Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha Tres

Say what you will about the phenomenon that is Lucha Underground. No, it's not a "real" promotion. Yes, it's a soap opera-esque TV show with wrestling as its centerpiece. Yes, traditionalists like Jim Cornette despise this show. Whatever the case, LU has a devout audience and with matches like what Killshot and Dante Fox had, it's not hard to see why. There have been many outstanding matches in the three seasons this show has aired, and many violent ones at that, but none hold a candle to the utter violence and brutality these young men displayed. Subsequently their version of WWE's Three Stages Of Hell match, the stages here were First Blood, Street Fight, and Ambulance Match. This had barbed wire boards, glass panes, chairs, and an ending so crazy it had to get seen to be believed. These two guys put a whole new level to LU and this match elevated both men's careers, even if it did shorten them.

14. Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne

WWE United Kingdom Championship

NXT Takeover: Chicago

These two young men, and I do mean young as the older of the two just turned twenty-four, squared off in the finals of the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament earlier this year. As exciting as that match was, this match was two to three times better. The then nineteen-year-old champion Bate brought all he had and then some in defense of the title, but the ever talented, and devious, Pete Dunne dug down a little deeper and became the champion in a match that is being referred to as the second best WWE match all year (you'll see what the best was later). The future of the UK division is in marvelous hands with these two athletes.

13. Michael Elgin vs. Kazuchika Okada

G1 Climax 27

The incomparable IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada has had a historic year. Aside from being the longest reigning champion in New Japan history and having three straight six-star matches on the Meltzer scale with Omega, he had other outstanding matches that deserve our attention. One of them was a match during the G1 Climax with Michael Elgin.  Elgin had been performing excellently already up to day four of the tournament, but it was this match that many see as another career defining match for him. Standing toe to toe with most likely the best wrestler in the world today is a telling feat. Okada had classics with the likes of Omega, Shibata, Minoru Suzuki, and Cody Rhodes. Elgin gave the champ quite the scare but succumbed to defeat. Regardless, Elgin's career reached yet another height by engaging in this incredible encounter.

12. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega

NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2017

At Wrestling Dontaku, the "Six Star Cleaner" went to war with one of the single toughest badasses around, Tomohiro Ishii. Ishii has had some simply tremendous matches in 2017 and this one ranks among the top ones.  At times, Omega was being brutalized by the "Stone Pitbull", but other times, Omega showed just how great he really is.  Anytime they get together, it's awesome, and this encounter was no exception.

11. Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2017

In 2016, Ricochet and Ospreay competed in one of the most thrilling matches in the game, despite complaints from some of the same people that hate Lucha Underground.  The complaint was that it was more of an acrobatic spotfest than a story that got told.  This year, they changed that to where it kept the acrobatic spotfests, but told more of an athletic story.  By this aspect alone, this match was even better than their epic matchup in 2016.  This time, Ospreay came away with the W but not before unforgettable performances by both men.  Arguably the highlight of the entire tournament.

10. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito
IWGP Inter-Continental Championship

NJPW Dominon 2017

Easily one of the most acclaimed and celebrated rivalries in all of NJPW is Naito and Tanahashi.  In their series of matches this year, this match was more deliberate and methodical.  These two put on better performances at Wrestle Kingdom and at the G1 Climax, but this match was still an incredible match that had Tanahashi win the I-C Championship from Naito in a punishing affair.  There are certain rivalries that get more and more anticipatory with every match build up.  This is one of them.  Two of the best in the world engaged in a spirited battle that showed why Hall of Fames are in the futures of both men.

9. Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata
IWGP Heavyweight Championship

NJPW Sakura Genesis 2017

Talk about a bittersweet match. Okada defended his IWGP Heavyweight Title against one of the toughest human beings alive in "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata.  Shibata gave one of the single best performances of his career against arguably the world's best, but due to a horribly stiff head butt in the match, which resulted in a subdural hematoma, Shibata's career was put to an apparent end.  If this was his last hurrah, he went out with not only one of his career best performances, but one of the best matches of the entire year.

8. John Cena vs. AJ Styles
WWE Championship

WWE Royal Rumble 2017

Oh, Cena haters! His haters will never admit the fact that Cena has produced some damn good matches over the past eight years especially.  He had a five-star match with CM Punk at Money in The Bank 2011, and while U.S. Champion, he had fantastic matches with the likes of Sami Zayn and Dean Ambrose.  In 201, he got involved in a great rivalry with one of the best wrestlers in modern history, AJ Styles.  At the Royal Rumble, these two collided again, only this match way surpassed their Money In The Bank matchup of 2016 and any other match they had last year.  Styles, once again, put on the performance of a career, and Cena showed he's the single most improved wrestler of the past decade in this absolute classic.

7. Michael Elgin vs. Tetsuya Naito
IWGP Inter-Continental Championship

NJPW New Beginnings in Osaka 2017

There are many that say Michael Elgin had his truly breakout year this year, in spite of being a former Inter-Continental Champion in 2016. The big Canadian proved his God-given abilities against the ever-incredible talents, and treachery, of Tetsuya Naito.  The LIJ leader didn't try to match power with the unreal strength of Elgin but he did try and out quicken Elgin and took a lot of physicality from the former ROH World Champion. Ultimately, Naito triumphed in a fantastic encounter and unquestionably the best match of the night.  Besides his G1 Climax final, this was Naito's finest performance this year.

6. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito
IWGP Inter-Continental Championship

Wrestle Kingdom 11

The beginning of the memorable year for Tetsuya Naito began at Wrestle Kingdom 11, as he faced Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Inter-Continental Title.  This match was easily the second-best match of the night, as Naito and Tanahashi put on a clinic and this already intriguing rivalry got bigger and definitely better. The "ace" of NJPW was at his Wrestle Kingdom best, as one could compare him to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania but Naito was a step ahead of this legend and came away as I-C Champ. 

5. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito

G1 Climax 27

Of all their sizzling meetings this year, none were as action packed and compelling as Tanahashi and Naito's encounter at G1 Climax 27. This was the last match of the last day of the A block, and this was simply a classic for G1 Climax history.  The proverbial big fight feel was heavy with this match, and they wrestled nearly flawlessly. Naito picked up the win in this match, but this match solidified one of the game's most celebrated rivalries and one we'll always mention as one of the best f this generation.

4. Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega

G1 Climax 27 Finals

After just over two weeks of what many consider one of, if not the greatest G1 Climax tournaments of all-time, it all came down to Kenny Omega and Tetsuya Naito in the finals.  Nobody believed that anything could even remotely come close to the historic trilogy between Omega and Okada. In fact, many feel Naito's performances against Ibushi and Tanahashi were as good as he could be, but how wrong we were with both assumptions.  Simply put, this was considered the greatest G1 Climax final ever. Two men that raised the bar this year in the sport gave us an exhibition of storytelling that was knocking on the door of the greatness we witnessed between Omega and Okada. While this was another day at the office for the Bullet Club leader, Naito gave us the match of his career.

3. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega

IWGP Heavyweight Championship

G1 Climax 27

With people still trying to recover from their prior two monumental, epic matches, it was announced that Okada and Omega were in the same block for the G1 Climax tournament. Everyone knew at some point, they would have to collide, and it happened the last night of the tournament before the finals. Easily the most anticipated match of the summer, these two warriors collided in a fast-paced match that was also their shortest match. This was a thirty minute time limit and they fought for nearly the whole thirty minutes, but at the end of this magnificent affair, Omega was able to conquer his demons and finally defeat Okada to make it to the finals. This was the best thirty minute match of the year and closed out the most historic wrestling trilogy since Steamboat and Flair.

2. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega

IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Wrestle Kingdom 11

This was the match that broke the internet and redefined greatness within professional wrestling. As if these guys weren't superior wrestlers before this encounter, they came out of this match sealing their legacies as two of the all-time greats with this match. Omega was just simply out of the stratosphere with this match and Okada delivered a performance that damned any doubters as to whether or not he was truly worthy of the accolades and the title he acquired.  The heart-stopping near falls alone to you back to any Steamboat/Flair match or even other modern day classics like Taker vs. Shawn or Cena vs. Punk.  This match even broke Dave Meltzer's rating scale, as he gave only the second six star (out of five) match in the nearly forty year history of The Wrestling Observer. This match, at that time, was the longest recorded match in NJPW history, clocking in at about forty-seven minutes. It was a match that nobody will ever forget and will be remembered as a moment in time in the business.

1. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega

IWGP Heavyweight Championship

NJPW Dominion 2017

How do you top arguably the greatest wrestling match of this generation? You make it even better and put it as close to the word 'perfect' as possible. As if the storytelling wasn't impeccable before, these two leaders of this era exhibited athleticism that was just as exquisite as the first match, with a deeper emphasis on the psychology and storytelling.  Okada came away with the hardest fought victory of his career and it fueled "The Cleaner" to avenge that loss.  Omega showed even more heart and guts than he first one and was gonna win this match even if it killed him.  While they performed human chess on each other to the tune of nearly forty-seven minutes in the first one, they fought the entire sixty minutes and while Omega technically didn't win, he also did fight the champion to a draw. We haven't had a sixty minute match this game-changing in a very long time.  Not only did this match set an even higher bar for wrestling, but this match has been labeled as the greatest wrestling match seen to a worldwide audience ever.  These two young men made history and this is the most revered trilogy of all-time, or at least of this generation.

Honorable Mentions

Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega (G1 Climax 27)

Tomoiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito (G1 Climax 27)

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi (G1 Climax 27)

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii (G1 Climax 27)

Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL (G1 Climax 27)

Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki (G1 Climax 27)

Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii (G1 Climax 27)

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega (G1 USA)

AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens (WWE Money In The Bank 2017)

Samoa Joe vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. Roman Reigns (WWE Extreme Rules 2017)

KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW Dominion 2017)

Will Ospreay vs. Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW Best Of the Super Juniors 2017)

The Mack vs. Johnny Mundo (Lucha Underground season 3 TV taping)

Christopher Daniels vs. Cody vs. Jay Lethal (ROH War Of The Worlds 2017)

Jay White vs. Will Ospreay (ROH War Of The Worlds 2017)

The Hardyz vs. Gallows & Anderson vs. Enzo & Cass vs. Cesaro & Shaemus (WWE Wrestlemania 33)

Hiroki Goto vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW Sakura Genesis 2017)

Broken Hardyz vs. RPG Vice vs. Young Bucks (ROH 15th Anniversary)

Kazuchika Okada vs. Tiger Mask W (NJPW 45th Anniversary)

Hiromu Takahashi vs. Dagon Lee (NJPW New Beginnings in Sapporo 2017)

Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki (NJPW New Beginnings In Sapporo 2017)

Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens (WWE Royal Rumble 2017)

Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne (WWE United Kingdom Tournament)

Matt Riddle vs. Katsuyori Shibata (RevPro High Stakes)

Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak (PWG Lemmy)

Hiroki Goto vs. Katsuyori Shibata (NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11)

KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11)

Johnny Gorgano vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas (NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III)

Ember Moon vs. Asuka (NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III)

Katsuhiko Nakajima vs. Brian Cage (NOAH Summer Navigation 2017)

Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet (WCPW World Cup 2017)

Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey (WCPW World Cup 2017)

Donovan Dijak & Keith Lee vs. Chosen Bros (PWG Best Of Los Angeles 2017)

Sammie Gueverra vs. Joey Janela (PWG Best Of Los Angeles 2017)

Matt Riddle vs. Michael Elgin (PWG Best Of Los Angeles 2017)

Lucha Brothers & Flamita vs. The Elite (PWG Best Of Los Angeles 2017)

Jeff Cobb vs. Keith Lee vs. Ricochet (PWG Best Of Los Angeles 2017)

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zach Sabre Jr. (NJPW Destruction In Hiroshima)

Jay Lethal vs. Silas Young (ROH Death Before Dishonor 2017)

Juice Robinson vs. Kenny Omega (NJPW Destruction In Kobe)

John Cena vs. Roman Reigns (WWE No Mercy 2017)

Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro & Shaemus (WWE No mercy 2017)

Matt Riddle vs. Jeff Cobb (Progress Super Strong Style 16)

Travis Banks vs. Tyler Bate (Progress Super Strong Style 16)

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito (NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling 2017)

KUSHIDA vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling 2017)

Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens (WWE Hell In A Cell 2017)

The New Day vs. The Usos (WWE Hell In A Cell 2017)

Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas (NXT TV taping)

Sexy Star vs. Taya (Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha Tres)

Son Of Havoc vs. Pentagon Jr. (Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha Tres)

Jeremiah Crane vs. Cage vs. Mil Muertes (Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha Tres)

Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles (WWE TLC 2017)

Ricochet vs. WALTER (PWG All-Star Weekend 2017)

Will Ospreay vs. Flip Gordon (ROH Global Wars-Chicago)

Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, & Kurt Angle vs. The Miz, Braun Strowman, Kane, Cesaro, and Shaemus (WWE TLC 2017)

David Starr vs. WALTER (WXW Fight Forever 2017)

Aleister Black vs. Velveteen Dream (NXT Takeover: War Games)

Undisputed Era vs. Sanity vs. Authors Of Pain & Roderick Strong (NXT Takeover: War Games)

Kairi Sane vs. Tessa Blanchard (WWE Mae Young Classic)

Kairi Sane vs. Toni Storm (WWE Mae Young Classic)

Johnny Gorgano vs. Kassius Ohno (NXT TV Taping)

Richochet & Matt Sydal vs. Young Bucks vs. Lucha Brothers (PWG Nice Guys)

Will Ospreay vs. Drew Galloway (WCPW Exit Wounds '17)

Dragon Lee vs. Cavernario (CMLL TV Taping)

Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm (Stardom)

KUSHIDA vs. Taguchi (Best Of the Super Juniors '17)

As you can see, there were a TON of stellar matches this year, and truthfully, there were a lot more.  This really has been a defining year i wrestling in terms of storytelling and breaking new ground, not to mention setting new bars for the game.  This has genuinely been the best year of wrestling I've witnessed in a genuinely long time, if ever.  Here's to hoping 2018 can repeat the history that 2017 has produced.

WWE's Failures=Indie Wrestling's Successes

What's good folks! It's been a while due to health stuff and other commitments so there hasn't been as much  time as normal, but best believe, I've had a LOT to get off my chest concerning the current state of the game.  For starters, let's examine the ever divisive issue of WWE against the indie scene.  This has been a year in which we've seen promotions such as ROH, PWG, NJPW, RevPro, WCPW (now Defiant Wrestling) and Progress deliver in quality and bigger fan bases.  However, WWE has had very mixed results. Let me begin to break it down.

Although it's been reported that WWE has had a dynamite year and especially an awesome third quarter in terms of merch sales, ad revenue, and fairly steady WWE Network numbers, morale is a whole different story. We've long grown weary of Vince's constant and frequent mind-changing when it comes to pushes and creative direction.  Things hit a turning point when the company released Summer Rae, Darren Young, and the most surprising release of them all, Emma. After what had been an overall failed WWE run, Emma was in a brief run against Asuka when the record-breaking Japanese star made it to the main roster.  She was also in a featured match on a pay-per-view.  Although very unfortunate, the saying goes, "When one door closes, another opens", as Emma (now going by her real name Tenille) is already taking weeks of bookings starting in February.  Emma is a world class talent that will have no problem succeeding elsewhere.  Now by these releases happening, it has created an air of uncertainty and doubt. Basically, if you're not getting used regularly or if you have massive heat, your future doesn't look good.  With recent situations involving Owens, Zayn, and NXT upstart Leo Rush, seemingly anytime there are reports of heat, the instant thought is, "Ah hell, they're next to get future endeavored". That's such a bad way to approach work everyday.

Enter Cody Rhodes and The Bullet Club. He was released in 2016, but has become even hotter than he was in WWE. Rhodes has faced the likes of Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio Jr, and others while also becoming ROH World Champion and being a member of the single hottest unit in all of wrestling, The Bullet Club.  His association with the boys consisting of the likes Hangman Page, the most incredible team in the sport The Young Bucks, and "The Six Star Cleaner", and arguably the best in the world today, Kenny Omega has had his merch go through the roof at ROH shows and Hot Topic. Plus there was the VERY petty situation of the mock "invasion" by The BC outside a live Raw show that prompted Vince to not only fire one of his best creative writers in indie legend Jimmy Jacobs, but he also issued a Cease & Decist letter for them to stop using their apparently trademarked "too sweet" (along with the hand gesture) and "suck it".  This financially backfired, as it did nothing but give BC more notoriety. Plus, ROH's recent Global Wars shows set company records in terms of attendance, producing sellout shows at each location.

Quality was also mentioned, as NJPW has BLOWN away everyone in 2017 in terms of match excellence and pay-per-views. With four matches that broke the notorious Meltzer scale, and plenty other five star matches or close, WWE has had bits of glory, especially Cena vs. AJ at the Rumble earlier this year, but they were last on the totem pole.  When you look at the caliber of matches from other companies such as Progress, WXW (peep that David Starr vs. WALTER encounter), Evolve, and especially PWG, WWE doesn't stand up. While storytelling is the goal, the other companies allow them to not be set to a certain "style" except your own (NJPW is the exception but one wouldn't know it).  Maybe it's not  huge deal to Vince. That's not to say he doesn't want great matches, but clearly his product can learn from Omega vs. Okada if they really wanted to.

Let's speak about the cases of Neville and Austin Aries. A few months ago, Neville took his ball and went home reportedly before a live Raw due to being burnt out and being unhappy with his creative direction, primarily having to lose to Enzo Amore.  Also, Austin Aries was let go due to nothing for him creatively. Although there have been talk that Neville may return, Aries is back in the indies and put out a Tweet stating that he had made more within six weeks than in the final four months of his WWE run.  Who knows what other big deals Austin has in store.  The release of Aries was just dumb, as there was a lot they could've done with him, as he's a hell of a worker and a promo guy.  That's just laziness and favoritism. As for Neville, he had absolute reason to walk as well. 

This in tow is the problem with WWE: lazy booking and creative.  It prompts talent to become unhappy and losing their passion.  Not to mention, if one is injured (unless one is in the upper tier of talent), they better not be out long or else it's an uphill battle for them.  However, their loss becomes the gains of everyone else. I wonder what would happen if they actually do lose Daniel Bryan in 2018? They can believing they're the only game in town for talent and fans. People are continuing to show their reign as the lone wolf in the game is starting to get shared.  Stay tuned for the best matches of 2017. Until next time!

Requiem Of The Brain: Long Live Bobby Heenan

What's happening folks? Once again, we, as the wrestling community (wrestlers and fans alike) are in mourning.  On the afternoon of Sunday, September 17th, WWE Hall Of Famer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan passed away after years of declining health, including a bout with lung cancer.  He was 73 years old.  Over the past three years, we've endured such heartbreaking losses in the sport.  We lost The Ultimate Warrior in 2014, Dusty Rhodes and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper in 2015, and now the legendary "Brain".  Quite frankly, this hurts every bit as much as the ones aforementioned.  The contributions he gave to the business are practically unparalleled.  He was stellar in every way.  From a manager to a color commentator to an all-out entertainer, none could hold a candle to the all-around package.  Even in the few times you would actually see him wrestle, he was one of the greatest sellers and bump-takers you would ever observe.

His career first really started to flourish as a manager in Verne Gagne's AWA, where he would manage the careers of the likes of Nick Bockwinklel, Ray "The Crippler" Stevens, and Jack Lanza of The Blackjacks.  However, it was when he went to the WWE (then WWF) where he became a true star.  Known for managing the most successful group of wrestlers known to this day, he had a stable known as The Heenan Family.  The group consisted of people such as Big John Studd, Ken Patera, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, The Red Rooster, and Andre The Giant.  He has managed more Hall Of Famers than anyone, and that says a lot.

He was a heel's heel.  There had been reports that someone, at an arena show in the seventies, a patron had attempted to literally murder Heenan in 1975 during a match between Bockwinkle and Verne Gagne in Chicago.  He really knew how to get a crowd amped up and in near riots in his early days alone, much less later in his peak years.  Many longtime fans (think late seventies/early eighties) will remember him in "Weasel Suit" matches against Verne Gagne's son, Greg Gagne, a concept he would continue in WWE against The Ultimate Warrior in '88.  This brought along excessive comedy spots and put him as not only a hated manager, but also one that wasn't afraid to make fun of himself for the entertainment of the business and for the people.

When he ended his longtime run as the greatest manager in the business, he transitioned to the commentators table to call matches alongside Vince McMahon at first, however, it was his on-screen connection to WWE Hall Of Famer, the late Gorilla Monsoon, that took his career to yet another level.  The back-and-forth wit between the two was nothing short of magical.  The chemistry between the two is unlike anything else quite like it to this day.  The two would host Prime Time Wrestling, but also Wrestling Challenge and many pay-per-views together, including Wrestlemania VIII and Royal Rumble '92.  Compared to wrestling's version of Laurel & Hardy, they have often been referred to as the greatest broadcasting team in wrestling history.

When his WWE run ended, he went to WCW, where he would bring his form of razor sharp wit, humor, and insight to the promotion.  However, one could tell he wasn't the same "Brain", as something was missing from him. When former broadcast partner and friend Monsoon died, he publicly acknowledge him with tears in his eyes and narrowly avoided completely breaking down on a live Nitro.  It had been said his time in WCW was miserable, and his issues with Tony Schiavone behind-the-scenes didn't help matters much.  When he left the company in 2000, his love of the game never left him, and would still get involved in various wrestling-related projects.  In 2004, he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame with overwhelming acclaim.

He was very much a part of my personal childhood and adolescence, as he was arguably the funniest heel I had ever seen.  He was a master of the microphone and knew how to really sell a match to anyone that had watched.  While nobody  could overlook or deny how much his health had been declining, as it was becoming more and more physically evident the more we would see him, it never stopped his fire of entertaining people and loving the business.  While we've seen many excellent managers along the way such as Paul Heyman, Jim Cornette, and Paul Bearer, but best believe, there will never be another Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.  We will forever love and miss this folk hero of an entertainer.  All prayers and respect go out to Heenan's family (his real family), friends, and colleagues.  Us "humanoids" are so glad we got the chance to witness the absolute brilliance of "The Weasel".

Best Events of Summer 2017

What's going on everybody?!  What a summer we have had this year in professional wrestling.  This year has been simply on fire with multiple critically acclaimed matches and super-exciting action, maybe even more so than in recent summer memory.  From the unforgettable G1 Climax 27 to the sizzling NXT Takeover Brooklyn show, there has been no excuse to not be an avid wrestling fan this summer or to say that everything has been bland.  There was something for everybody this summer.  With that being said, let's get into the five biggest events this summer.

Combat Zone Wrestling's event, Once In A Lifetime was centered around a deathmatch dream match between modern-day death match champion, and franchise player, Matt Tremont and Japanese deathmatch innovator, Atsushi Onita.  Onita has been in the business for forty years and has been regarded as the godfather of the death match scene.  The much younger challenger to the throne of deathmatch icon, "The Bulldozer" has spilled blood in various deathmatch tournaments all over the nation.  However, the rest of the evening wasn't bad at all either.  The best match of the night was clearly the excellent match between "Bad Boy" Joey Janela and newly signed NXT prospect, Leo Rush, in the conclusion to their incredible rivalry.  If you're not overwhelmingly familiar with CZW, peep them out when possible, especially this event.

The quickly evolving WhatCulture Pro Wrestling, based out of the UK, delivered an internationally based tournament called the World Cup that actually started as far back as the spring.  However, it was the quarterfinals, semis, and the finals that really made this tournament quite the watch.  Talent such as Will Ospreay, Ricochet, Jay Lethal, Mike Bailey, and even the legendary Rey Mysterio Jr. showed up and there were a multitude of incredible matches.  The finals between Ospreay and ROH TV Champion/IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA was one of the year's finest matches, and rivaled their unbelievable BOSJ Finals match from last year.  WCPW is quickly growing in acclaim and this could very well be their meal ticket to keep propelling to the next level.

If there was one WWE event that belongs on this list, hands-down it would be the third edition of NXT Takeover: Brooklyn.  While Summerslam was overall a dud of an event, NXT presented, arguably, their best event all year with Takeover Brooklyn III.  From start to finish, the evening was intense and was a virtual no-miss.  From the epic Ember Moon/Asuka match to the hard-hitting Itami/Aleister Black match and the decent main event, this event was the clear highlight of the weekend, and once again showed the main roster who's superior.

PWG is arguably the most invigorating indie promotion in the nation.  While they always deliver fairly great product, usually it culminates in their Best Of Los Angeles (BOLA) tournaments, and from what has been said, this may have been the best one yet.  Many, including revered and at times controversial journalist Dave Meltzer, have stated that this year's BOLA tournament was monumental and had plenty of five star matches.  Personally, I didn't think they could get much better than last year's, which hosted the greatest six man tag match in modern history with Ricochet/Sydal/Ospreay vs. The Bucks/Cole, it's possible this has eclipsed last years.  When the DVD/Blu-Ray becomes available to the public, this will get personally viewed, but you can't really go wrong when people in attendance said that this changed their lives as wrestling fans.  Go figure.

As usual, NJPW delivers all the goods with the twenty-seventh year of the G1 Climax tournament.  The nearly three week long tournament was a huge critical success and had very rare missteps.  While veterans such as Kojima and Nagata were winding down their time in the tournament, upcoming stars such as Juice Robinson and Takahashi used this tournament to further elevate their statuses within the company.  First timers such as Toma Tonga and Zach Sabre Jr. did well, but ultimately the closing weekend saw three of the best wrestling matches, not just of the year, but within the decade, especially the third match between Okada and Omega in their already historic rivalry.  Naito defeated Omega in a match that easily could've rivaled any of the Omega/Okada matches to become a two-time winner, but overall the tournament owned the summer and nothing anyone else delivered could match the overall entertainment and shear athletic showmanship of New Japan's annual tournament, which once again showed why they're legitimately the best promotion in the world.

Honorable Mentions

ROH Best In The World '17
WWE Mae Young Classic
NOAH Summer Navigation '17
CZW Tournament Of Death '17
CZW Down With The Sickness '17

These events, and more, made you believe that wrestling was definitely alive and well.  As summer 2017 comes to a close, the year is still not over yet, and one can only imagine how much more special moments we'll see this year.  If there were other events that you felt should've been included, please feel free to reveal them (no I do not count Summerslam).  Otherwise, if you haven't viewed these events, find a way, if possible, in regards to PWG BOLA '17, to view them.  There will be no regrets once you do.  Until next time!

Extreme Revolution: The Best ECW Matches Of All-Time

What's happening folks!  In all these lists of greatest matches and pay-per-views, we have yet to fully acknowledge a promotion that single handedly changed the entire landscape of North American wrestling.  What was once Eastern Championship Wrestling was overtaken by Paul Heyman and Todd Gordon and what resulted was an unbelievable uprising of counterculture and defiance from a traditional standpoint within professional wrestling as we knew it.  We had never seen an abundance of barbed wire, tables, fire, and excessive violence the way we had seen it in a mainstream capacity in North America.  Don't get it twisted: ECW was just as much known for amazing technical wrestling matches and introduced Lucha Libre to North American audiences.  Luchadores such as Rey Mystery Jr., Psicosis, and Juventud Guerrero got their start within America thanks to ECW and the results elevated the company even more.  Here, we will look at some of the most memorable matches in that company's history and why they still stand the test of time all these years after ECW closed its doors. Without further ado, let's get started.

15. Sabu vs. Terry Funk

ECW World Heavyweight Title/Barbed Wire Match

Born To Be Wired '97

We start this list with one of the most sadistic matches in modern wrestling history and arguably the most violent match in ECW history.  World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk defended his belt against the infamous "Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac" Sabu in a Barbed Wire Match.  While we've seen several barbed wore matches throughout wrestling, the most savage ones were usually in Japan, under the banners of FMW or BJPW.  These two brought the savagery to the states and what resulted was nothing short of unreal.  Early in the match, Sabu was viciously injured when he connected with the barbed wire and sliced his bicep open so badly, he later needed over a hundred stitches to close it.  What does the crazy SOB do in the meantime? Tape the damn wound shut!  Later these two would be surrounded in an enormous ball of barbed wire in which people had to cut the wire off of them.  It was truly a disturbing sight to behold and one that many ECW faithful still talk about to this day as one of the most insane things they've ever seen.

14. Spike Dudley vs. Mike Awesome

ECW World Heavyweight Title

Guilty As Charged 2000

If there was an underdog in ECW was the outcasted of the Dudley family, Spike Dudley.  The 5'5, 150-pounder was labeled a "giant killer", as he often fought and defeated guys three times bigger than him.  At Guilty As Charged 2000, he challenged then World Champion, Mike Awesome for the belt, and while it was a devastating watch seeing Awesome dismantle Dudley, we saw Dudley's unbridled grittiness and toughness, as he delivered an outstanding performance.  Even he was brutalized in defeat, he was looked at as one of the company's gutsiest acts.

13. Sasuke, Hamada, & Yokushiji vs. BWO Japan

Barely Legal '97

One of the most talked about pay-per-views in the history of ECW was its very first event, Barely Legal.  One of the more surprisingly standout matches was a six man tag involving members of BWO Japan, which consisted of Terry Boy, Togo, and former WWE star Taka Michinoku, against Hamada, Yokushiji, and The Great Sasuke.  It was chaotic and at times barely able to catch up with, but this was also a very exciting match that people were talking about just as much as the other big time matches of the night.

12. Tajiry vs. Steve Corino

Hardcore Heaven 2000

At Hardcore Heaven 2000, Corino was part of the heel faction, The Network, and Tajiry was as well, but due to a double cross, Tajiry found himself cheered, and had a match against the self-professed "King of Old School".  After a venomous and quite racist rant from Corino, Tajiry delivered one hell of a serious ass kicking to Corino, severely lacerating him and leaving Corino completely coated in blood.  However, Corino also showed his toughness as he brought the fight to the "Japanese Buzzsaw".  This was an out-and-out fight and was one of both men's best performances within the company.

11. Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome

ECW World Heavyweight Title

Heatwave '98

One of the most intense rivalries in the company's history involved Masato Tanaka and Mike Awesome.  The feud really started in Japan at the notorious FMW promotion and spread to the States.  Once they got here, they resumed with utterly brutal matches, some for the ECW World Title.  Arguably their biggest match was at Heatwave '98 (yeah THAT Heatwave where The Dudley Boyz literally caused a riot).  It was a vicious affair, with plenty of unsettling blows and chair shots.  One can't help to this day but think that this rivalry had to have shortened both men careers.  Some would argue that their match at One Night Stand was every bit as rough, but one thing is for sure, this particular one was both uneasy to watch yet fascinating enough to not turn away.

10. Super Crazy vs. Tajiry

Guilty As Charged '99

Another celebrated rivalry within the ranks of ECW involved Tajiry and AAA star Super Crazy.  These two international gladiators were involved in some high flying spectacles over the years, but no match was better than their match at Guilty As Charged '99.  Crazy was, at times, just that...CRAZY with a few of his spots, while Tajiry was at his stiff kick finest. The magic between these two was inescapable and it showed more and more when they fought. This match nearly stole the show at this overall damn good event.

9. 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Sabu

Cyberslam '96

While many consider Sabu to be a certified legend within ECW, perhaps the most underrated star npt named Chris Candido in ECW was 2 Cold Scorpio.  Their match at Cyberslam '96 was just fantastic, filled with crazy flying spots and the usual Sabu craziness of going through tables and using (and being the victim of) his own chairs.  This match was a thirty-minute draw, but prompted the fans to chant "Five more minutes".  In the midst of the rest of the card, Sabu and Scorpio took the evening with them in what was a dazzling contest.

8. Pitbulls vs. Raven & Stevie Richards

ECW World Tag Team Titles/2 Out Of 3 Falls/Double Dog Collar Match

Gangsta's Paradise '95

The Pitbulls are considered one of the company's toughest teams, bar none.  They were one of the company's go-to teams for brutality and intensity.  At Gangsta's Paradise, they challenged Raven & Stevie Richards for the Tag Team Titles in a Double Dog Collar Match. Oh yeah, it was also Best Of 3 Falls.  This match was all over the place, but in a good way, as there were quite a few different elements that made this an awesome match and even more awesome to view it as a fan.  Between Richards being badly busted open early in the match to Pitbull #2 being injured and taken out to Dreamer being the temporary Pitbull to The Dudleyz getting involved.  Not to mention, Francine turning on The Pitbulls then going through the table and The Pitbulls winning.  It was a LOT, but it was so worth it.

7. 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Shane Douglas vs. Chris Jericho vs. Pitbull #2

ECW World Television Title/Fatal Four Way Elimination Match

Heatwave '96

There really aren't a ton of Fatal Four Way matches that are up there as memorable.  However, one in particular is still talked about today, especially when it comes to ECW's glory days.  The Television Championship was on the line as Chris Jericho (pre Y2J) defended against former champions Shane Douglas and 2 Cold Scorpion, as well as one half of The Pitbulls, Pitbull #2.  This match was a hard and tedious 40-minute match, and showed the best of each individual player involved in the match.  With Jericho being the first to get eliminated, we knew there would be a new TV Champion, and it ended up being Douglas, but not after an incredible showing by each guy involved in this marathon of pride and competition.

6. Sabu vs. Taz

Barely Legal '97

Talk about a Wrestlemania-styled build-up.  These two men legit hated each other, which means on and off camera, they didn't care for each other much if at all.  The back story has Sabu was gone for a year, and Taz had been goading him to get back in the ECW ring.  They finally teased a one-on-one collision, and it was finally signed for them to collide at Barely Legal in what was considered the company's dream match.  The match was intense and every bit as hard-hitting as we imagined. The interesting note was after the match, as there was a subsequent double turn, as Sabu had turned heel and Taz had become a babyface as his manager, Bill Alfonso, turned on him to join Sabu and Rob Van Dam.  This was just the beginning of one of the most physically awesome rivalries not just in ECW, but in the business at that time.

5. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera

2 Out Of 3 Falls Match

Big Ass Extreme Bash '96

The luchadores of ECW presented some very exciting matches that often times made them the most talked about guys of the evening minus anything involving the likes of Sandman, Sabu, or New Jack.  At Big Ass Extreme Bash '96, Rey Rey went to town against famed rival Juventud Guerrera.  These two had a simply great match that oozed of lucha libre.  These two tore it up within all three falls and showed the world, or at least those able to peep ECW, that lucha libre was in fact the truth.  Although they had some definite excellent matches in later years in AAA and WCW, this was the match that is considered their highlight.

4. Beulah McGillicutty vs. Bill Alfonso

As Good As It Gets '97

Sometimes the best wars don't involve traditional wrestlers.  Sometimes they just involved non-trained acts that don't do know much except to just beat on each other and make it look wonderful.  There wasn't a better case than two managers fighting the living hell out of each other, in the form of Beulah (Mrs. Tommy Dreamer) McGillicutty and Bill Alfonso.  Once Beulah nailed Fonzie with that metal plate and SEVERELY lacerated Alfonzo, the shit was on, and this was one of the most badass six-minute fights you'll come across to this very day.  Although Fonzie lost a disturbing amount of blood (think Guerrero, Cena, Taker, Muta levels), Fonzie didn't back down and took the fight to Beulah.  If you want unbridled intensity and graphic bloodletting in a microwaved version, look no further than this amazing fight.

3. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Psycosis

Mexican Death Match

November To Remember '95

What many consider the greatest lucha match during ECW's lucha explosion was Mysterio against Psycosis in a Mexican Death Match.  This wasn't just a regular lucha match.  Thee two did more than just execute crazy high flying spots.  These two used weapons, chairs, and even went into the crowd and outside.  This was a surprisingly very intense encounter and not too much like what we would usually see from them.  However, both men rose in clout and notoriety from this thrilling match that has even been given the title of "classic".  After you watch that match, you might be inclined to agree as well.

2. Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn

ECW World Television Title

Guilty As Charged '01

This, folks, was a hard one considering all of their matches. This rivalry was considered the Steamboat-Flair rivalry of the company.  Consistent underachiever, yet highly respected grappler, Jerry Lynn would have an unbelievable series of matches with one of the game's most naturally gifted athletes ever in "Mr. PPV" Rob Van Dam.  The longest reigning TV Champion in ECW history made nothing less than perfection with Lynn each and every time they fought, but it was their match at Guilty As Charged 2001 that may have all of their other encounters beat, if just barely.  Sequences galore, RVD and Lynn took the evening with them, as nothing could truly follow this bit of greatness.  

1. Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko

ECW World Television Title

Hostile City Showdown '95

Two of the sport's greatest in-ring talents met at Hostile City Showdown for the TV Title.  The late great Eddie Guerrero defended the belt against Dean Malenko in a stellar exhibition of athleticism and mat wrestling.  This was the proverbial game of human chess and was wrestling 101.  This nearly 30-minute match was a breath of fresh air amidst the hardcore and violence and blood of the rest of the event, and the people rightfully gave them both a standing ovation highly applauding their work and witnessing a sincere wrestling classic.  This was not just the best technical wrestling match in company history but became one of the greatest matches regardless of company all year.  While ECW will always be remembered for violence, excessive blood loss, fire, chairs, and barbed wire, it should also be remembered for great wrestling, and there wasn't a better pure wrestling match than Guerrero and Malenko.

Honorable Mentions

Bret Hart vs. Terry Funk/WrestleFest '97
RVD vs. Lynn/Hardcore Heaven '99
Taz vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/Living Dangerously '98
Shane Douglas vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/November To Remember '97
Taz vs. Misato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome/Anarchy Rulez '99
Cactus Jack vs. Mikey Whipwreck/Big Ass Extreme Bash '96
Sabu vs. Terry Funk vs. Shane Douglas/Night The Line Was Crossed
Terry Funk vs. Sandman vs. Stevie Richards/Barely Legal '97
Tommy Dreamer vs. Jerry Lawler/Hardcore Heaven '97
Kid Kash & Super Crazy vs. Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck/Massacre on 34th St. 2000
Tommy Dreamer & Terry Funk vs. Raven & Cactus Jack/November To Remember '95
Sabu vs. RVD/The Doctor Is In '96
Sabu vs. RVD/Guilty As Charged 2000
Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome/One Night Stand '05

As you can see, these matches vary from very technical and scientific to high flying to straight up bloodletting and carnage.  One way or another, each of these matches are special in their own way and deserve high recognition for their contributions to wrestling history.  The promotion that paved the way for the Attitude Era and other "hardcore" promotions in the States such as IWA-MS and CZW still gets saluted by fans to this day with the occasional "EC-dubb, EC-dubb" chants.  Here's a toast to ECW, the most revolutionary and most fun promotion there may have been in the business in the mid to late nineties and early millennium.  Thank you for the memories.