The Best PPVs /Special Events of 2018

The year is 2018. Wrestling hasn't been this hot in almost decades.  From WWE to New Japan, ROH, and others, this has been a highly charged and scintillating year for incredible and classic matches on equally incredible events.  Every promotion had at least one critically acclaimed event that helped wrestling in general raise the game has been a year to remember.  These are some of the best and most cohesive events of the year.  Let's begin!

15. NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling

Tokyo, Japan

10/8/2018

The first big event after the G1 Climax is King Of Pro Wrestling.  It usually helps sets the tone going into Wrestle Kingdom right before Power Struggle at year's end.  This year's edition had very good matches in the form of KUSHIDA against Marty Scurll and Tanahashi defending his G1 briefcase against Jay White, but it was without question the main event of Kenny Omega defending the IWGP Heavyweight Title against IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Champion and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Cody and Omega's best friend and on-again, off-again tag partner Kota Ibushi, in what was a thrilling match.  KOPW was a good event that set the pace for the fourth quarter of NJPW.

14. WWE Evolution

Long Island, NY

10/28/18

With the exception of Daniel Bryan's return, there was no bigger story in WWE than the bold statement of the women of WWE finally getting way long overdue props.  This was a year that saw Ronda Rousey debut with the company, another fantastic year of the Mae Young Classic, and more women main eventing, it was only right for the women to have their own PPV.  In this case, it was in the form of Evolution.  The underdogs became the headline, as it was time for the entire women's locker room to shine, and they did just that.  The night was very consistent with good, fluid matches throughout the night including the excellent MYC finals between Toni Storm and Io Shirai.  However it was Charlotte against Becky Lynch in the Last Woman Standing match that was not only the match of the night, but one of the greatest women's matches of all-time.  The ladies arrived, and they more than deserved it.

13. WWE Wrestlemania 34

New Orleans, LA

4/8/18

The biggest show in the game is always Wrestlemania, at least from a commercial standpoint.  The past few Wrestlemanias since 30 haven't been too bad, and this was no different.  This marked the incredible in-ring debut of MMA legend Ronda Rousey, Braun Strowman winning his first tag team championship with a ten year old, Nakamura's heel turn, a great triple threat match to open the show, Daniel Bryan's first WM back since returning a few weeks earlier, and Roman capturing his fifth World Title over Mr. Lesnar.  This was great package of emotional investing and smart booking in the signature show of the sport.  Although the last time they were in New Orleans with WM was more epic and historic, this one here wasn't shabby, and it was more entertaining than not.

12. Impact Slammiversary XVI

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

7/22/18

If there was a comeback story to be applauded, it was Impact Wrestling.  After being on the brink of bankruptcy and having to close its doors to having multiple television deal switchups, Impact finally knocked one out the park with Slammiversary XVI.  This was bell to bell their best effort in years, and showed the company had what it took to be that alternative to WWE with fantastic matches like the Fatal Four Way match to the violent bloodletting of Pentagon and Callahan.  This was an impressive outing from the new Impact. Here's to an even better 2019 for them.

11. WWE Survivor Series '18

Los Angeles, CA

11/18/18

This year's Survivor Series was a good affair for a few reasons.  This was a consistent event, with every match effectively flowing into the next.  Although moments like Drake Maverick pissing his pants were unnecessary, other moments like Lesnar against a new heel Daniel Bryan days after Bryan won the WWE Title and Charlotte against Ronda Rousey more than made up for it.  This had more good/decent moments than not good moments, thus making it a overall enjoyable Survivor Series once again.

10. NJPW G1 Special In San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

7/7/18

New Japan once again invaded the States with G1 Special in San Francisco. Actually this was their second go round as they had a killer show in Long Beach earlier in the year.  This G1 event in San Francisco was every bit as excellent as the earlier show. Unfortunately, Takahashi broke his neck in a match against Dragon Lee that was otherwise very damn good.  Juice Robinson and Jay White had a smoking match for the U.S. Title and Omega and Cody had a highly spirited affair as well.  This was another heavily enjoyable show from New Japan (we'll ignore that brief shoot segment between Jay White and commentator/coach/wrestler Josh Barnette) and sent the fans home live and watching at home very happy.

9. NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV

Brooklyn, NY

8/18/18

For the fourth year in a row, NXT "tookover" Brooklyn during Summerslam weekend.  While Summerslam was a pretty good event, clearly Brooklyn IV was the best part of the weekend.  This was fantastic from bell to bell.  From Moutasche Mountain and their match challenging Undisputed Era for the tag belts to the highly physical and dramatic Last Man Standing match between Gargano and Ciampa, this event showed why for the past four years, the Brooklyn Takeovers were seen as their biggest event.  Let's not forget Kairi Sane won her first NXT Women's Title in a damn great match against Shayna Baszler.  This was yet another awesome Takeover.  Brooklyn was definitely in the house.

8. NXT Takeover: Chicago II

Chicago, IL

6/16/18

NXT went back to Chicago for their Takeover of Money In The Bank weekend.  While 2017's was power packed, this was even better. The event started with one of the best tag team title matches all year in Burch & Lorcan facing Undisputed Era, with matches like Ricochet versus Velveteen Dream and Lars Sullivan versus NXT Champion Aleister Black were clearly sizzling favorites to follow up.  However, it was the near forty minute Street Fight between Gargano and Ciampa that was the story.  This was simply awesome and was the perfect main event for a scintillating Takeover.  At this point, is there such a thing as a weak Takeover?

7. ROH Final Battle '18

Manhattan, NY

12/14/18

Ring Of Honor presented their biggest event of the year with Final Battle, which is the equivalent to their Wrestlemania, Wrestle Kingdom or Bound For Glory.  Coming from the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, the fans were smoking hot for the event and they had a right to be.  Matches like Hangman Page versus Jeff Cobb were killer and Jonathon Gresham versus Zach Sabre Jr was a sincere wrestling clinic.  However, it was the bloody Ladder Match between SoCal Uncensored, The Briscoes, and the modern legends themselves The Young Bucks that was the story.  Injuries, blood, weapins, and straight out violence ruled this match.  Of course, the vicious I Quit Match between Flip Gordon and Bully Ray was a greatly told story that a classic underdog versus bully (pun intended) match. Overall, this was an incredibly good show that reinforced ROH's legendary status within wrestling as a whole.

6. NJPW Strong Style Evolved '18

Long Beach, CA

3/25/18

The first NJPW United States show was Strong Style Evolved, and what a hell of a night of action it was. While all the tag matches were non-stop action, once it got to the fantastic Ospreay versus the legendary Jusin "Thunder" Liger, it was a more captivating viewing and concentrated on the story element.  While the following matches of Page versus White and Suzuki-Gun versus Chaos were completely filled with very good action, it paled in comparison to the unforgettable main event of The Young Bucks versus the reunited Golden Lovers in what has to be considered tag match of the decade.  This event had the crowd hot most of the night and the aura of the event was incredible.  This was another victory for New Japan in the States.

5. All In

Chicago, IL

9/1/18

The indie scene has been flourishing like we haven't seen in years.  With WWE wanting to takeover (no pun intended) everything, it would appear the wrestling scene is being monopolized.  Cody and The Bucks have been plotting to change that.  Thanks to the success of Bullet Club, more eyes were on more promotions such as ROH, PWG, and of course New Japan.  Cody and The Bucks put together a show called All In, which was based off a notion that indie wrestling couldn't sell out a ten thousand seated arena.  Not only did All In do that, it also emerged as arguably the most fun and energetic event of the year.  There was not one filler match here. None. Even the Over Budget Battle Royal was the most awesome battle royal in years.  Between Cody winning the NWA Title in an emotional moment to the incredible match between Omega and Pentagon Jr and the highly thrilling six man main event, this was nearly flawless.  This event showed that not only was indie wrestling alive and well, but it's never been a better time to be a wrestling fan.

4. NXT Takeover: Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

1/27/18

The first Takeover of the year was simply outstanding.  This was Royal Rumble weekend, and this event clearly showed that the main roster had a lot to follow.  Everyone brought their A-game here and every match was presented effectively and adequately.  The ferocity of Ember Moon and Shayna Baszler was palpable through the screen. One can only know how much it was felt throughout the arena.  Other matches like the tag team title match and the Kassius Ohno/Velveteen Dream match were great and felt in place.  However, it was the NXT Championship match between Gargano and then champion Andrade Cien Almas that put this event into an entire other level. Billed as the greatest NXT Championship match ever and the first five star match in years under the WWE banner, what those two did was extraordinary and officially put both men, especially Gargano, into our consciousness as main event players. The bar was definitely set for the year with WWE based on this event.

3. NXT Takeover: New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

4/7/18

We had previously stated that the bar was set with NXT Takeover: Philadelphia for 2018.  The challenge was met with NXT Takeover: New Orleans, and folks, the bar ended up getting set even higher.  This event was breathtaking and flawless.  Never before had there been any NXT event that had not one but TWO certified five star matches in one event.  This was the most excellently put together card NXT has put together in years, if not ever. Every match was special. Every match worked. Every match had the people in the collective palm of their hands.  None, however, was more brilliantly laid out and massively compelling as Gargano and Ciampa in an "unsanctioned" match.  Gargano was already involved in a benchmark match against Almas in Philly, but he set a whole new bar for himself with this one, as did Ciampa.  With all being said, this may likely be the greatest NXT event of all time.

2. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12

Tokyo, Japan

1/4/18

The biggest event in New Japan all year is at the start of the year, which is Wrestle Kingdom.  With a production value that almost rivals Wrestlemania and a card that typically puts the event among the top three events of the year every year.  Wrestle Kingdom 12 was no different.  The crowd at the Tokyo Dome was completely engaged and ready for every match that was presented to them. While people were highly awaiting matches like the Fatal Four Way Junor Heavyweight Title match to Goto/Suzuki Tanahashi/White, and even the main event of Okada/Naito, as all heavily delivered, it was one of the most anticipated matches in recent New Japan history in Omega/Jericho, which was billed "Alpha vs. Omega".  Over the past six years especially, Wrestle Kingdom has been the staple of big matches and set the tone for the rest of the year.  This was absolutely no different, as this was the most streamed event in NJPW history.

1. NJPW Dominion '18

Osaka, Japan

6/9/18

New Japan has been known as the global standard for action packed wrestling and captivating moments critically.  Wrestle Kingdom typically is the bar set for the year.  However for the past two years, Dominion has met the bar fully.  Last year, the event, as great as it was, was completely overridden by the sixty minute classic from Okada and Omega.  This year, it was more of the same.  While matches like The Bucks/Sanada & EVIL and Tanahashi/White were fantastic matches that were great in any normal setting, the night belonged to Okada and Omega in an unprecedented two out of three falls/no time limit match for the heavyweight title. Ladies and gentlemen, this was the match to set all future generations by, as this seventy-four minute match has been given the label, "greatest match of all time".  This moniker alone makes this event not just the event of the year, but one of the greatest total events in modern wrestling history.

Honorable Mentions

Progress Super Strong Style 16 '18

PWG Time Is A Flat Circle

PWG BOLA '18

NJPW G1 Climax 28

PWG All-Star Weekend

WWE TLC '18

WWE Summerslam '18

WWE Royal Rumble

NJPW Power Struggle '18

PWG Bask In His Glory

ROH Supercard Of Honor VIII

ROH Best In The World '18

NJPW Strong Style Evolved UK

NXT Takeover: War Games II

Stardom Goddesses Of Destiny

wXw 16 Karat Gold

Progress: Hello Wembley

RevPro High Stakes '18

EVE: Wrestle Queendom

Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha Cuatro

NJPW 45th Anniversary Show

Pro Wrestling NOAH Marofuji Anniversary Show

NEW Redemption

As I stated in my best matches article/list, which you can find here, this may have been the best year in this current era of wrestling.  Will this incredible momentum continue? Time will tell, but I wouldn't bet against it.  Until next time folks!

AEW: The Future Of Wrestling Looks...Elite!

Happy New Years folks! It's awesome you made it here with me to see this highly intriguing and exciting 2019.  What a way to begin this new year.  In January, we already have a bunch to look forward to: An AMAZING Wrestle Kingdom card, PAC vs. Ospreay, PAC vs. ZSJ, Impact Wrestling's Homecoming event, NXT Takeover: Phoenix, the debut of WOW on AXS-TV, the first NXT UK Takeover, Royal Rumble and now the epic news every diehard wrestling fan has been waiting for: the official announcement of AEW, or All Elite Wrestling.  This company is founded by Cody Rhodes and will involve The Young Bucks and Hangman Page, at least based upon the latest episode of Being The Elite (no word on fellow Elite member, the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega yet).  Speculation started just after the massive success of their fantastic PPV, All In, back in September.  From there, it was shown that indie wrestling was not only alive and well, but could be financially tremendously successful.  This is enormous news for more than just one aspect.

Here is what has been reported so far concerning this historic news:

- There will be a press conference about the promotion and its presumable debut PPV, All In 2: Double Or Nothing. The press conference will take place 1/8...the same day there will be a Smackdown Live show in Jacksonville as well.

- The promotion is backed by Jaguars owner, Tony Khan, who is the son of the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and is considered one of the richest men in the world. He'll be the president while Cody and The Bucks will be EVPs.

- Right now, Cody is the only one officially a part of AEW, although it's being reported The Bucks will sign very shortly.  SCU has also been announced to show up at the conference so that could be interesting as well.

- TV deals are on the table and execs were impressed with All In and the Being The Elite Youtube series.  Among the rumored networks are WGN-TV and AXS-TV.

- Possible NJPW partnership, as well as ROH but nothing confirmed as of yet

Let's get to the meat of this.  This is what long-time fans of The Elite/Bullet Club have been waiting for.  With the dry redundancy of WWE and their ratings continuing to plummet every week with possibly no end in sight, fans are desperately looking for something fresh.  An alternative, not competition because there's nobody in the world that can legit compete with Vince commercially.  Obviously New Japan is becoming the most popular promotion, on a critical level, in the business, with its popularity expanding to the western world to where there are one to two United States shows a year (this year there will be two American specials in L.A. and in Charlotte at the end of the month and beginning of next month respectively).  Plus, let's not forget about the popularity of promotions such as ROH, PWG, and the slow rise back to popularity of Impact and other indie promotions and we have a ton of reasons to be a wrestling fan.  However, television is still the big medium to show off a promotion's product.  While ROH is broadcast over all Sinclair affiliates, Impact is shown for now on Pop TV, but moving to a relatively unknown station known as The Frontier Network.  NJPW and the newly formed WOW will continue to broadcast on the rapidly popular AXS-TV, but with WWE owning NBC Universal as well as Fox later this year, AEW has an uphill battle.

As far as talent, this is where it can get a little juicy.  Talents such as DJZ and Trevor Lee have been stating on their social media that they're free agents.  While that's obviously great news and something hopefully AEW considers, what about WWE talent?  There are numerous talents there that are either under-utilized, or not utilized at all.  Basically there to do house shows or perform on forgotten about shows like Main Event.  Examples would include Tye Dillinger, Tyler Breeze, The Ascencion, Apollo Crews, Zach Ryder and more.  Yeah, I know. Last night on Raw, we saw Apollo get a temporary push, but truthfully how long will this last?  Plus, Ryder stated on his social media that he hadn't had one single match on Raw in 2018. Think about that people.  A former tag team champion, U.S. Champion and I-C Champion never had a single Raw match.  Up until he was in the battle royal last night that is.  What about Dillinger? A unrelenting journeyman who started with a bunch of momentum that turned into barely getting any television time at all.  There's no official word as to when their contracts are up, but you can believe now Vince will make the pot sweeter now with AEW in the house and other promotions such as ROH and Impact trying to make exclusive, long term deals with talent.

This now puts power back in the hands of the talent more than the promoters now, primarily Vince.  There are other outlets now for people who aren't happy financially or creatively to go.  WWE is no longer the end all-be all.  Yes, you'll get more exposure and likely become millionaires, but let's look at the likes of Omega, the Bucks, and Cody.  The Bucks earned a LOT of money being indie guys, basically earning the majority of their income from merch sales and gates.  Cody was already a huge name thanks to WWE, but once he went indie, his name blew even more.  Omega became the hottest name from NJPW to hit around the world.  They all believed in being their own bosses and investing in themselves.  The result was All In, and we saw how huge that was.  That event made a profound statement.  It was never anti-WWE or anyone else.  It was about options and choices.  That's it.  With the emergence of AEW and All In 2, we could likely see a new changing of the guard.

Wrestling should never be political or about favorites.  It should always be about who your draw is/are, listening to your audience, and making sure all are satisfied.  Reports are coming out that a few stars are getting "major pushes" in 2019 in WWE.  Could that be because these big stars could be made bigger somewhere else, and they're aware of this? Is this why Finn Balor, who is among the best in the world who has been severely under-pushed since he returned from injury a couple years ago?  Like Shinsuke Nakamura, who went from NXT Champion and highly regarded star to being also under-pushed and making him to be the mega star he should be?  Now with AEW and others, Vince knows now to make the pot sweet, throw a bunch of money into them, push the hell outta them, and make them happy, especially with the SD deal worth $2B over five years.

Let's focus on the women as well.  Numerous unsigned/indie talents such as Faye Jackson, Lufisto, and many more (some of which were a part of the MYC tournament over the past couple of years) could really take advantage of this if there's a women's division.  Yes, there is a women's evolution.  Not just in WWE but everywhere.  No official word to a women's division but I would bank on one highly.  It would great and essential for business and once again, it'll show the expansion of women taking care of business and wanting to be more than 'Total Divas'.  Let me clarify that last statement.  Nothing wrong with wanting to be one for exposure because after all, the more people know who you are, the better.  However, there are also those that aren't with all of that and they want their wrestling to speak for itself.  This will be an incredible ride.

Along with rumors of people like Jim Ross and Chris Jericho joining the promotion, this is that time to start rubbing your hands together and get ready for this press conference to see what kind of exciting, landmark future we may see from AEW.  This speaks to the future of wrestling as well.  The event of All In showed there's room for everybody in the business.  There's no certain look, size, or skill set to be successful.  That's what wrestling is about.  Here's to AEW and to all wrestling fans worldwide.  it's time to be ELITE! Until next time folks!