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2018 hasn't exactly been the best year for WWE. From being consistently out-shined by what is considered to be the "developmental" brand of the company to having the lowest ratings for weekly RAW and Smackdown episodes in history, WWE's main roster has plenty to improve upon.
With that said, there were several bright spots throughout the year, where many main roster Superstars were given the spotlight and delivered some of the most stunning matches we have seen throughout the course of this year.
From world-class athletes like AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan tearing the house down against multiple opponents to the rapid acceleration of the Women's Evolution, we have seen quite a few stellar clashes on the main roster.
As the last pay-per-view of the year, TLC, has come and gone, and the year comes to a close, let's take a look back and reflect on all the great matches WWE has given us this year. With that in mind, here is this author's humble opinion on the top 5 WWE main roster matches of the 2018 calendar year.
5. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre - Raw Tag Team Championship: Hell in a Cell
In one of the best tag team bouts of the year, these four men showed the true potential of the RAW tag team division and just how fantastic they all truly are at putting on an entertaining show for the WWE Universe. While these two groups faced each other many different times alongside different people, this particular bout has always stood out among the rest.
This bout started off as a regular RAW tag team match, where the heels suck the energy out of the faces, yet the faces mount a comeback and score the victory. But this time, it was different. There were two cycles of the comeback, leaving the WWE Universe guessing as to when it would end and who would win, almost seeming as if the match had gone on for too long.
But it was perfect timing: the WWE Universe could not take their eyes off the match as high spot followed high spot, and near fall followed near fall. The power of Dean and Drew coupled with the athleticism of Dolph and Seth made for a perfect combination, as they all played off each other extremely well. There was never a chance to rest, as the action just kept going at a high pace.
Eventually, just as Rollins was about to hit the Falcon Arrow on Ziggler, McIntyre hit a Claymore Kick out of nowhere, allowing a nearly lifeless Dolph to cover Seth and retain the titles for his team. McIntyre and Ziggler walked out with the belts, but they left a piece of themselves in that grueling yet exciting match. Indeed, this rivalry was far from over, as it these 4 continued to deliver quality matches on RAW, at live events, and on multiple pay-per-views throughout the year.
4. Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles - WWE Championship: TLC
When you put two of the best technicians, athletes, and all-around in-ring performers in the same ring to fight, chances are that you are going to get a good match. Since coming to WWE in 2016, AJ Styles has consistently delivered excellent matches with every opponent, elevating ones not thought to be great wrestlers and stealing the show against other great wrestlers.
Since shockingly returning from retirement early this year, Daniel Bryan has also strung together a series of good matches and reminded us all why he is one of the best.
These two first fought on the Smackdown before the Crown Jewel PPV, as Bryan refused to attend due to personal beliefs about the actions of the Saudi Arabian government. The feud escalated quickly on that show to the point where a title match was sanctioned. AJ Styles made Bryan tap out to the Calf Crusher, and proceeded to face Samoa Joe at Crown Jewel.
Yet the week before Survivor Series, Styles had to defend his title again. Taking advantage of a downed referee, Bryan hit a low blow, the running knee, and won the title, turning heel.
While we saw two excellent matches between these two, the match at TLC far exceeded them both. Very close near-falls, both competitors getting in a significant amount of offense, submission specialization, fantastic timing, and more elements contributed to the electricity of the matchup, creating a perfect environment for these two to function in.
Styles, the babyface, got the crowd on his side as he attempted to exact revenge on "The New" Daniel Bryan and take back the WWE title, creating a perfect dynamic between the two. Indeed, there were several "this is awesome" chants from the WWE Universe as these two battled.
Bryan ended up winning off a rollup and retaining the WWE Championship, but this match will surely be remembered for a while and deserves a spot on this list.
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Brock Lesnar - Champion vs. Champion: Survivor Series
After winning the WWE Championship, Bryan would go on to replace Styles in the main event of Survivor Series, taking on RAW's Universal Champion in a clash between the two top titleholders on the main roster.
When he respects his opponent, Lesnar sells extremely well and makes the match very believable, and his willingness to allow Bryan so much offense showing his respect for his opponent and shocked many members of the WWE Universe.
Bryan, being the masterful wrestler he is, also delivered in a big way against the Beast. Many compared this match to the Styles vs Lesnar bout last year. And while that one was good, this one was slightly better; this David and Goliath clash was truly the most memorable match of the Survivor Series 2018 PPV.
Many often consider the heel vs. heel dynamic in WWE to be a disaster, with fans booing both and not being engaged in the match at all. However, it worked here perfectly. While displaying heel tactics, Bryan still played the role of the babyface, the underdog, who seemed to have no chance in defeating the heavyweight juggernaut that loomed before him.
So, the only believable way for him to pose a threat to Lesnar was by a cheap shot. Which is what he did, as Bryan laid out Lesnar for an electric near-fall with a low blow and a running knee that had many WWE Universe members on the edge of their seats.
This fascinating and unique role change for Bryan in the match conveyed the producer's ingenious decision in how they booked this match, really leading the audience into thinking that someone had a chance to defeat Brock.
While the offense Lesnar got in against Styles was brutal, there was a different level to this one. Bryan has had a history of neck injuries, and Lesnar dangerously German suplexing him across the canvas could end Bryan's career. However, WWE Creative obviously took this into consideration and would not put Bryan in an unsafe situation.
The suplexes on Bryan did seem quite believable to the WWE Universe, making the match all the more better. Bryan also got in a fair share of offense, shocking the WWE Universe as he traded blows with Lesnar until succumbing to an F5.
2. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair - Smackdown Women's Championship TLC Match: TLC
While there were many Superstars who shined throughout the year, 2018 was definitely the year of the women's evolution. There were several historic first-ever events for them, such as the Women's Royal Rumble, the Women's Elimination Chamber match, the Women's WrestleMania Battle Royal, the Last Woman Standing match, and the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match between Asuka, Charlotte Flair, and defending champion Becky Lynch.
This, however, was truly an unforgettable match, capping off a show with a perfect blend of violence, hatred, rage, revenge, and justice.
This match was a fitting way to cap off a night of consistent, hard-hitting contests between men and women alike. But there is no doubt that this stole the show. The never-ending war between former friends Lynch and Flair continued as they brutally beat each other down time after time.
The unpredictability and potential of fan-favorite Asuka as she battle back against her two opponents was also interesting. Compelling storytelling between 3 bitter rivals both before and during this match captivated the WWE Universe. Additionally, the bumps that they took - through the barrier, through tables, through ladders, through each other - left the fans astounded at the progress of the Women's Revolution.
These three women topped the night with not only the best match, but one of the best matches of the year, bringing 2018's WWE calendar year to a close in fitting fashion.
After a dismal 2018, Asuka ended the year the same way she started it: at the top of the women's division. As Rousey interfered to cost Lynch & Flair their opportunity to win and seemingly continue their storyline, Asuka took advantage. Fans rained down cheers as she climbed the ladder, grabbed her first main-roster title, and gained back the prestige she had when she first debuted.
It is disappointing to think that this unstoppable force who won the Royal Rumble had such little success, but thankfully, in the end, everything worked out well for her and the women's division.
1. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair - Last Woman Standing Match for the Smackdown Women's Championship: Evolution
Topping the list of the 5 best matches of 2018 (in this author's opinion) is the Last Woman Standing match between former friends (and now bitter enemies) Smackdown Women's titleholder, "The Man," Becky Lynch, and the former champion Charlotte Flair.
In what many fans considered to be the true main event of the PPV, these two undoubtedly stole the show on that night and likely stole the year, delivering one of the best Last Man/Woman Standing matches in WWE history. Often this stipulation can become boring with the counts, but these two used it as opportunities for spots of violence and dramatic moments.
Indeed, this was less of a wrestling contest and more of an all-out war. They used every weapon at their disposal, including the barrier, kendo sticks, chairs, announce tables, regular tables, steel steps, and ladders. There are no words that can do this match justice: it simply must be watched to be able to enjoy just how spectacular this fight truly was.
Here are just some pictures that give a glimpse into this Last Woman Standing match, as well as WWE's official video of the match:
In the end, Becky Lynch won with a vicious powerbomb through a table, as Charlotte was unable to answer the count of 10. Though she emerged victorious on paper, the fans are the true winners here, as we were treated to a fantastic match and witnessed firsthand how far the Women's Evolution has come.
Though there were many solid matches this year, the storytelling and the raw emotional power that this one contained made it the best. We hope to see many more like it in WWE during 2019.
