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WWE PPVs are big events where the ongoing story-lines in the company culminate or further build-ups take place. It is a dream for every WWE superstar to be a part of the pay-per-views. The WWE creative team puts their finest efforts to build the specials but sometimes they have shocked the fans by giving away random match-ups at multiple PPVs. Some proved out to be classics which deserved an even nobler stage while the remaining filler content would have gone unnoticed on WWE weekly TV shows.
(PPVs of 2017 are considered for this list)
#1 The "Demon King" Finn Balor vs AJ Styles, TLC 2017
The 2017 TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs was a RAW exclusive PPV that took place on 22nd October in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At No Mercy, Finn Balor defeated Bray Wyatt in a regular match-up. This feud further heated up as Bray Wyatt would intervene Balor’s path to the Universal Championship. The Eater of the Worlds stated that despite Randy Orton’s best efforts, Sister Abigail was still alive and would hurt the first-ever Universal Champion. Sister Abigail vs The Demon King was all set for TLC but due to medical reasons Wyatt could not compete which led to RAW General Manager contacting the then SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan to allow AJ Styles for a one-off appearance at the red brand’s special. This impromptu match-up set the internet wrestling community on fire as this marked the first event where two of the world’s best would go one-on-one against each other. WWE gave these men 18 minutes to showcase their in-ring magic in what transpired to be one of the “Match of the Year”. The crowd was red hot for the match with chants of “this is awesome” echoing through the arena even before they exchanged a single blow. This match-up deserved a better build-up and a big 4 PPV stage. WWE should plan a full-fledged program between the two former NJPW stars before it is too late.
#2 Cesaro vs Jinder Mahal, Fastlane 2017
The internet wrestling community always criticize WWE Fastlane as one of the most underwhelming PPVs but the WWE Creative took it to a whole new level when they pitted jobber Jinder Mahal against the Swiss cyborg Cesaro with no real storyline development. Rusev and Jinder were a tag team back then in early 2017 which was about to explode. At Fastlane, both demanded a spot on the card and when waiting for their opponents for a tag-team bout, The Maharaja attacked the Bulgarian Brute taking out Rusev. Mahal competed first and WWE revealed Cesaro as his opponent. The bout lasted 8 minutes as the Swiss superman tasted victory thanks to Rusev’s distraction, which leads us to the 3rd match on this list.
#3 Rusev vs Big Show, Fastlane 2017
Post the Jinder-Cesaro match, Rusev waited for his opponent in the ring and it turned out to be none other than the Big Show. With Rusev not being able to gain any momentum, the giant manhandled him. After hitting 3 Choke slams and one KO Punch, Big Show pinned the Bulgarian Brute in what was a glorified squash match.
#4 Heath Slater vs Curt Hawkins, Great Balls of Fire,2017
YES! This happened! Shocking, isn’t it? An underdog facing a man on a never-ending losing streak on a WWE PPV’s main card. This unannounced match-up took place as a filler and even the result wasn’t broadcasted live as the cameras cut to the fire department to show the aftermath of the ambulance match between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman but as per the live audience Slater pinned Hawkins to win his first singles PPV match in a long time.
Filler matches are one of the main reasons WWE has done away with single-branded pay-per-views as dual-branded events stop the undercard fro getting exposed.
