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WWE Superstars perform all round the globe, and wrestle almost every night to entertain the WWE Universe. Apart from the regular RAW and SmackDown episodes, the WWE Superstars are a part of at least 2 live events in a week.
Superstars like Brock Lesnar, Shane McMahon, Triple H, The Undertaker, and John Cena have limited their in-ring time, but there are superstars like Finn Balor, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, etc who are workhorses of the company.
Here's a list of 4 superstars who have taken part in the most number of matches in 2018.
(This list considers live events, RAW, SD Live, PPVs and WWE Mixed Match Challenge only)
#4 Shinsuke Nakamura - 125
Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the most poorly handled superstars on the main roster at the moment. During his NXT run, Nakamura seemed to be the next big thing in the WWE. But ever since his arrival on the main roster, The Artist has failed to stay relevant.
He won the Royal Rumble match this year, and challenged AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34. Deemed as a dream match by the WWE Universe, the match failed to live up to its expectations, and also Nakamura turned heel after losing the bout.
The Japanese superstar then had multiple matches with Styles, but failed to capture the WWE Championship. He moved on to feud with Jeff Hardy, and won the US title from him at the Extreme Rules PPV.
Nakamura had been a part of every WWE pay-per-view where the SmackDown roster has performed, but the WWE Creative team has left him off the last 3 PPVs. Nakamura has had 8 PPV matches in 2018, with his Survivor Series match against Seth Rollins scheduled to be his 9th. He has had 125 matches in the year 2018 thus far.
#3 Roman Reigns - 125
It was no secret that Roman Reigns was Vince McMahon's golden boy, and it was proven once again when The Big Dog won the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. The former Shield member was present at almost all the live events and PPVs before his health issue.
He main evented Elimination Chamber, WrestleMania 34, Backlash, SummerSlam, and Hell in a Cell in 2018, and was set to main event WWE Crown Jewel before he relinquished his title.
The Big Dog was cheered and booed equally by the WWE Universe, irrespective of the arena he was performing at. But Roman always delivered quality matches, putting his best efforts, be it a house show, a RAW episode, or a PPV main event.
Roman had been a part of 125 matches in 2018 before leaving WWE. Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman were his most frequent opponents on WWE TV.
#2 Seth Rollins - 128
2018 has been the year of Seth Rollins. He captured the attention of the WWE Universe with his epic performance in the gauntlet match on RAW where he pinned Roman Reigns and John Cena on the same night.
Rollins then had an excellent Elimination Chamber match before winning his first ever IC championship at WrestleMania 34. The Kingslayer then defended the title all around the world as the WWE visited Africa, Europe, and Asia, along with shows in the North American continent during his title reign.
The Architect defended his IC title every night on RAW during his first reign, but during his second reign, he was majorly involved in six man tag team matches representing The Shield. Rollins is currently a double champion on RAW, holding the IC title, and the brand's tag team championships. He has been a part of 128 matches in 2018.
#1 Finn Balor - 135
The first ever Universal Champion played the role of the iron man in the Royal Rumble match of 2018, and has continued to be the iron man of WWE ever since. Having taken part in 135 matches, Finn Balor has been the most hard-working superstar on the entire roster.
Despite The Extraordinary Man's extraordinary achievements, the WWE Creative have booked him poorly in 2018. Finn has been lost in the mix ever since he has been out of the IC title picture.
He wasn't given a place on the match card at Super Show-Down, Hell in a Cell, and now is not announced for Crown Jewel as well. Given that Finn has been working so hard for the company, the writers should reward him with a push. Maybe a reign with the Intercontinental championship, or a shot at the Universal title would help in revitalising Balor's WWE career.
All stats via cagematch
