5 biggest and best matches of 2017

While 2018 has already had some great matches take place all around the world, last year proved to have an incredible collection of matches assembled from different promotions.

These matches were so big not just because of the implications of the matches themselves, but because of the performance was given by all involved, who gave of themselves selflessly to display for everyone watching a story that was riveting and compelling.

These matches showed fans how wrestling continues to evolve, and how those in these matches are determined to evolve as performers and put on the best possible match they can.

The matches selected involve not just one promotion, come from a number of different ones, and represent some of the most talked about matches of the year. Here are the five biggest matches of 2017.

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#5. Young Bucks vs. Hardy Boyz vs. Roppongi Vice @ ROH 15th Anniversary

This triple threat match had the entire wrestling world buzzing because of who was involved.

One of the longest standing comparisons in wrestling has been the one between Matt and Nick Jackson and Matt and Jeff Hardy. The past presentation of the Hardyz certainly seems to have inspired that of a duo known as the Young Bucks.

Both sets of brothers have a very similar move set, with Matt (Hardy) being the one of the four that was less dependent on wrestling on the top rope and using an array of spots to accentuate his point.

When it finally came about that the Hardys would face the Young Bucks, the duo of Roppongi Vice was added to create an insane triple threat match that saw each team hits a variety of moves.

During the match, Trent Beretta was even superkicked while he had a mouthful of thumbtacks. The match resulted in the Hardys walking away as the Ring of Honor tag team champions. This triple threat match certainly was a dream match that saw #theelite challenged by the #brokenuniverse.

#4 NXT Takeover: Chicago - WWE United Kingdom Championship - Pete Dunne vs. Tyler Bate

Bate and Dunne were the

showstealers

at last years NXT Takeover: Chicago

One man is 24 years of age and the other is 21. However, when they came together, both of these men showed that age meant nothing, as they competed in a match that proved they were years ahead of their time.

Their performance was considered by many a match of the year candidate, regardless of where it was held. In a match that went over 15 minutes, Dunne overcame what appeared to be Bate having his number to defeat him with his Bitter End finisher in an instant classic.

It should be noted that Dunne is an 11-year pro and Bate has been in the business six years. Despite their respective ages, both men have shown that they are seasoned performers that are willing to hit each other with all they have and showcase that they aren't there to simply be part of the show but to be the focal point. Their chemistry with one another is undeniable, and it was evident during this matchup.

#3 Jay Lethal vs. 'The American Nightmare' Cody - Texas Bullrope Match - Supercard of Honor XI

When Cody and Lethal faced each other it was a throwback style of

match

while embracing the present

Both men had no issue with one another before. They never feuded nor did they ever face each other in a one-on-one matchup.

However, in putting together a match that was as much a show of respect for the late American Dream as it was to usher in the time of the American Nightmare, Cody and Jay Lethal put on a near sixteen-minute battle that saw both men beaten to a pulp.

At Ring of Honor's Supercard of Honor XI, Cody had fully embraced being the 'heel,' while Lethal was the former champion seeking to re-establish himself. His time as Ring of Honor champion had passed, and in its place is a Lethal that had the opportunity to not only face the son of the son of a plumber but to emerge as a threat for that championship.

Despite losing the match, Cody was still as committed as any man in that ring to ensuring the best possible story was being told, and he should be commended.

#2 WWE Championship - AJ Styles vs. John Cena - Royal Rumble 2017

Cena and Styles began 2017 with a match that set the bar for others in the company to follow

This battle was considered not just one of the best matches in WWE last year, but one of the best in wrestling period. This showcase pushed Cena to compete at a different level, and who he faced was also an integral part of the match's overall success. AJ Styles was the reigning WWE champion, and this didn't simply represent another win or loss for Cena, it actually had a much greater value.

With the win, John Cena became a sixteen-time world champion and tied Ric Flair for the most all-time (recognized) world championship reigns in professional wrestling/sports entertainment history. While the record books are somewhat sketchy as to how many times Flair actually captured the title, the number sixteen has remained the benchmark for championships. Both men should be commended for their efforts during and after the match.

#1 IWGP Heavyweight Championship - Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega Wrestle Kingdom 11

It was given a 6-star rating and went approximately 45 minutes; Okada and Omega set the standard for all wrestling promotions to follow in 2017

In what was a 45-minute classic between the two men, Okada and Omega not only cemented their legacies in the ring but were recognized for their achievement on a global scale.

The story told between these two was one of ascension to the main event for Omega and one of sustained glory for Okada.

Omega had earned the opportunity to face Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom after winning the G1 Climax tournament in the summer of 2016. It was recognized as being the longest match in Tokyo Dome history at that point.

It included an array of spots, including false finishes, culminating in Okada hitting his Rainmaker clothesline finisher to retain the championship. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer gave the match "6 stars," the highest rating he has ever given any match.

When the match ended, Omega was gracious in defeat, recognizing Okada as possibly the 'greatest wrestler in the world.' These men have faced each other since then, but this match stands alone as being the biggest match of 2017.

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