5 must-see matches from WWE this week (22nd-28th July, 2019)

Here are your must-see matches from WWE television this week
Here are your must-see matches from WWE television this week

Getting through a full week's worth of WWE television can be quite an arduous task when you consider that there's Monday Night Raw, SmackDown Live, 205 Live, NXT and NXT UK which clocks in at around eight hours.

On Monday Night RAW we had the Raw Reunion where several WWE legends and past-Superstars returned for a night of nostalgia and fun, on SmackDown Live The New Day graced us on commentary for the evening and Kofi Kingston chose his SummerSlam opponent.

Then on 205 Live Drake Maverick made his match against Mike Bennett official. Meanwhile over on NXT Candice Lerae attacked Io Shirai and on NXT UK Walter demolished Trent Seven.

And, we were even treated to a bonus show with WWE Network Special Smackville hitting the streaming service live on Saturday, bringing us a Nakamura Intercontinental Title defence and a Triple-Threat match between Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler and Samoa Joe.

With so much wrestling it certainly isn't any wonder that, contrary to popular belief, WWE occasionally put on some really great wrestling matches that can compete with the top wrestling matches from any promotion.

So, if you don't have time to watch everything but want to see the best matches WWE has put on this week, then look no further as we bring you the 5 must-see matches from WWE this week.


#5. Walter Vs. Trent Seven - NXT UK (24th July, 2019)

Walter and Trent Seven had a slobberknocker
Walter and Trent Seven had a slobberknocker

Trent Seven has always sort-of played second-fiddle to Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne when it comes to Moustache Mountain and people often make fun of his appearance but make no mistake the guy can be an absolute beast when required.

And that was certainly required when he found himself facing the NXT UK Champion and completely dominant force Walter on this week's NXT UK, which was still set at Download Festival.

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Walter and his 'foreign invader' Imperium stable have wasted no time in running through Moustache Mountain, taking Pete Dunne's NXT UK title and demolishing Tyler Bate, leaving Seven left standing.

The match started with Seven angrily calling out Walter and then attacking Walter before the bell even rings and what followed was a slobber-knocker of a match between two hard-hitting big lads that ended with Seven wishing he'd been careful what he wished for.

The match itself with brilliant in all its brutality with Walter and Seven knocking lumps off of each other, and, of course, chopping each other's chests raw. But the aftermath and the way Walter won was what elevated it.

Walter powerbombed Seven on the apron, and then powerbombed him five more times until the referee decided enough was enough and called off the match, all whilst Walter's loyal Imperium stood guard to prevent interference.

Imperium remain incredibly dominant.
Imperium remain incredibly dominant.

Here's the reaction to the match on Twitter,

#4. Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott Vs. Drew Gulak - 205 Live (23rd July, 2019)

205 Live delivering one hell of a match, as always!
205 Live delivering one hell of a match, as always!

If you are one of the people who genuinely wants to see some of the best in-ring action available but doesn't think they will at WWE then you're clearly not watching 205 Live because that show has consistently thrown out match-of-the-year contenders on a weekly basis.

The week before Chad Gable and Jack Gallagher lit up the ring with their amazing match and this week it was Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak and debutante Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott's turn to do the same.

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This was already an interesting match because, for many, it would've been the first time they would have seen Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott wrestle, however for others they would have been familiar with Shane Strickland's work on the independent circuit so would've been eagerly anticipating this bout, and it didn't disappoint.

In fact, much like Swerve's kick above, this match really hit the sweet spot once it had gotten going. Gulak is superb as the craft, mean-spirited mat-based wrestler and 'Swerve' really shone on his debut with his athletic ability and striking.

However the reigning champion managed to avoid an embarrassing non-title loss against the 'rookie' with his Cyclone Crash. Honestly, this was the kind of match that made you instantly see 'Swerve' as a star and start fantasy booking him against loads of wrestlers.

Seriously, check this one out and then start watching 205 Live, those guys kill it week-in, week-out, and next week's there's an Unsanctioned Match that I imagine will make next week's list!

Here's what people were saying about this match on Twitter,

#3. Apollo Crews Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - SmackDown Live (23rd July, 2019)

Apollo Crews and Shinsuke Nakamura shone on SmackDown Live
Apollo Crews and Shinsuke Nakamura shone on SmackDown Live

Both of these guys are somewhat of a conundrum in WWE. Apollo Crews has athletic ability in spades and is an incredibly likeable and charismatic person, Nakamura oozes charisma and has proven star-power from his runs in other companies. But neither man has managed to reach their potential.

However both men's stock in WWE seems to be rising and the two were given a fair amount of time on SmackDown Live to put on a good match - and that's exactly what they did. The two guys shone against each other.

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Early on in the match Apollo Crews set the tone with an absolutely incredible delayed Suplex that put Goldberg, Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar to shame. I kid you not guys, Nakamura was held upside down for a long, long time.

Nakamura played the heel perfectly, grounding Crews when he was building momentum. This led to great rallying moments from Crews that really worked with the crowd behind him and Xavier Woods and Big E on commentary really helping to sell the moment as well.

Nakamura would pick up the win with the Kinshasa and then took down Crews with a post-match beat-down and a second Kinshasa to capitalise on the fact the crowd were invested & get more heel heat.In short the match was a strong showcase for both men and left us wanting more!

Now other to Twitter for the reactions,

#4. Keith Lee Vs. Damien Priest - NXT (24th July, 2019)

Image result for Keith Lee Damien Priest

Keith Lee is indeed 'Limitless' and Damien Priest looks great from what I've seen from him so I was excited going into this match. Thankfully that excitement was paid off as the two big-men put on a show-stealing main event in NXT.

This match was everything it needed to be with both Lee and Priest looking like monstrous big-men and with both men being allowed to display a surprising amount of agility and speed despite their size.

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There were lots of great moments throughout the match, including this lightning fast exchange between the two guys that really popped the crowd,

But the standout moment of the match was when Keith Lee displayed an unimaginable level of strength to pluck the huge Priest out of the air like he was nothing. He doesn't even stumble or move. I lost my mind.

Priest pulled off the upset win by getting a bit heelish towards the end and using the referee as a shield before planting Lee with a kick to the head. This should hopefully mean we get a rematch between these two guys fairly soon!

Twitter reacts!

#5. Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Mustafa Ali - Smackville (27th July, 2019)

With Finn Balor 'injured' Mustafa Ali answered the challenge
With Finn Balor 'injured' Mustafa Ali answered the challenge

A lot of people are saying that WWE's Network Special 'Smackville' was pointless because nothing of note really happened. Whilst that may be the case (what did people expect, it was the literal definition of a glorified house show?) the show did give us a nice little match between Mustafa Ali and Shinsuke Nakamura.

The match was supposed to be a title rematch between Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Title but Balor was previously announced 'injured' before the show (We now know that Balor was hospitalised with stomach flu) Then up stepped Ali!

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This is Nakamura's second match this week to make this list which in itself is quite the achievement given his mediocre main event run so far, but a motivated Nakamura is a great Nakamura and we might be heading towards his best main roster run yet.

Meanwhile Ali has had horrendous luck on the main roster thanks to a series of injuries but its clear he is a star in the making and that WWE officials are very high on him. I mean just look at him,

Nakamura retained, but I get the impression that both Apollo Crews and Mustafa Ali will consider their business with the Intercontinental Champion still well and truly unfinished. Could we be leading to a Triple Threat at SummerSlam? Let's hope so!

Let's see what Twitter thought,

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