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Compiling a list of matches that the WWE Universe would want to see in 2020 is a hard task because there is always a fine line between expectation and reality. For instance, the buildup to the 2019 edition of Survivor Series provided fans with an opportunity to witness matches that they wouldn't see at any other time during the year, such as the excellent bout between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch on NXT.
Therefore, it is important to note that this list will seek to strike the perfect balance between expectation and reality, whilst also seeking to anticipate exciting matches that would surely keep the WWE Universe entertained in 2020.
We saw a ton of great matches last year, and this year should be no different in delivering the same outcome. There are several Superstars on the rise who will undoubtedly shape the future of WWE in the years to come.
The previous decade was defined by the likes of Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins and Superstars like Aleister Black and Mustafa Ali will surely be pivotal to the success of WWE this decade. With that being said, let's look at five matches that we want to see in 2020.
#5 Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins
Two of the most exciting Superstars on the RAW brand would undoubtedly put on an excellent match together. Black had a good 2019 competing in the tag team division alongside Ricochet, but his singles matches stood out, particularly his matches against Cesaro and Buddy Murphy.
His would-be opponent, The Beastslayer, also had several good matches alongside the likes of AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar, but all of those came with Rollins as a face. His turn to the heel side provides WWE with an opportunity for this match to take place.
An intriguing battle between Black's strong striking ability and Rollins' fast-paced offense makes for a great match that the WWE Universe would most certainly enjoy. Not only would be there a great physical battle between the two Superstars, but we could also see a mental battle between this new heel version of Seth and the calculated, methodical Black.
A win for Black would be massive for his career, while a victory for Rollins could go a long way in further establishing his new heel character.
#4 The Viking Raiders vs The Usos
The Usos hadn't appeared on WWE TV for many months, until last Friday when they came to the aid of The Big Dog, Roman Reigns on SmackDown and fought King Corbin and Dolph Ziggler tonight. Meanwhile, The Viking Raiders have been dominant since their debut on RAW.
They defeated The Street Profits and The O.C. by pinfall to retain their RAW Tag Team champions this Monday on RAW. Erik and Ivar have the perfect blend of strength and athleticism that makes them fun to compete with, and when they face the best tag teams in the division, they always put on extremely fun matches. Check out their NXT Tag Team championship defence against Aleister Black and Ricochet at NXT Takeover: New York:
With that being said, it is important to note that The Usos are currently on SmackDown and The Viking Raiders are currently reigning atop the RAW tag team division as its champions. Therefore, a match involving these two tag teams could take place at this year's Survivor Series alongside another NXT tag team, or if the teams are drafted to the same brands. Jimmy and Jey form one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history. The Viking Raiders have the potential to be the one of the best and most important tag teams in WWE this decade.
The Usos would bring their high-flying offense, with exciting moves such as their double superfly splash from the top rope and suicide dives to keep the crowds hot throughout the course of the match. The Viking Raiders have the range offensively to match The Usos, with Ivar's incredible athleticism always a sight to behold. This is most certainly a dream match waiting to happen.
#3 Brock Lesnar vs Drew McIntyre
This is a titanic clash that is long overdue. The Beast vs The Scottish Psychopath. A one-on-one match that we haven't seen before in WWE. Since McIntyre's return to RAW alongside Dolph Ziggler, it was clear that he had future world champion written all over him. He hasn't won any world titles yet. Surprisingly, McIntyre has not won on a pay-per-view since being a part of Team RAW at Survivor Series in 2018.
The turn of the new decade would be the perfect time for WWE to finally strap the rocket to McIntyre, and who better to face than The Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar. Lesnar has a history of producing great matches against opponents smaller than him such as AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan, but McIntyre is as athletic as he is physically imposing.
McIntyre is one of very few Superstars in WWE who could stand toe-to-toe with Lesnar and give The Beast a run for his money. Just like Roman Reigns in the past, McIntyre has the size and stature to battle Lesnar. The Beast can destroy anyone in his sight. He is that devastating. This match does not only have the potential to be a downright battle, but it could steal the show at any pay-per-view.
McIntyre has also proven to be a good face in his time at NXT, and he could take on that role in a match against Lesnar. With WWE seemingly in a transition to a babyface role, he is interacting a lot more with the crowd and hyping them up.
He has always been comfortable on the mic and impressive in the ring, so booking this match would make all the sense in the world. This could be the match that solidifies the star that is Drew McIntyre.
#2 Bayley vs Sasha Banks
One of the most important matches of the decade came when these two women faced each other at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn in 2015. That match went on to win the Match of the 2015 NXT Year-End Award and has been regarded by a large section of the WWE Universe as one of the best matches of the last decade.
Since arriving on RAW, it is safe to say that we have not seen the two Superstars compete against each other in a feud where the stakes were that high. If anything, they have not gone toe-to-toe since their brawl backstage on RAW in 2017, therefore enough time has elapsed for WWE to finally pull the trigger on a match between the two women.
Their match in 2015 was so special because it showcased match psychology, long-term storytelling and elite in-ring performances from Banks and Bayley. Both women have went on to win multiple championships in WWE, with Bayley the only woman to hold the NXT Women's Championship, the RAW Women's Championship, the SmackDown Women's Championship and the Women's Tag Team Championships alongside The Boss herself.
Not only do they have great chemistry together, but this is the best possible match that WWE can book for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36. There is a lot of history between the two women, and WWE can use that to build what could be one of the rivalries of the year.
#1 Becky Lynch vs Shayna Baszler
Yes, Becky is on RAW and Shayna is on NXT. I know I said that we would manage expectation vs reality on this list, but it isn't beyond the realm of possibility that WWE would book this match in 2020. Baszler is a two-time NXT Women's Champion, the only woman in NXT history to achieve that feat. With the exception of Rhea Ripley, The Queen of Spades defeated all challengers for her championship in 2019, including the likes of Mia Yim, Bianca Belair, lo Shirai and Candice LeRae.
She has achieved so much in NXT that surely a move to RAW or SmackDown should be on the horizon. The Queen of Spades also holds a Triple Threat victory over Lynch and Bayley from the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November. All of those accomplishments earned her the NXT Female Competitor Award of the year.
However, when it comes to accolades in 2019, very few can compare to The Man. WrestleMania main-eventer, first-ever double champion, WWE 2K20 covers, GQ covers, the longest reigning RAW Women's Champion in history, you name it. She also holds a pin fall victory over Shayna's best friend, Ronda Rousey. Lynch is also the only woman in WWE to do so.
Two of the best Superstars that WWE has to offer. Two champions in their own right. A battle between The Dis-Arm-Her and The Kirifuda Clutch. The potential of heated brawls, promos and submission matches is hard to ignore.
The history between Lynch and Baszler is enough to book a year-defining rivalry in 2020. Lynch has shown us just how eager she is to collect all her debt, and Baszler is most certainly on that list.
