Throughout the month of June, several wrestling stories stood out and caught the attention of wrestling fans, whether they were events in the ring, behind the scenes, or on social media. A few of these stories were events that transpired in a WWE ring, while others reflected online disagreements or notable moments in other prominent promotions. These stories gained traction via social media such as Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, and/or on television.
One highlight was a former WWE champion not hiding what he thought about some fans opinions. After the change in the result of a historic match, the in-ring debut of a former WWE valet, and the crowning of a new champion, social media was ablaze.
Many of June's most notable events are tied to WWE because they gained huge traction on various platforms and media outlets. What made the internet wrestling community stand up and take notice?
Here are the six biggest and best moments in professional wrestling for June 2017.
#6 The Smackdown Live Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
It was a memorable moment, with five women facing off against one another for the opportunity to walk out as the winner of the first ever women's Money in the Bank ladder match. However, the result wasn't what those that were watching hoped for. Though the match was highly competitive and involved all these notable women, the finish was in question.
As the match was reaching its closing moments, and Becky Lynch was reaching for the Money in the Bank briefcase, James Ellsworth came into the ring and lifted the ladder, causing Lynch to fall off.
He then proceeded to climb up the ladder and detach the hanging briefcase, dropping it into the hands of Carmella, making her the winner. The events of this evening were wiped away, though, as a few days later returning Smackdown Live general manager Daniel Bryan said he was stripping Carmela of the briefcase and redoing the match on the last episode of Smackdown Live for the month.
#5 Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega II: NJPW Dominion
On June 11th, IWGP champion Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega renewed their rivalry, with a rematch of their epic confrontation. After having faced each other at Wrestle Kingdom XI this past January, the two men faced one another once again in a match that exceeded the length of the first.
The January title match was over 45 minutes long, resulting in Okada retaining his championship. The match was lavishly praised, and the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer gave it an exceptionally rare six-star rating. So how would these men fair?
Could they match their confrontation from a few months back? Obviously, they were forced to raise the bar, and they certainly did. This time, they fought to an incredible 60-minute draw. The match teased a questionable finish, as Omega's fellow Bullet Club member Cody attempted to ‘thrown in the towel' on Kenny's behalf.
The draw was exactly what was needed in order to ensure a third match is still on the table for them.
#4 Big Cass turns on Enzo
After weeks of attacks on Enzo and Big Cass, it was revealed who was guilty of these heinous acts. With Kurt Angle having had all members that he believed to be suspected of attacking both men in the ring at once, he finally reached his conclusion.
He dismissed The Revival and the Big Show and in the process was left with only Enzo and Big Cass in the ring with him. It was also at this point where Corey Graves stood up at the announce table and spoke out saying that he believes he may have something that could help Kurt's case.
Graves revealed videotape footage showing Big Cass lie down pretending to have been hurt when in fact he made it appear he was attacked. In the process, he admitted to having attacked Enzo leaving fans in attendance speechless. As a tear streamed down the face of Enzo, fans had witnessed the end of the tag team of Big Cass and Enzo Amore.
Cass followed his turn the following week by pretending to have felt bad for what he did to Enzo only to repeat his actions and attack him once again.
#3 Samoa Joe wins Fatal Five Way
In a match that involved Roman Reigns, Finn Balor, Bray Wyatt, and Seth Rollins, one man persevered and came away as the No. 1 contender. Samoa Joe outlasted the competition, as he used his patented Coquina clutch to choke out Finn Balor, leaving him incapacitated and unable to respond.
During the match, he also had to continue his battle with his current rival Seth Rollins. During the match, each man involved had their opportunity to get the better of the rest. We saw spots happen above the ring and outside the ring, and alliances form and disintegrate.
For what seemed like the majority of the match, Samoa Joe and Bray Wyatt appeared to form a working relationship between themselves against the rest of the challengers. The win by Joe means that he is slated to face WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at the Great Balls of Fire pay-per-view.
This match had been considered by many to be a dream match-up, and it was made a reality. With Great Balls of Fire only over a week away, the build of Samoa Joe as a legitimate threat to Brock Lesnar's title has proven to be quite effective.
#2 Lana's singles debut
In a long ballroom gown, accompanied by saxophone music that led her to the ring, the Ravishing Russian made her return to television as part of the Smackdown Live women's division.
After what appeared to be months of planning, Lana appeared a week before the Money in the Bank ladder match and made an impact by attacking women's champion Naomi, in doing so earning herself a women's championship match. One of the biggest questions about Lana was whether or not she could do anything of impact when she returned to the ring.
What fans got was a very impressive look at Lana, as she hit Naomi with an incredible finisher that laid her out. What was incredible is that the rather unassuming Lana, who has usually focused on for her character and her ability to lead Rusev, was able to show that she was ready to go. Fans were pleasantly surprised by what she has been able to do thus far in the ring.
#1 Cody captures the ROH world championship
He has wrestling in his blood, and now he has world championship gold around his waist. ‘The American Nightmare' Cody (Rhodes) finally achieved what many have for some time believed he was bound to achieve. On Friday, June 23rd, he defeated Christopher Daniels to capture his first world championship.
His dream has finally come true, and after years of development, not to mention Intercontinental and tag team championships, he has finally been recognised as a world champion. Cody has recently gained much attention and popularity as part of Bullet Club and has always provided fans with a number of memorable matches and moments.
He has stepped into the ring with some of best of the world and has come out the other side better for it. After capturing ROH's world championship, he was flooded with congratulatory messages from friends and peers both in and out of the WWE.
Among those proudest of Cody was his wife Brandi and his older brother Dustin (Goldust) Rhodes, who also added in a tweet that dad would be looking down proudly on him for what he has accomplished.
