Feud of the Year: A. J. Styles vs. John Cena
Runners-Up: The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe, The Bullet Club vs. Everyone, Los Ignobernables de Japon vs. Everyone, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte
In terms of memorable feuds, none this year can touch the one between Styles and Cena. It was the perfect story of the established old guard being challenged by a newcomer who knew he was better than the veteran.
Despite major trash talk from both sides and several instances of interference, the two met in a spectacular blow-off match at SummerSlam that solidified Styles’ claim that he deserved to be in the main event.
The other feuds in this category were also well-executed. The Miz has done very well as Intercontinental Champion and had several great moments and matches with Dolph Ziggler. Nakamura and Samoa Joe’s rivalry was as personal as it was brutal, leading to multiple great matches that proved both men are main-event-caliber stars.
Outside of WWE, two stables dominated the wrestling scene: Los Ignobernables de Japon are now at the top of NJPW, and the Bullet Club are probably the most popular act in all of wrestling. Their respective feuds with everyone that dare stand against them have been highly entertaining.
Finally, Sasha Banks and Charlotte have wrestled in so many major matches this year that their feud has reached the same level of personal bitterness as Trish Stratus vs. Lita from earlier this century.
