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There is no denying the fact that 2018 hasn't been a great year for WWE. With record low ratings, weak storylines, and poor PPVs, the authority had to intervene to save the underwhelming product.
With a part-timer holding the most prestigious belt, and dream matches like AJ Styles vs Nakamura not going according to the plan, WWE should learn their lessons. With the McMahons stepping in, we can expect new storylines and fresh matches going forward. And it is a good time to be a WWE fan.
As they say, ‘every dark cloud has a silver lining’ - the year 2018 saw the resurgence of the Women's Division. The likes of Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch never failed to mesmerise the crowd with stellar displays when called into action.
On the other hand, RAW's tag team division has become a joke, much like SmackDown's US Championship. The much anticipated Shield reunion was disrupted with Roman Reigns sidelined and Ambrose turning heel.
Furthermore, the rematch clauses meant that the audience had no respite from boring and repetitive matches. Added to that, the Greatest Royal Rumble and the Last Time Ever match between Triple H and The Undertaker did not live up to expectations.
On the other hand, barring the Royal Rumble, the most-awaited PPV's like WrestleMania, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank didn't go as planned. The WWE Creative team need to sit up in the coming year.
Having said that, there were a few matches worth the hype. Here is a list of the top 5 WWE PPV matches.
#5 The Miz (Champion) vs Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins - WrestleMania
3 of the most talented in-ring performers locking horns against each other at the grandest stage of all was a dream concept. And the match indeed lived up to expectations. Suicide dive, DDT, frog splash, Skull Crushing Finale, 1916 - the superstars unleashed their best moves.
This breathtaking encounter even made the crowd chant "this is awesome!". This was the first match for this year’s WrestleMania, and it set the house on fire. All 3 men showcased a remarkable display of technique and modern-day wrestling.
This fast-paced match with plenty of near falls justified the status of the Intercontinental Championship in the best possible way. The match finished with the Kingslayer pinning the A-lister. After winning the title, Seth went crazy and celebrated the victory with his fans.
#4 Daniel Bryan (Champion) vs Brock Lesnar (Champion) - Survivor Series
The much anticipated Survivor Series was a big let down. However, it would be best remembered for the epic contest between two of the most talented superstars the WWE roster has ever produced.
The Beast vs The Master of YES movement was a dream contest. Bryan tested the former UFC champion's resistance with everything he had.
Bryan took The Beast by surprise, and started the match with a bang. After being pushed to the limit, Brock raised his game and eventually got hold of the WWE Champion.
Lesnar continued his assault with a series of suplexes. Bryan's resistance soon paid dividend as he cornered Lesnar with a low blow.
However, he Beast suddenly brought his A-game and ended the contest with the traditional F5. The pulsating affair between two of the most hardworking superstars deserved all the hype.
The magical blend of mind games and power made this an intriguing contest, much to the delight of the WWE Universe who had been craving for this match ever since Bryan's in-ring return.
#3 Asuka vs Charlotte Flair (Champion) - WrestleMania
The resurgence of the Women's division has been the biggest highlight of WWE this year. Charlotte taking on Asuka for the SmackDown Women's Championship was indeed the best we have seen from the women wrestlers.
Asuka challenged Flair for the title after winning the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble. The Streak vs Championship match was one of the most highly anticipated bouts. The two ladies didn't disappoint, and they set the house on fire immediately.
In a display of breathtaking athletics and technical wrestling as never seen before in the women's division, both athletes were pushed to the edge. At one point in the match, The Queen went for the iconic moonsault, only to be caught in a triangle choke by Asuka, which left the crowd standing.
The match finally ended with The Empress of Tomorrow tapping out to Charlotte Flair. The 2 ladies tore each other apart in what was an amazing display of technical wrestling.
#2 AJ Styles (Champion) vs Samoa Joe - SummerSlam
The biggest PPV of the summer saw the company's biggest babyface locking horns against one of the top heels. This match had all the ingredients, and it certainly lived up to the towering expectation. The build-up to this match was incredible, with Joe personally attacking Styles' family.
The match was as intriguing as the build-up. Styles and Joe tore each other apart in this brutal match. Both superstars brought their A-game, and soon had the crowd. However, the captivating bout didn't have a fairytale ending.
The match ended with Styles losing his nerve and assaulting Joe with a steel chair. Samoa Joe won via disqualification, but Styles retained the WWE Championship. This was indeed the best match of this year's SummerSlam, as far as dramatic storylines go.
#1 Becky Lynch (Champion) vs Asuka vs Charlotte Flair - TLC
The WWE Universe had to wait till the last PPV to witness the best match of this calendar year. It is very rare to see a women's match main-eventing a PPV, and the ladies didn't disappoint. This match was voted the best match at this year's TLC.
Asuka, Flair, and Becky took women's wrestling to the zenith with their incredible showing. All three women stole the show with their distinctive aura, and were all over the place, displaying high-flying maneuvers, one after the other.
The match ended on a high with Ronda Rousey intervening. Seriously, what more do you want? All thanks to Rousey, Asuka climbed up the ladder and lifted the title for the first time.
Becky, Flair, and Asuka inspired many female wrestlers with their performance. Going forward, we can see female wrestlers main eventing PPVs, and it is all down to this legendary showing from 3 of the best female performers.
