The Best WWE Matches of 2016 (Part 2)

Check out our 2nd collection of the best WWE matches that graced our screens in 2016!

WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal Four Way (Extreme Rules)

Taken from Match Review: Our high expectations for this Fatal Four Way match were certainly met. Title matches like this are proof of just how more important that IC Championship currently is. All four men finally woke up the crowd with an amazing match. All four combatants looked amazing as they shared holds and cut off each other at every chance. Zayn laid in some beautiful Helluva Kicks, Cesaro went on an European Uppercut rampage, we saw a Tower of Doom spot, Owens picked his spots carefully and big suplexes were handed out. Every portion of this title match were entertaining to watch from start to finish. There were points during this match where it looked like either of the four men could walk away with the title. But after a Helluva Kick KO’d Cesaro, Miz sneaked in and got the win behind Zayn and Owens’ backs. This is a definite Match of the Year candidate.

Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles (Extreme Rules)

Taken from Match Review: While we enjoyed this main event, we don’t think it was that much better than Reigns and AJ’s previous encounter. But still, this ended the Extreme Rules evening on a high note. Both Superstars struck each other down all over the arena and used their trademark moves in a myriad of interesting ways. AJ got slammed through two announce tables, Reigns got dropped with two Styles Clashes, both men’s support crew came out for a brawl and more mayhem ensued. This Extreme Rules match took great advantage of the lack of rules thrown at it. AJ looked great and so did Reigns (even though the crowd still crapped all over him after he did something worth cheering for). The final moment (AJ jumping right into a devastating Spear while midair) was awesome. This was a pretty fun main event. And Seth Rollins’s shocking comeback was just the cherry on top.

The Revival vs. American Alpha (NXT TakeOver: The End)

It’s crazy to see how far The Revival have come. During their starting stages of NXT dominance, they didn’t garner much of a reaction from the crowd. They were looked down upon as relics who were devoid of anything remotely entertaining. Cut to 2016 and now they’re one of the best best tag teams currently making their mark on the wrestling scene. They had a bunch of classics this year, which is why we’re going to make sure to mention their big showdown with American Alpha at NXT TakeOver: The End. Both of these standout duos put on another amazing contest in their series of championship bouts. The near falls had us on the edge of our seat and it could have gone either way. Gable’s midair belly to belly suplex was mind blowing, wasn’t it? AA dropped the straps to The Revival, but they made sure to fight valiantly before they lost them. This match is proof that NXT tag team action is better than most.

AJ Styles vs. John Cena (Money in the Bank)

Taken from Match Review: After being forced to sit through a series of matches that were purely letdowns, this dream match showed up just in time to make us sit at the edge of our seats. AJ was as his best heel persona and Cena showed up in his working boots. The back and forth action between both men was full of moments where they taunted each other and basked in the adoration of the crowd. This was a story of AJ’s quickness vs. Cena’s heart. AJ looked amazing as he cut off Cena during his signature comeback several times. And we have to commend Cena as he fought hard to stay in the fight. Us and the live crowd came unglued when he finally landed an AA. The finish may have sullied the match in everyone else’s eyes, but we have nothing to complain about. AJ may not have won clean, but all that matters is he won.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match (Money in the Bank)

Taken from Match Review: Two back to back awesome performances is a rare occurrence in the WWE. But we got it on this wild evening. Money in the Bank Ladder Matches rarely disappoint and this was the story here. There were so many insane moments to list here. The ones that made us stand up with our heads atop our heads involved ladder insanity. Zayn got Powerbombed atop one, ADR used his Double Foot Stomp to crash through Cesaro and Y2J even got the Dirty Deeds treatment while his legs was atop a ladder. When all six men were atop ladders and beating each other to a pulp, we truly lost our minds. Cesaro hopping off a ladder and bouncing off the ropes to land an European Uppercut on Owens made our jaws drop. The man we picked to win won! This MITB Ladder Match exceeded our expectations. All six men put on an amazing performance.

Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (Money in the Bank)

Taken from Match Review: Anything involving The Shield when they were an unbreakable unit was always entertaining. And it’s just as exciting to watch all three former stablemates get embroiled in a altercations every time they meet. Tonight was another example of just how fun it is to watch Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose go to war. First off, let’s talk about the main event. This one slowly built up into a incredible match that matched the intensity of the Reigns/Rollins saga. Spears were dished out, Superman Punches were landed and Pedigrees were landed. Reigns and Rollins went tooth and nail for several grueling minutes, which the crowd completely ate up. Rollins hasn’t slowed down a bit and Reigns performed at the high level we always expect from him. When Rollins won, we rejoiced and were content with a great finish to a great match. But Ambrose almost made us faint when his music hit. After cashing in his MITB title shot, he KO’d Rollins with a Dirty Deeds and gave us a shocking ending. This. Was. Unbelievable.

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens (Battleground)

Taken from Match Review: Sami Zayn has the honor of saying he fought in two matches where the crowd chanted “FIGHT FOREVER!” Zayn and Owens’ blood has resulted in some truly awesome matches. This stood out as their best encounter on the main WWE roster. Zayn actually went on a Suplex City rampage throughout as he dished out Exploders and Half-Nelson Suplexes. Owens was no slouch though as he landed nice Superkicks and more dominating maneuvers. The turning point of this match truly came when Zayn took a high risk by landing awkwardly on the outside with an Arabian Moonsault Press. Zayn’s now injured shoulder took a lot of damage, but he still did the unthinkable by landing a Brainbuster on Owens to the ring apron. This match continued to excel over the the matches before it with some jaw dropping back an forth offense. Finishing moves were doled out, but the end truly came after two Helluva Kicks. Zayn overcame his biggest foe in one of the best matches of 2016.

John Cena, Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. The Club (Battleground)

Taken from Match Review: Both these talented combinations of Superstars have been great on the mic and in the ring during their beef. And the culmination of such a great feud came to a fine close here with this awesome six-man tag. Enzo’s opening monologue (plus Cass’s soccer mom digs at AJ) started things off on a very high note. The match itself stayed intense at all times. Enzo fought tooth and nail against his much larger opponents, AJ was cockier than ever, Cena went nuts during his comeback and The Club went harder than ever. The most hectic point of this bout occurred when everyone exchanged their signature holds. Cena ended up catching Enzo and throwing him into Gallows’ arms, plus AJ mistakenly laid out Gallows with a Phenomenal Elbow. Things got even more hectic when Cena ate a Spinebuster outside the ring. When the ref lost control, we lost our minds because it improved more and more. AJ got bested by a top rope AA from Cena to end this big multi-man matchup. Make sure you check this marquee matchup out, folks.

Johny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (Cruiserweight Classic)

Before they solidified themselves as #DIY, Gargano and Ciampa went head to head in a tournament Cruiserweight Classic…well, classic. We’re used to seeing them put on crowd pleasing battles on the indie scene, so we weren’t shocked at seeing them put on another great match when they were given the WWE spotlight. Both men know each other so well, so the chemistry was certainly apparent as they tore into each other. Ciampa turned extra savage during this matchup (his Air Raid Crash to Gargano on the ring made us cringe so hard), but Gargano tapped into another part of himself to keep on fighting. Gargano put on quite the fight and made sure to roll up his best buddy for the pin after countering a uniquely panful submission. Gargano and Ciampa are two amazing athletes who showcased their talents perfectly during the CWC.

Kota Ibushi vs. Cedric Alexander (Cruiserweight Classic)

AKA “The Match That MADE Cedric Alexander in the WWE.” Kota Ibushi was set up to be one of the bigger stars of the CWC when it was announced. Former ROH talent Cedric Alexander was entered into the tourney as well, but the level of hype behind him wasn’t as strong as it was for Kota. After this matchup concluded though, everyone in attendance and those watching at home saw the full potential of Mr. Alexander. He kept up with Ibushi at every turn during the counter heavy beginning portion. Cedric shook off the damage dealt to him and at one point, he even landed a sick Springboard Flying Clothesline on Ibushi. This wasn’t enough to take down the Japanese Jr. Heavyweight, though. Ibushi pulled out devastating strikes, a beautiful Asai Moonsault, a nasty German Suplex and his finishing Elevated Last Ride Powerbomb to finish Cedric. Both men got the resounding applause they deserved. But more importantly, Cedric became the shining star that we knew he’d fought hard to become.

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