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WWE Battleground 2015 Results: Power Ranking Every Match at PPV
July 20, 2015WWE Battleground 2015 Results: Power Ranking Every Match at PPV
Six matches on the main card at Battleground provided a combination of both excitement and ultimate disappointment.
Several matches, including perhaps the biggest three of the night, had controversial finishes, which either sets things up nicely for SummerSlam or leaves things in a state of confusion.
It wasn't all bad of course, but Battleground felt like a show that could have been better.
There were good matches and matches that felt a bit flat on the whole; and here's a ranking of all six matches in reverse order.
6. The Prime Time Players vs. The New Day
Finishing sixth on this list technically makes it the worst match of the night, but that doesn't mean The Prime Time Players vs. The New Day was all bad.
In fact, The New Day's latest promo just before the match was a real highlight, and Xavier Woods almost stole the show with his mouthpiece work at ringside.
It did feel like it limped along on occasions inside the ring, and with very little challenge from other tag teams, these two will have the opportunity to put on a better showing at SummerSlam.
Titus O'Neil and Darren Young are not the most energetic workers inside the ring, which does affect the flow of their contests, but what they can do is play a character really well.
5. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
The opening bout of the night between Randy Orton and Sheamus had its low points, but the brutality and physicality shown by both men was a plus point.
Orton and Sheamus are both solid workers inside the ring, but with little substance behind their rivalry, this always felt like a filler match rather than something fans would become interested in.
They did a decent enough job, but in a match that wasn't long between two guys who have main event aspirations in the future, it could have been better.
But much like the tag match on the previous slide, a lack of openings above them means they'll probably compete again at SummerSlam.
5. Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Brie Bella
The Divas division has been given a shot in the arm over the past week, and two of the three stars promoted to the main roster got a chance to showcase their skills at Battleground.
There was a fear that Brie Bella would look seriously out of her depth here, but she held her own for long periods against two hugely talented stars in Charlotte and Sasha Banks.
The positive was perhaps the way it was booked; Banks didn't take the loss, and Charlotte picked up the win to increase her momentum.
But it wasn't a long match, and you still get the feeling that there's more to come from all this storyline's participants, including those at ringside and those who were inside the ring in the thick of the action.
3. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins
Had this match been played out to a conclusive finish, it could have challenged for top spot on the night.
Brock Lesnar's dominating opening eventually saw Seth Rollins counter and fight his way back into the contest, and it made for entertaining viewing on the whole.
Obviously it wasn't long because of the planned finish with Undertaker's return, and that's why it takes a hit in terms of the ranking.
But what happened inside the ring before the swerve was largely good. Lesnar looked strong and commanding, while Rollins' counterattacking was close to top form to blindside Lesnar on a number of occasions.
Clearly the match itself took second billing here to what happened with Taker and Lesnar, but on the whole it was a solid effort.
2. Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns
Surprise of the night may well go to Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt for their match.
It was one of several matches with a swerve finish, with Luke Harper seemingly back alongside Wyatt after aiding him to the win.
But what happened before that was marvellous to watch for a number of reasons. Firstly, Wyatt is just magnificent at playing the heel and working a crowd, and he dragged the match out well with his devious tactics.
And as for Reigns, he is gradually getting himself back to the character which made him such a big hit during The Shield's existence. Reigns is becoming more and more brutal and more and more aggressive inside the ring.
The action was great, the story was told well and there's legs for a second installment at SummerSlam.
1. John Cena vs. Kevin Owens
The finish will no doubt lead some to think this deserves a lower spot, but in terms of the whole match, John Cena and Kevin Owens yet again stole the show.
These two guys are a great fit for each other; not least is the fact that Owens can bring a whole new level out of Cena when it really matters.
Cena's performances have really stepped up while feuding with Owens, and he in turn enables Owens to flourish inside the ring as well.
There's been three excellent bouts between these two now, and Owens fans will be hoping it rolls into No. 4 and an eventual win for the former NXT champion.
Ignore the fact Owens was made to tap out for a brief moment; this was Cena and Owens at the peak of their powers yet again, and it was the match of the night.