The Greatest Matches Of 2010: One PPV At A Time
Hey, Bleachers. I make my return to kick off the new year with a slideshow designed to reminisce in the greatness of what occurred in 2010. I'm talking about the greatest matches of 2010, one pay-per-view at a time. What I've actually done here is selected the best pay-per-view match that took place in each of the 13 pay-per-view events of 2010. Yes, that's it. One match per pay-per-view of 2010. Maybe I'll do a "Best X Matches of The Decade"... We'll see. Anyway, hope you enjoy the slideshow!
Royal Rumble 2010
1 of 14
30-Man Over-The-Top-Rope Elimination Match
I was going to leave this match out because of its unique concept and unpredictable setting, but at the end of the day, it is still a match that took place at the event. The match, to me, was highlighted by CM Punk's extremely well-delivered promo, whose character was perfectly suited for early in-ring domination of the match. This match, obviously, was unpredictable for everything but the finish. We all knew Edge was going to win the match after weeks of insults geared towards him by Chris Jericho. Also, Shawn Michaels was on a really good roll here this time around, even eliminating Triple H early on in the match. Really good stuff here, and the match is different compared to other Royal Rumble matches in the sense that the ring was not overcrowded at any given time. The match didn't give the audience anything over-the-top and it came off as somewhat standard Royal Rumble procedure. What was interesting was that they had several storylines going on at once, such as the Michaels-Undertaker rivalry (being furthered because of Michaels' failure to win the match), the Jericho-Edge rivalry (being furthered due to Edge's elimination over Jericho) and, seemingly, the birth of the Batista-Cena rivalry (due to Batista's elimination by Cena). Ultimately, I would say that the Royal Rumble match was very successful in delivering entertainment, along with some unpredictability. Well done.
Elimination Chamber 2010
2 of 14
The Undertaker vs CM Punk vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs R-Truth
[Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship]
Each of the superstars of this match put on an incredible show. John Morrison showed his true colors by putting on an impressive performance from start to finish and really heightened the entertainment aspect of the match. It came to my attention that no one superstar eliminated another more than once. R-Truth was eliminated by CM Punk, who was eliminated by Rey Mysterio, who in turn was eliminated by John Morrison, who was then eliminated by The Undertaker and he was ultimately eliminated by Chris Jericho. Follow that? Great. Like I said, I found it quite interesting that all eliminations were done by various superstars. This allowed for greater ease in putting each of the competitors in the spotlight. As great as the match was, the fact that Shawn Michaels showed up to further thrust his rivalry with The Phenom overshadowed the match itself. I even more praise the fact that Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho were the worst of enemies in the past, yet, ironic as it is, Michaels allowed for Jericho to get the victory. This showed the extent of Shawn Michaels' obsession with "The Streak" perfectly. Overall, this match was terrific, and the encounters provided story developments for the pay-per-view that was next in line.
Wrestlemania 26
3 of 14
The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels
[No Count-Out, No Disqualification Streak vs Career Match]
This match was truly the highlight of the night at the University of Phoenix Stadium and, unfortunately, saw the end of, perhaps, the greatest career ever to exist in the world of professional wrestling - the career of Shawn Michaels. While their previous Wrestlemania encounter was better, this match was historical,Ā incredible, emotional, a conglomerate of vast numbers of positive adjectives and then some more, and the experience is truly a necessary factor of any wrestling fan's foundations. This nail-biting match gave the fans everything they expected and in my opinion, this rivalry, the conclusion, and everything involving both these superstars' confrontations throughout the history of the business was perfectly put together and I would have it no other way. The psychology and environment of this match was so great that I believe it could never be replicated. It featured great storytelling and well-executed advancements in character development. The rivalry showed sides of Shawn Michales and The Undertaker that were rarely ever seen, or even never seen. Furthermore, what heightened the standards of this exposition was the fact that after the match, The Undertaker broke kayfabe and embraced Shawn Michaels. One word: Epic.
Extreme Rules 2010
4 of 14
John Cena vs Batista
[Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship]
So, here were two of the WWE's superstars prepared to tear one another apart. First off, I must say that the storytelling with this feud was spectacular. I found their Wrestlemania 26 match to be fantastic, more so because I really thought it was going to be just another average match. It exceeded my expectations by a truckload, and so did this. This match was very, very physical and it did the stipulation justice. Although there was not any trace of blood to add some credibility to the brutal nature of the contest, each man put on one hell of a performance. Batista proved to his haters why he was at the top of the food chain this time around, and John Cena proved why he is championship-material. What I thoroughly enjoyed with this rivalry was the way they made it out to be - John Cena and Batista were on equal grounds. This match made it more evident in the sense that they were equal forces because they really could not keep each other down - unless one individual was more intellectually superior, that is. The finish for this match is very polarising and caught me off-guard pretty badly... I hated it. Yes, the duct-tape incident. Eventually, I grew to appreciate it. I hate it very much, but I appreciate it - if that even makes sense. If memory serves me correctly, during this match a kid from the crowd shouted "I hate you, Batista!" and then Batista watched the kid and shouted towards him, "I hate you too, kid!" Good times. Unfortunately, this match was one of Batista's very last in the WWE, and it's really sad to know that whenever the guy's a heel, his ability as a superstar goes beyond limitless potentials. Hands down, this match was the best on its card.
Over The Limit 2010
5 of 14
CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio
[S.E.S. Pledge vs Hair Match]
This match featured two of the greatest students of the game that is wrestling and this was their third consecutive pay-per-view match of 2010. At this point, I yearned for a duplicate of their incredible encounter at Armageddon 2008 and when I found out that the S.E.S. was banned from ringside for this match, I knew just what to expect. This match was nothing short of great and it truly was remarkably done. Greater-than-satisfactory standards were met by fast-paced action and well-executed storytelling. At one point in time, CM Punk was legitimately busted open and the officials came out to the ring prepared for the typical "blood cleanup" routine. CM Punk realised how near-tainted the match was becoming and decided to take the reins. Perhaps shoving officials away and drop-kicking Rey Mysterio will do the trick? Well done, Punk. This just goes to show the kind of superstar Punk really is - one who takes initiative. The only disturbing thing associated with this match was the sight of a bald CM Punk. Seriously. In general, this match (together with the post-match segment) veraciously delivered in just the correct proportions.
Fatal Four-Way 2010
6 of 14
Chris Jericho vs Evan Bourne
[Singles Match]
What better way to proceed with an impromptu match-up than having Chris Jericho first cut a promo? My answer: There is no better way. Evan Bourne is known for his extreme proficiency in aerial maneuvers and Chris Jericho is quite possibly the best all-round wrestler in the business. Please tell me you knew this would be gold from the initial point. I seriously loved this match not only because of what went on in the squared circle, but because, for the millionth time in his career, Chris Jericho dared to put over yet another up-and-coming star. This bout included several near falls and aerial techniques and really helped to establish Evan Bourne as a legitimate mid-carder who can go at it, toe-to-toe, with the very best. We get to see Bourne defeat Jericho cleanly, no controversies, in the middle of the ring - after an amazing Shooting Star Press, of course. Incredible. I could go on and on about this match, but then I'd leave no room for the other matches.
Money In The Bank 2010
7 of 14
The Big Show vs Kofi Kingston vs Cody Rhodes vs Christian vs Matt Hardy vs Drew McIntyre vs Kane vs Dolph Ziggler
[Smackdown's Money In The Bank Ladder Match]
Randy Orton vs Chris Jericho vs The Miz vs Edge vs Mark Henry vs John Morrison vs Ted DiBiase vs Evan Bourne
[Raw's Money In The Bank Ladder Match]
*TIE*
So here I was trying to figure out which of these two matches stole the show at this very successful event at the Sprint Center in Missouri. I eventually come to realisation of the fact that these two epic performances did the job just equally perfect - in their own special ways. For example, both matches can be referred to as "spotfests." The Smackdown Money in the Bank Ladder Match included a defined means by which storytelling was clear. The action was great and as far as I could see, there were no botches. However, Raw's version of the Ladder match was done at a faster pace. Both matches are so similar yet they are so different. You have to give each of these 16 competitors their righteously-deserved credit for the excellence in - and out - of the squared circle during their respective matches. Looking at it on paper, one will realise that the competitors of the Raw Ladder match had the star-power to draw more and more fans into the mix to watch it more easily due to the fact that some of them are legitimate main-event players. Smackdown's version of the match had more of a mid-card feel to it, but that's just the issue. By this time, the mid-carders of Smackdown had grown so much that they were sufficient enough to satisfy the fans of the Friday night show. They really and truly own the show (even currently), and that is no lie. Smackdown is the place for mid-carders to shine. For that, I take my hats off to those guys who stood on equal sports entertainment grounds (or heights, as the case may be) against the superstars of Raw. I found both matches to hold their own and, truthfully, these two matches are incomparable in their own great ways. One thing they both have in common is that the winners of each match was going to affect the overall feel of the match - and they did, to epic proportions.
Summerslam 2010
8 of 14
Team WWE (John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Edge, Chris Jericho, Bret Hart, John Morrison and R-Truth) vs Team Nexus (Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, David Otunga, Skip Sheffield, Michael Tarver and Darren Young)
[Seven-On-Seven Elimination Tag Team Match]
The massive star-studded match-up which took place at Summerslam 2010 was not, in any way, short of excellently booked. The 14-man bout was all about the booking, from start to finish, and it amazingly worked out for every single person involved in the match. Here were seven "rookies" prepared for a collision course with a faction which consists of some megastars, all in their own rights. Keep in mind that the WWE alliance consisted of superstars whose accolades and achievements altogether amass to large numbers. What intrigued me about this contest was the fact that each of the rookies - well, most of them - held their own in the ring against this seemingly near-undefeatable group of superstars. The Nexus members were brought into the WWE at the status of main event and after seeing this match, I believe that few of them really are. What made this match-up even more interesting was the fact that the Nexus savagely ripped their foes to pieces week after week, and this was the first time they were actually going to be evaluated as a part of the WWE, and in the WWE main event spotlight, nonetheless. Also, Daniel Bryan was got his "Holy Crap Surprise of the Year" award for the out-of-this-world surprise-comeback he made. Wow. As the match went underway, there was one instance where Team WWE had eliminated two of the Nexus' guys and Wade Barett huddled the group outside the ring. The adamant leader proceeded to tell fellow powerhouse Nexus member, Skip Sheffield, something to the likes of, "Go in there, and fix this. Now." Sheffield then went into the ring and tore both R-Truth and John Morrison's heads off their respective individual bodies with monstrous Running Lariats. It took both Jericho and Edge to eliminate this guy. If this didn't make things interesting, Heath Slater took out both Chris Jericho and Edge. This match contained some superb booking that made for some very interesting moments. The only thing predictable about this match was the fact that Team WWE was going to win and that The Miz was going to screw Team WWE. However, the problem was that these two ideas clashed. Interesting. If The Miz screwed the WWE over, wouldn't he make them lose? Turns out that even though The Miz did screw them over, they still won. Very interesting, indeed. With great quality sports entertainment being presented in the ring, this truly was the best match of Summerslam 2010.
Night Of Champions 2010
9 of 14
Sheamus vs Randy Orton vs Wade Barrett vs John Cena vs Edge vs Chris Jericho
[Six-Pack Challenge Elimination Match for the WWE Championship]
This match is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most unpredictably booked match on this list. With countless accolades and championships held amongst the six men who participated in this match, this bout could have gone either way. I was on my knees when Chris Jericho was eliminated within the first two minutes of the match... Profound sadness. But, this also gave way to the depressed Chris Jericho that became known in latter 2010. Good storytelling, indeed. Next in line was the elimination of Edge. Who else for the job but John Cena? As you can see, this match also provided some nostalgia. John Cena's unexpected elimination by Wade Barret also paved the way for Cena's latter 2010 major program... Even though it sucks... Randy Orton eventually eliminated both Wade Barett and the WWE Champion, Sheamus - becoming the new WWE Champion in the process. I was somewhat intrigued by the fact that Randy Orton was the victor and not John Cena. The match itself was quite the entertaining one and was pretty much everything you will expect from a match of its level - unpredictable and entertaining. That's it. However, don't even try to cut this match short of anything as the highlight of Night of Champions because, plain and simple, it was. If anything, the match can be considered as just another filler episode for storyline developments, but it was done with very good standards.
Hell In A Cell 2010
10 of 14
Randy Orton vs Sheamus
[Hell In A Cell Match for the WWE Championship]
First thing: Why was this match second on the card? Secondly, I really loved The Barett-Cena match which took place on this very card because of Cena's vast move-pool improvement, but in the end, I think that this match takes the cake for the best of the night. Sheamus never looked so good. The Irish monster brutally fought Orton with everything he had in this very physical match-up, and the crowd was eating everything up until the very last second. Steel steps and steel chairs were used to Sheamus' delight but Randy Orton seemed to have gotten a rub off of Cena's "Superman" powers here. He manages to survive several predicaments that, on any other occasion, would leave him knocked out. There are some things I didn't like, actually. For one, I didn't like the finish but I guess I really can't take anything away from the match itself. Another problem I had with the match was that the steel structure of the cell was not really utilized. I guess I miss the part where they bust one another open also. But like I said before - I really can't take anything away from how good the match was. On the flip side, I didn't expect much from this match but, again, I was wrong. The game was well played here, and Sheamus manages to show us that the WWE made the correct decision by placing him in the spotlight that early into his WWE career. This is, without any doubt whatsoever, the best Orton-Sheamus bout that I have ever witnessed. The Viper goes into the cell as WWE Champion, and he steps out of the cell as WWE Champion. This is a good match that represents the pay-per-view itself really well.
Bragging Rights 2010
11 of 14
Daniel Bryan vs Dolph Ziggler
[Interpromotional Champion vs Champion Singles Match]
Wow. These two superstars complemented each other really well inside the ring. What were they really competing for? Practically nothing! These two superstars know the true meaning of the business - go out there, and put on one hell of a performance, no matter what the reason, regardless of what the stipulations entail. Here are two mid-carders starting off the show with this exhibition, giving the audience quite possibly the best singles mid-carders match of 2010. With several near falls, numerous momentum shifts, back and forth action at every turn and some pure wrestling involved, how could any other match on the Bragging Rights 2010 card be superior to this? This match delivered perfectly and to back this up, watch the part of the match where the crowd breaks out into a "This is awesome!" chant. In fact, WWE.com recently took it upon themselves to ask their fans to break the tie between this match and The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 26 as "Match of the Year" for 2010. Kudos to the WWE for showing nothing but respect to these two guys. They stole the show, and rightfully so.
Survivor Series 2010
12 of 14
Dolph Ziggler vs Kaval
[Singles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship]
In my opinion, this was the best match of the card and it took me by surprise. Dolph Ziggler gets another point in my book as he went out there and put on another strong performance; so does Kaval. Dolph's opponent this time would be an Indies megastar - just like Daniel Bryan. This match was quite a fast-paced one involving a high-energy feel - somewhat similar to the previously mentioned bout featuring Daniel Bryan. Kaval's speed gave this match great credibility as it heightened the work-rate. What really disturbed me about this match, though, was the lack of attention the crowd paid to this spectacular mid-card contest. There were several nice techniques executed by Kaval in this matchup and I fail to remember the crowd being sucked into the entertainment being provided. This came as another good mid-card bout from which I expected somewhat little and thought, before its occurrence, that it would most likely be classed as "easily forgettable." How wrong I was. Also, I don't believe that Kaval's loss hurt this match in any way. In fact, I believe that it even helped Dolph Ziggler to further establish a name for himself. This was a wonderful match whose only flaw was the lack of a good crowd.
Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2010
13 of 14
John Morrison vs Sheamus
[Ladder Match for the #1 Contender Spot to the WWE Championship]
And the victory goes to the one and only, John Morrison. Finally! I really can't get enough of this one. This match exhibited some things I've never seen in a ladder match before. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these guys seemed to have done some innovative things with the ladder as a weapon. The back and forth action helped this match tremendously, as well as the WWE's decision to give Sheamus the title of "King of the Ring." Their record was tied 1-1, and this was the rubber match. There is no doubting that the "unpredictable" factor was present, clouding everyone's judgement of the match as to who would really win the match, albeit the contract. Nobody knew who was going to win. The moves both men pulled out of the spot-bag were incredible and excellently executed. How did you like the finish where Morrison kicked Sheamus in the head and then grabbed the contract? Didn't see that one coming. Very entertaining, and not in the slightest form underwhelming in any way.
Conclusion
14 of 14
In closing, I want to wish all of you here at the BR a very Happy New Year in 2011, and I truly wish you all the very best. I hope you enjoyed this slideshow, and I hope to deliver to the BR community endless writing in the future!
Now, I would really love the feedback here. Do you agree or do you disagree? Tell me what you thought should have made the cut, and tell me what shouldn't have. Also, if I failed to mention anything, please do let me know. Let the comments flow, please and thank you.
