10 Best WWE Matches Since 2010
WWE's in-ring standards are better than ever these days, and here's the proof...
Though WWE would like you to believe that business is better than ever in 2017, there's no escaping the huge problems currently dogging the company. From embarrassingly poor TV ratings to their crippling lack of legitimate stars, WWE have plenty to improve on at the moment, and while their market dominance mitigates the damage, these issues often make it hard for fans to stay engaged.
There is one area in which the company continue to excel, however: between the ropes. Matches aren't as violent or risky as they used to be, but the past few years have brought a vast improvement in athletic and technical standards. Sure, WWE still screw things up with oddball booking and screwy finishes, but it's hard to argue that this isn't one of - if not the - greatest in-ring period in the company's history.
There have been dozens of classic matches since 2010, and narrowing them down is tough. Unfortunately, it's just not possible to honour every single one of them, and swathes of world class bouts have inadvertently missed out. Regardless, each of the matches within has earned their place on merit. Their quality is beyond question, and places them among the finest of the decade thus far...
10. Daniel Bryan Vs. John Cena (SummerSlam 2013)
SummerSlam 2013 got off to a rough start with Bray Wyatt’s atrocious Ring Of Fire match against Kane, but the quality level soared throughout the night, with John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan capping one of the best pay-per-views in recent WWE history.
Cena was WWE Champion at the time, and of all the fantastic performances Bryan produced for the company, this may be his finest. He and the champ worked a classic, slow-building main event match before a partisan pro-Bryan crowd, starting methodically, but gradually escalating towards a thrilling conclusion.
The “Yes!” Movement hadn’t yet peaked, but DB’s popularity was surging at the time. He was the most over wrestler in the company, while Cena was WWE’s hand-picked golden boy, and the fans were firmly against him. Thus, Bryan’s victory provoked euphoria in the stands, and while the moment would eventually be bettered at WrestleMania XXX, this one came at the end of a far superior match.
Bryan’s glory was short-lived, however. He was double-crossed by Triple H, the special referee, allowing Randy Orton to arrive with his Money In The Bank briefcase, and make the cash-in. Daniel’s reign lasted just a few minutes, though this undoubtedly contributed to his surge the following year.