13 Best WWE Matches Of 2016 (So Far)

7. NXT Championship Match: Finn Balor Vs. Samoa Joe - TakeOver: Dallas

There was no lack of intensity and hatred between Finn Balor and Samoa Joe as they arrived in Dallas for the main event of NXT TakeOver, a world title match between two of the best wrestlers on the planet. Grappling was not on the itinerary early, though, as the Superstars exchanged blows and brawled around ringside to start.

A bloody wound suffered by Joe added to the aura of the match, though the momentum of the competitors was nearly halted altogether with the involvement of referees and trainers, all of whom tried desperately to clean the challenger up.

Refusing to let the constant interruptions derail the match, they maintained a level of performance that few can for the entire run-time of the contest. Balor, the defending champion who had risen to the status of a franchise star, overcame the incredible aggression and furious rage of Joe to put him away and retain his gold with a finish straight out of Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart from WrestleMania VIII.

The big-fight feel, the animosity and the unpredictable nature of the action helped elevate the match from overshadowed main event to one of the best of Balor's reign as champion.