10 Absolute Best Matches WWE Can Promote In 2019

9. Samoa Joe Vs. Rey Mysterio

Seth Bryan
WWE

A first-time singles meeting between the most vicious, violent bastard in WWE versus its most slippery, spectacular and sympathetic babyface, who between them share 49 years’ worth of the nuance that comes with experience, this could only be an incredible match.

The drama could only escalate throughout.

Mysterio’s escapology bit would boil Joe’s piss, leading to a procession of ultra-violent spots that showcase Joe’s killer aura and Mysterio’s ability to pull viewers into a match on a rare, emotional level. Joe, evergreen, remains capable of bumping for Rey’s blockbuster set-pieces, and Rey is still ridiculously limber, and capable of being stretched into positions of palpable agony. Mysterio loves taking a beating in there, too, to put a match over. This could verge on the harrowing, and isn’t that what wrestling is all about?

You keep reading that wrestling is “fun”, and that everybody should be free to like what they like. Wrestling isn’t about fun; it’s about watching people get badly, badly hurt in entertaining ways—before overcoming. Unless they’re jobbers. Then it’s just about the pain.

Ultimately, this is an idealised version of the timeless babyface versus heel dynamic—one that operates in one of WWE’s preferred layouts, but features the performers best-equipped to do something very arresting, and very interesting, with it.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!