10 Absolute Best Matches WWE Can Promote In 2019

6. Sami Zayn Vs. Andrade

Seth Bryan
WWE

Sami Zayn returns as a babyface in this scenario.

The character work of 2017-18 was really something, but in the ring, we were half-reminded why the turn was such a shocking development. He acquitted to the heel role well, but the man perfected the babyface role when he unmasked. Astounding, unique, state-of-the-art offence fused with proper old school fire and timing, that he never took off, even as a midcard stalwart, is damning on WWE’s part. Here is a guy who makes everybody look far better than they are, except he barely was here.

Andrade is a great, amazing pro wrestler—if not an amazing heel. His stuff simply looks too spectacular to draw the broad response desired by WWE. Zayn is the potential antidote to that; in his masterful hands, something like Andrade’s spinning back elbow is no longer something to appreciate, but something to loathe as Zayn sells it, half-concussed, sprawled helplessly across the canvas.

A match as great-looking as its heel, this is the best means of maximising Andrade’s game and the best means of reminding us why we loved Sami Zayn in the first place.

Realistically, Rey in this role didn’t Andrade over as a traditional heel—but their series is the t*ts, and this would also be the t*ts.

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 current Undisputed WWE 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!