10 Awesome Wrestling Matches You May Have Missed In 2018

5. Tony Nese Vs. Drew Gulak (WWE 205 Live - 13 February)

Buddy Murphy Mustafa Ali
WWE.com

205 Live was a brand transformed in 2018, as Vince McMahon's decision to hand Triple H the reins turned the show form the Chairman's unwatchable 'Little Guy Raw' to the workrate-centric 'pure' wrestling show it should've been from day one. Prompted by Enzo Amore's firing, it resulted in an immediate upturn in quality, and while it remains WWE's most neglected brand, it has become a reliable source of great weekly wrestling.

A Cruiserweight Championship tournament to determine Enzo's successor was booked early. Former allies Tony Nese and Drew Gulak clashed as part of it, yielding the best bout either had had in WWE to date (including their respective Cruiserweight Classic runs).

Gulak turned on Nese in the buildup, giving the betrayed 'Premier Athlete' something to fight for (on top of tourney glory). Drew, meanwhile, was reborn. No longer Enzo's goofball sidekick, he became an angry, ruthless technician, harking back to his old EVOLVE character. It was the right move, and the narrative helped the talent duo craft a gem of a bout that culminated with one of the year's most memorable WWE finishes.

Watch: WWE Network (paywall)

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.