10 Awesome WWE Matches You Might Have Missed In 2017
5. John Cena Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (SmackDown 01/08)
OK, so this match isn't likely to be forgotten about in a hurry - mainly because of the blood-curdling landing that John Cena took after a botched suplex - but it is arguably one of the most underrated of 2017.
And yet, in a way, that's still not really enough. The first-time encounter between two of wrestling's biggest stars of the last decade really ought to be the sort of clash that takes place on pay-per-view after a solid few week worth of build. Instead, this was merely a number one contender's bout on SmackDown.
On the other hand, you can't really complain about getting such a huge match for free, and though it lacked the time or meaning to go down as a true classic, there was plenty for both competitors to take pride in.
Cena being able to end the match after being dropped right on the back of his head, for one thing. And the way that the crowd responded to the exchange of submission holds and finishers at the end - you just don't see that level of enthusiasm on SmackDown very often.