10 Best Matches From WrestleMania 35 Weekend

4. Pete Dunne Vs. WALTER (NXT TakeOver: New York)

Adam Cole Johnny Gargano Kofi Kingston Daniel Bryan
WWE

Pete Dunne vs. WALTER captured the all-important big fight feel as well as any other match over WrestleMania weekend. Almost two years into his reign as United Kingdom Champion, 'The Bruiserweight' faced a new kind of challenge in 'Der Ringgeneral,' who was presented like a monster movie villain. Casting a stark, black silhouette against his entrance's bright white backdrop, he was a challenge unlike anything Dunne had faced across his 19 previous defences - and so it transpired.

WALTER battered Dunne in the early stages. Pete couldn't figure this new puzzle out, and didn't come alive until abandoning his cautious gameplan for pure, righteous fury. His fire brought the crowd alive. He destroyed WALTER's fingers to the point where the big Austrian couldn't execute his signature chops anymore, and it's to Pete's credit that his opponent was forced to dive deep into his arsenal to end this incredible reign, finishing 'The Bruiserweight' with a top-rope Powerbomb (that saw Pete fly three-quarters of the way across the ring) and a big splash.

If there's one criticism, it's that the minutiae of this tight, detailed European-style match didn't quite connect with the arena. If it had, Dunne vs. WALTER would be a modern WWE classic.

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.