10 Best WWE Matches Of 2017 (So Far)
1. Tyler Bate Vs. Pete Dunne (NXT TakeOver: Chicago)
They’d already built a solid reputation within the WWE Universe prior to TakeOver: Chicago, but Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne went supernova on May 20th. Their UK Championship rematch stands not only as one of the greatest NXT matches of all time, but a legitimate ‘must see’ classic that will feature high on many fans’ Match Of The Year lists, regardless of promotion.
It lasted just 15 minutes, but Bate vs. Dunne II took everything that made their first bout so special and enhanced it. The crowd were on fire throughout, breaking into ‘Bruiserweight’ chants before either competitor had ever walked out, and the action brought them to a standing ovation about 10 minutes in. They were completely enraptured, and it’s easy to see why.
Bate shone with a spectacular Spiral Tap, endless deadlift suplexes, and an Airplane Spin so fast, it looked like he was going to take off. Stunning counters, brutal striking, and a nasty finger breaking spot: the match had everything.
Pete scored the victory after dodging a tope and hitting his Bitter End finisher, but both men looked like megastars, and given their youth, we can probably look forward to many more classic bouts between the two over the coming years.