10 Best WWE Matches Of 2017 (So Far)

8. DIY Vs. Authors Of Pain (NXT TakeOver: Chicago)

John Cena AJ Styles Royal Rumble
WWE.com

2017 has been another excellent year for tag team wrestling in NXT. Prior to their split, DIY had proven themselves as one of WWE’s best babyface duos in years, with Johnny Gargano’s mastery of the face in peril role standing out in particular. Current champions The Authors Of Pain, meanwhile, have improved way beyond their clunky early days, and are now a highly effective monster team.

These two teams have met several times throughout the year, with their most recent clash coming at TakeOver: Chicago. It wasn’t a perfect Ladder match (the belts were hung way too low, for start), but the chaotic environment allowed both teams to play to their strengths, with the Authors tossing Gargano and Ciampa around like ragdolls, and the challengers firing back with trademark resilience.

DIY’s spirited performance ultimately ended in defeat. Ciampa pulled one of 2017’s most gutwrenching turns in the aftermath, destroying Gargano around the ramp and stage, setting them up for a huge singles feud later in the year. It was sad to see them split, but they went out on the back of one of their best matches together.

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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.