10 Best WWE Matches Of 2017
6. Roman Reigns Vs. Braun Strowman - Fastlane
Both achievement and pleasure, the first Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman match was a scary, endorphin-triggering mercy killing of the typical WWE big man match. The Big Dog and The Monster Among Men redefined what men of their size - and better still, their role - are capable of.
Reigns, unlike so many of his underdog babyface predecessors (and one in particular) didn't sell, histrionically and simplistically, telegraphing a rote comeback sequence. He athletically evaded the Strowman's monstrous offence with no wasted motion whatsoever, inventively leaping the ring steps and smashing him with clotheslines. More than big dumb blockbuster fun, this ridiculously entertaining titan clash accomplished its two principal objectives:
1) By beginning the match by roaring in the face of Roman's biggest shots, but forcing himself to the no monster's land of the top turnbuckle just to put him away, Strowman built Roman as a threat capable of beating the Undertaker in his own yard.
2) In entering a performance that bordered on the physically impossible, Strowman was enhanced in defeat.
Many fans mock Roman Reigns, or at least what he represents - but this match was miles better than Cena's formulaic RAW bout with Strowman months later, and Roman comprehensively did what Lesnar could not at No Mercy.