10 Best WWE Matches Of 2017

5. Goldberg Vs. Brock Lesnar - WrestleMania 33

John Cena AJ Styles RR
WWE.com

A welcome surprise and a thrilling antidote to both the bloated WrestleMania 33 card and the curious wider storyline, this heavyweight prize fight-cum-Universal Title match underscored the crucial importance of the pro wrestling finish. That storyline was rendered perfect via a perfectly-pitched contest.

Trading punches for signature moves, Goldberg and Brock Lesnar performed a scintillating sprint in Orlando - minimalist in content, maximised by superb pacing and the awesome aura of the performers.

In perhaps the biggest surprise of all, even Shakin' Kevin Dunn's camerawork was on point; after Lesnar immediately smashed Goldberg with an unholy trinity of German suplexes, the major shock of Goldberg's no-sell was framed beautifully. The camera threatened to linger on a roaring Lesnar before Goldberg, from out of actual nowhere, levelled the Beast with a brutal Spear. Lesnar rolled out of the ring after suffering a second - but Goldberg followed him and smashed him through the barricade. Fought with a furious, could-end-at-any-time urgency, this realistic emulation of a fight showcased Lesnar's brilliant, escapist athleticism and Goldberg's inimitable, enduring star power.

The Beast and Da Man was an exciting exorcism - both feel-good redemption story and larger-than-life WWE-style spectacle.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!