10 Best WWE Matches Of 2018 (So Far)
1. Andrade 'Cien' Almas Vs. Johnny Gargano (TakeOver: Philadelphia)
Separating Johnny Gargano's two five-star TakeOver classics was almost a coin flip. Either would be a perfectly acceptable top pick, but in terms of pure, uncomplicated pro-wrestling adrenaline, it doesn't get any better than the masterpiece he and Andrade 'Cien' Almas served in Philly.
Gargano, already established as WWE's finest babyface, had fought through great adversity to earn his NXT Championship shot, and his redemption was nearing completion. But while his obstacles were kayfabed, his opponents were real. Almas looked like a developmental bust prior to Zelina Vega's arrival, but her managerial services helped transform his act, and by January, he was one of the most must-see performers on the planet.
Expectations were astronomical, but the duo somehow exceeded them. The escalation of drama was flawless. Each near-fall was a genuine heart-in-mouth moment, and it stands as a rare example of interference working to a match's detriment, with Candice LeRae chasing Vega from ringside.
Gargano looked an obvious victor beforehand, but WWE subverted this. It worked out perfectly. Sometimes, the good guy just isn't good enough to get the job done, and it was refreshing to see the company go for this angle over the more predictable option.