10 Best WWE Matches Since 2010

8. Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Sami Zayn (NXT TakeOver: Dallas)

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WWE.com

In Sami Zayn, WWE chose the perfect opponent for Shinsuke Nakamura’s debut match. NXT’s most popular babyface was on his way out of the brand, having failed to recapture the NXT Championship after returning from injury. He’d since debuted on the main roster, and with the bright lights of Raw beckoning, he went out on an incredible high.

Nakamura, meanwhile, was wrestling for the first time since signing with WWE almost three months prior. The crowd were understandably electric for his arrival, and the building was completely absorbed as soon as his music hit. They went on to produce one of the greatest matches in TakeOver history, with Sami conforming to Nakamura’s Strong Style leanings throughout, matching him every step in the way.

Zayn ultimately failed at beating Nakamura at his own game, however, and the debutant was victorious, putting his opponent away with a devastating Kinshasa knee. It was a fitting end to Sami’s incredible NXT run, and the perfect start for Nakamura’s. It's still the best match of Shinsuke’s WWE career so far, one of the strongest debut matches WWE have ever produced, and a stunning high point for the developmental brand.

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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.