The past twelve months weren't exactly a banner year for WWE. Poor ratings and even worse creative left the company in something of a funk going into the Christmas period. Match quality, though, is not something that the WWE roster struggles to maintain. There are A-grade performers on every rung of WWE's talent ladder and just about every wrestler the company employs is capable of putting on a standout match when the stars align. Some of the best WWE matches of the year are those that have been overlooked by many since they initially took place. These ten bouts have been criminally underrated across the board, but should be held up as prime examples of the best in-ring work that WWE has to offer.
10. Neville vs. Bad News Barrett (King Of The Ring)
It would be tough to find anyone willing to argue that Wade Barrett's tenure as King of the Ring has been anything other than an abject disaster. He spent most of the summer embroiled in a pointless and ridiculous even stevens feud with R-Truth and has only recently found some sort of footing as one of champion Sheamus' henchmen in the League of Nations stable. However, back in April, Barrett looked set for a surge when he won the crown in a great battle with Neville. The two British performers have showcased solid chemistry with each other in their series of matches this year and the King of the Ring final was perhaps the best of these bouts. Less than ten minutes of ring time was given to their bout, but both men made the most of the time, building to a string of thrilling nearfalls as both heel and babyface sought to outwit the other competitor. The finish finally came when Neville rolled through a missed Red Arrow, but walked right into the Bull Hammer Elbow. Barrett and Neville are two of the most underused performers on the WWE roster and, in this match, they proved what they can do when there's something important on the line, even with little time in which to work. Whatever has happened since, the final of King of the Ring 2015 ought to be remembered as a highlight for both men.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
