10 Excellent 2015 WWE Matches That Deserve More Recognition
7. Ryback vs. Bray Wyatt (Payback)
Bray Wyatt has worked a series of high-profile feuds during 2015. Given the illustrious names with whom he has stepped in the ring, it would be easy to forget his rivalry with Ryback coming out of WrestleMania. Wyatt failed to beat Undertaker at the Showcase of the Immortals and subsequently began to deliver cryptic promos, seemingly directed at a musclebound performer. Fans quickly worked out that Ryback was Wyatt's next target and their slow-burning rivalry led to a clash at Paypack, which few expected to be any good. Both Ryback and Wyatt came into Payback determined ti prove themselves and they delivered a hell of a match. It wasn't one of the highspot bonanzas that pops the crowd throughout, but it was a stiff, brutal battle between two enormous men who can really go in the ring. Some of the violence was off the charts, including a running senton from the apron to the floor by Wyatt that legitimately injured Ryback's ribs. This was an example of a match that few people remember because of the underwhelming build-up work. However, taken in isolation, the war between two of WWE's biggest men was a hugely satisfying match that gave Wyatt a much-needed PPV win after his loss to the Undertaker.
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.