10 Great Matches Hidden On WWE PPV Kickoff Shows

1. The Usos Vs. The New Day (SummerSlam 2017)

The Usos New Day
WWE.com

This entry from SummerSlam 2017 isn't only the most recent Kickoff Show match on our list, but also the best. The Usos vs. New Day was absolutely outstanding, and though it was eventually outdone by the pay-per-view's tremendous Universal Title main event, it stands as one of the best tag team matches WWE have booked in years.

These two teams had an excellent bout at Battleground, but they improved upon it in Brooklyn. This was largely down to their increased effort levels. Jimmy, Jey, Big E, and Xavier Woods left nothing in the tank as they charged through this 20-minute affair, creating a number of awesome high spots along the way.

The biggest highlights were The Usos' pop-up Samoan Drop to the outside, and Woods once again making a mockery of the idea that he is The New Day's weak link. Both teams did a great job of drawing the crowd into the action, and while Brooklyn started quiet, they were worked into a frenzy by the end, biting on every single near-fall, and generating an immense amount of noise.

With Woods taken out, the match boiled down to E vs. Jimmy and Jey. The big man fought well, but soon found himself caught in the middle of a Superkick party, and a double splash ended his group's short reign as SmackDown Tag Team Champions. An abrupt title change? Perhaps, but who cares when the match was so good?

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.