10 Great Matches Hidden On WWE PPV Kickoff Shows

5. Sheamus Vs. Cesaro (SummerSlam 2016)

The Usos New Day
WWE.com

Sheamus and Cesaro's awesome best of seven series concluded with a dumb no contest at Clash Of Champions 2016, but was a reliable source of great matches throughout. Their bouts were about what you'd expect from two wrestlers of their calibre, with both men beating the snot out of each other throughout the series, before ultimately coming together as one of WWE's most enjoyable tag teams once the feud had concluded.

It all started on SummerSlam 2016's Kickoff. Their first bout finished the three-match pre-show with aplomb, and while 'The Swiss Superman' seemed to have his rival beaten with a Sharpshooter, Sheamus' loose morals came into play. The Irishman poked Cesaro's eyes, threw him against the ring post, then put him away with the Brogue Kick, starting a profitable run that would see him go 3-0 to begin the series.

One of only a few highlights on a largely disappointing card, Sheamus vs. Cesaro provided few surprises, but still entertained, even though it took the crowd a few minutes to get into it. Their chemistry continued building through their feud and beyond, and they remain one of WWE's best tag teams today, despite losing their titles to Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins last week.

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.