10 Most Disappointing WWE Matches Of 2016 (So Far)

9. Chris Jericho Vs. AJ Styles - WWE WrestleMania 32

Brock Lesnar Dean Ambrose WrestleMania 32
WWE.com

The problem with Chris Jericho - and this has been the case since 2012 - is that his mind is sharper than his legs are quick.

To put it another way, he doesn't seem willing to admit that he's a lost a step, and is still intent on attempting to wrestle briskly-paced technical matches with several convoluted reversals and counters.

In this match, which nonetheless was very well laid-out, the quality of the structure was compromised by the noticeable lack of smoothness in the transitions. It seems to take an age for Jericho to counter into the Walls these days, which is especially galling - these counters are meant to be hit with quickness and precision so as to take his opponent by surprise. The decision to book this match was in itself disappointing, too. It had already lost its lustre through overexposure.

The finish, too, was absolutely baffling - another infuriating example of WWE's counter-productive 50/50 booking policy. Jericho is already damaged goods to an irredeemable extent. His win here, as should have been obvious, did not cast a shred of doubt over the outcome of his subsequent series with Dean Ambrose.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!