10 Most Embarrassing Wrestling Botches Of 2018 (So Far)

2. Black MISS (NXT TakeOver: Chicago)

Aleister Black Lars Sullivan botch
WWE

Big botches always stand out in NXT. The developmental brand's astronomically high in-ring standards make every mistake an instant immersion-breaker, and they're as rare as rooster's teeth as well. When they happen, you remember them, particularly when it goes down in a high-stakes match for the brand's top championship.

Aleister Black and Lars Sullivan wrestled a tough, attritional battle in Chicago. It wasn't the best match on the card, but both men put forth good accounts of themselves prior to the closing stretch, which was where the battle unravelled.

The reigning NXT Champion went for a match-ending Black Mass kick. He swung his boot, missing Lars completely, but just like Jinder Mahal and Undertaker earlier in the year, the monster sold it regardless. Down went the brute, and in came the commentary team who tried to cover the flub with one of their old favourites: "he didn't get all of it."

No, pal: he didn't get any of it.

The incident would've been a whole lot worse had it been the finish, but Lars kicked out. Still, they looked like a couple of uncoordinated rookies on a show associated with elite-level ring work.

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.