10 Wrestling Matches You Won't Believe Happened In 2019

4. NXT Halloween Costume Battle Royal(s) - October 31 House Show

Joey Ryan Ken Shamrock Impact
Twitter, @omgitsprice

Proving that NXT isn't just a Zack Snyder gritty reboot of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, the stars of the black-and-gold brand let loose on a Halloween Orlando house show by promoting two Battle Royal matches across the men's and women's division.

The bizarrely endearing inspiration wholesome Tegan Nox has taken from the demonic Kane materialised as an inspired cosplay visual gag. Shayna Baszler dressed up as Darth Vader and performed the one PWG spot NXT will never "borrow" in canon: the invisible move, via Jedi choke slam. A giant panda appeared, apropos of nothing. In what was perhaps a coded message, begging for a clean win in a big match, Bianca Belair wore an exfoliating sponge outfit. Rhea Ripley cosplayed as Triple H in October, and wouldn't you just know it?!

She dominated the month of November! Way to play the game, galah!

Shane Thorne, standing by her side, was less astute: he dressed as Chyna, and went from taking Johnny Gargano to 10 minutes back in October to jobbing to Mansoor in three minutes in November.

She did porn, genius. WWE can't be doing with that, even though it can be doing with pushing Lars Sullivan.

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!