11 Must-See WWE Matches, Moments & Segments This Week (Oct 14)

2. WWE World Championship Match Opens And Arguably Steals The Show At No Mercy

Dolph Ziggler WWE Intercontinental Title
WWE.com

As odd it was to open the show with the main-event at No Mercy last Sunday and as much of a pacing issue as it caused to have the climax first instead of last, the great thing about WWE Network is that you can replay the PPV out of order and make it a better show. After all, the triple threat between Dean Ambrose, John Cena, and WWE World Champion AJ Styles was utterly fantastic; watched by itself or switched to be the main-event in your revised viewing, it matters not - it was simply an outstanding example of the triple threat gimmick.

Creatively booked and fluidly, flawlessly executed, Cena-Ambrose-Styles threw its name in the hat for the best match of the night amidst strong competition from Ziggler vs. Miz. Your preference for best match probably boils down to your wrestling style of choice; for fans of non-stop action with a rapid fire pace, the triple threat would be right up your alley.

Styles tapping out to a double submission, prompting a restart - the part of the match that has been most heavily criticised - was even handled well, as the ensuing confusion was very temporary; the bell rang, the ref waved it off, and the match continued all within about thirty seconds. That Cena took the pin instead of Ambrose continues his run of losses in big match situations that dates back to last October.

All in all, there was just a lot to like about it.

Contributor
Contributor

"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition. Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.