2013 saw one of the best rivalries in the sport unfold in NXT. Newcomer Sami Zayn and the established Cesaro had competed against each other countless times across the independents. Their series in NXT, however, helped Zayn develop a reputation among WWE fans, and management, as one of the brightest young stars in the industry. For Cesaro, it helped him gain momentum that he is still benefitting from today. The Superstars exchanged wins, then blew off their rivalry in a Best 2-Out-Of-3 Falls match that many touted as the best match of 2013. The loss in that match tormented Zayn. No matter what he accomplished, the thought that he was defeated by Cesaro haunted him. With NXT Arrival announced for the WWE Network, it was decided that Zayn would have his opportunity to make up for the defeat via a match against the Swiss Superman. The two above-average workers started the show off on the right foot, delivering a Match of the Year contender and thrilling both a live and television audience with their displays of athleticism. Cesaro brutalized Zayn with a series of forearms and uppercuts that would have permanently disabled a lesser man. Zayn fought back, countering some of Cesaro's trademark work with rollups and nearly upsetting the former United States champion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTqHH0NFKu4 It was one last vicious, brutal uppercut from Cesaro that ended any chance the resilient Zayn had of mounting a comeback. The Neutralizer finished the Canadian off as Cesaro collected another huge victory on his road to WrestleMania 30 and what would be an Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal victory. He put Zayn over after the match, embracing his rival as the fans inside Full Sail University applauded their efforts. There were no frills, no elaborate stories and or ridiculous high spots. The match was simply two men beating the hell out of one another for the right to say that they won. That is Wrestling 101 and on that February night in Winter Park, Florida, Zayn and Cesaro passed with flying colors.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
