21 WWE Matches That Almost Got 5 Stars
2. Pete Dunne Vs. Tyler Bate (NXT Takeover: Chicago)
You're probably at least older than Tyler Bate, who at the age of 20 almost had a 5 star match, and by many WWE fans' standards, did. Now, before you close the computer and wallow in existential dread, let us take a moment to appreciate what Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne were able to accomplish before either of them were legally old enough to rent a car in the United States.
Bate (20) and Dunne (24) were first seen on WWE screens in January 2017's UK Tournament, in which Bate defeated Dunne in the final to become the inaugural UK Champion. The division went mostly quiet until NXT Takeover: Chicago, where Dunne and Bate reemerged, now in front of a molten Chicago crowd who ate up every hard chop, high flying maneuver, and expert near-fall. These young adults were wrestling like grizzled veterans, and were giving WWE audiences a first-rate lesson in British strong style. Ultimately, Tyler Bate looked stronger here than he did in the tournament, despite taking a loss in this match, and his and Pete Dunne's stock have only risen higher.
If this was your match of the year in 2017, I can't say I blame you.