25 Best WWE Raw Matches Ever
14. John Cena Vs Neville (May 11th, 2015)
A blueprint for Cena's suspenseful US Title Open Challenge formula that year, this star-making match was an exquisite advert for newcomer Neville.
Against the NXT graduate, 'Big Match John' looked overmatched at times. Unable get a handle on 'The Man That Gravity Forgot' for much of the battle, his frustration built and his occasionally haphazard selling actually suited the vast array of offence he absorbed.
'The Champ' had withdrawn himself from topline clashes to spend a year enhancing his pedigree as arguably the company's best all-rounder, utilising the simplicity of wishing to remain United States champion as an endlessly tense crutch. It was a thrill to see him using his power for the good of such a dynamic new talent.
It was also a rare case of WWE's screwy television booking actually aiding performers. 'The Jumping Geordie' didn't have to suffer the indignity of defeat, hitting his Red Arrow finisher on Cena in what looked to be an amazing upset before spoiler heel Rusev ran-in and attacked both men.