7 Match Star Ratings For WWE Clash At The Castle
5. Gunther Vs. Sheamus - Intercontinental Title Match
This was incredible.
It was the best WWE match of the year, but that sells it short almost. There's no need for the qualifier; this was so physical, dramatic and deafeningly loud that it barely felt like a WWE match. Since WWE almost perfected the quintessential WWE match in the main event, this was a fantastic night for a promotion that has both rediscovered itself and marched forward.
Part of rediscovering itself means letting down tens and thousands of fans, but still.
This was crafted in such a patient, extraordinary way. It was the fight everybody expected. They beat the absolute f*ck out of each other. Watching live in the stadium, from the upper decks, some of Gunther's chops were somehow audible. The match was built around Sheamus attempting to trap Gunther with the beats of the bodrhan. Encapsulating the great struggle at the core of the match, even at the third, successful attempt, Gunther tried to battle free as the crowd counted. He didn't just stand there frozen. This match was the perfect intersection of crowd interaction and a super competitive, intimate war.
This was Sheamus' career-best performance. His selling was incredible. His body looked like battered sh*t by the finish, his eyes were dead. The way in which he evoked sympathy and drew the crowd back, to the point of several standing ovations, was incredible.
Run it back.
Run it back forever.
A true classic.
Star Rating: ★★★★¾