WWE sounding interesting again and feeling left out? We’ve got you baby! If you trust us. Check out the Best WWE Matches of the Month archives going back to at least 2016, and follow along to see if this category ever reaches a “Top 25” again.
1. RAW Women’s Title: Bianca Belair [c] vs. Becky Lynch (SummerSlam 7/30/22)
In broad daylight, Bianca Belair swung that ponytail all the way down the entrance ramp and opened up SummerSlam with another classic versus Becky Lynch. It was missing WrestleMania’s big stage and those awesome good vs. evil costumes — plus Becky separated her shoulder a few minutes in — so while it didn’t reach those heights, it was still pretty incredible. They emphasized their signatures, Bianca’s strength, and her persistence in hitting the K-OD before she finally did. There was a Spanish Fly spot that made every other Spanish Fly look kind of stupid too. Excellent. So excellent.
2. Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook Match – Winner Faces the WWE Champion at Clash at the Castle: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus (SmackDown 7/29/22)
Drew and Sheamus opened up a SmackDown just beating the shit out of each other. All the Euro-reference gimmicks surrounding ringside got in the way of that more thanhelped, though they did eventually draw blood and Sheamus’ buddy Butch did a plancha off a barrel.
3. Last Man Standing – Undisputed WWE Universal Title: Roman Reigns [c] vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 7/30/22)
This was the match where Brock Lesnar tipped over the wrestling ring with a tractor. That wasn’t even the finish, either… kids these days have no respect for the business! Before that (and a little after), they delivered what was probably their second-best match together. Babyface Brock is undeniable sometimes.
4. No Holds Barred: Asuka vs. Becky Lynch (RAW 7/4/22)
I saw so many Asuka/Becky matches over the on RAW that they began to run together. They never got to the heights of that amazing Royal Rumble 2019 match but this was pretty great, with a bunch of fun spots (for us, not them) including an Exploder suplex on chairs, superplex on chairs, and a Rock Bottom through a table.
5. WWE Undisputed Tag Team Title: The Usos [c] vs. Street Profits (Money in the Bank 7/2/22)
After I watched this match, I wrote this: “The Usos and Street Profits have wrestled almost as many matches as The Usos and The New Day but somehow, some way, they’re able to not only deliver great wrestling but keep that wrestling fresh.” I stand by that as of the day, but considering the dud of the SummerSlam match might’ve jinxed them. This had its’ downtime but was a quality tag with Montez Ford standing out: charisma while fighting back, charisma while taking heat, and the audacity to tell an Uso to Suck It. I don’t always find value in comparing AEW to WWE, but as good as this was, that FTR/Briscoes match from Death Before Dishonor blew this out of the water.
6. NXT North American Title: Carmelo Hayes [c] vs. Grayson Waller (NXT 7/5/22)
Carmelo Hayes’ North American Title run has kept the spirit of NXT Black & Gold alive, delivering a handful of very good if not indistinguishable wrestling matches. With under 10 minutes of TV time, they got right to impressing people and had “This is Awesome” chants halfway in. Those aren’t always a mark or greatness, but I thought that was pretty impressive.
7. Ezekiel vs. Seth Rollins (RAW 7/4/22)
Since taking on the role of his own twin brother, Zeke has developed a really strong babyface game. Seth Freakin Rollins, probably still on a high from Money in the Bank, made good use of that. They had a rematch a few weeks later that was almost as exciting.
8. Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor & Damian Priest (RAW 7/25/22)
One can wish it felt more meaningful or inspired than your standard RAW TV tag; one can embrace the lively vibes of the MSG crowd and Rey’s 20th anniversary match.
9. NXT UK Heritage Cup: Noam Dar [c] vs. Mark Coffey (NXT UK 7/14/22)
Sometimes these guys just wrestle and it’s pretty good. What stood out after a few rounds of trading holds was just how much they upped the pace and energy for the last round, which actually resulted in the quieter Coffey brother winning a singles title.
10. Andre Chase vs. Giovanni Vinci (NXT 7/26/22)
Where did this come from? The repackaged Giovanni Vinci showcased his moves while Andre Chase re-emphasized his abilities as NXT 2.0’s ultimate hand.
Honorable Mentions: NXT Title: Bron Breakker [c] vs. Cameron Grimes (NXT 7/5/22), Riddle & Street Profits vs. Roman Reigns & The Usos (RAW 7/25/22), Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley vs. Theory & Sheamus (RAW 7/25/22), Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor (RAW 7/11/22), Bianca Belair & Liv Morgan vs. Natalya & Carmella (RAW 7/4/22), NXT Women’s Title #1 Contender’s Battle Royal (NXT 7/19/22), Sam Gradwell vs. Trent Seven (NXT UK 7/21/22), Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor & Damian Priest (Main Event 6/22/22)
