The year 2022 for WWE was a pivotal one, with Triple H taking over as chairman after Vince McMahon retired in July.
The Game has dominated the wrestling industry despite repeated returns and an overall improved offering. That is not to suggest that there weren't any noteworthy happenings throughout the first half of the year; in fact, the business had one of its greatest years in 2022 overall.
Let's take a look at five of the finest matchups on the main roster this year as we get closer to the end of the year.
Note: Kupy is to be credited for the "Tractor City" cover image. Check it out right here.
#5. The feud ending Last Man Standing match
Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns at Summerslam
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar have been WWE's most heavily featured wrestlers of the last decade. The two global superstars began feuding in 2015, and since then, had an on-again-off-again rivalry that culminated in a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam this year.Their best match to date is their last one, with only their WrestleMania 31 encounter coming close as a worthy contende
Both Reigns and Lesnar went all-out in the main event of SummerSlam, with the former going over, and in the process, retaining his title as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
#4. Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair stand out at WrestleMania 38
Bianca Belair dethroned Becky Lynch at The Show of Shows
When Becky Lynch returned to WWE at SummerSlam last year and defeated Bianca Belair in 25 seconds, it was a rather disappointing moment that took away the impact of The Man's return itself.But WWE made up for it at WrestleMania, in a match that had to be seen to believe that the two women stole the show in a card that featured the return of Cody Rhodes and Steve Austin's in-ring return after 19 years, among others.In WWE's biggest Premium Live Event of the year, it would have been really hard to stand out from too many great moments, but Lynch and Belair were not looking to take a backseat. They produced a truly wonderful match that will be remembered for many years, and the bout earned its spot as one of the top five matches of the year.
#3. Men's WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series
The 2022 edition of Survivor Series contains a match that will most definitely have ramifications to an important storyline in WWE.
Sami Zayn's loyalty, Kevin Owens' involvement as an antagonist to The Bloodline, and the faction's unity were all part of the story in the WarGames match, which ended the last Premium Live Event of the year with a banger.The match concept itself was fairly new to a wider audience and was action-packed for nearly forty minutes long. The Men's WarGames match not only made history as the stipulation debuted on the main roster in WWE, but also entertained in terms of in-ring action and storytelling in the long-term.
#2. The Intercontinental Championship match at the Castle
Dave Meltzer has given Sheamus vs Gunther a full 5 stars for their WWE Intercontinental Championship match at WWE Clash at the Castle.
This is the second WWE main roster match this year to be given a 5-star rating, with Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins also achieving it.
Surprisingly, the company won its second five-star match of the main roster from Dave Meltzer in 2022 at the WWE Clash at the Castle in September.GUNTHER and Sheamus had the best match of the night and arguably of the year as well, if only the other two wrestlers who earned number one on this list weren't able to produce two great matches, one with a five-star rating as well. More on that in a bit.The Ring General defeated Sheamus just shy of under 20 minutes to retain his Intercontinental Championship. The bout was free of interference and other shenanigans, with the Brawling Brutes and Imperium fighting away from ringside seconds after the opening bell, leaving the protagonists to slug it out in a brutal bout that saw the Irishman's chest reddened from the get-go owing to chops and strikes that were heard all over the Wales stadium.
Honorable Mention: Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins at the Rumble
The fact that this contest was tremendous alone makes it worthy of note. It was just amazing to see the Visionary enter The Dome at America's Center dressed in Shield attire while the entrance music played.
A disqualification result normally saps the fight's momentum, especially on Premium Live Events in a big match, but in this case, it perfectly fits the story.
Even if the fans didn't particularly enjoy the outcome, the match will go down as one of the best tales ever told in professional wrestling. At the conclusion of the match, Reigns firmly gripped Rollins in a guillotine choke while yelling, "He won't allow me to release go." It was a forceful declaration made by a former friend, and it will be recalled for years to come.
#1. The Hell in a Cell match between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes in his comeback match
The trilogy featuring Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins was the finest of the year.
Two matches featuring the same wrestlers are tied for first place. Following his successful comeback at WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in a match that had the potential to be the best of the year. The AT&T Stadium was filled with an atmosphere that helped to transcend the energy of the fight since the crowd couldn't get enough of the American Nightmare. The final installment of their trilogy deserves special consideration in addition to their match at WrestleMania. Although it was insane and not advised, The American Nightmare chose to battle inside the Cell despite Rhodes' injury prior to the bout, paving the stage for the eventual victory.
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The year 2022 for WWE was a pivotal one, with Triple H taking over as chairman after Vince McMahon retired in July.
Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns at Summerslam
