2018 finally brought our fantasies to life and gave us some belters between the likes of AJ Styles against Shinsuke Nakamura, Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa and Pete Dunne against pretty much anyone he stepped in the ring with. 2019 has a lot to live up to, but with a roster with a depth so grand, there’s plenty of dream matches for them to tap into to make this year one that truly provides the fan service we all crave.
Looking into both the main and NXT rosters, it’s hard to pick out just five matches that I personally want to see. But here’s a few that wets my smarky appetite, that are likely to take place in the coming months.
1. Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch
The match that was scheduled to take place at the 2018 Survivor Series was unfortunately put on hold due to an untimely injury. I’m not sure anyone expected this match to become as tantalising as it did, taking into account Becky’s meteoric rise and Ronda’s constant improvement. But this feud has definitely shown signs of WrestleMania worthy proportions.
The current Raw Women’s champion is unlikely to lose that title any time soon, and will probably hold it up until, and maybe even past WrestleMania 35. I would happily put money on Becky being this year’s female Rumble winner, thus giving her an opportunity to jump ship to Raw for the season to battle Ronda. For once, WWE have one of the most natural and obligatory Rumble winners right in the palm of their hands. Everyone wants to see Becky win, and she certainly deserves it after this recent run.
If WWE follow through with their plans to make this year’s Mania the first ever to be main-evented by female superstars, then crack on, because this match is destined to be incredible.
2. Matt Riddle vs. Adam Cole
Matt Riddle has only scratched the surface of his NXT run, and has yet to really show the world what he’s capable of. The same could almost be said for Adam Cole, who despite having some bangers in 2018, has still yet to be given a main-event marathon. I think it’s safe to assume that The Undisputed Era are set to take-over (pardon the pun) this year, surely with Cole being elevated into the NXT title picture once Black, Gargano and Ciampa settle their feud.
Matt Riddle is finding his feet as one of the top draws on the NXT roster, and would make for an ideal babyface to butt heads with The Undisputed Era. Thinking of the matches he could have with Kyle, Roddy, Fish and Cole are stuff of wonder. In case you haven’t had a chance to catch a couple of his PWG matches with the aforementioned then have a gander at those.
I reckon we’ll be seeing a lot more of Riddle, alongside burgeoning names like Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic and even Kassius Ohno as this year folds out.
3. Pete Dunne vs. Travis Banks
NXT UK is still working out its hierarchy within the roster. Who’s staking a claim at the main events and who’s meandering about the mid-card. It’s somewhat of a free-for-all at the moment, but there’s one name that I can’t help but think is going to breakout following his match with Jordan Devlin at Takeover: Blackpool. Travis f’n Banks.
The Kiwi Buzzsaw has had a notable history with The Bruiserweight, bringing his lengthy Progress Championship reign to an end and being a thorn in the side of British Strong Style ever since. Pete Dunne is being made to look like an absolute beast of a champion, and good for him, but somewhere there needs to be someone of equal footing, and that man should be Trav.
Considering he made it to the finals of the UK Tournament last year against Zack Gibson, there must be someone backstage who knows Banks’ potential. Him and Dunne in a mainstream clash would be big money for NXT UK, and would probably signal the conclusion to Dunne’s enormous reign.
4. Ricochet vs. Buddy Murphy
About a year ago, everyone had Ricochet penned for the 205 Live division, which at the time wasn’t exactly a wondrous future. But more eyes are slowly being diverted to the Cruiserweights, and now with the potential to move up into a high-ranking part of the main roster, a light has been lit underneath them. Should Ricochet be bumped up within the next year then I definitely think he should make a go for the Cruiserweight Championship as it would help give a boost to 205 Live and carry on the momentum set by the likes of Alexander, Ali and Murphy.
Buddy Murphy has been the MVP this year, consistently putting on mat classics as their champion. Should he continue to hold the title past WrestleMania season then I would certainly consider putting him in a big feud with a debuting Ricochet. The two have met once or twice before on live events, which apparently were as amazing as you’d think, so getting to see them two put it all out there for the sake of building the credibility of the 205 Live, would be fantastic.
5. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose
So yeah, wishful thinking maybe, but we’re all missing Reigns so it won’t hurt to keep our fingers crossed. Reigns’ sudden departure from WWE was a stinger, made even worse by Ambrose’s heel turn on Seth Rollins. It almost seemed to certify that if and when Roman was to return to the ring, then he’d immediately have a vicious villain to shut down.
Dean’s heel run hasn’t really lit any fires but I for one think there’s still potential. His feud with Rollins could still take off if they allowed them to drop the gimmicky BS and go all-in with the passionate promos and violent matches. Nevertheless, Dean needs to somehow manage to maintain the heat he generated when he turned that fateful night.
Roman’s return is going to be stuff of legend, and I hope we get to witness that in 2019. There’s no doubt that when he does come back, he’ll be on course to win the Universal Title. Should that be from Dean Ambrose? Well I wouldn’t say no.
What matches would you like to see go down in 2019? Are there any burning fantasies that WWE haven’t tapped into yet? Let us know in the comments.
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