Nos. 1-2
6 of 6
2. Survivor Series WarGames
Survivor Series was relatively short, but it was one of the best overall shows of the year. Outside of the SmackDown Women’s Championship bout, the rest of the event provided some exceptional storytelling.
The women’s WarGames match gave fans a splendid conclusion to Belair’s conflict with Damage CTRL. The outcome was such a perfect way to pay off their staredown from SummerSlam and complete Lynch’s character arc.
The United States title match was an action-packed contest with an inventive finish. It also worked as a vehicle to continue to reset Theory following his failed Money in the Bank cash-in.
Styles and Balor had a great one-on-one match that could rival their surprise matchup from TLC 2017.
However, The Bloodline’s current storyline took center stage. All of the backstage segments leading up to the main event added tension to the men’s WarGames match, making the ending even more satisfying.
In the end, it was exactly what Triple H promoted it as: a story-driven event as opposed to the usual brand warfare. It was a welcomed change of pace.
1. Clash at the Castle
Clash at the Castle was far and away the best WWE pay-per-view of 2022. This was the home run the company needed to prove it was back on track.
The first UK-based event in 19 years gave us an electric atmosphere that enhanced the entire viewing experience. The six-woman tag match exceeded expectations and offered a hot start. Then, Gunther and Sheamus thrived in front of the crowd in Cardiff, Wales, as they produced an amazing match-of-the-year contender.
Liv Morgan even had her best title defense to date on this card. Edge and Rey Mysterio fell to The Judgment Day, which allowed Dominik to finally turn heel and align with Rhea Ripley.
Rollins and Matt Riddle were initially set to face each other at SummerSlam, but they had a much better build ahead of Clash at the Castle. As a result, their match garnered a louder reaction. The Visionary’s entrance and the chorus of fans singing his theme song will go down as a career highlight.
The outcome of Reigns vs. Drew McIntrye was divisive, but the match was a little overwrought. However, it wasn’t enough to put a damper on a superb show that will end up on many year-end lists.
