WWE: 15 Best Matches of 2016
By Tim Sherry
Credit: WWE.com
5. Kota Ibushi vs Cedric Alexander – Cruiserweight Classic Round 2
Not only was the match between Ibushi and Alexander a top 5 match in 2016, it contained possibly the best moment of the year as well. In all the years I’ve watched pro wrestling I truthfully can’t remember a match that has a more beautiful, slow build that manifested into such fast paced action. And wow, this was a stiff affair, with kicks, punches, and chops echoing throughout the Full Sail arena. These guys clearly wanted to show that they meant business.
Now as noted before, Ibushi is one of the best in the world, but Cedric matched him in every category from start to finish. His suicide senton dive, springboard clothesline, and standing brainbuster were moments that could be included on any WWE highlight reel for the next decade. And wow, did the NXT crowd love Cedric? They were insane over his performance, giving him a standing ovation and chanting. Cedric, overcome with emotion openly wept at the response as this was clearly the biggest moment of his young career. For any wrestling fan, it truly was a tear-jerker, especially when Triple H came out. Check it out:
I don’t want to take anything away from Ibushi because he was his normal, brilliant self. But on this night in Winter Park, Florida, the WWE discovered a star. Within 3 months, he was signed to a WWE contract and proved that winning isn’t everything in the wrestling business. But hard work, dedication, and love of the sport is the crux of what really gets you to the top.