WWE: Ranking The Top 20 Matches of 2017

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19. Bobby Roode vs Hideo Itami – NXT TakeOver: Chicago

It first has to be said that Hideo Itami’s time in the WWE hasn’t exactly gone the way many expected. After being signed to the company in June of 2014 after solidifying himself as a stud while performing for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan, Itami very quickly caught the injury bug. He was first injured in May of 2015 and was knocked out of action for over a year. And just a little over a month after returning, he was hurt again, this time spending another 8 months on the shelf.

However, when he finally made his most recent return in April of this year, it was to confront new NXT Champion Bobby Roode which led to this classic at TakeOver: Chicago. For all the months of inactivity, it almost seemed like no WWE fan got to see just how good “Black Sun” really was. Well that was on full display on this night at The Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois as Itami matched Roode, a former 2-time TNA Champion, move for move over the course nearly 18 hard-hitting minutes. It was truly a veteran versus veteran battle as both men played to their strengths with Itami using his agility and hard striking matched up with Roode’s size, strength, and mat wrestling acumen.

Itami let it all fly that night in Rosemont, seemingly dishing out the frustration that had been his WWE career up to that moment in the form of kicks, chops, and slaps. Itami even managed to kick out of a Glorious DDT, but a second one ended his night. Roode showed his brilliance as well shortly before the finish as he used his veteran savvy and experience to roll out of the ring after enduring an Itami GTS, thus buying time to kick out at two. For two guys with a nearly combined 40 years of experience going head to head for a major title, you’d expect something special. But Roode and Itami took it to another level. Great stuff.