The importance of a strong rivalry is immeasurable in the WWE. Sure, the matches and the characters and the pageantry are all each uniquely entertaining. But, the one thing that ties them all together is the story. What is a hero without a villain? What is drama without conflict? If the stakes are personal, doesn’t it just mean more? With that sentiment in mind, we’re taking a look at the some of the best rivalries in the WWE this year.
When they first announced the brand split in the Summer of 2016, it was reported that Triple H told Vince McMahon to take anyone he wanted from NXT except for Asuka. That’s what “The Empress of Tomorrow” meant to NXT. For over a year, she was the cornerstone of the NXT’s Women’s Division, where she ran roughshod over anyone who stepped in her way. Since 2015, she remains undefeated.
These sorts of runs are rare in the WWE, especially in this day and age. As the streak went on and on, the aura surrounding Asuka began to set up a story of its own. Who would eventually come along and be the one to finally defeat her?
Enter Ember Moon.
From the jump, she was billed with credibility. The vignettes, the squash matches – it appeared evident from her first match that she was going to eventually be a serious contender for the NXT Women’s Championship. And, she was. Given the drastic makeover of the NXT Women’s Division after the Four Horsewomen were called up to the main roster, it was important for them to develop depth in the division. But, things clicked with Moon so well that it became much more than that.
This was sort of a ‘coming of age’ story set in motion by both the dominance of Asuka and the careful handling of Moon. She didn’t come in and contend for the title right away, so it allowed for her to build a sort of aura of her own. Soon, people started talking about the inevitable showdown between the two.
It happened first at NXT TakeOver: Orlando during Wrestlemania 33 weekend, when both women were still undefeated. It was a great match – one that I said should have been the main event, but that’s neither here nor there. Moon came up just short, but was close enough to leave people guessing. Later on in the year, the two would put on one of the best matches of the year in WWE at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. Moon lost again, but in those two losses, still gave Asuka more trouble than anyone else in history. Later in the year, Moon finally captured her first NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: War Games.
Some will say Asuka should have done the honors for Moon. But, I think it was pretty important to keep her undefeated streak intact. Look at the credibility it’s given her on the main roster, and it’s still the important “plot device” that it was in NXT. Who knows? Moon could still be the one to end the streak. Just, maybe when it finally happens, it’ll be at a Wrestlemania instead of a TakeOver.
All in all, it’s rare for a program to feel so meaningful with only a couple of matches in the portfolio. But, that’s a testament to the excellent story-telling these two displayed in the ring.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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