5 of the best WWE moments of 2018

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2018 is coming to a close and even though the year had some bads and most of the bookings made by WWE made us shake our heads, it has managed to create some spectacular moments this year. Between Asuka standing tall after winning the inaugural Royal Rumble and Asuka standing tall with the Smackdown LIVE women's championship at WWE TLC 2018, there have been some beautiful moments produced by the largest pro wrestling company in the world.

So without further adieu, let us start.


#5. Daniel Bryan's return to in-ring action.

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Say whatever you want about Daniel Bryan, but you cannot deny the fact that Daniel Bryan's return to in-ring action was nothing short of a miracle. Although he had been cleared by most doctors around the United States of America, Bryan was refused a return to a WWE ring. Thus he was forced to subside to the role of Smackdown LIVE's general manager - to rival the popularity of RAW's general manager Mick Foley, in storyline terms.

However, the leader of the YES movement never gave up training and stayed fit for a possible in-ring return - either in WWE or in a smaller promotion once his contract with WWE expired. Since his contract was rumored to expire in the summer of 2018, fans speculated Bryan not to re-sign with the company and appear at ALL IN - an independent PPV 2018.

But on March 20th, every rumor was put to rest when WWE finally cleared the American Dragon to compete in WWE. On the next episode of Smackdown LIVE, Bryan entered the arena to a humongous pop.

Even though Bryan is currently not working any high-risk matches at the moment, he is the reigning WWE champion. His still produces quality matches and is the top heel of the blue brand.

#4. Return of the Undertaker

The Undertaker made a return at Wrestlemania 34.
The Undertaker made a return at Wrestlemania 34.

Even though most of the WWE fans want The Undertaker to call it a day in his career, his presence can still give goosebumps to them. At Wrestlemania 33, The Undertaker symbolically retired from WWE - or at least fans thought he did so. Thus, when John Cena began taunting the Undertaker and called him for a match at Wrestlemania 34, some fans did not expect the deadman to make a return, especially since he barely had a good match after his Hell in a Cell 2015 encounter against Brock Lesnar.

However, the deadman did appear at Wrestlemania 34 and laid waste to his challenger John Cena. The 16-time world champion was squashed in a few minutes by the phenom. The Undertaker also had a casket match against Rusev at the Greatest Royal Rumble; singles match against Triple H at the Super Show Down, and a tag team match with Kane against DX at WWE Crown Jewel.

#3. Asuka wins the inaugural women Royal Rumble

Asuka won the inaugural women's royal rumble.
Asuka won the inaugural women's royal rumble.

Even though we mentioned it earlier, this one deserves its own entry.

Even though women like Karma and Beth Phoenix were a part of Royal Rumbles before, there never was a royal rumble exclusively for women. Thus the entire WWE universe chanted "YES" when Stephanie McMahon announced that the 2018 Royal Rumble would feature not one, but two Royal Rumbles - one each for the men and women. This move was essential to drive the women's revolution.

Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch began the proceedings and was soon joined by Sarah Logan and Mandy Rose. The crowd erupted when they saw WWE Hall of Famer Lita making a return at number 5. Many other ruthless aggression era women superstars also made a cameo during the event - the most notable being Trish Stratus and Michelle McCool.

However, it was Asuka who stood tall at the end after eliminating Nikki Bella to earn a right to challenge one of the women's champions at Wrestlemania. Even though the empress of tomorrow failed to clinch the Smackdown LIVE women's championship from Charlotte Flair at Wrestlemania, this one was an amazing moment nevertheless.

#2. Dean Ambrose's turn on Seth Rollins

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Every one knew Dean Ambrose would turn heel on Seth Rollins and possibly the Shield. The question was WHEN? Fans speculated Ambrose would ditch Rollins at Summerslam 2018. Then they predicted Ambrose would abandon the Kingslayer during their tag team match against Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler at Hell in a Cell 2018, only to flop again.

Super Show Down, the RAW after SSD - the list went on. Ambrose never turned heel. One day, the Universal Champion Roman Reigns announced that he was diagnosed with Leukemia 11 years ago and the condition has returned once again. The Big Dog had to relinquish the championship - paving a way to one of the most emotional RAW episodes in recent memory. However, on the same night, after winning the RAW tag team championship from McIntyre and Dolph, Ambrose turned on Rollins. This turn shocked almost everyone. Even though many saw this coming, the timing of this turn was impeccable.

#1. Brutal Becky Lynch

This one has to be the best moment of the year 2018. Even though Becky Lynch was popular among the fans, she was never given the opportunity to shine. Surprisingly, WWE let Becky shine after her heel turn at Summerslam 2018. She subsequently won the Smackdown Women's championship at Hell in a Cell and retained it successfully at WWE Evolution - hence qualifying to take on the RAW women's champion Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series.

On the go home RAW episode of Survivor Series, Smackdown LIVE women roster - under Becky Lynch invaded RAW and laid waste to every single woman on the locker room. Becky began the proceeding by attacking Rousey. However, during the brawl, Nia Jax messed up a punch and severely injured Lynch - giving her a concussion and a broken face. But Lynch did not back down. With a bloodied face, Lynch completed the entire segment, stood tall at the end - pushing her superstardom through the roof.

Today, Becky is one of the most protected women in the entire roster and this moment has a huge role in that.

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Edited by Shiven Sachdeva
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