5 biggest and best matches of 2017

#2 WWE Championship - AJ Styles vs. John Cena - Royal Rumble 2017

Cena and Styles began 2017 with a match that set the bar for others in the company to follow

This battle was considered not just one of the best matches in WWE last year, but one of the best in wrestling period. This showcase pushed Cena to compete at a different level, and who he faced was also an integral part of the match's overall success. AJ Styles was the reigning WWE champion, and this didn't simply represent another win or loss for Cena, it actually had a much greater value.

With the win, John Cena became a sixteen-time world champion and tied Ric Flair for the most all-time (recognized) world championship reigns in professional wrestling/sports entertainment history. While the record books are somewhat sketchy as to how many times Flair actually captured the title, the number sixteen has remained the benchmark for championships. Both men should be commended for their efforts during and after the match.