#3 Battleground - Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn:
Already competing in a stellar bout at Payback, Owens and Zayn outclassed their previous effort with a match of the year candidate at Battleground. A perfect climax (for now) to the rivalry that started back in 2014 in NXT, Owens and Zayn tore the house down with an insane bout that had fans in awe.
The number of incredible spots was amazing, as they only added to the already emotional matchup. The brainbuster on the apron was mind-boggling, and the back-to-back exploder suplexes earned a standing ovation from the Washington crowd.
The in-ring storytelling was top notch also, as the underdog Zayn fought back with everything he had against the arrogant bully Owens. This storytelling throughout the match climaxed beautifully with the finish, which saw Zayn finally overcome his long-time foe with two Helluva kicks.
The crowd was incredibly hot as well, reacting to every near fall and big spot from the bitter rivals. The two men’s ridiculously strong chemistry elevated the bout even further, and it will be a delight to see them clash in future with a title on the line.
Even though Zayn hasn’t garnered as much success as fans may have wanted, this huge win and incredible encounter with Owens established the Underdog from the Underground as one of the best in-ring workers in the entire company.
Owens had already proved to fans that he was amazing in the ring, but this further cemented his ability to steal the show from anyone and everyone. Overall, an extraordinary bout that had fans ecstatic, as Owens and Zayn ended their feud (for now) with a bang.