The 10 Best WWE Matches of 2017

#3 Aleister Black vs. Velveteen Dream (NXT TakeOver: War Games)

"Enjoy infamy...Velveteen Dream!"

We all knew that this had the potential to steal the show in Houston the night before Survivor Series, but never did I expect that it would come close to stealing the entire year!

The feud leading into Houston was one of the best of the year. It was a clash of polar opposites, with the flamboyant Velveteen Dream demanding recognition from the stoic, serene, and mysterious Aleister Black. The character work by both men was superb, but it all would have fallen flat if the match disappointed. We knew that was unlikely and were proven right.

Before the bell even rang, Velveteen Dream let us know that this thing would be on fire when he revealed Rick Rude-style tights embroidered with Aleister Black's face on one leg and his own on the other. You had to burst out laughing from that alone.

The match began on an odd note, with Aleister Black attempting to outwrestle the bigger Velveteen Dream instead of utilizing his greatest strength in his striking ability.

What really set this match apart, however, was the psychological warfare between the two men, which was the best I can ever remember seeing in an actual wrestling match. Both men tried desperately to get inside each others' heads, with Black stoically sitting and paying little heed to Velveteen Dream's flamboyant mannerisms in the ring right next to him. Later, we saw Aleister Black imitating Dream's flamboyance to his astonishment, which was another moment you couldn't not laugh along with. Not to be outdone, Velveteen Dream would also flip the table, imitating Black's stoicism. Never have I seen taunts so weaponized as in this match.

Interspersed through this exchange of psychological shots, both competitors delivered their big moves. A wonderful DDT variation from Velveteen Dream saw a near fall, as did his signature Death Valley Driver. Never had Aleister Black looked as threatened as he did in this match.

Eventually, in a smart reversal stemming from the build, Aleister Black wound up tying Velveteen Dream within the ropes, and as he escaped, smashed him with the Black Mass for the pin.

Finally, after defeat, Aleister Black sat stoically beside the fallen Velveteen Dream who, even though downed, was still struggling for attention. In a showing that might have actually bordered on respect, Aleister Black remarked: "Enjoy infamy...Velveteen Dream."

Thus, Aleister Black said his name, giving Velveteen Dream everything he wanted in the first place.

This match did everything it should have - it made a star of Velveteen Dream while still keeping Aleister Black the most intimidating force in NXT.