2014 Ongoing Match of the Year List

22. Dean Ambrose vs. Sheamus WWE Smackdown 5/9

ER: This match felt like the best possible Worldwide match to me, but got more of a story than WW matches would ever get. Ambrose was beat up but wanted his title back, and we got some more great babyface FIP Ambrose. The match was really stiff and I'm sure both guys presently have some nice bruises. You could really feel Ambrose's shots to Sheamus' stomach, Sheamus' kicks to Ambrose stomach, and Sheamus' 10 count clubbing forearms were especially nasty (also love how organically Ambrose got into position for them. He's the Chavo to Rey's 619). I loved all the count out spots and how they worked in the simple drama around them. You hear announcers throw out "desperation" a lot to the point where it's really cliche, as they just call every comeback move a "desperation move". But Ambrose was the personification of desperation here, with his wild Thesz presses, awesome rebound lariat, and overall scrambling. Awesome short match.

PAS: Ambrose was so good in this match, I had never seen the top rope chopblock before, and it was such a cool addition to his offense. It really feels like the kind of thing a crazy person might pull off in a street fight "this guy is kicking the shit out of me, I am going to just fly into his leg." I also loved everything about the finish. Ambrose was totally KO'ed, but he flung himself to the floor to avoid the three count and try to regroup, he rolls back into the ring knowing he is going to get merked, but desperate to die with his gun in his hand. Great character moment. Sheamus did exactly what he was supposed to do, be the shredder that Ambrose dives into


2014 MASTER LIST