This week, SmackDown Live has an incredible main event that can be only described as one thing: a dream match. John Cena, the face of WWE for over a decade, faces Shinsuke Nakamura, one of the biggest stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling and the face of NXT throughout 2016. This is considered a dream match because somehow in their illustrious careers, this will be their first time facing each other ever. This was the case with Cena and AJ Styles last year as well. With WWE’s roster as big as it is, there are inevitably dream matches that have yet to take place. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting matches that haven’t happened yet.
This list will only include Superstars that are currently signed to WWE through NXT, Raw, SmackDown, 205 Live, the United Kingdom program, or the Mae Young Classic.
Asuka vs. Charlotte
Without a doubt, Asuka and Charlotte are two of the most dominant female Superstars to ever step foot in a WWE ring, and they have only been with a company for a handful of years. Charlotte went from NXT Women’s Champion to a Divas Champion to a four-time Raw Women’s Champion, cementing herself as one of the very best WWE has ever seen. However, there is a reason why Asuka has not gotten past the NXT Women’s Champion portion of her career: she has never lost.
While Charlotte definitely has an impressive list of accomplishments, it is hard to beat Asuka’s longest-ever undefeated streak in WWE. The Empress of Tomorrow has defeated Nikki Cross, Ember Moon, Bayley, Emma, Nia Jax, and anyone else who has stepped in her way. Charlotte might be her toughest challenge ever, but no matter the result, it would be an incredible match.
John Cena vs. Tyler Bate
When thinking of dream matches, this probably is not the first one to come to mind. John Cena and Tyler Bate will probably never cross paths in their careers, but they would put on a great match. Both Cena and Bate are known for their incredible strength, and when the pace quickens, both competitors can pull out hard-hitting moves and feats of athleticism.
If this were to ever take place, it would be a lot like Cena’s match with the debuting Kevin Owens. Bate is just 20 years old, exactly half the age of Cena, but if he could go toe-to-toe with perhaps the greatest Superstar in WWE history (win or lose), his credibility and star power would shoot through the roof.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Hideo Itami
When NXT was changing from “the brand that used to be FCW” to the juggernaut it is today, it kicked off a round of huge signings with KENTA, an incredible signing from Japan. Now known as Hideo Itami, he would have a decent run for a few years that would be plagued by injuries. Throughout Itami’s time on the bench, Shinsuke Nakamura would be the next signing from Japan (outside of Asuka) that completely shocked the WWE Universe. Nakamura would go on to become a two-time NXT Champion and have the run that a lot of people think Itami should have had.
Even though they both competed in Japan, they have not faced each other in one-on-one action. They competed against each other in a tag team match, but most of their work was done in different promotions. Nakamura worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling, while Itami wrestled for Pro Wrestling NOAH. If Itami gets signed to SmackDown, perhaps there could be a clash from the biggest Japanese signings WWE has had in years.
Cesaro vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher
WWE Superstars “wow” the crowd for lots of different reasons. They could have the charisma that clicks with the audience (Hulk Hogan, The Rock), they could be just an all-around badass (Stone Cold Steve Austin, CM Punk), or they could be some of the most technically gifted in-ring competitors of all-time (Bret Hart, Daniel Bryan). This last category perfectly describes Cesaro and Gentleman Jack Gallagher.
Cesaro has been heralded for his in-ring ability ever since he debuted with a first name (Antonio). Combining an insane amount of strength with perfect technique, Cesaro has captured several Tag Team Championships as well as the United States Championship. He also has had one of NXT’s greatest matches of all-time when he competed against Sami Zayn in a 2 Out of 3 Falls Match.
Gentleman Jack Gallagher has a different style than Cesaro, but it shows a different type of technical mastery. While some of his offense might be a little more on the flashy side, Gallagher’s catch style of wrestling shows how to perfectly manipulate the opponent’s body. He has also added a bit of his MMA background into his move set, giving him an array of submissions and strikes.
If this match was put on any Pay-Per-View card, it would steal the show. Cesaro has shown his ability countless times, while Gallagher has shown the amazing matches he can put on against Neville and Tyler Bate. If WWE lets Cruiserweights compete outside of their weight class from time to time this could happen, but for now, there seems to be no chance of them colliding outside of the Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles vs. Brock Lesnar
This very well could be one of the most exciting matches of either man’s career. Both AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar are two of the most successful professional wrestlers in the world, both inside and outside of WWE. They both have tenures in Japan, Styles has captured gold in just about every promotion he has been in, and Lesnar has captured NCAA and UFC Championships.
What is most important with this match, however, is their ability to put on captivating performances. Styles can have a good match with a broom and has had incredible matches over the past year and a half with John Cena, Roman Reigns, and even James Ellsworth. Lesnar’s use of technical ability is a thing of the past, but the Beast Incarnate always manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
There are dozens of dream matches that WWE could book, but these are just a small handful of matches that would be incredible. Perhaps one day we could see Sasha Banks vs. Kairi Sane or Pete Dunne vs. Neville, and with WWE’s ever-expanding roster, there is always another dream match coming.
