Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2022
The second half of 2022 was a period full of explosive developments, including title changes, shocking betrayals, and the rise of unexpected new stars. From jaw-dropping returns to the dramatic expansion of dominant factions, WWE storytelling reached new emotional highs and creative peaks. With each passing month, the landscape of both RAW and SmackDown was shaken by legendary matches, unforgettable promos, and matches that had fans talking long after the bell rang. Let’s dive into the key matches, storylines, and superstar performances that made the latter half of the year truly unforgettable.
🗓️ July – The Road to SummerSlam Begins 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (Last Man Standing – Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
- Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey (SmackDown Women’s Championship)
- The Usos vs. The Street Profits (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The long-running saga between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar escalated in a brutal Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam, one that saw Lesnar use a tractor as a weapon. Despite the chaos, Reigns kept his championship reign alive—again proving his position as the top champion of the era.
Meanwhile, Liv Morgan, fresh off her Money in the Bank victory, faced her toughest test yet in Ronda Rousey. Though Morgan left with the title, the controversial ending left fans divided and set up future rematches filled with tension and doubt.
The tag team division also shined as The Usos and The Street Profits battled to near-perfection, showcasing how much tag team wrestling had evolved under The Bloodline’s dominance.
🗓️ August – SummerSlam: Shocking Showdowns 🎉
🔥 Key Matches:
- Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (Last Man Standing)
- Logan Paul vs. The Miz
- Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
At SummerSlam, Logan Paul silenced critics by not only holding his own against The Miz, but by delivering one of the most impressive celebrity performances in WWE history.
Pat McAfee, known for his commentary and personality, kept his in-ring momentum going with a win over Happy Corbin, proving his dedication to the craft of professional wrestling.
While Roman Reigns again bested Lesnar, it was the growing tension between Sami Zayn and the rest of The Bloodline that stole the narrative spotlight, hinting at major drama on the horizon.
🗓️ September – Clash at the Castle: A Twist of Fate 🏰
🔥 Key Matches:
- Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
- Gunther vs. Sheamus (Intercontinental Championship)
- Edge & Rey Mysterio vs. The Judgment Day
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Drew McIntyre looked poised to capture gold in front of his home crowd, but the shocking debut of Solo Sikoa derailed his dreams. His interference solidified The Bloodline’s growing power and gave Roman yet another controversial win.
Gunther and Sheamus stole the show with one of the hardest-hitting WWE matches in recent memory. Their match brought prestige back to the Intercontinental title and proved both were in peak form.
The tag match between Edge & Rey Mysterio and The Judgment Day ended with a betrayal by Dominik Mysterio, who aligned himself with the dark faction, beginning a chilling new chapter.
🗓️ October – Extreme Rules: Unfiltered Chaos 🔥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Ronda Rousey vs. Liv Morgan (Extreme Rules – SmackDown Women’s Championship)
- Finn Bálor vs. Edge (I Quit Match)
- Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins (Fight Pit Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Ronda Rousey brutally reclaimed the SmackDown Women’s Title from Liv Morgan, closing the book on their summer feud and reestablishing her dominance.
In the emotionally charged “I Quit” match, Edge’s desperate cry to save Beth Phoenix only resulted in heartbreak, as Rhea Ripley struck anyway. The Judgment Day proved just how ruthless they could be.
The Fight Pit Match brought real combat energy to WWE, and Matt Riddle earned a hard-fought win over Seth Rollins. The bitterness between them only deepened, ensuring the feud wouldn’t end there.
🗓️ November – Survivor Series: WarGames Changes Everything ⚔️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s WarGames Match – The Bloodline vs. Team Brawling Brutes
- Women’s WarGames Match – Team Bianca Belair vs. Team Damage CTRL
- Seth Rollins vs. Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley (U.S. Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
WarGames debuted on the main roster with incredible fanfare. The Men’s WarGames Match saw Sami Zayn fully embrace The Bloodline, earning the trust of Roman Reigns and sowing deeper emotional investment in their story.
Becky Lynch returned in spectacular fashion, helping Team Bianca overcome Damage CTRL. Her top-rope leg drop through the table was a jaw-dropping moment.
Austin Theory’s shocking U.S. Title win marked a turning point. From being ridiculed for his failed MITB cash-in to reinventing himself as a more serious heel, Theory began to rewrite his narrative.
🗓️ December – Holiday Chaos Closes the Year 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens & John Cena
- Gunther vs. Ricochet (Intercontinental Championship)
- Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka (RAW Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
In a blockbuster year-end tag team match, the return of John Cena electrified the crowd. Teaming with Kevin Owens, he stood opposite Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn, creating massive anticipation for future Bloodline tension.
Gunther closed the year strong with yet another fantastic title defense, proving his reign wasn’t just long—it was legendary.
Rhea Ripley continued her rise, defeating Asuka and locking in her spot as one of WWE’s most dangerous women.
🔥 2022 Year-End Summary
The second half of 2022 featured:
- Roman Reigns’ expanding legacy, with the complex dynamic of Sami Zayn 👑
- Gunther’s rise as a true fighting champion 🏆
- Rhea Ripley’s emergence as a top contender and enforcer of The Judgment Day 🎭
- Austin Theory’s shocking evolution from a joke to a threat 💥
- Logan Paul’s transformation from celebrity guest to respected athlete 🌟
As 2023 loomed, the WWE Universe was left buzzing with one question: Who would finally step up and change the game?
