Throughout the history of WWE, there are many classic matches that could be considered the best ever. When I look back at the past few years in WWE, nothing quite encompasses the “best ever” quite like Sasha Banks facing Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 37. It is a match I wish I got to experience in person, right in the front row. 

Michael Cole put it perfectly, we got to witness history. Banks and Belair are two of the very best athletes in WWE, but the match went beyond talent. We got to see two powerful and wonderful black women main event a WrestleMania. The emotion in Tampa Bay was palpable and everyone knew it was special to witness. Banks and Belair truly left everything out there for one of the top matches of that weekend. For me, it was the best match of the weekend not only because of the historic aspect of the match but because of the little girls in the crowd watching someone like them have the most special moment. 

From the moment each woman made their entrance to the ring, you could tell they were ready for their moment. As aspected Banks used Belair’s braid to her advantage, but Belair did not let that deter her. While both women had chances to end the match, like Banks hitting the splash or Belair with the 450, Belair truly found her strength as the match went on. A whip of the braid, a KOD, and the biggest victory of Belair’s young career to that point. Michael Cole said Belair shocked the world, but watching Belair’s career blossom no one should be shocked at the win.

Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks took women’s wrestling to new heights that night. Recently I did a rewatch of the match. I still get goosebumps and emotional as the two women face off and take in the moment. As I sat on my couch, I knew it was special but I still wish I could have been in Raymond James Stadium and truly taken in the moment. It’s a match that will be talked about for generations. 

by Paige Brearley