REVIEW: WWE SASHA BANKS & BAYLEY ‘Iconic Matches’ DVDs – UK Exclusives, Released Today!

With the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match fresh in our minds, what better time to review the two latest entries in the “Iconic Matches” DVD series, starring Bayley and Sasha Banks?

Previously released in action figure packs, these are now available as stand-alone titles in the UK. They are short single-disc features, which include three memorable matches from the career of each performer at a reduced price. It’s a decent deal actually, especially considering that there are some real gems amongst the matches on offer. So, let’s take a look right now!

 

RELEASED TODAY! Grab the new Sasha & Bayley DVDs for only £5.99 each on Amazon.co.uk.

 

NXT TakeOver: Rival 2015 – February 11, 2015
NXT Women’s Championship Fatal Four Way Match
Charlotte (C) vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley vs. Becky Lynch

This was something of a coming-out party for The Four Horsewomen, with all delivering superb performances in a tremendous encounter. It was also a huge night for Sasha, as The Boss captured her first title in a WWE ring, establishing her as the new “Boss” of NXT’s women’s division.

NXT TakeOver: Respect 2015 – October 7, 2015
NXT Women’s Championship 30-Minute Iron Man Match
Bayley (C) vs. Sasha Banks

Though the result means that this is ultimately Bayley’s night to shine, and both put forth an incredible effort, it is the heel work of Banks during this match which stands out the most when all is said and done. Given that she has been treading water on RAW for some time, a return to the dark side is surely not far away.

RAW – July 25, 2016
RAW Women’s Championship Match
Charlotte (C) vs. Sasha Banks

Just over one year after being promoted to the main roster, Sasha captured her first RAW Women’s Championship by defeating Charlotte Flair in this awesome encounter. Sasha-Charlotte was a fantastic rivalry, one which delivered several great matches, but this opening chapter of the feud, to me, was their best bout against one another to date.

  Photo credit: @the2004punk

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NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 2015 – August 22, 2015
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Sasha Banks (C) vs. Bayley

Bayley spent over two years on NXT before she finally captured the brand’s Women’s Championship. Her title win over Sasha here is arguably the greatest women’s wrestling match ever outside of Japan, based on the performances, the high stakes, the significance of the event and the red-hot Brooklyn crowd. A classic.

NXT TakeOver: London 2015 – December 16, 2015
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Bayley (C) vs. Nia Jax

David vs. Goliath is a well-told story in wrestling, and this match also adheres to that formula. The difference here is just how beloved Bayley was during her late 2015/early 2016 peak in popularity, and the overwhelming support from the fans in London elevate this match to another level. The “Hey, Bayley!” chant debuted here.

Battleground 2016 – July 24, 2016
Tag Team Match
Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley

Given her ups and downs on the main roster, it’s easy to forget how excited people were to see Bayley progress from NXT. The first tease of a promotion to RAW came in this otherwise forgettable doubles encounter, which is memorable for the HUGE pop that Bayley’s appearance (as Sasha’s surprise partner) elicited.

 

Both discs are enjoyable enough. From an in-ring standpoint, “Sasha Banks: Iconic Matches” is the best of the two, but Bayley’s trio of matches stands out because of the incredible popularity that she enjoyed, which is on full display in all three bouts. It’s a shame that neither is in a particularly strong position right now and neither had their hand raised as the winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Hopefully, better days (and better booking) awaits them in the future.

Could a revival of the Sasha-Bayley feud be what reignites the careers of both women?

In the meantime, though, you should definitely get a kick out of these two single-disc DVDs.