19. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins (Royal Rumble 2015)
18. Ric Flair vs Ricky Steamboat (WrestleWar 1989)
17. Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker (WrestleMania 26)
16. Undertaker vs. Mankind (HIAC 1998 KOTR)
15. Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon (WM X)
14. Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker (HIAC 1997)
13. Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle (WM 21)
12. Ric Flair vs Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (Chi-Town Rumble)
11. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit (WM XX)
10. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels (WM XII)
9. TLC II (WM X-7)
8. CM Punk vs John Cena (MITB 2011)
7. Bret Hart vs British Bulldog (Summerslam 1992)
6. Ultimate Warrior vs Randy Savage (WrestleMania VII)
5. Ric Flair vs Ricky Steamboat (Clash of the Champions VI)
4. The Rock vs Austin II (WrestleMania X-7)
3. Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat (WrestleMania III)
2. Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
1. Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker (WrestleMania 25)
20. Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk (Summerslam 2013)
"The Best vs. The Beast". CM Punk was The Best In the World, while Brock Lesnar was The Beast. This was the WWE Version of Wolverine vs. The Incredible Hulk (Punk wore Wolverine's Colors). Punk fought through like Wolverine, while Lesnar was an Unstoppable Monster like the Incredible Hulk. This match was the backdrop of Paul Heyman's betrayal of CM Punk in favor of Brock Lesnar. The Battle of the Paul Heyman Guys. At Summerslam 2013, CM Punk battled Brock Lesnar as Paul Heyman cheered The Beast from ringside. The match itself was spectacular, as it was the Main Highlight of the PPV. Through 25 intense minutes of chair shots, submission holds and brawls, Punk went for the Go To Sleep. However, Heyman broke the pinfall. As Punk applied the Anaconda Vice, Heyman interfered again. Punk punched Heyman and gave him the Anaconda Vice, but Brock broke the hold with a chair shot. Lesnar finished the match with an F-5 on the chair to defeat Punk.
At the end of 2014, John Cena reinstated the Authority after Seth Rollins threatened to cripple Edge with a Curb Stomp. At Tables, Ladders, and Chairs, Cena defeated Rollins to retain his #1 Contender status, even though Seth had the MITB Briefcase. The stage was originally set for Cena to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. However, Seth was added to the match as a reward for coaxing Cena to bring back the Authority. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar was riding high as the WWE Champion following his dominant victory over John Cena at Summerslam. Early in the match, Lesnar dominated early with a series of suplexes on both Cena and Rollins. After Lesnar applied the Kimura Lock on Cena, Rollins broke it up. Cena delivered an AA on Lesnar, but Rollins threw him out of the ring for a pin attempt. Instead, Brock kicked out at one. Seth had something to prove in this match. Brock caught Seth for an F-5, but Cena broke up the pin. Cena gave Lesnar Three AA's, but Rollins still broke up the pin. Rollins got his shot in with a Curb Stomp on Brock, but Cena interfered. This was the sequence of the match. Once Cena hit Lesnar with the steel stairs, things were set up for Rollins to take out the Beast with a Diving Elbow Drop through the broadcast table. Brock was temporarily taken out of the match as Cena and Rollins exchanged Finishers. Brock would soon return to throw Cena out of the ring. Rollins hit Lesnar twice with the Briefcase as he positioned it under Brock's head. As Seth went for his second Curb Stomp, Lesnar got up and hit him with his last F-5 for the win to remain WWE Champion. Seth Rollins made his statement in this match by using his best weapons from his arsenal. John Cena put on another classic as usual. Brock Lesnar was like Doomsday in this match, because he adapted to every finisher that was thrown his way and managed to survive while still looking dominant.
18. Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat (NWA Championship: WrestleWar 1989)
This match was the Finale of a great trilogy of matches in 1989 between two outstanding ring generals that shared different philosophies, but had great chemistry. By this point, Ric Flair was the quintessential, cocky bad guy. Limousine riding, leer jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling dealing, you know the rest. Flair was a tricky grappler who was a master of his craft. Ric's natural swagger set the blueprint for the likes of Biggie, Kanye, etc years before it became popular. Meanwhile, Ricky Steamboat was the prototypical hero-a fan favorite returning to defeat the perennial villain champion while showcasing his morals of family value along with his own mat expertise. The two previous matches were spectacular, but the third and final match revealed a different element. Not only did Flair finally defeat his Mr. Nice Guy rival to reclaim the NWA Heavyweight Title, but the Nashville crowd did not boo him for it. Instead, Flair earned their respect. Ric did not gloat or brag about the win either, but shook Steamboat's hand after the match. Flair earned the respect of those who despised him, and that was the greatest prize he could ever receive.
The year before, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker gave the world a classic for the ages. It was a matter or WrestleMania bragging rights and a thriller. From that point, it was about matching or surpassing that performance. Shawn Michaels tells the story of how he talked with the cameraman after that match. The Cameraman asks Shawn how old his son is, and Shawn tells him he is 9. Then, HBK realizes that he needed to wind his career down so that he would not miss out on the rest of his son's life growing up. That was the turning point that HBK needed to finally call it a career. The best way for him to close out his illustrious career was against the same Phenom that he went to battle against at WM 25, The Undertaker himself. The obvious challenge for both Shawn and Taker was whether they could top their previous match. The story of this match was about HBK risking his Career to break the Streak. Like the match before, they performed multiple finishers, even more than the previous match. As Taker went for the Last Ride on the announce table, HBK countered and gave him Sweet Chin Music. As Undertaker laid on the announce table, Shawn went to the top rope and landed a moonsault through the table, an element that was not seen in the previous match. Even with three Sweet Chin Musics, Shawn Michaels still could not keep the Deadman down. As Undertaker signaled for his third Tombstone Piledriver, he stopped his cut throat signal to tell Shawn to stay down. Michaels mocked Taker with his own cut throat signal and slapped the Dead Man. The Phenom was furious and gave HBK the third and final Tombstone. As Undertaker executed the Tombstone Piledriver, he jumped as he landed to pin Michaels for the victory. As The Phenom extended the Streak to 18-0, he put the final nail in the coffin of The Heartbreak Kid's Career. The Show Stopped once and for all.
16. Undertaker vs. Mankind (Hell In A Cell: King of the Ring 1998)
This match created the definitive image of Hell In A Cell with Undertaker standing at the top of the cell as Mankind laid motionless in the middle of the ring after being Chokeslammed through the roof of the Cell. It is also defined by Undertaker throwing Mankind off the Cell as Foley crashed through the Spanish Announce Table. Who can possibly forget Mankind smiling with a tooth up his nose? The match even had to pause because Mankind had to be taken out on a stretcher. Even The Undertaker himself thought that Mankind was dead. However, Foley ran back to the ring to continue the action. This was definitely a War for the ages between The Hardcore Legend and The Phenom. The Deadman would close the curtain on this match with the Tombstone Piledriver to emerge victorious. This match was not like the first HIAC match with Shawn Michaels, but it made it's own mark in history as it will live on in infamy.
15. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (WWF Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: WrestleMania X)
This was the match that truly put Shawn Michaels on the map as "Mr. WrestleMania", and it raised the bar for all Ladder Matches to come after it. At that time, WWF only had one Ladder Match (Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, 7/21/1992) and it was on Coliseum Video. So for this kind of match to take place at WrestleMania, the Biggest Show of them All was a Major Deal. What made this match even more special was that it was the battle to determine the REAL Intercontinental Champion. As everyone knows by now, Shawn Michaels was suspended and had to "vacate" the title. Razor Ramon wins a Battle Royal to become the new IC Champion. Meanwhile, HBK returns with his own version of the IC Title, because he never truly lost it in the first place. This set the stage for a match that was a truly significant match in WrestleMania history and Wrestling history overall. They were both heels that had a coolness about them, even though HBK was more of a heel than Razor. As the belts hung above the ring, Michaels and Razor put together a showcase that will forever stand the test of time. I thought Shawn was Superman with the splash that he gave Razor from the Ladder. That image will live on in WWF/E History as one of the images that defined Ladder Matches. Ramon brought his game to another level because of the chemistry that he had with HBK. The way that they used the Ladders as Weapons was amazing, as they overshadowed every other match that night. This match was universally considered the Match of the Year, and when you watch it, you will understand why. The Iconic image of Razor holding both belts at the top of the Ladder was also special, as Shawn had his foot tied in the ropes. This match set the tone for future Ladder Matches, as it mirrors the modern day style of wrestling in WWE. It also gave Shawn Michaels a stronger case against Bret Hart for "Best In Ring Performer" of his Generation.
14. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Hell In A Cell: Badd Blood 1997)
The First Ever Hell In A Cell Match at Badd Blood is highly significant for a number of reasons. Not only was it the debut of Kane, but it was also one of the most brutal matches in the Careers of both The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. By this point, Shawn Michaels was in a heated feud with The Deadman after costing him the WWF Championship against Bret Hart at Summerslam. Michaels revealed that he did it on purpose, which infuriated The Phenom. Taker challenged HBK to this match at Badd Blood in October 1997. Mankind vs. Undertaker was known more for being a spectacle, but this match had the advantage in pure quality. Shawn Michaels took an incredible beating, but he was still able to hold his own going blow for blow with the Master of Death Valley. One of the signature moments of the match took place when Shawn Michaels and Undertaker battled at the top of the cell before HBK fell off of the edge and onto the Spanish Announcer's table. As Undertaker was ready to finish off his bloodied rival, the lights went out and an explosion erupted. From the fires, Kane emerged as Vince McMahon yelled "That's got to be Kane". The Big Red Machine ripped the cell door off as he entered the ring to Undertaker's surprise. Kane would Tombstone Taker before placing Shawn's arm on The Phenom's body for the three count. All of these elements are what make this match the Greatest HIAC Match in History. It was noteworthy because it was another innovative match in the Illustrious Careers of both The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.
13. Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 21)
In a sense, you can say that the Careers of Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle run certain parallels. In 1996, Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart in an Hour long Ironman Match at WrestleMania XII to become WWF Champion. That same year, Kurt Angle wins Olympic Gold in Atlanta with a broken neck. HBK would go on to become the first ever Grand Slam Champion in WWF/E History. The year after Shawn retires for the first time, Angle makes his debut in the WWF at the time. Since then, Kurt adds even more accolades to an already decorated wrestling career by becoming Grand Slam Champion, much like HBK himself. Since Shawn made his return, Kurt's ultimate dream was to have a match with The Showstopper himself so that he could prove that he was truly the Best Wrestler of his Generation. Much like Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle wanted to prove that he had surpassed Shawn Michaels. This matchup was very interesting, because Kurt had the background of an Olympic Wrestler, Meanwhile, HBK had the reputation of a guy that could wrestle for an hour, so this was a merging of two different worlds. Shawn was the Showman, while Kurt emphasized ring technique, so it was mean to be special. Shawn Michaels trained harder than before to prepare himself for an opponent like Angle. During the match, HBK adapted to his opponent by going for rest holds and reversals. HBK may not have been the amateur wrestler that Kurt was, but he was the underdog which is a role that he has played very well in his career. The sequencing of the match was spectacular. In the beginning, the action went back and forth. Mid-way through the match, Michaels countered Angle's german suplex with a low blow, as the referee did not see it. After the low blow, Shawn leapfrogged from the ring and laid Angle out on the Announce Table. In the end, Kurt would gain the advantage as he countered the Sweet Chin Music into an Ankle Lock, forcing HBK to submit. The Match was the Ultimate 5 Star Classic and tore the house down that night in LA.
By this time, Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat were four years removed from their previous encounter. After that, Steamboat joined the WWF where he had arguably the match of the decade with Randy Savage at WrestleMania III. Meanwhile, Flair dominated the World Heavyweight Title picture as he continued to "style and profile" with his fellow Four Horsemen. Even with their time apart, Flair and Steamboat displayed a very unique familiarity with one another. "The Dragon" knew about Flair's confidence and pride. Meanwhile, "The Nature Boy" knew about Steamboat's technical superiority and prepared himself for it. Then again, Flair was far from a slouch himself in that area. They truly braced themselves for a Rumble, like the name of the PPV, because it was the fight of their lives. From start to finish, this match was truly exhilarating as it opened their trilogy like a symphony. In the end, Steamboat would prevail as the hero by defeating Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
11, Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit (Triple Threat Match for World Heavyweight Championship: WrestleMania XX)
Following the events of June 2007, this match has become a tainted afterthought in the WWE History Books. However, it will not take away the fact that this was the Greatest Triple Threat Match of all-time. Before he became Persona Non Grata, Chris Benoit was one of the finest Technical Wrestlers on the Planet. In 2004, Benoit won the Royal Rumble by last eliminating The Big Show. That was considered one of the Greatest Rumble Matches ever. Benoit became the second wrestler in WWE History to win the Rumble as the number 1 entrant, with the first being Shawn Michaels in 1995. Automatically, that would make him the Number One Contender. Meanwhile, Triple H and Shawn Michaels wrestled for the World Heavyweight Title in a Last Man Standing Match. The match would end in a Draw. Just as Benoit and Triple H were set to sign the contracts, HBK hit Chris with Sweet Chin Music to insert himself into the match. The stage was set for the 20th Anniversary of WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden. Perfect Hollywood Casting. Benoit paid his dues in Canada, and Japan before becoming a major player with WCW. Now, he is in the Aquarium of WWE swimming with two of the Greatest Sharks of all-time. Chris delivered with the opportunity in front of him. Along with The Game and Mr. WrestleMania, Benoit put together a great work of art that kept fans wanting more. With each man worn down from the carnage, Michaels was ready to seize the opportunity by tuning up the band for Sweet Chin Music. As HBK was ready to kick Benoit's teeth down his throat, the Rabid Wolverine ducked and tossed Michaels over the top rope. Triple H went for the Pedigree, but Benoit reversed it into a Crippler Crossface. The Champion reached for as long as he could before tapping out. Chris Benoit achieved his dream of becoming World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania. His longtime friend Eddie Guerrero joined him to celebrate. Sadly, the impact of Benoit's tragedy has obscured this match. WWE has since distanced themselves from him. On the WWE Network, there is a disclaimer for every match involving Benoit, including this match. This is the Greatest Match that WWE cannot acknowledge. WWE has rewritten history in a way where 2004 does not even exist.
10. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (60-minute Ironman Match for WWF Championship: WrestleMania XII)
Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels will forever be one of the most Iconic Rivalries in Wrestling History. The match that stands out the most as a testament to their fierce and competitive feud would be their Iron man match at WrestleMania XII. Two of the greatest ring warriors of all-time battled to a stalemate at the end of the 60 minute time limit. As Bret Hart left the ring on his way to the locker room, WWF President Gorilla Monsoon ordered the match to continue under "Sudden Death" rules in order for a true winner to be declared. Shawn Michaels would win the WWF Championship in overtime after not one, but two Sweet Chin Musics. People may criticize this match because of how long it was, but it was the first of it's kind in WWF/E History. This was the first Iron Man match to be showcased on a major stage like the Showcase of the Immortals. It was perfect because Bret and Shawn are truly Immortals themselves, and no one can duplicate what they did that night.
9. Edge & Christian vs. Dudley Boyz vs. Hardy Boyz (TLC II for the WWF World Tag Team Championship: WrestleMania X-7)
Throughout 2000, Edge & Christian, The Dudley Boyz and Hardy Boyz set the World on fire with their Three Way Dances for the Tag Team Titles. These teams were the Trinity of the Tag Division during the peak of the Attitude Era. Their first dance with each other took place at WrestleMania 2000, as their Triple Threat Ladder Match was the biggest highlight on an otherwise clustered and mediocre WrestleMania. They raised the bar higher with the first ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match (TLC) at Summerslam 2000. Each time, Edge and Christian were the winners. The success that these teams had together called for a Sequel to TLC. At WrestleMania X-7, E&C, the Dudleyz and the Hardyz clashed in TLC II. The match was an all-time classic and critically acclaimed by many. This match raised the bar even higher for Tag Team wrestling. The highlight of this match was when Edge speared Jeff Hardy from the top of the Ladder. This match brought the absolute best out of each tag team and remains a classic in each of their match libraries.
8. CM Punk vs. John Cena (WWE Championship: Money In the Bank 2011)
In the Summer of 2011, the stakes were extremely high. CM Punk was on fire after dropping his legendary/infamous Pipe Bomb where he trashed WWE for holding him back for years. He also trashed John Cena and the idea of his perceived dominance. During the promo, Punk also took shots at WWE for holding the proverbial glass ceiling over the heads of underappreciated mid-carders. He claims that the only thing Cena was better at than him was kissing up to Vince McMahon. Punk also called out The Rock by referring to his first name "Dwayne". CM Punk became a sensation all across the Internet and Social Media after he aired his grievances while sitting at the top of the ramp on that Monday Night in Las Vegas. During his tirade, CM Punk also threatened to leave WWE with the Championship after "Money In The Bank". Not only was the Title on the line, but it's legacy was on the line as well. This was about the Anti-Establishment (CM Punk) vs. The Establishment (John Cena). It was truly considered "Rage Against The Machine". The atmosphere in Chicago was unlike any other building in a long time. Punk is considered a folk hero in the Windy City and he fed off of that momentum from the crowd. Meanwhile, Cena's defiance of not just Punk, but the entire City of Chicago was very compelling as well. The match itself was absolutely epic and is the greatest match in the history of MITB PPV Matches. It was orchestrated very well.Towards the end of the match, Vince McMahon sent John Laurinitis to interfere. However, Johnny Ace was met with a Clothesline from Cena. John Cena yelled at Vince that he wanted the match to be fair. As Cena got back into the ring, CM Punk nailed him with the GTS (Go To Sleep) to win the WWE Championship. The lasting image of this match is Punk blowing a goodbye kiss to Vince as he leaves the Arena through the crowd with the WWE Championship.
7. Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog (WWF Intercontinental Championship: Summerslam 1992)
Once upon a time, the Intercontinental Championship actually had significance. This was long before jabronies like Zack Ryder, The Miz and Dolph Ziggler fought over the title. It was so important that it was in the main event of Summerslam 1992, as Bret Hart defended the title against his rival/brother in law, "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. You read that correctly. Bret and Bulldog were in the main event on a Summerslam that featured Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior for the WWF Title. Both were products of the Hart Dungeon before joining the WWF in the mid 80's as part of two of the greatest tag teams not just of their generation, but in history. Bret with Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart as part of the Hart Foundation, and Davey with Dynamite Kid as part of the British Bulldogs. Fast forward to 1992, and both men are on the track of singles stardom while headlining Summerslam in Bulldog's hometown of Manchester England at Wembley Stadium. This was a testament of not only how great they were, but how great the IC Title itself once was. Just sprinkle in the fact that Diana Hart-Smith (Bret's Sister/Davey's Wife) was torn between the two sides and you add another compelling layer to an already great matchup. This unparalleled mat classic between two beloved International Superstars made the showdown for the "No. 2 Title" look like the most coveted prize in the industry. Davey Boy Smith is to the UK what Bret Hart is to Canada, so you have the biggest ambassadors of their respective countries clashing in a match that shook Wembley Stadium to its core. This was one of those matches that really felt like a game of chess, and the Bulldog came out as the winner. This match is the measuring stick that all Summerslam matches are measured by, because when you watch it you will understand why it is. This match is the crowning achievement in the Career of Great Britain's biggest star, and it was the turning point for Bret Hart as it helped him catapult to Main Event Status.
This match set the standard for what a Retirement Match should look like. Executed greatly, perfect pace and the Careers of two Icons at stake. It also captured the emotional heart strings of the fans. This was Ultimate Warrior's best match by a City Mile. The "Macho King" was at his ultimate heel form, with the immaculate "Queen" Sherri Martel by his side. It was nonstop edge of your seat drama as Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan did not miss a beat on commentary. The shots of Miss Elizabeth in the audience were very well done. The ending is one of the best ever, as Savage drops five powerful elbow drops, but Warrior still finds the energy and strength to get up and win with three huge shoulder blocks of his own.
5. Ric Flair vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (2/3 Falls for NWA Championship: Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun)
This match was clearly Steamboat vs. Flair at their very best element. The match was a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match for the NWA World Heavyweight Title as it lasted 55 minutes. The Dragon and the Nature Boy clearly had the stamina to pull off such a match, and they did not disappoint. Steamboat surprised the world when he defeated Flair at Chi-Town Rumble. Now, we have the rematch. This match helped to write the blueprint on how to make the sequel better than the original, and they did just that. In the first fall, Flair pinned Steamboat after reversing an inside cradle. In the second fall, Steamboat forced Flair to submit with a double chickenwing submission hold. In the third and final fall, Steamboat pinned Flair after a failed double chickenwing attempt. When Flair fell on Steamboat, both of their shoulders were down, but Steamboat got his left shoulder up before the three count to retain the NWA World Title. This match set the standard for 2-out-of-3 Falls Matches and continues to be the measuring stick to this day, and it was the epitome of NWA Wrestling at the time. As a bonus, this match also took place the same night as WrestleMania V (The Mega Powers Explode).
WrestleMania X-7 will always be the Greatest WrestleMania ever for me, and it is in large part because of this match. The Rock vs. Stone Cold part II was the ultimate end of the Attitude Era, because of the finish. Fans can be a very jaded group, so you always need something that will catch them by surprise. This match is exactly what caught us fans by surprise, because it is something that will carry on forever. Stone Cold won his record setting third Royal Rumble, which put him on the Road to WrestleMania for another collision with his greatest nemesis The Rock for the WWF Championship. In the buildup to this match, Austin was in desperation mode. In the interview that they had with Jim Ross, Austin even said that he NEEDED to beat The Rock and that he would stop at nothing to regain the WWF Championship. Looking back, that was a sign that something major was going to happen in this match. Fast forward to WrestleMania X-7, which takes place in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, Austin's stomping grounds. When Stone Cold makes his entrance, the crowd reaction was at another level of insanity. During the entrance, JR himself even said that Austin is a folk hero in Texas and he was not lying. The Rock was a babyface Champion, but Stone Cold had home field advantage. When it comes to quality, this was the best match of their trilogy. The Rock was able to handle it better than the first match, because he lacked the Main Event experience for WrestleMania. This time, he was a more mature performer with more poise and better pacing. The Brahma Bull and The Texas Rattlesnake clashed like the Giants that they were. They pulled out everything from their arsenal. Great in-ring action to go along with the No-DQ stipulation, so all gloves were off. They even used each other's Finishing Maneuvers. Austin even used the things he learned in his matches with Bret Hart, including a Sharpshooter. You know Austin was desperate anytime he reaches back to use the Million Dollar Dream (Ringmaster). As things are going great, the Sith Lord himself Vince McMahon arrives (Star Wars reference). This is where things take another turn. Vince gives Austin the chair to destroy The Great One with 16 Chair shots on his way to becoming the new WWF Champion. To give the biggest surprise of them all, Austin shakes Vince's hand and joins the Dark Side of the Force. This signified not only Austin's allegiance with a Boss that personified Evil, but it also signified the end of the Attitude Era because their feud is what made that Era so great and special.
3. "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (WWF Intercontinental Championship: WrestleMania III)
This match was a masterpiece, like a great song or a fine piece of artwork. It changed the perception of wrestling within the WWF/E. The style of wrestling in the company would soon change as a result of this match. Much of the modern day WWE Style of wrestling can trace its roots back to a match like this. What was originally supposed to be a cup of coffee in the big time for Ricky Steamboat became his defining match and moment. This opened the gate for his later matches with Ric Flair in 1989, as he reached another level. Meanwhile, this match also helped to accelerate Macho Man's rise to greatness because he would soon be elevated to the Main Event picture by winning the WWF Title the next year. This came at a time where the Intercontinental Title was still respected and taken seriously as a stepping stone to future Main Event status. Future generations of wrestlers were greatly influenced by this very match. The showcase was a stroke of genius, with fast-paced back and forth action filled with at least 20 near-falls. It was back to basics efficiency that was ahead of its time. It was a technical marvel mixed with great high-flying moves for that time. From beginning to end, this match had action as the fans were on the ride of their lives. It all ended with a roll-up victory for Steamboat, which is another part of this match's genius. This match is still considered the Greatest Ever by many. It is certainly the Greatest IC Title Match Ever.
2. Bret Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (Submission Match: WrestleMania 13)
This match will forever be a significant turning point in the careers of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Bret Hart, especially for Austin. By 1997, wrestling was starting to change. Stone Cold proclaimed Austin 3:16 as he was on a mission to defeat and destroy Bret Hart. Meanwhile, the Hitman was still the traditional upright hero that would fight for his legacy against The Texas Rattlesnake. Austin was on fire, and the best way to prove himself was against someone who already established himself as a legend by that point in his Hall of Fame Career. Bret was up for the challenge as the stipulation was in his favor. This match was a Submission match. However, this match was more of a Chicago style brawl than the standard submission match with technical holds. Austin was not a submission expert like his opponent, but he brought the fight in his own way. The defining moment of this match came when Austin's face was covered in Blood (As JR would call it, the "Crimson Mask"), while he was locked in Bret Hart's Sharpshooter. Special Referee Ken Shamrock kept asking Steve if he would submit. In true Stone Cold fashion, he did not submit but passed out from the pain. This is what signaled what we now know as the "Double Turn". Bret Hart won, but in the end he became the heel (villain). After this match, Bret would soon reform "The Hart Foundation". This time, the group would feature Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith and Brian Pillman along with Bret and his original tag team partner Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. On the other end, Stone Cold became the baby face (hero) because of his toughness and refusal to quit. This is the match that ultimately put Stone Cold on the map.
This match is the closest thing that we will ever get to watching absolute perfection. Light vs. Darkness. Heaven vs. Hell. The Rebel Force vs. The Empire. Mr. WrestleMania vs. The WrestleMania Phenom. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker is the match where the stars perfectly aligned deep in the Heart of Texas inside of the Houston Astrodome. WrestleMania reached its 25th Anniversary, and there was no better way to celebrate than to have the two greatest WrestleMania Icons of all-time have a match to determine who was really the King of the Showcase of the Immortals. Both Taker and HBK have already reached Wrestling Immortal Status by this point. These Gladiators were already pioneers with the first ever Hell In A Cell Match at Badd Blood, but an even bigger prize was on the line: The Undertaker's Streak. Shawn had already proven that he could beat The Undertaker before, and he was looking forward to using that to his advantage. This was the Greatest Chess Match in Wrestling History. The match started with a bang with an exchange of signature moves and submissions, with Shawn escaping Hell's Gate while Taker blocked the attempts for Sweet Chin Music. The action continued outside as Shawn went for the Moonsault, but Undertaker shot down the attempt by moving out of the way. This was followed by one of the most famous spots in WrestleMania history, as Undertaker went for the Suicide Dive but HBK moved the Cameraman in the way. The spot did not go as planned. The Cameraman (Sim Snuka) was too far away to properly break Taker's fall. Instead, Taker almost landed head first on the protective mats at ringside. As Taker remained on the floor, HBK revived the referee to start the 10 count. Undertaker got back in at 9 to continue the match. As things continued, they both went for their finishing moves. Undertaker hit The Last Ride and The Chokeslam, and HBK nailed The Deadman with Sweet Chin Music twice. The Undertaker even executed The Tombstone Piledriver, but Shawn miraculously kicked out at two. The look on Taker's face said it all. Jim Ross said that he just witnessed an "out of body" experience when Michaels kicked out of the Tombstone. The Undertaker was frustrated, because he witnessed his toughest challenge at that point. Finally, HBK would fly off the top rope for a Moonsault, only for The Phenom to catch him for another Tombstone Piledriver for the win.This match deserved to close out WrestleMania because of the way that it overshadowed the matches that followed it. Shawn Michaels and Undertaker have both gone on record to say that this was the closest that they ever got to wrestling a perfect match. After the match, they just looked at each other and smiled. When you execute a match of that magnitude, nothing else needs to be said. This was Voted Match of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, and Wrestling Observer. It also received a Slammy Award. Simply put, Greatest Match in the History of Professional Wrestling.
No comments:
Post a Comment