100 Greatest Matches Part 3 (60-41)

60. Roman Reigns vs AJ Styles (Extreme Rules 2016)
59. Macho Man Randy Savage vs Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania V)
58. The Hart Foundation vs Stone Cold, Ken Shamrock, Goldust & LOD (In Your House: Canadian Stampede 1997)
57. The Rock vs Triple H (Backlash 2000)
56. Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker (WrestleMania XXX)
55. CM Punk vs Undertaker (WrestleMania XXIX)
54. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Summerslam 1994)
53. John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan (Summerslam 2013)
52. Ric Flair vs Vader (Starrcade 1993)
51. Undertaker vs. Batista (WrestleMania 23)
50. Edge vs Undertaker (WrestleMania XXIV)
49. The Rock vs. John Cena (WrestleMania XXVIII)
48. Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho (WrestleMania XIX)
47. Shawn Michaels vs Triple H (Summerslam 2002)
46. Sami Zayn vs Shinsuke Nakamura (NXT Takeover: Dallas)
45. Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (Summerslam 1991)
44.  Shawn Michaels vs Mankind (Mind Games)
43. Elimination Chamber 2002
42. Triple H vs Undertaker (WrestleMania XXVII)
41. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XIV)

60. Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles (WWE Championship: Extreme Rules 2016)

For all of the Roman Reigns skeptics, this was something that at least gave them a slight change of mind about what Roman could do in the ring especially when his opponent is a beloved star like AJ Styles. Following their match at Payback that had controversial finishes, this match exceeded their previous encounter. Styles and Reigns went through the crowd and back during this match. They hit each other with multiple finishers and still kicked out of each of them. AJ Styles proved why he is so respected and world renowned as he brought the best out of Vince's latest Samoan Centerpiece. Roman is already a natural athlete, which helped him even more when he was able to pull his own weight in this match. Reigns even turned a Razor's Edge into a sit-out Powerbomb. Roman even grabbed AJ like he was going to give him a Powerbomb and slammed him against the Apron. In the end, Reigns finished this great battle with the Superman Punch and Spear for the win. 

59. "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan (WWF Championship: WrestleMania V)
This was where the "Mega Powers" Exploded! For over a year, Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan were riding high as the "MegaPowers" during Savage's most lucrative run as WWF Champion. However, jealousy over Miss Elizabeth and the WWF Title would drive them apart. This was like Thor vs. Loki. Hogan was Thor and Savage was Loki. The match started with both Hogan and Savage looking for a Psychological Advantage. Savage would start the match with a headlock. After two failed headlocks by Savage, Hogan would chase him around the ring before Randy grabbed Liz to shield himself. Back in the ring, Hogan went for a headlock before it was countered into a backdrop suplex. Hulk decked him with a series of punches, but Randy came back with a Double Axe Handle for a two count. Hogan rams him into the turnbuckle a few times, hitting him with a clothesline and an elbow. The sequencing was well done, including a Clothesline by Macho Man that gave The Hulkster a slight cut above his eye. The match seemed to be at Savage's pace until he slapped Hogan in the face. Hulk woke up. Hogan hit him with a combination of punches along with a hard clothesline as well as a throw over the top rope. Elizabeth tried to tend to Savage, but he told her to leave. Hogan tried to ram Savage into the ring post, but she got into the way. Savage slipped out and shoved Hogan. Liz checked on Hogan, but Savage told her to leave again. Finally, the Ref himself sent Liz back to the Locker room. Savage went to the top to hit Hogan with his Double Axe Handle on the guardrail. Hogan's throat hit the rail. When they get back into the ring, Macho Man performs good ring psychology by focusing on Hogan's neck to weaken him for the Elbow Drop. Macho Man finally hits the Flying Elbow Drop. However, Hogan throws him off at two to "Hulk Up". The Hulkster would hit Macho Man with the Big Boot and the Leg Drop to win the WWF Title in Classic "Super Hogan" Fashion.

58. The Hart Foundation vs. Stone Cold, Ken Shamrock, Goldust and LOD (In Your House: Canadian Stampede 1997)
In 1997, Bret Hart reformed The Hart Foundation. This time, he added his Brother Owen, Brother In-Law Davey Boy Smith and Friend of the Family/Dungeon Student Brian Pillman. Here in the States, Bret and the Hart Foundation were Heavily Despised as Bret insulted Americans in a very condescending way. Meanwhile, Bret was the Hero in Canada anytime WWF traveled in that area. At this time, Bret was involved in a heated feud with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as they tore the House Down with their Submission Match at WrestleMania 13. In the Summer of '97, Austin teamed with The Legion Of Doom, Ken Shamrock and Goldust to go to War with the Hart Foundation at Canadian Stampede. This match was the Prime Example of how Bret Hart is treated like a Superhero in Canada. Meanwhile, Austin & Co. were clearly in Enemy Territory. Bret is to Canada what Michael Jordan is to Chicago, and what arguably Austin himself is in Texas. The Hitman carried Canada on his back and his sect of support was very strong. This was one of the greatest 5-on-5 Elimination Matches you will ever find. The Harts were heelish, but the crowd cheered EVERYTHING that they did. The crowd is what ultimately made the match as The Hart Foundation triumphed over their American Adversaries.

57. The Rock vs. Triple H (WWF Championship: Backlash 2000)
This can be argued as the finest match of the Saga between The Rock and Triple H. This match had great storytelling as it illustrated the animosity between The People's Champion and The Game. To add fuel to the fire, Shane McMahon was named the Special Guest Referee. The match took place in Washington, DC (my hometown) as I was there live to witness this match. It was very exciting and intense. The highlights of this match were The Rock giving Triple H and Shane The Rock Bottom together through the announce table, along with Stone Cold's interference as he knocked out everyone that got in his way. Austin nailed Triple H with the Steel Chair to help The Rock win the WWF Championship. This was the very match that should've happened at WrestleMania 2000.

56. Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania XXX)
This match marked the End of an Era for WWE. For more than 20 Years, The Undertaker ruled WrestleMania as he made it his Graveyard going Undefeated for 21 Years. Taker's opponents only got better as time went on, and The Streak would soon take on a Life of it's own. Going from Jimmy Snuka, Jake The Snake and Diesel, to Batista, Edge and Shawn Michaels. WrestleMania was Taker's Domain. However, that would all come crashing down at the 30th Anniversary of WrestleMania in New Orleans at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Despite the criticized quality of the match, it was most known for the Iconic Finish. Undertaker fought with resiliency to keep the legacy that he worked hard to built for Two Decades. Brock still would not back down. Things took an even bigger turn when Taker suffered a concussion during the match. After Three F-5's, The Beast conquered The Phenom to do what was deemed Impossible: Break The Streak. It took the Power and Ferociousness of a Younger, hungrier Lion to take down the King of the WrestleMania Jungle. When the Referee made the Final Three Count, the Arena was in Utter silence, including Heyman himself. The Streak was the last Superhero type of thing in wrestling that fans could hold onto. Now, that Chapter has closed.

55. CM Punk vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania XXIX)

After losing the WWE Title to The Rock, CM Punk set his sights on another prize, The Undertaker's Streak. To add fuel to the fire, Punk and Paul Heyman mocked Paul Bearer's death by carrying the Urn. Punk went even further when he attacked Undertaker and dumped the ashes out of the Urn. Heyman even dressed as Paul Bearer to distract Undertaker. The match at WrestleMania 29 was not only about The Streak, but also about Paul Bearer's Memory. Punk came to the ring with the Band Living Color playing his song "Cult of Personality" Live. Meanwhile, Undertaker came to the ring with hands reaching out to him from "The Grave" as he walked down the aisle. CM Punk's trunks were even gray and purple (Taker's original colors). For much of this match, Undertaker was on the Defensive. Apart from his usual flurry of Offense that include his Leg Drop on the Apron, Undertaker doesn't have as much momentum as he would in previous Streak Matches. Punk's Offense really kicks into high gear after he steals "Old School". Undertaker really starts to show his age, and it is clear because of how Punk is constantly a step ahead of him during this match. Stealing Taker's "Old School" was one of the highlights of this match, before Punk gave Taker the Flying Elbow Drop onto the Spanish Announcer's Table. Things finally culminate and reach the fever pitch when Undertaker breaks out of the Anaconda Vice before closing out with the Tombstone Piledriver for the 1,2,3. This was CM Punk's BEST WrestleMania Match (and last). Meanwhile, this was Undertaker's last high quality match of the Streak, because the following year it would come to an end thanks to Brock Lesnar. 

54. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Steel Cage Match for the WWF Championship: Summerslam 1994)

Throughout 1994, the Wrestling World witnessed the sibling rivalry of Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart. Time and again, Owen was out to prove that he was the superior brother. At WrestleMania X, Owen pulled the ultimate upset when he defeated his older brother Bret in the opening match. However, Bret would win the WWF Title in the final match of the night. Owen won that year's King of the Ring Tournament to become the Number 1 Contender for Bret's WWF Championship at Summerslam. This time, the feud would culminate inside of a Steel Cage. As Owen entered the cage, he immediately attacked Bret. Jerry Lawler cheered him on throughout the match because of his disdain for Bret. However, Bret would gain the advantage with a DDT. After kicking Bret in the head, Owen tried to escape, but Bret would quickly follow as they both tried to climb over the cage several times while stopping each other in the process. This the Environment was a Steel Cage, the match mainly consisted of brawling. When Owen climbed over the cage, Bret dragged him back by pulling his hair. Owen performed a Piledriver, but Bret came back by throwing him into the Cage's bars. As Owen made another attempt to escape, Bret suplexed him from the top of the cage back into the ring. Owen gave Bret the Sharpshooter, but Bret escaped and gave him the same move. The match ended when Bret threw Owen into the cage as Owen's leg got trapped into the bars. After the match, the Hart Family went to blows with each other. Typical Family Feud. 

53. Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena (WWE Championship: Summerslam 2013)

By the Summer of 2013, Ring Of Honor transplant and Internet hero Daniel Bryan was riding high on the momentum of the "Yes" Movement as he made his way into the Staples Center in L.A. for Summerslam. Daniel was Anti-Establishment and and the opposite of what the company wanted. Meanwhile, John Cena embodied everything that WWE stood for which is also what Bryan's fans hated. Despite the fact that Bryan never held the WWE Championship by that point, he still stood confident against the future 15-time World Champion. It was a Clash of ideals, as it was a mirror image of Cena vs. CM Punk. The match itself is hard hitting and at full throttle filled with reversals and counters in between. When Cena's back is against the wall, he can show that he can hang with even the most polished and respected technicians. The crowd fueled Bryan in this match, because it was predominantly filled with "Yes" chants. The match has great move sequences, shades of Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog, or any of Ricky Steamboat's matches. This match is an example of why Wrestling Observer Newsletter renamed their "Best Technical Wrestler Award" the "Daniel Bryan Award". Bryan puts the icing on the cake with a running knee to pin Cena for the three count. However, as Triple H awards Bryan with the Title, Randy Orton enters the ring. The Game surprises everyone with a Pedigree on Bryan, setting up Orton's cash in to recapture the WWE Championship. 

52. Ric Flair vs. Vader (WCW Championship: Starrcade 1993)

In November 1983, Ric Flair was the Young Lion that took the Crown from Harley Race at the very first Starrcade. Fast forward ten years later, Ric is now seen as the older lion that wants to prove that he still had "it". Meanwhile, the Monster that stood in his way was the man called Big Van Vader. For over a year, Vader was the WCW World Champion as he dominated anyone that stood in his way. To add a Wild Card to this situation, Vader's Manager just so happened to be Harley Race himself. In Starrcade 1993, Flair found himself in the same position that Harley was in at that stage of his Career. To raise the stakes even higher, Ric Flair put his Career on the line as he challenged Vader for the WCW Championship. This was the ultimate example of a clash of styles. Initially, Vader dominated Flair in typical Vader fashion, imposing his will while throwing his 450-pound weight around. The older guy (Flair) was getting beat from pillar to post, but still fought for his legacy to show that he still had what it took to be the very best. The psychology and storytelling that this match shows is perfect for the scenario. Vader's punches cause Flair to bleed from the mouth. Vader dominates until the last quarter of the match where Flair makes a comeback. Ric hits Vader repeatedly with stiff shots of his own. Vader managed to escape the Figure Four, but Flair manages to roll Vader up for the win to reclaim the prize he has held many, many times. Flair won back the title in the same place that he won it the night of the first Starrcade, in his hometown of Charlotte, NC. Flair's legacy survived as his Career came around full circle. At 44, Ric showed that he still had it. 

51. Undertaker vs. Batista (World Heavyweight Championship: WrestleMania 23)

On January 27, 2007, The Undertaker made History of his own by winning his First Royal Rumble ever in his Illustrious and Iconic Career. This set the stage for him to be the Number 1 Contender for either the WWE Title (held by John Cena), ECW Title (held by Bobby Lashley) or World Heavyweight Title (held by Batista). The following night on RAW, The Deadman chose to challenge "The Animal" Batista for the WHC at WrestleMania 23 in Detroit. Their match would be part of a Double Main-Event along with Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship. In the weeks leading up to their Match at Mania, Batista vowed that he would not be intimidated by The Phenom. Dave wanted to make History of his own by not only retaining his World Heavyweight Title, but also by breaking the Streak. Batista missed the previous WrestleMania because of injury, so he wanted to make the most of this opportunity. Big Dave did not even flinch when Taker made his Entrance. As soon as the Bell sounded, Batista immediately rammed Taker with a Spear. After this, Taker unloads a series of punches in the corner right before he chases the Ref away. This was an absolute brawl between two monsters. Their exchange of blows almost reminded you of two Great Heavyweight Fighters. The Highlights of this match were when Undertaker flies over the Top Rope to the outside for his "Flying Deadman", followed by Batista's Powerslam through the announce table. When they get back in the ring, Batista goes for the pin only for Taker to kick out at two. Batista kicks out of the Last Ride. After Batista hits Undertaker with the spinebuster, he gets ready for the Batista Bomb. However, The Deadman hits him with a Chokeslam for the two count. After two Batista Bombs, The Phenom kicks out at two. A frustrated Batista goes for a Tombstone of his own, which was the biggest mistake that he could make. Undertaker reverses it into his own Tombstone for the win. Undertaker wins the WHC and keeps the Streak alive. 

50. Undertaker vs. Edge (World Heavyweight Championship: WrestleMania XXIV)

By 2007, Edge had already proved that he had what it took to dance in the Main Event. Now, this was his moment to shine on that same Main Event Stage at WrestleMania. He was no longer a supporting cast member, but instead he was in a starring role. To raise the bar even higher, Edge put his World Heavyweight Championship on the line against The Undefeated Phenom at the time, The Undertaker. To make things even bigger, their Entrances were spectacular. The Rated R Superstar put his own Undefeated Streak (5-0) on the line against Taker's Iconic Streak (15-0). They carried the Smackdown Brand and kept it from sinking. Edge already had a breakout WrestleMania singles match against Mick Foley two years earlier, but it was time for him to turn things up even higher on the Grandest Stage of Them All as they say. He did not disappoint at all. Undertaker brought his WrestleMania best as expected. However, Edge showed great psychology by countering whatever Taker threw at him, from Old School to even the Tombstone Piledriver itself. Still, The Deadman would not give up. Edge even hit Taker with a camera, reminiscent of what he did at Survivor Series. He would hit The Phenom with a Spear, but only for a two count. Edge goes for his own Tombstone, but Undertaker reverses it into his own in true Taker fashion. Unfortunately, the Referee is out. As Taker pins Edge, Charles Robinson makes the longest run from Miami to the ring for the count. Instead, Edge obviously kicks out. Edge's stooges, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder run down for interference. UT would make short work of taking them out of the equation. The Deadman turns around and walks into a Spear for only a two count. Undertaker goes down from another Spear, but scissors Edge's head and puts him in the Golgoplata (Hell's Gate) to make him Submit. Undertaker extends his winning Streak to 16-0 while winning the World Heavyweight Title at WM for the second year in a row. This was the first WrestleMania Match where Taker ever made someone submit. This match remains a Hidden Gem in Undertaker's Large Catalog of Great Matches, while it is one of the shining moments of Edge's Career because of it's Significance. 

49. The Rock vs. John Cena (Once In A Lifetime Match: WrestleMania XXVIII)
When The Rock made his Grand, Triumphant return to the WWE, one of the first orders of business that he made was to call out John Cena. Rocky was announced as the host of WrestleMania XXVII, where he gave Cena the Rock Bottom to help The Miz retain the WWE Championship. The next night, Rock and Cena booked their Dream Match together for WrestleMania XXVIII. For an entire year, they exchanged a War of Words and Mind Games. Rock and Cena finally clashed at WrestleMania XXVIII in The Rock's Hometown of Miami, FL. Cena stepped into the Dragon's Lair. The People's Champion is a Hometown Icon in Miami and he was right at home. This was a Battle of Two Different Generations. Rock from the Attitude Era, and John Cena from the Modern PG Era. Neither one of them held back. The Match was very well paced, as The Rock did a great job of selling Cena's Offense. John proved to Rock and the world that he belonged in the same ring as The Great One. The Brahma Bull kicked out of Two Attitude Adjustments, while "Super" Cena kicked out of the Rock Bottom AND People's Elbow. In the end, John trolled the fans and showed a heelish side when he went for his own People's Elbow. However, The Rock got up in time to land The Rock Bottom for the three count. This match was named "The Most Anticipated" WrestleMania Match of all-time as it drew nearly 80,000 fans (78,363). Even though this match took place on April Fool's Day, nobody walked away feeling like fools.

48. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (WrestleMania XIX)
The Teacher vs. The Student. A Classic Storyline. For years, Chris Jericho was heavily influenced by Shawn Michaels as he patterned his appearance and mannerisms in the ring after HBK. When you look at the quintessential wrestler, Shawn Michaels was considered nearly perfect. Y2J will boldly say that his favorite wrestler and greatest of all-time is HBK. By this time, Jericho was carving his own name in history. He was Undisputed Champion and Multi-time Intercontinental Champion among other achievements. However, he also wanted to jump out of Shawn's shadow. Instead of being the next Shawn Michaels, he wanted to be the first Chris Jericho. Chris was out to prove that he had surpassed Shawn on every level. Meanwhile, HBK had returned and wanted to prove to himself, Y2J and the world that he still had it. Jericho called Michaels the "Has Been Kid" right before Shawn superkicked him to prove otherwise. The action was fast paced and smooth from the start, especially from Shawn Michaels. This match drew shades of Savage vs. Steamboat. This was Shawn's time to put everyone on notice in his WrestleMania return. The Story of this match was that The Student (Jericho) wanted to surpass The Master (Michaels). This was Jericho's WrestleMania highlight match because this was his dream. Chris showed his ring savvy by countering Shawn's moves. Jericho even gave HBK the Walls of Jericho outside of the ring to wear down Shawn's surgically repaired back. This match was filled with kip-ups and Superkicks in a match where Shawn walked away as the winner to show why he was still "Mr. WrestleMania".

47. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (Summerslam 2002)
The Battle of Best Friends. Shawn Michaels and Triple H were the Founding Fathers of D-Generation-X. However, everyone knew that Shawn was the Main Guy in charge. In the early years, HBK was Mario and Triple H was Luigi. In Shawn's absence, Hunter made a name for himself and jumped out of the shadow of the Showstopper. When Michaels returned, he and his DX comrade teased a DX reunion. However, Triple H hit him with the Pedigree. Then, Shawn was attacked in a Parking Lot and wanted to know who was behind it. Come to find out, his "Friend" Triple H was behind it. This set the stage for Shawn's official return to the ring at Summerslam. After being on the shelf for 4 years, Shawn Michaels wanted to test himself by going against one of the very best, his former ally Triple H. Once the bell sounded, Shawn Michaels showed no signs of ring rust at all. With the bad blood that they had, a Street Fight was perfect as HBK wore jeans and cowboy boots in this match. Regardless of ring attire, Shawn Michaels was still the same performer. In many ways, he returned better than before. As the underdog throughout this match, Shawn found a way to win. However, their feud was just beginning as Triple H hit him with the Sledgehammer after the match. This was the launching pad for Shawn's Comeback Tour as he would enjoy an extra eight years that were added to his already stellar Career.

46. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn (NXT Takeover: Dallas)
NXT Takeover: Dallas was certainly a spectacle during WrestleMania Weekend. Fans were looking forward to this more than Mania itself (thanks to injuries), and the match that stood out the most was Sami Zayn versus new NXT Arrival Shinsuke Nakamura. This was Nakamura's first match ever in NXT and he came with plenty of fanfare. Nakamura applies a Cross Armbreaker, but Zayn fought out of the hold. Sami applies the Koji Clutch, but Shinsuke countered into a roll up for a near fall. Nakamura attempted a Kinshasa on Sami but Zayn avoided the move and gave him the Blue Thunder Bomb for the near fall. Near the end, Zayn attempted an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckles, but Nakamura countered it into a Kinshasa off the middle rope, followed by another Kinshasa for the win. This match had the right combination of high-flying mixed with aggression and physicality. This match sent shockwaves all across WWE on Twitter and was critically acclaimed by outlets such as PW Torch, Wrestling Observer and even IGN. This is a strong candidate for Match of the Year for 2016.

45. Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (WWF Intercontinental Championship: Summerslam 1991)
By the Summer of 1991, Bret Hart was free from the Hart Foundation and ready to fly on his own to reach for the stars as a singles wrestler. With his Classic Hitman Shades, Bret's future was bright as he set his sights on the stepping stone for Greatness: The WWF Intercontinental Championship. For years, Bret had proven himself as an excellent Tag Team Wrestler with great technical gifts, but he was still an unknown commodity by himself. Meanwhile, fellow Second Generation Wrestler Curt Hennig (Mr. Perfect) was the IC Champion. This was Bret's chance to prove to Vince, the higher ups and the fans that he could cut it on his own. Bret proved himself in Madison Square Garden at Summerslam during this match with Perfect with the IC Title on the line. This match is historically considered one of the finest technical wrestling matches ever, because they were both first class ring generals. Mr. Perfect thought that he would retain the title when he put Bret in the Perfect Plex. However, the "Hit Man" surprised everyone when he kicked out of the Perfect Plex. Moments later, Bret locked in the Sharpshooter to capture his first IC Championship. This would open the door for one of the most decorated and prolific careers in WWE History. With this win, Bret opened the door for other wrestlers that wanted to transition from Tag Team success to Singles Success.

44. Shawn Michaels vs. Mankind (WWF Championship: In Your House/Mind Games)
By 1996, Shawn Michaels was the WWF Champion and considered by many to be the Best Wrestler in the Entire World. HBK was firing on all cylinders at this point. Meanwhile, Mankind made a name of his own upon his arrival to the WWF with his feud against The Undertaker. Foley was traditionally known for Hardcore Gimmick Matches, but not known very well for matches that did not involve a weapon. Mick was tested with the challenge to adapt his style and he did very well. When you go toe to toe with Shawn Michaels, you HAVE to make adjustments and Mankind did that accordingly. Meanwhile, this was also a test for HBK to prove that he knew how to brawl with one of the toughest wrestlers in the world. Their chemistry was incredible. This was an action-adventure match leaving you wondering "What If they had a match on a bigger PPV Platform?".

43. Elimination Chamber (World Heavyweight Championship: Survivor Series 2002)
The Shawn Michaels "Comeback Tour" was quickly gaining steam. After defeating Friend/Enemy Triple H at Summerslam, HBK had another opportunity to make history as he would wrestle in the First Ever Elimination Chamber Match at Survivor Series for the World Heavyweight Championship. To make it even more special, Survivor Series was held in Madison Square Garden. Historically, the Garden was the Epicenter for Title changes, as the Championship has changed hands an unprecedented FIVE times. This match would mark the fifth occasion with six Superstars. Those names included: World Champion Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, 5-time Champion Booker T, RVD and Kane. Each competitor would be released from their pods at different intervals. They brutalized and battered each other as they threw each other through the glass pods and into the bars of the Chamber itself. Finally, it all came down to Shawn Michaels and Triple H, the best friends turned bitter rivals. HBK ended The Game's reign with the Sweet Chin Music to capture his first World Heavyweight Championship (Big Gold Belt). This was a defining moment in the Career of Shawn Michaels, as he celebrated while confetti came down. This was the first time Shawn was World Champion since WM XIV, and it would also be the last World Title that he would hold for the rest of his career.

42. The Undertaker vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XXVII)
After vanquishing "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker would have another powerful opponent to conquer in his Undefeated Streak: Shawn's best friend Triple H. After taking time off, The Deadman would rise again in February of 2011 to meet his next challenger. Soon, Triple H's music would hit as The Game would enter the ring to stand toe to toe with The Phenom. The stage was soon set. In front of 70,000 fans in Atlanta, the two legendary Titans clashed in an Epic Match that was the highlight of the night. The Cerebral Assassin brought the fight to The Deadman. Unlike the matches with HBK, this match was much more physical as you can see the toll that it puts on Taker's body. In the end, The Game became another victim of The Streak. However, Triple H was able to walk out in his own power, while Undertaker had to be carted away. Even in victory, this was a strong reminder that even The Undertaker had to face his own mortality.

41. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels (WWF Championship: WrestleMania XIV)
By the start of 1998, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was on fire. Austin won his second straight Royal Rumble as he tore through the WWF Roster on his quest for the WWF Championship. The year prior, Austin proved himself as a Main Event Star with his Iconic Submission Match with Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13. Even a Career-Threatening Injury could not hold back the Texas Rattlesnake. By this point, "Stone Cold" only had one obstacle left, the WWF Champion himself, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. HBK was on top of the Wrestling Mountain with his DX Comrades Triple H and Chyna by his side. To add another twist, "Iron" Mike Tyson would join with DX as the "Special Enforcer" for this WWF Title Match. Austin had opposition on every side. Still, this would not stop this one man Army from reaching his lifelong goal. WrestleMania XIV took place at the Fleet Center in Boston, MA. I remember watching this match on PPV at the time as a child in 1998. I was torn between the two, because I was a fan of both of them. Stone Cold and Shawn Michaels are still two of my all-time favorites. Going into this match, HBK had an injured back from his Casket Match with Undertaker. Even with injuries, this match was still spectacular and very significant. Even with his pain, Shawn fought like the Wrestling Soldier that he was. Stone Cold was firing on all cylinders with a laser like focus. The match even went to the Entrance way as Michaels hit Austin with the Instruments. HBK even hit him with the ring bell. Eventually, Triple H and Chyna were banned from ringside. Still, SCSA took no prisoners and it was evident in this match. In the end, Shawn started to tune up the band to put Stone Cold away with Sweet Chin Music. As Shawn launched his foot for the Superkick, Stone Cold moved out of the way to attempt the Stone Cold Stunner. Shawn pushed him off to attempt another Sweet Chin Music. However, Austin caught his foot, turned him around to nail the Stunner as Tyson rushed in the ring for the three count. The Stone Cold Era had officially begun for the WWF and Professional Wrestling itself. The time for Austin 3:16 had finally arrived as Stone Cold was crowned the new WWF Champion. Austin had now dethroned HBK to become Wrestling's Undisputed King.

Greatest Hall of Fame Classes

With the WWE Hall of Fame approaching, we would like to celebrate the best Hall of Fame Classes of all-time:

2005

Class: H. Hogan, Piper, Iron Sheik, Jimmy Hart, Bob Orton, Jr., Paul Orndorff, Nikolai Volkoff
This Class was Special because these were the stars of the first WrestleMania. I always call it the "WrestleMania I Crew". The Class was headlined by none other than H. Hogan himself, the focal point of the "Rock & Wrestling" Golden Era from the 80's. Along with him would be his friend Jimmy Hart, rivals Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik, Paul Orndorff, Nikolai Volkoff, and "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr. The induction took place the night before WM 21 in Los Angeles, CA.

2006
Class: Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, The Blackjacks, Sensational Sherri, William Perry, Tony Atlas, Verne Gagne

The Headliner for this Class was "The Hitman" Bret Hart with his presenter being Stone Cold Steve Austin. Bret and Austin had their Iconic WM 13 match in Chicago, so it was fitting that Bret chose him given their history. As a long time fan of Bret, this was very special for me. I also believe that the seeds were slowly being planted for Bret to be eased back into WWE one step at a time even though he finally made his return to WWE Television four years later. Bret still had his grudge with HBK, as that explains why Shawn was not present that night. This was also done to promote Bret's DVD "Best There Is, Was and Ever Will Be." The impact of Bret's appearance in years since the "Montreal Screwjob" was enough to boost the credibility of this class. Eddie Guerrero was inducted posthumously following his death in November 2005. His induction was very emotional and pulled the heartstrings of the fans that night.

2014
Class: Ultimate Warrior, Razor Ramon, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Lita, Mr. T, Paul Bearer, Carlos Colon

This was a fantastic HOF Class for the 30th Anniversary of WrestleMania. It was significant because it presented closure as The Ultimate Warrior was the Headliner for this Class. Warrior just made amends with WWE thanks to Triple H in order to break the ice between himself and Vince McMahon. Before his death, The Ultimate Warrior signed a Legends Contract that would allow him to be an Ambassador for the WWE. This also included Warrior's commercial promoting WWE 2K14. Warrior was the marquee attraction during HOF Weekend and gave the best speech in my view. This was also a night to welcome back Jake Roberts and Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) after they were cleaned up thanks to DDP Yoga. The quote that stuck out the most in Hall's speech was "Bad Times don't last, but Bad Guys do." Lita was presented by her arch rival Trish Stratus. Mr. T had one of the best speeches of the night, as he was a huge part of the first WrestleMania. Paul Bearer was inducted by Kane and Undertaker while his sons accepted on his behalf. Carlos Colon (World Wrestling Council) was inducted by his sons.

2015

Class: "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, Tatsumi Fujinami, Madusa/Alundra Blayze, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Larry Zbysko, The Bushwhackers, Rikishi
This Class was special because there were inductions that were LONG overdue. This was an HOF that represented closure. However, it was also bittersweet because the Headliner for this HOF Class was not alive to accept this honor. "Macho Man" Randy Savage passed away in a Car Accident four years earlier. His brother Lanny Poffo accepted on his behalf. Madusa was finally welcomed back to WWE after 20 years of bad blood for her infamous act of dropping the Women's Title in the trash can at the start of the Monday Night Wars. Natalya was her presenter. Madusa made a light-hearted joke of the situation by bringing a trash can to the stage with the Title. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the Celebrity Choice with Triple H as his presenter. At WM 31, Triple H paid tribute with his Terminator Entrance. Larry Zbysko took his place in the HOF as well. Japanese legend Tatsumi Fujinami was honored. The head scratching choices for this class were The Bushwhackers and Rikishi. Fans did not understand because they were mostly comedy acts in WWE, and that is all that was shown in their video packages. Meanwhile, their body of work was stronger outside of WWE for the most part. Kevin Nash closed out the night with Shawn Michaels as his presenter. The Kliq ended things on a high note as they celebrated together.

2012
Class: Edge, Four Horsemen, Mike Tyson, Yokozuna, Ron Simmons, Mil Mascaras

This HOF Class had great quality. What helped to make it special for me was that it took place on the weekend of WM 28, one of the best of recent memory. The headliner for this class was Edge because of how his career was sadly cut short due to injury. The Four Horsemen and Mike Tyson were the next big names for induction. Yokozuna was the posthumous induction presented by Rikishi. Ron Simmons was inducted by JBL and Mil Mascaras was the International pick presented by Alberto Del Rio.

2011
Class: Shawn Michaels, LOD, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Sunny, Abdullah The Butcher, Bob Armstrong, Drew Carey

In 2011, Shawn Michaels added another moniker to his resume: "Mr. Hall Of Fame". HBK was the Marquee Headliner for the Class of 2011 and it was special for his best friend Triple H to present him into the HOF. Shawn is highly regarded as the Greatest In-Ring Performer of all-time. This came off the heels of his retirement after his finale with Undertaker at WM 26 as well as WWE naming him the Greatest of All-Time on their Top 50 "Superstars" list. HBK is one of the most decorated stars in history. Along with Shawn, The Road Warriors/LOD were inducted. According to many fans, LOD is the Greatest Tag-Team of all-time. So it was rather fitting that they were inducted with HBK. Plus, The Road Warriors enjoyed some of their best success in the NWA along with WWE and other promotions. Abdullah The Butcher and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan were also inducted along with Bob Armstrong, Sunny and the most head scratching induction, Drew Carey.



2004
Class: Harley Race, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Sgt. Slaughter, Junkyard Dog, Pete Rose, Jesse Ventura, Tito Santana, Big John Studd, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco

On the 20th Anniversary of WrestleMania, WWE brought back the Hall of Fame in a huge way. In 2004, WWE inducted their largest class in HOF History with 11 Inductees. The names included were former NWA Champion Harley Race, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Bobby Heenan, Sgt. Slaughter, JYD, Jesse Ventura, Tito Santana, Big John Studd, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, and the first celebrity induction Pete Rose. Much of this class consists of stars that were part of the late 70's/early 80's and midcard/upper main eventers. Harley was essentially the headliner because of his body of work even though he was a huge star outside of WWE. It was similar to how Ric Flair was the headliner for 2008 although he was a major star outside of WWE as well. Superstar was a huge attraction for MSG in the late 70's as WWWF Champion. Sgt. Slaughter was also a mainstay in the Garden with his feuds with Tito Santana, Bob Backlund, etc. Muraco, Valentine and Santana were all mainstays as IC Champion during their time. JYD and Studd were both supporting cast members during the Rock & Wrestling Boom Period. Jesse and Bobby were star commentators during the 80's.

2009
Class: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, The Von Erichs, Terry and Dory Funk, Howard Finkel, Koko B. Ware, Bill Watts

During the 25th Anniversary of the Grandest Stage of them All, WrestleMania took place at the Astrodome in Houston, TX. This was certainly a Texas based HOF Class with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Headliner with his best friend Jim Ross inducting him. Ricky Steamboat was inducted by his arch rival Ric Flair. Texas Legends and WCCW headliners The Von Erichs were inducted by Michael Hayes. Terry and Dory Funk were also inducted along with "Cowboy" Bill Watts. Legendary Ring Announcer Howard Finkel joined the HOF as well as Koko B. Ware.

2008
Class: Ric Flair, Rocky Johnson, High Chief Peter Maivia, Briscoe Brothers, Mae Young, Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie

In his farewell, Ric Flair was the Center of Attention for WrestleMania Weekend in 2008. Flair was the headliner for the class of 2008 as Triple H was his presenter. Meanwhile, The Rock inducted his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather "High Chief" Peter Maivia. The Briscoe Brothers, legendary Women's wrestler Mae Young, Florida Championship Wrestling Legend Eddie Graham and NWA Announcer Gordon Solie were also inducted.




2013
Class: Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Mick Foley, Booker T, Trish Stratus, Donald Trump

This HOF weekend took place in the New York/New Jersey area. So naturally, it would be a NY themed HOF with Bruno Sammartino as the headliner along with other NYC mainstays like Bob Backlund and Mick Foley. Sammartino and Backlund were two of the longest-reigning WWWF Champions before the explosion of business during the Golden-Era. This was also a sense of closure for Bruno and Backlund, especially in the case for Sammartino. Booker T was also inducted with his brother Stevie Ray. Booker entertained the crowd with a Spinarooni as well. During Foley's speech, he mentioned that he never defeated Chris Jericho. Y2J and CM Punk joined Mick on stage. Foley gives Jericho the elbow drop as Punk counts to 3. Trish Stratus was the staple of the Women's Division during the 2000's and it was great to witness her induction. Finally, Donald Trump was the celebrity involved considering that it was in NYC. I don't agree, but WWE loves publicity.

Let's Dance (vol. 5- John Cena)

The "Let's Dance" Series continues to roll in a strong way. Dance Partners are made to bring the very best out of each other.

Now, I would like to examine the many dance partners of the Franchise Star of the Modern WWE Generation, John Cena.

There have been very few stars that have had the same abundance of dance partners that Cena has had over the course of his impressive career. The only other names that come to mind with an array of rivals were Undertaker, HH and Ric Flair. Just like them, Cena has been able to spark amazing rivalries over the history of wrestling.

Just like Superman or Goku, Cena has enjoyed a variety of villains to dance with. Since Cena is the Superman of WWE, these villains are his Lex Luthors, Brainiacs, General Zods, Doomsday, etc. Time to examine his "Who's Who?" of Dance Partners.

Edge:

Length of Feud: 2006-2009

Featured Matches:

Royal Rumble 2006
Backlash 2006
Summerslam 2006
Unforgiven 2006 (TLC Match)
Backlash 2007
No Way Out 2009
WrestleMania XXV
Backlash 2009

Match Quality: 4/5
Storyline Quality: 9/10
Rivalry Rating 9.5/10

Edge and John Cena were very much counter culture. Cena was Rap, Edge was Rock/Heavy Metal. John Cena was the clean cut standard hero while Edge was the villain that served to be the ultimate thorn in his side. Edge made his first Main Event Impact by cashing in his MITB Briefcase on a wounded John Cena after he survived a Brutal Elimination Chamber Match. Edge conquered Cena with two Spears to win his first WWE Championship. As a result, RAW's Ratings spiked (with the addition of Edge's live sex celebration with Lita). Cena would gain his revenge when he defeated Edge to win back the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. They feuded over the title throughout 2006 as their feud was named "Feud of the Year" by PWI. This was Cena's biggest challenge as Champion at that point in his career. The highlight of their feud took place at Unforgiven 2006 when Cena defeated Edge at his own game of a TLC Match. To add fuel to the fire, the match was in Edge's hometown of Toronto, Canada. Cena and Edge would meet again in a Fatal Four Way Match at Backlash involving Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton. Cena remained Champion as Edge would move to Smackdown concluding their feud for the time being. However, their paths would cross once again during 2009 as Edge won the World Heavyweight Championship at No Way Out. Cena would defeat Edge and Big Show at WrestleMania XXV to win the title. Edge would have the last laugh at Backlash to win back the WHC with help from Big Show.

Randy Orton:

Length of Feud: 2007-2013

Featured Matches: 

Backlash 2007
Summerslam 2007

WrestleMania XXIV
Backlash 2008
Night Of Champions
Summerslam 2009
Breaking Point
Hell In A Cell
Bragging Rights
TLC 2013

Match Quality: 4/5
Storyline Quality: 8.5/10
Rivalry Rating: 9/10

The unique thing about the John Cena vs. Randy Orton feud is how their career paths have followed each other from their time at OVW. Both Cena and Orton made their debut on the main roster in 2002 as part of Smackdown. Cena would become the Dr. of Thuganomics while Orton joined Evolution. They won championship gold around the same time. Orton and Cena had unique paths to the top. Randy won the IC Title at Armageddon 2003, while John won the US Title at WrestleMania XX. Orton became the youngest World Champion at Summerslam 2004 at just 24 years old. Meanwhile, Cena became WWE Champion at WrestleMania 21. This shows how their careers have been parallel. Even though Randy won his titles first, Cena won his on bigger stages. However, Orton hit a roadblock in 2004 when he lost the WHC. When John Cena won the WWE Championship from JBL at WM, he maintained his spot at the top on a consistent basis and gained stronger momentum. By 2007, Randy Orton had become a more polished performer just in time to be inserted into the WWE Title picture. Orton was involved in the Fatal Four Way match at Backlash for the WWE Championship. The match also included Edge and Shawn Michaels with Cena winning. However, Cena suffered a pectoral injury during the Summer. On an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, Orton added further damage by giving him the RKO on an open steel chair. As a result of John Cena's injury, Randy Orton was crowned the new WWE Champion. This is what helped to escalate their rivalry to another level. Cena would return at the Royal Rumble for a shot at the title. Orton retained at WM XXIV. The feud between Cena and Orton would consistently go through 2008-2009. The high points of their feud would be from Breaking Point to Bragging Rights. These two are considered the legends of their generation with nearly 30 world championships combined between them.


CM Punk:

Length of Feud: 2011-2013

Featured Matches:

Money In the Bank 2011

Summerslam 2011

Summerslam 2012

Survivor Series 2012

RAW 2013

Match Quality: 4.5/5
Storyline Quality: 9/10
Rivalry Rating: 9/10

As John Cena was in the midst of his feud with The Rock building up for WrestleMania XXVIII, he was met with another intense feud in between that time. Enter CM Punk. In the Summer of 2011, CM Punk had grown frustrated of being pushed to the background while the likes of The Rock ("Dwayne") and John Cena took over a lion's share of the spotlight as they were in the marquee headline of WrestleMania while he was not. In his famous "Pipe Bomb" Promo, Punk shot straight from the hip about his anger of being disrespected and unappreciated by WWE. His main target for the frustration at that moment was John Cena. Punk threatened to take the WWE Title with him back to Ring Of Honor and NJPW. Once they had the contract signing along with Vince McMahon's involvement, the stage was set for Money In the Bank 2011 in Punk's backyard of Chicago. CM Punk would emerge victorious as he defeated Cena for the WWE Title. Cena's feud with Punk would continue into Summerslam 2011. It would be on again, off again as they would have Triple Threat Matches featuring Big Show and Ryback (Summerslam 2012, Survivor Series 2012), along with their final match at RAW 2013 to determine the number one contender for WrestleMania XXIX. Cena and Punk danced tremendously together. Contrary to the popular opinion of the Internet, dancing with John Cena put CM Punk on a higher platform. 

Brock Lesnar:

Length of Feud: 2003, 2012-2015

Featured Matches:

Backlash 2003

Extreme Rules 2012

Summerslam 2014
Night of Champions 2014
Royal Rumble 2015

Match Quality: 3.5/5
Storyline Quality: 8/10
Rivalry Rating: 8.5/10

Much like with Randy Orton, and Batista, John Cena's history with Brock Lesnar dates back to their time in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). You can say that their rivalry started casually in 2003 when Cena was the Dr. of Thuganomics. During that time, Cena challenged Lesnar for the WWE Championship. One of the most memorable things about that time was when Cena cut a freestyle about Brock's tattoos. Lesnar would win, but it was a sign of things to come for Cena in the future. The timing is interesting from when Brock left to when Cena became the face of the company. In Brock's absence, Cena established a Hall of Fame Caliber Career and became one of the biggest box office draws in WWE History. The night after WrestleMania XXVIII, Brock made his long awaited return as he gave John the F5. Cena looked like he was on his way to a downward spiral going into Extreme Rules. Their match was brutal with Brock throwing Cena from left to right and nearly beating him half to death. Suddenly, Cena surprises everyone as he hits Lesnar with the chain before nailing him with the Attitude Adjustment for the win. It seemed as though Cena got rid of the monster once and for all. However, business was not finished. After Lesnar broke the Streak, he was Cena's automatic challenger at Summerslam. Lesnar destroyed Cena in a one-sided match to become the new WWE Champion. The rivalry continued as Brock retained at Night of Champions and ended with him remaining Champion at the Royal Rumble. 

The Rock:

Length of Feud: 2011-2013

Featured Matches:
WrestleMania XXVIII
WrestleMania XXIX

What makes this stand out as one of John Cena's top rivalries is not only the star value of his dance partner but the buildup surrounding the feud. This was the quintessential example of a "Dream Match" on paper. Rock and Cena are the premiere stars from different generations. This was more tangible than a dream feud between Rock-Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart-Kurt Angle, Hulk-Bruno, etc. FINALLY, after seven years away from WWE, the Rock HAS COME BACK to the WWE. Rocky wasted no time in taking care of business. Rock's main target the night of his return was John Cena. He shot straight from the hip about the jabs that Cena took in various interviews. This led to a war of the words. The Rock even became the host of WrestleMania XXVII. It was obvious that The Rock was going to get involved in Cena's match. Rocky cost Cena the WWE Title match against The Miz. The next night, The Rock and John Cena booked their "Once In A Lifetime" Match for WrestleMania XXVIII. From that time, they kept their distance with jabs at each other in the mainstream media and in Social Media including Rock's classic promo via YouTube. This feud ran simultaneously with the feud that John Cena started with CM Punk during the Summer. Their paths would finally collide at WrestleMania XXVIII in The Rock's BattleGround of Miami, FL. Rock was the hometown favorite and the favorite of Attitude Era fans, while Cena was the favorite among the current demographic. Both were faces going into the match, even though Cena was booed out of Miami heading into the ring. For what it was worth, this was a great match with The Rock standing tall as the winner in the end. The buildup and storyline for this match (along with Taker vs. HHH) made this the highest grossing live event in WWE history. Naturally, Rock and Cena would have a sequel at WrestleMania XXIX for the WWE Championship. Cena won the Rumble the same night that Rock defeated CM Punk to become WWE Champion. Their paths would collide again, but this time Cena won to redeem himself in a passing of the torch moment similar to what The Rock experienced at WrestleMania X8. The buildup and the drawing power that this feud created is enough to rank among John Cena's greatest rivalries.


Match Quality: 3.5/5
Storyline Quality: 9.5/10
Rivalry Rating: 8.5/10

Batista: 

Length of Feud: 2008-2010

Featured Matches:

Summerslam 2008

WrestleMania XXVI

Extreme Rules 2010

Over the Limit

The John Cena-Batista feud was well built by how wisely they were kept apart from each other. Their origins began at OVW. They were the last two men in the 2005 Royal Rumble with Batista winning. At WrestleMania 21, they were positioned as the top franchise players for the WWE. Both of their victories were torch-passing moments. Their paths ran parallel with each other. Cena defeated JBL for the WWE Title, while Batista defeated Triple H for the World Heavyweight Title in a more intense match. That summer, they were the most valuable stars in the WWE Draft during the Brand Extension Era. Cena was the 1st overall pick for RAW, Batista was the 2nd overall pick for Smackdown. It was clear that John Cena was 1A as he became not only the Captain of RAW, but star of WWE itself. Meanwhile, DC Dave was Captain of the B-Show as he became 1B. Batista had the initial firepower coming out of WM 21, but Cena would slowly pull ahead. While they could have very well collided at Survivor Series (possibly WrestleMania), they stayed out of each other's way for three years. Batista carried Smackdown as he feuded with JBL. Meanwhile, Cena defended the title against Kurt Angle before kicking off his feud with Edge. Their paths would finally cross when Batista returned to RAW for a superstar showdown at Summerslam 2008. This was one of the rare cases of WWE using the brand split to build dream matches (ex: Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle). However, Cena and Batista were both faces in this match. In rare fashion, John Cena ended the match looking up at the lights as Batista broke his neck with a Batista Bomb. This would be a sign of things to come as this was the fuel for their fire going into WrestleMania XXVI. Going into their WM Match, their was actual doubt that Cena would walk away as champion because of how dominant Batista was as a monster heel champion. Not only that, but Batista already had the victory over Cena before. Cena would overcome the DC Monster Batista at WrestleMania and sweep the series with wins at Extreme Rules and Over the Limit. Even though Cena won the overall series, he found an opponent that matched him when it came to physical and star power credentials to a degree. It was a battle of "I should be number 1". It proved to be one of the most significant feuds not only for John Cena, but for Batista as well. 

Match Quality: 3.5/5

Storyline Quality: 8/10

Rivalry Rating: 8.5/10

Chris Jericho:

Length of Feud: 2002-2008

Featured Matches:
Vengeance 2002
Summerslam 2005
Surivor Series 2008

This feud was a launching pad for Cena becoming a star in WWE. They had a match early in Cena's career before he became the Dr. of Thuganomics with John getting the win over the veteran Jericho. However, things were kicked up another notch as we fast forward to 2005. John Cena was just drafted to RAW as the first overall pick as he was the guest on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel. It wasn't long before Jericho stepped up to become the challenger for the WWE Championship. Naturally, Jericho becomes the heel and goes into arrogant rockstar mode. It was truly "Rap vs. Rock". They even had a "Battle of the Bands" on RAW. Cena with his rap group vs. Fozzy. However, Jericho came to the stage by himself and refused to perform. Cena's band won by default. Jericho vowed to take the title away from Cena at Summerslam. John Cena defeated Y2J at Summerslam 2005 with the Attitude Adjustment (At that time it was the F-U). Cena defeated Jericho the next night on RAW in a "Loser Leaves Town" match. After Y2J lost, he was "fired" and taken out by security screaming and crying. In the midst of Jericho's return (aka: "Second Coming") he turned heel and started wearing a suit. During his time as a heel, Y2J became World Heavyweight Champion and finished a great feud with Shawn Michaels. Jericho would then rekindle his feud with John Cena. Cena would defeat him at Survivor Series for the WHC. What makes this feud so unique is that Chris Jericho was instrumental in helping to legitimize John Cena as a star that can dance in the main event. Y2J helped to pull things out of Cena that he probably thought that he never had before. In Cena's early run as Champion, Jericho proved to be a very good foil for him to defeat. Both legends certainly did great music together in the ring. This was certainly one of the high spots for Cena's first title run along with his feud with Kurt Angle. 

Match Quality: 4/5

Storyline Quality: 7.5/10

Rivalry Rating: 7.5/10

Conclusion:

Edge:

As I have come to my conclusion, there is no other dance partner that was better for John Cena than Edge in my view. John Cena is the marquee star of his generation, but there was a critical point in Cena's rise where many people were not sure if he was really going to work out. People may not want to admit this now, but fans were happy to see him relieve JBL of the WWE Title at WrestleMania 21. They were also more or less on his side in his early feuds with Chris Jericho and Christian. Then, he ran into Kurt Angle a wrestling machine that fans knew John Cena was no match for hold for hold. Kurt was the premiere ring general of his time, but he was playing heel to John Cena's silliness. However, smart fans were not willing to shun Angle in favor of Cena. After Jericho left, Bischoff turned up the heat with Angle. After Cena conquered the Olympic Gold Medalist, he faced the likes of Carlito and Chris Masters who were the next heels in line for the title. Promising at the time, but a downgrade from the likes of future Hall of Famers like Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle. Masters and Carlito were certainly not world title material. Cena's first run lasted 9 months but it had its hit and misses.

This is where Edge enters. In true heel fashion, Edge makes WWE history by cashing in his the first MITB Briefcase on a bloodied and wounded John Cena that just overcame five other wrestlers to retain the WWE Championship. Edge cashed in on a grand opportunity by defeating Cena after the match was over to win his first WWE Championship. This was a turning point for both stars. Cena finally had a red hot feud with someone that was a lethal thorn in his side. Edge was not a match for Cena physically like Brock or Batista, but he was a master manipulator who could use his heel psychology to push Cena to his limits. This would become the premiere standard bearer feud of John Cena's career. This was the most defining feud of Cena's legacy. Edge was elevated by successfully cashing in his MITB Briefcase on the Captain of RAW and WWE overall. Edge was launched from being an upper mid-card glorified tag team star that everybody loved to becoming the perennial main event villain of his era. They danced in a series of matches, from singles matches, triple threat matches and even a classic but sometimes overlooked TLC Match. Edge and Cena danced in many different ways to their own instruments, but they left fans with some great performances that they would never forget. With that said, Edge is John Cena's quintessential dance partner. You could say that he was Lex to Cena's Superman.


Greatest Matches:

1. vs. CM Punk (Money In the Bank 2011)
2. vs. Edge (TLC Match- Unforgiven 2006)
3. vs.  Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins (Royal Rumble 2015)
4. vs. CM Punk (RAW 2013)
5. vs. Randy Orton (Breaking Point 2009)
6. vs. The Rock (WrestleMania XXVIII)
7. vs. Edge vs. Triple H (Backlash 2006)
8,  vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules 2012)
9. vs. CM Punk (Night of Champions 2012)
10. vs. Edge (Backlash 2009)

This Top 10 is based off of Cena's Dance Partners

History Rewritten: WrestleMania XXV

Welcome back to another Edition of my "History Rewritten" Series, where I like to revisit the abysmal flaws in sports history from Basketball, Football, Wrestling, you name it. When I witness what went wrong, I like to reconstruct and rewrite history from my vantage point. I rename Award Winners and provide my own Fantasy Booking.

Background:
This was the night where WWE and the Wrestling Community celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Greatest Wrestling Event of the Year. The Super Bowl and World Series of Sports Entertainment. The Silver Anniversary for the Showcase of the Immortals took place on April 5, 2009, at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas. This was the night where we witnessed the closest thing that we will ever get to perfection in wrestling as The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels wrestled the greatest match in the history of this sport. It was perfect timing for them to have this match on the 25th Anniversary of WM. On the card, you also had John Cena wrestle Edge and Big Show in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship, followed by Triple H vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship.

What Made It Great:
Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker. What else needs to be said? They shut the building down. By the time that match was over, the crowd was mentally and emotionally drained, just like the fans at The Skydome for The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan match at WrestleMania X8. It became impossible to follow up those performances. Nothing else needed to follow.

WM XXV Main Event:
WrestleMania 25 featured a Triple Main Event, except Taker vs. Shawn did not end the show. Instead, you had a cluster Triple Threat Match for the WHC involving Cena, Edge & Big Show. The final match of the night was Triple H vs. Randy Orton in a lackluster match for the WWE Championship. These matches felt more like matches for Backlash Main Events than WrestleMania Main Events. I understand that those were title matches, but the Streak had become more important than the titles.

What Ruined It:
Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels needed to finish the show to make it complete. How can you have a match of this magnitude and not put it on last? Considering the history of Taker and Shawn at WrestleMania, Vince McMahon, and Co. should have known what to expect! Clearly, they did not learn from the mistake that they made from WrestleMania X8. Just like that show, the Most Iconic Match of the night was a Non-Title Match. Taker vs HBK set a giant shadow over the rest of the show as everything else felt underwhelming. If the World Title matches were booked BEFORE this match, they would have been better received. I guess they did not put enough trust in The Deadman and The Showstopper to create such a Masterpiece at this point of their careers. Big, Big Mistake. This is WrestleMania, the place where both of these warriors specialize in bringing their A++ Game to the table. If I were Vince, I would have ended the show after that match. Even Triple H and Orton did not want to follow this match. Cena, Edge and Big Show knew they could not compete with it either.


However, we were treated to a Triple Threat Match that looked like a giant pile of vomit between Cena, Edge, and Big Show. This was a far cry from the Triple Threat WHC Match from WrestleMania XX featuring Anonymous Wrestler (*coughs* Chris Benoit *coughs) vs Triple H vs Shawn Michaels. Sadly, that match has become a black eye in wrestling even though it was the greatest Triple Threat Match in WrestleMania History. Like WrestleMania 2000, the involvement of The Big Show brought the match quality down by several different levels. I feel as though whenever Big Show is inserted into the mix of a main event match, he becomes dead weight. He was certainly dead weight for this match. The only special things about this match were Cena's entrance and his Double Attitude Adjustment on Edge & Big Show. Besides that, I couldn't care any less about this match.

Then, things go from bad to worse as Triple H and Randy Orton have a watered down, WWE Title match to end such a special Anniversary. Triple H was not allowed to use weapons of any kind, or else he would be disqualified and lose the title. Historically, these matches have both become afterthoughts in comparison to Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker. To make things even worse, those two title matches were featured in the WWE 2k14 Video Game as part of the Special "30 Years of WrestleMania Mode". Yet, the greatest match of that night was not featured when you have to replay WrestleMania 25? Since I am rewriting WrestleMania XXV, I am inserting the HBK vs. Taker WM 25 match into WWE 2k14's 30 Years of WM.

Rewrite:
The first and most important order of business is simple. Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker needs to be the final match of the night. A match with the legacy and importance that it had deserves to close out the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. I know that it was the Main Event of the next year's WrestleMania in honor of Shawn's retirement, but that match did not fully live up to its predecessor. These two legendary generals pulled out everything that they had in their arsenal and held absolutely nothing back.  This match not only showed what WrestleMania was about, but what wrestling itself is about. This was certainly worthy to be in the 2k14 video game.

Next, I would take Big Show far away from the World Heavyweight Title match and just book the match as Edge vs. John Cena for the WHC. Cena and Edge were perfect rivals for each other. I believe that Edge brought the very best out of Cena from an overall rivalry standpoint, and vice versa. Their feud goes back to 2006 when Edge won his first WWE Title by cashing in on Cena. WrestleMania would have been the perfect stage for their rivalry to reach its peak. Instead, WWE wasted a great singles battle by having it take place at Backlash. Edge & Cena's last World Title match should not have been at Backlash. It was more important than that. This would be the match right before the Epic Showdown of the night.

As for Triple H vs Randy Orton, I would put this match on right before Edge vs Cena.

In Conclusion, this is how I would have booked WrestleMania XXV. I hope you enjoy.

50 Greatest Wrestlers (pt. 2, 11-20)

11. Triple H
12. Harley Race
13. Bruno Sammartino
14. Andre The Giant
15. Edge
16. Chris Jericho
17. Kurt Angle
18. Ricky Steamboat
19. Eddie Guerrero
20. Dusty Rhodes

11. Triple H-  The Game, The Cerebral Assassin. Triple H is one of the most polarizing figures in wrestling history. On one side, people respect how he stepped up to the plate as a villain, and his body of work. Others do not respect how he has gotten to his spot, and how he has maintained it. The biggest criticism that many have of Triple H is how his marriage into the McMahon family has further enhanced his career. Triple H has been the perfect example of someone that has been propelled because of his association. First, Shawn Michaels & The Kliq. Then, Stephanie McMahon. After briefly spending time in WCW as Terror Risin', Paul Levesque moved up north to Titan Towers to work for the World Wrestling Federation. Levesque continued his gimmick from WCW, this time as the "Connecticut Blueblood" Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Leading up to his deubt, Helmsley appeared in vignettes using english ettiquette, until he made his official debut on Wrestling Challenge. (April 30, 1995) Although heavily pushed in the first few months, Triple H was greatly stalled in 1996. After a forgettable feud with Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, Helmsley was paired with Sable as his valet. After his loss to the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania XII, Triple H took out his anger on her, which led to Marc Mero saving her. After that, there was a brief feud between the two. During this time, Helmsley became a member of the Kliq, led by Shawn Michaels, along with Kevin Nash (Diesel), Scott Hall (Razor Ramon), and Sean Waltman. (123 Kid/X-Pac). The Kliq had a heavy influence on the creative decisions, and were loud on Vince's ear. This can be the point where many can say that Triple H's political ego was born. Helmsley was originally the choice to be the 1996 King of the Ring. However, things backfired on May 19, 1996 in Madison Square Garden after the infamous "Curtain Call" incident. The Kliq broke character after the match to say goodbye to Hall, and Nash, because they were going to WCW. Triple H was punished as a result, and Stone Cold went on to win the KOTR that year. However, Triple H did still have pieces of success after that. After Mr. Perfect briefly became his manager, Helmsley defeated Marc Mero for the WWF Intercontinental Title on October 21, 1996. Helmsley would hold the belt to nearly four months before losing it to Rocky Maivia on the Thursday Night edition of RAW. (2/13/1997) Helmsley briefly had Mr. Hughes as his bodyguard. Hughes was replaced by Chyna, when Triple H entered a short feud with Goldust. Helmsley defeated him at WrestleMania 13. Helmsley's push went to the next level as he won the 1997 King of the Ring, by defeating Mankind in the finals. Later that year, Triple H and Chyna joined fellow Kliq member Shawn Michaels to form the legendary  stable D-Gneration-X. They also added Rick Rude as a special enforcer. This is when Triple H finally dropped the "blueblood" gimmick, and became more of a rebel like HBK. D-X was considered WWF's answer to the NWO, with their renegade, anti-establishment attitude. D-X feuded with the Hart Foundation during this time. Even after the Foundation disbanded, Triple H continued to feud with the remaining member of the Hart family, Owen Hart for the WWF European Championship. Triple H defeated Owen to become the WWF European Champion at WrestleMania XIV. After WM XIV, Shawn Michaels was forced into retirement due to a severe back injury, Triple H was forced to take over as the leader of D-X. The following night on RAW, Triple H delivered a promo about how Shawn "dropped the ball" and was making changes by introducing Sean Waltman (formerly 1-2-3 Kid) as their newest member (X-Pac). The New Age Outlaws were also added to the group to help RAW gain the edge over WCW in the Monday Night Wars. This became the most popular and successful version of D-Generation-X. To his credit, I must say that Triple H was a better leader than Shawn, because D-X, he made it more so about the group. During this time, they dominated the title scene (Triple H-Intercontinental, Outlaws-Tag Team, X-Pac-European). As D-X began to feud with the Nation of Domination (led by The Rock), they were automatically the fan favorites. The focal points of the feud were the leaders of each group (The Rock vs. Triple H). The rivalry culminated and ended at Summerslam, when Triple H defeated The Rock in a ladder match to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion. However, his run as champion was cut short due to injury. Even after the Nation split, the rivalry between Triple H, and The Rock continued as Rock became WWF Champion with The Corporation. Triple H received a shot at the WWF Championship on RAW (1/25/1999), in an "I Quit" match. However, Triple H was forced to quit, or else see Chyna get chokeslammed by Kane. Chyna went on to betray Triple H to join the Corporation. This is the time to point to as the beginning of the end for D-X, because of how they would dissolve one by one. At Wrestlemania XV, Triple H lost to Kane by disqualification after Chyna interfered on his behalf. D-X fell apart even more later that night, when Triple H betrayed X-Pac and cost him his chance to win the European Title. Therefore, Triple H joined the Corporation replacing The Rock. This was the start of Helmsley's main event heel turn, as he changed his appearance from his standard D-X gear. Triple H changed to wearing trunks, shorter hairstyle, with tape on his fists. Triple H faced Mankind and Stone Cold in a Triple Threat Match at Summerslam 1999 for Austin's WWF Championship, with Jesse "The Body" Ventura as the special guest referee. Mankind pinned Austin to win the championship. The following night on RAW, Triple H defeated Mankind to win his first WWF Championship. After dropping the belt to Vince McMahon on the September 16, 1999 episode of Smackdown (smh), Triple H recaptured the championship in a Six-Pack Challenge at Unforgiven against The Rock, Big Show, Kane, Mankind and Davey Boy Smith. Triple H retained the WWF Title by defeating Stone Cold at WWF No Mercy before losing it to The Big Show at Survivor Series. Triple H continued to feud with Vince McMahon by marrying his daughter Stephanie. After defeating Vince at Armageddon, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon formed the McMahon-Helmsley Era in the WWF. This is where the Triple H Power Trip went to a new level, because his career was reaching a new height. On the January 3, 2000 episode of RAW, Triple H defeated Big Show to regain the WWF Championship. During this time, Jim Ross started to call him "The Game". Afterwards, Triple H would begin his feud with Mick Foley, who would become Cactus Jack. Triple H and Foley had two great PPV matches. First, The Game defeated Cactus Jack at Royal Rumble 2000 in Madison Square Garden to retain his WWF Championship after using two Pedigrees for the victory. Their feud finally ended at No Way Out in a Hell In A Cell Match which ended Foley's career. However, Foley was reinstated by Linda McMahon which gave him yet another shot at the title. The Rock was number 1 contender, but feuded with Big Show. Therefore, both rivalries were combined for a Fatal Four Way match at Wrestlemania 2000 for the WWF Championship. Triple H retained the title that night, before losing the belt to The Rock at Backlash in Washington, DC. The Game & The Rock would trade the belt back and forth before Kurt Angle got involved. In 2001, after losing to Undertaker at WM X-7, Triple H would win the WWF World Tag Titles with Stone Cold to form "The Two Man Power Trip". The team would be short lived as Triple H pulled his quadricep. The Game returned to win the 2002 Royal Rumble and defeated Chris Jericho at WM X-8 to become the WWF Undisputed Champion. After losing the title to Hogan at Backlash, Triple H feuded with the returning HBK at Summerslam. The feud continued when Triple H became World Heavyweight Champion. Even though Triple H was at the top of his game (pun intended), his ego trip went on another level when Stone Cold and The Rock stepped away during that time. Triple H also imitated the model of Flair's Four Horsemen, by forming Evolution. The group would hold every title. (Triple H-WHC, Orton-IC, Batista & Flair- World Tag Team) The team would last until 2004, when Orton became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion. From that point, Batista & Triple H would feud over the World Title. After Triple H won his tenth World Title, Batista would defeat him at Wrestlemania 21 to become Champion. After a brief feud with John Cena for the WWE Title, Triple H would reunite with HBK to reform D-X. DX defeated Rated RKO for the World Tag Titles. After suffering another injury, Triple H would return to win his eighth WWF/E Championship. This is once again where the Power Trip takes over, because of how he headlined WM XX in 2004 with Kliq member HBK (w/Benoit), along with headlining WM 22 with Cena when Edge was the hottest heel in the WWE at the time for Cena. By 2006-2007, Triple H was over saturated as a World Champion for many. However, after Shawn Michaels retired, Triple H delivered two great WM matches with Undertaker. (WM XXVII, XXVIII) Regardless of the knocks, Triple H has reached the top spot by doing his own share of hard work, and when he was at his best, he was truly at the top of his game. My best memories of Triple H will always be from 1999-2003. Triple H has done enough to cement his place as a legend in wrestling history, as his body of work speaks for itself. 

Independent Wrestling Federation:
IWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated:

PWI Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Kurt Angle
PWI Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Chris Benoit
PWI Feud of the Year (2009) vs. Randy Orton
PWI Match of the Year (2004) vs. Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit at WrestleMania XX
PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2003–2005)
PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)
PWI Wrestler of the Year (2008)
PWI Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)
PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2000 and 2009
PWI ranked him #139 in the PWI Years in 2003

World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment:

8-time WWF/E Champion 
5-time World Heavyweight Champion
2-time WWF European Champion
5-time WWF/E Intercontinental Champion
2-time WWF/E World Tag Team Champion (1-Steve Austin, 1-Shawn Michaels)
1-time WWE Tag Team Champion (w/Shawn Michaels)
1997 King of the Ring 
Royal Rumble Winner (2002)
Second Grand Slam Champion
Seventh Triple Crown Champion
Slammy Award Match of the Year (2012) vs. Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match at Wrestlemania XXVIII

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Mick Foley
Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit
Feud of the Year (2005) vs. Batista
Wrestler of the Year (2000)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)


Finishing moves:

Inverted Indian deathlock 
Pedigree (Double underhook facebuster)
Pedigree Pandemonium / Pedigree Perfection (Cutter) - 1994–1995

Signature moves:
Abdominal stretch
Blatant choke
Chop block
Facebreaker knee smash, often used as a back body drop counter
Figure four leglock
Flowing DDT
High knee
Jumping knee drop
Mounted punches
Running clothesline
Running neckbreaker
Short arm clothesline
Sleeper hold
Sledgehammer shot
Spinning spinebuster

12. Harley Race- Harley Race is a living legend in the wrestling business. Outside of the likes of Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, Race is considered by many to be arguably the greatest of all-time. Race held a record 8 NWA Heavyweight Championships. Race was also the very first NWA United States Champion in History. After a rough start in the business as a journeyman, Harley Race's career started to kick off in 1964 when he wrestled for the Funks in Amarillo, Texas. During his time there, Race met his future tag-team partner, Larry "The Axe" Hennig. (Father of the late Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig) When they formed their tag team, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to wrestle for the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Once they joined the AWA, Harley Race named himself "Handsome", while Hennig named himself "Pretty Boy". Together, they were a great, cocky heel tag team. Race and Hennig rose through the tag team ranks quickly in January 1965, when they defeated Dick the Bruiser and The Crusher to capture the AWA Tag Team Championships. Over the next few years, Race and Hennig would continue their feud with The Bruiser and The Crusher, while winning a total of three tag titles. However, in October 1967, their time as a team was cut short, as Hennig was injured. Race had no choice but to choose a replacement. He then chose Chris Markoff as his first replacement for Hennig. Race and Markoff would retain their titles. Harley would soon chose another partner named Hard Boiled Haggery (Don Stansauk). Hennig finally made his return in March 1968 to reunite with Race. After failing to recapture the Tag Team Titles, Harley Race would soon leave the AWA after several years as one of their top stars. Race would make the move to be a singles star in the NWA, where his career excelled even further. Once Harley joined the NWA, he jumped to numerous territories in the early 1970's, renewing his rivalry with Terry Funk from Amarillo, while winning a regional title. Even though he was a terrific territory wrestler, Harley Race finally came into his own as a national star in 1973. That year, Race defeated Dory Funk, Jr. to become the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion in Kansas City, Kansas. Race would hold on to the title until July 1973, where he lost it to Jack Brisco in Houston. However, Race was officially established as a prominent worldwide star and consistent contender. Harley was on a mission to regain the NWA World title, while moving through different territories to win different regional titles, including eight Central Titles, seven Missouri Titles, the Georgia Heavyweight Title, Canada's Stampede North American Title, and the NWA United National and PWF Titles based in Japan. During this time, Race also became the first Mid-Atlantic U.S. Heavyweight Champion, which went on to become the  WCW U.S. Title, and now the WWE U.S. Heavyweight Title. Harley Race was the definition of a fighting Champion, as he traveled all over to defend his title. This kept Race as the top contender for the World Championship, and he vowed that all he needed was one chance to regain it. Race finally got his chance in 1977, when he faced off with rival Terry Funk. Race defeated Terry Funk by submission to regain the NWA World Heavyweight Title, using an Indian Deathlock. This move was rarely used, as it put tremendous pressure on Funk's legs. As NWA World Champion, Race further established his dominance as a Main Event Star, defending the title six times a week over 5 years (with the exception of short reigns for Tommy Rich, Dusty Rhodes, and Giant Baba). During this same time, the NWA, WWF, and AWA were all on good terms together. This gave Race the opportunity to defend against the best of the rival promotions, wrestling in title versus title matches with WWF Champions "Superstar" Billy Graham and Bob Backlund. He would also have title versus title matches with AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkel. Race toured rigorously all over the country and the world defending his NWA Title, including multiple tours to Japan. On October 13, 1978, Harley Race had the honor of body slamming Andre The Giant. Contrary to popular belief, Hulk Hogan was not the first man to ever body slam Andre. However, he did it in front of a larger crowd on a larger, national and worldwide platform (WM III). After many, many victories, Race lost the title to Dusty Rhodes in 1981. After Rhodes lost the title to a brand new main eventer named Ric Flair, Race would defeat Flair to regain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in St. Louis in 1983. This would be his seventh title victory, breaking the previous record of six, held by Lou Thesz. His win over Flair would lead to one of the greatest angles of all-time. Race put out a $25,000 bounty to eliminate Flair from the NWA. The great buildup led to their historic cage match at Starrcade 1983 for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The match was entitled "NWA Starrcade: A Flare for the Gold". The match took place in Flair's backyard of Greensboro, North Carolina. Harley dropped the title to Flair. The match won the "PWI Match of the Year" Award for 1983. Even though Race would regain the title for a two-day reign, his match with Flair at Starrcade 1983 was where he passed the torch. Flair credits him for propelling his career. By 1984, while St. Louis was the strongest NWA territory, WWF Owner Vincent K. McMahon Jr. began an invasion to build his own empire and to monopolize the wrestling world. This infuriated Harley, which led to him confronting Hulk Hogan in Kansas City. However, Race lost over $500,000 as an owner of the Kansas City territory, as Vince took it over. This led to Race to continue to wrestle in spite of his desire to retire from active competition. As a result, Harley Race would end up going up north to sign with McMahon's WWF in 1986. This was a very humiliating time in his career. Race made his debut in May of 1986, with Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as his manager. At a time where WWF did not recognize a wrestler's achievements outside of their company, they took time to acknowledge Race, as he won their King of the Ring Tournament. This earned him the name, "King" Harley Race. Race would briefly feud with the likes of Hulk Hogan, The Junkyard Dog, and Jim Duggan. Race defeated JYD at WM III. Harley would leave the WWF in early 1989. During his twilight years, Harley Race battled many injuries, before retiring once and for all in 1991. Race went on to become a manager for Vader. In 1994, Harley Race was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Harley Race opened the door for a champion to defend their title at all times throughout the country and the world. Race was a proud, fighting champion. Harley Race is truly a pioneer, and a trailblazer in wrestling.

All Japan Pro Wrestling:

1-time NWA United National Champion
2-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
1-time PWF World Heavyweight Champion

All Star Pro-Wrestling (New Zealand):

1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion

American Wrestling Association:

3-time AWA World Tag Team Champion (with Larry Hennig (replaced by Chris Markoff in their final reign)

Cauliflower Alley Club:

Iron Mike Mazurki Award (2006)

Central States Wrestling:

9-time NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion
1-time NWA North American Tag Team Champion (Central States version) (with Roger Kirby)
1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion

Championship Wrestling from Florida:

3-time NWA Florida Tag Team Champion (2 times with Roger Kirby, 1 with Bob Roop)
1-time NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion (Florida version) 
1-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion (Mid-Atlantic version) 
1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion

Continental Wrestling Association:

2-time NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Champion

Eastern Sports Association:

1-time IW North American Heavyweight Champion

Georgia Championship Wrestling:

1-time NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion
1-time NWA Macon Tag Team Championship (with Buddy Colt)
1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion

Maple Leaf Wrestling:

1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion

Missouri Sports Hall of Fame:

Class of 2013

National Wrestling Alliance: 

NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated:

PWI Match of the Year (1973) vs. Dory Funk, Jr. on May 24
PWI Match of the Year (1979) vs. Dusty Rhodes on August 21
PWI Match of the Year (1983) vs. Ric Flair on June 10
PWI Stanley Weston Award (2006)
PWI Wrestler of the Year (1979)
PWI Wrestler of the Year (1983)
PWI ranked him # 8 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003

Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum:

Class of 2004

St. Louis Wrestling Club:

7-time NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion
1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion

Stampede Wrestling:

1-time Stampede North American Heavyweight Champion
Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame

St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame(Class of 2007)

Tokyo Sports Grand Prix:

Best Bout Award (1978) vs. Jumbo Tsuruta on January 20

World Championship Wrestling (Australia):

1-time IWA World Tag Team Championship ( with Larry Hennig)

World Championship Wrestling:

WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1994)

World Wrestling Association:

1-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion

World Wrestling Council:

1-time WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Champion

World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment:

King of the Ring (1986)
Sam Muchnick Memorial Tournament (1986) in St. Louis, MO on August 29
Slammy Award for Best Ring Apparel (1987)
Slammy Award for Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Scholarship Award (1987) with Haku, Tama, André the Giant, Hercules, and King Kong Bundy
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards:

Wrestler of the Year (1980, 1981)
Match of the Year (1983) vs. Ric Flair at Starrcade
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

Finishing moves

Bridging cradle suplex
Diving headbutt – innovated
Piledriver

Signature moves

Battering ram
Belly to belly suplex
Headbutt
Head scissors
High knee strike
Indian deathlock
Knee drop
Scoop slam
Swinging neckbreaker
Vertical suplex

13. Bruno Sammartino- "The Italian Superman" was the perfect nickname for Bruno Sammartino, because he was truly unstoppable and larger than life during his era. Bruno was a box office machine, and a staple for Madison Square Garden. Sammartino was a mat-oriented wrestler who could brawl, and had great charisma. Bruno made his debut in Pittsburgh in 1959, when he pinned Dmitri Grabowski in 19 seconds. In Pittsburgh, Bruno's popularity increased. His first match in Madison Square Garden took place on January 2, 1960 when he wrestled Bull Curry. Within six months of his debut, Sammartino was headlining MSG. Bruno made major headlines when he became the first and only man to lift the 640 lb. Haystacks Calhoun in a match. He did not slam him, but picked him up at shoulder length. After a string of low payoffs, broken promises and a fallout with Vince McMahon Sr, Bruno left McMahon's Capitol Wrestling Corporation to go to different promotions such as San Francisco and Toronto. During his time in Toronto, Bruno wrestled and defeated then NWA Champion "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers. He also wrestled NWA Champion Lou Thesz twice in Canada. As Sammartino's popularity grew, his rise finally paid off. On May 17, 1963, Bruno Sammartino made history as he defeated Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds to become the WWWF Champion. Sammartino would hold the title for an unprecedented eight straight years. After wrestling Rogers again in a tag match, Bruno went on to defend the title proudly against the top heels at the time: Killer Kowalski, Giant Baba, Gorilla Monsoon, Gene Kiniski, Freddie Blassie, The Sheik, Johnny Valentine, and others. Sammartino defend the belt internationally as well, traveling to Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. This record still stands even today. However, Bruno's monumental run came to an end on January 18, 1971 when he lost the WWWF Championship to Ivan Koloff iu Madison Square Garden. This was one of the ultimate upsets in wrestling history, as an MSG hero fell. The crowd was dead silent, and when Sammartino left the ring, the crowd started crying. Bruno was the original household name for MSG. Pedro Morales defeated Koloff three weeks later for the title. Morales had a nice run as champion. However, the attendance declined compared to Sammartino's tenure. Bruno made his return to Los Angeles, California on January 14, 1972 to compete in a 22-man Battle Royal. His opponents included Rocky Johnson, and Mil Mascaras. Sammartino won the match with a bearhug. The Match won the "Match of the Year Award" in 1972. Sammartino wrestled Morales for the WWWF Championship at Shea Stadium in New York, on September 1, 1972. However, the match ended in a 75-minute draw. In spite of the cold & rain, the match nearly became the largest drawing outdoor match during that time. The match had a very scientific style, regardless of the weather. Unfortunately, there is no video footage, but simply photos of the match. On December 10, 1973, Bruno Sammartino defeated Stan Stasiak to win the WWWF Championship for the second time. Bruno's second reign as champion lasted four years. During this time, he defeated contenders such as Bruiser Brody, Ken Patera, Freddie Blassie, Ernie Ladd, Ivan Koloff, and Superstar Billy Graham to name a few. During his title defense against Stan Hansen on April 26, 1976, Bruno suffered a fractured neck when Hansen improperly body slammed him. However, Sammartino continued with the match despite Doctor's orders and successfully retained his championship. Two months later on June 25, Sammartino defeated Hansen again in Shea Stadium to remain champion. The Match was named "Match of the Year" for 1976. In early 1977, Sammartino's injuries caught up with him as he lost the WWWF Title to "Superstar" Billy Graham on April 30, 1977 in Baltimore, MD. Towards the end of his career, Bruno Sammartino was involved in a classic feud with former student Larry Zbysko. Larry betrayed Bruno, and the feud culminated in a steel cage match on August 9, 1980 at Shea Stadium in front of 36,295 fans. The match was called the "Showdown at Shea". Sammartino defeated Zbysko, as it won Sammartino another "Match of the Year" Award for 1980. Bruno Sammartino was and still is truly a wrestling institution, especially when it comes to New York.


Grand Prix Wrestling:1-time GPW Tag Team Championship (with Édouard Carpentier)

International Sports Hall of Fame:Class of 2013

Maple Leaf Wrestling:

1-time NWA International Tag Team Championship (Toronto version)  (Whipper Billy Watson)
1-time NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Toronto version) 

Pro Wrestling Illustrated:

PWI Match of the Year (1972) Battle royal on January 14, Los Angeles, CA
PWI Match of the Year (1975) vs. Spiros Arion on March 17, New York, NY
PWI Match of the Year (1976) vs. Stan Hansen on June 25, Queens, NY
PWI Match of the Year (1977) vs. Billy Graham on April 30, Baltimore, MD
PWI Match of the Year (1980) vs. Larry Zbyszko at Showdown at Shea in a steel cage match
PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1976)
PWI Stanley Weston Award (1981)
PWI Wrestler of the Year (1974)
PWI ranked him #7 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003

Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum:Class of 2002

World Wrestling Association (Indianapolis):1-time WWA World Tag Team Championship (with Dick the Bruiser)

World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation / WWE:

2-time WWF International Tag Team Championship (with Dominic DeNucci, and Tony Marino)
1-time WWWF United States Tag Team Championship (with Spiros Arion)
2-time WWWF Champion
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2013)

World Wide Wrestling Alliance:Hall of Fame (Class of 2008)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards:

Feud of the Year (1980) vs. Larry Zbyszko
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

Other Honors:

Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame
Received the Key to the City in Franklin, Pennsylvania as part of IWC's Night of Legends 3 on March 24, 2007
Received the Key to the City in Jersey City, New Jersey on April 6, 2013
May 17, 2013 declared "Bruno Sammartino Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Finishing moves:

Bearhug
Hammerlock
Pendulum backbreaker

Signature moves:

Abdominal stretch
Armbar
Arm drag
Belly to back suplex
Body slam
Dropkick
Full nelson
High knee
Hip toss
Punch Flurry
Running big boot
Shoulder block

14. Andre The Giant - The Eighth Wonder of the World. Andre The Giant was and will always be a timeless attraction in the world of wrestling and sports entertainment in general. When Andre was 17, he moved to Paris, France to learn the art of professional wrestling. Andre worked with a promoter who understood his potential because of his size. Canadian wrestler and promoter Frank Valois met young Andre Roussimoff in 1966 when he was only 20 to become his business manager and adviser. Roussimoff quickly made a name for himself in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Andre made his debut in Japan in 1970 as "Monster Roussimoff" for the International Wrestling Enterprise. As both a singles and tag team wrestler, Andre quickly became a star by winning the tag team championships with Michael Nador. During this time, Andre was diagnosed with Acromegaly (A disorder where his pituitary gland produced excess growth hormone). Andre was also told that he lived half of his life at this point. On a lighter note, Roussimoff next went to Montreal, Quebec Canada, where he would sell out the Montreal Forum on a regular basis. However, as he ran out of opponents and his novelty wore off in Montreal, Andre's promoters moved him else where. In 1972, Andre wrestled numerous times for Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the AWA, Andre continued to dominate as a special attraction, as Valois consulted World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) owner Vince McMahon, Sr. for advice. McMahon suggested several changes. First, he told Andre to stop using drop kicks so that he could be better portrayed and promoted as a dominant, immovable monster to further enhance the perception of his size. The biggest suggestion that Vince, Sr. made was for Andre to be billed as "Andre The Giant" and to have him travel to different promotions as an attraction so that he is not overexposed to one area (like in Montreal). Andre became a made man from these changes. Promoters were also forced to guarantee to pay Andre a certain amount of money as well as pay McMahon's WWWF a booking fee. Andre The Giant made his WWWF debut on March 26, 1973 as a fan favorite by defeating Buddy Wolfe in the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City. This was a great way to debut. Andre became one of professional wrestling's most beloved babyfaces during the 1970's and early 1980's. Gorilla Monsoon would go on to state that Andre had been undefeated for 15 years by pinfall or submission heading into his match with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III. However, this was merely a myth to portray Andre as a mythic figure because of his massive size. Andre had actually lost cleanly outside of the world of the WWF: a pinfall loss to Canek in Mexico in 1984, and by submission to Antonio Inoki in Japan in 1986. Andre also had sixty-minute time limit draws to Harley Race and Nick Bockwinkel. In 1976, Andre fought boxer Chuck Wepner in an unscripted wrestler-vs.-boxer fight. This crazy fight was the undercard for the Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki main event as Andre threw Wepner over the top rope and out of the ring. In 1980, Andre started his feud with Hulk Hogan, wrestling him at Shea Stadium as well as Pennsylvania. The rivalry continued in Japan in 1982 and 1983. In 1982, Vincent J. McMahon, Sr. sold the World Wrestling Federation to his son Vincent K. McMahon, Jr. As McMahon, Jr. started to expand his newly inherited promotion beyond a national level, he required that his wrestlers appear exclusively for him. He signed Andre to these exclusive terms in 1984, while still allowing him to work for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). One of Andre's feuds in NJPW involved "The Mongolian Giant" Killer Khan. The morning before his match with Khan, Andre broke his ankle while rolling out of bed. For storyline purposes, Khan snapped Andre's ankle during a match on May 2, 1981 in Rochester, New York by leaping off the top rope and crushing it with his knee drop. The injury and rehabilitation was worked into the Andre/Khan storyline. Andre returned from the hospital with payback on his mind. Andre and Khan battled on July 20, 1981 at Madison Square Garden. The match ended in double disqualification. Andre/Khan continued to build as fans sold out arenas on the East Coast to watch their matches. On November 14, 1981, at the Philadelphia Spectrum, Andre scored a decisive victory over Khan in a "Mongolian Stretcher Match" where the loser would be carried out on a stretcher. Andre's next noteworthy feud came against Big John Studd. Studd considered himself to be the "true giant" of wrestling. Andre and Studd fought each other throughout the early and mid '80s for the title of the true wrestling giant. Studd took the feud to new heights in December 1984, when he and tag partner Ken Patera knocked out Andre during a tag team match. Studd went on to cut Andre's hair. After Andre gained his revenge on Patera, he ultimately went after Studd. The two giants met at WrestleMania I (March 31, 1985 at MSG in New York City) in a "Body Slam Challenge". Andre won the match by slamming Studd to claim the $15,000 prize and proceeded to throw cash to the fans before Bobby "The Brain" Heenan stole the bag from him in the end. At WrestleMania 2, Andre dominated the 20 Man Battle Royal that featured both NFL Players and wrestlers. His last opponent to eliminate was none other than Bret "The Hitman" Hart. After WM 2, Andre continued to feud with King Kong Bundy. During this time, Andre's acromegaly and touring in Japan started to take their toll on his body. As a result, he requested a leave of absence for his health. He also received a role in the movie "The Princess Bride". To explain Andre's absence in storyline, Bobby Heenan claimed that Andre was secretly afraid of both Studd and Bundy (who Heenan bragged were unbeatable). Heenan challenged Andre and a partner of his choice to wrestle them. Andre failed to show, which lead to WWF President Jack Tunney to suspend him indefinitely. As Andre resurfaced in the United States in late summer of 1986, he started wearing a mask while competing as the "Giant Machine" in a faction called The Machines (Other members: Big Machine and Super Machine). The WWF Announcers sold the Machines very well. (The gimmick was copied from New Japan Pro Wrestling's Super Strong Machine- played by Japanese wrestler Junji Hirata) The announce team portrayed them as a new tag team from Japan as no one knew their identities, even though Andre was the most obvious member of the group. Heenan, Studd and Bundy were out to prove that Andre and the Giant Machine were the same person. However, Andre tricked them at every turn. The Giant Machine "disappeared" as Andre was reinstated. As a foreshadowing of Andre's heel turn, Heenan approved of Tunney's decision to reinstate him, but never explained (great suspense). In early 1987, Andre officially turned heel to counter wrestling's biggest "babyface" WWF Champion Hulk Hogan. On the famous January 1987 edition of Piper's Pit, Hogan was presented a large trophy for being WWF Champion for three straight years. Andre came out to congratulate him for his achievement. Meanwhile, Andre was presented a smaller trophy for being undefeated for 15 years. As Hogan came out to congratulate him, Andre walked out in the middle of Hogan's speech. Andre and Hogan soon had a "discussion" on the February 7, 1987 edition of Piper's Pit. This time, Andre was accompanied by new manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Heenan accused Hogan of being Andre's friend so that he would not have to put the title on the line against him. Hogan's attempts to reason with Andre failed as he challenged Hogan for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania III. While Hogan was still in disbelief, Heenan went on to say, "You can't believe it, maybe you'll believe this Hogan" as Andre ripped his t-shirt and crucifix off of his neck. After Hogan accepted the challenge, he and Andre were both part of a 20-man top rope Battle Royal on Saturday Night's Main Event (3/14/1987) at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI. Hercules won the match, but Andre eliminated Hogan, which gave him the psychological edge that he needed heading into WM III. March 29, 1987 the stage was set at Pontiac Silverdome. WrestleMania III was a battle of the Irresistible Force (Hogan) vs. the Immovable Object (Andre). Heading into WM III, Andre was billed as 520 lbs. However, the stress of his massive weight caused immense pain to his joints. The buildup drew a record crowd of 93,173 fans as the Hulkster delivered the "bodyslam heard around the world" followed by his Legdrop for the win. Andre had received back surgery prior to this, which caused him to wear a brace under his singlet. Years later, Hogan claims that he tore his latissimus dorsi (back muscle) while slamming Andre. Another story about this was that no one (including owner Vince K. McMahon) were sure if Andre would lose days before the show. However, Andre agreed to do it, because of his health. This was the official "passing of the torch" on the largest stage of them all. After WM III, Andre and Hogan's feud cooled down as Roussimoff's health declined even more. However, things heated back up as "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase stepped in the picture. After failing to persuade Hogan to sell him the WWF Title, DiBiase turned to Andre as his henchmen to take the championship away from Hogan after losing a series of matches. On the Main Even (2/5/1988) Andre finally defeated Hogan in controversial fashion to win his first and only WWF Championship. Referee Dave Hebner was "detained backstage" and replaced by his brother Earl to make the count on Andre's behalf. Hogan's shoulders were off the mat during the count. After the win, Andre "sold" the title to DiBiase. However, WWF President Jack Tunney declared the transaction "invalid" and declared the title to be vacant. At WM IV, Andre and Hulk fought to a double-disqualification in the WWF Title tournament match. During the summer of 1988, their feud died down again following their steel cage match at WrestleFest (7/31/1988) in Milwaukee. For the inaugural Summerslam, DiBiase and Andre formed the tagteam The MegaBucks to take on The MegaPowers of Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage. The MegaPowers gained the victory, as Andre's career would wind down even more. For the rest of his career, Andre would feud with the likes of Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and an up and coming Ultimate Warrior. In late 1989, Andre teamed with fellow Heenan Family member Haku to form the Colossal Connection. Together, they captured the WWF Tag Team Championships following the departure of Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard. However, the team was short lived as they loss the titles to Demolition at WrestleMania VI. Following WM VI, Andre finished his in-ring career in AJPW, where he wrestled his final match in December 1992. Sadly, on January 27, 1993 Andre the Giant died in his sleep of congestive heart failure in a Paris hotel room. He had been in town for his father's funeral the day that this happened. As a tribute, the World Wrestling Federation named Andre the Giant their first inductee into the Hall of Fame. Andre's influence on Sports Entertainment is transcendent. Andre will always be known as one of the top 5 names of his era (Hogan, Savage, Flair, Andre, Warrior). The mark that he set on the business will never be forgotten. There has even been a trophy named after him in Memorial. There will be only one Eighth Wonder of the World.

Accomplishments:

• Championship Wrestling from Florida
  • 1-time NWA Florida Tag Team Champion – with Dusty Rhodes

• International Pro Wrestling
  • 1-time IWA World Tag Team Champion – with Michael Nador

• New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • International Wrestling Grand Prix (1985)
  • MSG League (1982)
  • MSG Tag League (1981) – with Rene Goulet
  • Sagawa Express Cup (1986)

• NWA Tri-State
  • 1-time NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Tri-State version) (with Dusty Rhodes)

• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Class of 2002

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1977, 1982)
  • PWI Match of the Year (1981) vs. Killer Khan on 2 May
  • PWI Match of the Year (1988) vs. Hulk Hogan at The Main Event
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1988)
  • PWI Editor's Award (1993)
  • PWI ranked him #3 in the PWI Years in 2003

• Stampede Wrestling
  • Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame

• World Championship Wrestling (Australia)
  • 1-time NWA Austra-Asian Tag Team Championship (with Ronald Miller)

• World Wrestling Federation
  • 1-time WWF Champion
  • 1-time WWF Tag Team Champion (with Haku)
  • WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1993 - inaugural inductee)^[7]
  • Slammy Award for Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Scholarship Award (1987) with Haku, Tama, Hercules, King Kong Bundy, and Harley Race

Finishing moves

• Double underhook suplex
• Elbow drop
• Sitdown splash

• Signature moves
  • Bearhug
  • Big boot
  • Body slam
  • Chokehold
  • Open-handed chop
  • Headbutt
  • Knife-edged chop
  • Multiple turnbuckle thrusts

15. Edge- The Rated R Superstar. The Ultimate Opportunist. The King of TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs). You Think You Know Him. Edge was truly one of the most unique and decorated wrestlers that have ever stepped foot in the wrestling ring. Edge's style was a hybrid of high impact power moves, athleticism and a small mix of technique. However, that has been overshadowed, because of how much of a master he was with weapons. He changed the landscape of wrestling with the revolutionary Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches. Edge is the perfect example of a die hard fan who followed through with his dream to be like his heroes. He even attended WrestleMania VI in his hometown of Toronto to watch his hero Hulk Hogan headline against The Ultimate Warrior. Edge was even voted "Most Likely To Become WWF/E Champion". After being heavily influenced by stars from the late 80's/90's (Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels), Edge made his start in the developmental circuit in the 1990's. Another influence of his, Bret Hart put in a good word for him to the WWF. He signed a developmental contract in 1997. He was so impressive, Jim Ross (who was Head of Talent Relations at the time) gave him a spot on the roster. Edge made his WWF TV debut on Raw on June 22, 1998. Originally, Edge was a gothic, loner character that was perfect for the edgier (no pun intended) Attitude Era. Edge made his Pay Per View debut at Summerslam 1998, when he teamed up with Sable to take on Marc Mero and Jacqueline. Edge and Sable picked up the victory, when he bodyslammed Sable onto Mero for the pin. At the next Pay Per View (Breakdown: In Your House), Edge wrestled Owen Hart. This was simply a sign of things to come. During the match, Christian interfered to distract Edge, and cost him the victory. At this time, Edge started his feud with Gangrel. Gangrel introduced Christian as Edge's "brother", and convinced Edge to join them to form The Brood. Forming The Brood took Edge's career (along with Christian's) to the next step, as it was initially set up to establish Gangrel as the star. On July 24, 1999, Edge won his first championship when he defeated Jeff Jarrett for the WWF Intercontinental Championship at a house show in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The next night, he lost the title to Jarrett at Fully Loaded. Later that year, Edge and Christian started a rivalry with The Hardy Boyz, as they were part of Gangrel's "New Brood". This led to their first ladder match at No Mercy 1999, which the Hardy Boyz won. At WrestleMania 2000, Edge and Christian defeated the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz in a Triple Threat Tag Team Ladder Match to win the WWF World Tag Team Championships. Pro Wrestling Illustrated named this the "Match of the Year". This led to the revolutionary Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) Match at Summerslam 2000. Edge & Christian retained their Tag Team Titles. During this run, Edge and Christian became a very successful heel (villain) tag team, while trademarking their "five second pose". Even though they were heels, their routine really caught on with the fans before their matches. The success of TLC I led to a sequel at WrestleMania X-7. TLC II delivered beyond the expectations of the predecessor, where the highlight was Edge spearing Jeff Hardy off of the ladder. This match won the PWI "Match of the Year Award" for 2001. After 7 successful reigns, Edge would move on to a stellar solo career. Like Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels before him, Edge was the leader of a legendary tag team. In June 2001, Edge further solidified his place as a singles star when he won the King of the Ring. After winning, Edge's star would shine even brighter from that point on. During the Invasion storyline, Edge became one of the top stars for Team WWF. His former Tag partner Christian was part of the Alliance, which made sense for them to have a feud over the Intercontinental title. Edge retained his IC Title against Lance Storm at Summerslam, but lost it to Christian at Unforgiven. Edge defeated Christian in an underrated Ladder Match at No Mercy to regain the WWF Intercontinental Championship. However, Edge lost the title to Test. Shortly afterwards, Edge defeated Kurt Angle to win the WCW United States Championship. At Survivor Series 2001, Edge defeated Test to regain the Intercontinental Championship. During this match, Edge unified the Intercontinental and U.S. Championship. The Title Unification further solidified the demise of WCW, as the U.S. Title was phased out of the picture. The belt would not return until 2003, when it was recreated by the WWE. Pro Wrestling Illustrated named Edge "Most Improved Wrestler of the Year" for 2001. At the beginning of 2002, Edge was in a feud with William Regal for the Intercontinental Title. After coming up short, Edge was placed in a brief feud with Booker T over a "shampoo" endorsement. Edge defeated Booker T at WrestleMania X8 in his hometown of Toronto. Shortly afterwards, he was drafted exclusively to Smackdown in the WWE Draft Lottery. Upon his arrival, Edge became involved in a feud with Kurt Angle. The buildup led to their "hair vs. hair" match at Judgment Day 2002, which led to Edge shaving Angle's head bald. On July 4, 2002, Edge realized a dream come true as he teamed up with the legendary Hulk Hogan to win the WWE World Tag Team Championships. This was certainly a highlight in Edge's career, because he went from watching Hogan to teaming with him. He still had that same childlike enthusiasm as well. Edge later teamed with Rey Mysterio to compete in a Tag Team Tournament for the Smackdown exclusive WWE Tag Team Titles. However, they lost to Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in the finals at No Mercy. Wrestling Observer named this the "Match of the Year". After failing to win the titles, Edge and Mysterio defeated Los Guerreros to become number one contenders on the October 24 edition of Smackdown. On November 7, Edge and Mysterio defeated Angle and Benoit in a two-out-of three falls match to become WWE Tag Team Champions. At Survivor Series 2002, Edge and Rey wrestled the teams of Los Guerreros and Chris Benoit/Kurt Angle in a Triple Threat Elimination Match for the Tag Team Championships. Mysterio and Edge lost the titles to Los Guerreros. During this time, Edge competed in a series of classic Smackdown matches with the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero. Such matches also included a spectacular NO DQ match with Eddie Guerrero on Smackdown. These men were known as the "Smackdown Six". These series of matches further elevated Edge's status. He also wrestled Brock Lesnar in the 2002 King Of The Ring Tournament. Edge was putting everyone on notice, and was on an incredible rise to main event status. However, his rise was delayed with surgery that sidelined him through 2003, because of his high-impact style of wrestling. Edge suffered from ruptured discs in his neck, much like Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle. Surgery was done early that year. Even though his ascent to the main event was put on hold, Edge would soon pick up where he left off, and skyrocket even more. Edge made his return on RAW the night after WrestleMania XX, during the WWE Draft. When Edge returned to in-ring action on April 19, 2004, he and Chris Benoit won the World Tag Team Championship. However, Edge would soon develop a villain character during this time as he obsessed over winning the World Heavyweight Championship. This was the first true sign of his main event push. Edge was quickly moving above midcard status, as he, Chris Benoit, and Shawn Michaels received a shot for Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship. Edge's team with Benoit was short lived as Edge abandoned Benoit to cost them the titles. As a result, Triple H was involved in a Triple Threat with Edge & Benoit that ended in controversy (Edge pinned Benoit, while locked in the Crossface). Edge won the PWI Award for "Comeback of the Year" for 2004. As a result, the World Heavyweight Title was vacated. After coming up short in the Elimination Chamber at 2005 New Year's Revolution for the vacated WHC, Edge solidified his place as the number one contender when he competed in the very first "Money In The Bank" Ladder Match at WrestleMania 21. In the match, Edge defeated Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, and former tag partner Christian. However, Edge would face real life heat, because of the infamous Love Triangle between himself, Matt Hardy and Lita. Edge was involved in an affair with Lita while Matt was injured. When the incident was made public, WWE released Hardy which made things even worse. The real life drama was turned into a storyline. Edge and Hardy's rivalry included a match at Summerslam, which Edge won as a result of Hardy's excessive blood loss. After Hardy defeated Edge in a Steel Cage Match at Unforgiven, the final match of the feud was a "Loser Leaves RAW" Ladder Match that Edge won on RAW's Homecoming. Edge used the backlash that he received from his drama with Matt Hardy to fuel his "Rated R Superstar' persona, along with winning MITB. From that point on, he never looked. The rest is history. At New Year's Revolution after losing earlier that night to Ric Flair, Edge made history by cashing in his MITB briefcase on a wounded John Cena after the Elimination Chamber match. Edge delivered two spears to become WWE Champion for the first time in his career. Edge's journey to become Main Event Status and WWE Champion finally culminated in this moment. This led to a great feud between Edge and John Cena. However, Edge's first run as champion was cut short as he dropped the title to Cena at the Royal Rumble. In between, Edge feuded with Mick Foley. The feud culminated in a spectacular Hardcore Match at WrestleMania 22, where Edge defeated Foley with a spear through a flaming table. Edge suffered second degree burns as a result. Edge soon turned his attention back to Cena, by interfering in Cena's title defense against RVD at ECW One Night Stand. After losing at Vengeance, Edge regained the WWE Championship in a triple threat match against RVD and Cena on RAW two weeks later. Edge retained the WWE Title at Summerslam, after he hit Cena with brass knuckles. The next night, Edge revealed his own spinner belt with an "R" logo. Edge would defend his WWE Championship against John Cena at Unforgiven. Cena made a deal that he would go to Smackdown if he lost. Edge accepted, and chose the match type to be a TLC match. (His specialty) Edge delivered a classic performance in the match that he made famous with the WWE Title on the line, in his hometown of Toronto. However, Cena walked away as WWE Champion. Edge would later form a brief Tag Team with Randy Orton called "Rated RKO". Edge and Orton would feud with the newly reformed D-Generation-X, (Triple H & Shawn Michaels) after they cost Edge a shot at regaining the WWE Championship from John Cena. When Rated RKO defeated DX for the Tag Team Championships, they became the first Tag Team to defeat them since their return. With their victory, Edge became a record 11-time World tag team champion. When Triple H suffered an injury at New Year's Revolution, Shawn Michaels teamed with John Cena to defeat Rated RKO for the Tag Titles. Shortly after, Rated RKO split, because Edge and Orton became rivals. They would both be involved in a Fatal Four Way with Cena and Michaels at Backlash for the WWE Championship. After failing to reclaim the WWE Title, Edge moved to Smackdown. When he arrived, Edge challenged Mr. Kennedy for his 2007 Money In the Bank Contract. Before the match started, Edge attacked Kennedy and went on to defeat him for the MITB contract. Edge wasted no time in cashing in the briefcase on a wounded Undertaker to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. As a result, Edge also became a great draw for Smackdown, which helped him become a perennial World Champion. Upon his arrival, he would feud with Batista, while getting the best of him for most of the feud. Edge successfully defended the championship in three PPV's such as Judgment Day, a Steel Cage Match at One Night Stand, and in a last chance match at Vengeance. After a feud with Kane, Edge relinquished the WHC due to injury. (left pectoral muscle) Edge returned at Survivor Series 2007, interfering in the Hell In A Cell match between Undertaker and Batista. Edge returned to official in-ring action to Smackdown on November 30, to wrestle Batista. The match ended with interference from Undertaker. During this time, Edge's feud with Undertaker became even stronger. At Armageddon, Edge reclaimed the World Heavyweight Championship after two chair shots to Undertaker. After successfully defending the WHC against Rey Mysterio at the Royal Rumble, Edge would battle back and forth with Undertaker for the championship. This feud brought out even more in Edge as a Main Event star. At WrestleMania XXIV, Undertaker defeated Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship. They would continue their battles through the year, including matches at Backlash and One Night Stand. After defeating Taker for the WHC at One Night Stand, Edge lost the title to CM Punk thanks to a Batista Bomb. Edge battled Undertaker in a great HIAC match at Summerslam. (Taker won) Edge returned at Survivor Series to win his third WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match with Triple H and Vladimir Kozlov. Edge would lose the title in another Triple Threat Match at Armageddon before regaining it for the fourth and final time at the 2009 Royal Rumble. After losing the WWE Title at No Way Out, he won the World Title for the eight time later that night in the Elimination Chamber (replacing Kofi Kingston). After losing the title at WM XXV, Edge recaptured the WHC at Backlash in a Last Man Standing Match with John Cena. After losing the title, Edge formed a Tag Team with Chris Jericho (Rated Y2J), to win the unified Tag Team Championships (second time Edge was a unified champion). Edge became a 12-time Tag Champion. However, the team would be short lived as Edge suffered an Achilles tendon injury. Edge returned to win the 2010 Royal Rumble to challenge former tag partner Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 26. After failing to win, Edge defeated Kane, Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at the TLC PPV to become a 10-time World Champion. After briefly losing the title to Dolph Ziggler, Edge became an 11-time World Champion as he would successfully defend the WHC at WrestleMania against Alberto Del Rio in what would be his final match. The one knock on Edge's career would be his injury problems, and those ahead of him made a greater impact from a drawing standpoint. However, Edge left an incredibly large stamp on the sport of wrestling in the relatively short amount of time that he competed. Edge performed at a high level at every stage of his career. (Tag Team, Midcard, Main Event) Edge is a bonafide Hall of Famer, and certainly a gamechanger for wrestling.


Accomplishments:

Canadian Wrestling Association

• CWA North American Championship (1 time)

• Insane Championship Wrestling
  • ICW Street Fight Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Christian Cage (1) and Joe E. Legend (1)
  • ICW/MWCW Mid-West Unified Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Joe E. Legend

• George Tragos / Lou Thesz International Wrestling Institute
  • Lou Thesz Award (2013)

• Outlaw Championship Wrestling
  • OCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Joe E. Legend

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Comeback of the Year (2004)
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2005) with Lita vs. Matt Hardy
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2006) vs. John Cena
  • PWI Match of the Year (2000) with Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz in a Triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 2000
  • PWI Match of the Year (2001) with Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at WrestleMania X-Seven
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2006)
  • PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2001)
  • Ranked him #2 of the top PWI 500 singles wrestlers of 2007

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
  • 4-time WWE Champion
  • 7-time World Heavyweight Champion
  • 1-time WCW United States Champion
  • 5-time WWF/E Intercontinental Champion
  • 12-time World Tag Team Champion (with Christian-7, Hulk Hogan-1, Chris Benoit -2, Randy Orton -1) and Chris Jericho -1)
  • 2-time WWE Tag Team Champion – (with Rey Mysterio -1, and Chris Jericho -1)
  • Fourteenth Triple Crown Champion
  • King of the Ring (2001)
  • Money in the Bank (2005, 2007)
  • Royal Rumble (2010)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)
  • Slammy Award for Couple of the Year (2008) – with Vickie Guerrero
  • Slammy Award for "Oh Snap" Meltdown of the Year (2010) Destroying the anonymous Raw general manager's computer
  • 2010 Bragging Rights Trophy - as a member of Team SmackDown with Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio, Tyler Reks and Kofi Kingston

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Match of the Year (2002) with Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit at No Mercy
• Tag Team of the Year (2000) with Christian

Finishing moves

• Downward Spiral (Wrist-clutch leg-hook reverse STO) – early career
• Edgecator (Kneeling inverted sharpshooter) – 2001–2011; – innovated
• One-man con-chair-to;used mainly in hardcore matches – innovated
• Spear, sometimes from the second or top rope

Signature moves

• Edgecution / Impaler DDT (Lifting DDT, sometimes from the top rope or transitioned to a sitout facebuster) – 1998–2002; used a signature move thereafter
• Big boot
• Diving clothesline
• Diving crossbody
• Edge-O-Matic (Sitout rear mat slam)
• Electric chair into either a drop or a facebuster
• Enzuigiri
• Flapjack
• Flying forearm smash
• Gutbuster
• Multiple kick variations:
  • Big boot
  • Drop - sometimes from the top rope
  • Spinning heel
• Northern Lights suplex
• Running crossbody to an opponent draped over the second rope
• Russian legsweep
• Sharpshooter – 2009
• Sitout powerbomb
• Somersault plancha
• Vertical suplex - sometimes from the top rope
• Winning Edge (Half nelson bulldog)

• With Christian
  • Con-chair-to (Double steel folding chair shot to the head of an opponent) - Innovated

• With Rey Mysterio
  • 619 (Tiger feint kick) by Mysterio followed by a spear or Edgecution by Edge
  • Bombs Away (Simultaneous powerbomb (Edge) / springboard seated senton (Mysterio) combination)
  • Catapult by Edge into a diving hurricanrana by Mysterio
  • Double missile dropkick
  • Hurricanrana by Mysterio into a spear by Edge
  • Powerbomb lift by Edge to Mysterio, Mysterio then moonsaults on to the opponent (opponent(s) usually at ringside)

16. Chris Jericho- Welcome to RAW Is Jericho!! He is the Lionheart, Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla, Y2J, Paragon of Virtue, Man of 1,004 holds, and the Best In The World at What he does. Chris Jericho is regarded as one of the greatest technicians, and ring generals in wrestling history, with a wealth of experience internationally. Along with being a student of Stu Hart's wrestling style, Jericho has developed a very diverse background of wrestling after traveling around the world to master his craft. Jericho could not only wrestle the Canadian style of shoot wrestling, but he could also wrestle the Lucha Libre Mexican style, and the Japanese technical style of wrestling. He also learned the art of promos from Smoky Mountain Wrestling, along with match psychology in Germany. His versatility and psychology are what have made him such a dangerous weapon in the ring. He could switch from chain wrestling, to high flying, to high impact. As anyone could see, he was clearly inspired by the likes of Shawn Michaels, Ricky Steamboat, Bret Hart, and Owen Hart. After graduating from Hart Brothers school of wrestling, Chris Jericho would make his debut on October 2, 1990, in a 10-minute draw against soon to be tag partner Lance Storm. In 1991, Jericho and Storm would make a brief tour in Japan (Jericho's first tour). In the winter of 1992, Chris Jericho started his tour in Mexico as "Leon D'Oro" and "Corazon DeLeon" (Spanish for Lionheart), where he wrestled for several small promotions, along with the largest in the country, the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). At CMLL, Jericho took on the likes of Silver King, Negro Casas, and Ultimo Dragon on his way to an 11-month reign as the NWA Middleweight Champion that began in December 1993. (Dragon and Silver King would join Jericho in WCW) During his time in Mexico, Jericho would meet fellow Cruiserweight stars such as Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio. After leaving Mexico, Jericho would briefly wrestle in a tournament in Germany before heading to Japan in 1994 and became an even bigger international star. While in Japan, Chris Jericho wrestled for Wrestling and Romance (WAR), later known as Wrestling Association "R", where he would compete in classic matches with the likes of Wild Pegasus (Chis Benoit), Ultimo Dragon, and others. Jericho defeated Gedo for the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship before losing it to Ultimo Dragon. In 1994, Jericho also joined a stable called "Team No Respect" with Gedo and Hiromichi Fuyuki. Jericho wrestled as "Lion Do" and won the WAR International Tag Team Championships. In December 1995, Chris Jericho competed in the second Super J-Cup Tournament hosted by WAR. He would go on to lose to Wild Pegasus in the finals. WAR put Jericho on the map with the fans and other wrestlers in the United States. In 1996, Chris Jericho joined his first major promotion in the U.S. (ECW), after he was recommended to Paul Heyman by Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn. Mick Foley also showed Heyman a tape of Jericho's match with Ultimo Dragon for the WAR Internat'l Junior Heavyweight Championship in July 1995. In June 1996, Jericho defeated Pitbull #2 for the ECW World Television Championship. While in ECW, Jericho would wrestle Taz, Sabu, RVD, Cactus Jack, Shane Douglas and 2 Cold Scorpio. Jericho's impact in ECW earned him the attention of WCW. Chris Jericho made his debut in WCW on August 26, 1996. He made his pay per view debut on September 15 at Fall Brawl in a match against Chris Benoit. After making a brief tour in New Japan Pro Wrestlin (NJPW), Jericho returned to WCW. On June 28, 1997, Jericho defeated Syxx to become the new WCW Cruiserweight Champion. Jericho regained the title on August 12, 1997 by defeating Alex Wright. Once Jericho became a three time Crusierweight Champion, he began to develop his heel persona after he defeated Rey Mysterio, Jr. at Souled Out with the Liontamer. Jericho then moved to a brief feud with Juventud Guerrera. Their feud culminated in a Title vs. Mask match at SuperBrawl VIII, where Juventud lost his mask. Jericho would soon have his breakthrough feud in WCW with Dean Malenko "The Man of 1,000 Holds". Jericho claimed to have "1,004 Holds". Their series of matches for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship did not disappoint at all. The Cruiserweight Division in WCW was their backbone during the Monday Night Wars vs the WWF. Stars such as Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Chris Benoit, and Dean Malenko were each the crown jewels of that division, because of their intense, fast pace, high-quality technical matches. The undercard of WCW was where most of the action was to help counter balance the powerful main event spot of the WWF. Chris Jericho was a very dominant Cruiserweight Champion, as he held the title four times. After losing it to Juventud for the final time, he moved to the TV Title Division. However, Jericho realized that WCW put a glass ceiling on his potential. After defeating Stevie Ray, Jericho would continuously call out WCW World Champion Goldberg for a pay per view match. However, Bischoff, Hogan and Goldberg refused to put him in a main event match, even for a squash match. Things reached a boiling point when Goldberg ferociously speared Jericho on an episode of Nitro. When his contract expired in March, Chris Jericho understood that there was a stigma that he was given for being a Cruiserweight, and decided to sign a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) on June 30, 1999. After a series of vignettes with a mysterious Millenium Countdown. This became one of the best vignettes in wrestling history. The Countdown came to an end, when Chris Jericho made his WWF debut on RAW in Chicago, IL on August 9, 1999. Jericho transformed into Y2J (a play on Y2K). His career would excel like never before. The Y2J Virus made a sudden impact, as he engaged in a promo battle with The Rock. Jericho made his in-ring debut on August 26, in a match against Road Dogg on the first episode of Smackdown. Jericho's dream was to become WWF Intercontinental Champion like his heros Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Shawn Michaels and others. However, Jericho's transition was not the smoothest as his first feud was with Chyna for the Intercontinental Championship. Even though he won the IC Title, he had to share it with her as a "Co-Champion". The feud surrounded a controversial decision where two separate referees declared both of them as winners. However, Jericho officially became the sole owner of the title at the 2000 Royal Rumble. However, Jericho's reign was short lived, as he lost the championship to European Champion Kurt Angle at No Way Out. At WrestleMania 2000 on April 2, Chris Jericho competed in a Triple Threat Match against Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle for both Angle's Intercontinental and European Titles. The Match was a two-falls contest. (First fall-Intercontinental, Second fall-European) Y2J walked away as European Champion with a pin over Benoit, after Benoit pinned him to become IC Champion. This was Jericho and Benoit's first pay-per-view together out of six PPV's within one year. However, Jericho's reign came to a crashing end the next night on RAW. After interference from Chyna, Chris Jericho lost the European Championship to Eddie Guerrero. On April 17, 2000 Chris Jericho received his first taste of the Main Event spotlight as he upset Triple H for the WWF Championship on RAW. However, the decision was reversed after it was revealed that Referee Earl Hebner made a fast count for Jericho to win. On the May 4 episode of Smackdown, Chris Jericho defeated Chris Benoit to become a three time WWF Intercontinental Champion. Jericho would lose the title the following Monday Night on RAW. On the other hand, Jericho's feud with Triple H escalated at Fully Loaded, as they battled in a Last Man Standing Match. Y2J was outstanding even in defeat, as he lost only by one second. Once again, Jericho proved his mettle in the main event. At the 2001 Royal Rumble, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit would battle in a climactic Ladder match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Jericho would defeat Benoit to become a four time WWF Intercontinental Champion. At WrestleMania X-7, Jericho successfully defended his Intecontinental Title as he defeated William Regal. Unfortunately, his reign was cut short as he lost the title to Triple H. Benoit and Jericho would team up to defeat the "Two-Man Power Trip" of Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Tag Team Titles. Y2J and Benoit defended their Tag Team Titles in the first Fatal Four Way Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. During the match, Benoit sustained a year long injury. He returned to finish the match so that he and Jericho would retain the Titles. However, they would lose the titles to the Dudley Boyz on June 19, 2001. At 2001 King of the Ring, Jericho and Benoit challenged Stone Cold for the WWF Championship. Austin would retain after interference from Booker T. During the Invasion angle, Chris Jericho became a major player for Team WWF as they went to war against the two promotions that he once wrestled for (WCW/ECW). Although Jericho remained a loyal soldier for Team WWF, there was a sign of friction between he and the Team Leader The Rock. Even though both men were Tag Team Champions at one point, heads would clash. After defeating RVD to become number one contender, Chris Jericho defeated The Rock for the WCW Championship at No Mercy. (Jericho's first Official World Title) Ironically, Jericho had to leave WCW to win their title. On November 5, The Rock would regain the WCW Title on RAW. Team WWF defeated the Alliance at Survivor Series 2001, in spite of Jericho nearly costing them the match. (Y2J returned to being a heel) At Vengeance, Chris Jericho made history as he became the first Undisputed Champion in WWF/E History when he defeated The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in one night. 2001 was indeed a flagship year for Jericho. Chris would successfully defend his Undisputed Title in rematches against The Rock (Royal Rumble 2002) and Stone Cold (No Way Out 2002). However, his reign would come crashing to an end when Royal Rumble winner Triple H defeated him at WrestleMania X8 to become the new Undisputed Champion. After the loss, Jericho joined Smackdown! to continue his feud with Triple H. Their feud culminated in a Hell In A Cell match at Judgment Day. Jericho was later sent back to Raw, where he defeated Rob Van Dam to win his fifth Intercontinental Championship. Y2J would later team with Christian to win the World Tag Team Championship on October 14, 2002. Y2J would also be involved in the first Elimination Chamber match in WWF/E history at Survivor Series (Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chris Jericho, Booker T, RVD, Kane). Y2J and Christian lost the Tag Team Titles at Armageddon 2002 in a fatal four way elimination match against Booker T/Goldust, Lance Storm/William Regal, and Dudley Boyz (Booker/Goldust won). Jericho switched his focus to feud with his greatest influence, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. After winning an over the top rope challenge against Kane, RVD, and Batista, Jericho chose to draw number two for the Royal Rumble match. Shawn had chose number one so that Jericho could prove to him that he was better. After Shawn entered, Jericho's music started to only reveal Christian disguised as him. This was enough to distract Michaels so that Y2J would blindside him for an elimination. The feud culminated at WrestleMania XIX in a battle of "Teacher (HBK) vs. Student (Y2J)." The match itself was fantastic as they stole the show in a fast-paced, masterpiece with great psychology. Jericho imitated Shawn during the match doing the Showstopper pose, kip-up, and even the Sweet Chin Music. Michaels won with a roll-up, followed by Jericho giving him a hug right before kicking him in the groin. Jericho considers this to be his signature rivalry. Jericho would engage in a feud with Bill Goldberg (which was a result from the heat that they had from WCW). For weeks, Jericho insulted Goldberg and stated that he was jealous of his success in WCW. Jericho claimed that after achieving all he ever wanted in WWE, the one thing left for him was to defeat Goldberg. Therefore, Y2J challenged Goldberg to a match at Backlash on the Highlight Reel. Goldberg defeated Jericho. Chris Jericho also wrestled in the second Elimination Chamber Match at Summerslam 2003 (featuring Goldberg, Triple H, HBK, Kevin Nash, Randy Orton). In 2004, Jericho went on to break the record for Intercontinental Championships, winning an unprecendented seven times. He won his seventh IC Title against Christian in a Ladder Match at Unforgiven. However, his reign was short lived as he lost to Shelton Benjamin at Taboo Tuesday. At New Year's Revolution 2005, Chris Jericho wrestled in his third Elimination Chamber Match (featuring Edge, Triple H, Chris Benoit, Randy Orton and Batista). Y2J continued to make history by wrestling in the first ever Money In the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 21 (featuring Edge, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, and Christian). After Edge won, Y2J challenged Benjamin for a rematch of the IC Title. However, Jericho fell short. Jericho briefly returned to his Lionheart gimmick, as he wrestled Lance Storm at the first ever ECW One Night Stand in 2005. Later that Summer, Jericho challenged John Cena for the WWE Title. Cena defeated Y2J twice (Summerslam, "You're Fired" match on RAW). After a two year absence, Chris Jericho made his dramatic return to WWE following a series of cryptic binary codes from September 2007 to his return on November 19, 2007. Upon his return, Y2J claimed that he would "Save_US" from Randy Orton. Chris Jericho's return was certainly revolutionary as he was rejuvenated. Upon his return, Chris cut his hair, and briefly continued his Y2J pesona. Fans were happy, but were not sure what to think. After briefly feuding with JBL, Jericho defeated Jeff Hardy to win his eighth Intercontinental Title. However, in April of 2008, Jericho made a drastic and much needed change. He killed off the Y2J character in his heel turn as he attacked Shawn Michaels on the Highlight Reel (smashing his face into the Jeritron 6000). As the climate changed in wrestling within only two years, Jericho had to as well. He started to wear suits, and changed his ring attire from the classic Jericho tights to trunks. Upon his return, Chris also added a new weapon to his arsenal, "The Codebreaker". Jericho had a tremendous feud with HBK, as he accused him of being a liar and a cheater. This led to a series of fantastic matches (including Judgment Day, Backlash). Y2J won the World Heavyweight Championship twice during this time. He retained his title by defeating Michaels in a brilliant Ladder Match at NO Mercy (Match of the Year). 2008 was certainly another flagship year for Chris Jericho, much like 2001 (better booking as a Main Event Star). Y2J went on to win his ninth IC Championship, win the Unified Tag Titles (w/Edge and later Big Show), along with winning his sixth World Heavyweight Championship. As Chris Jericho's career winds down, it is important to truly understand how much of an instrumental modern-day pioneer he is to the world of wrestling. Chris Jericho's legacy is one of the most decorated of not only his generation, but of all-time. Not only has he achieved his dream to become Intercontinental Champion like his heroes (Steamboat, Savage), but he now holds the record. Jericho's quality of matches withstand the tests of time from WCW to WWF/E. Without a shadow of a doubt, Chris Jericho is a one of a kind, and wrestling will NEVER EEEEVVERRR, be the same AGAIN!!


Accomplishments:

Canadian Rocky Mountain Wrestling

• 1-time CRMW Heavyweight Champion
• 2-time CRMW North American Tag Team Champion (with Lance Storm)

• Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
  • 1-time NWA World Middleweight Champion

• Extreme Championship Wrestling
  • 1-time ECW World Television Champion

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Shawn Michaels
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2002)
  • PWI ranked him #2 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2009

• World Championship Wrestling
  • 4-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion
  • 1-time WCW World Television Champion

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • 2-time WCW/World Champion
  • 3-time World Heavyweight Championship
  • 5-time World Tag Team Champion ( with Chris Benoit 1, The Rock -1, Christian- 1, Edge -1 and The Big Show- 1)
  • 2-time WWE Tag Team Champion (with Edge -1 and The Big Show -1)
  • 1-time WWF European Champion
  • 1-time WWF Hardcore Champion
  • 9-time WWF/E Intercontinental Champion
  • 1-time Undisputed WWF Champion
  • Ninth Triple Crown Champion
  • Fourth Grand Slam Champion
  • Slammy Award for Superstar of the Year (2008)
  • Slammy Award for Tag Team of the Year (2009) – with The Big Show

• Wrestle Association "R"
  • 1-time WAR International Junior Heavyweight Champion
  • 1-time WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (with Gedo)

• World Wrestling Association
  • 1-time WWA Tag Team Championship (with El Dandy)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Best on Interviews (2003, 2008, 2009)
  • Best on Interviews of the Decade (2000–2009)
  • Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Shawn Michaels
  • Match of the Year (2008) vs. Shawn Michaels in a Ladder match at No Mercy
  • Most Underrated Wrestler (1999, 2000)
  • Readers' Favorite Wrestler (1999)
  • Wrestler of the Year (2008, 2009)
  • Best Pro Wrestling Book (2011) for Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps
  • Best Pro Wrestling DVD (2010) for Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2010)

Finishing moves

• Breakdown (Full nelson facebuster) – 2001–2002
• Codebreaker (Double knee facebreaker, sometimes while springboarding) – 2007–present
• Lion Tamer (Boston crab while kneeling on the opponent's back or neck) – 1996–present
• Walls of Jericho (Elevated Boston crab) – 1996–present

• Signature moves
  • Backbreaker submission
  • Backhand chop
  • Baseball slide
  • Diving axe handle
  • Diving reverse elbow
  • Double underhook into either a backbreaker or a powerbomb
  • Flashback (Sleeper slam, sometimes as a counter to an oncoming opponent) – 1999–2000
  • Flying forearm smash
  • Jericho Spike (Hurricanrana, sometimes from the top rope)
  • Lionsault (Springboard moonsault)
  • Multiple kick variations
    • Missile drop
    • Spinning heel
    • Springboard drop to an opponent on the ring apron
    • Standing, leg-feed or a running enzuigiri
  • Multiple powerbombs sometimes followed with a pin
  • Multiple suplex variations
    • Belly to back
    • Northern Lights
    • Super
    • Tiger
    • Vertical
  • One-handed bulldog
  • Putting his foot on the opponent's chest in a pinning attempt, with theatrics (as a heel)
  • Running back elbow, sometimes while performing a corkscrew
  • Springboard plancha
  • Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker

17. Kurt Angle- "Intensity, Integrity, and Intelligence". You can't tell that this is the same man who created that motto, but Kurt Angle was a true example of those three demandments whenever he stepped foot in the wrestling ring in his prime. Kurt Angle is a revolutionary for being the first Olympic Gold Medal Winner in wrestling history. Angle is one of the greatest technicians, and ring generals of all-time, because of his world class athleticism and compact style of mat wrestling. Angle's career got off to a very strong start. Kurt Angle made his WWF in-ring debut at Survivor Series 1999 on November 14, 1999 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. During Kurt's initial push, he went undefeated before losing to Tazz at the Royal Rumble 2000. Kurt Angle's character as the "American Hero" was a throwback to the Hulk Hogan Golden Era of the 1980's with his polished, clean cut image during an edgier Attitude Era dominated by the likes of Stone Cold, The Rock and The Undertaker. Although Angle would emphasize his three I's "Intensity, Integrity and Intelligence" the way that Hogan emphasized "Train, Eat Your Vitamins, and Say Your Prayers", Kurt would twist it in a very self-righteous way. This automatically made him a heel. On February 8, 2000, Kurt Angle defeated Val Venis to win the WWF European Championship (the first of his career). On February 27, 2000 at No Way Out, Angle defeated Chris Jericho to become the WWF Intercontinental Champion. Angle called himself the "Eurocontinental Champion" as he joined D'Lo Brown and Jeff Jarrett to become the third man to hold both titles at the same time. However, at WrestleMania 2000, Angle lost both titles to Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho without ever being pinned. Benoit pinned Jericho for the IC Title, and Jericho pinned Benoit for the European Title. Dropping the belts only gave Angle more room to propel his career. In June of 2000, Kurt Angle won the King Of The Ring. After a brief feud with Triple H over Stephanie which led to a match at Summerslam, Angle's star continued to shine even brighter, as he received an even greater push in October of 2000. At No Mercy, Kurt Angle defeated The Rock to win his first WWF Championship. This was very significant, because Angle became the first wrestler in history to win an Olympic Gold Medal and WWF Heavyweight Title. Angle's rookie year of 2000 was revolutionary and phenomenal. He won the Intercontinental Championship, European Championship, KOTR, and WWF Championship all in one year. PWI named him "Rookie of the Year" and "Most Hated", while Wrestling Observer named him "Most Improved". There has not been anyone else recently who has had the meteoric success that Angle had in his first full year alone. Angle retained the title for the rest of the year with a victory over The Undertaker at Survivor Series, and a victory at Armageddon in the first ever 6-man Hell In A Cell (featuring Angle, Stone Cold, Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, Rikishi). Angle would defeat Triple H at Royal Rumble 2001 before dropping the title to The Rock at No Way Out. Angle would then turn his attention to feuding with Chris Benoit. He defeated Benoit at WrestleMania X-Seven, but lost to him in an Ultimate Submission Match at Backlash (Angle lost 4 falls to 3 in sudden death overtime). However, Angle would get his revenge by defeating Benoit again in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match at Judgment Day. Benoit won the first fall by Pinfall, after an "Angle Slam". Angle won the second fall after making Benoit submit to the Ankle Lock in the "Submission Only" fall. Angle won the third fall in a Ladder Match after interference from Edge and Christian. During the Invasion Storyline with WCW/ECW, Angle joined forces with Stone Cold Steve Austin to lead Team WWF. However, Austin turned on Angle to join the Alliance. During this time, Angle won the WCW Championship (defeated Booker T), WCW United States Championship (defeated Rhyno), and even the WWF Hardcore Title (defeated RVD). Angle defeated three different Alliance members. As a result, Angle became the number one contender for Austin's WWF Championship. After Austin retained the title at Summerslam, Angle defeated him at Unforgiven to become WWF Champion for the second time. However, Angle's title run was short lived, when he lost the title back to Austin on October 8, 2001 with interference from William Regal. Angle became a temporary member of the Alliance. However, he returned to Team WWF in the "Winner Take All" match at Survivor Series between Team WWF and The Alliance. Angle was also feuding with Edge around this time, after he dropped the US Title to him. The feud continued to build when Edge would encourage the fans to continue to chant "you suck" whenever Angle would enter the ring. This chant would be a part of Angle's career. The build would manifest into a "hair vs. hair" match at Judgment Day 2002, where Angle lost. As a result, his head was shaved. Kurt was naturally going bald already, so it only made sense. His career would skyrocket to a new level since he went bald. Angle would temporarily wear a wig after the loss, and have a short feud with Hulk Hogan. Angle defeated Hogan at King of the Ring 2002. In October 2002, Kurt Angle became the Fifth Grand Slam Champion in WWF/E History when he won the World Tag Team Championship with Chris Benoit at No Mercy 2002. However, the team did not last long, because of their chemistry issues. Angle and Benoit would eventually drop the titles to Edge & Rey Mysterio on an episode of Smackdown!. Angle won his third WWE Championship when he defeated The Big Show at Armageddon 2002. At the start of his third reign as champion, Angle added the managing services of Paul Heyman and formed "Team Angle" (with Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin). Angle engaged in a brief feud with Chris Benoit, which led to an amazing match at Royal Rumble 2003. That same night, Brock Lesnar won the Royal Rumble, which made him the number one contender for Angle's WWE Title. Lesnar defeated Angle to become the new WWE Champion at WrestleMania XIX. After recovering from neck surgery, Kurt Angle returned as a face in June. During his return, Angle defeated Brock Lesnar and Big Show in a Triple Threat Match at Vengeance to win his fourth and final WWE Championship. After retaining the title at Summerslam by making Brock submit to the Ankle Lock, Angle would lose the belt to Lesnar in an Iron-Man Match on Smackdown. At Survivor Series, Kurt Angle's Team defeated Brock Lesnar's Team. Kurt Angle turned his focus to Eddie Guerrero. Angle started a brief friendship with Eddie during his feud with his nephew Chavo. However, Angle turned on him when it was announced that Eddie would be the number one contender for Lensar's WWE Championship. At No Way Out, Angle defeated John Cena and Big Show in a Triple Threat Match to become the number one contender, by making Cena submit to the Ankle Lock. That same night, Guerrero defeated Lesnar for the WWE Title, which led to their match at WrestleMania XX. After losing to Guerrero at WM XX, Angle took another break from neck problems. After a brief stint as Smackdown GM, Angle returned to face Eddie Guerrero at Summerslam 2004. Angle won with the Ankle Lock. In January 2005, Angle was eliminated by Shawn Michaels in the Royal Rumble. This automatically led to a terrific feud about who was truly the "Best Wrestler" of their Generation. During this time, Angle mocked HBK by bringing out Marty Jannetty and Sensational Sherri, only to make them tap out. Angle and Michaels delivered a masterpiece of a match at WrestleMania 21. Angle defeated HBK with the Ankle Lock. Pro Wrestling Illustrated named this "Match of the Year". I would consider this to be Angle's greatest match. He continued his feud with Michaels heading into Vengeance, where he lost to HBK. Angle turned his attention to John Cena, and feuded with him over the WWE Title. He beat Cena by DQ at Unforgiven, but did not win the title. He then lost in a Triple Threat Match at Taboo Tuesday. In January 2006, Angle won a 20-man battle royal to win the World Heavyweight Championship on Smackdown. After defeating Mark Henry at Royal Rumble, and Undertaker at No Way Out, Angle dropped the title to Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 22. Angle finished his WWE run with ECW before going to TNA in Summer 2006. Kurt Angle's greatest tenure of his career was spent in WWF/E, because of the great quality of matches that he delivered while at the peak of his game athletically, and as a character. Since coming over to TNA, Kurt Angle has since become a TNA Triple Crown Champion. Angle's legacy has taken a blow considering the lower level of competition, and the state of the company in comparison to his WWE career. However, there is no denying that Kurt Angle is a Hall of Fame caliber, wrestling legend who comes once in a lifetime.

Accomplishments:

National Amateur Wrestling

• National Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)

National Collegiate Athletic Association

• NCAA Division I All-American (1990–1992)
• NCAA Division I Champion (1990, 1992)
• NCAA Division I Runner-up (1991)

Olympic Games

• Summer Olympics gold medal in freestyle wrestling (heavyweight) (1996)

USA Wrestling

• USA Junior Freestyle Champion (1987)
• USA Senior Freestyle Champion (1995, 1996)
• USA Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)
• Greatest Shoot Wrestler of All-Time

Yasar Dogu Tournament

• Runner-up (1989)

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

• 1-time WCW United States Champion
• 1-time WCW Champion
• 1-time World Heavyweight Champion
• 4-time WWF/E Champion
• 1-time WWF European Champion
• 1-time WWF Hardcore Champion
• 1-time WWF Intercontinental Champion
• 1-time WWE Tag Team Champion (with Chris Benoit)
• King of the Ring (2000)
• Tenth Triple Crown Champion
• Fifth Grand Slam Championship
• WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament (2002) - with Chris Benoit

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

• 5-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion
• 2-time TNA World Tag Team Champion (with Sting- 1, and A.J. Styles-1)
• 1-time TNA X Division Champion
• King of the Mountain (2007, 2009)
• Second TNA Triple Crown Champion (1 time)
• Feud of the Year (2006–2007) with Samoa Joe
• Match of the Year (2007) vs. Sting at Bound for Glory, October 14, 2007
• TNA Hall of Fame (Class of 2013)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

• Best Gimmick (2000)
• Best on Interviews (2002)
• Best Technical Wrestler (2002)
• Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Brock Lesnar
• Match of the Year with Chris Benoit vs. Edge and Rey Mysterio, No Mercy 2002
• Most Improved (2000)
• Most Outstanding Wrestler (2001–2003)
• Readers' Favorite Wrestler (2002–2003)
• Wrestler of the Decade (2000s)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• PWI Comeback of the Year (2003)
• PWI Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Triple H
• PWI Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Brock Lesnar
• PWI Feud of the Year (2007) vs. Samoa Joe
• PWI Match of the Year (2003) vs. Brock Lesnar in a 60-minute Iron Man match on SmackDown!, September 16
• PWI Match of the Year (2005) vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 21
• PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2000)
• PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2001)
• PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2003)
• PWI Rookie of the Year (2000)
• PWI Wrestler of the Year (2003)
• PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2001
• Wrestler of the Year (2002)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)

Finishing moves

• Angle Slam / Olympic Slam, sometimes from the top rope
• Ankle lock, sometimes while grapevining the opponent's leg
• Crossface chickenwing – 2000; adopted from Bob Backlund

• Signature moves
  • Bodyscissors
  • DDT
  • Double leg takedown, often transitioned into a pin or a suplex
  • European uppercut
  • Frog splash
  • Headbutt
  • Moonsault
  • Multiple suplex variations
    • Bridging / Release belly-to-back
    • Bridging / Release / Rolling German
    • Overhead belly-to-belly, sometimes from the top rope
  • Rear naked choke
  • Triangle choke

18. Ricky Steamboat - Regarded as the Ultimate Babyface, and Generational Trailblazer, Ricky Steamboat is simply one of the purest wrestlers and all-around athletes that the sport has ever seen. When Steamboat performed, there was never a wasted movement at all. This was wrestling's version of Bruce Lee. A physical specimen with unbelievable agility. Ricky Steamboat made his debut in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1976, under promoter Verne Gagne in Minneapolis, MN. After a brief stay, Steamboat moved to Georgia Championship Wrestling which was a branch under the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). In 1977, Steamboat joined the NWA under Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) where he would spend the next eight years of his career. Soon, Ricky was matched with his counterpart and future archrival, Ric Flair. Ricky soon made a name for himself during an interview on Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, when Mid-Atlantic TV Champion Ric Flair started taunting him. Steamboat nailed Flair with a backhand chop to initiate the challenge for Flair's TV Title. Steamboat quickly became a star when he defeated Flair with a double-thrust from the top rope to became the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Champion. PWI named Steamboat the "Rookie of the Year" in 1977. During his first NWA tenure, Steamboat captured 3 NWA United States Championships, and 6 NWA World Tag Team Championships (3 w/Paul Jones, 3 w/Jay Youngblood). Steamboat also won the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship, and Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championships four times. Even today, fans still bring up classic moments between Flair and Steamboat. (One week, Flair dragged Steamboat around the TV Studio. The next week, Steamboat ripped Flair's expensive suit to shreds.) The biggest feud that Steamboat and Youngblood had was against Sgt. Slaugther and Don Kernodle for the Tag Team Titles. After creative differences with Dusty Rhodes, Steamboat left the NWA to navigate north to the WWF. In 1985, Ricky Steamboat signed to join Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Shortly after his debut, McMahon and his creative team gave Steamboat the gimmick known as "The Dragon". As the Dragon, Steamboat would be a complete babyface as his trunks and jacket ring attire would be replaced by a keikogi (Martial Arts jacket) and long tights. This idea perfectly connected with his heritage (Father-Hawaiian, Mother-Japanese American). Steamboat kept the gimmick for the rest of his career as it helped him become a legend. Steamboat's pay-per-view debut came at the Inaugural WrestleMania (WM I) as he defeated Matt Borne. On Superstars of Wrestling (9/14/1985), Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji. After the victory, he was attacked by "Magnificent" Don Muraco. This led to a feud between Steamboat against Fuji and Muraco. On Saturday Night's Main Event (1/4/1986), Steamboat's feud with Muraco and Fuji ended when he teamed with Junkyard Dog to defeat them in a Tag Team match. After defeating Hercules at WrestleMania II, Steamboat's next major feud was against Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The feud began when Roberts attacked Steamboat on Saturday Night's Main Event (5/3/1986), when Roberts delivered a devastating DDT to Steamboat on the concrete floor. Initially, Jake was fearful of seriously injuring Ricky, as the floor was not covered by protective mats during that time. After Steamboat approved, Roberts' fears came true. Jake refers to the sound of Steamboat's heading hitting the concrete as a watermelon bursting. The Snake and The Dragon battled each other in a Snake Pit Match at The Big Event, which Steamboat won. The feud came to a conclusion when Steamboat defeated Roberts in a Snake Pit rematch on Saturday Night's Main Event on October 4, 1986. After the match as Roberts continued to attack Steamboat, he took out his snake Damien. As he was about to place Damien on him, Steamboat took out his komodo dragon to scare Roberts away. Steamboat quickly transitioned into his most pivotal feud in WWF, as he became the number one contender to challenge "Macho Man" Randy Savage for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. On November 22, 1986, Steamboat earned his shot at the title on an edition of Superstars. After Steamboat was counted out, one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history took place. When Savage pulled Steamboat into the ring, he continued to assault him by injuring his larynx with a ring bell from the top rope. Steamboat made his return on Saturday Night's Main Event (1/3/1987) as he stopped Savage from attacking George "The Animal" Steele the same way he injured Steamboat two months prior. These events helped to build the foundation for their legendary battle. At WrestleMania III, Ricky Steamboat defeated Randy Savage to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship. This match was the benchmark of Steamboat's time in WWF as it influenced future generations of wrestlers. The match is still considered an instant classic by fans, critics, and other wrestlers. On March 29, 1987, Savage and Steamboat raised the bar for match quality because this match was a rarity for the company. From start to finish, this match was filled with excitement and non-stop movement with at least 20 near-falls. The landscape of the business was forever changed from this match, because matches like this became normal, as it opened the door for matches like Bret-HBK, Bret-Bulldog, Jericho-Benoit, etc. Hogan-Andre may have sold the show and drew the fans, but Savage-Steamboat stole the show with their masterpiece. Pro-Wrestling Illustrated and Wrestling Observer named this match "Match of the Year" for 1987. WWF wanted to build on the momentum that Steamboat created after that match. However, there would soon be a change of plans. Several weeks after the match, Steamboat approached Vince McMahon and asked for time-off to be with his wife for the birth of his first son, Richard, Jr. This request did not sit well with management, as their vision was to have Steamboat as a long-term champion, much like Savage was. Vince and WWF management proceeded to punish Steamboat by stripping him of the title. Steamboat lost the Intercontinental Title to the Honky Tonk Man on June 13, 1987. Richard, Jr. was born in July. Steamboat returned just in time for the Inaugural Survivor Series in November 1987. Steamboat technically found himself in the doghouse after his sabbatical following WM III, because he had no significant feuds after that. After defeating Rick Rude by DQ at Royal Rumble 1988, Steamboat was entered into the tournament for the vacant WWF Championship at WrestleMania IV. Prior to his first round match, Steamboat stated that he had hoped to meet Macho Man Randy Savage in the tournament for a rematch that he called "one more classic confrontation". However, Steamboat lost to Greg Valentine in the first round, and soon made his exit from the World Wrestling Federation. Ricky Steamboat made his comeback as he returned to the NWA on January 21, 1989 on an episode of World Championship Wrestling (This would soon be the name of the promotion since they were purchased by Ted Turner). On this night, Steamboat was the surprise tag team partner for "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert against Ric Flair and Barry Windham. Steamboat pinned Flair for the victory, which earned him an NWA World Title shot against Flair. Ricky Steamboat defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Chi-Town Rumble. He would also be the last NWA World Champion to defend the belt in All-Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) against Tiger Mask. The Chi-Town Rumble match with Flair was the first of a legendary trilogy of matches that year. Steamboat would retain the title against Flair in a 2-out of-3 falls match at Clash of the Champions VI(April 2, 1989) before losing the title to the Nature Boy at WrestleWar. All three matches received 5-star ratings from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer. Steamboat vs. Flair at WrestleWar won the PWI "Match of the Year" Award. After losing the NWA title, Steamboat went into semi-retirement in late 1989. In 1990, he would tour New-Japan Pro Wrestling where he faced high profile stars such as Great Muta and Hiroshi Hase. In 1991, Steamboat returned to the WWF and was simply billed as "The Dragon". He would come to the ring with a Dragon headdress while breathing fire for the fans. However, Steamboat was treated as a new wrestler despite his previous WWF success as Intercontinental Champion. He was repackaged as if he never did anything special before that. From time to time, Randy Savage would make a reference to their WM III match while Steamboat would wrestle. Ricky Steamboat defeated The Brooklyn Brawler in his return match on Superstars (3/30/1991) with his signature finisher, the Diving Crossbody. During his second run, Ricky would face the likes of Haku, Smash, Warlord, Paul Roma, Col. Mustafa (Iron Sheik), and Pat Tanaka. Hardly the kind of dance partners he had before. Steamboat's only PPV appearance came at Summerslam, where he teamed with Kerry Von Erich and Davey Boy Smith to defeat Warlord, Hercules and Paul Roma. With the dissatisfaction of his run, Ricky Steamboat left the WWF. On November 19, he made his WCW return as a surprise tag partner for Dustin Rhodes while replacing an injured Barry Windham. Steamboat and Rhodes defeated the Enforcers (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbysko) to win the World Tag Team Championships. This was Steamboat's first title under the WCW banner completely away from NWA. However, they would lose the titles to Arn Anderson and his new partner Bobby Eaton in January 1992. Steamboat would feud with the Dangerous Alliance (namely Rick Rude and "Stunning" Steve Austin). On May 17, 1992 Ricky Steamboat teamed with Sting, Barry Windham, Dustin Rhodes, and Nikita Koloff (Sting's Squadron) to defeat the Dangerous Alliance in the WarGames match at WrestleWar. At SuperBrawl II, Steamboat came up short in his challenge for Rick Rude's United States Championship. Their rivalry came to a close in a non-title match in the Iron Man Challenge at Beach Blast, where Steamboat won. During the end of his WCW run, Steamboat would feud with Steve Austin for the TV and US Championships. After having one last shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against rival Ric Flair, Steamboat wrestled his final match against Steve Austin for the US Title at Clash of the Champions (8/28/1994). Steamboat defeeated Austin to become the United States Champion for the fourth and final time. He would forfeit the title due to injury to Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Unfortunately, Steamboat's great ending was turned sour. In September of 1994, Steamboat was fired in a cowardly way by WCW President Eric Bischoff via FedEx Package while injured. (Sound familiar doesn't it? Side note: Steve Austin was fired a year later via telephone) This would end Steamboat's relationship with the Crockett/Turner organization that nearly lasted two decades. In 2009, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by friend/rival Ric Flair the night before WM XXV. Steamboat would team with fellow HOF'ers "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka in a handicap match against Chris Jericho. (Steamboat, Piper and Snuka were part of the first WM) Dragon was very impressive in this match, as a tribute to the fans. The one knock on Steamboat's legacy is that he did not have significantly long title reigns following legendary victories (His IC title and NWA World title runs were very brief). However, there is no denying the vast influence that Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat has left on the world of wrestling.

Accomplishments:

Maple Leaf Wrestling

• 1-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion (Mid-Atlantic version)

• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / World Championship Wrestling
  • 2-time NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion
  • 4-time NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Champion (3 with Paul Jones, 1 with Jay Youngblood)
  • NWA (Mid-Atlantic version)/WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
  • 1-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (8 times) – with Jay Youngblood (5), Paul Jones (1), Dustin Rhodes (1) and Shane Douglas (1)
  • WCW World Television Championship (4 times)

• National Wrestling Alliance
  • NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Match of the Year (1987) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage at WrestleMania III
  • PWI Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ric Flair at WrestleWar
  • PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2009)
  • PWI Rookie of the Year (1977)
  • PWI Stanley Weston Award (1995)
  • PWI Tag Team of the Year (1978) with Paul Jones
  • PWI ranked him #6 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1992
  • PWI ranked him #13 of the Top 500 Singles Wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
  • PWI ranked him #19 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Jay Youngblood in 2003.

• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Class of 2002

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • 5 Star Match (1989) vs. Ric Flair: Chi-Town Rumble
  • 5 Star Match (1989) vs. Ric Flair: 2-Out-Of-3 Falls Match, Clash Of The Champions VI
  • 5 Star Match (1989) vs. Ric Flair: WrestleWar
  • Tag Team of the Year (1983) with Jay Youngblood
  • Match of the Year (1987) vs. Randy Savage at WrestleMania III
  • Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions VI
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

19. Eddie Guerrero- A pioneer for Latino wrestlers. Eddie Guerrero has become the face of the Guerrero family, as the youngest and most successful member. Eddie was a combination of Lucha Libre and Japanese strongstyle wrestling with incredible technical prowess. He was a true ring general in every sense of the word. Eddie made his debut in a Mexican wrestling promotion called EMLL teaming with another Mexican wrestler named El Matematico against Flama Roja and El Vikingo. Guerrero soon traveled to NWA (WCW) in 1989 as a jobber against Terry Funk. At this time, Eddie also won the World Trios Titles with his brothers Mando and Hector Guerrero in the Mexico branch of the World Wrestling Association (WWA). Eddie started to truly make his first mark on the wrestling scene in AAA as a tag team partner with the late great "Love Machine" Art Barr. Guerrero and Barr would also join Konnan, Louie Spicolli and Chicano Power to form the heel faction Los Gringos Locos. Locos mostly feuded with El Hijo del Santo and his partner Octagon that eventually ended in a Hair vs. Mask match in the first lucha PPV, When Worlds Collide, which they lost. Guerrero and Barr would receive their big break when they were noticed by ECW owner Paul Heyman in 1994, and were approached to wrestle for him in 1995. Sadly, Barr died before he could ever step in an ECW ring. As a tribute, Eddie would use the Frog Splash and keep it as his signature finishing move for the rest of his career. In between this time, Eddie wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) under the name Black Tiger. Eddie would reach more success in his 1996 return when he won the Best of the Super Juniors 1996 tournament for junior heavyweights. Guerrero even received a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title against The Great Sasuke, but lost. Eddie Guerrero made his ECW debut in 1995. In his first match, he defeated 2 Cold Scorpio for the ECW World Television Championship. Eddie went on to have a classic series of matches with Dean Malenko which got the attention of WCW as they would join later that year. Those matches are still talked about to this day. They traded the ECW TV Title back and forth from July 21-28, before Guerrero would lose it back to the man he first defeated (2 Cold Scorpio) on August 25. The next day, Eddie and Dean had their last ECW match together in a 2-out of-3 falls match that ended in a draw. After the match, the fans chanted "please don't go". This was truly a great farewell. Guerrero returned to WCW in late 1995 with Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit (whom he wrestled with in NJPW and ECW). Eddie's first televised PPV appearance was at World War 3, where he competed in the 3-ring 60-man WWIII Battle Royal for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Guerrero was one of the last nine members in the battle royal before he was eliminated by the Horsemen. (Randy Savage won the title that night) At Starrcade 1995, Eddie represented WCW in a WCW vs. NJPW World Cup Tournament. Although he lost to Shinjiro Otani, WCW won the series. In 1996, Eddie received several U.S. Championship title shots against Konnan (Uncensored) and Ric Flair (Hog Wild). Eddie also started to feud with the Four Horsemen after Arn Anderson turned on him in a tag match against Ric Flair and Randy Savage. In late '96, Guerrero also feuded with Diamond Dallas Page after defeating him at Clash of the Champions XXXIII. He feuded with DDP over the nickname "Lord of the Ring" but lost. When Guerrero entered the tournament for the vacant United States Championship at Starrcade 1996, he defeated DDP in the final round to become champion. 1997 became a very pivotal year in Eddie's career as he defended the WCW United States Championship against the likes of: Scott Norton (Clash of the Champions XXXIV), Syxx in a ladder match (Souled Out) and Chris Jericho (SuperBrawl VII). Guerrero's reign came to an end at Uncensored when he lost the title to Dean Malenko. After losing the U.S. Championship, Eddie focused his sights on Chris Jericho's WCW Cruiserweight Championship. He challenged Jericho for the title at Clash of the Champions XXXV, but lost. However, he demanded a rematch. At Fall Brawl 1997, Eddie Guerrero defeated Chris Jericho to become the new WCW Cruiserweight Champion. However, Eddie would lose the title to Rey Mysterio, Jr. at Halloween Havoc in a Title vs. Mask match. The match was another Guerrero/Mysterio classic that is still talked about. On November 10, 1997, Eddie Guerrero defeated Mysterio to regain the WCW Cruiserweight Championship on Nitro. He went on to successfully retain the championship against Mysterio at World War 3, and Dean Malenko at Starrcade 1997. Eddie would drop the title to Ultimo Dragon on Nitro December 29, the night after Starrcade. At the start of 1998, Eddie would feud with Booker T. On the March 9 episode of Nitro, Booker defeated Eddie's nephew Chavo. After the match, Eddie suplexed Chavo to teach him a lesson. After defeating Chavo on the March 12 episode of Thunder, Eddie made him his "slave". At Uncensored, Chavo was forced to accompany Eddie to the ring for his match with Booker T for the WCW World Television Championship. Guerrero lost the match from a missile dropkick. Eddie and Chavo focused on feuding with Ultimo Dragon. Dragon defeated Chavo at Spring Stampede. Eddie defeated Dragon at Slamboree, after interference from Chavo. After the match, Chavo kissed Eddie as the start of his new bizarre behavior. Chavo got an upset victory over his uncle Eddie at The Great American Bash. At Bash at the Beach, Eddie defeated Chavo in a Hair vs. Hair match. After the match, Chavo would shave his own head. Despite his popularity, Eddie grew frustrated at Eric Bischoff and WCW management over not being given a chance as a main eventer in WCW. Guerrero requested to deserve a better push or a release from his contract. He also claimed that Bischoff spilled coffee on him. After taking a break, Eddie finished his time in WCW with factions like the LWO and The Filthy Animals. When he realized that even more that he could not go any higher in the WCW food chain, Eddie joined his comrades Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn as they made their exit from WCW to join WWF in 2000. They saw what happened with Chris Jericho and followed his trail. The Radicalz would make an immediate impact by attacking The New Age Outlaws on the January 31, 2000 edition of RAW. However, Eddie would face a very early roadblock in his WWE Career. In his first WWF match (Radicalz vs. Outlaws), Eddie performed a frog splash and injured his elbow. He was sidelined for several weeks. In March 2000, when Guerrero returned as a heel, he developed a new level to his character/persona. He soon started to pursue the affections of Chyna, who he called his "Mamacita". This is when "Latino Heat" was born. Eddie actually had a story line and character that made him marketable among the WWF crowd, which was nothing like what he had done in WCW. Initially, Chyna rejected Eddie's advances, because she was Chris Jericho's ally. The night after WrestleMania 2000 (RAW-4/3/2000), Eddie defeated Jericho to become WWF European Champion after Chyna turned on Y2J. She later explained that she could not resist the Latino Heat. Eddie and Chyna soon became very popular with the fans as they would come to the ring in Guerrero's 1957 Chevrolet. Guerrero successfully defended the title against Essa Rios at Backlash and defeated former allies Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn in a Triple Threat Match at Judgment Day. However, friction would soon started to build after Eddie pinned Chyna to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament. Saturn would defeat Guerrero for the European Championship at Fully Loaded. At Summerslam, Chyna and Guerrero wrestled in a mix tag match against Trish Stratus and Interconinental Champion Val Venis for the Championship. Guerrero's team won, but Chyna scored the pinfall on Trish to become a two-time IC Champion. Even though Eddie said he didn't mind, on the September 4 episode of RAW, he went to Commissioner Mick Foley to insert himself into the Championship match between Chyna and Kurt Angle to make it a Triple Threat (He claimed he didn't want Angle to hurt her). During the match, as Angle knocked out Chyna with the belt, Eddie tried to revive her. However, he ended up "accidentally" pinning her to become the Intercontinental Champion. Chyna soon became uncomfortable helping him win by cheating, while Eddie was upset about her Playboy Magazine cover. The Eddie-Chyna connection came to an end when Chyna found him cheating with both of the Godfather's "ho's". As a result, Guerrero turned heel and reunited with the Radicalz to feud with the reformed DX. After defeating DX in the elimination tag match at Survivor Series, they assisted Triple H in defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin. Guerrero was later defeated by Billy Gunn for the Intercontinental Championship thanks to Chyna. At Rebellion, Guerrero and Malenko lost to Billy Gunn and Chyna. The Radicalz would soon dissolve once Chris Benoit focused on a singles career. At Armageddon, the Radicalz defeated The Hardyz and Lita in an elimination tag match. In early 2001, Eddie feuded with Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and X-Pac over Jericho's Interconinental Championsip. At No Way Out 2001, all four men wrestled in a Fatal Four Way Match for the title, with Y2J winning. Guerrero soon refocused on the European Championship, as he defeated Test at WrestleMania X-7 to become champion. However, Eddie's addictions would cost him as he would become addicted to painkillers stemming from his 1999 car accident. He was sent to rehab in May 2001. The lowest point for him came when he was arrested for drunk driving on November 9, 2001. WWF released him three days later. After spending time in the Independent Circuit, Eddie Guerrero made his return to the WWF on RAW (4/1/2002) when he attacked Rob Van Dam. He defeated RVD for his second Intercontinental Championship at Backlash. After successfully retaining his title against Van Dam twice (Insurrextion, Judgmen Day), RVD defeated him to regain the IC Title in a ladder match on RAW. That same night, Benoit returned and reunited with him. Eddie even challenged The Rock for the Undisputed Championship, but lost. Once the Brands Extended, Benoit stayed on RAW, as Eddie went to Smackdown to shine like never before. Guerrero teamed with Chavo to form "Los Guerreros" as they challenged Edge and Rey Mysterio for the Tag Team Titles. Los Guerreros won after Eddie made Rey submit. Los Guerreros was heavily in the Tag Team Title picture, as they feuded with Team Angle and Angle and Benoit. When Chavo tore his biceps, Tajiri replaced him and he maintained Tag Team success. Eddie went on to compete in the tournament for the United States Championship. In the finals, he defeated Chris Benoit at Vengeance to become Champion. During his run as Champion, Eddie defeated Benoit, Rhyno and Tajiri in a Fatal Four Way. He also defeated John Cena in a Parking Lot Brawl on Smackdown (9/11/2003), before feuding with Big Show. Guerrero lost the U.S. Title to Big Show at No Mercy. Eddie and Chavo reunited to become Tag Champions before Chavo's jealousy made him betray Eddie. After losing the titles, Eddie and Chavo feuded. The feud ended at the Royal Rumble 2004, when Eddie won. Eddie set his sights on the largest prize, the WWE Championship. After Benoit won the Rumble, Eddie won a 15-man Battle Royal on Smackdown to become the #1 Contender to face Brock Lesnar. Guerrero was officially elevated to Main Event Status in his feud with Brock. At No Way Out (2/15/2004), Eddie Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar to become WWE Champion, as this was the most significant win and moment of his career. Guerrero cemented himself as a legend in wrestling with this victory. Eddie successfully defended his championship at WrestleMania XX as he defeated Kurt Angle. Eddie soon moved to a feud with John Bradshaw Layfield after JBL interrupted his match with Booker T. At Judgment Day, Eddie retained his title after getting himself disqualified by hitting JBL with the championship. This match is most remembered for how gruesomely bloody it was as Eddie was covered deeply with blood. Guerrero lost so much blood that he went into shock after the match. JBL would soon defeat Eddie in a Texas Bullrope match at the Great American Bash to become the new WWE Champion. After coming up short several times, Eddie soon teamed with Rey Mysterio to win his last WWE Tag Team Championship. However, they decided to have a one-on-one match at WM 21, which Mysterio won in a great way. Slowly, but surely this was the start of their feud with Eddie as a heel. Things got even darker, when Eddie claimed that Rey's son Dominic was his. They finished the feud with a Ladder match at Summerslam for "Custody of Dominic". After the Mysterio feud, Eddie became the number one contender for Batista's World Heavyweight Championship. Batista defeated him at No Mercy. Unfortunately, Eddie never got a chance to hold that title. Tragically, on November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero was found unconscious by his nephew Chavo in their hotel room in Minneapolis, MN. After Chavo attempted CPR, Eddie was pronounced dead when the paramedics arrived. It was revealed that he suffered from heart failure as a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These problems were a result of the painkillers that he had taken which in turn caused his heart condition to deteriorate. On April 1, 2006, Eddie Guerrero was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame posthumously (tribute), as he was presented by his nephew Chavo, Rey Mysterio, and Chris Benoit. His widow Vickie accepted the honor on his behalf. Eddie Guerrero's legacy continues on as his nephew Chavo has since used the Frog Splash in honor of him. Followin Eddie's passing, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble and became World Heavyweight Champion at WM 22. CM Punk has even paid tribute to Eddie Guerrero as well, when he used the Three Amigos Suplex on Brock Lesnar at Summerslam 2013. Seth Rollins has used this move as well. Eddie has also been featured in countless games, Top 50 Countdowns, etc, as his legacy stands the test of time. When you look at his in-ring prowess, wrestling IQ, body of work, charisma, Eddie deserves his rightful spot as a legend in history. Long Live Eddie.

Asistencia Asesoría y Administración

• AAA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Art Barr
• AAA Hall of Fame (Class of 2008)

• Extreme Championship Wrestling
  • 2-time ECW World Television Champion

• Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
  • 1-time IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion

• Latin American Wrestling Association
  • 1-time LAWA Heavyweight Champion

• New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Best of the Super Juniors (1996)
  • Junior Heavyweight Super Grade Tag League (1996) – with The Great Sasuke

• Pro Wrestling Federation
  • PWF World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Hector Guerrero

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Comeback of the Year (1999)
  • PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2002, 2004)
  • PWI Stanley Weston Award (2005)
  • PWI ranked him # 2 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2004.
  • PWI ranked him #81 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
  • PWI ranked him # 18 with Art Barr of the top 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" in 2003

• World Championship Wrestling
  • 2-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion
  • 1-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion

• World Wrestling All-Stars
  • WWA International Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Association
  • WWA Trios Championship (1 time) – with Chavo Guerrero and Mando Guerrero
  • WWA Welterweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWE Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Chavo Guerrero (2), Tajiri (1) and Rey Mysterio (1)
  • WWE United States Championship (1 time)
  • WWF European Championship (2 times)
  • WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
  • Eleventh Triple Crown Champion
  • Sixth Grand Slam Championship

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • 5 Star Match (1994) with Art Barr vs. El Hijo del Santo and Octagón on November 6
  • Best on Interviews (2005)
  • Feud of the Year (1994) with Art Barr vs. El Hijo del Santo and Octagón
  • Feud of the Year (1995) vs. Dean Malenko
  • Most Charismatic (2004, 2005)
  • Tag Team of the Year (1994) with Art Barr as La Pareja del Terror
  • Tag Team of the Year (2002) with Chavo Guerrero as Los Guerreros
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)

Finishing moves

• Frog splash (WCW / WWF/E) / Jackknife Splash (WCW) – adopted from Art Barr
• Lasso From El Paso (Cloverleaf while kneeling on the opponent's back)

Signature moves

• Abdominal stretch
• Brainbuster
• Dropkick, sometimes from the top rope or to the opponent's knees
• European uppercut
• Figure four leglock, sometimes while standing
• Gory special – adopted from his father
• Headscissors takedown, sometimes from the top rope
• Hilo (Slingshot somersault senton)
• Monkey flip
• Multiple suplex variations
  • Belly to back
  • Exploder
  • German
  • Super
  • Three Amigos (Triple rolling verticals)
  • Vertical
• Plancha
• Powerbomb
• Spinning crucifix toss dropped into a neckbreaker
• Splash Mountain (Sitout crucifix powerbomb, sometimes from the second rope)
• STF
• Sunset flip powerbomb
• Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker
• Tornado DDT, sometimes while springboarding

 

20. Dusty Rhodes: He has wined and dined with Kings and Queens. He has slept in alleys and dined on pork and beans. He is the common man, working hard with his hands. He is the common man, working hard for the man. As the son of a plumber, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes is one of the most beloved heroes of wrestling history. Ironically, Dusty actually started his career in the AWA as a heel with Dick Murdoch as a Tag Team called "The Texas Outlaws". However, this stage of his career would not last long. In 1974 after joining the NWA, Rhodes turned face after turning on former tag partner Pak Song and Manager Gary Hart in a match against Eddie and Mike Graham. Ultimately, this would lead to Dusty's breakout career as a solo star reaching new heights mainly in Florida. During this time, Dusty would give himself a variety of names such as "Stardust" (yes, the original), "White Soul King", and most importantly "The American Dream". Rhodes reached the top of several other promotions under the National Wrestling Alliance Umbrella, including Georgia. On September 4 1976, Dusty would have his first taste of gold as he defeated "Nature Boy" Ric Flair for the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship in Richmond, Virginia. Unfortunately, this would start what have been since known as the "Dusty finishes". Since the match was at a house show, the decision was overturned as Flair remained Champion. This victory is not even mentioned. Dusty Finishes is a term that describes a finish where the fans would go home thinking there was a new champion, but the decision would be reversed after the house show ended. This would in turn nullify the victory, because it was not fully televised. These finishes would come back to bite the NWA in the 1980's. Promoter Jim Crockett would never mention this on TV. In 1977, Dusty would migrate to the North in Connecticut/New York to work for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), owned at the time by Vincent J. McMahon, Sr. During his initial run in the WWWF, Dusty was featured as a prominent main-eventer twice in Madison Square Garden, as he challenged WWWF Champion Superstar Billy Graham twice. Rhodes won the first match via countout. He would lose the rematch in the legendary "Texas Death Match". (The Texas Death Match rules were different in WWWF compared to NWA. In NWA, the match would go to an unlimited amount of falls "aka Overtime" and did not end until a wrestler finally lost a fall and could not answer the ten count. In the WWWF, a Texas Death Match was simply a NO-DQ, one fall match) So the differences were glaring from NWA and WWWF. In their Death Match, Graham won with a mid-ring collision as he fell on Dusty for the three count. Typically, most wrestlers who depart a territory or promotion would lose all of their matches on the way out. Dusty was a rare case, as he finished his WWWF run winning matches near the top of the cards, including a win at MSG over "Handsome" Jimmy Valiant. In 1978, Dusty would make his return to the Florida Territories. On November 25, 1978, Rhodes won a one-night tournament to capture the vacant Florida Heavyweight Championship, as former injured champion Steve Keirn presented him with the title in a very emotional moment. Dusty went on to say that both he and Keirn were champions in the eyes of the people. Dusty's work during this time was critically acclaimed by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, as they named him "Wrestler of the Year" two years in a row. (1977, 1978) He was also named "Most Popular Wrestler for the first out of three times. Dusty eventually moved to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in the Mid-Atlantic, where he would make an even bigger name for himself in the world of wrestling. Crockett Promotions was formerly known as Georgia Championship Wrestling. Later down the line, Crockett Promotions would become World Championship Wrestling (WCW). First, Dusty would form a team with Manny Fernandez. On August 21, 1979, Dusty Rhodes would make history as he defeated Harley Race for his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. This match was named "Match of the Year" by PWI. Dusty would win another award for "Most Popular Wrestler of the Year" (1979). Rhodes, Race and, Ric Flair would dance with each other multiple times for the NWA World Title from the Mid-Atlantic Territories to even classic mathces in NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling). On June 21, 1981, Dusty regained the NWA Championship from Harley Race before losing it again on September 17 in Kansas City, MO to his archrival "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Dusty would ultimately gain his revenge later on. In between that time, Dusty battled the likes of Abdullah The Butcher, Pak Song, Terry Funk, Kevin Sullivan, Blackjack Mulligan, as well as Nikita Koloff. His rivalry with Abdullah The Butcher from 1983 is the stuff of legend. They had a blood bath during one of their matches in NJPW. You could find it on YouTube. You cannot find anything today that matches the intensity and brutality of this match. The Elimination Chamber cannot even capture the carnage that went on in this battle. 1985 was a landmark year for Dusty's career. Not only did he capture the NWA Television Title, but he also became a booker for Jim Crockett Promotions. He also teamed up with Magnum T.A. as "America's Team". Rhodes and Magnum would begin to feud with The Four Horsemen and The Russian Team (Ivan and Nikita Koloff). Dusty's feud with Flair would be ignited at this time. One of the most memorable pieces of the Dusty/Flair feud happened when the Horsemen attacked Rhodes and broke his leg. Rhodes challenged Flair for the NWA Title at Starrcade 1985. Leading into the match, Dusty delivered the EPIC "Hard Times" promo against Flair to inspire the fans. (He sounded like he was preaching) Flair would emerge victorious. Rhodes and Magnum were one of the most dominant teams in the NWA until a car accident ended Magnum's career. However, Rhodes would gain retribution against Flair. At The Great American Bash in 1986, Dusty Rhodes defeated Ric Flair in a Steel Cage Match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championsip for his third and final time. PWI named this match "Match of the Year", and Wrestling Observer recognized him as "Best Booker for 1986". Following Magnum's injury, Rhodes teamed with Nikita Koloff as an alternative called "The Super Powers". Dusty was also a Six-Man Tag Team Champion with The Road Warriors. Dusty, Nikita and The Road Warriors battles with The Four Horsemen in 1987 won the PWI Award for "Feud of the Year". Dusty won the "Most Popular" Award for the third time (tying Hulk Hogan and John Cena). As a booker, Dusty's contributions were incredible. He is credited with inventing many of the revolutionary names, and matches for WCW (WarGames, BattleBowl, Lethal Lottery. He also incorporated the Dusty Finish, where the match ends in controversy when the ref is knocked unconscious. During his time as booker, JCP was heavily involved in ruthless competition against the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). When Mike Jones was introduced as Ted DiBiase's bodyguard, Bobby Heenan came up with the idea to call him Virgil as a way to pull an inside joke to use Dusty's real name. Years later, when Jones arrived in WCW he would be named Vincent as a inside joke at Vince McMahon (another Heenan idea). However, Dusty would find himself in some very hot water during his time as a booker. Rhodes was fired from WCW after Starrcade '88, because of an on-screen bloodletting during a November 26 altercation with the Road Warriors. Following his departure, Dusty returned to Florida Championship Wrestling to capture the PWF Heavyweight Title and made a brief return to AWA for a few appearances. In late 1989, Dusty joined the rival WWF as the yellow polka-dotted "Common Man" (a gimmick that lives in the minds of fans as an insult to Dusty). Years later, Rhodes would admit that the gimmick and outfit were actually his own ideas. However, during an episode of Legends of Wrestling the, truth came out when it was revealed that Vince McMahon really came up with the idea when he said "I see Dusty in polka dots!". This was the red flag (or actually the polka dot flag) signifying the end of Dusty's career as a full-time competitor, as it was the twilight in comparison to his glory days in NWA/JCP. During his early time in WWF, Rhodes was managed by Sapphire as he was involved in a heated feud with "The Macho King" Randy Savage and Sensational Queen Sherri. Savage's ex-manager Miss Elizabeth would align herself with Rhodes and Sapphire after an altercation with Sherri. This resulted in a mixed tag match at WrestleMania VI (Dusty/Sapphire vs. Savage/Sherri). Dusty and Sapphire emerged as the winners. However, Sapphire would leave Dusty in favor of the Million Dollar Man and his money during Summerslam 1990. Afterwards, Dusty got rid of the polka dots and feuded with DiBiase and Virgil, which also resulted in the WWF debut of his son Dustin at the 1991 Royal Rumble. Both Dusty and his son left the WWF shortly after. Therefore, Dusty's full-time in-ring career came to a close. As a result, Dusty's PWF Heavyweight Title was used as a replacement belt during the WCW Heavyweight Championship match between Lex Luger and Barry Windham at The Great American Bash after Ric Flair made his departure for the WWF taking the title with him. Rhodes returned to WCW shortly afterwards as a member of the booking committee. He even served as the manager to Ron Simmons, when he defeated Vader for the WCW Championship on August 2, 1992. Rhodes teamed up briefly with his son Dustin and The Nasty Boys to take on Arn Anderson, Bunkhouse Buck, Terry Funk, and Col. Rob Parker at Bash at the Beach 1994. Rhodes even briefly managed the NWO (Very bizarre). After a brief stint in ECW, Dusty returned to WCW for one last time to re-ignite his feud with Ric Flair. In 2007, Dusty's career was immortalized in history as he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, by his sons Dustin and Cody. Dusty's mic skills are among the best in history and transcend even into today. The American Dream is one of the most magnetic personalities in wrestling history.

^{Accomplishments:}

 

• The Central States Wrestling
  • NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Central States version) (1 time) – with Dick Murdoch^[31]
• Championship Wrestling from Florida
  • NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Florida version) (2 times)
  • NWA Florida Bahamian Championship (1 time)
  • NWA Florida Global Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Magnum T.A.
  • NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship (10 times)
  • NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Dick Murdoch (1), Dick Slater (1), Bobo Brazil (1), and André the Giant (1)
  • NWA Florida Television Championship (2 times)
  • NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (7 times)
  • NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Florida version) (2 times) – with Bugsy McGraw (1) and Blackjack Mulligan (1)
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• Georgia Championship Wrestling
  • NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA National Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• International Wrestling Alliance (Australia)
  • IWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dick Murdoch
• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / Jim Crockett Promotions / World Championship Wrestling
  • NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with The Road Warriors^[44]
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (2 times) – with Dick Slater (1) and Manny Fernandez (1)^[45]
  • NWA World Television Championship (3 times)^[46]
  • Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament (1987) – with Nikita Koloff
  • Bunkhouse Stampede (1985–1988)
  • WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995)^[47]
• National Wrestling Alliance
  • NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)^[48]
• NWA Big Time Wrestling
  • NWA American Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Baron Von Raschke (1) and Dick Murdoch (1)^[49]
  • NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version) (2 times)^[50]
• NWA Detroit
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (Detroit Version) (1 time) – with Dick Murdoch^[51]
• NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling¹
  • NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Buff Bagwell^[52]
• NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions
  • NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Hawaii version) (1 time)^[53]
• NWA San Francisco
  • NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (San Francisco version) (1 time)^[54]
• NWA Tri-State
  • NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Tri-State version) (1 time)^[55]
  • NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Tri-State version) (1 time) – with André the Giant^[56]
• National Wrestling Federation
  • NWF World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dick Murdoch^[57]
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Feud of the Year (1987) with Nikita Koloff and the Road Warriors vs. Four Horsemen
  • PWI Match of the Year (1979) vs. Harley Race on August 21
  • PWI Match of the Year (1986) vs. Ric Flair in a cage match at The Great American Bash
  • PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1978, 1979, 1987)
  • PWI Wrestler of the Year (1977, 1978)
  • PWI ranked him #11 in the PWI Years in 2003^[58]
  • Stanley Weston Award (2013)^[59]
• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Class of 2010
• World Championship Wrestling (Australia)
  • IWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dick Murdoch^[60]
• World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Best Babyface (1980)
• Best Booker (1986)
• Most Charismatic (1982) tied with Ric Flair
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

In Wrestling:

Finishing moves

• Bionic elbow

Signature moves

• Piledriver
• Bulldog
• Diving crossbody
• Figure-four leglock
• Sleeper hold

Paintings Courtesy of: Rob Schamberger (Twitter: @RobSchamberger)