Best Wrestling Matches: Ruthless Aggression Era

This week we’re looking back at one of the best era’s in WWE History – The Ruthless Aggression Era

These collection of matches comes from Dave Meltzer (his matches feature his ratings for matches rated 4* Stars and matches that I believe that are also good too, I’ll try add the ratings to those matches as well.

Time-Frame: If you’re confused by the dates I chose to start from when I believe the Ruthless Aggression Era started which was when WWF changed into the WWE so May 2002, all the way until July 2008 when WWE became PG-13 thus ending one era, and starting another – The PG Era.

I’d like to include that this is not all the best matches but most of the best matches, there will be matches not listed here that are also good but I didn’t want to make the list too long, however if you have any suggestions for matches that could be included simply privately message me or add a comment on this and I will considerate it. Please read the entire list before commenting saying I’ve forgotten a match.. Also since a few people have commented on these posts saying 'stop throwing lists at us with no information' so on a few matches I’ve added a little bit of a backstory for new fans/fans of who haven’t seen the matches, some match details do contain spoilers, so you have been warned, but really if you’re getting up in arms about a match spoiler from several years ago that’s not my problem. I have also tried to add a link to each match as well; videos come from WWE Network, YouTube and Daily Motion. Lastly, and most importantly, I used Meltzer’s ratings as a guide but make sure to make your own opinion (or rating in this case) about the matches. Just cause he gives something a 3, doesn't mean that it isn't a 5 to you! If you do not like this list because I’ve based it off ratings, that is not my problem. Alright, now lets start the list:

2002:

• Rob Van Dam Vs Eddie Guerrero – Raw 27/05/2002 – 4* - Eddie was released from WWF quietly in 2001, and when he returned in 2002 he had one thing in sight and that was the Intercontinental Championship. Him and Van Dam were involved in feud for a couple of months and this is their best match together in a Ladder Match. Also infamous for the spot of a fan in the audience coming into the ring and attempting to push Eddie off the ladder.
• The Undertaker Vs Jeff Hardy – Raw 01/07/2002 - Undertaker really saw a lot in Jeff Hardy, and from this match you can really tell. They put on a fantastic Ladder Match on this Raw and we even get Jim Ross' famous line Climb the ladder kid, make yourself famous." This match would result in Undertaker reverting back to a Face.
• The Rock Vs Kurt Angle Vs The Undertaker - Vengeance 2002 – 4 ½* - Arguably one of the best triple threat matches during the ruthless aggression era, the only other ones that could potentially give this match a run for it’s money would be the 2 Triple H/Benoit/Michaels matches.
• Shawn Michaels Vs Triple H – Summerslam 2002 – 4 ¼* - The whole Summerslam 2002 itself is actually one of the best PPV’s of all time and I recommend you watch it. But this match was very special, it was Shawn Michaels first match back again in 4 years against his ‘former’ best friend Triple H in a straight up street fight brawl. It really is a testament that Shawn Michaels who hadn’t wrestled in 4 years that him and Triple H could put on a great match, possibly a match of the year contender.
• Brock Lesnar Vs The Rock – Summerslam 2002 – 3 ¼* - With less than 6 months since his WWE debut in 2002 Lesnar made big impact, by becoming an unbeatable beast, he won the Annual King of the Ring Tournament, he defeated various legends including Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan – and now he would lock his predator eyes on The Rock and his WWE Championship.
• Chris Benoit Vs Kurt Angle – WWE Unforgiven 2002 – 4 ½* - In Benoit’s first Smackdown Brand Exclusive feud he got to compete his former arch nemesis – Kurt Angle. These two must’ve loved fighting with each other, because here we are again discussing one of their matches, although this time I would say this match is less known to most fans. It’s still as good as their previous matches against each other, but what helps it more is that it leads to them becoming tag team partners with each other in the next couple of months.
• Edge Vs Eddie Guerrero – Smackdown 26/09/2002 – 4 ½*
• Kane Vs Chris Jericho & Christian Vs Bubba Ray Dudley & Spike Dudley Vs Rob Van Dam & Jeff Hardy – Raw 07/10/2002 – 4 ¼* - This is a very fun fatal four way tag team match, it actually one the ‘Greatest Raw Match Ever’ at the Raw 10th anniversary awards show.
• Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit Vs Rey Mysterio & Edge – No Mercy 2002 – 4 ¾* - This was the final match in the tournament for the Smackdown Tag Team championships quite frankly its one of the best matches from the Smackdown brand in 2002. The mix of these four wrestlers styles works so good with each other, the endless possibilities of what they could do with each other is unfathomable. If you’re watching for the first time it’s very hard to pick who will win this match, highly recommend. It may have only involved 4 out of the 6 ‘Smackdown Six’ but it just goes to show how great each person was. This is a perfect 5 star match for me.
• Brock Lesnar Vs The Undertaker – No Mercy 2002 – 4*
• Shawn Michaels Vs Triple H Vs Chris Jericho Vs Kane Vs Rob Van Dam Vs Booker T – Survivor Series 2002 – 4 ¼* - This match is significant for two stand out reasons, one being that it was the first Elimination Chamber Match in WWE history, the other reason being that it was Shawn Michael’s first World Championship reign since 1997. Albeit that the reign lasted less than a month, it is still one of the most memorable moments in Survivor Series and Elimination Chamber history with the celebration of confetti falling from the sky for Shawn.
• Kurt Angle Vs Edge Vs Chris Benoit Vs Eddie Guerrero – Smackdown 03/15/2002 – 4 ½*

2003:

• Kurt Angle Vs Chris Benoit – Royal Rumble 2003 – 4 ¾* - This to me is Chris Benoit's and Kurt Angles best match in WWE, well for me at least. These two had wrestled many, many times (hell if you’ve actually read the list you’ll see they’re listed several times.) I love these two mens wrestling abilities, two technicians giving their absolute all in a close to 30-minute match. This is the perfect 5 star match to me, and if you don’t agree with me, rewatch the match and be the judge for yourself. Also watch after the match finishes when Benoit finally gets to his feet and you can hear the crowd give Benoit a standing ovation for his performance. This match goes to show that WWE saw Benoit as one of their future World Champions.
• Shawn Michaels Vs Chris Jericho – Wrestlemania 19 – 4 ¼* - Shawn Michaels was only going to return for a one match deal, thankfully he stuck around for a few more years so he could put on some of the greatest matches in WWE history. When you think of Wrestlemania and Shawn Michaels they go together like Peanut Butter and Chocolate. This match is up there with one of the best Mania matches of all time. These two men would continue a feud in 2008 for a majority of the year and I recommend people go revisit that feud as well.
• The Rock Vs Stone Cold Steve Austin – Wrestlemania 19 – 4* - This was Stone Colds last ever professional wrestling match and oh boy was it fantastic. It’s very fitting that the last match is between his greatest rival – The Rock. Obviously, this is their final match in their series of ‘Mania matches and for me personally I think it’s the best of the three matches. Now looking back at this match, I wish this was the main event of Wrestlemania 19, a perfect send off for the Texas Rattlesnake. If you ask me, Rock needed this win to help establish himself as THE main star still in the company.
• Brock Lesnar Vs Kurt Angle – Wrestlemania 19 – 4 ¼* - Two of the best amateur wrestlers in WWE history get the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities in the main-event of the greatest spectacular in sports-entertainment. Unfortunately behind the scenes Angle was walking into this match with a banged up neck, and after this match Lesnar would walk out with an injured neck and concussion.
• Goldberg Vs The Rock – Backlash 2003
• Ric Flair Vs Triple H – Raw 19/05/2003 - This was a special night for Flair, as he was turning face for one night only to face his friend Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship just around the corner from his home. It brings out the best in both opponents and if you get the chance watch the Ric Flair appreciation after the match.
• Triple H Vs Kane – Raw 23/06/2003 – This match was contested as a ‘Mask Vs Championship match’. It pulled great ratings for WWE who wanted to see what Kane’s face looked like.
• Eddie Guerrero Vs Chris Benoit – Vengeance 2003 – 4* - These two are best friends, who just love professional wrestling, staggering throughout tiny promotions, all the way to the big wrestling world of Japan, back to America in companies such as ECW & WCW finally to make it to WWE. This match was the final for the tournament for the inaugural WWE United States Championship. This is close to five stars for me, if this match didn’t include a screwy finish I would award it that. But don’t disregard that as anything bad at all. This is my favourite match between the two.
• The Undertaker Vs Kurt Angle – Smackdown 02/09/2003 – 4 ¼*
• Brock Lesnar Vs Kurt Angle – Smackdown 18/09/2003 – 4 ¼*
• Team Bischoff (Mark Henry, Scott Steiner, Randy Orton, Christian & Chris Jericho) Vs Team Stone Cold (D-Von Dudley, Bubba Ray Dudley, Booker T., Rob Van Dam & Shawn Michaels) – Survivor Series 2003 - 4 ¼* - I really do love this match, and it’s a shame that it’s never talked about. Essentially the stipulation for this match was that if Austin’s team lost he would be fired as Raw General Manager. You really wanted the team of Jericho & Christian to finally get their comeuppance, after all they’ve done to Stone Cold throughout the year. Shawn Michaels’ ability to get you on the edge of your seat and to root for him and overcome the odds plays a huge factor in this match. The final 10 minutes of this match are honestly some of my favourite moments as a kid that made me into a wrestling fan.
• Brock Lesnar Vs Chris Benoit – Smackdown 04/12/2003 – 4 ¼* - This is a very underrated gem from the great Smackdown era from 2002-2004. Two of the best athletes of all time compete in the squared circle for the WWE Championship; previous to this Benoit had made Lesnar tap out at the Survivor Series PPV. Benoit would compete against Cena earlier that night in a number one contender match. This match gives us a tease of how Benoits 2004 would go.
• Randy Orton Vs Rob Van Dam – Armageddon 2003 – 2 ½* - In 2003, WWE knew that Orton would be a future star – he was charismatic, and had the look and it was time to start winning some championships in WWE.
• Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels – Raw 29/12/2003 – 4 ¼* - 2003 Raw was quite a rough year with many superstars from different eras (and companies) coming and going; so thankfully when the last Raw of the year was left with Shawn Michaels and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship we are left with absolute magic.

2004:

• 30 Man Royal Rumble Match – Royal Rumble 2004 – 3 ¾* This match helped build up two of WWE’s biggest stars at the time, Chris Benoit and Randy Orton. They entered as number 1 and number 2, and Orton lasts more than half of it and Benoit would actually go on to win this match from the number one position, the only person to do it since Shawn Michaels. But it’s a 30 men royal rumble match, not a 2 men royal rumble match, so credit goes to everyone involved it’s a very good match and is one of the more funner Royal Rumbles to sit back and revisit. The ending of Big Show & Chris Benoit has been repeated many times since, but this is still the best.
• Eddie Guerrero Vs Brock Lesnar – No Way Out 2004 – 4*
• Undertaker Vs Kane – Wrestlemania 20 - I’m not going to lie to you, this match sucked. So why is it on this list? Purely because of the promo and build up that helps set up this match and because of the entrances of the returning Dead Man Undertaker and also his and Kane’s father, Paul Bearer. Kane’s selling of The Undertaker being alive after he had buried him alive is some of the greatest of all time.
• Chris Benoit Vs Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels – Wrestlemania 20 – 4 ¾* - It’s a shame that WWE can’t really talk (and show for that matter) about how great this match is, and the post-match celebrations were. For rightfully reasons I guess, but I digress this isn’t a ‘WWE should show and talk about Chris Benoit’ post. This is probably my favourite Triple Threat match of all time, these three men just work so well with each other. This also has one of my favourite Wrestlemania moments, and that’s the post match celebrations. Eddie Guerrero as WWE Champion and Chris Benoit as World Heavyweight Champion embracing each other in a WWE ring to end Wrestlemania 20. Emotional, perfect and very fitting. This is possibly the greatest end to a Wrestlemania of all time.
• Randy Orton Vs Mick Foley – Backlash 2004 – 4 ½* - Cactus Jack/Mick Foley comes out of retirement yet again to face Orton in one of the most hellacious matches of all time. Foley puts Orton over, 4 years after he did the same with Triple H. If you can’t deal with pins/thumbtacks penetrating a human body, than this one might not be for you. This is honestly my favorite Randy Orton match, and it is also one of the last times I really enjoy seeing Foley wrestler, by 2004-2006 time his injuries throughout the years have started to take a toll on him.
• Chris Benoit Vs Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels – Backlash 2004 – 4 ½* - This was a rematch to their Wrestlemania 20 match, and by all means it holds up as just as great as this. They say most rematches can’t live up to what we first saw, but this is definitely exceptional to the rule.
• Chris Benoit Vs Shawn Michaels – Raw 04/05/2004 – 4 ¼*
• Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels – Bad Blood 2004 – 3 ¾* - This match was supposed to be their final match between the two and it is (excluding their match at Taboo Tuesday) and what I’ve noticed with this match is that it’s pretty much split down the middle people either really like this match or really hate this match. Personally I like it, just wish it were a bit shorter.
• John Bradshaw Layfield Vs Eddie Guerrero – Smackdown 13/07/2004 – 3 ½*
• Edge Vs Randy Orton – Vengeance 2004 – 4 ¼*
• Randy Orton Vs Chris Benoit – Summerslam 2004 – 4 ¼* - This is Chris Benoit’s swan song as World Heavyweight Champion. He had a decent run as champion with some great matches with some of Raw’s top talents including: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair and Kane. But this was the first of Randy Orton’s World Championship win; he really has the crowd behind him during this match. This was the start of WWE’s first time trying to build Orton as the face of the WWE, and he certainly earned the respect of Benoit after the match.
• Billy Kidman Vs Paul London – No Mercy 2004 – 3 ½*
• Shelton Benjamin Vs Christian – Survivor Series 2004 – 3 ½*

2005:

• Triple H Vs Edge Vs Chris Benoit Vs Chris Jericho Vs Batista Vs Randy Orton – New Years Revolution 2005 – 4 ¼*
• Edge Vs Chris Jericho Vs Chris Benoit Vs Christian Vs Kane Vs Shelton Benjamin – Wrestlemania 21 – 4 ½* - This would be the first ever Money in the Bank ladder match in WWE; the rules and stipulations were simple. There is a briefcase, instead of a championship hanging above the ring, and the by obtaining the money in the bank briefcase it allowed a wrestler to ‘cash in’ for a world championship opportunity at any time or place for up to a year or until the next Wrestlemania. The idea came from Jericho originally, and that’s why it only included Raw wrestlers – specially the top raw mid-card wrestlers. It has truly revolutionised wrestling in the last 10 years I believe and set up for some great shocking moments because of it.
• Kurt Angle Vs Shawn Michaels – Wrestlemania 21 – 4 ¾* - Two of the greatest wrestler’s all time face to face at Wrestlemania, what more can you ask for. I wont say much, just mainly watch this match. Arguably one of the best technical matches during the Ruthless Aggression. This would be the first of three of their singles matches throughout the year – the rematches are both equally fantastic.
• John Cena Vs John Bradshaw Layfield – Wrestlemania 21 - This was the culmination of the ‘Rise of John Cena’. John Cena’s first championship reign, and it was well deserved and would change the course of WWE forever.
• Shawn Michaels Vs Shelton Benjamin – Raw 02/05/2005 – 4 ½* - Shelton Benjamin could’ve become one of WWE’s greatest wrestlers of all time if he stuck around in WWE and was given more opportunity. This was proclaimed as one of the best Raw matches in 2005. This match is pure excellence, nothing short of amazing. It also gives us one of the greatest spots of all time.
• John Cena Vs John Bradshaw Layfield – Judgment Day 2005 – 4 ¼*
• Mike Awesome Vs Masato Tanaka – ECW One Night Stand 2005 – 4 ¼* - ECW made a ‘one night’ return in 2005 under the WWE banner – however it was all run and produced by ECW personnel. They helped reignite the Awesome/Tanaka feud with this match and it was easily one of the best matches from this year.
• Shawn Michaels Vs Kurt Angle – Vengeance 2005 – 4 ½*
• Batista Vs Triple H – Vengeance 2005 – 4 ½*
• Chris Benoit Vs William Regal – Velocity 12/07/2005 - 4 ¼* - Great match between two absolute fantastic wrestlers, wish it gained more attention and was actually contested on a PPV or a Smackdown instead of WWE’s C-Show.
• Hulk Hogan Vs Shawn Michaels – Summerslam 2005 – 3 ½*
• Matt Hardy Vs Edge – Unforgiven 2005 – 4 ¼* - In 2005, Matt Hardy was released from WWE whilst he was injured. The reason for this was because he found out that his real-life girlfriend Lita (Amy Dumas) was cheating on him with on-screen rival and real life friend Edge (Adam Copeland), matt would publically shame both of them and WWE saw this as a liability and fired him. However he was welcomed back after a couple on months and WWE saw a big feud between him and Edge. This match was as personal as it gets, this is a really good steel cage match between the two – I’d argue that his may be Matt’s best WWE singles match.
• Eddie Guerrero Vs Rey Mysterio – Smackdown 09/09/2005
• Team Smackdown (Batista, Rey Mysterio, John Bradshaw Layfield, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton) Vs Team Raw (Shawn Michaels, Kane, The Big Show, Carlito, Chris Masters) – Survivor Series 2005
• The Undertaker Vs Randy Orton – Armageddon 2005 – 3 ¾*

2006:

• Edge Vs John Cena – New Years Revolution 2006 – This match is significant as it the first cash in ever, and would change how most people would see Edge for years to come. Living up to the name ‘The Ultimate Opportunist’ Edge would cash in after Cena competed in a Elimination Chamber match.
• Edge Vs Ric Flair – Raw 16/01/2006 – 4*
• Kurt Angle Vs The Undertaker – No Way Out 2006 – 4*
• Edge Vs Mick Foley – Wrestlemania 22 – 4* - The match that helped really solidify Edge as one of the A+ players in WWE at this time. Foley six years after retiring comes back for a match with the Rated R Superstar, in one of the best hardcore matches ever, and quite possibly put on match of the night for that Wrestlemania.
• John Cena Vs Triple H – Wrestlemania 22 – 3 ¾* - T his is the match that WWE really believed would help put Cena on the map. Not to say it didn’t, but it also helps form a strong negative audience reaction to Cena. John was the poster boy, going against the most evil guy on the roster Triple H, yet the crowd still favoritely cheered Triple H. It’s also significant cause it’s Cena’s first main event at a Wrestlemania.
• John Cena Vs Edge Vs Triple H – Backlash 2006 – 4 ¼*
• John Cena Vs Rob Van Dam – ECW One Night Stand 2006 – 3 ¼*
• D-Generation X (Triple H & Shawn Michaels) Vs The McMahons (Shane & Vince) – Summerslam 2006 – 3 ¼*
• Trish Stratus Vs Lita – Unforgiven 2006 – 3 ¼* - This would be Trish’s final match in WWE before retiring, two best friends and long time rivals in a retirement match – very fun, very nice.
• John Cena Vs Edge – Unforgiven 2006 – 4 ¼* - Two years before this match when Edge was in Toronto, he was booed as a baby face, fast-forward to this match he was cheered as the most despise able heel. The culmination of the feud between him and Cena was in place as the faced each other in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. This match really meant a lot to Edge, as you can see as they’re doing the introductions he’s trying hard not to be an emotional wreck when the home-town crowd cheer and applaud him.
• Rob Van Dam Vs Hardcore Holly – ECW 26/09/2006 – 3 ¾*
• The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff) Vs MNM (Johnny Nitro & Joey Mercury) Vs Dave Taylor & William Regal Vs Brian Kendrick & Paul London – Armageddon 2006 – 4 ¼* - This was originally intended to be a normal 2vs2 traditional match, but on last minute was changed into a fatal four way tag team ladder match. Probably the only real credible Smackdown tag match that year, absolutely fantastic performance from all men involved, and it is not for the weak hearted I’ll say that.

2007:

• John Cena Vs Umaga – Royal Rumble 2007 – 4*
• 30 Man Royal Rumble Match – Royal Rumble 2007 – 4* - Oh the 2007 Rumble, branded as ‘star-studded’ was the first time ever that the Royal Rumble would become “Extreme”. The reasoning for this was because that for the first time ever the ECW brand would be included in the match – resulting in 10 stars from all three brands. I believe this was the first Rumble match that was branded ‘the Road to Wrestlemania’. It’s a fun match with many moments, but honestly maybe it’s because I’ve watched this one probably the most – I thought the match was a bit.. dull. That is until the number 30 entrant, - The Undertaker. There was 10 or so wrestlers in the ring and The Great Khali easily eliminated them one by one before Undertaker would enter and eliminate the giant. The final four teased a Edge/Orton break up and from that we got the final two – Undertaker and Shawn Michaels in what is easy to call the best ending to a Royal Rumble match of all time, if you’ve seen their previous matches just trust me. Usually when there’s 2 wrestlers left they get 2-3 minutes against each other, but these two get 10+ minutes to really show they can still go.
• Mr Kennedy Vs Randy Orton Vs Finlay Vs Jeff Hardy Vs Matt Hardy Vs King Booker Vs CM Punk Vs Edge - Wrestlemania 23 - 4 ¼* - One of the most loved Money in the Bank Ladder Matches with plenty of great spots including one with Edge & Jeff Hardy which helped innovated what you can do in a ladder match in the modern era. This was also CM Punk’s debut Wrestlemania match, meaning that it was the first ECW wrestler to wrestle there since the inception of WWECW.
• The Undertaker Vs Batista – Wrestlemania 23 - This was Takers year, he had won the 2007 Royal Rumble, he put on two great tag matches with Shawn, Cena and Batista and then he started his great feud with Batista. This was only the first chapter in their feud and if you keep reading this list you’ll see how good these matches were. This was also Undertaker’s first World Championship win in almost 5 years, making it extra special. This was absolutely my match of the night at Wrestlemania 23, I believe it should have main evented. There’s rumors that after the match finished Batista walked backstage and screamed ‘Follow that’ in frustration of not being the main event.
• Bobby Lashley Vs Umaga – Wrestlemania 23 - This match actually really helped this Wrestlemania have such a huge PPV buy. People were interested to see Trump’s hair get shaved because people believed it was fake hair. This match is literally just two mates taking the piss out of each other, McMahon and Trump are close friends and Trump actually has been very involved with past Wrestlemania’s.
• John Cena Vs Shawn Michaels – Raw 23/04/2007 – 4 ¼* - This is one of not only the best Raw matches of all time, but one of Cena’s best matches of all time. They go close to an hour back and forth with no end in sight – if this match was for the WWE Championship that crowd would’ve been absolutely electric.
• John Cena Vs Shawn Michaels Vs Edge Vs Randy Orton – Backlash 2007 – 4 ½*’
• Edge Vs Chris Benoit – Smackdown 08/06/2007 – 4* - This is one of Chris Benoit’s last matches before his who controversial death. But lets not let that take that away from either man, because this is also one of his best matches in WWE. These two could’ve main-evented many PPV's for the World Heavyweight Championship that year, such a shame.
• The Hardy’s (Matt & Jeff) Vs Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Hass – One Night Stand 2007 – 4*
• John Cena Vs Randy Orton – Summerslam 2007 – 4* - This would be the first time both men would compete one on one in a ppv (definitely not their last). This is a stellar match and helped show the direction that the company were going to be going and who their main stars would be.
• CM Punk Vs John Morrison – ECW 04/09/2007
• Randy Orton Vs Triple H – No Mercy 2007 – 4 ¼*
• Batista Vs The Undertaker – Survivor Series 2007 – 4* - This match was set up to be the final encounter between each men who had been battling for the better part of a year as both men had 1 individual clean win over each other. However the ending this match would set up/continue another feud with Edge & Undertaker – it did allow Batista to be the ultimate winner of their feud as he has one more victory than him. It’s also easy to see that Batistas best feud is with The Undertaker.
• Jeff Hardy Vs Triple H – Armageddon 2007 – 3 ¼*

2008:

• Randy Orton Vs Jeff Hardy – Royal Rumble 2008 – 3* - This was WWE's decision go give Jeff Hardy a chance at the WWE Championship and to see if he could excel with Randy Orton and he definitely could, many people believed in him to win this match and this helped increase his fan base. 2008 was Jeff Hardy's journey to the WWE Championship and this was only the first stage.
• 30 Man Royal Rumble Match – Royal Rumble 2008 – 4 ¼* - Following the Rumble last year, it starts the opposite way with Taker and Shawn entering numbers #1 and #2 – giving fans absolutely what we wanted. The match has plenty of good stars in it and its really fun to watch – it seems like this Rumble is the first one in a while really capitalises on the ‘Surprise Entrants’, Foley gets his moment, but I personally enjoy Jimmy Snuka and Roddy Piper entering after each other and the whole Rumble stopping so these two can battle it out for the first time in 20+ years. Another thing this Rumble capitalises on is surprise returns, this is still my favourite return/surprise in a Rumble (besides AJ) and that’s John Cena returning from injury as number 30. People complain that Cena was never over, but without a doubt when his music hits the crowd absolutely pops crazy for him.
• Shawn Michaels Vs Ric Flair – Wrestlemania 24 – 3 ½* - This match had a retirement stipulation to it; where if Ric Flair lost he would have to retire. This isn’t the best wrestling match of all time, but it’s one of the saddest and storytelling matches of all time. Honestly, Ric Flair has had one of the best careers of all times with so many endless classics its no wonder why people consider of the greatest wrestler of all time. The whole weekend was super special for Flair – he was inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame, he had this match and then the next night on Raw, he was given a farewell speech which resulted in tons of past wrestlers, present wrestlers, crew members and everyone in the back including Undertaker and Vince McMahon to come out and pay their respects to him.
• Floyd Mayweather Vs Big Show – Wrestlemania 24 – 3* - Over a decade later since the infamous Bigelow Vs Taylor match, WWE decided to have another big celebrity match up. This time it would feature arguably the best boxer in the world against the World’s Largest Athlete. This match actually is a lot of fun, and isn’t as bad as people expected it to be, the returning Big Show who looked much slimmer to when we last saw him was a positive as well.
• The Undertaker Vs Edge – Wrestlemania 24 – 4 ¼* - This was the main event of Wrestlemania 24, an almost year long feud between Undertaker and Edge, and now finally they’d have a one on one match at the biggest stage of them all. This would be their first match in their feud, but it’s nothing short of amazing. It’s really good to see over the years Edge grow from a tag-team wrestler into this great single performer going one on one with one of the best of all time – The Undertaker. Following Takers match at Wrestlemania 22 with Henry, you can seen an improvement in his Wrestlemania streak matches.
• Edge Vs The Undertaker – One Night Stand 2008 – 3 ½* - These two put on one of the best one-on-one Tables, Ladders and Chairs matches of all time. It’s a shame that it only gets a 3 and a half stars, to me it’s closer to 4 and a half, I guess that’s why Meltzers ratings are just a base of what his opinion is, and you should make your own up. I love this match. If anyone has access to this show where Meltzer talks about this match I’d love to read it/listen to it. I might be a bit biased with this match, but this is one of my favourite TLC match after the TLC matches with the Hardy’s, E&C and the Dudley’s. This is Edge’s speciality and you can damn well tell he’s aware of his ring awareness in this match, clever spots good action. There’s so much emotion in this match, if Undertaker lost he would be ‘banished from WWE’. Having La Famigla also run out and try cost Undertaker the match only to be one-by-one picked off also adds to this match. In my top 5 non-Wrestlemania Undertaker matches.
• Triple H Vs John Cena – Night of Champions 2008 – 3 ¾* - A great rematch from their Wrestlemania 22 match, that is constantly overlooked and vastly underrated.
• Shawn Michaels Vs Chris Jericho – The Great American Bash 2008 – 3 ¾* - This match would be one of the last matches in the WWE before they changed to the PG Era (the next night) so these two went all out on this match, and it actually involved one of the last times a wrestler bladed in a match before the whole ‘No Blood’ Policy was enforced.