8. Kurt Angle vs. Edge – Backlash
When asked for examples of wrestlers getting over in defeat, I often point to this match. At Backlash 2002, Kurt Angle took on up-and-coming babyface Edge.
Edge had come out of his team with Christian and had a few decent midcard feuds with the likes of William Regal and Booker T. This was the first time he was given the chance to move up the card.
Edge and Kurt Angle had a great match and even though Edge lost, he was able to get close enough to change the way the fans looked at him. Not only did he get close, but he also had a great match.
When they did have their rematch with Edge getting the win, fans were excited to see it. But we will get to that later.
7. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H – SummerSlam
It is difficult to imagine a time before Shawn Michaels’ second run in WWE. From SummerSlam 2002 onward he had the best work of his career.
At the time of SummerSlam, however, there were questions about what Shawn Michaels we would see after four and a half years away. Sure enough, the Heartbreak Kid stepped back in the ring as if he didn’t miss a day.
His match with Triple H was fantastic and the culmination of a well-told story lasting the Summer of ’02.
It takes a very special talent to be able to have zero ring rust after so long but people don’t call Shawn Michaels the GOAT for no reason.
6. The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania X8
While this match is by far the worst on this list from an in-ring standpoint, this was an example of why that is not always what matters most.
Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X8 remains one of the most iconic matches in WWE history.
They didn’t light the world on fire with high spots, most of this match involves back rakes and shots with a weight belt, but it was the reaction the people gave that gave this match its legendary status.
The moment Hogan kicks out of the Rock Bottom and Hulks Up, the Skydome in Toronto came completely unglued.
Thousands of wrestling fans who had seen Hogan as kids were getting to see him again and that reaction is virtually impossible to match.
3 years ago by Tempest
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