The 50 Greatest WWE PPV Matches Ever

[euanzooom]

Okay, this is basically my column that will be up in a couple of days on OWW. I thought I'd post it here and stickylock it for people to sift through etc. Hopefully, Ofster or Nathan, JJJ or Boricua will do this for me!

Parts 2,3 and 4 will follow each month.

Zooming In On Wrestling - 'The 50 Greatest WWE PPV Matches Ever'

First of all, I'd like to say that what follows is a culmination of the fact, that throughout my life, I've always had an obsession with making lists. Add to this fact, my deep love of the world of professional wrestling, and the result is that I've spent hours and hours of my life, in the past month, going over and re-watching all of my favourite matches from every WWE ppv in existence in an attempt to create, effectively, a guide for any WWE fan that wishes to trawl through WWE's archive and see some truly brilliant matches. For others, the list that follows will hopefully serve as a piece of nostalgia as there are matches from 1987 all the way through until today.

The way I'm doing it is, that the column today will cover numbers 50 to 36, my next column will cover 35 to 21, then my last two columns will divide the top twenty matches in half, thus, completing the whole list. I want to stress at this point, that, this list is for the 'greatest wrestling matches' in WWE ppv history, so you won't find any of the following in it....

Hulk Hogan v Andre The Giant Wrestlemania III
Undertaker v Mankind King Of The Ring '98
The Rock v Hulk Hogan Wrestlemania X8

The reason being, that whilst these are all legendary matches in WWE's history, they do not represent great wrestling. My list will be utilising the universal rating system used for wrestling matches and is based primarily on matches that are superbly wrestled in terms of structure, pacing and various other things. The matches mentioned above are more a collection of great moments rather than great wrestling. I just thought I should clear that up before the complaints start to rain in on me! Furthermore, I'm aware that people are not going to agree with everything on this list, but as I've always said, any feedback is welcome because I love hearing from you guys. In addition, I'd like to add that, in certain instances, I've tried to avoid replicating matches over and over again in an attempt to make the list more interesting. You will see what I mean as the list goes on.

Lastly, you will note that every match has three sections - Build Up, The Match and Final Thoughts. These three areas cover, in order - the build up to the match, a brief description of the match and why I thought the match was so good. I'm not going to describe the matches move for move for the simple reason that the columns will end up being ridiculously long. At the end of 'Final Thoughts' you will find the match rating.So, without further a do.......

Ladies And Gentlemen, I bring to you 'The 50 Greatest WWE PPV Matches Ever'!!!!!!!



50. The Hart Foundation v The Brain Busters ( Summerslam '89 )

Build Up - This was back in the days when WWF matches could just be signed without there having been a major feud or storyline sewn into the whole process. Basically, the match had been signed for a while and, shortly before Summerslam '89, The Brain Busters won the tag team titles from Demolition. However, because the match was signed before they were champs, it was a non title match and the Hart Foundation didn't get their title shot. I loved the little things that WWF used to do that made sense!

The Match - Man, this looks good to say the least. Anderson, Blanchard and a fairly young Bret Hart all in the same ring! Match starts off with Bret Hart doing a couple of nice sequences with both Brainbusters. The next 5 to 8 minutes see the Harts in complete control, involving the isolation of Arn Anderson. Interesting spot to note here is that Blanchard makes a tag that the ref doesn't see and he gets ordered back out of the ring. Eventually Tully tags in, only to get demolished by, primarily, Neidhart. Match breaks down briefly with all four in the ring trading punches, then Bret takes control again. Tide of the match turns in a cool spot where Arn runs the ropes and pulls Tully out from the corner with a charging Neidhart careering into the now empty corner! Pace slows down with the heels in control, reverse chinlock applied to Neidhart by Blanchard. Neidhart desperately looks for the hot tag. Failing, Bret resorts to cracking Anderson, coming off the ropes, with a knee to the back from the apron. Bret tags in and wipes out both the Brainbusters. Anvil scoops Bret off of the top rope and drops him onto the flat out Blanchard, however, the ref doesn't count the pin due to an interfering Heenan. Behind the referee's back, Arn nails a double axe handle on Bret from the top rope and pulls Blanchard on top of him. Ref turns and counts the three.Brainbusters win by pinfall. (16.23 )

Final Thoughts - This match is great for many reasons. Firstly, the action is just really crisp and smooth all the way through. It helps that we have Blanchard, Anderson and a young Hart showing his promise in an early stage of his career. The main thing I love is that this match goes completely against the usual formula for tag matches. The faces have control for the first ten minutes and the heels do a blind tag that the ref disallows. Interesting stuff! Lastly, also against the usual formula, The Brainbusters win a non title match even though they are champions. When does that EVER happen now? It would be almost exactly a year before the Hart Foundation found gold for a second time at Summerslam '90, interesting for the fact that Ventura says 'If the Harts lose this it could be another year before they get a shot at the gold' during this match! Match Rating - ****1/4


49. Edge v Kurt Angle ( Backlash ' 02 )

Build Up - Edge had broken away from Christian the previous year, therefore, the WWE were looking to take Edge to the next level as a singles wrestler at this stage. Coming off of a victory against Booker T at Wrestlemania X8, they paired him with Angle for a couple of tv and ppv matches. The results were good.

The Match - The pace of this match is hot from the start right up until the end. The early going sees punches, drop kicks and rope running galore until Angle gets sent to the outside and takes a breather. Back inside, Angle goes to work on Edge with various punches, kicks, headlocks and suplexes. As if raising his game, Edge matches Angle move for move, producing suplexes of his own and striking back with punches. The underlying psychology is that Edge is hanging with Angle and looks capable of beating him. Various nearfalls occur, an Edge ddt and also an Edge implanted bulldog being two, amongst others. The end sequence is brilliant, as Edge goes for his 'Edgecution' which is countered into an Angle Slam for a close two count by Angle. Angle applies the Ankle Lock, but Edge counters it into a cradle for another close two count. A frustrated Angle brings a chair into the ring but ends up hitting himself with it which leads to a close two for Edge. Edge tries to hit the spear, but Angle hits him with a knee and hits the Angle Slam for the second time to get the three count. Winner is Angle by pinfall. ( 13.24 )

Final Thoughts - If this match had been given more time its positioning would've been even higher. As it is, however, the reason this match made my list is because, to me, it represented everything that is right about a professional wrestling match that is given 13 odd minutes to get over with the crowd. We had Edge hanging with Angle, a red hot pace throughout and a finishing sequence that had the crowd in raptures. Edge really was on fire in 2002 and produced quite a few MOTY candidates in tv matches as well as this ppv one.
Match Rating - ****1/4


48. Bret Hart v Shawn Michaels Iron Man Match ( Wrestlemania XII )

Build Up - The build up to this match was really put across in the style of a Rocky montage. The feeling was that Michaels was ready for the World Title and Wrestlemania would be his time. Diesel dropped the belt to Hart at Survivor Series '95 and Hart defended successfully all the way through the Royal Rumble ( which Shawn won ) to Wrestlemania. These two guys had been, and were, clearly the two stellar performers in the company for years and expectations were extremely high going in, especially given the weak roster at the time. Video packages showed Hart training in Calgary whilst being quietly confident, and Michaels in Texas downplaying his character and taking a serious tone for almost the first time. The match was made an 'Iron Man' match, meaning it would go for an hour with any result being declared and a point given to the victor.

The Match - The early exchanges are all nip and tuck. Various arm bars, headlocks, takedowns etc with the going really even between the two. First moment comes ten minutes in when Hart gets sent to the outside via a Michaels’ headscissors. Back inside, and it’s all back to very sound basic mat wrestling. Michaels goes after Bret's arm and Bret keeps on going with chinlocks and headlocks. Cool spot outside, where Michaels goes for the superkick on Hart, who moves out of the way, and the timekeeper gets hit. The middle segment of the match sees both guys open up a little and trade more offence such as shoulderbreakers, inverted atomic drops, dropkicks etc. No pinfalls or submissions so far. Crowd boos a Michaels' kick out from a Hart piledriver. Forty minutes in and Hart really goes to work on Michaels back. Hart takes control for a good ten minutes and gets various two counts. With about five minutes left, Michaels mounts a comeback with elbows, a double axe handle, a moonsault, a hurricanrana and an elbow from the top. With 40 seconds remaining, Hart catches a Michaels’ dropkick attempt and locks in the Sharpshooter! Michaels hangs on. No result after the hour. Monsoon comes out, declares the match must continue, and Hart gets back in the ring on the offensive. Within a minute, however, Michaels nails two Sweet Chin Musics and gets the pinfall to be crowned new World Champion. ( 1.01.52 )

Final Thoughts - Okay, I'm well aware that I could get serious amounts of hate mail for this match's positioning on my list. Just hear me out. This match was great, however, I don't believe it to be quite as good as other people do. I thought there were too many rest holds and some strange decisions over body parts that were worked on. Furthermore, I thought the scoreless draw was counter productive to it. The crowd seemed to phase out of the match at points. It would of been far better to have had an hour long affair that wasn't an Iron Man match, as the title could've been won at any point, and the crowd would've been more into it. That said, it's still a superb tussle. Michaels' mat skills were more than efficient and there's some great storytelling going on. Their conditioning was superb and the wrestling was crisp and flawless throughout. A legendary moment in WWE history and a very deserved Michaels' title win! Match Rating - ****1/4


47. Triple H V Chris Jericho Last Man Standing Match ( Fully Loaded '00 )

Build Up - The theory behind this match, was, that it was time to bring Jericho up the next level and give him some main event credentials. Jericho had been doing a brilliant job at IC level with the likes of Angle and Benoit, so WWE realised the time was correct to put across the hardier and more ruthless side of him that most main event wrestlers must have in today's world. The feud was built up slowly, with Jericho taking shots at Stephanie and eventually kissing her at King Of The Ring. Furthermore, he cost Trips a number one contender's place and had him lose to Brooklyn Brawler on Smackdown. In retaliation, Triple H and DX attacked Jericho and gave him a serious going over, thus, creating the Last Man Standing Match for Fully Loaded.

The Match - After a very brief offensive start by Jericho, Triple H really takes it to him and his ribs for a sizeable portion of this match. Trips produces knees, punches, a suplex on the outside, knees up for the Lionsault and more general work on the ribs. Jericho is struggling by this point and selling extremely well. A Trips sleeper keeps Jericho down for a nine count, and then a Trips Pedigree keeps him down for a nine count again. Chairshots to the ribs by HHH, then, using a low blow, Jericho turns the tide and cracks HHH with a stiff chairshot producing a brilliant bladejob and an eight count by Trips. Awesome spot sees them hit each other on the heads with monitors at the same time! Now back in the ring, Jericho puts in the Walls Of Jericho and Trips taps but it doesn't matter. HHH finds the ropes, however, Jericho pulls him back into the middle. Steph comes in and receives the Walls as well! Trips gets his sledgehammer, however, ends up receiving a shot to the ribs which causes him to fall onto the announcers' table. Jericho goes for the Lionsault onto the table but Trips low blows him and back suplexes the two of them through the announcers table. After a count of nine for both, Trips gets up for a mere second then falls back down just after the ten count, and therefore, wins the match! ( 23.10 )

Final Thoughts - This match did exactly what it wanted to, in my opinion. Jericho was great comedy face act up until this point, however, the bloody and brutal nature of the match meant that he showed a nasty and ruthless side that put him over really strong. Jericho sold the ribs brilliantly and Triple H was superb in making Jericho looking great and bleeding lots. Although Triple H won the match, it was pretty much a fluke as he simply stood up for one second then collapsed again. Therefore, Jericho was made to look really strong as he hung with Trips all the way, and in the end of the day, was only bested by luck. Add to that, the fact that he also had to deal with an interfering Stephanie, and Jericho suddenly became a wrestler with main event credentials. Match Rating - ****1/2


46. Edge& Christian v Hardy Boyz v Dudley Boyz TLC Match ( Summerslam '00 )

Build Up - Edge & Christian ( E & C ) had won the titles at Wrestlemania XVI for the first time in a tables and ladders match. Over the next month or two they turned heel, with the Hardy's and Dudley's being faces. Foley was commissioner and some of the vignettes between himself and Edge & Christian were downright hilarious. The match came about as E & C had started doing their 'Conchairto', ie. a double chairshot to the victim, with reckless abandon to the Hardy's and Dudley's. Therefore, Foley signed the 'Tables, Ladders and Chairs' match for the tag titles at Summerslam.

The Match - A match like this is hard to call, so I'll just resort to naming the spots that were really good. These guys really did take a hell of a lot of bumps to get these matches over. Bubba produces a cracking full nelson bomb on Christian from a ladder early on. Then, Jeff Hardy has a dreadful landing onto a ladder that produces a sling shot into Matt Hardy's face! It really is hard to call a match like this! Jeff goes for a Swanton Bomb off of a large ladder, however, Bubba moves out of the way. Huge leg drop by Matt Hardy off of a ladder onto Edge was great viewing. Christian has a sick bump where he falls off of a ladder and lands on Edge whom is sandwiched between a ladder on the canvas! Nearing the end of the match, Bubba is pushed off of the biggest ladder seen so far and lands on stacked up tables on the outside, and then, Matt is pushed the other direction to land on other tables on the other side of the outside. Ouch. D'von and Jeff end up hanging onto the rope with the belts attached to it, D'von bails and E & C knock Jeff down using a ladder and climb to retain the belts! ( 18.38 )

Final Thoughts - Although these matches are generally spot orientated ones, there is no denying that they are great matches. The three teams were just so good at being able to tell a story amongst the madness. Furthermore, all the spots were so well planned and carried out with perfect execution. The crowd were absolutely loving it and the ending was a genuine surprise as I didn't expect E & C to get the win after getting the win at Wrestlemania XVI in a similar match just months before. The respect attained by these wrestlers during this series of matches was well deserved. This match was a highlight amongst one of the greatest tag divisions ever. Match Rating - ****1/2

[euanzooom]

45. The Rock v Kurt Angle ( No Way Out '01 )

Build Up - Kurt Angle was five months into his first WWE title run and the company was firing on all cylinders. Angle's reign thus far had been extremely entertaining, Austin had returned, Triple H was at the top of his game, as was Rock. Austin had won the Royal Rumble to ensure his title shot at Wrestlemania XVII and Rock had won a number one contender's match against the Big Show. It just seemed like a formality that he would achieve victory against Angle to set up Austin v Rock II. Angle had initially won the title from Rock at No Mercy 2000 in a good encounter, therefore, there was background to this match and the build up saw more serious sides of the Rock and Angle as the tension mounted.

The Match - The action starts off at a remarkable pace and maintains that pace for a large portion of the match. Early going sees a lot of brawling with Rock in the majority of the control. First sign of it slowing down is an ankle lock that Rock escapes from by going to the rope. Numerous reversals lead to a belly to belly suplex by Angle and then an exact reply by Rock. Phew, the action is really fast! Rock hooks in the Sharpshooter. The Crowd is loving it. Angle gets to the ropes. Superplex by Rock gets him a close two count. A Rock ddt sees both guys down on the mat then......Big Show's music bizarrely hits and he comes down and Chokeslams both competitors and the referee. Inexplicable. Angle gets a close two count. Rock uses the title belt for a close two count. Crowd thought that was it. Angle explodes and produces the Ankle Lock, but Rock makes the ropes. Spinebuster by Rock and he hits the Peoples' Elbow. Kick out at two by Angle!! So close!! Crowd bought it again! Angle exposes the turnbuckle, they exchange blows, Angle hits the Angle Slam and its another close two count! Angle runs into the exposed buckle, Rock hits the Rock Bottom and.....its ANOTHER two count. Crowd can't believe! Rock re asserts, hits another Rock Bottom and gets the pin becoming the new World Champ. Insane action. ( 16.53 )

Final Thoughts - These two have absolutely brilliant chemistry. The pace was hot throughout and the crowd was simply electric. The fact that, on more than one occasion, the crowd and myself thought that Angle was going to win goes a long way to explaining how good this match was. Reason being, everyone knew Rock was going to win to set up a Rock/Austin match at Wrestlemania, yet they managed to produce doubts in our minds. Lots of nearfalls and some of the two counts were just insanely close. I was extremely annoyed at the Big Show interference, as without it, this match would've been a lot higher up, would've have had a higher rating and been a true classic. Match Rating - ****1/2


44. The Rock v Steve Austin ( Wrestlemania XIX )

Build Up - The Rock had returned to WWE a couple of months beforehand as a heel. He played the pompous Hollywood star that had lost the respect of 'the people' but had gained sheer arrogance and a deep seated self loving of his own abilities. At No Way Out, he defeated Hulk Hogan in their second encounter, whilst, Austin had returned to give Bischoff an ass spanking. The next night on RAW, Rock appeared and issued the challenge to Austin for a third and final match at Wrestlemania XIX. As expected, Stone Cold accepted and, much to the excitement of myself, one of the best feuds in WWE history was to get a third and final act. The coming weeks saw Rock perform his hilarious 'concerts' and generally make a mockery of Austin. On the night, Rock delivered a fantastic promo guaranteeing victory at the third attempt.

The Match - Rock comes out with his new, flashy and superb entrance to great deal of heat. Austin comes out next to a huge ovation. Let’s get it on! On the outside, Austin sends Rock into the steel steps. Rock looks like he's crying like a baby. I love heel Rock. Austin maintains complete control in the ring for the next several minutes. Back outside, Rock goes to work on Austin's legs and continues this work inside the ring as well. Sharpshooter by Rock, but Austin gets to the ropes. Rock puts on Austin's jacket and talks trash and takes a drink of some water! Double clothesline sees both wrestlers down and the crowd is heating up. Lou Thesz press by Austin followed by repeated punches and an elbow drop gets a close two count! Rock still has Austin's jacket on and Lawler comments on the fact that its been all Austin ever since Rock put the jacket on. We get a Rock clothesline and more heel heat as Rock soaks it up. Rock Bottom by Austin! He gets a close two count. In a very funny moment, Rock staggers to his feet, corrects 'his' jacket, turns round and manages to hit Austin with the Stunner! Close two! They exchange chops and Austin nails the Stunner! Another close two count. Low blow by Rock gets major heel heat. In a terrific passage of play, still wearing the jacket, Rock goes for a Peoples Elbow and misses, Austin goes for the Stunner but its reversed into a spine buster by Rock who then removes the jacket and hits the Peoples Elbow. Close two AGAIN!! Rock can't believe it, so stalks Austin and hits the Rock Bottom.....close two once again! Crowd going nuts and Rock is angry as he's desperate to beat Austin at Wrestlemania. He executes yet another Rock Bottom on a dazed Austin and....fails AGAIN with the three count!!! Rock literally flips about the ring in anger and incredulity!! The crowd are going wild for Austin's toughness. Austin is flat out, so Rock goes into the stalking stance and waits for him to rise. Eventually, Rock drills home the third Rock Bottom in succession and gets the three count. ( 17.52 )

Final Thoughts - Okay I'll admit it. This one is a bit of a personal favourite, however, I will justify its inclusion. I feel this match is a very overlooked one. Without a shadow of a doubt, Rock's 2003 heel run is my favourite incarnation of him ever. Why? I believe he was like a master in his peak and in total control of all his facets. His promos were exceptional, his facial expressions were simply hilarious, he looked cooler than ever and he just plays the heel so well in the ring. This match is a prime example. However, there is also a story going on. Although heel Rock was an asshole, you could also understand how defeating Austin had become like an obsession with him. I love this match because, Austin is, as usual, more than capable, however, Rock is on another planet. His heeling is superb, he draws the crowd in so well and he really shows the frustrations of a desperate man every time Austin kicked out of a finisher. I also love when he puts on Austin's jacket. The end is awesome and very realistic as Rock simply keeps drilling Austin with the Rock Bottom until he can take no more. Underrated match with a great story told. Match Rating ****1/2


43. The Rock v Chris Jericho ( No Mercy '01 )

Build Up - This match came about during the crescendo of the invasion storyline, involving WCW and ECW. Rock had won the WCW title from Booker T upon returning after film work and had basically picked up where he left off with regards to his position in the company. Jericho was the other major face, who was looking to move up a level and take his first major title. The story was simple. Jericho exhibited signs of jealousy towards the Rock, and began to slowly turn heel for the first time in years. They were teamed up on tv for a couple of matches, had the usual misunderstandings, a backstage brawl ensued and the match was signed. Obviously, the mic work between the two was excellent and the question was whether or not Jericho was good enough to finally secure that big win. I loved when they pushed Jericho.

The Match - Match starts off with the usual early exchange type of stuff, with work on the arms in particular by each guy. After only a couple of minutes, Jericho gets in the Walls Of Jericho, however Rock gets to the ropes. Pace slows down a notch with Jericho in control for a good few minutes. Rock mounts a brief comeback but Jericho guillotines him into the ropes. Superplex by Rock sees both men down. Nine count and then they are both up exchanging blows. Samoan drop by Rock gets a two count. Rock deliberately slows the pace down to stop Jericho's momentum, with a long reverse chinlock not endearing himself to the crowd. Rock goes for another superplex but Jericho pushes him off and hits a dropkick from the top. Hurricanrana into cradle by Jericho gets a two count. Jericho hits a Rock Bottom, nails the Lionsault and gets only a two count! Good stuff there. Bulldog by Jericho and then he signals for the Peoples Elbow! Rock moves and hooks in the Sharpshooter with the crowd really warming up now. Jericho gets to the ropes and to the outside, however, Rock follows and hits a Rock bottom on Jericho through the announcers' table! Back inside, Jericho shrugs off an attempt at a Rock Bottom but gets hit with a spinebuster. Rock goes for the Peoples Elbow, reversed into Walls Of Jericho! Crowd really hot now. Out of nowhere, Stephanie McMahon throws a chair in the ring. Ddt by Rock. Rock brings in Steph and hits the Rock Bottom on her! Rock turns into Jericho's Breakdown manoeuvre which is executed onto the chair and Jericho covers for the three count! Jericho celebrates with his new title and Rock simply hands him the chair, indicating his displeasure. ( 23.44 )

Final Thoughts - The best way to describe this match is that its really solid throughout. I would probably have preferred Jericho's crowning moment to have come at a bigger event, however, him beating Rock was still a huge moment, as he had come so close to beating the guys at the very top many times before, but had just fallen short. The ending made sense as Jericho was a tweener at this point in time, therefore, his heelish victory helped to propel the side of him that was in the process of coming out. Also good was the fact that Rock was willing to put Jericho through the table and beat him down mercilessly to hold on to the title. This added strength to the titles importance. All in all, a very good match.
Match Rating ****1/2


42. Edge & Christian v Hardy Boyz ( No Mercy '99 )

Build Up - This match was the decider of a best of five series between these two tag teams, with the winners receiving s swag bag with $100,000 in it and the services of Terri as their manager. At this point in time, Gangrel had left Edge & Christian and had formed the New Brood with the Hardy Boyz. It was really the beginning of these two tag team's ascent to the top and there is a reason for that! This was the first tag team ladder match in WWE's history.

The Match - As with the TLC, this is a hard match to call so I'll just mention some of the cool spots that went on. They indulge in a couple of minutes of wrestling and Gangrel gets sent to the back whilst trying to bring in ( to the ring ) the first ladder of the night. Reverse ddt by Christian onto Jeff Hardy from the ladder starts the ball rolling in terms of nice spots. Belly to back suplex by Matt, on Christian, from half way up the ladder. Nice powerbomb by Edge on Matt as Matt ascends the ladder. Edge climbs, however, Jeff nails him with a flying dropkick from the top buckle! The Hardy's go back to using the ladder as a weapon. Jeff leapfrogs over the ladder and lands a leg drop on Christian. There are two ladders in the ring now. E & C go to work and take out the Hardy's in lots of interesting ways, including Jeff being sandwiched between a ladder and receiving ten shots from the top half of it by E & C! Very nice spot sees the Downward Spiral by Edge on Jeff from the ladder. Neckbreaker by Matt on Edge is equally good. Hiptoss by Christian on Jeff is even better! A very cool moment sees Jeff jump from the top buckle onto the far end of a ladder, positioned on another one, that see-saws up, and takes out both Christian and Jeff. A double wipe out of both ladders finds all men down with the crowd going wild! Eventually, Jeff scrambles to the top and gets the bag with the money for the win. ( 16.30 )

Final Thoughts - The importance of this match cannot be denied. If this had bombed, then I would suggest that we may never have seen the TLC matches that were to follow. Watching it live, in particular, was astonishing as nothing like this had been seen before. Even after the TLC matches, you can still watch this and love it. Seventeen minutes was the longest it could go without being silly, so that was okay too. The match lacked a bit of psychology, however, when the viewing world is witnessing something like this for the first time, then I can forgive them throwing certain aspects to the wind to get the match over in the biggest way possible. I have nothing but admiration for all involved, and as I said before, this match marks the beginning of these performers ascent to the top.
Match Rating- ****1/2


41. Kurt Angle v Shawn Michaels ( Vengeance '05 )

Build Up - This was a straight up return match following their classic at Wrestlemania XXI, which will be reviewed further up on this list! The match at Wrestlemania was an inter promotional affair, however, the draft lottery brought Angle to RAW meaning that the re match became a possibility. We all knew it would happen at some point, however, this was sooner than expected. Not that I was complaining in anyway!

The Match - We get, as expected, some very good mat wrestling to start with. Angle goes for a half Boston crab, however, Michaels makes it to the ropes. They go outside and exchange chops before Angle hits a belly to back suplex on Michaels onto the announce table. Back inside, Angle hits a powerbomb type move on Michaels into the turnbuckle. I love that move, it looks stiff as hell! Apart from that, the match is still cagy with both men hitting moves tit for tat. The pace is slow which I like, since I know this match will get plenty of time and really heat up. Sleeper by Angle starts up the HBK chants from the crowd. A Michaels’ comeback sees him hit clotheslines and a bodyslam before he hits the elbow from the top. Michaels feeling it now and plays to the crowd, however, he turns into an Angle clothesline that gets a two count. Swinging ddt by Michaels gets a close two count. Angle hits the Angle Slam out of nowhere and gets a close two count! Ankle lock turned into an inside cradle by Michaels for a close two! Ankle lock re-applied by Angle, however, Michaels sends him into the referee for a bump. Michaels sent to the outside and sells a knee injury. Great selling there. Back inside, the ref is back up and Angle puts the ankle lock back on. Michaels fights desperately to shrug Angle off but to no avail. The crowd is right behind HBK now. Michaels flips Angle into the ring post and gets a breather. Sweet Chin Music levels Angle! Both men look out of it. Michaels gets an arm over Angle for a very close two. A punch drunk Angle slowly travels to the top buckle and dives off straight into another Sweet Chin Music!! Michaels covers and gets the three for the win. ( 26.09 )

Final Thoughts - What a match. They really delivered and continued the legacy of their high quality encounters. The pacing was superb as it was slow and methodical at the start when they were feeling each other out, then picked up pace at exactly the right time. I knew Michaels would win to square the series, however, they still made things exciting. It wasn't quite as good as their Wrestlemania match due to the silly ref bump and an ending that I felt was a bit off, as I couldn't understand Angle's thinking in going to the top. These are small complaints from what was still a classic encounter, however. Match Rating - ****1/2


40. Kurt Angle v Steve Austin ( Summerslam '01 )

Build Up - In the absence of The Rock during the early part of the invasion storyline, Kurt Angle had become WWE's top babyface. Austin had jumped to the Alliance camp with WWE's world championship belt becoming heel once again after a brief face turn. Austin played a neurotic that believed Vince had been positioning Angle to take over as WWE's main man and world champion. Therefore, Angle came out during a RAW leading up to Summerslam and challenged Austin to a match for the World Title at the ppv. Austin agreed and promised to kick the ass of WWE's only viable top dog at the time.

The Match - The action gets going immediately in the aisle with both men knocking lumps out of each other. This frenzied start was to set the tone for the action to come. The early going sees Austin hitting four suplexes, only for Angle to reply with SEVEN German suplexes! You can already tell at this stage that the match is going to be brutal. Superplex by Austin and then a Stunner and we're not even ten minutes in. Close two count! Austin hits another Stunner that sends Angle out of the ring. That was lucky for Angle. The action moves outside, with Angle's head hitting the ring post six times. Angle bleeds heavily and we are still probably not ten minutes in. Moving inside, Austin gets another close two, then throws Angle back out and fires him into the ring post again. Angle is a bloody mess and looks completely done, however, he looks worse when Austin suplexes him into the crowd. Back at ringside, the crimson Angle goes nuts and puts Austin in Ankle lock before hauling him back in the ring and continuing with his finisher. Austin escapes and they are back outside AGAIN!A Belly to back on the floor by Angle. The madness doesn't end there as Angle hits a moonsault inside the ring for a really close two. Unique stuff here. Million Dollar Dream by Austin! Angle shakes it off. They are really putting over Angle's resilliance in a big way. Austin hits another Stunner and....its a close two count again! Austin is frustrated to say the least. Angle slam finds a two count for Angle. Crowd is really behind Angle to win the big one. Ankle lock applied again, Austin gets to the ropes then decks the ref! Ddt by Angle, ref runs down and its.....a kick out by Austin at two! Sheesh... low blow by Austin and he Stunners the new ref! A third ref comes down to get nailed by Austin, he turns into the Angle Slam and Angle looks for the cover. Nick Patrick runs down and goes to count the three and stops, leaves the ring and declares Angle the winner via DQ due to Austin's attacks on the officials. Post match, Angle ankle locks the dodgy Patrick for saving Austin's title. ( 21.00 )

Final Thoughts - A very unique match and done to perfection. The aim was to produce a bloody brawl and really show the toughness of Angle and both were achieved. Austin hit two Stunners, nailed Angle off of the ring post six times and had Angle bleeding heavily all inside the first ten minutes. The blade job by Angle was possibly the best I've ever seen from him. Throughout the match, they really played on Austin's frustrations as he couldn't put Angle away, and they transmitted the feeling that Angle just couldn't be beaten on that night to perfection. Hence why, Austin savagely attacked three officials because he knew he just couldn't beat Angle. Great heeling by Austin, and the most convincing face performance from Angle that I've ever seen. Awesome stuff. Angle went on to win the title a month later.
Match Rating - ****1/2

[euanzooom]

39. Kurt Angle v Brock Lesnar ( Wrestlemania XIX )

Build Up - The lead up to this match at Wrestlemania was a very interesting one to say the least. Especially, for fans in 'the know'. About a month before their match, the news that Angle's neck was in a dreadful state and required major surgery became public knowledge and most thought that he would be unable to perform at Wrestlemania. This was more of a shame due to the fact that the World title picture on Smackdown had been built up better, and was far more anticipated than, RAW's world title match between Triple H and Booker T. In the storylines, Angle had turned heel with the title and had tricked Lesnar into helping him get the title. The following months saw a great game of cat and mouse develop, with the livid Lesnar desperate to regain his title. Lesnar won the Rumble and the date was set. However, WWE pulled a brilliant stunt to trick the 'smart fans' by announcing Lesnar v Angle on Smackdown. We all thought Angle would drop the title due to his injury but it proved to be part of the storyline, as Angle swapped with his brother at an opportune moment and Lesnar defeated the wrong guy! Going in, I had nothing but sheer admiration for Angle's dedication and toughness.

The Match - The early going sees some very nice mat wrestling, until it opens up with a Lesnar powerslam and an Angle German suplex. Press slam by Lesnar but Angle comes back with a German suplex into the turnbuckles, that sees Lesnar flip right out to the floor. Awesome stuff there, however, I cringe every time I see Angle's neck in as vulnerable position! Angle continues with a submission then some more suplexes. Lesnar comes back with a spinebuster and a few very nice belly to belly suplexes. Well executed wrestling going on here. Angle produces four German suplexes and goes for the Angle Slam. Lesnar reverses it into an F5 attempt, however, Angle reverses this into the Ankle Lock and, then, into the half Boston crab! Lesnar makes the ropes. A belly to belly suplex by Angle sees Lesnar do a 180 degree rotation and land on his front. Cool! Two count for Angle. Angle slam and.... it's close two count! F5 by Lesnar and he also gets a two! Angle barely kicks out there. Ankle Lock again by Angle and he grapevines it, however, Lesnar fights it off. Angle goes for the Angle Slam but Lesnar reverses it into another F5! Instead of going for the cover, Lesnar goes to the top turnbuckle, with Angle flat out and a long way from his opponent. Lesnar goes for the Shooting Star Press, but lands just short of Angle and right on his head. Ouch! That is one of the most dangerous wrestling moments I've ever seen, there was no way he'd ever reach Angle from that far away. That was meant to be the end there so they ad lib, Lesnar hits another F5 and... covers for the three and the WWE Title! ( 21.07 )

Final Thoughts - This match is special for quite a few reasons. Firstly, expectations going in were very high. Both Angle and Lesnar were tremendous performers, and also, great wrestlers to boot. Their feud had been built up better than pretty much any other Smackdown world title match and they had displayed great chemistry over the months. Lastly, seeing how Angle would cope with his neck would be very interesting. The match itself produced on all levels. The wrestling was compact and of a high standard, the match was paced really well and you couldn't even tell Angle was injured. It is an incredible testament to Angle's professionalism and toughness that he produced a performance of that high a standard. Injury aside, and it was still a great performance. The ending was a huge botch up, however, they covered well and the match would've been less without it, even though it was messed up. That said, if Lesnar had hit it, it would've been an awesome moment. This was their best ppv match together ( the Iron Man match from Smackdown is awesome), and overall, was a great match to end Wrestlemania XIX.
Match Rating - ****1/2


38. Shawn Michaels v Triple H ( Summerslam '02 )

Build Up - The build up for this match was good. It was billed as a street fight to add to the very personal and bitter feelings that existed between these to former best friends. Michaels had been back on tv for quite a few months, initially in a non wrestling role with the NWO. It sucked, much like the NWO's whole return did back in 2002. Eventually, Triple H lost the undisputed title and returned to RAW to reform with his 'friend'. They even came out with the full DX entrance, apparently reforming it, before Triple H pedigreed Michaels in the ring and became heel again. Furthermore, an unknown figure laid waste to Michaels backstage that eventually turned out to be Trips. Michaels sold the injuries and promised to fight without the doctor's clearance, hence why Bischoff made it 'unsanctioned'. The story going in was that it was Michaels’ first fight in four years, and how his well publicized, damaged back would hold up.

The Match - The action starts out on the floor, with an excited Michaels running wild on Triple H. Soon enough, Trips takes control and really goes to work on Michaels' back. Looking at it now, I remember wincing every time Michaels took moves to his back. Numerous backbreakers, punches and kicks by Trips, before Michaels gets busted open. Good psychology sees Trips stop various Michaels' comebacks by continually going after his weakened back. Hebner tries to stop HHH's vicious attacks, however, is unable to because the match is 'unsanctioned'. Double blow for Michaels as he receives a backbreaker and a sidewalk slam into two different chairs! Michaels comes back with a low blow and Sweet Chin Music into a chair that hits Trip's head! Both men down and Triple H is busted open big time. Michaels continues his assault with a bulldog onto the steps on the outside. Michaels sets up a table, lays Trips across it and splashes onto it from the top turnbuckle!! Big props to Michaels there. Inside, Michaels hits an elbow drop from the top of the ladder. Michaels goes for the Sweet Chin Music, Triple H reverses into a Pedigree, however, Michaels reverses that into a cradle and snatches the three count! After the match, HHH nails Michaels in the back with the sledgehammer on more than one occasion. Ouch.
( 27.50 )

Final Thoughts - This match is very good due to the emotion involved and how it was booked. Firstly, it was amazing to see Michaels back in the ring after such a long absence, especially since all the signs pointed to it being a one off event. Much like Angle in the previous match, you really did feel every move that was being inflicted upon Michaels' back. I guess they knew that that was how people would react so really went for it in that regard. Furthermore, the match just made so much sense and was booked perfectly. It started out really slow and made out that Michaels wasn't at the races. Every time he attempted a comeback, Trips went for the back and that made sense. The big spots by Michaels smelt of him desperately trying to get back into the match by resorting to extreme manoeuvres and you felt it was the only way he could best Triple H. Also, Triple H was working as heel for the first time in at least a year and it was great to see, as he obviously suits that role a lot more. All in all it was perfectly done for what it was. Match Rating ****1/2


37. Jeff Jarrett v Shawn Michaels ( In Your House 2 )

Build Up - This match marks quite an important point in Shawn Michaels' career, as it's his first really big match as a face since he'd split from Marty Jannetty. After losing to Diesel at Wrestlemania XI, Michaels took some time off to rest injuries. After the disgrace that was King Of The Ring '95, WWE turned Michaels' attentions towards the IC title which was held by Jarrett at the time and the match was set. Going in, Michaels was really over due to the main event faces being, well, rubbish ( Diesel, Mabel etc )! The only other viable face was Hart who was lurking under the main event scene at the time. To Jarrett's credit, he was extremely over as a heel at the time and the crowd were at fever pitch to see Michaels reclaim the IC crown.

The Match - They take a while to get going due to Jarrett showboating and prancing around on the outside. He draws some very nice heel heat, especially since this is his home town. Got to love it when your home town hates your guts! Back inside, and Michaels flings Jarrett back outside on top of a constantly interfering Roadie. Michaels splashes onto the two of them from the top turnbuckle. The match turns in Jarrett's favour when he flips Michaels over the buckles to the outside. Inverted suplex by Jarrett gets a two count. Abdominal stretch by Jarrett gets the crowd calling for a Michaels’ comeback. DDT by Jarrett that gets another two count. Jarrett accidentally connects with the continually interfering Roadie and they both go down. Clothesline by The Roadie on the outside leaves Michaels flat out with Jarrett drawing some more heat. Jarrett comes off of the top, however Michaels rolls through and gets a two, before they both produces reversals for more two counts. Jarrett continues his offence with a beautiful dropkick and a sleeper. Back bodydrop by Michaels and they're both down. Close two count for Michaels. Michaels on fire now with offence. A double axe handle gets another two. An elbow drop from the top also gets a close two! Superplex by Jarrett, he goes for the Figure Four and Michaels turns it into a cradle for two! The referee takes a bump and the Roadie chops Michaels down. Jarrett gets an insanely close two with a crossbody. The end comes when Roadie accidentally trips up Jarrett and he walks into Sweet Chin Music for the three count. ( 20.01 )

Final Thoughts - Just a brilliant, brilliant bout. It takes a while to get going, however, when it does the action is just so back and forth that it's a joy to watch. Jarrett proves himself to be more than capable in matching Michaels move for move and his heeling is second to none. The Roadie's interference isn't overbearing in any way and it doesn't detract from the quality of wrestling on show. In addition, Michaels is quite clearly in his prime at this point in time and you can just feel that he's ready to march to the top of the company. A forgotten gem in many respects. Match Rating ****1/2


36. Shawn Michaels v Triple H ( Bad Blood '04 )

Build Up - The best way to describe this match is that it's a kind of blow-off match to a feud that will never truly end. After Michaels lost the world title back to Triple H in late 2002, they only had one match in late 2003 that saw Michaels narrowly missing out on regaining the title again. 2004 saw them fight at the Royal Rumble and square up in triple threats with Benoit at Wrestlemania XX and Backlash. A one on one Michaels v Benoit match saw Trips screw Michaels out of the title simply for the fact that he couldn't bare him having the title again. Really personal and gritty stuff. The result was a hell in the cell match and, to me, a great deal of excitement since they had both pulled out superb HIAC performances in the past.

The Match - Due to this match being over forty minutes long, I'm not going to call it move for move since the essence of this column is not about that kind of analysis. The pace of the match is quick to start with and the action spills over all available areas inside and outside of the ring. Triple H eats some metal and bleeds only ten odd minutes in and Michaels takes control. Triple H comes back by targeting Michaels' back. Two backbreakers and a suplex all find the mark as well as Triple H ramming Michaels into the ring post. Sidewalk slam onto chair by Triple H followed by another onto the unfolded chair. Two count. Michaels gets a reprieve by hiptossing HHH to the floor. We get Michaels on the offence with a low blow that pleases the crowd, followed by two inverted atomic drops. Two count. HHH takes a nasty whip into the steel steps but reverses with a back body drop off of the steps. Very stiff chairshot by Trips, then he brings the steps into the ring. Michaels goes for Sweet Chin Music but HHH nails him with the steps. Michaels is busted open! Trips hits Michaels with the steps again and gets a very close two. Michaels bleeds more and has a crimson mask. Michaels looks done as HHH continues his assault by utilising the cell. Michaels comes back with a ddt and two very stiff chairshots as Trips bleeds heavily. Close two count! Michaels brings a ladder into the ring and REALLY goes to work on HHH with it. Hunter looks to be in dreadful condition now.A Slingshot into the ladder by Michaels and he falls onto Triple H for a really long two count. Michaels is in complete control but he's slowly fading too. Michaels misses with the elbow drop and HHH crawls on top of him for another near fall. With both of them on their knees, they exchange punches until they both collapse! This is brutal stuff. Triple H brings in a table and sets it up, however, it's Michaels that lays HHH out on the table and hits an elbow drop through it from the ladder! That only gets a two count! Michaels goes for the Sweet Chin Music, Trips counter into the Pedigree and gets a very long two as well! Michaels hits Sweet Chin Music and fails with the pinfall attempt. Will this match end?! After another two Pedigrees the match does end with HHH falling on top of Michaels for the pinfall. ( 47.26 )

Final Thoughts - The best way to describe this match is that it was very brutal and moved along at a plodding pace. If think the Undertaker v Mankind HIAC match was one of the best matches ever, then this match isn't for you. It's wrestled without any major or big stunts except the table incident near the end. However, it IS soaked in psychology and great selling and has a very high number of stiff chair shots and ladder shots. Furthermore, the use of the cell for whips and raking is of a very graphic nature. You can really feel the hatred in this match and you can sense the desperation from both men to win, and the idea that neither of them will stop going until they simply drop. I can understand certain fans disappointment at them not going to the top, however, I feel that this should definitely not be necessary in HIAC matches. My only complaint about this match was the fact that, with ten minutes to go, they couldn't even stand, yet ladder jumps and kicking out of finishers was still to follow. Small gripe, though, from what was an extremely violent match, and a good blow off to a very well executed feud. Match Rating - ****1/2


Well that's it for this month, folks, be sure to check in next month for matches 35 - 21 in 'The 50 Greatest WWE PPV Matches Ever '. I hope you enjoyed this segment and all I can say is - the matches are just going to get better and better! Please send in with any feedback, even if it is negative as I'm always looking for opinions and ways of improving my columns.

Peace

Euan.

[euanzooom]

First of all..........sorry. As some of you may have noticed, I haven't been around much lately due to me suffering from a bit of lethergy etc.

As a result, I haven't done a column in ages and I've faltered with this top 50.What follows is a small release to appease anyone that has been waiting for more, with the promise that more will follow in the coming weeks. Once again, I'm sorry to all I've let down with this.

Lastly, I'd like to say that when it gets to this point in quality of matches, positions become very hard to decide and there may be neext to no difference in my opinion between a match positioned at 35 and one at 27 for example. Also, I may have positioned these matches differently, especially the number 33, but they are the only ones I've done thus far and I wanted to get them out. Anyways, here is the small release!.....

35. Brock Lesnar v Eddie Guerrero ( No Way Out '04 )

Build Up - This was built up as the old underdog versus clear favourite storyline. Guerrero had won a 15 man battle royal on Smackdown to make himself number one contender for No Way Out. Meanwhile, Lesnar had been building up his feud with Goldberg that was due to reach a climax at Wrestlemania. After Lesnar invaded RAW to steal Austin's buggy and attack Goldberg, Austin bought Goldberg a ticket for No Way Out and suggested he be in attendance. This all overshadowed Guerrero who was seen as not having a chance due to his size, however, I think they played the whole angle beautifully in terms of how they handled Eddie's involvement ie keep it to the wrestling part. The stage was set and news of Lesnar's departure hadn't become known at this time.

The Match -Lesnar destroys Guerrero from the start, working over Guerrero's ribs and countering a hurricanrana into a stiff powerbomb as well as a couple of overhead belly to belly suplexes. Then Lesnar did a super belly to belly throw that sent Guerrero all the way down to the floor. Guerrero slowed him down by ramming the knee into the post, but Lesnar countered by sending Eddie shoulder first into it. Brock's assualt continued with a Fisherman's Buster and a stiff German Suplex as well, while continuing to work on the ribs. Lesnar goes for the high knee he connected on earlier, but Guerrero moves and Brock travels over the top to the floor clutching his knee. Guerrero puts him into the STF and the crowd think its over, but Lesnar fights out! Guerrero continues to work on the knee, slapping on the figure four for about a minute until Lesnar makes it to the ropes. He follows that up with a Texas Cloverleaf, another STF and that was it because Lesnar comes back with another German Suplex as well as a spinebuster for two. Guerrero misses a missile dropkick, so Lesnar hits him with the one legged suplex because he's awesome at selling the leg, then he works on the ribs some more. He grabs him in a reverse bearhug, Eddie counters with headbutts and finally gets a headscissors. Guerrero hits his patented Three Amigo suplexes, then a frog splash attempt missed because Lesnar moved out of the way. Lesnar hit the F5 right into the referee, knocking both Guerrero and ref Brian Hebner out. Lesnar grabs the belt, Goldberg comes in, hits Brock with a spear and leaves! Crowd chants for Eddie, he crawls on top for the cover that only gets two. Thought that was it. The ref was still groggy, so they fought over the belt, F5 attempt by Lesnar countered into a DDT by Guerrero on the belt. Then he chucks the belt out, climbs the top and hits the perfect frog splash for the pinfall victory!Eddie is champ! (29.55)

Analysis - This match was great for many reasons. Firstly, it made complete sense. Guerrero worked the knee to try and take down Lesnar as if trying to chop down a tree, whereas Lesnar utilised his strength and went after Guerrero's shoulders. The pacing of the match was superb as well as they didn't rush at the start and slowly got the crowd eating out of the palm of their hand. Match wasn't too long either, as everything that they did had a purpose. This is one of the best little guy v big guy stories told in WWE, up there with Michaels v Undertaker HIAC and Michaels v Diesel at IYH. Furthermore, it was great seeing Eddie get his first ever heavyweight title. Interference and ref bump stopped this match being even higher. Match Rating - ****1/2


34. Hart v Vader v Austin v Undertaker ( In Your House 12 )

Build Up - This match came about due to Austin's controversial Royal Rumble win the previous month. Having been eliminated by Hart when the referees had their backs turned, Austin had gone back into the ring and quickly eliminated Undertaker and Vader whilst Hart had disposed of fake Diesel. Believing to have won, Hart was then dumped out by Austin with his back turned and Austin was declared winner, thus, screwing Hart. In the following weeks, Monsoon declared this match and stated it would be for number 1 contendership for the title in a bid to atone for Austin's false victory. This is where it got more interesting. AT the same time as this match was made, Michaels announced his controversial knee injury and dropped the title. Rumour had it that it was fake because he didn't want to drop the title back to Hart at Wrestlemania, however, you and I will never know! Whatever the case, this match had suddenly become an over the top rope fourway for the WWE title. This was about the time that WWE really started to turn the screw, in my opinion, and signalled the start of what would be my favourite year in their history.

The Match - I'll try my best to call all the main points, although the haphazard nature of this match may get the better of me! Undertaker owns Vader early doors as Austin and Hart slug it out. Vader and Hart both take Undertaker down. Vader and Undertaker got to the outside through the middle rope. Vader misses a chairshot as Austin controls Hart inside. ANother Vader chairshot ends up with him eating his own steel. Vader is busted already and it's a very nasty one near the eye! All four back inside, as Austin and Hart still go at it and Vader is chokeslammed by 'Taker! Stunner on Undertaker! A few nearfalls there. Lowblow by Vader on Hart as Undertaker and Austin clash. Chairshot on Hart by Vader as Austin and Undertaker go outside. Undertaker suplex on Hart now as Vader and Austin wrestle on the outside. Phew. SO much action. Austin uses the stairs on Vader as Undertaker gets a two on Hart. Austin eats guardrail but then clocks Vader with the bell! Vader's eye is BAD. Hart eats guardrail courtesy of Vader then Bret offers some back as they go into the crowd. Inside, Undertaker works over Austin. Vader has the Sharpshooter on Hart on the outside as Austins kicks Hart! Hart comes back and headbutts Austin as he works together with Undertaker. Piledriver by Hart on Austin gets a two count! Vader goes for the Vader Bomb on Undertaker but misses! Outside, Vadert uses a cable to choke Undertaker as Hart almost gets put over the top rope by Austin. Austin cradles Hart for two. Vader and Hart exchange punches as Austin attacks 'Takers leg with the ringpost. The pace is only just slowing down! Austin is almost eliminated by Undertaker but recovers. Vader looks done as he barely kicks out at two. Hart eliminates Austin over the tope rope! First elimination and Austin is livid! Undertaker and Hart duke it out as Vader rests. Sid watches on from a monitor as he gets a shot against the winner the next night. Vader takes off his mask as Bearer attacks Undertaker. Vader goes up top and Hart superplexes him! Sheesh. Sharpshooter on Vader as Undertaker idiotically attacks Hart?? Austin back out now and savages Hart on the outside. Man, this feud was the most intense ever. The refs try to haul Austin away and Undertaker eliminates Vader as he went for a Vader bomb!! Meanwhile, Austin is back in the ring attacking Hart! Undertaker goes for Austin then chokeslams Hart! Undertaker signals for the Tombstone and puts Hart on his shoulder as Austin reaches in and tugs at Harts leg wanting more of him! Undertaker drops Hart and turns to Austin who is on the apron, Hart rolls up Undertaker for a two count! Hart then goes to the apron to nail Austin, Undertaker comes over to join in and Hart takkes a step back and clotheslines Undertaker over the top rope for the win and WWE title!! ( 24.03 )

Analyis - This match is what JR would call a car wreck. It has incredible intensity, blood, finishing maneouvres galore and genuine excitement. The fact that it's for a vacant title obviously adds to the match and makes it special, however, there's other things going on here. At this point the Hart v Austin rivalry had begun to fire on all cylinders and the way Austin continually goes for Hart after being eliminated just reeks of so much hatred that it's brilliant. Vader's blood loss, which didn't seemed like a planned bladejob, added to the occasion and he really put in a great performance. The action just does not let up at any point and they have the crowd at their mercy. Unusually, the unique match rules worked and added excitement in the way that Royal Rumble '92 had as it was for the title. The added twist of Austin actually helping Bret win the title is the final icing on the cake of what is a not often talked about, but classic match. Match Rating - ****1/2


33. Bret Hart v British Bulldog ( In Your House 5 )

Build Up - Bret Hart won the World Title at Survivor Series '95, carrying Diesel to one of his best WWE matches ever. Only Bret and Shawn could ever carry Nash to a four star match. So, after a years reign that produced such classic feuds as Diesel v Mabel, the belt was back on someone who deserved it and British Bulldog was quick to be the man to challenge Bret. In the lead up, Cornette (Bulldog's manager) was quick to talk of the fact that Bret had never beaten Davey, had lost some of his father's attention because of Davey and had lost his sister to Davey as well. They did this well, as British Bulldog's career had never been as successful as Hart's, however, they managed to put over the fact that Hart was severely up against it in this encounter.

The Match - They start of with some very sound mat work like arm bars, hammerlocks etc. Bret gets the first proper offence in, using his quickness and hitting an inverted atomic drop. Bulldog comes back and ties Bret up in the corner using his legs. Samoan drop by Bulldog as 'ECW' chants start up. Twats, if only they'd known what's to come! Bulldog in complete control as Cornette takes a whack at Bret with his tennis racket. Bret mounts a brief comeback then takes a stiff, sternum first, bump into the corner. Several two counts for Bulldog as he remains in control. They run the ropes and Bret gets the better of it as he comes back with another inverted atomic drop and a bulldog. Two count. Piledriver by Hart gets another two and things are warming up nicely. Two more of Bret's favoured moves and he goes for the superplex. Bulldog counters and crotches Bret on the ropes sending him to the outside. Bret's head meets the steps and he's bleeding heavily! Covered in Bret's blood, Bulldog hits a piledriver and gets a two count. Standing suplex by Bulldog and it's another two count. Bret is a bloody mess. Bulldog hits a Benoit like diving headbutt from the top and gets yet another close two count! A very nice exchange sees Bret reverse a bow and arrow by Bulldog into the Sharpshooter, only for Davey to escape. This is a war, Bret is done as Bulldog sells a leg injury. Bret hits a bridge suplex out of nowhere and almost gets the three, then they produce a double clothesline, leaving both men down. Bulldog gets launched to the outside and Bret follows by hitting a pescado on him and nailing Davey with punches. Bret dives at Bulldog and gets caught and Bulldog nails the running powerslam on the outside! Davey removes the padding on the floor, however, Bret crotches him on the rails and clotheslines him. Phew! This is gritty stuff. Back inside and Bret nails a backbreaker for a close two count. Superplex by Bret and both men are down again! Two count! Reverse sunset flip almost gets Bret the win, however, he goes for a pinning combination and ensnares Bulldog for the three to get the win! ( 21.09 )

Analysis - Incredible match and goes a long way to show what kind of quality you can get in your main events if the right man is champion. For most of the year Diesel and his co main eventers stank the ring out, however, what happens when you put the belt back on Bret? You get a classic match right away! A very different affair to their Summerslam '92 encounter, this match was brutal, stiff and bloody with a proper heel and face dynamic. Bret's blade job is fantastic and adds greatly to the match as he very rarely had matches where he bled. The wrestling is compact, tight and executed superbly and the match tells a great story due to their history. Despite what Lawler says, Bulldog is NOT wearing the same tights as he did at Summerslam '92. This was almost a completely forgotten classic, until the inclusion of it on Hart's dvd. Match Rating - ****1/2

[+Donald $. Carlos+]

Don't know if I'm supposed to post here, or not, but . . . whatever happened to this list, euan?

I was very interested when you started, & I've always wanted to read about the top 10. Oh, & if this post shouldn't be here, let me know . . . & I'll delete it.

[euanzooom]

Hey, Donny, get your fucking post outta here!

Only kidding, hopefully, I'll get the urge to pick this up again. You may have noticed I stopped doing my columns as well.

It's a hell of a lot of effort, the annoying thing is that I did the hard part of deciding on the top 50, it's just the writing up and the time it takes that has stopped me.

Oh yeah, I promise not to miss another promo!

[+Donald $. Carlos+]

euanzooom said:

Hey, Donny, get your fucking post outta here!

Only kidding, hopefully, I'll get the urge to pick this up again. You may have noticed I stopped doing my columns as well.

It's a hell of a lot of effort, the annoying thing is that I did the hard part of deciding on the top 50, it's just the writing up and the time it takes that has stopped me.

Oh yeah, I promise not to miss another promo!

Actually, I had no idea you stopped writing your columns . . . but, at the same time, I can understand where you're coming from. All that non-stop typing can kill . . . &, as you said, it just generally takes an unecessarily long time to compile lists such as these . . . especially with all the back stories you gotta' go through, & etc.

But, in any event, I look forward to seeing if you finish. & in response to the promo's, well . . . don't make Josh Violence get medieval on your ass!

[rashadz2]

Do it, Euan! Do it for the people!

[euanzooom]

I have to say that this random re surfacing of support is most inspiring!

[Silver Kyle]

Ha back when I first joined this was the one thing I looked forward to the most.

[OfLegend]

Don't do it, Euan! It's not worth your life, goddamnit!