411manias top 50 matches of the 1990s

[mrslackalack]

Very interesting Article on 411mania. The writer did a great job in explaining why he put his matches at this rank. He also mentioned that he didnt look at the matches quality wise but what they did business and angle wise as well.

50) Sting vs. Cactus Jack (Bash At The Beach '92)
This was a falls count anywhere non-title match(Why they made it non-title when Cactus didn't win anyway is beyond me) that pitted the dangerous Cactus Jack against the World Champion Sting. This match was insanely fast paced with both men taking some very vicious bumps. Sting won the match after delivering a flying clothesline to Cactus from the top rope onto the ramp. Mick Foley often refers to this match as his favorite pre-WWE match and considering some of the crazy shit he did in ECW as well as Japan, that's saying a lot.

49) Great Sasuke/Gran Hamada/Masato Yakashiji vs. Taka Michinoku/Terry Boy/Dick Togo (Barely Legal '97)
This match stole the show on ECW's first ever Pay-Per-View and that's saying a lot considering it was on the same card with Taz/Sabu and Terry Funk winning the world title. These six men introduced the Japanese style of wrestling to a nationwide North American audience and the fans just ate it up. The pace in this match was just insanely fast and saw so many highspots and sick moves that it would take forever to mention all of them. If you have never seen this match do yourself a favor and find it as this match still holds up well over time and will leave you in amazement.

48) Bret Hart vs. The 1-2-3 Kid (Raw, 7/11/94)
Whenever there is a discussion about great matches in WWE history, this match is virtually never mentioned and that's a damn shame because it is one of the best pure wrestling matches you will ever see. This match is a forgotten gem in the annals of RAW's history and I'm so glad that the WWE included it on their Best Of Raw DVD set because it truly deserves to be recognized. This match was for Bret's WWE Title and The Kid came in as a huge underdog (big surprise) but by the end of this match, he earned the respect of all the fans. The match started off with some nice matwork, with both men feeling each other out, but soon Bret started to dominate with his strength advantage. He started delivering some vicious shots to The Kid and it seemed like Bret was just too much for the underdog. However, The Kid was able to fight back by utilizing his speed until Bret caught him with a Samoan Drop and pinned him for the three count. The match wasn't over, though, because The Kid had draped his foot across the bottom rope just before the 3 count and Bret (ever the babyface) made the official aware of it so the match was restarted. That seemed like it was going to be a fatal mistake for Bret as soon The Kid was able to regain himself and start taking the fight to Bret, including a SWEET running dropkick in the corner that caught Bret right in the mouth. It seemed like The Kid might pull of the huge upset, but he went for one too many high risk moves as Bret was able to catch him when he attempted a dropkick from the top rope and locked in The Sharpshooter to get the victory. A phenomenal, forgotten match that I hope more people get to enjoy now that it's been released on a DVD set.

47) Juventud Guerrera vs. Blitzkrieg (Spring Stampede '99)
Juve Driver from the top rope. That's all I gotta say.

46) Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn (Hardcore Heaven '99)
Whenever RVD and Jerry Lynn stepped in a ring together, it seemed like the results were always a classic match. This match was no exception and I dare say it was the best of their numerous matches against each other. Many prefer their match at Living Dangerously '99, but I believe this match was just slightly better. This match included Lynn falling face first onto the concrete after getting kicked off the top rope, a Van Daminator in the crowd, a sunset flip powerbomb from Lynn to RVD from the ring apron through a table at ringside, and two of the prettiest 5 star frog splashes you'll ever see. It was just an awesome, exciting match that gained Jerry Lynn the respect of the fans and the respect of RVD.

45) The Rock vs. Mankind (Royal Rumble '99)
This match is one that is very hard to watch, but you can't help but look because of the sheer insanity of it. Mick Foley proved in this match why he is regarded as one of the craziest son-of-a-bitches to ever step foot in a wrestling ring. This match has gained an infamous reputation due to its inclusion on the "Beyond The Mat" documentary as well as the knowledge that Mick's family was ringside while he absorbed all this punishment. The match included Mankind getting knocked off a ledge in the crowd onto an electrical unit that caused sparks to fly everywhere, a people's elbow to Mankind's face with a chair on top of it, and at least 10 unprotected shots to Mick's face with a chair. Absolutely brutal shit that is now the stuff of legend and is quite difficult to watch knowing the toll it took on Mick's body and career.

44) Triple H vs. The Rock (Summerslam '98)
This match is seen as the coming out party for both these guys as it was the first true indicator that both were ready to be in the main event. This was a ladder match for the IC title and these two guys put on a performance that had Madison Square Garden rocking. This was during the height of popularity for DX and The Rock was in his awesome heel mode, but both men received the respect of the Garden as well as millions of fans around the world. And the People's Elbow on the ladder is still one of my favorite Rock moments ever.

43) Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Guerrero (Fall Brawl '97)
Chris Jericho entered this match as the Cruiserweight Champion and Eddie was on a warpath to try to get his hands on that gold. The match started slow with the two trading various counters and Eddie working over Jericho with various submission moves. Once Jericho started to make his comeback, though, this match picked up very quickly and it was near fall after near fall. The ending saw Jericho attempt a superplex only for Eddie to reverse it and land on top of Jericho and then go to the top rope to deliver one of the prettiest frog splashes you'll ever see. An absolutely terrific match that made Eddie look like a true badass and made Jericho look like a CHAMP for being able to absorb so mch punishment and almost pull out the victory.

42) Chris Jericho vs. Pitbull #2 vs. Shane Douglas vs. 2 Cold Scorpio (ECW Heatwave '96)
This was a four corners match for the TV title held by Jericho and it was 40 minutes of great, nonstop wrestling action. The story of this match centered around Pitbull #2 and Douglas as P#2 wanted to get his hands on Douglas badly but Douglas would constantly tag out to avoid confronting him. This played off great in the match as it displayed Douglas as a chickenshit heel and the fans were clamoring to see P#2 finally beat the shit out of the Franchise. Jericho and Scorpio had some terrific interaction in the match that included an insane spot where Scorpio dropkicked Jericho in his head while he was upside down in mid-air performing the lionsault. Eventually Jericho and Scorpio were eliminated which left it down to P#2 and Douglas. Pitbull #2 had his manager, Francine, turn on him and join the Franchise during the match. He responded to that betrayal by powerbombing her through a table. Wouldn't it be nice if we could powerbomb the backstabbing women we know through a table? P#2 kept fighting back even after getting hit with brass knucks, a splintered piece of table, a chain, and the title belt. Eventually he would fall to Douglas' belly to belly slam, but that couldn't tarnish what was an absolutely unbelievable match.

41) Ric Flair vs. Vader (Starrcade '93)
Flair came into this match as a huge underdog because at this time, Vader was virtually unstoppable. He had run right through top guys like Sting and Cactus Jack and it seemed like nobody could stop his path of destruction, especially an aging (even at that time) Ric Flair. This was a match for the WCW World Title which Vader had a stranglehold on for most of 1993. In the early portions of the match, Vader did indeed appear unstoppable as he took all of Flair's punishment like it didn't even faze him. He proceeded to give Flair one hell of a beating with some absolutely stiff shots and it seemed like we had a massacre on our hands. But then all of a sudden, Flair started fighting back with some stiff shots of his own and began to target the big man's legs. After a few attempts, he was able to lock in the figure four and it seemed like Vader was done for, but he was just barely able to make the ropes. After some more brutality between the two, the end came when Vader's manager, Harley Race, gave Vader a diving headbutt by accident and even though the big man was able to recover from that, he wasn't able to kick out of a cradle after Flair clipped his knee. This match was brutal, emotional, engaging, and highly entertaining. In other words, classic Flair.

40) Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage (Wrestlemania 8)
This match was about as personal as you can get because Ric Flair bragged about having an affair with Miss Elizabeth and promised to reveal a scantily clad photo of Liz after he won the match (which as a horny eight year old automatically made me root for Flair). This match was a great back and forth contest which saw The Nature Boy focus and Savage's knee and dissect it to the point where Savage could barely stand. Flair seemed to be in total control and ready to set up for the figure four, when Savage was able to catch the Nature Boy in a rollup and take a page out of Flair's book by grabbing onto the tights. This gave Savage his second WWE Title and this was a great payoff to a fantastic storyline. I'm still bitter about never seeing that Liz pic, though. Damn Macho Man.

[mrslackalack]

39) Shawn Michaels vs. Vader (Summerslam '96)
Shawn Michaels always seems to be able to bring good matches out of big guys(Taker, Sid, Diesel) so when you put him in the ring with one of the best big men ever, you're bound to get a terrific match. This match started off with Vader dominating with power moves and Shawn making a comeback by using his agility to strike quickly and suddenly. The match initially came to an end when Shawn crossbodied Vader out of the ring and then Vader threw Shawn into a guardrail which led to him being counted out. Jim Cornette, who was Vader's manager at the time, refused to let the match end that way because Vader wanted the WWE title and the title can't switch hands on a countout. The match was then restarted with Cornette getting a cheap shot in on Shawn with a tennis racket. Shawn fought back and was tuning up the band for Sweet Chin Music when Cornette grabbed his leg. Shawn fought off Cornette and took his tennis racket to kill Vader with and was DQ'd. Since the title can't change hands on a DQ, Cornette once again demanded for the match to be restarted and once again, it was. Shawn then hit Sweet Chin Music which Vader kicked out of and then Vader hit the Vaderbomb which Shawn kicked out of. The end came when Shawn hit a moonsault press after a missed moonsault by Vader. This was a fantabulous match that showcased just how great Shawn was(and still is) and that Vader was indeed one of the best big men ever in the industry.

38) The Rockers vs. The Orient Express (Royal Rumble '91)
Ohh yea, this is a personal favorite of mine. This match kicked off the 1991 edition of The Royal Rumble and it immediately got the crowd into the event by providing some high flying action. The Rockers demonstrated that great teamwork that got them so over with the fans by doing both suicide dives and crossbodies off the top rope IN STEREO. The Rockers dominated early until the OE took over and Shawn played the face in peril. Shawn eventually got the hot tag to Jannetty and the crowd absolutely exploded. Seriously, the pop Jannetty got when he got that hot tag was deafening. The end came when the Orients went for the catapult karate chop, but HBK broke that up which enabled Jannetty to get a sunset flip on Tanaka for the 3 count. This match was absolute balls to the wall action and demonstrated why The Rockers were so insanely popular at the time.

37) Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior (Wrestlemania 7)
The issues between The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage during early 1991 were very heated. So heated in fact, that their match at WM7 was made into a retirement match where the loser would have to leave the WWE for good (which in wrestling lingo means a couple months). These two had a surprisingly great back and forth contest which saw Savage act like a desperate man, at one point dropping eight elbows from the top rope onto Warrior in a row. Warrior was able to ward off the onslaught, though, and fight back by delivering numerous shoulderblocks until Savage was a broken and defeated man. He was so badly defeated that Warrior was able to cover him with one foot for the three count. After the match, Queen Sherri attacked Savage until Miss Elizabeth (who was sitting in the audience) came to the ring to save Savage and embrace him after nearly two years of being apart. This was an emotional moment and the perfect way to cap off a great match.

36) Chris Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan (Great American Bash '96)
What makes this match so memorable is not only that it was an insane brawl that went all over the arena, but also because it felt so real due to the real-life issues between both men. At the time, Kevin Sullivan was a booker in WCW and thought it would be a great idea to put himself in a feud with Chris Benoit in order to elevate his own status. He made the basis of their feud an alleged affair that Benoit would have with Sullivan's real-life wife, Nancy Sullivan aka Woman. Life imitated art in this case because Benoit was in fact having a real-life affair with Mrs. Sullivan. Needless to say, these two men did not like each other due to the real-life situation involving Woman. That hatred was apparent in this match as the two men just stiffed the hell out of each other in a brutal battle that went everywhere, even the men's bathroom! Some memorable spots in this match include Benoit getting kicked down some concrete steps, Sullivan slamming (and I mean SLAMMING) a bathroom stall door into Benoit's unprotected head, and Benoit giving Sullivan a superplex off of a table propped up in the corner of the ring for the three count. The post-match antics were memorable as well as it had been teased for weeks that Arn Anderson would leave The Four Horsemen to join up with Sullivan's Dungeon Of Doom stable and Anderson hit the ring after the match, but attacked Sullivan instead of Benoit and the two men proceeded to stomp The Taskmaster HORSEMEN STYLE! This match also features one of my favorite calls ever from Dusty Rhodes as Sullivan and Benoit are fighting in the men's bathroom and a woman joins the men to cheer the two on: "There is a lady! There is a lady in the men's bathroom! Whoa Baby!!" Classic.

35) Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko (Uncensored '97)
Come on, this is Eddie vs. Dean, do you need anymore of a reason why this match is on the list? You do? Ok fine. This match was a No DQ match for Eddie's US Championship and it featured some absolute technical goodness. Eddie worked on Malenko's leg the majority of the match, including a SWEEET hilo onto the hurt leg and badmouthing Malenko while doing it. Malenko retaliated by hitting a nice frog splash on Eddie and Eddie returned the favor by locking in the Texas Cloverleaf on Malenko. The match saw Syxx (that's X-Pac for those allergic to WCW) distract Eddie by stealing the belt which allowed Malenko to nail Eddie with a video camera (don't ask) and pick up the win. At least the match was No DQ so the interference and foreign object usage was more acceptable and the crowd was very into the match. Say what you will about WCW, but they gave talented performers like Eddie and Dean enough freedom to put on incredible matches like this one.

34) Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (King Of The Ring '93)
This was the semi-final match in the first ever King Of The Ring Tournament and these two men had a lot to live up to since everyone was going to compare this match to their Summerslam '91 classic. While I personally don't think this was as good as that match, this was still an absolutely fantastic match. The match started off with both men exchanging headlocks and various technical maneuvers, but the intensity kicked up a notch after Perfect catapulted Hart from the ring apron onto the steel railing on the outside which caused Hart to nurse his knee. Perfect tried to take advantage, but Hart was able to counter and started to target Perfect's leg and even slapped on the Figure-4 right in the middle of the ring which Perfect was barely able to fight out of. Perfect was soon able to wear out Bret with a sleeper, but the Hitman fought back and began to utilize the FIVE MOVES OF DOOM, but when he went for The Sharpshooter, Perfect grabbed Bret's fingers (which he had injured in his previous KOTR match with Razor Ramon) and began to stomp on them to regain the advantage. Both men tried to suplex each other after that, until Bret finally hit one from in the ring to OUTSIDE the ring. The ending came when Perfect goaded the ref into thinking his knee was shot and then attempted a quick roll-up on Bret while he was distracted, but Bret countered with a roll-up of his own to get the three count. This is a phenomenal match that has to be viewed by anybody who loves great technical wrestling.

33) Nasty Boys vs. Cactus Jack & Maxx Payne (Spring Stampede '94)
If anybody tries to tell you that a great match can't be done in under 10 minutes, refer them to this match and then watch as they shut the hell up. This match was just absolute action for the entire duration as all four men fought all over the arena, including by a souvenir stand (which they destroyed). This was just brutal shit that was completely ahead of its time and wasn't seen in any mainstream promotion at the time. These guys hit each other with some STIFF chairshots and basically just beat the shit out each other for our perverse enjoyment. The match ended when Saggs pushed Cactus off of the OLD SCHOOL entrance ramp head first to the concrete below and then cracked him in the head with a shovel for the three count. This was just an awesome brawl packed into less than 10 minutes, but the pace is so frenetic that you never even notice how short it is.

32) Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (Summerslam '95)
Psychology? In a ladder match?!? The hell you say! Thus was the case in this classic match. This was the rematch to their classic Wrestlemania X ladder match and this one was fought with the ladder stipulation as well. This wound up damn near surpassing their Wrestlemania effort and only HBK botching the ending kept it from eclipsing the previous ladder match. This match included some unbelievable spots, especially for that time. Both men were faces and the crowd would go back and forth between who they were cheering and booing. Razor dismantled Shawn's knee early in the matchup after a suplex to the outside had Shawn CRACK his leg against a steel railing. From that point, Razor kept repeatedly ramming Shawn's leg with the ladder. HBK eventually fought back by suplexing Razor off the ladder and hitting a moonsault press on him off the ladder. The ending was suppose to come after Shawn hit Razor with a superkick from the top of the ladder, but he wound up falling off the ladder as well. Then when he tried to grab the belt a second time, it wouldn't come down at first. Eventually he was able to grab the belt and even though the ending kind of took away from the match, it was still absolutely awesome. Not so bad for a match that was added on at the last minute to avoid a HBK/Sid matchup.

31) Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker (Summerslam '97)
This match is one of the most historically important matches ever even though you may not realize it. This match was the direct cause of so many important occurrences in WWE history. The formation of DX. Hell In A Cell. The Montreal Screwjob. It can all be traced back to this match. The Undertaker came in as the champion and Bret was the EVIL heel challenger. Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee and the stipulation behind the match was that if Shawn didn't call the match fairly, he could never wrestle in the U.S. again. Bret Hart also guaranteed a title win and said that if he didn't win, he would never wrestle in the U.S. again. This was a fantastic match that saw Bret work over the leg for the majority and ‘Taker make some powerful comebacks. It seemed like Bret had the match won after he nailed UT with a hard chairshot when Michaels back was turned. Michaels saw the chair in the ring and confronted Bret about it and after Bret denied it, he spit on Michaels which was enough to make HBK swing for the fences, but he missed Bret and instead accidentally cracked The Undertaker over the head with it. Bret covered and Shawn had no choice but to count the pin. That would lead to UT being pissed at Michaels which would make Michaels turn heel. After he turned heel, Michaels aligned himself with HHH and Chyna and they went on to become DX. After constantly avoiding getting his ass handed to him by UT, Michaels was finally trapped when the first Hell In A Cell match was made. After winning that match, Michaels rode that momentum into meeting Bret Hart for the WWE Title at Survivor Series and the rest, as they say, is history.

30) Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero (ECW, 8/26/95)
This was Eddie and Dean's final match in ECW before joining WCW and boy did they ever give the fans something to remember them by. It's funny that one of the greatest matches in ECW's history would be a technical masterpiece rather than a hardcore brawl, but that was one of the great things about ECW. These two men went out and told a great story in the ring in a 2 out of 3 falls match. The first fall saw both men feeling each other out and countering one another move for move with Eddie getting the duke by rolling up Dean. The next fall saw a determined Dean come out and work on Eddie's leg and eventually make him tap out to the Texas Cloverleaf. The third fall saw both men going at a furious pace to try to win the match and had some incredible exchanges between the two. Eddie would reverse a hiptoss into a reverse roll-up which resulted in both men having their shoulders pinned to the mat and making the match a draw. The ECW fans roared with approval which was unheard of that they would actually settle for a draw. They had so much respect for both men, though, that they didn't want to see either lose. Usually in a wrestler's final match in ECW before joining a rival promotion, they would be booed out of the building with chants of "You Sold Out" echoing throughout the arena. Not in this case, though, as the fans were instead chanting "Please Don't Go" and were even more vocal about it after witnessing this phenomenal match.

[mrslackalack]

29) The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & Christian (No Mercy '99)
This is the match that MADE these four men. Before this, both teams were middling in the tag team division but after this, they were the forefront of the division. This was the final match in the Terri Invitational Tournament (T.I.T.) and the winner would get the "managerial" services of Terri as well as $100,000 in cash. This was also the first ever tag team ladder match and these guys upped the level of brutality to a whole new level. They showcased moves that had never been seen before, like Jeff Hardy delivering a high angle legdrop from the top of the ladder and hitting both Christian and his own brother Matt with a ladder set up in a seesaw position. The match ended when Jeff grabbed the cash and came crashing down to the mat in the same crazy fashion that the majority of the match went. These four had the crowd standing on their feet in amazement and appreciation and after this match, the fans were dying to see more of these two teams.

28) Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior (Wrestlemania 6)
Hulk Hogan faced the Ultimate Challenge at Wrestlemania 6 and this match also marked the first time that two faces squared off at Wrestlemania for the WWE Title. The crowd was split 50/50 between Hogan and Warrior and this match had them on the edge of their seat during the entire duration of it. Everytime it seemed that one man had the upper hand, the other one would fire right back. It seemed like neither man could be put down for a three count. The ending came when Hogan missed the big legdrop and Warrior was able to splash him for the three count. This was monumental at the time as it seemed that Warrior was destined to be the next big thing in pro wrestling and while that eventually fizzled out, there's no denying that this match was off the charts in terms of pure entertainment.

27) Steve Austin vs. Dude Love (Over The Edge '98)
This was the attitude era at its finest. Mick Foley had recently turned over to the dark side by aligning himself with Vince McMahon and bringing back his alter-ego Dude Love to make Stone Cold's life a living hell. The odds seemed stacked against The Rattlesnake as Vince appointed himself the special guest ref as a way to ensure Austin wouldn't walk out with the title. The beginning of the match started slowly with Dude dominating and Vince trying to fast count Austin out of his title. Soon the action spilled to the outside and that's when all hell broke loose. Austin began to wail on Dude, including a VICIOUS clothesline while Dude was propped up on a steel barrier that sent him head first to the concrete. Dude was soon able to take control again, but once Austin regained the advantage, The Stooges tried to interfere. That didn't work out well as The Undertaker, who was standing at ringside to even the sides for Austin, proceeded to chokeslam both Stooges through the announce tables at ringside. Dude went to hit Austin with a steel chair, but missed and cracked Vince over the head with the chair which knocked The Boss out cold. Austin was soon able to hit The Stunner and used Vince's lifeless hand to count the three. Ridiculously overbooked, yet insanely entertaining.

26) Shawn Michaels vs. Diesel (Good Friends, Better Enemies '96)
This was Diesel's swan song in the WWE as he was headed to WCW and boy did he go out on a high note. This match was non-stop action and Nash was just insanely cool here as he threw his jacket at Vince and had this high school senior attitude like, "I'm about to leave here so I'll do whatever the fuck I want." Shawn fought valiantly, but Diesel was able to dominate the majority of the match, including a fantastic-looking powerbomb to HBK through an announce table (back when it was shocking and not an everyday occurrence). It seemed like HBK was done, as Diesel even started to get the ref to put the WWE Title on him, but Shawn fought his way back to the ring. Diesel then upped the ante by ripping the prosthetic leg off of Mad Dog Vachon, who was sitting at ringside, and attempted to attack HBK with it. HBK hit Diesel in the nuts and nailed him with the leg to set up Sweet Chin Music for the three count. Fantastic brawl that was great to watch from start to finish, especially Shawn's post match celebration where he mocked Diesel and his WCW counterparts. Just for shits and giggles.

25) Vader vs. Cactus Jack (Halloween Havoc '93)
This was the blowoff to a rather forgettable feud, but even the writing team couldn't screw up the great match that these two men would go on to produce. This was a Texas Death Match (which was like a glorified Last Man Standing match) and the action in this match was absolutely brutal. These two blasted each other with steel chairs, Cactus got tossed repeatedly on the concrete, both men bled profusely, Vader fell backwards ONTO Jack, and Jack got zapped with a tazer before this insane brawl was over with. This was just classic Cactus Jack shit and given the fact that he was in there with a man that was more than happy to stiff the hell out of him, you know this match was fantastic.

24) Bret Hart vs. Chris Benoit (Nitro, 10/4/99)
This was the most emotional match of both men's careers as they fought in an exhibition match in the honor of the late Owen Hart in the same building that Owen tragically passed away in. The match started off with some great mat wrestling exchanges and the respect that each man had for one another was apparent. As the match wore on, though, that respect was replaced with a competitive spirit and both men started going all out. The crowd respected both men, but they were solidly behind Bret in this case and who could blame them. This was such an evenly contested match as both men threw their best stuff at each other and the other would kick out of it. Benoit hit Bret with a Tombstone Piledriver and Bret would kick out, Bret would drive Benoit on his head and Benoit would kick out, Benoit would throw Bret all around the ring with German Suplexes and Bret would kick out, Bret would suplerplex Benoit and Benoit would kick out. It seemed that neither man would ever get a decisive advantage over the other. Benoit was able to reverse the Sharpshooter into the Crippler Crossface and nearly got Bret to tap out until he reached for the rope. Bret would eventually fight off another attempt at the Crossface and lock in The Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring which forced Benoit to tap out. This was just a great, emotional match that is required viewing for fans of either man.

23) The Midnight Express vs. The Southern Boys (Great American Bash '90)
When people talk of great tag teams matches, they might immediately mention Bulldogs/Hart Foundation, Rockers/Brainbusters, Midnights/R&R Express, Dudleyz/Hardyz/Edge & Christian, but you probably won't think of this match which is shame because this is one of the best tag team matches EVER. The Midnights were in the twilight of their run together and people started to wonder if they could still perform how they used to, but on this night Sweet Stan and Beautiful Bobby proved why they were one the best tag teams ever. Jim Cornette even called this match one of the Midnights best matches EVER and considering some of their classic matches, that is a high compliment to this match. The Southern Boys were pretty much seen as fodder before this match, but after this impressive showing, they immediately became big time contenders in the tag team division. This was just a great match that saw The Midnight Express dominate for most of it by secluding Smothers into their side of the ring. Smothers was eventually able to get the hot tag to Armstrong and then it all broke down from there with The Midnights hitting The Rocket Launcher and doing the OLD SCHOOL switch-a-roo, but The Southern Boys just couldn't be put away. The ending came when Sweet Stan nailed Smothers in the back of the head with a kick from the apron which allowed Beautiful Bobby to roll him up for the win. This is definitely a forgotten classic and should be looked up by anybody who loves great tag team wrestling.

22) Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (Summerslam '91)
Perfect was the champ here and this was Bret's first shot at single's gold after getting over as a face. This match was very fast paced and included some incredible counters by both men. If you don't believe Henning was one of the best during his day, watch this match. Perfect dominates most of the match with Bret making comebacks here and there to really keep the crowd into it. The ending came when Bret blocked a legdrop by Perfect in the "lower abdominal region" and reversed it into a Sharpshooter which Perfect taps out of in .00000001 of a second. A fantastic match that was just a peek of all the greatness yet to come from Bret.

21) Owen Hart & The British Bulldog vs. Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels (Raw, 5/26/97)
Stone Cold and Shawn Michaels couldn't stand each other, but they had one common enemy in The Hart Foundation. So of the two of them teamed up (rather reluctantly) to attempt to dethrone The Hart Foundation of their cherished tag team titles. On top of that, this match was Shawn's return to the ring in nearly four months after supposedly losing his smile. Shawn showed absolutely no ring rust as he jetted across the ring like a teenager and bumped like a madman. Austin showcased his rebellious attitude and got the crowd behind him and Michaels big time. Owen & Bulldog showcased some amazing skills and it is easy to see from this match why they are two of the most highly regarded wrestlers of their day. The end of the match came when HBK hit Sweet Chin Music on Bulldog and Austin covered for the win (and insisted that he did it all by himself in the process). This is an excellent match that seems to be forgotten about which is a shame because it is one of the best Raw matches I've ever seen.

20) Rey Mysterio vs. Psychosis (Bash At The Beach '96)
This match is a perfect example of how an opener should be. It was virtually flawless, the right man went over and the crowd was insanely into it. This match started off with some great matwork until both men decided to just let it all hang out and the result was a match that left you breathless with all the action packed into it. These two were flying all over the place and this was a testimony to just how talented Psicosis is which is why I'm still disappointed he didn't amount to much in the ‘E. If you love matches filled with non-stop action and some insane high-flying action, this is the match for you.

[mrslackalack]

19) Owen Hart vs. The British Bulldog (3/3/97)
This was a match to decide the first ever European Champion and it was held in Germany. The German crowd got a treat in this classic match that rivals the quality of the Bret/Bulldog match from Summerslam '92. Owen and Bulldog were the tag champs at this time so they were playing nice with each other in the beginning, but it wasn't long until both men started beating the piss out of each other and started playing games of one-upsmanship. The pace of the match was frenetic and non-stop and the end came when Bulldog countered a sunset flip into a sit-down pin ala his match with Bret at SS '92 which was a brilliant play on continuity. Bottom line is that you MUST see this match, it is simply perfect.

18) Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (Wrestlemania 12)
These two legends faced off in the first ever Iron Man match at WM12 for the WWE Title. This match was technical brilliance as both men put on an entertaining display for the full 60 minutes (and change) and kept the crowd enthralled the entire time. Many critics of the match like to point out that it was unrealistic for them to go a full hour without either man getting a pinfall and that took away from the Ironman stipulation, but I feel that just showed how evenly matched and determined both men were to not give up the first fall. After a grueling battle, HBK was able to pick up his first WWE Title after delivering Sweet Chin Music in overtime. This is a fantastic wrestling match and if you're a fan of great wrestling action, you can't miss this match.

17) Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Brian Pillman (Superbrawl '92)
This match is one of the greatest opening matches ever and is only eclipsed in my eyes by Bret/Owen at Wrestlemania 10. These two were two of the best light-heavyweights in the world at the time so to see them lock up and get a sufficient amount of time was a great treat for all true wrestling fans. This was a match over the Light Heavyweight Championship and these two men gave a performance that automatically gave some legitimacy to the belt. Liger was an outsider from Japan so the crowd didn't know what to expect from him, but he quickly won them over through some impressive moves. Pillman more than held his own by delivering some high risk maneuvers that proved why his nickname was "Flyin" Brian. This match had it all with high flying action, technical wrestling, and submission holds. The ending saw Liger so for a diving headbutt and miss which allowed Pillman to roll him up for the win and become the first WCW Light Heavyweight Champion. This is a perfect, timeless match. If you haven't seen it, please do so immediately.

16) Shawn Michaels vs. Jeff Jarrett (In Your House 2)
If you want to see two guys fly all over the ring at a frenetic pace for nearly 20 minutes, this is the match for you. This was for The Intercontinental Title and this match reminds you about just how fantastic IC Title matches used to be. Jarrett played the heel role to perfection and had the crowd all over him and firmly behind Shawn. I would try to recap the action in this match, but honestly its too damn much to cover. It's frankly exhausting just watching it and you have to respect how great these guys' conditioning was to perform at that pace for 20 minutes. The match ended when Jarrett accidentally got tripped up by his lackie, The Roadie, which enable Shawn to nail him with Sweet Chin Music. The bottom line is you need to see this match if you haven't because it is the type of match you can watch on a loop and still not be bored.

15) The Steiners vs. Sting & Lex Luger (Superbrawl '91)
This was a rare babyface/babyface tag team matchup that featured four of the biggest stars in the company at the time. The Steiners were without a doubt the most popular tag team at the time, Sting was as popular as ever, and Luger was motivated which meant that he could put on some damn good matches. The match started with some mat wrestling exchanges between Rick Steiner and Luger, but that was just the calm before the storm. Things picked up when Rick tried to go for a flying shoulderblock and bounced off Luger like a pinball as Lex just ran right through him. Rick would then recoup with a SWANK german suplex and a Steinerline, but Luger would get right back up and nearly decapitate Rick with a clothesline of his own. Sting then got tagged into the match and instantly brought the awesome by diving to the outside onto a dazed Rick Steiner. After a missed Stinger Splash in the corner, Rick was able to tag in Scott who ran in (this was pre-roided up freak) and delivered a gorgeous Tiger Driver to Sting, followed by a tilt-a-whirl slam which made the crowd become unglued. There was so much action that followed that, it is virtually impossible to call it all. Just some of the great spots included Rick delivering a bulldog to Luger from the top rope, Sting dropkicking Rick in the back from the top rope, and Sting reversing a tombstone piledriver attempt by Scott Steiner into one of his own (and the announcers actually called it the tombstone piledriver, that surprised me). The ending came when Nikita Koloff came down to ringside to try to attack Luger, but Sting pushed him out of the way and got nailed with a steel chain by Koloff. That allowed Scott to cover for the three pin and retain the Tag Team Championship. Despite the screwy ending, this was an unbelievable match that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

14) Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (Survivor Series '96)
When you think of Hart/Austin, you immediately think of their classic Wrestlemania 13 match, but many forget this forgotten gem that was nearly as good as that all-time classic. This match came as a result of Austin constantly berating Bret following his sabbatical after Wrestlemania 12. Finally, The Hitman could take no more and returned at Survivor Series to finally face off against his nemesis. This was an insanely paced match as both men fought inside and outside of the ring and exchanged some stiff shots on each other. Austin threw everything he had at The Hitman including a fantastic superplex from the top rope and The Stunner, but Bret kept kicking out. Bret tried to put away Austin numerous times, including when he locked in The Sharpshooter, but Austin seemed like he wouldn't be denied. The end came when Austin cinched in The Million Dollar Dream on Bret and The Hitman climbed the turnbuckle to fall backwards on Austin which gave him the three count. This was the opening match to one of the greatest feuds in the history of pro wrestling and they certainly gave a glimpse of all the greatness that was to follow in this match.

13) The Hart Foundation vs. Steve Austin, Goldust, Ken Shamrock, & LOD (Canadian Stampede '97)
This was a 10-man clash that happened in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where the usually hated Hart Foundation was heralded as heroes and the normally popular team led by Stone Cold Steve Austin were treated like vile enemies. The reception that The Hart Foundation received when they came out was off the charts and that transferred to the match as the crowd was rabid for the entire duration of it. Austin played to the crowd brilliantly and had them furiously booing him the whole time. Bret's showdown with Austin had the crowd in a fever pitch and when Bret took out Austin's knee after Austin had took Owen out of the match, the crowd went beserk. The ending came when both Owen and Austin made their way back into the match and Owen was able to roll-up Austin for the 3 count. This is an unforgettable match that temporarily changed the rules of what makes a face and what makes a heel in pro wrestling.

12) Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Summerslam '94)
One of the best WWE title matches ever. One of the best cage matches ever. One of the best WWE matches ever. One of the best matches ever PERIOD. This match had it all. It had a great storyline attached to it with the jealous brother Owen determined to take the WWE title belt away from Bret to prove that his win at Wrestlemania X was no fluke. This match took place in the Big Blue Cage, which everyone seems to hate, and was the rematch of their classic Wrestlemania X confrontation. This match was classic in its own right. It was such a close match and saw several near escapes. This match didn't need any blood or over the top violence because these two ring technicians broke each other down with wrestling moves and by ramming each other into those unforgiving blue bars. The ending was glorious and was a great symbolism of how Owen was so close to overtaking Bret as the best of the Hart clan, but was always a fingertip shy. This match was unbelievably fast paced with several near escapes by both men and it was one of the most action packed matches I've ever seen. An absolute classic that any wrestling fan can appreciate and even some non-fans would enjoy.

11) The 1992 Royal Rumble
Many people consider this the best Rumble of all-time and while I don't necessarily agree with that (I'm partial to the '04 Rumble even though Benoit kind of fucked that up for me), I must admit that it is an hour of pure action and features one of the greatest performances by a wrestler ever. Ric Flair entered at #3 and went the distance to pick up his first WWE Championship, all while keeping the crowd on the edge of their seat during his entire time in the ring. This match would have already been automatically memorable for being the only one that decided a new WWE Champion, but the fact that Flair put in such an incredible performance makes it even more memorable. One of the things that greatly added to this match was Bobby Heenan on commentary who absolutely freaked out when seeing how early Flair entered the Rumble and thinking it was then impossible for Flair to win the match. Flair then amazed the commentary team and the crowd by going the distance and making the Final Four (which incidentally was probably the best Final Four ever with Flair, Hogan, Sid and Savage). Flair then won the match after Sid eliminated Hogan and Hogan, being the poster boy for sportsmanship, held onto Sid's hand which allowed Flair to dump Sid and pick up the title. Flair set a new record at the time by lasting in the Rumble for over an hour and became instantly credible to all WWE fans. A picture perfect Royal Rumble.

[mrslackalack]

10) The Undertaker vs. Mankind (King Of The Ring '98)
Anybody who criticizes this match as being "two spots and nothing else" can quite frankly kiss the hairy part of my ass. Mick Foley took two of the sickest bumps (one of them unintentionally) ever seen in a wrestling ring and still had the balls to finish the match. Most men would have stopped after just one of those bumps, but Mick took both of those bumps and then proceeded to get slammed into thumbtacks as well. This match was a spectacle in every sense of the word and I mean that in a very good way. I still remember the chill that came over my body the first time I saw The Undertaker hurl Mankind off of the HIAC. I remember being absolutely stunned and wondering how the hell Mick Foley survived that fall. I thought that was the end of the match, but then when I saw Mick Foley get off of the stretcher with a sick smile on his face and climb back on that cage, that's the moment Mick Foley became my favorite wrestler ever. I started the match as one of the biggest Undertaker marks ever and ended the match with a newfound respect for Mick Foley. The Undertaker also entered the match with a broken foot so the fact that he was able to wrestle in such a classic match with that injury should be commended as well. Of course, Foley's two bumps overshadowed pretty much everything that UT did in the match, but ‘Taker greatly contributed to this match and it will go down as one of the most awesome displays ever seen in any wrestling ring.

9) Sting, The Steiner Brothers & Brian Pillman vs. The Four Horsemen (WrestleWar '91)
This was a WarGames match so you instantly know that it was a good match, but once you see the combatants involved, it goes from being just a good match to a classic match. The match started with Barry Windham and Brian Pillman, as Pillman wanted revenge on Windham who had injured his shoulder. Pillman dominated the much bigger Windham with a variety of aerial moves and some inventive uses of the cage. It wasn't too long until Pillman busted Windham wide open and had the match well in hand until the coin toss, which gave The Horsemen the advantage which allowed Flair to come in. Pillman fought valiantly despite being at a disadvantage, but soon the numbers game caught up to him and he was sent flying into the cage (injured) shoulder first. For the next few minutes Flair & Windham dominated Pillman, until the time period expired and Sting made his way into the cage to a HUGE ovation and proceeded to beat the hell out of both Flair and Windham. Larry Zybszko was the next one in and Sting greeted him into the match by flying from one ring to the other and onto The Living Legend. The Horsemen once again had the advantage until Rick Steiner came in and gave a Steinerline to everyone standing in his way. Rick threw ‘Naitch head first into the cage and Flair joined Windham as another bleeder in the match. Sid Vicious came in next and didn't have as big of an impact as you'd think as Sting's team was still able to not be dominated despite the odds being against them. The last man is was Scott Steiner and he came in on fire by Steinerlining Flair and Windham and giving a Tiger Driver to Zybszko. All hell broke loose from that point on in a great spot, all 4 members of Sting's team locked in a Figure-4 to all 4 members of The Horsemen which made the crowd go NUTS. The Horsemen were able to stave off that close call and Sid Vicious would soon focus on the smallest man in the match, Brian Pillman, and delivered a powerbomb that looked like it should have killed Pillman right there. If that wasn't enough, Sid picked Pillman back up and delivered another powerbomb, but at least this time he didn't nearly MURDER him. Pillman was completely out of it and that brought out his friend, El Gigante, who threw in the towel for Pillman and as a result, Sting's team. This was just a brutal, unforgettable affair that is certainly one of the best WarGames ever.

8) Shawn Michaels vs. Mankind (Mind Games '96)
Hells yes. This is one of the rare meetings between these two and the only one (to my knowledge) to ever be on PPV. They certainly didn't disappoint as Mankind provided the crazy and Shawn provided the bumping to make this one of the most memorable matches in WWE history. This featured some brutal and insane action like Mankind being slammed head first onto concrete, Shawn flying over an announce table to clothesline Mankind, HBK suplexing Mankind's knee into the steel steps, Mankind stabbing himself with a pen to get feeling back in his knee, Mankind getting dropped face-first onto the steel steps, HBK taking a swinging neckbreaker on the concrete, both men falling from the top rope through an announce table at ringside, and HBK kicking a steel chair into Mankind's face. The finish came when Vader interfered and caused a DQ, but even with that shitty ending, this match was as close to perfection as you can get.

7) Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog (Summerslam '92)
When have you ever heard of the Intercontinental Championship being the main event on a Pay-Per-View where the WWE title was also contested? It had never happened before this and will probably never happen again because no other IC Title match can match up to this one in terms of pure emotion. The 1992 version of Summerslam took place in England at Wembley Stadium and the hometown boy, Davey Boy Smith, got a shot at Bret Hart's Intercontinental title. Bret accused Davey of trying to steal his thunder and called him ungrateful due to the fact that Bret introduced Davey to his sister, Diana, who the Bulldog wound up marrying and now Bulldog wanted to take Bret's title. The crowd was absolutely INSANE for this match and were solidly behind their hometown hero even though there was a smattering of support for Bret. This match was absolutely excellent and the only IC title match that I can think of that is even in its league is Steamboat/Savage from WM3. Bulldog won this match after a counter rollup and the celebration afterwards with his wife and Bret was a great, memorable moment. Awesome from top to bottom, enough good things can't be said about it.

6) Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Wrestlemania 10)
When these two brothers clashed at the beginning of Wrestlemania 10, I don't think that anybody could have expected just how great it turned out to be. This is one of the most entertaining non-gimmick wrestling matches that you'll ever see. There is literally never a dull moment. It's just straight up action for the entire duration of the match and you feel that if you blink you're going to miss something. The ending was an absolute shock at the time as nobody gave Owen a chance in hell of beating Bret and not only did he beat him, but he beat him cleanly with a great counter to a rollup. This put the world on notice that Bret wasn't the only talented member of the Hart family and these two would go on to have many other classic matchups after this one, but I don't think any of them were as good as this one.

5) Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (Wrestlemania 10)
This match may seem tame in comparison to the crazy ladder matches we've seen since then, but at the time, this match featureds some of the craziest shit anybody had ever seen in a wrestling match. These two men absolutely stole the show (which is saying something considering Bret/Owen was on the same card) and this match gave birth to all the ladder matches that we see today. The bumps these two took were unheard of during that day and seeing Shawn Michaels come off the top of the ladder with a splash was one of my favorite wrestling moments as a kid. This match is one that can still be viewed today and make you cringe from all the bumps and that says a lot about its importance and staying power because we've seen a lot of crazy shit since then.

4) Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (Halloween Havoc '97)
When you talk about a perfectly wrestled and flawless match, you don't have to look any further than this classic between Rey Mysterio and Eddy Guerrero. On this night, these guys hit everything and I mean EVERYTHING. All their spots and moves were perfectly timed and perfectly executed. There was never a down moment in this match as it was non-stop action for nearly 14 minutes straight. Eddy played the asshole heel role to perfection in this match as he was constantly pounding on the smaller Mysterio, but Rey was able to hang in their with some absolutely unbelievable moves. The match ended when Rey countered a Splash Mountain attempt into a hurricarana for the three count. This was thought of by many to be the best match of 1997 and that's VERY impressive considering the numerous amount of great matches that took place in 1997, namely the first ever Hell In A Cell match. If you've never seen this match, what the hell are you waiting for?!?

3) Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Larry Zybszko, Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton vs. Sting, Barry Windham, Ricky Steamboat, Nikita Koloff, and Dustin Rhodes (WrestleWar '92)
This is considered by many to be the greatest WarGames match ever and it's hard to disagree with that statement. This match was the culmination of the Dangerous Alliance angle, which if you think about it was very similar to the nWo storyline except that it didn't go on forever. Sting's team represented WCW who were trying to rid WCW of the Dangerous Alliance for good. This match was insanely bloody with particularly Austin and Rhodes bleeding all over the place. The ending saw Sting lock in an armbar to Eaton, who had already severly hurt his arm in the match, for the submission. This was an absolutely fantastic, classic, can't miss match.

2) The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood '97)
This was, of course, the first Hell In A Cell match and it lived up to its name by the end of this contest. This match came about after HBK had cost The Undertaker the WWE Title at Summerslam by accidentally cracking him in the head with a steel chair and instead of apologizing, decided to become a total dick. That led to their great match at Ground Zero and once that resolved nothing, this match was made to ensure that Michaels had nowhere to run. After some early domination by Taker, HBK was able to fight back and get control of the match but soon Taker started to prove too much for Michaels and he had to find a way out of the cage. That way came by an injured cameraman in the cell who had to be taken out and once that door opened, Michaels tried his best to escape. Taker followed him and proceeded to ram his head repeatedly into the unforgiving steel cell. After that Michaels was busted wide open and his face was drenched in blood. I mean you would have thought his skin color was red with the amount of blood he was bleeding. The ending of the match saw the debut of Kane who dropped his brother on his head which allowed a bloody and fatigued Michaels to cover for the three count. This match will be remembered as one the greatest ever and I'll never forget the blood that engulfed the face of HBK in it.

1) Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (Wrestlemania 13)
This is perhaps the most historical and important match of the 1990's. It completely changed the landscape of wrestling and was the beginning of the rise of the WWE and the fall of WCW. This was about as personal as a match could be as Stone Cold and Bret Hart absolutely hated each other and wanted to resolve their issues with a submission match where one man would have to tell the other he quits and face the ultimate humiliation. This match was just off-the-wall intense as both men beat the holy shit out of each other. These men brawled in the ring, on the floor, through the crowd, and pretty much anywhere they could get their hands on one another. They truly made you FEEL their hatred for one another and you were instantly sucked in. This is one of those matches that I never like to be interrupted while watching it because you don't want to take your eyes of it. It is just that damn good. The ending of this match is one of the best I've ever seen as Bret locks in the Sharpshooter and a bloody Austin tries to muster up all the strength he has to get out of it and has blood pouring down his face in one of the most famous images ever in pro wrestling. Austin wasn't able to break the hold, but he didn't give up. He instead passed out from the pain and while Bret may have won the match, Austin's refusal to give up despite being in such overwhelming pain made him seem like a true badass. Soon the fans would turn their backs on Bret and side with Austin and this match was the reason for it. This is a historical, brilliant match that shot Austin stock into the stratosphere on his way to becoming the most popular wrestler this generation has seen.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Good list. I'd bring up the utter lack of AJPW/NJPW matches, but it's obvious they're just doing America. My biggest gripe is that the HBK/Bret Hart match is 18.... It should be way higher, ala, top 5 in my opinion.

[loopydate]

Pretty impressive list. Can't really think of anything major they left off. Also, major props for including the six-man match from Barely Legal with Kaientai against Sasuke, Hamada, and Yakushiji. I LOVE that match.

[#1-norm-fan]

I don't like how he says he didn't look at the matches quality-wise but rather what they did for the business and angle-wise... and then goes on to list quite a few matches that really only fit the "good wrestling match" criteria. I mean... there are plenty of matches I would put on the list ahead of others, but what is he really going for?

[Loose Cannon]

wow, totally my kind of list. I've seen every match on thier and I agree with most of it. Kudos to him for having a bunch of forgotten WCW matches on there. Midnights vs the Southern Boys? wow, nobody ever mentions that one.

[The Optimist]

I don't like how he says he didn't look at the matches quality-wise but rather what they did for the business and angle-wise... and then goes on to list quite a few matches that really only fit the "good wrestling match" criteria. I mean... there are plenty of matches I would put on the list ahead of others, but what is he really going for?
Yes, Juvi vs. Blitzkrieg was extremely important to the industry. They both rose to importance in the mainstream media after that match.

[The Optimist]

RVD vs. Jerry Lynn should be higher on the list, it's as good of a match and more important than several others on the list.

[#1-norm-fan]

Yes, Juvi vs. Blitzkrieg was extremely important to the industry. They both rose to importance in the mainstream media after that match.

And come to think of it, by that way of choosing the matches, where is Austin-Michaels from WM 14?

[wwe2222]

I thought Piper vs Bret from WM8 was better than some of those matches, but that just might be me.

[thedamndest]

It is a good list, though it is more or less a comprehensive look at Bret Hart's singles career surrounded by some other matches.

[NoJabbaNoBogRoll]

Looks like it was compiled by a member of the Hart family, definitely.

[Fabien Barthez]

I never saw that Nash/HBK match from GFBE I don't think. Anyone know where I can see it. (Not WWE 24/7)

[Stickman]

Or the Harts are that damn good. Too much HBK in there for the Hart family to write the list.

[Zen v.W.o.]

You gotta admit Bret kinda dominated that decade with incredible match after incredible match. Bret/Piper surely should have made it.

[MCEazy]

I agree with most of the matches selected, but am not sure why austin vs. dude love from over the edge 98 is on there tbh.

Also if anyone could find the Owen Hart vs. British Bulldog match in germany theres rep waiting.

[Gertner]

great list! I really enjoy 411mania

[thedamndest]

It is unfortunate that Scott Hall has largely no showed this list.

[Fabien Barthez]

I agree with most of the matches selected, but am not sure why austin vs. dude love from over the edge 98 is on there tbh.

Also if anyone could find the Owen Hart vs. British Bulldog match in germany theres rep waiting.

not very much though.



I also remember an ECW PPV match between Massato Tanaka and Mike Awesome that I thought was the best match I ever saw in the company.

Any clues anyone?

[thedamndest]

Heat Wave '98, live from Dayton, OHIO. I was there and it was quite a match.

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[Mr. Nerfect]

411Mania.com generally has some great columns floating around. A lot of the guys understand what they are doing. Can't be fucked going through that list yet, to be honest, but general consensus is that it is good. :y:

[NeanderCarl]

I agree with most of the matches selected, but am not sure why austin vs. dude love from over the edge 98 is on there tbh.

Are you kidding me? That may be my favourite main event match from the Attitude era, or most definitely top 5. It was the match where the WWF's new brawling main event style was first properly showcased, had a great storyline (with Undertaker as enforcer, sowing the seeds of Austin vs Taker for SummerSlam), humourous turns by McMahon, Patterson and Brisco in the early days of the Stooge gimmick, and one of the hardest-hitting, most fun brawls of the era. Definitely belonging on the list, in fact when I read it my first thought was 'this should be higher'.

[NeanderCarl]

It is unfortunate that Scott Hall has largely no showed this list.

Well, for a good but not amazing wrestler, a top 5 spot alone is an achievement.

[Loose Cannon]

yea, really. one of the best stories and matches of 98.

I watched Halloween Havoc 93 yesterday again. Probably should not have been as high up as it was. It was a good match, there's better. I guess for 93 in was one of the best matches of the year though. It was weird they didn't put Cactus over after that long angle. It wasn't for the title either.

[Fox]

Any list without Diamond Dallas Page vs. Raven vs. Chris Benoit at Uncensored 98 is a list I don't agree with.

[James Steele]

HALLOWEEN HAVOC 98: WCW World Championship - DDP vs Goldberg

:shifty:

[thedamndest]

Well, for a good but not amazing wrestler, a top 5 spot alone is an achievement.

Yeah, but HBK is all over the list. I would have put Razor Ramon/IRS at the Royal Rumble '94 on there somewhere, it was a fun outing.

[KingofKings]

TBH i cant believe there isnt a Sting v flair match in the top 10 from the early days, they were never the most technical of matches but they always delivered and i always marked out at them, as plenty of other people did!! Its a shame that there isnt one there, but i guess its a matter of opinion.

Also what consists of a great match?? is it the techinical wrestling, the crowd reacion, the wrestlers involved?? what sways it?? I mean if its wrestlers involved and anticipation of the match then surley Sting v Hogan at starcade 97 should be in there, fair enough it wasnt the best wrestling fight ever, but if you take what it meant then surley it has to be in there.

As you can probly tell im a sting fan ;)

[NeanderCarl]

Yeah, but HBK is all over the list. I would have put Razor Ramon/IRS at the Royal Rumble '94 on there somewhere, it was a fun outing.

So no Sting vs Flair, no Steiners vs Heavenly Bodies, no Steve Austin vs Savio Vega Strap Match, no Public Enemy groundbreaking brawls, no Rick Rude vs Ultimate Warrior Cage Match from SummerSlam 90... but Razor vs Irwin in the most predictable IC title match ever held should be on the list??

[thedamndest]

Not only was it predictable, but the finish with HBK hitting Razor with the belt and the decision being reversed was ripped out of a match with Ludvig Borga from some Colosseum Video exclusive match. Yes, it should be on the list.

[NeanderCarl]

Now Razor vs Diesel from SummerSlam 94 is a contender!

[thedamndest]

That, and there is a Razor/1-2-3 Kid vs. HBK/Diesel that was pretty good on some home video thing. Razor was pretty good in the Double J feud. But enough about Scott Hall, obviously in 50 matches there isn't room to include every single greatest match ever.

[NeanderCarl]

Notably absent from the list (I think...) is The Rock vs Mankind vs Ken Shamrock in a cage from BreakDown 98. In fact, Edge and Owen Hart had a great opening match at that PPV too.

[Crazy Nick]

I think the Shawn Michaels vs Stone Cold at WrestleMania XIV should have been included, but every great match can't be in a top 50.

[MCEazy]

I think the Shawn Michaels vs Stone Cold at WrestleMania XIV should have been included, but every great match can't be in a top 50.

I agree with this, sure quality wise it wasn't perfect,but if u consider HBM's condition and how the outcome of this match basically kickstarted the attitude era, it certainly should've been included.

[Destor]

Technically the outcome of Austins match at WM14 kick started the Attitude era...but...

(Id rep you for the HBM mention but I'm maxed)

[94 SVT Cobra]

Technically the outcome of Austins match at WM14 kick started the Attitude era...but...

(Id rep you for the HBM mention but I'm maxed)

i always viewed it like this,

WM13s match of austin vs bret hart is what planted to seeds a year before wm14 grew from those seeds.

I agree wm14 really kickstarted the attitude era tho, but that SOLE match at WM13 really changed things for me, i remember watching it at the age of 11 and when i was done thinking "woah, he didnt tap out...he passed out from blood loss?" you NEVER saw ANYONE pull something like that on the hitman, sure shawn didnt tap one year prior to that one, but that was someone who was a bonified star that was around since the 80s, this "new guy" (austin) did it in a totally different light, and with no REAL legacy behind him quite yet in the WWF. But that match def started it, and like i said, planted the seeds for a tree austin would climb the top of one year later.