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Random thoughts about some of the matches.
Shawn Michaels Vs. Triple H (2002)
There was a legitimate fear going into the match that Shawn would literally snap into two pieces if he took a bump. Instead, he put on one of the greatest matches of his already-HOF-worthy career. This match is basically perfect in every way. The fact that this kick-started what amounts to a SECOND HOF run makes it that much better in hindsight.
Bret Hart Vs. Mr. Perfect (1991)
I'm probably not the only one who'll say something like this, but this was the first match that I ever remember afterwards thinking "wow. That was better than the Hogan match." The 8-year-old mark had his workrate cherry popped that night.
Bret Hart Vs. Davey Boy Smith (1992)
When I think of Summerslam, this is the match I think of. One of the most iconic wrestling moments of my childhood. Davey Boy winning the IC belt in the main event at Wembley was spectacular.
Bret Hart Vs. Owen Hart (1994)
Best cage match of all time? I might be reaching, but I am having a hard time coming up with one. Perfect storytelling and just an overall tremendous effort by both.
Edge & Christian Vs. Hardy Boyz Vs. Dudley Boyz (2000)
I prefer their first ladder match from... The Rumble that year? But any time you got these six guys together, it was magic.
The Rock Vs. Triple H (1998)
This was one of those rare moments where Vince's "brass ring" bullshit seems feasible. Two midcard guys trying to look like main eventers come out looking like icons.
Shawn Michaels Vs. Razor Ramon (1995)
A year earlier, these two basically "invented" the most iconic match type of the last two decades (at least in the eyes of the mainstream fans). This night, they perfected it.
Steve Austin Vs. Kurt Angle (2001)
Oh, the InVasion (please note that I'm doing the WWE-approved capital V). What could have been. Two guys near the very peak of their powers going at it for something that ultimately didn't matter a bit. Still damn fun to watch.
Bret Hart Vs. Doink/Jerry Lawler (1993)
I don't know why this pissed me off so much as a kid. Lawler was great in his role, as was Borne. But it was still infuriating that I didn't get the match I wanted the way I wanted it. I guess I was destined to be a member of the IWC, wasn't I?
The Rock Vs. Brock Lesnar (2002)
This is what passing the torch looks like. Looking at you, Hogan, Bret, Austin, and Cena.
Steiner Brothers Vs. Heavenly Bodies (1993)
Maybe my favorite tag team match ever. I love love love this match. So happy to see it on the list.
Shane McMahon Vs. Test (1999)
One of those matches that had no business being good. So the fact that it was entertaining as hell puts it way up my list. That elbow drop? Who saw that coming?
Christian Vs. Randy Orton (2011)
Arguably Christian's only truly great singles feud. It's a crying shame, because there was a time when he was the most entertaining wrestler in the world. But for one glorious summer, we got what we all wanted: Christian - almost-main-eventer.
I might also include the Edge/Taker HIAC match, the Cena/Punk rematch, Jericho vs. himself 2/3 falls, Angle nearly dying against Rock and HHH, RVD/Jeff "hardcore ladder match..."
It's weird to think of how many great matches Slam has had over the years. Mania has always been the spectacle show, but in many ways, SS has frequently been the best-wrestled show of the year.
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