![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What factors make a five star match?
Star ratings are forever tossed around in the wrestling world, and of course they are all subjective, but if you were given the task of placing a star rating on a wrestling match, what factors would you pay attention to? Does a five star match have to be absolutely flawless?
What's an example of a five star match to you? Ric Flair versus Shawn Michaels @ Wrestlemania 24? Bret Hart versus Owen Hart @ Wrestlemania 10? Kurt Angle versus Brock Lesnar @ Wrestlemania 19? Chris Jericho versus Shawn Michaels on the same show? Also, are there any matches widely considered to be five star matches that you disagree with totally? Conversely, are there any half star stinkers that you think were mat classics? Do you think that Tom Brandi versus Marc Mero is the greatest match of all time? Were you captivated when Max Moon took Reno Riggins to the limit on Superstars? What about a match like Hulk Hogan versus Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3? It is arguably the greatest match of all time, but I wouldn't dare say it was the best match of all time. Same thing with The Rock and Hogan at Wrestlemania 18. What star ratings would you give those matches? Sorry for all the questions here, but I'm just bouncing around discussion ideas. Feel free to comment on any or all of the above. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Well, I can't say exactly what makes a 5 star match but you definitely know one when you see one. Some guys just have perfect chemistry together and it comes together beautifully. Some of my favorite matches ever that I believe to be 5 star classics are:
Owen Hart vs British Bulldog for the first European title Steve Austin vs Bret Hart @ Wrestlemania 13 Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar in Iron Man on Smackdown Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels WM 12 Iron Man Undertaker vs Batista WM 23 Jericho vs HBK WM |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
If you're talking about Austin vs The Rock at Wrestlemania 17, I wouldn't have much reservation in giving that 5 stars. I'd probably give it 4.5, but it's damn good.
Wrestlemania 3 is one of the greatest MOMENTS of all time. That finish is a 5 star moment, but the match from bell to bell isn't 5 stars. 5 star matches aren't very common. There's only about one or two a year, if that. Sometimes there isn't. This year, as far as I know, there were two five star matches in my opinion...Taker vs Edge at Mania and Flair vs Michaels at the same event. There were some other great matches. Even Taker vs Edge might only be a 4.5. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
BAY BAY
Posts: 36,524
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Lots of high-flying "spots"
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
According to The Dames in EWR, a badly blown spot can prevent a five star rating, which makes sense. I think they also mention great psychology, big spots, crisp bumps....something like that.
Also, I would say that the crowd has a lot to do with it. Two guys in the ring could put on the greatest wrestling match of all time, but if the crowd isn't into it, it just feels awkward. One more match that I just remembered that I personally think was five stars was Kurt Angle versus The Undertaker. When was that, No Way Out or something? Judgment Day? One of those, a few years ago. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Steamboat and Savage also
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I can't think of very many matches in the past 5 years that have been 5 star that haven't involved Angle or HBM.
Angle vs Taker at No Way Out 06 was 5 stars I think. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
ABT beat me to it
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
BTW Dustin, that Bulldog/Owen match was absolutely phenomonal. Is that on the RAW Anniversary DVD? I own it, but I think I lost it.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
RVD vs Jerry Lynn matches
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quote:
One match that I think was bumped up in the star ratings based on the crowd reaction alone was John Cena versus Rob Van Dam at One Night Stand. Holy shit, that was amazing. The crowd absolutely elevated that match from watchable to fantastic. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
HBM vs Jericho at WM19 is absolutely a 5 star match, in my mind.
Lots of HBM and Angle over the past few years. There have been a few others, but 90% of bonafide or borderline 5 star matches since 2000 have involved them. I consider HBM vs Mankind at Mind Games 96 a 5 star match |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
According to Dave Meltzer, there hasn't been a 5 star match in WWE since 1997, which I think is absurd, and is more reflective of his personal opinions on the company and not the matches.
It's no coincidence that his last 5 star match rating was a month before the screwjob and he hasn't made one since. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What about Bret Hart's return match at Survivor Series 96 versus Steve Austin? I remember loving the shit out of that match at the time, but I haven't seen it in about 12 years. Was it as great as I remember?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Rock vs Triple H in that Ladder match for the IC belt at Summerslam was pretty awesome also. Dunno if I can call it 5 stars since I haven't seen it in forever.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Hell in a Cell 1 - Taker HBK. Def a 5 star match, but there have been others since
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What about Shawn Michaels and John Cena, either from Wrestlemania 23 or the night after?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I know some purists will cry "spotfest", but at least one of the Hardys, E&C ladder matches deserves a 5 star rating. Some of the later ones may have been escalated in intensity, but the original at No Mercy was one of the most exciting and original matches ever. Both teams got a standing ovation the next night on Raw from the crowd. That's something
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
the Cena HBM match was damn good, but I wouldn't call it 5 star. A solid 4 or maybe even a 4.5 but there were some issues
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Very few tag team matches catch my attention in that way but there was a tag team match a long time ago on RAW that I remember being awesome. Wish I could find it. It was SCSA and HBK vs British Bulldog and Owen Hart. It was so awesome. I remember having it on tape when I was little and watching it all the time.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Oh yeah, didn't Michaels get pissed at Cena for not selling the leg?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 | |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
First of all it's HBM
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Stone Cold and HHH vs Jericho and _________ on Raw in 2001. Great fuckin match. One of the only 5 star tv matches
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Lets get old school though
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Shawn Michaels versus The British Bulldog on Saturday Night's Main Event from 1992 is still one of my absolute favorite matches. I can't really put my finger on why, and I don't even think it's a traditional five star match, but in my eyes, it always will be.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Shawn's first Intercontinental title win, btw.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
There are some matches like that to me as well. Matches I wouldn't call 5 stars, but get the Jeritron 5 Star honor. I dunno, sometimes a match just clicks for different fans.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#31 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I hear you. The Edge vs Matt Hardy cage match where Matt does the massive leg drop off the cage holds sentimental value to me. I know it isn't really a 5 star match but I love it and could watch it for days. I think cause I kind of saw it as Matt's retribution for alot of things that happened. Dunno. I like it alot.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Doink versus Kamala where Doink offered Kamala an empty gift box and got him counted out is five stars in my eyes as well.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#33 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
LOL, I remember that. The look on Kamala's face was pretty great. Doink vs Crush where Doink did the mirror image with the other Doink makes me crack up every time.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I've always had a special place in my heart for the Mankind vs The Rock vs Shamrock cage match in 1998. Definitely not a 5 star match by any means, but I mark out for it.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Get a poke on
Posts: 35,234
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I love that match because going into it The Rock was a heel, and Shamrock was a face. During the match the crowd changes their minds and the rest is history
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#36 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I would also like to mention the Love Her or Leave Her Street Fight between Shane McMahon and Test at Summerslam '99.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
LOL, ok. This is completely off topic now but I need to mention it. Remember the first blood match between Jericho and Shamrock where Jericho showed up in like 9 layers of clothing and hockey gear?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 |
Cranky Kong
Posts: 78,671
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I VAGUELY remember that. I want to see it again.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Yeah, he just beat him with his hockey stick until Shamrock bled internally. Was pretty rofl in a dark kind of way.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 |
Soundly Defeated Wadding
Posts: 40,590
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |