Matt's Mat Musings: My 100 Favourite Wrestling Matches, Part 2
Let's dive straight in...
90) Triple H vs Chris Jericho (Last Man Standing)
WWF Fully Loaded 2000
When Chris Jericho made the jump from WCW to the WWF in 1999, expectations were high. To say those expectations weren't met would be an understatement. Jericho's first 6 months in the company went from stellar to abysmal and then back to passable with the arrival in the company of talent such as Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle. A year after his debut, Jericho had restored some faith in upper management with regard to his abilities but he was a long way from being viewed as a potential main eventer until this match came along. Triple H over the next few years would earn the reputation of sabotaging talent to keep his position in the company, but in July of 2000 he was still fighting to earn that position. Subsequently, at a show designed around pairing up established talent with up and comers it was Triple H who did the most work to establish the credibility of his opponent (The Rock tried his best in a match with Chris Benoit while The Undertaker demolished Kurt Angle). By and large I really dislike the 'Last Man Standing' match type (it being a bastardization of the 'Texas Death Match' stipulation), but these two work hard to make this match work and tell a great story and are mostly successful.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xz4yg4
89) Tyler Bate vs Pete Dunne
NXT Takeover: Chicago 2017
I find this match equal parts thrilling and depressing. Thrilling because it's two young British guys performing at the top of their craft in front of a near rabid Chicago crowd. Depressing because they're both under 6ft and under the age of 25. No jealousy here. Joking aside, this match is brilliant. The argument could be made that they set-aside traditional ring psychology in favour of a series of purely indulgent moments to "pop" the crowd, but considering the crowd starts the match fairly unfamiliar with either guy and it madly cheering for both is proof of their success. Just a fun, fun match that makes stars out of both men and undeniably steals the show.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7l788b
88) William Regal vs Chris Benoit
Brian Pillman Memorial Show 2000
Not to put too fine a point on it, this match saved William Regal's career. Blackpool born Regal has always been a favourite of mine but owing to drug and alcohol problems he had burnt a lot of his bridges in the wrestling business by early 2000. He's left WCW under a cloud for a second time after first run in the WWF had been brought to an abrupt halt thanks to his addiction struggles. Shortly before this show he'd been rehired by WWF and sent to their development territory, MCW with the intention that he could become a full time trainer. It was with low expectations then that he was paired with Chris Benoit at the 3rd annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show. I'll discuss Chris Benoit and his wrestling legacy in greater detail later in this list, but needless to say, he was the perfect opponent for Regal and together the two men carried out a technical masterclass. The work in this match was so good, that not only did it get Regal back on television as a regular performer, it was used as a reference point in training schools for years afterwords.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFzZs_iOydY
87) Cactus Jack vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Falls Count Anywhere)
WWF RAW (September) 1997
A recurring theme on this list will be matches where Mick Foley, under one of his many guises, will be entrusted with either reinvigorating an existing talent (as in the Mankind vs Undertaker match earlier in this list) or help to establish a younger talent. This match falls into the latter group as Helmsley here is still very much figuring out the persona that will get him to the main event scene. This is however, a monumental match for Foley's development as a performer. Prior to this night Foley had wrestled in the WWF as both Mankind and Dude Love, but this match would be the company debut of his most infamous character, Cactus Jack. This show also really emphasizes how creatively gifted Foley is. Mankind, Dude Love and Cactus Jack don't just have different move sets and outfits, they move differently, they speak differently, they are believably different people. Never is this most evident than in the opening match promo in which the 3 characters are able to interact on the same screen at the same time. Even if you don't watch the full match, watch the opening two minutes. This is great television and a phenomenal debut for Cactus Jack in the WWF.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5xqs1e
86) Jay White vs Kazuchika Okada
NJPW G1 Supercard 2019
This is the first (but not last) choice on this list in which I am entirely biased by the fact that I got to see it in person. The opportunity to witness the first ever IWGP title match to take place in Madison Square Garden, a venue I'd wanted to attend since childhood, would be one thing. But the presence of Kazuchika Okada sent proceedings to the next level. For anyone not familiar with Okada, I'll simply say that he is the best wrestler in the world today and, at the age of 32, is well on his way to being considered for the title of greatest of all time. The man is a true master of his craft. So why is this match so low on this list? To be frank, his opponent in this match, Jay White, simply is not on Okada's level. Don't get me wrong, White as talent to spare, but at this stage he hadn't quite become the total package and was the least convincing IWGP champion in years. Still, this was a hell of a match, and I may screamed myself hoarse in the last few minutes.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x75j0uv
85) Cheerleader Melissa vs MsChif (Falls Count Anywhere)
Shimmer Vol. 5 2006
I touched on Shimmer's legacy as a promotion on the previous part of this list, and if that match from volume 5 was possibly the best women's match I'd seen up to that stage in terms of technique, this match from the previous volume was certainly the best brawl. It's a real shame that these two athletes had their career peaks ten years before "Women's Revolution" in WWE as they both belonged on a bigger stage. Cheerleader Melissa, a second generation wrestler, was one of the hardest hitting women on the US scene at the time and MsChif, with her excellent goth influenced character, was a truly great wrestler in her own right that could give as good as she got. The pair were made for each other and any of their matches produced during this feud could have a place on this list. Sadly I couldn't find a link to any of their matches online, so instead I've got an overly morose music video in tribute to their rivalry. If you're interested at all in women's wrestling, you wouldn't be going wrong by picking up some of these early Shimmer volumes from their website.
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHn6xdlzcN8
84) Marty Scurll vs Will Ospreay
RevPro High Stakes 2016
I don't like Will Ospreay. I'm not a fan of his style or his twitter presence and the continued praise for him online irks me. In contrast, I really like Marty Scurll and his rebirth as 'The Villain' in late 2014 was one of my favourite wrestling transformations of all time. However, often times in wrestling the best feuds come out of opposites clashing in the ring and this match is a prime example of that. Ospreay's high flying offence meshes perfectly with Scurll's mat focused technique, and the ongoing game of oneupsmanship in this match brings out the best in both men. They would go on to have more acclaimed matches across the globe but this is the contest that really put them on the map. My personal dislike aside, both men are supremely talented and really do the British scene proud in this match. I still don't like Ospreay though, smug talented git.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpMAbM9R3sw
83) Johnny Mundo vs Prince Puma (All Night Long)
Lucha Underground (S1E32) 2015
If I take the time to explain Lucha Underground now, it'll make my life easier later so here goes. In 2013, Hollywood director Robert Rodriguez helped to found the El Rey Network in America, a television network which targets an English-speaking Hispanic American audience. One of the earliest pieces of original programming for the channel was Lucha Underground, a wrestling show presented in a similar style to a telenovela (soap opera). Or a telenovela with wrestling in it, I honestly never quite decided which was more fitting. Either way, the show presented Mexican Lucha Libre, fused with America style Sports Entertainment, with a heavy influence on eccentric characters and the ongoing manipulations of the owner and promoter of Lucha Underground (the fictional show within the actual show), Dario Cuerto. Look, it was mental and brilliant and I miss it everyday. I'll get into some of the show's more dramatic bouts later in this list, but I cannot overlook 'All Night Long', a one night, most falls wins, bout between hated narcisist Johnny Mundo (currently wrestling as John Morrison in WWE) and the show's protagonist, Prince Puma (a luchador from the barrio portrayed by current WWE star Ricochet). Both men are hugely talented, inhibit their characters to the hilt and deliver a tremendously dramactic story over the 40 plus minute runtime of the show. This is the type of match I'd be happy to show to any non wrestling fan and be confident they would enjoy it. Sadly, yet again, I can't find a full version of the match online, only the last segment. If you've never watched Lucha Underground check it out as it also serves as a reasonable primer for some of the madness yet to come.
Match Climax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOFJr05wVh8
82) Ric Flair vs Vader
WCW Starrcade 1993
Coming from a lifelong wrestling fan, there's an almost criminal lack of Ric Flair on this list. Yet, when I think back on his greatest matches, most of them come from an era and style I'm simply not a fan of. I've also always struggled to seem him as a credible threat in his traditional heel role, and that undercuts many of those matches for me. It's little surprise then, that my favourite Flair match sees him cast in the role of the underdog hero taking on a truly monstrous foe, and what a foe. Former NFL player, Leon White transitioned into wrestling in the 1980's and at 6ft 5 and over 400lbs, he was a promoters dream. Coupled with the years White spent in Japan in the late 80s and early 90s and his transformation into Big Van Vader saw him become one of the most legitimately feared tough men in wrestling. Infamously, during a match in 1990, Vader's eyeball popped out of his head during a match and his response was to reinsert it himself and finish the match. Vader earned his reputation as a tough man who hit hard and by December 1993 he was the reigning WCW World Champion. Flair in contrast was being positioned as the aging veteran, assumed to be approaching the end of his career. Throw in Flair's perennial rival, Harley Race, in Vader's corner, a hometown crowd for the challenger, Ric's "career" being on the line and excellent build up vignettes that saw the onscreen debut of Flair's children (one of whom will herself feature on this list later) and this clash really did have the "big match feel" of a genuine sporting contest. Flair would start slow in the match, owing to real life insecurities about his position in WCW, but following some motivational abuse from Race at ringside, Flair turns up the intensity and this becomes a really special championship bout and easily my favourite match for the WCW Championship.
Full Match Part 1: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1l6j3
Full Match Part 2: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1l7c5
81) Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant
WWF WrestleMania 3 1987
The match I watched and rewatched more then any other during my childhood. The biggest match in WWF history up to this point and the defining match of the era of Hulkamania. The match that made WrestleMania a big deal. The much anticipated collision between the irresistable force and the immoveable object. The match of a lifetime, and to be honest, it really hasn't aged well. Viewed with modern eyes this is a very basic bout, with neither man doing much. However the build up, the spectacle, the personalities at play, the commentary, the crowd, all still give me goosebumps. The definitive WWF match of the 1980's and worth watching at least once for any true wrestling fan, if only for the greatest commentary team of all time, Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnUj9XhWVl0
That's the list for today, and I sincerely hope you're enjoying reading them even half as much as I am writing them.
90) Triple H vs Chris Jericho (Last Man Standing)
WWF Fully Loaded 2000
When Chris Jericho made the jump from WCW to the WWF in 1999, expectations were high. To say those expectations weren't met would be an understatement. Jericho's first 6 months in the company went from stellar to abysmal and then back to passable with the arrival in the company of talent such as Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle. A year after his debut, Jericho had restored some faith in upper management with regard to his abilities but he was a long way from being viewed as a potential main eventer until this match came along. Triple H over the next few years would earn the reputation of sabotaging talent to keep his position in the company, but in July of 2000 he was still fighting to earn that position. Subsequently, at a show designed around pairing up established talent with up and comers it was Triple H who did the most work to establish the credibility of his opponent (The Rock tried his best in a match with Chris Benoit while The Undertaker demolished Kurt Angle). By and large I really dislike the 'Last Man Standing' match type (it being a bastardization of the 'Texas Death Match' stipulation), but these two work hard to make this match work and tell a great story and are mostly successful.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xz4yg4
89) Tyler Bate vs Pete Dunne
NXT Takeover: Chicago 2017
I find this match equal parts thrilling and depressing. Thrilling because it's two young British guys performing at the top of their craft in front of a near rabid Chicago crowd. Depressing because they're both under 6ft and under the age of 25. No jealousy here. Joking aside, this match is brilliant. The argument could be made that they set-aside traditional ring psychology in favour of a series of purely indulgent moments to "pop" the crowd, but considering the crowd starts the match fairly unfamiliar with either guy and it madly cheering for both is proof of their success. Just a fun, fun match that makes stars out of both men and undeniably steals the show.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7l788b
88) William Regal vs Chris Benoit
Brian Pillman Memorial Show 2000
Not to put too fine a point on it, this match saved William Regal's career. Blackpool born Regal has always been a favourite of mine but owing to drug and alcohol problems he had burnt a lot of his bridges in the wrestling business by early 2000. He's left WCW under a cloud for a second time after first run in the WWF had been brought to an abrupt halt thanks to his addiction struggles. Shortly before this show he'd been rehired by WWF and sent to their development territory, MCW with the intention that he could become a full time trainer. It was with low expectations then that he was paired with Chris Benoit at the 3rd annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show. I'll discuss Chris Benoit and his wrestling legacy in greater detail later in this list, but needless to say, he was the perfect opponent for Regal and together the two men carried out a technical masterclass. The work in this match was so good, that not only did it get Regal back on television as a regular performer, it was used as a reference point in training schools for years afterwords.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFzZs_iOydY
87) Cactus Jack vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Falls Count Anywhere)
WWF RAW (September) 1997
A recurring theme on this list will be matches where Mick Foley, under one of his many guises, will be entrusted with either reinvigorating an existing talent (as in the Mankind vs Undertaker match earlier in this list) or help to establish a younger talent. This match falls into the latter group as Helmsley here is still very much figuring out the persona that will get him to the main event scene. This is however, a monumental match for Foley's development as a performer. Prior to this night Foley had wrestled in the WWF as both Mankind and Dude Love, but this match would be the company debut of his most infamous character, Cactus Jack. This show also really emphasizes how creatively gifted Foley is. Mankind, Dude Love and Cactus Jack don't just have different move sets and outfits, they move differently, they speak differently, they are believably different people. Never is this most evident than in the opening match promo in which the 3 characters are able to interact on the same screen at the same time. Even if you don't watch the full match, watch the opening two minutes. This is great television and a phenomenal debut for Cactus Jack in the WWF.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5xqs1e
86) Jay White vs Kazuchika Okada
NJPW G1 Supercard 2019
This is the first (but not last) choice on this list in which I am entirely biased by the fact that I got to see it in person. The opportunity to witness the first ever IWGP title match to take place in Madison Square Garden, a venue I'd wanted to attend since childhood, would be one thing. But the presence of Kazuchika Okada sent proceedings to the next level. For anyone not familiar with Okada, I'll simply say that he is the best wrestler in the world today and, at the age of 32, is well on his way to being considered for the title of greatest of all time. The man is a true master of his craft. So why is this match so low on this list? To be frank, his opponent in this match, Jay White, simply is not on Okada's level. Don't get me wrong, White as talent to spare, but at this stage he hadn't quite become the total package and was the least convincing IWGP champion in years. Still, this was a hell of a match, and I may screamed myself hoarse in the last few minutes.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x75j0uv
85) Cheerleader Melissa vs MsChif (Falls Count Anywhere)
Shimmer Vol. 5 2006
I touched on Shimmer's legacy as a promotion on the previous part of this list, and if that match from volume 5 was possibly the best women's match I'd seen up to that stage in terms of technique, this match from the previous volume was certainly the best brawl. It's a real shame that these two athletes had their career peaks ten years before "Women's Revolution" in WWE as they both belonged on a bigger stage. Cheerleader Melissa, a second generation wrestler, was one of the hardest hitting women on the US scene at the time and MsChif, with her excellent goth influenced character, was a truly great wrestler in her own right that could give as good as she got. The pair were made for each other and any of their matches produced during this feud could have a place on this list. Sadly I couldn't find a link to any of their matches online, so instead I've got an overly morose music video in tribute to their rivalry. If you're interested at all in women's wrestling, you wouldn't be going wrong by picking up some of these early Shimmer volumes from their website.
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHn6xdlzcN8
84) Marty Scurll vs Will Ospreay
RevPro High Stakes 2016
I don't like Will Ospreay. I'm not a fan of his style or his twitter presence and the continued praise for him online irks me. In contrast, I really like Marty Scurll and his rebirth as 'The Villain' in late 2014 was one of my favourite wrestling transformations of all time. However, often times in wrestling the best feuds come out of opposites clashing in the ring and this match is a prime example of that. Ospreay's high flying offence meshes perfectly with Scurll's mat focused technique, and the ongoing game of oneupsmanship in this match brings out the best in both men. They would go on to have more acclaimed matches across the globe but this is the contest that really put them on the map. My personal dislike aside, both men are supremely talented and really do the British scene proud in this match. I still don't like Ospreay though, smug talented git.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpMAbM9R3sw
83) Johnny Mundo vs Prince Puma (All Night Long)
Lucha Underground (S1E32) 2015
If I take the time to explain Lucha Underground now, it'll make my life easier later so here goes. In 2013, Hollywood director Robert Rodriguez helped to found the El Rey Network in America, a television network which targets an English-speaking Hispanic American audience. One of the earliest pieces of original programming for the channel was Lucha Underground, a wrestling show presented in a similar style to a telenovela (soap opera). Or a telenovela with wrestling in it, I honestly never quite decided which was more fitting. Either way, the show presented Mexican Lucha Libre, fused with America style Sports Entertainment, with a heavy influence on eccentric characters and the ongoing manipulations of the owner and promoter of Lucha Underground (the fictional show within the actual show), Dario Cuerto. Look, it was mental and brilliant and I miss it everyday. I'll get into some of the show's more dramatic bouts later in this list, but I cannot overlook 'All Night Long', a one night, most falls wins, bout between hated narcisist Johnny Mundo (currently wrestling as John Morrison in WWE) and the show's protagonist, Prince Puma (a luchador from the barrio portrayed by current WWE star Ricochet). Both men are hugely talented, inhibit their characters to the hilt and deliver a tremendously dramactic story over the 40 plus minute runtime of the show. This is the type of match I'd be happy to show to any non wrestling fan and be confident they would enjoy it. Sadly, yet again, I can't find a full version of the match online, only the last segment. If you've never watched Lucha Underground check it out as it also serves as a reasonable primer for some of the madness yet to come.
Match Climax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOFJr05wVh8
82) Ric Flair vs Vader
WCW Starrcade 1993
Coming from a lifelong wrestling fan, there's an almost criminal lack of Ric Flair on this list. Yet, when I think back on his greatest matches, most of them come from an era and style I'm simply not a fan of. I've also always struggled to seem him as a credible threat in his traditional heel role, and that undercuts many of those matches for me. It's little surprise then, that my favourite Flair match sees him cast in the role of the underdog hero taking on a truly monstrous foe, and what a foe. Former NFL player, Leon White transitioned into wrestling in the 1980's and at 6ft 5 and over 400lbs, he was a promoters dream. Coupled with the years White spent in Japan in the late 80s and early 90s and his transformation into Big Van Vader saw him become one of the most legitimately feared tough men in wrestling. Infamously, during a match in 1990, Vader's eyeball popped out of his head during a match and his response was to reinsert it himself and finish the match. Vader earned his reputation as a tough man who hit hard and by December 1993 he was the reigning WCW World Champion. Flair in contrast was being positioned as the aging veteran, assumed to be approaching the end of his career. Throw in Flair's perennial rival, Harley Race, in Vader's corner, a hometown crowd for the challenger, Ric's "career" being on the line and excellent build up vignettes that saw the onscreen debut of Flair's children (one of whom will herself feature on this list later) and this clash really did have the "big match feel" of a genuine sporting contest. Flair would start slow in the match, owing to real life insecurities about his position in WCW, but following some motivational abuse from Race at ringside, Flair turns up the intensity and this becomes a really special championship bout and easily my favourite match for the WCW Championship.
Full Match Part 1: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1l6j3
Full Match Part 2: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1l7c5
81) Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant
WWF WrestleMania 3 1987
The match I watched and rewatched more then any other during my childhood. The biggest match in WWF history up to this point and the defining match of the era of Hulkamania. The match that made WrestleMania a big deal. The much anticipated collision between the irresistable force and the immoveable object. The match of a lifetime, and to be honest, it really hasn't aged well. Viewed with modern eyes this is a very basic bout, with neither man doing much. However the build up, the spectacle, the personalities at play, the commentary, the crowd, all still give me goosebumps. The definitive WWF match of the 1980's and worth watching at least once for any true wrestling fan, if only for the greatest commentary team of all time, Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnUj9XhWVl0
That's the list for today, and I sincerely hope you're enjoying reading them even half as much as I am writing them.
Comments
Post a Comment