Matt's Mat Musings: My 100 Favourite Wrestling Matches, Part 6
Here we are, into the Top 50 and to be perfectly honest, I would say that all of these matches are essential viewing for any modern wrestling fan.
50) Randy Savage vs Hulk Hogan
WWF WrestleMania V 1989
For better or for worse, these two men define wrestling in the 1980's for me. Hulk Hogan, the megastar, and Randy Savage, the superworker, each had charisma to spare and it's little surprise that their careers would be entwined for much of the following decade. Vince McMahon recognised the potential in this match and showed that rarest of things in the wrestling industry, restraint. The build for this match began in early 1988 when multiyear champion, Hogan, lost the WWF Championship due to referee Dave Hebner's "evil" twin brother Earl. The Giant then "sold" the title to Ted Dibease and subsequently it was declared vacant, Savage ultimately won the WWF Championship in a one night tournament at WrestleMania IV with help from Hogan and the two would form a hugely successful babyface alliance, 'The Mega Powers'. For the rest of 1988, Hogan and Savage would frequently team together against Dibease and Andre as well as the monster team of the Big Boss Man and Akeem. But there were cracks in the tandem, with Savage's growing jealousy over Hogan's friendship with their valet, Miss Elizabeth, and resentment over Hogan's popularity. The team would split for good in early 1989 and a subsequent attack on Hogan by Savage set up the WrestleMania V main event between the two men with the title at stake. While the match itself isn't particularly great, thanks to Savage's efforts it is easily Hogan's best WWF match of this period and the excellent build up helped the show to become the company's most financially successful, a title it would hold for the next decade.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3hj92s
49) Andrade Almas vs Johnny Gargano
NXT Takeover: Philadelphia 2018
Sometimes, a wrestling match doesn't need a huge backstory, just talented competitors with a determination to succeed. Andrade Almas was a hugely successful wrestler in Mexico before signing with the WWE. Unfortunately, his limited english and a lack of opponents versed in the lucha libre style had seem him spend the early period of his time in NXT as somewhat of a disappointment. However, thanks to an alignment change to the villainous side of the locker room, and a brillaint partnership with manager Zelina Vega, Andrade had turned around his fortunes so starkly that he went into this show as holder of the NXT Championship. In contrast, Johnny Gargano spent his first year in NXT on a match by match arrangement yet proved so naturally adept to what the company wanted that he soon earned a fulltime deal and became a backbone of the company. This was the first NXT Takeover main event for either man and both rise to the occasion magnificently producing some of the best in-ring work of the decade.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6duae1
48) Kurt Angle vs The Undertaker
WWE No Way Out 2006
Despite being two of the biggest stars of the early 2000's, Kurt Angle and The Undertaker rarely clashed in singles competition so expectations were high for this WWE Championship match. Angle was at the peak of his powers during this stint with the company and had earned the reputation of being able to have a great match with anybody while his opponent had continued to evolve himself and was now arguably a better performer than he had been at any stage in the previous 15 years he had spent with the company. Their collision at No Way Out had that elusive "big match feel" in spades and both men brought the absolute best out of each other. Somewhat overlooked in the annals of WWE history (as the WWE Heavyweight Championship was viewed as the main title), this remains easily one of the best matches to be thought over the World Championship the company ever had.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6gwk53
47) William Regal vs Dean Ambrose
FCW TV (November) 2011
Similarly to the match I mentioned in an earlier installment early between Regal and Kassius Ohno, this match is a the quintessential veteran versus rookie affair. The reason this match lands so much higher is due to the personalities involved, the build up to the match and the fact that Regal was more of a regular competitor at this stage, despite serving as a FCW commenatator. Upon his debut in the WWE's Florida development region, Dean Ambrose took his indenpendent scene reputation for crazy behaviour and violent matches and built an aura for himself as a talent to watch and he had no greater onscreen supporter than William Regal on commentary. Regal often proclaimed his fondness for Ambrose's edgier nature and noted the similarities between the two. Inevitably though, Ambrose's behaviour proved too wild to be contained and Regal took it upon himself to intercede leading to a confrontation between the two. Ambrose was on fire at the time but Regal also managed to find a new level in his character work and the eventual matches between the two reflected this dynamic clash of personalities. As good as some of his later matches would be, this was the last truly great feud of William Regal's career, and one I have a lot of fondness for.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46cF80lSBaA
46) Charlotte Flair vs Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch
WWE WrestleMania 32 2016
I have previously discussed how much of the WWE's promotion of their own 'Women's Revolution' revolved around these three women (and Bayley) and however acurate that may or may not be, it is clear that Flair, Banks and Lynch felt that responsibility in their WrestleMania confrotation. All three women deliver outstanding performances in this match and manage to avoid manage of the traditional pitfalls of a three way match. Each competitor gets their moments to shine and manage to weve each of their distinct personalities into the story of the match. Flair carries herself as the rightful champion with Lynch in the role of overlooked underdog but it is Banks who really shines as the ultraconfident crowd favourite. Many criticised the result of the bout at the time but in hindsight, I believe it proved the best outcome for all involved.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6gqpqu
45) WALTER vs Tyler Bate
NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff 2019
In January 2017, a then 19 year old, Tyler Bate won a two night tournament to become the first WWE UK Champion. He would only hold the title for half a year before dropping it to the man he defeated in the tournament final, Pete Dunne. Dunne would go on to hold the title for 685 days before being defeated by the giant Austrian competitor, WALTER. As a result, there was a degree of main event prestige in a collision between these two men as soon as the match was announced. WALTER is a truly remarkable competitor. At 6ft 5in he towers over most of his competition and his frame belies his speed, strength and agility. However, no one can match the explosive strength Bate is capable of at just 5ft 7in. Despite the size disparity, this trult felt like a collison of equals and as the match goes over 30 minutes in duration, the already passionate live crowd realizes they are watching something special. This was probably the WWE Match of the Year in 2019 and does the companies' UK brand, as well as the WWE UK Championship itself, proud.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6n0oer
44) Mick Foley vs Edge (Hardcore Rules)
WWE WrestleMania 22 2006
I've mentioned frequently in this list, Mick Foley's unique skill for enhancing his opponents reputations, and this is no different, whilst also being probably the last great match of his in-ring career. Edge had only recently evolved into his 'Rated R Superstar' persona, and despite booking setbacks in January, had already shown great promise as a main event villain. and who better to cement this position than the widely beloved veteran, Mick Foley. The build-up to the match was underwhelming, due to shifting WWE priorities, both both men delivered on the microphone and managed to build sufficient "heat" before the event. The match itself is the typical WWE Hardcore match, just with better storytelling and the violent stakes raised above the norm. Still, both men (and Lita at ringside) build the drama of the match magnificently and the climax provides one of the most memorable moments in WrestleMania history. Mick Foley would never be this successful again but helped provide the momentum that carried Edge into the main event position he would hold for the rest of his career.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x29nroi
43) Cody vs Dustin Rhodes
AEW Double Or Nothing 2019
In my mind at least, the spiritual sequel to an earlier match on this list where the Rhodes brothers with their father in their corner won the WWE Tag Team Championships. Six years later and much has changed. The patriarch of the Rhodes family has passed away, and both brothers have left the company under vastly different circumstances. When Cody left WWE, he had something to prove to both himself and his former employers and while the success he enjoyed in ROH, TNA and NJPW would be enough for some, it wasn't enough for Dusty's youngest son. Cody, alongside Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, went into business with billionaire Tony Khan to setup their own wrestling promotion, AEW, of which Cody was an immediate headliner. Meanwhile, his older brother Dustin was bein used less and less as an in-ring performer by the WWE and had segued into a behind the scenes role. Seeing his brother's success lit a fire under Dustin and he requested his release from WWE to prove he still had plenty to offer. Cody selecting Dustin as his opponent at the first AEW branded show, Double Or Nothing, was the realisation of a face-off both men had wanted for almost a decade but the WWE saw no value in. The build up to the match (an excellent promo video for which I've included below) told a deep story of familial resnetments and generational rivalry. The match itself is hugely dramatic and the post match reduced many to tears. This match is so special I've also included a video essay from a brilliant YouTube channel. If you only watch one match on this list, make it this one.
Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjW1fABuuiA
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ep-ATv2Sss
Essay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuRWNv1YXJc&t=446s
42) Charlotte Flair vs Asuka
WWE WrestleMania 33 2017
Much of the WWE's inital presentation of Charlotte Flair as the premier female talent in the company can be attributed to her heritage and physical stature, yet it is her own hard work and continued growth as a performer that has earned that consideration. Despite the brief amount of time since her debut on the main roster, Flair was already a multitime champion and the figurehead of the division heading into WrestleMania but her competitor at the event posed the biggest threat to her thrown to date. 'The Empress Of Tomorrow' Asuka had already established herself on the global stage in her prievious persona KANA, but upon debuting in WWE she surpassed these accolades by embarking upon a monumental 914 day undefeated streak that carried her throughout both NXT and her time on the main roster. The collision between Flair and Asuka then presented the most high profile women's championship match in WWE history and both women surpassed expectations in a match that stole the show. Were it not for my disagreeing with the outcome, this match would be MUCH higher on the list as it is a truly excellent match between two remarkably talented women,
Full Match: https://vimeo.com/310929418
41) Triple H vs Shawn Michaels (Unscanctioned Match)
WWE SummerSlam 2002
Shawn Michaels in the 1990's is in my, admitedly controversial, opinion the most overrated competitor in wrestling history. As hugely athletic as he was, he was too unlikeable to convince as a hero and not substantial enough of a threat to intimidate as a villain. Yet he was regarded by many as the best in the world and either way it was a real shame when he had to cut his career short in 1998 due to a spinal injury. In the following years his onscreen ally, and real life best friend, Triple H would establish himself as one of WWE's most reliable main event players. When a match between the two men was made for SummerSlam 2002, the stakes were incredibly high. How could Shawn Michaels possibly return to the ring after 4 years away? Would he be able to reach the levels he once had and most importantly, what were the risks of further injury? The story these two men told on the night brilliantly played into all of these concerns and weaved them into the narrative being told. Despite my biases though, it is Shawn Michaels who deserves much of the credit. In this match, he debuts a more "performative" ring styles, with greater emphasis on the emotions of the match, allowing for a greater degree of audience connection and would extend his career for another decade. Shawn Michaels of the 1990's may be overrated, but Shawn Michaels of the 2000's truly is one of the greatest wrestling storytellers of all time and that all begins in this match.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx8r8e
Only 40 more to go....
50) Randy Savage vs Hulk Hogan
WWF WrestleMania V 1989
For better or for worse, these two men define wrestling in the 1980's for me. Hulk Hogan, the megastar, and Randy Savage, the superworker, each had charisma to spare and it's little surprise that their careers would be entwined for much of the following decade. Vince McMahon recognised the potential in this match and showed that rarest of things in the wrestling industry, restraint. The build for this match began in early 1988 when multiyear champion, Hogan, lost the WWF Championship due to referee Dave Hebner's "evil" twin brother Earl. The Giant then "sold" the title to Ted Dibease and subsequently it was declared vacant, Savage ultimately won the WWF Championship in a one night tournament at WrestleMania IV with help from Hogan and the two would form a hugely successful babyface alliance, 'The Mega Powers'. For the rest of 1988, Hogan and Savage would frequently team together against Dibease and Andre as well as the monster team of the Big Boss Man and Akeem. But there were cracks in the tandem, with Savage's growing jealousy over Hogan's friendship with their valet, Miss Elizabeth, and resentment over Hogan's popularity. The team would split for good in early 1989 and a subsequent attack on Hogan by Savage set up the WrestleMania V main event between the two men with the title at stake. While the match itself isn't particularly great, thanks to Savage's efforts it is easily Hogan's best WWF match of this period and the excellent build up helped the show to become the company's most financially successful, a title it would hold for the next decade.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3hj92s
49) Andrade Almas vs Johnny Gargano
NXT Takeover: Philadelphia 2018
Sometimes, a wrestling match doesn't need a huge backstory, just talented competitors with a determination to succeed. Andrade Almas was a hugely successful wrestler in Mexico before signing with the WWE. Unfortunately, his limited english and a lack of opponents versed in the lucha libre style had seem him spend the early period of his time in NXT as somewhat of a disappointment. However, thanks to an alignment change to the villainous side of the locker room, and a brillaint partnership with manager Zelina Vega, Andrade had turned around his fortunes so starkly that he went into this show as holder of the NXT Championship. In contrast, Johnny Gargano spent his first year in NXT on a match by match arrangement yet proved so naturally adept to what the company wanted that he soon earned a fulltime deal and became a backbone of the company. This was the first NXT Takeover main event for either man and both rise to the occasion magnificently producing some of the best in-ring work of the decade.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6duae1
48) Kurt Angle vs The Undertaker
WWE No Way Out 2006
Despite being two of the biggest stars of the early 2000's, Kurt Angle and The Undertaker rarely clashed in singles competition so expectations were high for this WWE Championship match. Angle was at the peak of his powers during this stint with the company and had earned the reputation of being able to have a great match with anybody while his opponent had continued to evolve himself and was now arguably a better performer than he had been at any stage in the previous 15 years he had spent with the company. Their collision at No Way Out had that elusive "big match feel" in spades and both men brought the absolute best out of each other. Somewhat overlooked in the annals of WWE history (as the WWE Heavyweight Championship was viewed as the main title), this remains easily one of the best matches to be thought over the World Championship the company ever had.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6gwk53
47) William Regal vs Dean Ambrose
FCW TV (November) 2011
Similarly to the match I mentioned in an earlier installment early between Regal and Kassius Ohno, this match is a the quintessential veteran versus rookie affair. The reason this match lands so much higher is due to the personalities involved, the build up to the match and the fact that Regal was more of a regular competitor at this stage, despite serving as a FCW commenatator. Upon his debut in the WWE's Florida development region, Dean Ambrose took his indenpendent scene reputation for crazy behaviour and violent matches and built an aura for himself as a talent to watch and he had no greater onscreen supporter than William Regal on commentary. Regal often proclaimed his fondness for Ambrose's edgier nature and noted the similarities between the two. Inevitably though, Ambrose's behaviour proved too wild to be contained and Regal took it upon himself to intercede leading to a confrontation between the two. Ambrose was on fire at the time but Regal also managed to find a new level in his character work and the eventual matches between the two reflected this dynamic clash of personalities. As good as some of his later matches would be, this was the last truly great feud of William Regal's career, and one I have a lot of fondness for.
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46cF80lSBaA
46) Charlotte Flair vs Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch
WWE WrestleMania 32 2016
I have previously discussed how much of the WWE's promotion of their own 'Women's Revolution' revolved around these three women (and Bayley) and however acurate that may or may not be, it is clear that Flair, Banks and Lynch felt that responsibility in their WrestleMania confrotation. All three women deliver outstanding performances in this match and manage to avoid manage of the traditional pitfalls of a three way match. Each competitor gets their moments to shine and manage to weve each of their distinct personalities into the story of the match. Flair carries herself as the rightful champion with Lynch in the role of overlooked underdog but it is Banks who really shines as the ultraconfident crowd favourite. Many criticised the result of the bout at the time but in hindsight, I believe it proved the best outcome for all involved.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6gqpqu
45) WALTER vs Tyler Bate
NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff 2019
In January 2017, a then 19 year old, Tyler Bate won a two night tournament to become the first WWE UK Champion. He would only hold the title for half a year before dropping it to the man he defeated in the tournament final, Pete Dunne. Dunne would go on to hold the title for 685 days before being defeated by the giant Austrian competitor, WALTER. As a result, there was a degree of main event prestige in a collision between these two men as soon as the match was announced. WALTER is a truly remarkable competitor. At 6ft 5in he towers over most of his competition and his frame belies his speed, strength and agility. However, no one can match the explosive strength Bate is capable of at just 5ft 7in. Despite the size disparity, this trult felt like a collison of equals and as the match goes over 30 minutes in duration, the already passionate live crowd realizes they are watching something special. This was probably the WWE Match of the Year in 2019 and does the companies' UK brand, as well as the WWE UK Championship itself, proud.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6n0oer
44) Mick Foley vs Edge (Hardcore Rules)
WWE WrestleMania 22 2006
I've mentioned frequently in this list, Mick Foley's unique skill for enhancing his opponents reputations, and this is no different, whilst also being probably the last great match of his in-ring career. Edge had only recently evolved into his 'Rated R Superstar' persona, and despite booking setbacks in January, had already shown great promise as a main event villain. and who better to cement this position than the widely beloved veteran, Mick Foley. The build-up to the match was underwhelming, due to shifting WWE priorities, both both men delivered on the microphone and managed to build sufficient "heat" before the event. The match itself is the typical WWE Hardcore match, just with better storytelling and the violent stakes raised above the norm. Still, both men (and Lita at ringside) build the drama of the match magnificently and the climax provides one of the most memorable moments in WrestleMania history. Mick Foley would never be this successful again but helped provide the momentum that carried Edge into the main event position he would hold for the rest of his career.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x29nroi
43) Cody vs Dustin Rhodes
AEW Double Or Nothing 2019
In my mind at least, the spiritual sequel to an earlier match on this list where the Rhodes brothers with their father in their corner won the WWE Tag Team Championships. Six years later and much has changed. The patriarch of the Rhodes family has passed away, and both brothers have left the company under vastly different circumstances. When Cody left WWE, he had something to prove to both himself and his former employers and while the success he enjoyed in ROH, TNA and NJPW would be enough for some, it wasn't enough for Dusty's youngest son. Cody, alongside Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, went into business with billionaire Tony Khan to setup their own wrestling promotion, AEW, of which Cody was an immediate headliner. Meanwhile, his older brother Dustin was bein used less and less as an in-ring performer by the WWE and had segued into a behind the scenes role. Seeing his brother's success lit a fire under Dustin and he requested his release from WWE to prove he still had plenty to offer. Cody selecting Dustin as his opponent at the first AEW branded show, Double Or Nothing, was the realisation of a face-off both men had wanted for almost a decade but the WWE saw no value in. The build up to the match (an excellent promo video for which I've included below) told a deep story of familial resnetments and generational rivalry. The match itself is hugely dramatic and the post match reduced many to tears. This match is so special I've also included a video essay from a brilliant YouTube channel. If you only watch one match on this list, make it this one.
Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjW1fABuuiA
Full Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ep-ATv2Sss
Essay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuRWNv1YXJc&t=446s
42) Charlotte Flair vs Asuka
WWE WrestleMania 33 2017
Much of the WWE's inital presentation of Charlotte Flair as the premier female talent in the company can be attributed to her heritage and physical stature, yet it is her own hard work and continued growth as a performer that has earned that consideration. Despite the brief amount of time since her debut on the main roster, Flair was already a multitime champion and the figurehead of the division heading into WrestleMania but her competitor at the event posed the biggest threat to her thrown to date. 'The Empress Of Tomorrow' Asuka had already established herself on the global stage in her prievious persona KANA, but upon debuting in WWE she surpassed these accolades by embarking upon a monumental 914 day undefeated streak that carried her throughout both NXT and her time on the main roster. The collision between Flair and Asuka then presented the most high profile women's championship match in WWE history and both women surpassed expectations in a match that stole the show. Were it not for my disagreeing with the outcome, this match would be MUCH higher on the list as it is a truly excellent match between two remarkably talented women,
Full Match: https://vimeo.com/310929418
41) Triple H vs Shawn Michaels (Unscanctioned Match)
WWE SummerSlam 2002
Shawn Michaels in the 1990's is in my, admitedly controversial, opinion the most overrated competitor in wrestling history. As hugely athletic as he was, he was too unlikeable to convince as a hero and not substantial enough of a threat to intimidate as a villain. Yet he was regarded by many as the best in the world and either way it was a real shame when he had to cut his career short in 1998 due to a spinal injury. In the following years his onscreen ally, and real life best friend, Triple H would establish himself as one of WWE's most reliable main event players. When a match between the two men was made for SummerSlam 2002, the stakes were incredibly high. How could Shawn Michaels possibly return to the ring after 4 years away? Would he be able to reach the levels he once had and most importantly, what were the risks of further injury? The story these two men told on the night brilliantly played into all of these concerns and weaved them into the narrative being told. Despite my biases though, it is Shawn Michaels who deserves much of the credit. In this match, he debuts a more "performative" ring styles, with greater emphasis on the emotions of the match, allowing for a greater degree of audience connection and would extend his career for another decade. Shawn Michaels of the 1990's may be overrated, but Shawn Michaels of the 2000's truly is one of the greatest wrestling storytellers of all time and that all begins in this match.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx8r8e
Only 40 more to go....
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