Matt's Mat Musings: My 100 Favourite Wrestling Matches, Part 7
This entry has taken a little longer to get out as I found myself stopping to rewatch each match as I was writing about them. Now a terribly efficient way to work but a great way to pass the time.
40) Bret Hart vs Steve Austin (Submission Match)
WWF WrestleMania 13 1997
Purely in terms of match quality, there's a solid argument to be made that Bret Hart and Steve Austin had the greatest rivalvry in WWF history. Their excellent first match in November 1996 lead to a hugely entertaining collision during the 1997 Royal Rumble and an excellent 4 way bout (also featuring Vader and The Undertaker) at In Your House: Final Four. They would would be involved in at least 2 more memorable matches in 1997 but of all their clashes, this one is justifiably the most famous. Infamously, this match was never in the plans but Shawn Michaels controversial decision to take time away from the company, nixed the planned WrestleMania rematch with Hart so Austin got the match. Even then, this match was not a high priority for the company (hence the heated grudge match being handicapped with a submission stipulation) yet Hart and Austin rose to the occasion magnificently. The now legendary "double-turn" at the conclusion of the bout would launch Steve Austin into megastar status and kick off Hart's brilliant summer run as a hated heel in the US, who was beloved everywhere else, but the match itself also laid the framework for every WWE main event for the next 5 years. The rare "classic" bout that actually exceeds it's reputation.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7kq6u7
39) John Cena vs Shawn Michaels
WWE RAW (April) 2007
John Cena's near 2 decade career with the WWE has seen many ups and downs. When he debuted in 2002 he was largely an afterthought but by 2004 he was one of the most popular midcard acts in the company. Unfortunately, large portions of the WWE fanbase had started to turn on Cena in 2005 and by 2007 he was, despite his position as heroic champion and face of the company, one of the most reviled talents in the company. One of the main knocks against Cena was the limitations of his in-ring style, with an over reliance on his "5 moves of doom" being an intential ploy to appeal to younger audiences. Yet the idea that Cena couldn't wrestle was never accurate. Between 2005 and 2007, John was involved in great matches with Chris Jericho, Edge, Rob Van Dam, Umaga and Shawn Michaels himself (at WrestleMania 23). But, there would be no better example example of Cena's actual wrestling capabilities, then this non-title rematch with Michaels on RAW in April. It would be easy to suggest that Michaels carries Cena, but considering this match runs close to an hour in duration, that is simply not the case. Both men bring their "A-game" and deliver one of the best wrestling matches in the history of RAW that changed a lot of people's minds about Cena's abilities (including mine).
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4p10up
38) Steve Austin vs Dude Love (Falls Count Anywhere)
WWF Over The Edge 1998
Steve Austin's rivalry with Bret Hart really kickstarted his career yet due to his own injuries and Hart exiting the company, he was unable to score the decisive victory to legitimise himself as the best competitor in the company. Similarly, Shawn Michael's injuries limited the potential of his title match with Austin at WrestleMania 14, and prevented any subsequent rematches. So, while "Stone Cold" may have been the hottest character in the wrestling industry in May 1998, there was still work that needed to be done with regards to his in ring credibility and so the company turned to Mick Foley, here in his "corporate" Dude Love persona. The Dude's willingness to do whatever the evil Mr McMahon character wanted of him, made him Austin's symbolic opposite. While their collision the previous month was a satisfactory contest, it was this rematch that really nailed the Steve Austin formula. With the odds against him, his enemies surrounding him, the villains changing the rules on the fly and an opponent willing to do anything to succeed, Austin's defiance and refusal to compromise took on a superheroic stature. This is a brilliant brawl between Austin and Foley, but it is the excellent character work and commitment to long term storytelling that really make it unmissable.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x60vrks
37) Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels
WWE WrestleMania 21 2005
The concept of the "dream match" in wrestling was increasingly rare in the mid 2000s. With the collapse of both WCW and ECW in 2001, the potential for first time collisions between established stars was limited, but as this matchup proved, still possible. Kurt Angle's debut in 1999 came in the middle of Shawn Michaels' injury forced first retirement, and when Michaels did return to the ring in 2002 the WWE's brand split of the same year kept the two men on different shows. Subsequently, when they did collide for the first time during the 2005 Royal Rumble match, it felt truly special. The appeal of two of the most talented pro-wrestlers of all time is easily understood but wisely the company took this a step further in the build to WrestleMania, with Angle's Olympic Gold Medal win in 1996 frequently paralleled with Michaels' first WWF Championship win of the same year. When the bell rang and the hotly anticipated match finally began, it didn't matter that there was nothing at stake other than pride, as both men had shown the lengths they were willing to go just for that. The match itself is every bit as good as you would expect, with Michaels' speed and veteran instincts proving the equal of Angle's skill and determination. As the match unfolds, it is genuinely difficult to predict a winner and when the ending comes, it is satisfying in a way few matches truly are. A genuine WrestleManis classic.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy3r5c
36) Bayley vs Sasha Banks (Iron Man Match)
NXT Takeover: Respect 2015
I'll discuss their previous match later on this Top 100, but needless to say the rivalry between Bayley and Sasha Banks was the highlight of NXT programming in 2015. Both women entered the WWE developmental system with little acclaim, but through hard work and determination had grown into being arguably, the two most over superstars in the brand by the time NXT Takeover: Respect rolled around. In emphasis of their hard work, and the success it yielding, the Iron Man match between the two became the first ever all female main event of NXT, but also of any major WWE show. Thankfully, Bayley and Banks didn't just meet expectaions, they surpassed them in every regard. The match itself is excellently laid out, with Bayley commitment to staying true to herself contrasting perfectly with Sasha's hunger to succeed. It's also worth pointing out that Bayley's superfan, Izzy, despite being a genuine member of the audience, also plays a major role in proceedings and hugely adds to the drama of the match. With Bayley and Sasha Banks colliding in the main event, and Asuka debuting earlier on the show, this is a huge turning point for women's wrestling in WWE and the end of it's first era in NXT.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x399ooz
35) Cactus Jack vs Randy Orton (No Holds Barred)
WWF Backlash 2004
Stop me if you've heard this one before, an up and coming talent, on the verge of stardom needs a little something extra to push him over the edge so the company turn to Mick Foley. Over the years, Mick would fulfil this role for Sting (1992), Steve Austin (1998), The Rock (1998/99), Triple H (1997 and 2000), Randy Orton (2004) and Edge (2006), not to mention his stature hencing collisions with The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels in 1996. Yet arguably no one benefitted more from Foley's generousity than Orton. When the feud between the two men began in late 2003, Orton had potential but was a long way from being a complete product. His repeated belittling of and physical attacks on Foley, served to help Orton define the character he would utilise throughout the rest of his career. The climactic collision between the two men at Backlash, is of the typical WWE Hardcore style, but Orton's willingness to take punishment, and Foley's commitment to turning up in possibly the best shape of his career, really elevated proceedings. Mick Foley would wrestle maybe a dozen more matches in the next 6 years but this was his last truly great outing.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x151y2f
34) Briscoe Brothers vs Steenerico (Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match)
ROH Manhattan Mayhem II 2007
Kevin Steen (aka Kevin Owens) and El Generico (aka Sami Zayn) have been intertwined throughout almost the entirety of their careers. Their contrasting personas and ring styles, combined with a natural chemistry, saw them take their rivalry across the North American independent wrestling scene before finding their way to ROH. Seeing, potential in an odd couple pairing, Steen and Generico were pushed together as a tag team in early 2007 and the wonderfully named tandem, Steenerico, was born. With Steen's hyper aggressive heel persona forced to co-exist with Generico's babyface athleticism, the team were a surprise hit with the ROH fanbase and seemed destined for big things. In the way of their success stand ROH's perenial tag team champions, Jay and Mark Briscoe. It's no exageration to say that The Briscoe Brothers were probably the best tag team in the world in 2007 and their innovative tandem offense, combined with a loyalty to the ROH brand, made them firm crowd favourites and they remain cornerstones of the company to this day. With that much talent in the ring, and a commitment to the potential of tag team wrestling in all four man, every match they had was great. Sadly, the excellent 2 Out Of 3 Falls match between the two teams isn't available online so I've included a link for the almost as good, yet infinitely more painful, Ladder War rematch between the two teams. This was THE tag team feud of 2007 and remains as fresh today.
Ladder War. Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7c5r9x
33) Shayna Baszler vs Candice LeRae
NXT TV (October) 2019
Candice LeRae has been a favourite of mine since I first started watching PWG in 2013. Her excellent ring work, smaller stature and the positivity of her character have made her one of the best "babyfaces" in the industry for years and it was only a matter of time before she received a NXT Championship opportunity. Unfortunately for Candice, her rise in NXT coincides with the dominant reign of ex-MMA fighter, Shayna Baszler. Now for reasons I'll never understand, Baszler is a divisive figure for many fans. Yet I find that the dominance of her ring style and the subtle nuances of her character, make her a truly compelling villain. The match that LeRae had earlier in the year at NXT Takeover: Toronto, against Io Shirai, is arguably a "better" match. But this collision between two of my favourite performers of recent years, as rooted as it is in their contrasting characters, gets the advantage for me and earns it's place on this list.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7nfqoj
32) Kazuchika Okada vs Kota Ibushi
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14: Night 1 2020
When Kazuchika Okada redebuted in NJPW in January 2012 he was very much a dubious prospect considering his disappointing first match back, and how heavily he was being pushed by the company. However 8 years, and dozens of Match Of The Year contenders, later and he was very much THE man to beat in NJPW. In contrast, Koti Ibushi was always marked out as a talent to watch, yet his desire to follow his own creative impulses had limited his success somewhat. However, following a brutal feud in 2019 with Okada's frequent rival, Tetsuya Naito, Ibushi seem to finally be on the path to glory. The match between the two on night 1 of Wrestle Kingdom then, was more then just a clash for the IWGP Championship. It was a clash of warring, wrestling philosophies between two of the most talented men of their generation, with the winner going on to face Naito on Night 2 for the chance to also win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and become the companies first double champion. The stakes were high and the competitors delivered magnificently. In terms of pure wrestling, this is the Match Of The Year thus far for me.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7q1tkm
31) John Cena vs Daniel Bryan
WWE SummerSlam 2013
Daniel Bryan (Danielson) is my favourite wrestler of the last 20 years and in 2013, after following his career from his early days in ROH, I had absolutely no doubt he had the talent to be a main eventer in the WWE. I also never believed for a second the company would ever see him the way I did. In contrast, John Cena is the quintessential WWE Champion. Taller than average, muscular to ridiculous levels and a company man, through and through you would struggle to find two wrestlers with less in common than Daniel Bryan and John Cena. So going into this match, the best I could hope for was that John Cena was in a giving mood and wasn't going to fall prey to some of his worst instincts (eg. his one night destuction of the 'Nexus' faction 3 years earlier). Much to my thrilled surprise though, "Big Match John" had his working shoes on and the two men crafted an excellent championship contest. Were it not for the events immediately after the match, this contest would be much higher on this list, but still it is a great match nevertheless. As a bonus match, I've included a link to the first time these two wrestled, 10 years earlier.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2aom6x
Bonus Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf-kiUcAdVI
40) Bret Hart vs Steve Austin (Submission Match)
WWF WrestleMania 13 1997
Purely in terms of match quality, there's a solid argument to be made that Bret Hart and Steve Austin had the greatest rivalvry in WWF history. Their excellent first match in November 1996 lead to a hugely entertaining collision during the 1997 Royal Rumble and an excellent 4 way bout (also featuring Vader and The Undertaker) at In Your House: Final Four. They would would be involved in at least 2 more memorable matches in 1997 but of all their clashes, this one is justifiably the most famous. Infamously, this match was never in the plans but Shawn Michaels controversial decision to take time away from the company, nixed the planned WrestleMania rematch with Hart so Austin got the match. Even then, this match was not a high priority for the company (hence the heated grudge match being handicapped with a submission stipulation) yet Hart and Austin rose to the occasion magnificently. The now legendary "double-turn" at the conclusion of the bout would launch Steve Austin into megastar status and kick off Hart's brilliant summer run as a hated heel in the US, who was beloved everywhere else, but the match itself also laid the framework for every WWE main event for the next 5 years. The rare "classic" bout that actually exceeds it's reputation.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7kq6u7
39) John Cena vs Shawn Michaels
WWE RAW (April) 2007
John Cena's near 2 decade career with the WWE has seen many ups and downs. When he debuted in 2002 he was largely an afterthought but by 2004 he was one of the most popular midcard acts in the company. Unfortunately, large portions of the WWE fanbase had started to turn on Cena in 2005 and by 2007 he was, despite his position as heroic champion and face of the company, one of the most reviled talents in the company. One of the main knocks against Cena was the limitations of his in-ring style, with an over reliance on his "5 moves of doom" being an intential ploy to appeal to younger audiences. Yet the idea that Cena couldn't wrestle was never accurate. Between 2005 and 2007, John was involved in great matches with Chris Jericho, Edge, Rob Van Dam, Umaga and Shawn Michaels himself (at WrestleMania 23). But, there would be no better example example of Cena's actual wrestling capabilities, then this non-title rematch with Michaels on RAW in April. It would be easy to suggest that Michaels carries Cena, but considering this match runs close to an hour in duration, that is simply not the case. Both men bring their "A-game" and deliver one of the best wrestling matches in the history of RAW that changed a lot of people's minds about Cena's abilities (including mine).
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4p10up
38) Steve Austin vs Dude Love (Falls Count Anywhere)
WWF Over The Edge 1998
Steve Austin's rivalry with Bret Hart really kickstarted his career yet due to his own injuries and Hart exiting the company, he was unable to score the decisive victory to legitimise himself as the best competitor in the company. Similarly, Shawn Michael's injuries limited the potential of his title match with Austin at WrestleMania 14, and prevented any subsequent rematches. So, while "Stone Cold" may have been the hottest character in the wrestling industry in May 1998, there was still work that needed to be done with regards to his in ring credibility and so the company turned to Mick Foley, here in his "corporate" Dude Love persona. The Dude's willingness to do whatever the evil Mr McMahon character wanted of him, made him Austin's symbolic opposite. While their collision the previous month was a satisfactory contest, it was this rematch that really nailed the Steve Austin formula. With the odds against him, his enemies surrounding him, the villains changing the rules on the fly and an opponent willing to do anything to succeed, Austin's defiance and refusal to compromise took on a superheroic stature. This is a brilliant brawl between Austin and Foley, but it is the excellent character work and commitment to long term storytelling that really make it unmissable.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x60vrks
37) Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels
WWE WrestleMania 21 2005
The concept of the "dream match" in wrestling was increasingly rare in the mid 2000s. With the collapse of both WCW and ECW in 2001, the potential for first time collisions between established stars was limited, but as this matchup proved, still possible. Kurt Angle's debut in 1999 came in the middle of Shawn Michaels' injury forced first retirement, and when Michaels did return to the ring in 2002 the WWE's brand split of the same year kept the two men on different shows. Subsequently, when they did collide for the first time during the 2005 Royal Rumble match, it felt truly special. The appeal of two of the most talented pro-wrestlers of all time is easily understood but wisely the company took this a step further in the build to WrestleMania, with Angle's Olympic Gold Medal win in 1996 frequently paralleled with Michaels' first WWF Championship win of the same year. When the bell rang and the hotly anticipated match finally began, it didn't matter that there was nothing at stake other than pride, as both men had shown the lengths they were willing to go just for that. The match itself is every bit as good as you would expect, with Michaels' speed and veteran instincts proving the equal of Angle's skill and determination. As the match unfolds, it is genuinely difficult to predict a winner and when the ending comes, it is satisfying in a way few matches truly are. A genuine WrestleManis classic.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy3r5c
36) Bayley vs Sasha Banks (Iron Man Match)
NXT Takeover: Respect 2015
I'll discuss their previous match later on this Top 100, but needless to say the rivalry between Bayley and Sasha Banks was the highlight of NXT programming in 2015. Both women entered the WWE developmental system with little acclaim, but through hard work and determination had grown into being arguably, the two most over superstars in the brand by the time NXT Takeover: Respect rolled around. In emphasis of their hard work, and the success it yielding, the Iron Man match between the two became the first ever all female main event of NXT, but also of any major WWE show. Thankfully, Bayley and Banks didn't just meet expectaions, they surpassed them in every regard. The match itself is excellently laid out, with Bayley commitment to staying true to herself contrasting perfectly with Sasha's hunger to succeed. It's also worth pointing out that Bayley's superfan, Izzy, despite being a genuine member of the audience, also plays a major role in proceedings and hugely adds to the drama of the match. With Bayley and Sasha Banks colliding in the main event, and Asuka debuting earlier on the show, this is a huge turning point for women's wrestling in WWE and the end of it's first era in NXT.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x399ooz
35) Cactus Jack vs Randy Orton (No Holds Barred)
WWF Backlash 2004
Stop me if you've heard this one before, an up and coming talent, on the verge of stardom needs a little something extra to push him over the edge so the company turn to Mick Foley. Over the years, Mick would fulfil this role for Sting (1992), Steve Austin (1998), The Rock (1998/99), Triple H (1997 and 2000), Randy Orton (2004) and Edge (2006), not to mention his stature hencing collisions with The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels in 1996. Yet arguably no one benefitted more from Foley's generousity than Orton. When the feud between the two men began in late 2003, Orton had potential but was a long way from being a complete product. His repeated belittling of and physical attacks on Foley, served to help Orton define the character he would utilise throughout the rest of his career. The climactic collision between the two men at Backlash, is of the typical WWE Hardcore style, but Orton's willingness to take punishment, and Foley's commitment to turning up in possibly the best shape of his career, really elevated proceedings. Mick Foley would wrestle maybe a dozen more matches in the next 6 years but this was his last truly great outing.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x151y2f
34) Briscoe Brothers vs Steenerico (Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match)
ROH Manhattan Mayhem II 2007
Kevin Steen (aka Kevin Owens) and El Generico (aka Sami Zayn) have been intertwined throughout almost the entirety of their careers. Their contrasting personas and ring styles, combined with a natural chemistry, saw them take their rivalry across the North American independent wrestling scene before finding their way to ROH. Seeing, potential in an odd couple pairing, Steen and Generico were pushed together as a tag team in early 2007 and the wonderfully named tandem, Steenerico, was born. With Steen's hyper aggressive heel persona forced to co-exist with Generico's babyface athleticism, the team were a surprise hit with the ROH fanbase and seemed destined for big things. In the way of their success stand ROH's perenial tag team champions, Jay and Mark Briscoe. It's no exageration to say that The Briscoe Brothers were probably the best tag team in the world in 2007 and their innovative tandem offense, combined with a loyalty to the ROH brand, made them firm crowd favourites and they remain cornerstones of the company to this day. With that much talent in the ring, and a commitment to the potential of tag team wrestling in all four man, every match they had was great. Sadly, the excellent 2 Out Of 3 Falls match between the two teams isn't available online so I've included a link for the almost as good, yet infinitely more painful, Ladder War rematch between the two teams. This was THE tag team feud of 2007 and remains as fresh today.
Ladder War. Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7c5r9x
33) Shayna Baszler vs Candice LeRae
NXT TV (October) 2019
Candice LeRae has been a favourite of mine since I first started watching PWG in 2013. Her excellent ring work, smaller stature and the positivity of her character have made her one of the best "babyfaces" in the industry for years and it was only a matter of time before she received a NXT Championship opportunity. Unfortunately for Candice, her rise in NXT coincides with the dominant reign of ex-MMA fighter, Shayna Baszler. Now for reasons I'll never understand, Baszler is a divisive figure for many fans. Yet I find that the dominance of her ring style and the subtle nuances of her character, make her a truly compelling villain. The match that LeRae had earlier in the year at NXT Takeover: Toronto, against Io Shirai, is arguably a "better" match. But this collision between two of my favourite performers of recent years, as rooted as it is in their contrasting characters, gets the advantage for me and earns it's place on this list.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7nfqoj
32) Kazuchika Okada vs Kota Ibushi
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14: Night 1 2020
When Kazuchika Okada redebuted in NJPW in January 2012 he was very much a dubious prospect considering his disappointing first match back, and how heavily he was being pushed by the company. However 8 years, and dozens of Match Of The Year contenders, later and he was very much THE man to beat in NJPW. In contrast, Koti Ibushi was always marked out as a talent to watch, yet his desire to follow his own creative impulses had limited his success somewhat. However, following a brutal feud in 2019 with Okada's frequent rival, Tetsuya Naito, Ibushi seem to finally be on the path to glory. The match between the two on night 1 of Wrestle Kingdom then, was more then just a clash for the IWGP Championship. It was a clash of warring, wrestling philosophies between two of the most talented men of their generation, with the winner going on to face Naito on Night 2 for the chance to also win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and become the companies first double champion. The stakes were high and the competitors delivered magnificently. In terms of pure wrestling, this is the Match Of The Year thus far for me.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7q1tkm
31) John Cena vs Daniel Bryan
WWE SummerSlam 2013
Daniel Bryan (Danielson) is my favourite wrestler of the last 20 years and in 2013, after following his career from his early days in ROH, I had absolutely no doubt he had the talent to be a main eventer in the WWE. I also never believed for a second the company would ever see him the way I did. In contrast, John Cena is the quintessential WWE Champion. Taller than average, muscular to ridiculous levels and a company man, through and through you would struggle to find two wrestlers with less in common than Daniel Bryan and John Cena. So going into this match, the best I could hope for was that John Cena was in a giving mood and wasn't going to fall prey to some of his worst instincts (eg. his one night destuction of the 'Nexus' faction 3 years earlier). Much to my thrilled surprise though, "Big Match John" had his working shoes on and the two men crafted an excellent championship contest. Were it not for the events immediately after the match, this contest would be much higher on this list, but still it is a great match nevertheless. As a bonus match, I've included a link to the first time these two wrestled, 10 years earlier.
Full Match: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2aom6x
Bonus Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf-kiUcAdVI
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