In the dawn of the new millennium, the Monday Night Wars were still on-going but the writing was on the wall for one of the companies. By 2001 the war would be over and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) would own both World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Both purchases would bring with it a host of new talent and a wealth of a tape library. It was crystal clear; WWE was the king of the wrestling mountain. With no more competition, Vince McMahon decided to create it internally. Turning his two flagship shows, Raw and Smackdown, into their own respective brands at war with one another The on-going success would see it’s marquee event, Wrestlemania, return to Stadiums and see them make some record profits. The Attitude Era would eventually give way to the Ruthless Aggression, bringing with it a host of new talent – John Cena, Batista, Randy Orton. But it wasn’t just new names that would see the spotlight as the likes of Edge, Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero would all become main event players. Eventually, the “adult” based emphasis on content that saw them rule the 90’s into this decade would begin to fade away back to a more PG friendly product.
Although WWE had little fear, many companies would find themselves born from the ashes of WCW and ECW. Total Non-Stop Action (TNA) was formed by Jeff Jarrett and became the closest thing to a new major promotion in the United States. Although it would never ascend the heights of WWE it did offer a decent alternative. Bringing with it the unique six sided ring and a host of former WCW talent. It would also do well at stealing away some WWE talent and actually gave them a bigger role to what they were used to. It would also act as hot bed for establishing new names with future big stars like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. It did this by drafting talent from the flourishing independent scene. Companies like Ring of Honour, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) all sprung up and delivered a new age of wrestling spearheaded by the “indie darling” talent like CM Punk, Bryan Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli. All of whom would find themselves reach WWE before the decade was out.
Other areas of the globe did not fair so well. After having some of the biggest names and buzz in the previous decades both All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) started to struggle. Following the death of its founder and promoter, Giant Baba, Mitsuharu Misawa left the company disheartened with the new direction AJPW was heading under it’s new leadership. Misawa would form Pro Wrestling Noah and would entice multiple talent from AJPW leaving a lot it’s locker room stripped of established names. Over in NJPW, its founder, Antonio Inoki, decided to cash in on the burgeoning popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) by integrating “shoot” based wrestling. The merging of wrestling and MMA, known as “Inokism”, saw heavy criticism by critics and fans. Inoki would eventually have to step down and would sell off his part of the company to Yuke’s. However, some seeds were sown to make sure the company would have a bright future in the form of the new “Three Muskateers” – Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata and Shinsuke Nakamura.
In many respects, the 2000's would prove to be a time of a lot of highs and lows if you were a fan. With no competition, the WWE eventually became a little too comfortable and it's hard not to see a slight decline in quality. Thankfully it still produced some tremendous matches thanks to the talent it had. Away from the big leagues, the rise of the independents would ensure wrestling had a bright future and a new direction.
Pre -1980's
1980's
1990's
2010's
2020's
Cactus Jack
vs Triple H
Street Fight - WWE - Royal Rumble '00
- January 23, 2000
Before Triple H would go onto become the King of King’s, he was struggling to really cement himself as the new main event player between 1999-2000. Enter Mick Foley - the “kingmaker”. Foley has a real skill of taking superstars on the cusp of being main eventers and helping them reach that potential in a baptism of violence. At the time, Foley was rocking the Mankind persona but by this stage the character had fully embraced a more comedic
side. There is no denying the hardcore edge of the character, but the feud needed that extra level of danger. In a masterfully done promo, Foley shed the office shirt and mask to bring Cactus Jack back from the dead. In front of the New York crowd, Cactus would completely tear Triple H apart bringing out his old favourite of the two by four wrapped in barbed wire. Jack looks like a true monster of an opponent here, with The Game looking like he could have been on the verge of losing his title. In typical Foley fashion though, he takes plenty of cringe inducing bumps to make his opponent look good, including a pedigree into a pile of thumbtacks. Despite occurring in WWE’s more adult aimed era this still stands as one of its most violent bouts. It is a crowning moment for the Cactus Jack persona in the promotion, as arguably the character had not lived up to the reputation earned outside of WWE up to this point. Not to mention, the match successful cemented Triple H as being a main event player.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
vs Kurt Angle vs Triple H
vs The Undertaker vs Rikishi
Hell in a Cell Match - WWE - Armageddon '00
- December 10, 2000
If there was ever such a perfect description of a “car crash” match then this is probably it. But as the old saying goes, you can’t look away. All you have heard about this match is probably true. It’s far too chaotic, very hard to keep track of and has too much story going on that it
does become a confused mess. But even with all that being said this is still an underrated gem. This match is a perfect encapsulation of the Attitude Era; bloody, violent, stacked with talent and ridiculous storylines. Four different storylines converged into this one match and its mind blowing to see when compared to the current product that fails to get even one story off the ground.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
Chris Benoit
vs Chris Jericho
Ladder Match - WWE - Royal Rumble '01
- January 21, 2001
Arguably the best ladder match WWE has ever done and it’s one they can never talk about. In truth, it is a hard watch at times when going back over it. Given what we would learn about Benoit and the toll his in-ring work had on his mind. Seeing him take a tope suicida through the ropes head first into a chair is brutal. But past all that this match is pure
magic. In most of these types of matches the ladder becomes the star whereas here it’s used as the prop it should be. It’s a match that relies on very little massive spots and as a result it feels more impactful when they occur.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
Royal Rumble Match 2001
WWE - Royal Rumble '01 - January 21, 2001
In its long history, there has rarely been a “bad” Rumble match. You can basically put any Rumble on and have a fun time with it, such is its charm. Then there are some Rumbles that are god tier, with this one being chief among them. First of all, it is a truly stacked Rumble, featuring a strong list of contenders that could have won – The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Kane etc. On top of that, this is when WWE’s mid card was probably at it’s best, leaving a whole host of stars from the Attitude Era to fill out the remaining spots. Secondly, a good Rumble should be
able to be broken down into segments that give the audience more to watch than just people being thrown out of a ring. You won’t find a better example of this than in this Rumble match. So many moments and story threads are woven throughout this match that it keeps you on the edge of your seat, running a gamut of reactions. Particular highlights include; Drew Carrey nearly getting choke slammed to hell, Tiple H almost costing Austin his place in the match and a break down of hardcore action that makes it look like a hurricane blew through the arena. Even though it arguably didn’t need it there is still room for that favourite Rumble staple of surprise returns in the form of the Big Show and Haku. There are also special legend appearances ala the Honky Tonk Man resulting in one of the funniest moments in the matches history. This Rumble would also see Kane set the record for most eliminations that would take well over a decade to beat. He really is the MVP in this match and watching him and Austin go at it as the final two will have you jumping out of your seat. Rumble matches don’t come much greater than this one.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
The Hardy Boyz
vs The Dudley Boys
vs Edge & Christian
TLC Match - WWE - Wrestlemania X-7 - April 1, 2001
Only the second time ever this match was done and it forever set the bar to never be surpassed. Many have come close but have been only finger tips away. And maybe it should remain that way. Despite the success each man has had separately away from these teams it will still stand as their grandest achievement. The fact that the Dudley’s, the Hardy’s and Edge &
Christian had two previous matches of a similar calibre beforehand you’d be forgiven they’d pulled every idea out of the bag already. And yet this would be the match with so many highlights that it would be forever replayed in packages even to this day. There is far too much to even get into with the highlights that you really just need to go see it if you haven’t already.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
The Rock
vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
WWE - Wrestlemania X-7 - April 1, 2001
The feud that defined the Attitude Era, with the stars that helped make the WWE a juggernaut of entertainment once again. Many point to X-7 as the perfect full stop to the Attitude Era and they aren’t wrong. When so many blood feuds these days don’t always feel like they should (why would you start a match with a lock up?) this one felt like two men who wanted to kill each other. All just to be crowned the
WWE champion. From bell to bell it is a full on and frenetic affair, with the two mega stars leaving
everything they had in the ring. Not too mention the crowd is white hot for it. Even the ending (I actually like it) can’t dampen what is arguably the best match in Wrestlemania’s long history.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
The Rock
vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan
WWE - Wrestlemania X-8 - March 17, 2002
The idea of the dream match is a huge part of wrestling fandom. But rarely does it live up to the hype. This match certainly did and then some. Build as “Icon vs Icon” this never felt like a truer statement with the only criticism you can point to in this match is it should of main evented. Despite being at the point where Hogan should have been winding down his career, Rocky dragged out the
last truly great match from him. And you could argue this was even Hogan’s best match period. The pair worked smart to construct a bout that played up to each competitors strengths and allowed each one to shine with their character traits. The Toronto crowd is also truly electric and caused the dynamic of the match to feel like it was switched on the fly. Dream matches don’t come much bigger or better than this one.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network and YouTube
Triple H
vs Shawn Michaels
Non-Sanctioned Match – WWE – SummerSlam
– August 25, 2002
Is this the greatest comeback of all time? If not, it is certainly in the running. Back in 1998, Michaels was forced to take leave from WWE following a back injury he sustained during his casket match with the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble. On top of that, mounting alcohol and substance abuse
issues meant he would become lost in the wilderness for four years save the odd on-screen presence as commissioner. The man was broken spiritually, physically and mentally. Thankfully, Michaels got clean and mended himself thanks to becoming a born-again Christian. He returned to WWE in 2002 as part of the floundering NWO angle which was quickly forgotten. But the question remained, would he have what it takes to step back into the ring? The means to get him there was masterfully done. With Triple H turning on him, sighting that Michaels used him back in day to get to the top and now he would do the same with Michaels. The match was set for Summerslam and everyone waited with bated breath to see if Michaels could still deliver. And deliver he did, making it seem like the last 4 years had never happened. The No-DQ stipulation certainly helped but even then when it actually came down to the ring work Michaels demonstrated why he really is one of a kind. The story work is also fantastic with Triple H dialling up the heel shenanigans to answer Michael’s offence and both men would be donning a crimson mask before the final bell. In the end, the match was the perfect return for Michaels and kick started the second half of his career which would lead to him bettering his original run.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network and YouTube
Kurt Angle
vs Chris Benoit
WWE - Royal Rumble '03 - January 19, 2003
If you ever needed an example of two wrestlers who can always be put together and can always deliver then Benoit and Angle would be near the top of that list. Having already had many battles and feuds previously, such as the brilliant build and bout at Wrestlemania X-7, everyone knew these two would bring it once again. The one downside was Benoit was merely a brief addition to the larger feud involving Angle, Lesnar and Big Show. But you really wouldn’t think it looking at this match. The two still
put on an absolute blinder of a match and in many respects, it would be further fuel to the fire as to why Benoit deserved to be in the main event picture. Almost a year later it would be a completely different story and Benoit would have his moment to shine.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
Chris Benoit
vs Triple H
vs Shawn Michaels
Triple Threat Match - WWE - Wrestlemania 20
- March 14, 2004
Whenever Mania reaches a big anniversary it usually feels like a changing of the guard. Bret Hart standing tall at Mania 10. Daniel Bryan lifting the unified titles at 30. For 20 there was no better visual than Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero stood arm in arm each holding a world title as the confetti rained down. Sadly, the years that followed would see both
men leave this world and one in particular ruin his legacy. But for those that can still appreciate his in-ring talent this would forever stand as “his” moment and what a sensational bout it was.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
CM Punk
vs Samoa Joe
ROH - June 12, 2004
The first of their legendary trilogy of matches that not only put Ring of Honour on the map but demonstrated why these two were the future of wrestling. It’s interesting watching these two here especially when you know of the history to come. At the time Joe was on a monster run as the ROH champion having defended against many of the future other big names in wrestling. Punk likewise was seeing his stock and popularity rise having had great success with the Second City Saints. The popularity of the two is pretty matched as the
audience is split right down the middle. At an hour long with the match ending in a no contest, you would be forgiven for not wanting to indulge but you would be missing out. The pair really went out of their way to structure such a lengthy match perfectly. It has plenty of shifts in gear but the pace never really feels like it drops and the closing moments are as tense as ever. Not too mention the pair showcase a variety of wrestling styles here, with Punk at one point bringing out some European style chain wrestling ala Johnny Saint. Although many rate their follow up encounter as their best work that should take nothing away from were it all started.
Available on Honour Club and YouTube
Edge vs Chris Jericho
vs Shelton Benjamin vs Kane
vs Christian vs Chris Benoit
WWE - Money in the Bank Match - Wrestlemania 21
- April 3, 2005
Before it would have its own centric PPV, Money in the Bank was a match that was a staple of Wrestlemania. It’s humble beginnings were the brainchild of Chris Jericho and by everyone’s admission they had no idea what to do with the concept. This was none the more apparent when winner Edge would take close to a full year to cash-
in. But away from that, it’s a glowing example of why Wrestlemania is where ladder matches shine in WWE and them having another tool in their arsenal to elevate talent. Every opponent in this match felt like they could be a winner and once again the mix of styles all had their moments to shine. Particular highlight being Shelton Benjamin running up a ladder to clothesline Chris Jericho off the top of another ladder. It is still an absolutely tasty spot. As already stated, this would be where Edge finally made steps into becoming the main event star he was destined to be.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
Royal Rumble Match 2006
WWE - Royal Rumble '06- January 29, 2006
If you ever needed proof that WWE can make fans dreams come true then this Rumble does that in volumes. Going into it, Rey Mysterio was someone the fans adored but never got much of a whiff at the main event. In WCW he was the star talent in the cruiserweight division and when he finally showed up in WWE it looked like he would continue being the cruiserweight poster boy. But following the shock passing of Eddie Guerrero, WWE needed something to bring a little light back to the fans with Mysterio being the perfect opportunity. Mysterio’s
journey to the main event at Mania starts in earnest here and you’ll struggle to find a much more emotional Rumble win than this one.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
John Cena
vs Shawn Michaels
WWE - Wrestlemania 23 - April 1, 2007
Many people will look back over the history of John Cena and say that the guy could not wrestle. That is bogus. If he isn’t your style of wrestling then that is totally fair. But as his long career has shown, the guy has put on some great bouts. You would be forgiven in thinking he was still a little green around this time despite being firmly planted as the top star but put him in a ring
was the likes of Shawn Michaels and you know it would be a solid contest. And so, it was. Even if Michaels no doubt would have done everything to make Cena look great, John no doubt carried his own in this match. The end result is Cena’s best match during the early years of his dominance and a brilliant Mania standout.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network
Edge
vs Rey Mysterio
WWE - Royal Rumble '08 - January 27, 2008
Although not a lot can be said about the feud going into this one, it was another stop gap to set up bigger things at Mania. The fact that two of the key players from the Smackdown Six were now main eventers spoke a lot at the work they had put into everything. Edge and Mysterio were no longer the mid-card guys, they were main eventers. The work
rate in this matches proves alone demonstrates why they were destined for the top position on the card. The fact that they both in their own ways are still in that scene to this day shows that they were talent never to be destined to remain in the Midcard.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network and YouTube
Bryan Danielson
vs Nigel McGuinness
ROH – 6th Anniversary Show – February 23, 2008
One of the most storied rivalries in Ring of Honour history was Bryan Danielson vs Nigel McGuiness. It’s a real shame the pair would never get a chance to take it to the bigger stage of WWE with only one out of two being able to actively compete there. Thankfully, we do have an amazing body of work to
look back on. What is great about this match was the story they crafted going into it and during the bout. Danielson had come off an eye injury which had side lined him and the champion McGuiness had recently battled some concussion issues. Despite wanting to stop at nothing to become the first ever two-time champion, Danielson made an agreement not to attack Nigel’s head during the match. The result is a match built around Bryan keeping his word though he does need to fight against his instincts. On the opposite end you have McGuiness trying various dirty tactics to make sure he stays champ. Particular highlight is Nigel calling the crowd “w*****s” when he gets deliberately disqualified before the match restarts. It is a brilliantly crafted bout with some tremendous in-ring storytelling.
Available on Ring of Honour Online and YouTube
John Cena
vs John Bradshaw Layfield
WWE - Royal Rumble '09 - January 25, 2009
A bit like the previous years offering, this was a match that was a bit cobbled together. The bigger picture was the whole JBL owning Shawn Michaels story arch and even then, that would find it’s end not long after this. But if WWE did just need a title match, they need not worry about the people they chose. JBL and Cena is an often-overlooked rivalry and to be honest JBL is often underappreciated for his time in the main event scene. Say what you want about the guy, but he knew how to build heat and draw the ire of the fans. What we didn’t know at the time was
that a month or so later, JBL would effectively retire from in-ring competition, making this his final shot at the big belt. And it was a hell of a final shot.
Available on Peacock/WWE Network and YouTube
Shawn Michaels
vs The Undertaker
WWE - Wrestlemania 25 - April 5, 2009
The first of two matches that will forever be etched in wrestling history as the greatest to happen at Wrestlemania. What is shocking to believe is that this was the first time in 11 years that these two had a singles competition. After all that time you would have to wonder if the chemistry would be the same? But like a fine wine
the chemistry had only matured and gotten better. By this point, the idea of “the streak” was really starting to take hold and if no one had become believably close to ending it then Michaels felt like a true favourite. In the end, both men put on a match still talked about all these years later and just about stands as the best work either man has ever delivered. That is unless you prefer round 2…
Available on Peacock/WWE Network and YouTube