Even though I respect the creativity there, that spot bugs me a bit that the ref didn't try and break the hold because Angle was in the ropes. In the past, announcers have gone crazy whenever a wrestler uses the ropes to their advantage, and I don't see why that spot should've been treated differently.
And I liked Rumble 03 the best, simply because I haven't been caught up in any match like that since HBK first retired. I damn near jumped out of my seat when Angle grapevined the leg on the ankle log. Great match.