Your top 10 matches of 2004

[Guest Jason]

2004 has definatley had its ups and a downs. Superstars have reached new hieghts, and new records have been set in the WWE. We have had great feuds, as well as some we'd rather forget. New storylines where made, and new superstars debuted. We witnessed some great promos, and very entertaining segments.

 

Not only did we get that, we had some great matches. Guys like Jericho, Orton, Triple H, Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero all took part in producing some great matches. The quality of wrestling in 2004 is slightly up from 2003, and I think 2004 has been a success entertainment-wise, despite the fact that the ratings and buyrates may not suggest the same thing. 2004 has given us some nice half hour classics that helped make this year be what it was. Sure, there where disapointments, but in the end, I know that I can look back and remember all the great matches that where made. But it comes down to the best of the best, and there is a huge list of matches that I could name, but this is for your 2004 Matches Of The Year.

 

 

Here is mine.

 

10. Christian vs Chris Jericho (Ladder Match) - Unforgiven

Sure, it wasn't a five star match like everyone wanted when this match was made, but it was still a damn good ladder match. Christian and Jericho worked together just as well as they always did, and this was my personal favoutite of all their matches. Some nice highspots, and Jericho showed why when he's got a ladder, he's the best in the buisness. Christian worked Jericho well with the ladder, and its too bad that there wasn't anything new in this ladder match, and no real "HOLY SHIT" moment, but still a very good ladder match, and I know I will probobly end up buying the Unforgiven DVD for the sole purpose of seing this match.

 

9. Brock Lesnar vs Eddie Guerrero - No Way Out

I really enjoyed watching this match, especially because Eddie finally was able to win the WWE Championship. It was a great half hour match that left me like I got my money's worth for that match alone. Everything was booked perefectly. Brock and Eddie showed great chemistry and Goldberg's interference was one of the few that I can say worked well. It's too bad Brock is gone, because I'm sure if he was still here, his name would appear on this list multiple times, like Eddie's does. This match was well paced, and Eddie stepped up to a new level, and along with Brock, stole the show and No Way Out.

 

8. Triple H vs Chris Benoit (Iron Man Match) - RAW

What a match this was. Benoit worked Triple H's leg perfectly, and helped make this into a very believable and realistic match. It's too bad that after Benoit worked the leg for 5 minutes straight that Triple H barely sold it. But Triple H did work on Benoit's sternum and Benoit sold it very well. All the falls in this match where well done, and this was a real technical masterpiece. The only problem was that at times, it got a little boring, but it is hard to make 1 hour of non stop exciting wrestling. And the other thing was all the run ins, which took away from the match, but it was still an amazing match, and one that will go down as one of the better Iron Man Matches for sure.

 

7. Eddie Guerrero vs Undertaker vs JBL vs Booker T - Armageddon

What a refreshing match this was. After all the straight wrestling this gave us a nice break from that, and a good old type of match, called TLC. The TLC aspect helped this match a lot, to make it on to this list. We badley needed something like that, and thankfully got it. The two table spots where great, although its obvious that when JBL did the powerbomb on I forget who that the table was supposed to break, but he was able to cover it up and hit an elbow like the great champ he is. Guerrero and the ladder where great. The frog splash was an awesome sight. If it wasn't for Hiedenrich's interference, this would definatley be higher on the list, but this was still a great match.

 

6. Triple H vs Shawn Michaels (Hell In a Cell) - Bad Blood

Did anyone expect over 40 minutes from these two? I sure didn't. This was a great way to put a last chapter in their feud (damned Taboo Tuesday). Some great back and forth action, and they used the cell well. The ladder/table spot was one of the best spots I've seen in a match in quite some time. The pace was good, and HBK sold his back very well, unless that was legit.. Which I hope it wasn't, but I honostly don't know, lol. It would have been nice to see them finish the match on top of the cell, and the finish could have been stronger, but still, this ranks right up there are one of the best HIAC matches ever.

 

5. Triple H vs Chris Benoit - Vengeance

A lot like the Iron Man Match, but there was no hour of time to fill, making this match more enjoyable. Like the Iron Man, Triple H worked on Benoit's sternum very well, and Benoit sold it equally as well. Benoit and Hunter always put on a great match together. The run ins hurt it like the Iron Man Match though, and the finish wasn't all that great, but still, a great match.

 

4. Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels (Show Down In The Desert) - RAW

Wow. I can't believe that they gave us this good of a match on RAW. A real classic that had me entertained through out the entire thing. A nice mix of tehcnical wrestling, and hardcore wrestling. Like Benoit and Triple H, Benoit and Michaels always show great chemistry together. Great pace and a very entertaining match. Hopefully in the near match, these two can go at it in a really in depth feud.

 

3. Mick Foley vs Randy Orton - Backlash

What a hardcore match this was. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING about it was great. The table spot, elbow, RKO on the thumbtacks. Powerslam on teh barbed wire, the suspence, I watch this match as often as possible, and it never bores me. It's always a great match when I watch it, and this is the match that made Randy. I look forward to seeing more matches that involves a gimmick match and Randy Orton. Great match, and obviously one of the best of 2004.

 

2. Kurt Angle vs Eddie Guerrero (2 of 3 Falls) - SmackDown!

When I heard that this match was going to take place, I knew it would top their SummerSlam and Mania matches, and I was right. But I also thought each fall would have a gimmick. I was disapointed when I found out that each would be straight wrestling, but I was not disapointed in the quality of this match. Showed a lot of great comedy and wrestling. Great way to add another chapter in the Kurt/Eddie feud. If I can get my hands on this match, I will definatley buy it or download it.

 

1. Triple H vs Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels - WrestleManiaXX

Best WrestleMania main event of all time. This was spectacular. The atmosphere added a lot aswell, and being on the biggest stage of all time, all three showed why they deserved to be in that match. Take out anyone and its a whole different match. The wrestling was great, the spots where great, and seeing Benoit win the belt was amazing. Definatley the best match of the year for me.

 

So those are mine. What are your top 10 matches of 2004?

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Are you the guy who called up WOL a couple of weeks ago to claim that WWE drawing 4,000 to MSG wasn't a bad thing ?

[Aero 0]

1. Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero (No Way Out)

2. Royal Rumble Match (Royal Rumble)

3. HHH vs. Chris Benoit vs. HBK (WM XX)

4. Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley (Backlash)

5. Bullrope Match - Eddie Guerrero vs. JBL (Great American Bash)

6. Chris Benoit vs. HHH vs. HBK (Backlash)

7. Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (WM XX)

8. The Rock & Mick Foley vs. Evolution (WM XX)

9. Chris Jericho vs. Christian (WM XX)

10. Chris Benoit vs. Randy Orton (Summerslam)

 

Honorable Mention for the final spot goes to Orton vs. Benjamin at Bad Blood, which I loved at the time. I thought both HBK-Benoit matches were really good, but I haven't seen them in a long time. Plus, the second match, which I remember liking better, had a horrible finish.

[Guest LooneyTune]

No order since I really can't tell the difference on a ranking level between some of these.

 

1. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (WM XX)

2. Chris Benoit vs. Kane (Bad Blood and possibly Kanes best match ever)

3. Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar (No Way Out. Not the 5-star MOTY everyone says, but still damn good)

4. 30-Man Royal Rumble Match

5. Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley (Backlash; Over-rated, but still entertaining)

6. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels (5/3/04 RAW; Horrible finish ruins this)

7. Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. (SD after WM; not as good as the 1997 HHavoc though)

8. Paul London vs. Jamie Noble (Velocity; Spring '04)

9. Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (WM XX)

10. NOTHING

 

The list is obviously in favor of Benoit and Eddie.

 

Edit: Who the hell thinks HBK/HHH Hell In A Cell was anything close to being good? The most boring match in the history of wrestling as the two lay on the ground for 10 minutes at a time selling simple moves. The match was the new cure for insomnia with 1 notable bump, and it was from a fucking ladder, which wasn't even part of the gimmick of the HIAC.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

10. Shelton Benjamin Vs. Randy Orton, Bad Blood

9. The Rock & Mick Foley Vs. Evolution, Wrestlemania 20

8. Randy Orton Vs. Chris Benoit, Summerslam

7. Rey Mysterio Vs. Eddie Guerrero, Smackdown

6. Shelton Benjamin Vs. Triple H, RAW(Shelton's debut on RAW, very underrated match, it showed how Shelton is the future of the WWE, he carried HHH in this one).

5. Kurt Angle Vs. Eddie Guerrero, 2 out of 3 falls, Smackdown

4. Eddie Guerrero Vs. Brock Lesnar, No Way Out

3. Chris Benoit Vs. Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels, Wrestlemania 20

2. Royal Rumble Match, Royal Rumble

1. Kurt Angle Vs. Eddie Guerrero, Wrestlemania 20

[Guest The Shadow Behind You]

1) CM Punk Vs Samoa Joe-10.16

2). Eddy Guerrero Vs Brock Lesnar-No Mercy

3). CM Punk Vs Samoa Joe 12.4

4). The American Dragon Bryan Danielson Vs Samoa Joe-10.2.

5). Triple H Vs Chris Benoit Vs HBK-Wrestlemania XX

6). The American Dragon Bryan Danielson Vs Homicide- 4.24

7). Randy Orton Vs Mick Foley-Backlash

8). Chris Benoit Vs Randy Orton-Raw after Summerslam

9). Jushin Liger & Samoa Joe Vs The American Dragon & Low Ki-11.6

10) Paul London Vs Jamie Knoble-Velocity in Early '04

11). Kurt Angle Vs Eddy Guerrero-WrestleMania XX

12). Eddy Guerrero Vs JBL-Great American Bash

13). GenNext Vs Stryker/Walters/Jacobs-7.23.

14). Rey Mysterio Vs Eddy Guerrero-SD after Mania

15). Chris Benoit Vs HBK-Showdown in the Desert

16). Chris Benoit Vs Kane-Bad Blood

17). American Dragon Bryan Danielson Vs Austin Aries-8.7

18). The Rock n Sock Connection Vs Evolution-WrestleMania XX

19). AMW Vs Triple X-Six Sided Cage Match Turning Point

20). Samoa Joe Vs CM Punk 6.12

[Guest The Shadow Behind You]

*I Know it's a top ten but I felt since 2004 was 10x's better then 2003 and 2002 as far as match quality i had to expand the list to 20. There were no specifications that it was a WWE only list, but just "your".

[Guest LooneyTune]

Well it IS in the WWE Folder, where all topics are about WWE wrestlers, WWE events, and all information about WWE. I would assume it's common knowledge that the topic was about WWE.

[Styles 0]

Well it IS in the WWE Folder, where all topics are about WWE wrestlers, WWE events, and all information about WWE. I would assume it's common knowledge that the topic was about WWE.

True, thus I will contain my list to WWE matches.

 

10. Rock and Mick Foley vs. Evolution- Wrestlemania XX

9. Ric Flair, Batista & Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit, Edge & Chris Jericho- RAW 6/15/04

8. Smackdown Royal Rumble- Smackdown 1/29/04

7. Chris Benoit v. Shawn Michaels- RAW 5/3/04

6. Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley- Backlash

5. Eddy Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle- Wrestlemania XX

4. The Royal Rumble- Royal Rumble

3. Chris Benoit vs. HHH vs. Shawn Michaels-Backlash

2. Eddy Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar- No Way Out

1. Chris Benoit vs. HHH vs. Shawn Michaels- Wrestlemania XX

 

Honorable Mentions:

Shawn Michaels v. Chris Benoit- RAW 2/16/04

Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit- Summerslam

Eddy Guerrero vs. Bradshaw- Great American Bash

HHH, Randy Orton, Ric Flair & Batista vs. Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley & Shelton Benjamin- RAW 4/12/04

Chris Benoit vs. Kane- Badd Blood

 

Everything from the first half of the year. The first half was just awesome, yet the second half was so bad. Really polar oposites...

[Guest Thrashist]

Great list.

 

There's no question whatsoever that what Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H pulled off on March 14th, 2004 was nothing short of spectacular. Without a doubt the best match of 2004, and in my opinion, the greatest Wrestlemania main event of all-time. It had everything you could possibly want in a match, and more. The chain, the high spots, the drama, the anticipation, the back-and-forth, the blood, and the undescribable feeling you get when you see Chris Benoit make Triple H tap out in the middle of the ring at Wrestlemania 20 in Madison Square Garden and launch the world heavyweight championship over his head. Just..amazing.

 

And yeah, I'm waiting for someone to chime in "it's just pro wrestling, jackass!" Other good matches: the rematch, Orton/Foley, Lesnar/Guerrero, Angle/Guerrero, the Rumble, Benoit/HBK, Benjamin/HHH, and pretty much everything Benoit and Michaels have touched this year week-to-week.

 

And don't you all forget: LESNAR VERSUS GOLDBERG. Funniest match..ever.

[Tawren 0]

This is a WWE list. My pro wrestling list is much different.

 

1. Brock Lesnar vs Eddy Guerrero, 2/15/04 No Way Out, ****

Excellent big man vs little man match. At the start, Brock refuses to let Eddy in the ring with a total "this is my ring, punk, respect me because I'm the fucking man!" attitude, and Eddy ends up using the ring throughout the match for effective counters and moves as if to say "this is MY ring, not yours". The interference from Goldberg doesn't hurt it, it helps it. Eddy's entire character is that he lies, cheats, and steals. He cheats by accepting the run in and tries to steal the victory but Brock is still tough so he kicks out. And then they move on to the real finish. Great great match.

 

2. Paul London vs Jamie Noble, Velocity 3/6/04 ***3/4

Tons of fun with actual wrestling involved. London gets the crowd firmly behind him and Noble works a great old-fashioned heel. The finishing sequence is one of my favorite sequences of the year. This match is something that everybody needs to see as proof that cruisers can get over. Boatloads of awesomeness.

 

3. Randy Orton vs Val Venis, Heat 5/2/04 ***1/2

I hate Orton, but this is far and away his best match. Venis is such a great wrestler that has not been given a real chance. This is Orton's best smarmy heel match. Lots of fun armwork and the crowd gets into it. Sad that it takes someone the WWE doesn't even know they have to bring out the best in their golden boy.

 

4. Eddy Guerrero vs Rey Misterio, Smackdown 3/18/04 ***1/2

This is the finish of the Smackdown gauntlet. Neither guy is a good enough wrestler anymore to go balls to the wall like they did in 1997, so instead they work a slower match. And it works. The arm work here is fun (and plays into the finish for once) and there are several plays off of their previous matches. Lots of good high spots too.

 

5. Smackdown Royal Rumble, Smackdown 1/29/04 ***1/2

The crowd heat is off the charts. Almost everybody does a good job working a regular Rumble and Eddy has a great performance of desperation to win throughout. The Angle/Eddy finale is incredibly intense and the mat stuff is excellently done.

 

6. Rey Misterio vs Yoshihiro Tajiri, Smackdown 1/1/04 ***1/4

Wacky cruiserweight fun. Tajiri is his usual intense self and the kicks are good, but Rey's selling of them is great. I also remember this having some swank submissions. At any rate, a well-worked match.

 

7. John Cena and Chris Benoit vs Big Show, Brock Lesnar, Matt Morgan, Rhyno, Smackdown 1/22/04 ***

Wow. Matt Morgan on a MOTY list. Sad, but true. Out-numbered to all belief, Cena and Benoit do a great job of getting over the underdog story without being idiots and resorting to "huge comeback punches!" or anything like that. The heels are good in their roles as jerks and the match works.

 

8. Jamie Noble vs Paul London, Velocity 6/19/04 ***

Short, but very fun and with some good plays off their earlier match.

 

9. Paul London vs Akio, Velocity 12/4/04 ***

Worked at a pace and style so unlike what we usually see in the WWE that I will include it on a MOTY list. Some solid stiff exchanges, the sick head drop, and just all around fun work that deserves to be recognized.

 

10. Paul London vs Billy Kidman, Velocity 12/11/04 ***

London is a babyface on fire, god dammit, and his stomps and fired up offence work well in his favor. Kidman's bewildered look (yes, I know he usually has it anyways) works well here because it puts over how little he thinks of his former partner. Again, lots of fun spots (double stomp on the head, anybody?) make this worlds better than it should be given the amount of time it is given.

 

I may edit this if I've forgotten any matches (middle of the year Smackdown and all Raw's tend to run together for me).

[Guest Evolution]

The majority of this will be Raw-biased, as that's the only show I watched for 95% of the year. Rarely got around to watching Smackdown, and the same goes for Heat and Velocity.

 

1. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Wrestlemania XX)

2. The Royal Rumble Match (Royal Rumble)

3. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Backlash)

4. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels (Showdown in the Desert)

5. Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero (Wrestlemania XX)

6. Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero (No Way Out)

7. Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley (Backlash)

8. Chris Benoit vs. Kane (Bad Blood)

9. John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Eddie Guerrero (The Great American Bash)

10. Randy Orton vs. Ric Flair (Taboo Tuesday)

[The Mandarin 0]

Here, I divided up the ten.

 

Great Matches

Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero, No Way Out 2004

Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle, Wrestlemania XX

Brock Lesnar vs. Rey Mysterio Dec 11..2003 (oh, go to hell)

 

Sentimental Favourites

Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit, Wrestlemania XX

Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley, Backlash

Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels, Backlash

 

Underrated/Forgotten Bouts

Stevie Richards vs. Chris Jericho late 2004

Undertaker vs. John Cena That one SmackDown before GAB where Taker busted his ass

Chris Benoit and Edge vs. Randy Orton and Batista, that episode where Kane wins the battle royal

 

My Overall Favourite Match of the Year

The Rock and Mick Foley vs. Evolution, Wrestlemania XX

No, I'm serious. It shouldn't be anybody else's MOTY, and deservingly so. It obviously wasn't a very good wrestling match. But since I have morbid standards, in my opinion this is far and away the most entertaining and watchable match of this year.

[Just call me Dan 0]

These are my favorite matches of the year. In no order, of course.

 

Kane/Benoit - Bad Blood - Best big man vs little man match I've seen in a long time. Kane's best match ever, IMO. Finish was superb.

Benoit/Orton - Summerslam - Benoit fucking killed himslef in his bumps in the match. Great job of putting Orton and the RKO over until the next month.

Eddie/Angle, 2 out of 3 falls - Smackdown - The best of the three matches. I enjoyed all three, but the story told here and Eddie coming just short sold me on this one. Excellent match.

Orton/Foley - Backlash - Orton's bump made me jump right out of my seat. Foley's promos were gold and the lengthy build hyped this up for me better than any other match during the year. It paid off in my eyes.

Royal Rumble match - Royal Rumble - Superbly booked without the flat finish of the 2003 Rumble.

Eddie/Lesnar - No Way Out - Most people's MOTY. I really enjoyed it and the moment of Eddie winning, but the Figure 4 on the wrong knee and the killing of the crowd (and me) with the holds that no one bought as finishes brought it down a notch for me. It was like a match with two many obvious 2 counts.

Eddie/JBL - Judgement Day - So fucking brutal it was off the charts. The fact that Eddie dragged such a good match of ouf JBL surprised me, and I thought he performed impecibly well. Best (or maybe the worst) bladejob I've ever witnessed.

HHH/HBK/Benoit - Wrestlemania - Surreal. The match was as smooth as silk and the finish gave me the first real markout I had had since the nWo came back in 2002.

HBK/Kane - Unforgiven - Fun as hell match that saw Shawn bumping like a crazy man in his 1st match back. the sit up/kip up spot among many others were cute enough to give this a nod. Very fun.

HHH/HBK - Taboo Tuesday - Shawn sold incredibly well here and this was so unformulatic for him it worked well. His faces and the fact that HHH applied the figure four to the correct fucking knee for the first time I've seen it done in years got me into it.

[Guest jm29195]

1.HBK vs Benoit vs HHH from Wrestlmania

2.Foley vs Orton from Backlash

3.Guerrero vs Lesnar from No Way Out

4.The Royal Rumble match

5.HBK vs Benoit vs HHH from Backlash

6.Guerrero vs Mysterio from the post WM Smackdown

7.Benoit vs HBK from Showdown in the desert

8.The 8 man tag match from Raw just before Backlash

9.Eddie vs Angle from Wrestlmania

10. Benoit vs Orton from the Raw aftr Summerslam

 

 

Honourable mentions go to Benoit vs Lesnar and HHH vs HBK from December 2003 because I'm not sure if they are included in the voting period?

[zyn081 0]

In no particular order:

 

RVD-Orton (Rematch for IC title, the one HHH comes out and stays pointing to the empty seat)

Royal Rumble Match

Eddy-Brock (No Way Out)

Angle-Eddy (WMXX)

Benoit-HBK-HHH (WMXX)

Rey Rey-Orton (SD after WMXX)

Foley-Orton (Backlash)

JBL-Eddy (Judgement Day)

Christain-Jerricho (Cage Match Blowoff on RAW)

Orton-Benoit (SummerSlam)

Angle-JBL (SD)

 

I know theres 11, since I am not a 100% sure if RVD-Orton was in 2003 or 2004. Plus I loved Benoit-Brock and HBK-HHH match from the last RAW of the year.

 

Shelton-HHH (1st RAW Match), Kane-Benoit (RAW match due to stips) and London-Kidman (No Mercy) get honourable mentions.

 

The year did seem to go flat half way through

[Guest LooneyTune]

This is a WWE list. My pro wrestling list is much different.

 

2. Paul London vs Jamie Noble, Velocity 3/6/04 ***3/4

Tons of fun with actual wrestling involved. London gets the crowd firmly behind him and Noble works a great old-fashioned heel. The finishing sequence is one of my favorite sequences of the year. This match is something that everybody needs to see as proof that cruisers can get over. Boatloads of awesomeness.

 

3. Randy Orton vs Val Venis, Heat 5/2/04 ***1/2

I hate Orton, but this is far and away his best match. Venis is such a great wrestler that has not been given a real chance. This is Orton's best smarmy heel match. Lots of fun armwork and the crowd gets into it. Sad that it takes someone the WWE doesn't even know they have to bring out the best in their golden boy.

 

8. Jamie Noble vs Paul London, Velocity 6/19/04 ***

Short, but very fun and with some good plays off their earlier match.

 

9. Paul London vs Akio, Velocity 12/4/04 ***

Worked at a pace and style so unlike what we usually see in the WWE that I will include it on a MOTY list. Some solid stiff exchanges, the sick head drop, and just all around fun work that deserves to be recognized.

 

10. Paul London vs Billy Kidman, Velocity 12/11/04 ***

London is a babyface on fire, god dammit, and his stomps and fired up offence work well in his favor. Kidman's bewildered look (yes, I know he usually has it anyways) works well here because it puts over how little he thinks of his former partner. Again, lots of fun spots (double stomp on the head, anybody?) make this worlds better than it should be given the amount of time it is given.

 

I may edit this if I've forgotten any matches (middle of the year Smackdown and all Raw's tend to run together for me).

Glad to see I'm not the only person who enjoys Velocity, but the list has 1 obviously reason above all others. Cough:PaulLondonRules:cough. I'm upset though I never saw Orton vs. Venis.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

This is a WWE list. My pro wrestling list is much different.

 

2. Paul London vs Jamie Noble, Velocity 3/6/04 ***3/4

Tons of fun with actual wrestling involved. London gets the crowd firmly behind him and Noble works a great old-fashioned heel. The finishing sequence is one of my favorite sequences of the year. This match is something that everybody needs to see as proof that cruisers can get over. Boatloads of awesomeness.

 

3. Randy Orton vs Val Venis, Heat 5/2/04 ***1/2

I hate Orton, but this is far and away his best match. Venis is such a great wrestler that has not been given a real chance. This is Orton's best smarmy heel match. Lots of fun armwork and the crowd gets into it. Sad that it takes someone the WWE doesn't even know they have to bring out the best in their golden boy.

 

8. Jamie Noble vs Paul London, Velocity 6/19/04 ***

Short, but very fun and with some good plays off their earlier match.

 

9. Paul London vs Akio, Velocity 12/4/04 ***

Worked at a pace and style so unlike what we usually see in the WWE that I will include it on a MOTY list. Some solid stiff exchanges, the sick head drop, and just all around fun work that deserves to be recognized.

 

10. Paul London vs Billy Kidman, Velocity 12/11/04 ***

London is a babyface on fire, god dammit, and his stomps and fired up offence work well in his favor. Kidman's bewildered look (yes, I know he usually has it anyways) works well here because it puts over how little he thinks of his former partner. Again, lots of fun spots (double stomp on the head, anybody?) make this worlds better than it should be given the amount of time it is given.

 

I may edit this if I've forgotten any matches (middle of the year Smackdown and all Raw's tend to run together for me).

Glad to see I'm not the only person who enjoys Velocity, but the list has 1 obviously reason above all others. Cough:PaulLondonRules:cough. I'm upset though I never saw Orton vs. Venis.

I would have put the Rey/Knoble Velocity match on there in place of either London/Akio or London/Kidman. That match was right up there w/ the 1st London/Knoble match, and a little better than the 2nd London/Knoble.

[natey2k4 0]

1) Shawn Micheals vs Triple H vs Chris Benoit (WM XX, Backlash following as well)

2) Randy Orton vs Val Venis (Heat, Orton = IC Champ at the time)

3) Chris Beniot vs Shawn Michaels (Showdown in the Desert)

4) Christian vs Y2J (WM XX, Unforigven, Ladder Match as well)

5) Paul London vs Billy Kidman (No Mercy, Velocity match as well)

6) Chris Benoit vs Randy Orton (Summerslam, Raw following as well)

7) Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle (WM XX)

8) Chris Beniot vs Kane (Bad Blood, Raw following as well)

9) Charlie Haas vs Kurt Angle (Smackdown, Angle's first match back)

10) Paul London/Billy Kidman vs The Dudleyz (Tag Title Change... I marked out like a little kid again!!)

 

Honourable Mentions

London vs Moore,

London vs Noble,

London vs Akio.... hold that.. any London match from Velocity gets on the honourable mention list as well.

[Tawren 0]

I would have put the Rey/Knoble Velocity match on there in place of either London/Akio or London/Kidman. That match was right up there w/ the 1st London/Knoble match, and a little better than the 2nd London/Knoble.

I've seen that match just once, I think, and I really liked it. But I haven't watched it since it aired so I can't comment. I have the tape somewhere, I'll try and find/watch it and then perhaps edit the list.

[zyn081 0]

9) Charlie Haas vs Kurt Angle (Smackdown, Angle's first match back)

Wasnt this in 2003 just before Vengence? If it wasnt, I would add it to my list.

 

Also, Shelton-Hass, their last match together if im not mistaken on SD. Their guantlet match, the night after WMXX if im not mistaken, deserves a mention.

[Guest LooneyTune]

It was a week or two before Summerslam 2004, after the angle where Angle was fired from being General Manager.

[zyn081 0]

It was a week or two before Summerslam 2004, after the angle where Angle was fired from being General Manager.

I see. Didnt he face Haas just before the Triple Threat at Vengence 2003 too?

[Guest LooneyTune]

Going a little too far back for me for a TV match, but I think so. Angle and TWGTT had a few matches then, mainly tag matches I think.

[zyn081 0]

Going a little too far back for me for a TV match, but I think so. Angle and TWGTT had a few matches then, mainly tag matches I think.

Thanks a lot. I think that Angle and Haas wrestled TWGTT split from Angle when he came back as a face. Seems Angle likes to start off against Haas.

 

Shame they couldnt do a angle between them to elevate Haas.

[cawthon777 0]

Good lists so far. One thing I would mention, to go with everything else already said:

 

Dayton, OH - June 14

 

Raw

 

WWE Raw World Champion Chris Benoit, Edge, & Chris Jericho defeated WWE IC Champion Randy Orton, Ric Flair, & Batista (w/ Triple H) in an elimination match at 34:35; Jericho pinned Batista with the Lionsault at 15:33 after Batista sustained the spear from Edge and diving headbutt from Benoit; Flair pinned Jericho at 22:07 after Orton hit the RKO as Flair was caught in the Walls of Jericho; Orton pinned Edge with a low blow and the RKO at 31:19; Benoit forced Flair to submit to the Crippler Crossface at 32:03; Benoit forced Orton to submit to the Sharpshooter; after the bout, Benoit and Triple H had a staredown, with Benoit in the ring and Triple H on the floor

 

I loved that match and, IIRC, the crowd ate it up as well.

[Guest The Shadow Behind You]

Didn't that match go longer because of the Joe Schmoe segment and Spike granted WWE extra time?

[Guest Tjhe CyNick]

#1. Angle v Eddie --Mania XX

#2. Benoit v HBK v HHH -- Mania XX

#3. Eddie v Lesnar -- No Way Out

#4. Foley vs Orton -- Backlash

#5. Benoit v HBK -- RAW (forget the date)

#6. Angle v Eddie 2/3 Falls on SD

#7. HHH vs HBK -- Rumble

#8. JBL vs Eddie -- Judgment Day

#9. Jericho vs Christian -- Mania XX

#10. Edge vs Orton -- Vengeance

[Guest LooneyTune]

Didn't that match go longer because of the Joe Schmoe segment and Spike granted WWE extra time?

Ding ding ding! what do we have for him Johnny?

[Styles 0]

Good lists so far. One thing I would mention, to go with everything else already said:

 

Dayton, OH - June 14

 

Raw

 

WWE Raw World Champion Chris Benoit, Edge, & Chris Jericho defeated WWE IC Champion Randy Orton, Ric Flair, & Batista (w/ Triple H) in an elimination match at 34:35; Jericho pinned Batista with the Lionsault at 15:33 after Batista sustained the spear from Edge and diving headbutt from Benoit; Flair pinned Jericho at 22:07 after Orton hit the RKO as Flair was caught in the Walls of Jericho; Orton pinned Edge with a low blow and the RKO at 31:19; Benoit forced Flair to submit to the Crippler Crossface at 32:03; Benoit forced Orton to submit to the Sharpshooter; after the bout, Benoit and Triple H had a staredown, with Benoit in the ring and Triple H on the floor

 

I loved that match and, IIRC, the crowd ate it up as well.

Ehem....

 

10. Rock and Mick Foley vs. Evolution- Wrestlemania XX

9. Ric Flair, Batista & Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit, Edge & Chris Jericho- RAW 6/15/04

8. Smackdown Royal Rumble- Smackdown 1/29/04

7. Chris Benoit v. Shawn Michaels- RAW 5/3/04

6. Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley- Backlash

5. Eddy Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle- Wrestlemania XX

4. The Royal Rumble- Royal Rumble

3. Chris Benoit vs. HHH vs. Shawn Michaels-Backlash

2. Eddy Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar- No Way Out

1. Chris Benoit vs. HHH vs. Shawn Michaels- Wrestlemania XX

 

I didn't forget it