Top 5 WWE Championship Matches

Last week marked the 50^th anniversary of the WWE Championship.  To celebrate this monumental milestone for their premier championship, the WWE decided to put quite a few features about the WWE Championship on WWE.com.  One of the features that caught my attention was the WWE’s Top 50 WWE Championship Matches.  I skimmed through the entire list and it was just okay.  There were quite a few matches on the list such as John Cena vs. JBL from Judgment Day 2005 and John Cena vs. Batista from Over the Limit 2010 that should not have been on the list while some excellent matches such as John Cena vs. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Micheals from Taboo Tuesday 2005 and John Cena vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels from Backlash 2007 that were omitted from the list.  From looking at that list, I was inspired to share what I consider the greatest WWE Championship matches I have ever watched.  It was hard to cut this list down to just five matches, but here are the Silverdome’s Top 5 WWE Championship Matches in honour of the WWE Championship’s 50^th anniversary.

5.  The Rock vs. Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker- Vengeance 2002

When people think of the greatest matches of all-time, they focus more on the one-on-one encounters that the multi-man matches such as Triple Threats and Fatal 4 Ways do not get their chance to shine.  Multi-man matches can be as or more thrilling than singles matches due to the addition of more competitors.  The Triple Threat Match between The Rock, Kurt Angle and the Undertaker over the WWE Undisputed Championship at Vengeance 2002 is among the greatest Triple Threat Matches of All-Time.  The insane pace of the match keeps your eyes glued to the screen and the incredible chemistry these three have keeps you smiling.  It is an incredible match that sees each competitor steal each other’s finishing moves (The Rock executing a Chokeslam and the Ankle Lock, Undertaker performing the Angle Slam and Kurt Angle hitting the Rock Bottom).

4.  CM Punk vs. John Cena- Money in the Bank 2011

Hands down, this match is one of the greatest moments in WWE history.  CM Punk walked into his hometown of Chicago with the entire crowd on his side to challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship.  In less than three hours, Punk’s contract with the WWE was set to come to an end.  The circumstances gave the Straight-Edge Superstar the chance to do the unthinkable, leave the WWE with their biggest prize in tow.  Fans around the globe wanted to see Punk walk out of the WWE with the WWE Championship and all made sure they were able to watch this match just to that moment.  Holding their breath for every near fall, pulling their hair out with every kick out and screaming at every big move hit; the emotion this championship match induced can hardly be matched.  The final jump for joy every wrestling fan in the crowd and at home did when Scott Armstrong’s hand came down for the three count was unforgettable.  CM Punk vs. John Cena from Money in the Bank 2011 is the best WWE Championship match of the Modern Era.

3.  Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart- Summerslam 1994

Bret and Owen Hart worked some of the greatest displays of technical wrestling this business has seen.  When WWE decided to put these two in a Steel Cage for one of the main events of Summerslam 1994, fans were given possibly the greatest wrestling match to take place in the confines of a Steel Cage.  Bret and Owen used the structure of the Steel Cage to the fullest.  This match is what the WWE should use as inspiration for how to put on a Steel Cage match now.

2.  John Cena vs. Edge- Unforgiven 2006

Each era in wrestling has a rivalry that defines it.  Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage in the late 80s, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart in the mid 90s, Stone Cold and The Rock in the early 2000s are only a few examples over the years.  When John Cena stepped up as the Face of the WWE, the WWE needed somebody to counter everything Cena represented.  That somebody was the Rated R Superstar Edge.  John Cena and Edge would put on some excellent matches throughout their entire rivalry, but this TLC Match from Unforgiven 2006 stands out as the best match these two ever put on and one of the best WWE Championship matches of the 2000s.

1.  Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit- Royal Rumble 2003

Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit have put on some of the most spectacular showcases of technical wrestling to grace the squared-circle.  This classis from Royal Rumble 2003 is hands down the greatest showcase that these wrestlers put on.  Countless number of holds, counters, near falls and grueling submissions kept fans in awe of their performance.  From the opening bell to the standing ovation the Boston crowd gives once the match is over, everything about this match sums up the wrestling excellence that the WWE Championship represents.

Vengeful Sunday: Preview of WWE Vengeance 2011

Violence and big egos are the lifeblood in the WWE.  With all the fighting, arguments and big messy disagreements that go on a daily basis, it is common for some to hold grudges.  It is common for others to remember past transgressions and wrongdoings.  It is very common for wrestlers to seek vengeance.

Welcome back, WWE Vengeance!  For fans that do not know or cannot remember, Vengeance use to be the PPV at the end of June before it was replaced by Night of Champions back in 2008.  Vengeance has returned and now takes the place of Bragging Rights.  Bragging Rights had one great concept as the whole PPV revolved around a competition between Raw and Smackdown to determine who the best brand in the WWE was.  The only thing wrong about the PPV was where it was positioned on WWE’s PPV schedule.  If it took place in May, it would be perfect, but it took place right before Survivor Series.  Survivor Series has always been known for its traditional 8 to 10 Men Elimination Tag Team Matches, the same match that was pivot on the Bragging Rights card.  In short, Bragging Rights overshadowed Survivor Series and here we are.  Considering this show is the third PPV that has taken place within a months’ time, hopes are not high.  If the WWE got rid of Hell in a Cell a had five weeks to build Vengeance, this writer along with many others would not feel so burnt out.  There has no rest for the wicked and no rest for some dedicated wrestling pockets.  Top to bottom the card looks solid and given more time to build storylines and feuds between PPVs, I personally believe people would be more excited for Vengeance.  Given the situation we in right here right now, people just want to get to Survivor Series as soon as possible.

Air Boom (c) vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Tag Team Championship

We saw this match placed on Hell in a Cell at the very last minute.  From what this writer heard, it was pretty good.  So it would be wise to expect more of the same here.  It is nice that the WWE is taking the Tag Team Division a little more seriously, but I thought crowning Air Boom tag champs meant a dawn of a new Tag Team Division in the WWE.  Personally, this writer believes that Air Boom should still be feuding with Awesome Truth.  That is a discussion for another day.  Swaggler (hope this name catches on) should provide a good challenge for Air Boom’s tag title reign, which should continue this Sunday and for many months to come.

Prediction:  Air Boom retains

Sheamus vs. Christian

I would be more invested in this match if it was a No. 1 Contender’s Match to determine the next superstar in line for the World Title.  Sadly it is not, so honestly why should we care?  Sheamus and Christian are excellent main event level talent, but WWE has not given us anything to elevate this rivalry above two guys who do not really like each one another.  If this rivalry meant more than Christian could possibly win this match to push another match at Survivor Series.  Unless the WWE adds some story this rivalry, expect Sheamus to beat Christian yet again, elevate his status on Smackdown and move on to bigger and hopefully better things.

Prediction:  Sheamus wins

Beth Phoenix (c) vs. Eve for the Diva’s Championship

It took so long to get this point with the Divas of Doom storyline that it almost fizzled out.  Beth should have won the Diva’s Title back at Night of Champions instead of Hell in a Cell.  Now that the title is on the Glamazon, Beth and Natalya have been making all the Barbie dolls scream and cry with their new and awesome submission hold, Pin Up Strong.  Now with Kelly stepping aside, it is time for Eve to challenge Beth for the title.  Considering that Eve can wrestle much better than most Divas, this match could be a pleasant surprise that will end with another Diva crying in pain courtesy of the Divas of Doom.

Prediction:  Beth Phoenix retains

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder for the U.S. Championship

36 weeks ago, Zack Ryder started the Youtube sensation known as Z! True Long Island Story.  36 weeks later with millions of fans support, Zack Ryder has his first one-on-one match on PPV for the United States Championship no less.  It is the perfect time to give the Woo Woo Woo Kid the singles title run he most rightfully deserves.  With Dolph Ziggler as his opponent, this match should be great showcase of the young talent in the WWE.

Prediction:  Zack Ryder wins the U.S. Championship

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes

It has been a long time since we have seen Randy Orton outside of a title match, it is very refreshing.  The WWE has paired with the perfect opponent in Cody Rhodes.  Cody and Randy have a history going back to their days as stable mates in Legacy and even as far as Cody’s debut back in 2007.  Since the implosion of Legacy, both men have changed, some more dramatic than others with Cody Rhodes.  Now after Orton inadvertently busting Rhodes open with the ring bell, both men are at each other’s necks.  Cody wants his revenge and Orton just wants pay Rhodes back for costing him the World Heavyweight Championship two weeks ago.  With all this pent-up anger, these two could possibly steal the show this Sunday.

Prediction:  Cody Rhodes wins

Triple H & CM Punk vs. Awesome Truth

There are so many ways that the WWE could of set-up this match and the Miz and R-Truth’s anticlimactic return two weeks ago was not it.  What was the whole point of them getting fired if a month later they would just be magically rehired?  In the week of build this match got, the WWE tried so very hard to make the Miz and Truth look like a threat to Triple H and CM Punk and failed miserably.  There is no way in a match without outside interference that the Miz and R-Truth would come close to beating Triple H Almighty and CM Punk.  This match will be worth it if and only if as a result of this match, the WWE reveals the person who has been pulling the strings in the WWE as of late at Vengeance or on the following Raw.

Prediction:  Triple H & CM Punk win

Mark Henry (c) vs. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship

Big Show is back and he wants his vengeance paid with the World Heavyweight Championship.  Upon his return, the World’s Largest Athlete has made an impact.  Big Show has laid out Mark Henry week after week and single-handedly proven that he is Henry’s biggest challenge yet as the World Heavyweight Champion.  A challenge that should bring the World’s Strongest Man to the brink and will show what kind of champion he really is.  The match itself might not be that good, but the rewards would be huge if Mark Henry wins (and he better win WWE).  A win will definitely catapult to the biggest monster on the WWE roster and prove that he is one of the most dominant World Champions in WWE history.

Prediction:  Mark Henry retains

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. John Cena in a Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship

After all that has gone on with the WWE Championship in the last four months, this writer has gone from completely interested to not even caring.  The WWE Title scene has become just as absurd as Booker T’s commentary, it is numbing.  The only purpose of this match should be to repair Alberto Del Rio’s main event status.  With Del Rio getting a decisive win over John Cena, the WWE could have the very lucky chance to reverse all the damage their short-sighted title change caused.  By the end of this Last Man Standing Match we will know for sure if the WWE really trusts that Alberto Del Rio can hold the WWE Championship.  If not, we are in for another reign of John Cena.  What a bummer that would be.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

Unfortunately the return of Vengeance happens after a long line of consecutive PPVs.  It is definitely nice to see an old PPV that you remember fondly return in this gimmick PPV ruled day and age.  If there was more time and more thought put into a lot of the hype and the feuds, this PPV could of standout.  At the end of the day, this writer along with many other wrestling fans are getting a little burnt out and sadly can care less about Vengeance.