Eyes On Smackdown: 20 Classic Matches From Smackdown (Part 1)

By @Phranchize19

Today, we start our two part look at 20 classic Smackdown matches to honor the 1000th episode of Smackdown coming up shortly. Phranchize will kick us off with his list of 10 classic matches before True gives us another 10 tomorrow. Which matches make our list? Let's get into part 1.

*Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar 
Iron Man Match 
WWE Championship 
September 18, 2003

-This might be the greatest match in the history of Smackdown. Two of the best ever in the ring for an hour and they literally tore the house down. The best Ironman match in WWE history perhaps? It's that good.

*Edge vs Eddie Guerrero 
No Disqualification Match 
September 26, 2002

-Edge was in a quest to prove he was a main event guy and this match was a huge stepping stone in proving that. One of the most underrated matches in both men’s careers, but easily a top 5 Smackdown match period.

*Triple H vs The Rock 
WWE Championship 
August 26, 1999

-Triple H had not too long ago won the WWE title and was the biggest heel in wrestling. The Rock, by virtue of Austin being on the shelf off and on was the top babyface in wrestling. This match was the first ever WWF title match in smackdown history and would be a catalyst to arguably one of the greatest feuds in wrestling.

*John Cena vs Shinsuke Nakamura 
No. 1 Contenders Match For WWE Championship 
August 1, 2017

-Two legends collided for the right to go to Summerslam as the number 1 contender. This was a dream match of sorts and it lived up to the expectations. Nakamura got a much needed victory and Cena made Nakamura look like he belonged.

*Team Hell No and Randy Orton vs The Shield 
June 14, 2003

This was a huge because it marked the first time ever that The Shield had been defeated in 6 man action. Up to that point, no three man combination had come close to defeating The Shield and the pop Daniel Bryan got for overcoming his “weakest link” demons still stands as one of the best moments of Smackdown history. 

*Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho vs The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz vs Edge and Christian 
TLC 3 
May 24, 2001

-This match made history as the first TLC match to not only be featured on free TV, but also to include 4 teams. TLC had only been featured at Wrestlemania and Summerslam up to that point so this was huge deal. The match did not disappoint as Benoit and Jericho added a new element to the match that people had not yet seen and walked away victorious.

*Carmella vs Natalya vs Charlotte vs Tamina vs Becky Lynch 
Money In The Bank Match 
June 20, 2017

-History was made yet again and this was the first MITB match on network TV. This was a rematch from the first ever Women's MITB match 2 days prior so in essence, we got two MITB matches in a span of 3 days. Carmella would make history by being the first and so far only multi-time MITB winner for women.

*John Cena vs Eddie Guerrero Parking Lot Brawl 
September 11, 2003

-Eddie and John Cena put on a fight in a parking lot brawl. The match was to be contested around a circle of cars with no rules. It was the first of its kind and of course Eddie gets away with “cheating”, but John would come out of this match as a huge threat and a semi main event player.

*JBL vs Eddie Guerrero 
Steel Cage Match
WWE Championship 
July 15, 2004

-Eddie Guerrero and JBL had a GRUESOME feud. It was about the WWE title but things got way too personal (and at times uncomfortable) but it all came to a head in this match. These two put on a stellar Steel Cage match and garnered more heat for new main eventer JBL while continuing the rivalry between Eddie Guerrero and GM at the time, Kurt Angle. The best Steel Cage match in the history of Smackdown? It has a claim for that title.

*Kurt Angle vs Edge vs Chris Benoit vs Eddie Guerrero 
No. 1 Contender For WWE Championship 
December 5, 2002

-4 men who have become synonymous with the show were invovled in the Smackdown No. 1 Contenders match and they would not disappoint. 4 different styles but a true classic match that took a lot out of all of these men. So much action was packed into this and it really put Smackdown on the map as WWE’s “wrestling show” for sure. It still owns that title.

-Phranchize

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 8:43 PM  2 comments

Eyes On WWE: The Top 5 Kurt Angle Feuds

By @TrueGodImmortal

Kurt Angle is back in the ring and it seems as if he might be back for good. If this is the case, there's a lot of matches and feuds I would love to see Angle have. However, his legacy is solidified already through the feuds he's taken part in throughout his career. Today, we look at the 5 best Kurt Angle feuds. Let's get into it.

5. Kurt Angle vs Stone Cold Steve Austin 

-These two were polar opposites, and it worked. Throughout the first few years that Angle was in WWF, he crossed paths often with Austin. From their short lived partnership that wasn't really a partnership to their great feud in late 2001, these two had great chemistry and put on great matches during the entire Alliance run. The best match remains Summerslam 2001, one of the most intense encounters in the company at that time. Angle vs Austin wasn't the greatest feud, but I would consider it the feud of 2001, which says a lot about the quality of it.

4. Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels 

-Angle had wrestled so many in WWE by the time 2005 came that it was pretty evident he would eventually cross paths with HBK. Their feud was short, but well done, from the "Sexy Kurt" deal to the returns of Marty Jannetty and Sensational Sherri, all the way to their classic matches through the year. Their Wrestlemania 21 encounter was epic, and their Vengeance 2005 battle was almost as good. Their October 2005 RAW Ironman contest was also solid, showing that two of the best to do it can take things even higher when in the ring together.

3. Kurt Angle vs Edge 

-Once up on a time, Kurt and Edge were friends on TV. They were teaming up together and they had comedic chemistry. However, when it came time for the two to feud, they proved they were better enemies than friends. Edge and Angle put on a number of great matches over the years, from their King of the Ring 2001 Final to their underrated Backlash 2002 match and of course their epic Judgment Day 2002 Hair match. These two raised the bar every time they battled and their feud is one of my personal favorites, because they pushed each other to the limit in every single match.

2. Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit 

-We just discussed this feud on the site in more length, but it was tough to not put this one at the very top. Angle and Benoit had immense chemistry and would put on some amazing matches over the duration of their legendary feud including classics at Unforgiven 2002, Backlash 2001, and of course, their best match at Royal Rumble 2003. Other great matches took place in this feud on the golden era of Smackdown, and of course their Wrestlemania 17 encounter was enjoyable, as was their Judgment Day 2001 match. There are so many great matches in this rivalry that if you had this at the top of your list, I wouldn't be mad. It's legendary. 

1. Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar 

-I chose this as the best because it was magnetic every time they faced off. 2003 was built around Brock vs Angle and that made the year great for Smackdown overall. Their Wrestlemania 19 encounter was a near classic, and considering the fact that Angle was injured badly, it's a shock that this match was as good as it turned out. Their next battles, which took place at Vengeance in a triple threat with Big Show, as well as their Summerslam match were both classics. They would cap off their nearly year long feud with an amazing Ironman match on Smackdown that went the full 60 minutes. Brock and Angle together was magic and their feud definitely takes the top spot here.

-True 

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 7:56 PM  No comment

EOTR Feud Of The Week: Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle

By @Phranchize19 and @TrueGodImmortal

Some rivalries are born out of entertainment some are born because wrestlers are the best at that they do. This week we will discuss one of the best rivalries ever in Kurt Angle vs  Chris Benoit, where these two legends gave it all they head over a three year period. Two of the best wrestlers to ever lace up boots, you knew Kurt Angle and Benoit wasn’t going to disappoint from an in ring standpoint, but with the element of entertainment Kurt Angle brought it made for an even more entertaining rivalry. Whether it was about tapping out to a submission or their reluctant tag team, they would entertain the audience through the duration of their epic feud.

Best Match
It was tough to pinpoint a single match that was their best encounter, because there are so many, but this is the one we selected and I think most would agree that it's hard to argue against it.

*Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
WWE Championship
Royal Rumble 2003

-Hands down their best encounter. This wasn’t about entertainment. This wasn’t about fun. This was about Angle being back on the mountaintop and Benoit wanting to win the title. These two went out and put on an absolute clinic. When you think of a wrestling clinic this is the match you show people, for a few reasons. For one, Angle showcased why he was one of the best. Two, Benoit had what would likely be considered his breakthrough performance, as the standing ovation he got after the match was huge, and set the tone for him to win the Rumble the very next season. There are so many matches we could reference as their best, as they have some classics on Smackdown, at Unforgiven 2002, Backlash 2001, and many others. This feud would spawn so many great matches that it would take up the entire article. There isn't a bad match in their feud at all.

Underrated Matches
There are so many great matches that we figured we should list a couple of those, since there are no bad matches to speak of, only matches that were too short and mostly don't even count. Let's take a look at the underrated matches. 

*Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
2 Out Of 3 Falls/Three Stages Of Hell
Judgment Day 2001

-We were tempted to put their Unforgiven 2002 clash here in the first spot but this match was too good to ignore. You have to love every second of this. These two went out there and arguably had the best match of the night. It was simply fantastic. They never had a bad match as the two had excellent chemistry that can never be ignored, so with that being said, let's take a look at two more underrated matches in their feud.

*Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
Wrestlemania 17

-Another match between these two technicians that showcased exactly what you expected. Angle and Benoit went at each other with everything they had and this match tends to get slept on just because it's a part of one of the greatest events in WWE history, and in my opinion, the greatest Wrestlemania ever.

*Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
Ultimate Submission
Backlash 2001

-The master of the Ankle Lock. The master of the Crossface. These two went at it in an often forgotten match that showed that both men were able to compete at the highest level for over 30 minutes. This match was fun, and even went to sudden death, where Benoit pulled out the win continuing his face turn and push. I honestly think that 2001 feud between Angle and Benoit is one of the best feuds in ring wise of the last 20 years. It was consistent top tier performances over and over again, and this match was another on the list.

Who Won The Feud
I would say Angle won barely, as the high profile matches saw him get the win, including Wrestlemania 17 and Judgment Day 2001, along with their best match, Royal Rumble 2003. Benoit got the victory at Unforgiven 2002 and Backlash 2001, but it seemed that Angle had his number. This feud would end up catapulting Benoit to the next level, pushing him to become a main event level star by the time it was finished, so in reality, no one really lost this feud. It's a classic feud that needs to be remembered and appreciated for years to come.

-EOTR

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 1:38 AM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Chris Benoit vs Chris Jericho vs Eddie Guerrero vs X-Pac

By @Phranchize19

We continue our Intercontinental Championship series with a fast paced match from some of the best wrestlers ever.

Background
Jericho has an obnoxious way about him that fans love. We all know the history between Jericho and Stephanie McMahon. Jericho at No Mercy had injured X-Pac with a power bomb and following that, he injured Eddie Guerrero with the Walls of Jericho. In January, Jericho won the IC title from Benoit in a Ladder Match so all three of these men had an axe to grind with Jericho. With the way Jericho insulted Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon decided it would be fair if all three men got a shot at Jericho and the IC title.

The Match
This match starts with Jericho vs Eddie with Benoit and X-Pac battling outside. Once Benoit disposed of X-Pac, he and Guerrero double team Jericho. Jericho finally gets the upper hand only to be stopped by X-Pac. As the action continues, Benoit and Jericho fight outside while Guerrero and X Pac fight inside. After X-Pac takes a frog splash, Jericho interrupts the count. Jericho is then pummeled by Benoit and is pinned but Guerrero puts the foot on the rope. Benoit and Guerrero again double team Jericho. After a few pin attempts, Benoit and Guerrero finally begin to fight each other. As they fight each other, Jericho and X-Pac come in and attempt a double pin only for a near fall. We get back to Jericho vs Benoit in the ring. After these two go back and forth, the other competitors come to the ring. Jericho has maintained control at this point and Justin Credible comes out, but is attacked by Jericho. After Benoit is disposed by X-Pac and Credible, Jericho hits the lionsault on Guerrero but X-Pac breaks up the count. We finally get all four men in the ring where Benoit suplexes Guerrero. X-Pac then hits a mean spinning kick on Benoit and while trying to gloat, he gets rolled up by Jericho who wins the match.

Highlights
-Benoit tells Guerrero to go up top in an attempt to double team X-Pac but puts him in the crossface instead 
-While X-Pac is attempting a Bronco Buster Jericho drop kicks him
-Guerrero reverses an Irish whip by Benoit into a hurricanrana
-Jericho puts all 3 men in the Walls of Jericho in a span of about 20 seconds 
-Benoit is pulled out of the ring and Credible and X-Pac both superkick him
-Guerrero performs a Mr. Perfect style neckbreaker on Benoit while he has the cross face applied to X-Pac

Grade and Analysis
While not a classic, this was still a fun Intercontinental Championship bout. The storytelling about what Jericho has done to all these men in the months preceding was smart. The action was fast with very few down spots. It wasn’t opening the show but this could’ve opened it as it was an energetic match that didn’t fail to disappoint. Lack of time hurt the bout more than anything, but it was a solid contest

Rating: 7.5/10

-Phranchize

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 9:11 PM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Chris Benoit vs Triple H vs Shawn Michaels

By @Phranchize19

Sometimes great matches have rematches that don’t live up to the hype. Well on a Sunday night in Canada, we got a rematch to maybe the greatest triple threat match of all time. Let’s get into it.

Background:
Shawn Michaels and Triple H had been feuding for almost a year and a half. By the time we got to the 2004 Royal Rumble, they would have a Championship last man standing match. Neither man won as both failed to answer the 10 count. On that same evening, Chris Benoit had won the Royal Rumble giving him a shot at what many thought was the WWE title on Smackdown (Benoit was at the time a Smackdown wrestler). However, Benoit came to Raw and stated that he wanted a shot at Triple H. Shawn Michaels, who felt he was not done with Triple H, asked Benoit to step aside. Benoit refused and got superkicked for his efforts. Since HBK signs the contract, Raw management had a dilemma. It was decided that all 3 competitors would battle in the first ever Wrestlemania triple threat main event for the world title. Benoit wins the match. In the following weeks, Benoit is tormented by being called a one hit wonder and that lightening won’t strike twice.

The Match
All three men started out quickly. Each man gained the advantage and controlled the match for an extended period of time. Shawn Michaels then takes a nasty bump leaving Benoit and HHH to go at it. Once Triple H gains the advantage and tries to win, HBK came back and interrupted the three count. Michaels then delivers Sweet Chin Music to Benoit but suffers a low blow from HHH. HHH then reaches for a sledgehammer and hits HBK right in the back. He then attempts to hit him again only to have Benoit pull him outside. Triple H then throws Benoit into the steps then tries to pedigree Benoit on them only to get reversed and catapulted into the ring post and he eventually lands in the crowd. Benoit then gets back in the ring and blocks the attempted superkick and HBK gets trapped in the sharpshooter. Triple H attempts to make the save but HBK taps out.

Highlights:
-Benoit rubs the world title in both HBK and HHH's faces

-Benoit attempts a top rope suplex but gets knocked to the floor and lands face first

-Benoit goes from a sharpshooter on Triple H to the Crossface on Shawn Michaels in one swift motion

-Shawn Michaels locks Benoit in the sharpshooter in Canada and fans boo him relentlessly as Warl Hebner comes to ask if Benoit wants to quit

-Shawn Michaels attempts a dive onto HHH and Benoit outside of the ring and lands on the table

-Benoit makes Shawn Michaels tap out to the sharpshooter much to Canada’s delight

Grade and Analysis:
This match was simply amazing. Although it was not as good as their prior encounter, this match lived up to the massive hype. The crowd was thoroughly invested in Benoit and they made their voices known throughout the entire match. The psychology of weaving in the Montreal screwjob into this match was a stroke of brilliance. Jerry lawler on commentary was superb reminding everyone that Benoit hasn’t had much success as a main event guy and calling him a one hit wonder. All in all I consider this a gem of a match

Rating: 9.5/10

-Phranchize

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 3:13 PM  No comment

EOTR Retro: The 5 Greatest Eddie Guerrero Matches

By @TrueGodImmortal

Eddie Guerrero was one of the best to step foot in the ring. Ever. Period. His talent in the ring was second to none, and over the years, Eddie would ascend to heights many thought weren't possible. Eddie did this through his hard work and his in ring ability, putting on classic matches frequently whether in ECW, AAA, WCW, or WWE. Today, I wanted to take a look at the 5 best matches in Eddie's career. Let's get into it.

5. Eddie Guerrero vs Dean Malenko
(ECW 1995)

-This match was two out of three falls and the final match for both in ECW before leaving for WCW. I wanted to put the Eddie vs Edge match here, but this one was just a bit better. Dean and Eddie were doing things that weren't seen before in the company, and their level of talent exceeded many others. Eddie won the first fall, Dean won the second fall, and the final fall was an epic battle throughout and it seemed as if Dean got the win, when in actuality, he didn't. Both men had their shoulders down, and as a result, we got to see the final match in ECW between these two end in a draw. Excellent contest.

4. Eddie Guerrero vs Edge vs Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
(Smackdown, 2002)

-The Smackdown Era was amazing. It was one of those eras that really showcased talent for their gifts and ability, not just based on the politics backstage that usually dominated the way things went. This match was one that honestly shocked me, as it is one of my all time favorite matches. It was a pure wrestling match, with all four competitors giving their all. The match ended with Angle getting the win, but Eddie was on fire during this time period and he was great here.

3. Eddy Guerrero and Art Barr vs Octagon and El Hijo del Santo
(When Worlds Collide 1994)

-The fact remains, Eddy in AAA was some of the best work of his career. It was a hair vs mask match, and it took place at the mega event When Worlds Collide. This contest was two out of three falls, and after Eddie and Barr won the first fall, Octagon and El Hijo won the final two falls to take a classic match. They really had one of the most technical sound and entertaining matches I've ever watched and you can find it on YouTube and DailyMotion. It's the best match on the When Worlds Collide show which is a great event in its own right.

2. Eddie Guerrero vs Brock Lesnar
(No Way Out 2004)

-The moment his entire career changed for the best. Eddie was the man inside the ring and as a tag team wrestler, he was a champion. He had been US Champion, and he had given us classics, but his masterpiece was yet to come. His masterpiece came when he went toe to toe with Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title. This match was interesting from start to finish and despite the interference from Goldberg, it was an excellent bout and an even more excellent moment seeing Eddie walk away with the WWE Title. Eddie definitely deserved this moment and the championship.

1. Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero
(Halloween Havoc 1997)

-There aren't many matches in WCW history as good as this one. In fact, this might be the greatest of them all. After a solid build up, we witnessed a back and forth contest with these two amazing wrestlers going at it with everything they had. Rey was in his prime, Eddie was in his prime, and this mask vs title match had grave implications for Rey. After a ton of amazing action, Rey managed to walk away with the Cruiserweight Title and keep his mask in tact, but the ride to get to that point was one of the greatest I've ever seen. While there are many classic Eddie Guerrero matches, this one takes the cake as the best.

-True 

Read More

Eyes on the Ring 10:14 PM  No comment