2008: Best Wrestling Match So Far? [Archive]

DeadmanInc.

07-09-2008, 09:10 PM

Edge vs Undertaker at WM 24

This has been my dream match for ages since Edge and Taker are my favorite wrestlers. WWE did a great job with the year-long build up. It started with Edge stealing Taker's WHC and then repeatedly screwing him out of it. I thought Undertaker wouldn't recapture the gold after he was eliminated from the Royal Rumble and Edge seemed to be starting a new feud with Rey Mysterio. Then Undertaker went on to win the Elimination Chamber, when it seemed like Batista was going to win, with one of the best counters ever.

Wow, that's just the build up. The match did not disappoint, despite a slow start. The promo Edge cut prior to the match was one of the best I've heard in ages. I seriously marked out when Undertaker came out in his old school robe.

Even though it was obvious that Taker was going to win, Edge did a good job on making me think otherwise. He countered just about every Undertaker trademark and even kicked out of the Tombstone Piledriver. I liked how Edge used the camera as a weapon, just like he did when he interfered in Taker's Hell in a Cell.

When Edge hit that first spear after the Edge-Heads interfered, I thought the match was over for sure. Then Edge hit a second spear and I thought it was over for sure again, but Undertaker locked in the Gogoplata and then I knew it was over.

Yep, as you can see by how much I wrote, Edge vs Taker at WM 24 is my pick as best match of 2008 so far. It brought in many elements of the build up such as the camera and the Edge Heads, and the numerous false finishes kept me on the edge of my seat.

Monkey Winchester

07-10-2008, 02:14 AM

All the good matches have already been said. I will talk about them though.

Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair: WM24

My favorite match of the year for personal reasons. Being a huge Flair mark I was ecstatic about seeing his last match, and knowing he was going out the best way possible. People have said that he's become an eyesore to watch. I agree. But to me he is still THE MAN. This match was very fitting of a man like Flair. Straight up class all the way.

The Undertaker vs. Edge: WM24

Great buildup for this match. It was almost a year long. A great Edge promo beforehand that sent chills down my spine. Followed by an Undertaker entrance that never ceases to amaze. Which was followed by an amazing match. Nothing more can really be said.

Triple H vs. John Cena: Night Of Champions

While their encounter at WM22 left something to be desired. This time the roles were reversed though. This one brought it on all levels. Both men carried their ends of the match and did it well. Really happy that this match turned out to be a great one.

AnthonyMango/NoFate007

07-10-2008, 02:34 AM

Undertaker vs. Edge - Wrestlemania XXIV

This match had everything. Reversals and counters, false finishes, spot on performances, and even though we all thought Undertaker would win, there were still times where myself and others thought "well..maybe not..." To cap it off, Charles Robinson running to the ring. It was incredibly cheesy, but it still had one hell of an impact. I think part of the reason that this match was very entertaining was the atmosphere as well. WrestleMania started off in the broad daylight and by the time this match was over, it was as dark as it could get.

Royal Rumble 2008

If you can count it, as its technically still just a match, but its clearly in its own category. I just always have fun watching the Royal Rumble matches, even if they aren't on par with a previous incarnation.

Best Women's Division match clearly goes to Mickie vs. Melina vs. Beth at...whatever ppv that was.

Sparky

07-10-2008, 02:43 AM

Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair at wrestlemania, It was simply a great match that didnt fail to entertain. The stipulation added a gread deal to the Match and some people will say that that is the only reason why people say it was good. But This match was one of the best i had seen from both guys in ages. it was basically an old Ric Flair vs The younger Ric Flair. They worked well together and it was to see a great ending to the Last chapter of one of the greatest guys ever. If this match had of had anybody except for HBK it would of been listed as one of the worst but becouse HBK has based his whole career after Flair, It was almost watching a Mirror Image So that would have to be the greatest match of the year so far

Mighty NorCal

07-10-2008, 02:52 AM

Edge Vs Taker ONS

MOTY so far in my opinion. both men brought it like crazy, and gave you all you could want in a TLC. Sick bumps, good wrestling, the big insane finish. Legit wounds on both men.

Chris Jericho Vs HBK Judgement Day
Fuckin nasty. Just a damn good technical match, and a huge, pleasant suprise on an utterly uninspired card. Plenty of near falls, and all you could ever want out of a match really. I think this one is very underrated at the moment by fans

HHH Vs John Cena
This one was pretty damn epic. didnt have near the crowd involvement, but was superior to the first match in just abotu every way, including a FAR better finish. And pretty damn shocking to see Cena go down clean like that. Awesome contest, showed the Game can still do it.

Rusty

07-10-2008, 04:47 AM

The Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair match at Wrestlemania 24 was a great match with an even better story involved. The Edge vs Taker at One Night Stand in a TLC was also superb with sick bumps and a decent story attached to it.

I would have to say the best match so far in 2008 is The Royal Rumble 2008 match. I loved it from start to finish and I have never been entertained for 60 minutes in a row like that before. It had everything a match should have. It started off with two great superstars in Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. The mid-carders had a good showing especially Cody Rhodes, C.M Punk(was a midcarder back then) and John Morrison. But it had a surprise return that had me shocked and amazed(along with everyone else watching) with the return of John Cena who won the match. It was a great moment for me. The crowd went absolutely nuts when he entered the match. The match itself was excellent and is so far, my Match Of the Year.

Esteban Ochocinco

07-10-2008, 08:10 AM

Disgusting, seriously. Flair vs. HBK was shit and shit at it's finest. The match was terrible and Flair was sucking wind 5 minutes into the match. The "chain wrestling" spot they tried to put on was one of the more pathetic attempts at mat wrestling I have seen in a very long time. Looks like the typical HBK Mania match of the year crap is going to continue. The love fest for this guy and Flair is at a ridiculous level. Flair vs. HBK was lucky to be the fifth best match on the card, let alone the match of the year.

Shawn Michaels vs. Jeff Hardy was a much better match from Monday Night Raw at the beginning of the year. It showed that Jeff Hardy is about to move up to the next level, and can work a proper match if in there with the right guys, plus this was the match that we got to see someone put over Jeff Hardy. Take notes guys, Shawn Michaels laying on his back for a Swanton is putting Jeff Hardy over, not a crappy roll up.

Matt Hardy vs. Edge, Smackdown. Just a few weeks ago we were treated to this gem of a match on free TV. Really aggravating that this feud never happened. These guys work so well together and the spot with Matt going for the twist of Fate, Edge blocking, and then Hardy dropping Edge for a DVD was fanfuckingtastic. One of my favorites of the year and it is sure to be over looked.

Triple H vs. John Cena: NOC. Terrible outcome and done so for apparantely selfish reasons, but still a solid match on a solid card. I would venture to say that NOC may have been the best pay per view of the year so far, but that's a debate for another thread. Solid matchup. John Cena was the ring general in that match and carried Triple H to his best matchup in years. Cena has improved greatly and the Cena can't wrestle crap should stop. He's been solid for a long time now.

Edge vs. Undertaker WM24: Now if the fanboys can quit the joygasms over the over rated crap fest that was Michaels vs. Flair, they would see the true match of the night at WM 24. This match started slowly, but boy oh boy did it crank up about midway threw. Solid match with solid reversals and storytelling. Great choice for the main event of Mania.

Edge vs. Taker (ONS). The two matches in the middle were okay at best, but the bookends to this feud were fan fucking tastic. The Undertaker taking sick spots in a gimmick match at his age was certainly something new. This was an amazing match that solidified Edge even more in the main event seen and should rightfully be match of the year so far for the WWE.

simpsons_fanatic742

07-10-2008, 08:16 AM

My Match of the Year so far:

Edge vs. Undertaker - WrestleMania 24

This match, in my eyes, was amazing. I am a huge Undertaker fan and this match had my heart beating like crazy with all of the reversals Edge did. They put on a very entertaining match and when Edge hit the second spear, I thought it was all over and I fell to the floor in disbelief, but low and behold the Undertaker gets out of it and then with his gogoplata he makes Edge tap. Great ending and a terrific match.

Honourable mention: Edge vs. Undertaker - One Night Stand

It had everything a TLC match should have and although many people thought the stipulation made it predictable, I think the ending made everyone kinda shocked. The spots in the match were awesome and many people, including myself, thought that Edge would take the majority of the bumps with the Undertaker taking only a couple, but the fall from the ladder onto 4 tables was a huge surprise to me. Definitely a great match.

PC712

07-10-2008, 01:04 PM

I personally think that wrestlemania this year had all the best matches.
I would have to say that Edge Vs. Undertaker takes the cakes, with a very close tie for seond between HBK Vs. Flair, & the MITB match. Now I know that a MITB goes without saying being one of the best matches, but this year there was some huge spots, The Gold Standard, Morrison had 2 or 3, Jerichos spots were all sick. It was just some dam good wrestle. O and matt hardy!?! Who saw that coming. I would have to say that was one of the most impressive matches I have seen this year.

HBK vs. Flair was just as good but in a different way, the emotion, the effort put in by both men, absoutly a great match.

Pure wrestling though, Edge & Undertaker - Simply some dam fine wrestling

a1n1hbk

07-11-2008, 01:53 AM

Hbk vs Ric flair - WM24
The match was amazing.The end was as emotional as you will see.Couldn't have asked for a better match.The two man flair 16*WHC and michals "The ShowStopper" gave us everything they had.So quite clear IMO best match Flair HBK showdown Wm24.

slickman123

07-11-2008, 06:51 AM

yep agree with most people

undertaker vs edge wrestlemania 24

undertaker vs edge one night stand 2008

the fact both matches had alot at stake helped aswell as the storyline was solid and intriguing and they were both great matches the wwe should use this feud as template because both the heel and face had their moments unlike other feuds where the face wins p.p.v after p.p.v

GW Emperor

07-11-2008, 06:58 AM

These days if Triple H is mentioned in a match that could be match of the year then you know WWE is having a bad year.
My choice for match of the year is undoubtably Shawn Micheals vs Ric Flair. It should have been WrestleMania main event as opposed to the very average match between Undertaker and Edge.
Contenders for runners up would be Batista vs Shawn Micheals in the stretcher match and the TLC match between Undertaker and Edge.

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07-11-2008, 03:50 PM

DeadmanInc.

07-11-2008, 04:17 PM

Edge vs Undertaker at WM 24

Great match. As an Edge fan, I totally marked out when he kicked out of the Tombstone and hit the second spear. Thought he might end the streak, but no.

It was 4 in the morning at the time, but I don't remember the crowd being THAT into the match? (Apart from the obvious spots) Correct me if I'm wrong. I think their Backlash rematch is underrated as well.

Yeah the crowd was quite dead during the match. I'm guessing they were burnt out from all the previous matches.

I think their Backlash match was pretty good too. I liked the ending where Edge countered the Last Ride into a roll-up and then Taker reversed that into the Gogoplata. Underrated match for sure, but not as good as their Wrestlemania match. The only thing that I liked better about their Backlash match was that the crowd was much more into it.

Another good MotY candidate is Chris Jericho vs Shawn Michaels at Judgment Day. This was a great match with awesome reversals, especially when Y2J reversed the Sweet Chin Music into the Codebreaker. This was the start of the best feud on RAW right now. I hope their GAB match lives up to their Judgment Day match.

TheOneBigWill

07-11-2008, 05:12 PM

Judgment Day: Shawn Michaels v. Chris Jericho: It was easily built early on as not being capable of being like their Wrestlemania XIX match-up, when in some's eyes it could've been even better after it was all said and done.

While I'd still stand by saying it wasn't as good as their Mania match, merely because it didn't have the amount of time to be. (possibly) That not withstanding I still believe the match went above and beyond what anyone thought it was going to be. These two have always had great matches, when given the opportunity to, and this match wasn't a disappointment.

The shear chemistry these two have is off the charts, and the skill level both men show one another is amazing. The match itself was filled with counters, reversals and a shocking finish that came out of no where.

Skullz Crack'Em

07-11-2008, 05:14 PM

I would say that the Edge vs Undertaker TLC Match at ONS was the MOTY so far, but the over-abundance of interference lowers it's quality. Their WM match was OK, but not as great as people say, the ending was poorly done/botched IMO with that Spear-into-Gogoplata Choke.

Cena vs Triple H at NOC was actually quite good, better than expected, the best thing about these two going against one another is the fact that it is hard to predict who is going to win. Both men have a reputation for winning the majority of their matches, so it enhances the quality of the match when you're not sure who is going to win.

Having said that, I think it is a tie between Edge vs Taker at ONS and Cena vs HHH at NOC.

FoleyIsGod

07-11-2008, 05:27 PM

I feel the Taker vs Edge match at Wm was brilliant, even though the highlight was Charles Robinson running down the ramp at full pelt. That was hilarious!

Though the two No Way Out elimination chambers were ok. Raw one was a bit more open(i really thought Hardy was going to win it)

FTS

07-13-2008, 03:23 AM

I would go with the HBK and Jeff Hardy match on Raw. Every minute of that match was sick, and I marked out when Hardy won.

Secondly, I thought the Raw Elimination Chamber was awesome.I really thougt Jeff was going to win that toward the end.

The Champ is here

07-13-2008, 10:46 PM

The best wrestling match so far in 2008 was HBK vs. Ric Flair WM 24

The build up for that match was great and it definably stole the show at Wrestlemania and lived up to the hype. When i seen this match i thought here's two good genuine friends giving everything they had in the ring not just for each other but for superstars in the back and of course for the fans.
This match had a beginning with elementary style moves, then gradually moved into a very technical Ric flair style match, and of course the ending of HBK not wanting to kick flair but he had to was a Sports Entertainment classic.

I guess to pick a match different from what everybody else said it would have to be John Cena vs. Jeff Hardy on Raw. For Cena this could of been one of his top 5 wrestling matches of his career. I was disappointed when Jeff Hardy won though, -wut else does Cena have to prove-

But to be quite honest with everybody I think it's kind of pathic that the 2 oldest active wrestlers on the WWE roster had the best match so far. (I mean these guys are not in their prime, but had the best match in 2008?)

Wut about John Cena vs. Randy Orton at No Way Out? 2 Top Superstars who are from "this generation" could not even get their match recognized on this thread? -You kind of think what kind of performance level would the WWE be at 10 years from now. When everybody who wrestled in the 1900’s is retired.

mrpaul

07-14-2008, 05:22 AM

I'll go with the general consensus and agree that HHH vs Cena at NOC was one of the best, and also the Undertaker vs Edge TLC at ONS was also awesome. I ekpt wondering why theyd set those tables up outside of the ring and it didnt click until Taker was up the ladder that they were finally going to be used. Great stuff.
I also loved the MITB ladder match and the Flair vs HBK at WM24.

Away from the PPV's, I think Ric Flair vs Mr McMahon extreme rules was pretty damn fine, especially the spot at the end with the table. And (and I know I'll probably get some stick for this but I dont care) Undertaker vs Festus on Smackdown. I loved it. It couldve been utter shit but it was brilliant! Especially the ending with Festus being too stupid to tap out.

Jeff Hardy Rules

07-18-2008, 10:46 AM

Wrestlemania 24 - Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels

The crowd was into the match the whole time. The emotion surronding the match was great and the build up was really good. The other thing that was great about was it led to a lot of different fueds. Flair put Michaels over and led to great fueds(batista/hbk and jericho/hbk).

HellBoundPower

07-18-2008, 02:42 PM

I think the best match of the year so far was Undertaker vs. Edge at Wrestlemania 24. It stated off a little slow, but it picked up and had most people on the edge (no pun intended) of their seat. It was also good that the match made Edge look really strong. Usually Edge looks really weak, having to cheat terribly to win. But this match was different. Edge was on offense most of the match, and Undertaker was the one on the defensive, fighting for his life. The false finishes were great, and the second Spear by Edge almost had me believing that the streak was over. And though I was disappointed that that match didn't end with a Tombstone, it was still an awesome ending to a great match.

I also want to give honorable mention the Undertaker vs. Edge in the TLC match at One Night Stand. They tore the house down yet again. Undertaker showed that he would do anything to keep his career intact and win the World Heavyweight Title, but the numbers game was not on his side, and he fell pray to the Ultimate Opportunist. A great match, with a cool (and rare) high spot at the end with the Undertaker falling off the ladder through 4 tables.

Both were great matches, but I'd give the one at Wrestlemania the edge (again, no pun intended) because of it being their first REAL one on one match. These two have fantastic chemistry, and I hope when Taker comes back that they hook it up again, and maybe they can even top these two matches. A tough feat, but I have confidence that they could do it.

Danmen001

07-18-2008, 07:39 PM

Wrestlemania 24 - Shawn Michaels vs. Flair:

It's been said over and over, but I must say it again. This match was spectacular, it has some good basic holds, along with some high selling and some grreat spots by HBK. The 'emotion' of the match as well, how well they sold what was going on and what the outcome was and had to be was fantastic.

Wrestlemania 24 - Money in the Bank:

Incredible spots in this match, I was really impressed. The first spot I remeber when Morrison did that Moonsault with the ladder was an absolute 'Holy Shit' moment for me. It was done spectacularly. Morrison's spot when he falls from the ladder in between the ropes and his umm.... well groin would probably never work again if he hadn't had a cup (I assume he had a cup, no one could physically take that without one.) And then followed by Joey Styles "Looks like the palace of wisdom will be closed tonight." That was hilarious. The ending ... whether you like CM Punk or not was really good, and had that tense feeling of can he get there.

One Night Stand - Edge vs. Undertaker.

In my opinion the table spots alone, especially at the end of the match were worth giving this match a mention.

Lyez. D

07-20-2008, 02:03 AM

As much as I wanna give this to 'Taker and Edge...I'm gonna give best match of the year so far too:

Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton at Royal Rumble
The match was so entertaining from start to finish. Any Jeff Hardy mark who hasn't seen this match really should recommendations for any hater of Jeff Hardy aswell. That's how good this match was. At the end of the day we all knew that Jeff wasn't going to win but a lot of believed in him. To have a champion like Orton just narrowly escaping with a win shows just how much WWE felt about Hardy at the time. After watching that match I knew in my heart that Jeff Hardy has what it takes when the spotlight is on him and his mind is focused. I see big things for Jeff Hardy in the near future and this match should definitely be included on the top 5 list come year end.

Antleader

07-20-2008, 03:49 PM

One of the best matches that I though was Edge vs. Batista at Night of Champions. It was definitely one of the most thrilling matches even though it wasn't a hardcore match by any means. Batista was almost there to win the championship, but lost it after taking the championship to the head. That's my thought.

07-21-2008, 12:11 PM

Seal

07-22-2008, 12:13 PM

Flair vs Michaels was terrible, the springboard moonsault and the scms were the only interesting segments. It was more the emotion driving the match. I'm not as insane for Flair as some people are, but it didn't really make this years WM for me.
The TLC match from ONS was highly overrated imo too. Their first two matches were good, their JD match was ok, but this was just a tables spot fest. And the ending was hardly that much of a surprise. WWE were hardly going to vacate the title then give it back to Taker.

Imo, the best match of this year so far was Chris Jericho vs Shawn Michaels - Judgment Day - enthralling throughout, both men are amazing, Chris Jericho excelled in the ring as always and Shawn was on the ball. Always something happening, with some great counters and big moves, it looked like both men were truly desperate to win. The SCM on the apron was the highlight for me.

Runner ups include Jeff Hardy vs Umaga - Steel Cage match, RAW as I found it to be a great, exciting match with some nice spots as expected. Orton's prescence, the steel chairs, Umaga and Jeff pulling out every one of their moves. The whisper in the wind of the top of the cage was the icing on the cake. Just one of the reasons why the build up to the WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble was near perfect.

Triple H vs John Cena - Night of Champions for being a great match as always from two great competitors. They really delivered, noone can really doubt how capable these two are in the ring ( particularly Triple H who after 12 years still impresses me a lot as a wrestler) I also enjoyed the Raw Elimination Chamber match, Randy Orton vs John Cena from NWO, the first five WWE Championship matches on PPV this year ( that saves me some typing!) and Edge vs Undertaker from WM. I'm sure they are some other great Taker matches that have slipped out of my mind also.

Darkshot77

07-24-2008, 11:20 PM

Wrestlemania XXIV: Triple Threat Match for WWE Title:This deserves a nod for two reasons one there was the STFU switched into the crossface there too and the ending was a complete suprise at least to me. Orton retaining was very suprising and unexpected and that there makes a match for me.

Night of Champions: Triple H vs John Cena:With Edge winning earlier in the night everything was set up to give Cena the title and put it back on Raw. But the WWE had a flash of storyline brillance and put together a suprising ending to an outstanding match.

slowdude

07-26-2008, 03:09 AM

Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton for the IC Belt a few weeks before the Royal Rumble. Nice fast paced match with a surprising ending of Randy Orton Instantly hitting Jeff in Bazooka only seconds after the bell rang. Truely outstanding, and the after match. DAMN! (Jeff doing a 40 Ft w/e swanton off the top of the set). Was truely great.

Ok that was a joke, seriously I enjoyed John Cena vs JBL at JD. I dont know why but i truely enjoyed it. I thought JBL wasnt as sloppy as usual. The only bad part was Cena's only offensive move of the night being a FU which ended it.

Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton at Royal Rumble. Was a great match, Truely thought Hardy could of won (Though i knew he wouldnt). Hardy looked like he was finally gona win when Randy yet again Pulls a RKO from no where. Brilliant.

The Snake

07-26-2008, 11:23 PM

Edge vs Taker at One Night Stand for me. And im speaking from a completely biased point of view, because not only was this one of the most entertaining matches of the year, but it was actually a really good match to watch with my younger sister - probably the best ever time i've had watching a wwe match with her.

She is a die hard Taker fan, and I am a die hard Edge fan, several discussions as to whether it was ACTUALLY going to happen, and my goodness, the amount of times I was looking through the smallest gap in my hand was unbelievable, and she was just going crazy any time Edge hit a move on Taker, one move and her most beloved wrestler (along with HBK) could well be packing his bags, I don't care much for this behind the scenes "he will be back eventually" or "his abscence was too short", and nor does she, I simple enjoy WWE matches for how much fun I have, and how much anxiety it causes, of course the wrestling matters, and of course I like to be wowed by stunning moves, but the emotion of that match told such a good story, and for that reason I think it was my MOTY:so far (HIAC could well rival it).

"Rush" GSP

07-27-2008, 01:55 AM

Royal Rumble 2008

I know its a unique match to mentino in here but i have to say it for two reasons. I've been watching WWE for nearly twenty years so i have seen alot of people come and go but right now John Cena is my favorite. My buddy got four tickets to the event and one guy backed out of going so i got asked and i said yea why not thinking anything of it. I just thoguht hey HHH will win the rumble but it will be a fun time at the event and being in nyc. So i go and the crowd including myslef counts down till zero for the last entrant to the rumble and there is that pause....Then we hear the John Cena music........i mucyh like everyone popped to no end when it started but when he appeared the place became deffening in my opinion. To see "THE CHAMP" return, which i still call hiim becuase he never lost the title, return was amazing and to see him and HHH battle it out was awesome and when Cena eliminated HHH i marked out to no end. Cena's return was a huge suprise for all in attendence and who ordered it and i guarantee everyone who was disappoointed by the show up until that point had their entire opinion change when Cena came out.

hunter-ere

07-29-2008, 02:02 PM

like every1 else has been sayin

FLAIR VS HBK
outstanding match good techinchal moves the ending was quite unpredictable a lot of false finishes and emotion very good match

matt hardy v edge
that match on smackdown was brilliant really good end to end champion vs champion match good heat and energy and hatred to say it nicely

midgensa

07-29-2008, 03:49 PM

Another great mid-season thread here that could go a million different ways.
I simply have a lot of trouble ranking matches when I like so many ... but I will give me Top five here:
5. John Cena wins Royal Rumble match - Royal Rumble This match makes it on shear shock value. When Cena walked out the ENTIRE wrestling world went nuts. The haters come out in flocks ... the supporters were their defending ... and these forums were packed. Simply the shock moment of the year thus far.
4. Shawn Michaels defeats Chris Jericho - Judgment Day Obviously as technically sound a match that we have had this year. Great counters, great back and forth, great false finishes. Everything we have come to expect from two of the of the top stars in the business. It also has led to the best feud of the year.
3. Undertaker defeats Edge - Wrestlemania 24 For some reason I REALLY wanted Edge to win this match and thought he just might despite all logic telling me otherwise. A very good match to end a great show, would be in the running for MOTY if these guys had not topped themselves a couple of months later.
2. Shawn Michaels defeats Ric Flair - Wrestlemania 24 A very good match considering that Flair is not up to putting on epics anymore. HBK carried Flair very well here, and they actually did a good job of letting you think Flair might actually win. The emotion in this match was palpable. It is just a little too sloppy in spots to quite take the match of the year moniker.
1. Edge defeats Undertaker - One Night Stand Simply perfect. From La Familia getting involved, to UT taking the huge bump ... to Edge "retiring" a legend. Everything about this match was perfectly done. As it stands now, this is tops for 2008/

Honorable Mention: Hardy vs. Cena on RAW, Hardy vs. HBK on RAW, Cena vs. Triple H at Night of Champions and the Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania 24.

Dead Kennedy

07-30-2008, 12:46 AM

2008 has had lots of great matches, more than I can remember there being in 2007 at this point. It is in truth the first year I have watched every show (and I do mean EVERY show - hell, I even suffered through some of the very crappy episodes of Heat), something I've been unable to do in the past due to my home country of Norway, where no WWE is aired on TV (Raw and SD ran on a station I didn't have a couple of years back though) and I've gotta say I'm pissed about all those wasted years. I do my best to obtain and watch old episodes though, even as far back as 1987.

Many are obvious and I've seen some of you other guys have the same picks. Let's get on with it eh?

5. Randy Orton def. John Cena and Triple H in a Triple Threat for the WWE Championship (WrestleMania XXIV)

Now, I've clearly voiced my opinion on Cena in a previous post so I won't whine about it all the time. I was extremely into this match despite not being that enticed by the build-up. Randy Orton, at this point, had made his mark as the best WWE Champion in recent memory, and I did NOT want to see him lose it, be it to Triple H or Cena. At some points, Cena became his old pre-Superman self, which was great to see. Other than that, there were just so many "bite-your-nails" close calls, and the finish is one of my favourite ones of all time - Hunter is about to pin Cena, and out of nowhere Randy Orton brings out his old friend the Punter (man, that's a pun.) and knocks him out. I marked. You know you did too. It's been a long time since I've seen this good a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania; WrestleMania XIX was the closest that comes to mind.

4. Shawn Michaels def. Chris Jericho (Judgment Day)

Coming off of the now officially legendary retirement match of Ric Flair, the feud with Batista commenced. Somehow, Jericho got involved with it as well. I thought this was a strange move by WWE, as he'd probably just be involved on the sidelines. I was wrong. Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho proved at WrestleMania XIX that they work so well together, you might call any match between the two a "dream match." While the sequels to this match were not as good, Judgment Day was just fun all the way. So many great spots, close finishes and mark-out moments ("Don't TAP YOU LITTLE SACK OF LARD!"*) it just shows that when Jericho is pitted against the right opponent, he can make a five star match. However, I really think Jericho deserved to win this one at the time. Seeing how the feud has really heated up, I regret that thought now.

3. Ric Flair def. Mr. Kennedy in a Retirement Match (No Way Out)

Okay, I've established that I'm a grotesque mark of Mr. Kennedy. I mean, almost whoever he feuds with, I'm gonna cheer him and support him. That became very hard when he was poised to end the career of the one, the only "Nature Boy" in his then-lackluster "retirement storyline". Mr. Kennedy cut some vicious promos about how he was gonna "waste" and "put down" Ric Flair. Ric Flair, being the man we all know and love, although admittedly his wrestling skills a bit tarnished by old age, told him to bring the fight. I knew from the start that Ric Flair's career could only end at WrestleMania, so initially I wasn't really that pumped to see it as I thought I would be. Boy, was I wrong. It was new blood battling old age, and at times it looked bleak for the "Nature Boy". In some small portions of the match, the Ric Flair of old appeared and refused to be "put down." You knew Kennedy was gonna have to tap out to the Figure Four, but I didn't care. It was just that damn good.

2. Edge def. Undertaker in a TLC Match for the World Heavyweight Championship (One Night Stand)

Around this period, I somehow came over my Edge-phobia and became a fan of his fantastic work. Just when I thought, "Man, they really need to end this stale Edge-Undertaker feud", magic happened. The TLC Match was one of the most enthralling and hypnotizing matches I've ever seen. Undertaker got in all of his signature spots, and Edge sold his heel character extremely well in it. I was, in fact, so completely 100% sure that Taker was gonna win, that the result left me in awe. Sometimes, WWE can still surprise you. An absolute five-star classic, off the chain, or whatever else you can call it.

1. Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair in a Retirement Match (WrestleMania XXIV)

It wasn't a display of technical prowess, fantastic death-defying spots or a powerhouse fest, it was a match of grave consequence to the wrestling world. However, and I mean no disrespect to "The Man", this should have really happened in 2003/04. In his last tenure with WWE, little of the brilliance that was Ric Flair, the Dirtiest Player in the Game, one of the greatest of all time, surfaced. He did resurface at some points, such as in his match against Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship in 2003 (I forgot the PPV event) and various other matches, such as his 2006 match against Big Show for the ECW Championship. Some matches were booked so horribly that Ric Flair simply looked like a crazy old man whose only selling point was chopping people. This could confuse youths (including myself) and make me wonder "this guy is the best in the world? What has JR been smoking?" In the build-up to what would be his last ever match, the Nature Boy rose from his grave.

After a fantastic cage match against Edge, HBK and Flair finally competed on the Citrus Bowl. Shawn Michaels showed that he can still work better than 90% of the WWE roster, and the Dirtiest Player resurfaced. So many of Ric Flair AND HBK's traditional spots were there, you just got absorbed into the match. And the finish is of course now, legend - one of the most beautiful and compelling moves WWE have ever done - Shawn Michaels mouthing "I'm sorry. I love you." and Ric Flair getting up for one final Sweet Chin Music. I couldn't help it, emotions beset me the very moment the referee's hand came down for the three count in what I would call the longest count I've experienced in wrestling. Ric Flair's career was over. One of the best was gone. The only thing that could have made Ric Flair's retirement perfect was if it were the main event. They also put icing on the cake with the emotional farewell speech the next Raw. Thanks for the memories, Ric - I hope WWE leave them alone.

Well, this might of course change as the year progresses. Many great matches, yes. HK out.

Captain Bean

07-30-2008, 09:39 AM

Ric Flair v HBK WM24

The build up and all the hype was brillaint and a worthy farewell to a great wrestler. the match itself was very entertaining i thought it would be poor because flair could never do much more then chop seen as her was old but it was highly entertaining and the finish was awesome. at one point i thought they were going to surprise everyone and have flair win and see him retired at backlash maybe.

a lot of posts comment on edge v taker at wm24 however despite it being a lot beter then i thought it would i just hated the la familia build up it gave edge no credit at all . having edge push taker to the edge (no pun intended) seemed poor as it was not realistic as edge is not up to takers standards

nickernator

07-31-2008, 06:55 AM

I think the reason the royal rumble match was big was because of cena, and unlike what they did with edge by having on the poster at Survivor Series, while cena came from nowhere, other than that, undertaker and HBK at the beginning was good because of last years

kingrko

08-14-2008, 10:51 AM

CM Punk vs Edge: World Heavyweight Championship.

Not neccesarily an actual wrestling match, but I give it a nod for the shockwaves it sent throughout WWE nation of fans.

Melina vs Beth Phoenix: I Quit Match.

This match was easily the most physically brutal divas match I've seen in quite awhile. While it wasn't up to a men's standard of this match type, I give these divas credit for truly showing that they are ready to step up and have great matches.

Starchild

08-14-2008, 02:39 PM

I have two here that are about on par for MOTY I think, and just happen to involve in the same participants.

Wrestlemania 24 - Edge vs Undertaker
I have been waiting for this at Wrestlemania for years as both were undefeated in normal matches anyway (Edge lost MITB at WM23). These two and Shawn Michaels are the guys that can carry just about anyone to a good match (except maybe Khali). Edge is the best heel I've seen since HHH's Evolution days and Taker is one of the best to ever lace 'em up. This match had everything you could ask for in a WM main event and the two really put on a great show.

One Night Stand - Edge vs Undertaker (TLC)

This was hands down the best gimmick match I've seen in a while and the best TLC since the original tag team ones with the Hardys, E&C, and the Dudley's. There were plenty of big spots and I never expected Undertaker to lose. He fought of the entire family and looked like he was gonna win on several occasions. At his age and from what he's done in the past, I never expected him to take that awesome table spot at the end and actually have Edge win, plus "end" the Undertaker's career.

These two had an awesome buildup to the rivalry and I enjoyed the majority of their work together, best of all being these two. I can only hope that the HIAC at SS proves to be their best match because that has MOTY written all over it if done correctly and this is easily feud of the year for me.

oneandonly

08-15-2008, 03:31 PM

Edge vs Undertaker at WM 24 From Edge countering nearly everything Taker threw at him from Hawkins and Ryder getting chokeslammed onto each other from the two spears and Charles Robinson running down that ramp full speed everything about this match was perfect especially the ending. I didn't see that coming. I thought the match was over for sure after the second spear but Undertaker locked in the Gogopolata and Edge tapped out and I knew it was match of the year right after it ended.

Shawn"HBK"Michaels 92

08-19-2008, 06:30 AM

My top 5 wrestling matches from 2008 so far...

5. CM Punk Vs. Batista for the WHC @ Great American Bash
This was suprisingly a very good match. I dont think i have ever been so suprised by a match. I thought it would be shit but it was great! CM Punk held his own against big bad Dave Batista. I'm not a batista fan but this match was great!! The best match i have ever seen CM Punk in. It's a pity it ended in a DQ.. but that just shows how entertaining it was. For a match to be that good and still end in DQ?? When it was over i was actually wanting more. I loved it. I'm sure many will disagree, but it was this match in my mind that cemented CM Punk as a Worthy WHC in my opinion...

4. Edge Vs. Undertaker for the WHC @ WM24
I though i might be bias again, given my love for Edge and my excitement to see him living his dream in the mainevent at Wrestlemania. You can't get any bigger in this industry, but after reading all your comments i feel pretty confident in saying that this match was unbelieveable. Like WWE or Not. They always dilevier when it comes the the WrestleMania Main event. I didnt think Cena Vs. HBK could be topped but this gives it a fast run for its money. Great reversal from both men through the whole contest, Run ins from Ryder & Hawkins, KO'd Referee's, Camera Shots, What more can one ask for? It was a classic contest. Edge is the best heel of all time and Undertaker is as loved as anyface that has ever graced a ring. It was a classic match, the only beef i have with it was it was no suprise that Undertaker was going to win. That took away from the thrill a little, but not much.. Great from start to finish!

3. RAW Elimination Chamber @ No Way Out
Jeff Hardy Vs. Umaga Vs. JBL Vs. Shawn Michaels Vs. Triple H Vs. Chris Jericho. Great match which saw Triple H go to the main event @ Wrestlemania. Face paced match from bell to bell with us seeing all finishers, a double samoan drop, crossface/Walls of jericho combo, swanton from the top of a chamber, HHH pinning HBK and it coming down to my man Jeff Hardy and the Game. Jeff Held his own against hunter, kicking out of the pedigree after missing his swanton. Then having is twisto of fate reveresd on to a steel chair before being pedigreed on it. Awesome!!! 6 of the top wrestlers today in one awesome match. Loved It!!

2. Jeff Hardy Vs. Randy Orton for The WWE Championship @ Royal Rumble:
Maybe I'm bias because i was so overjoyed to see Jeff Hardy in his first PPV title match, but from the get go this match was extremely entertaining with lots of great moves from both guys including a very rare showing of a moonsault from Jeff Hardy. The last time i saw Jeff Hardy do a moonsault was Vs. Raven on Raw in 2002. Another thing that made this match so great was the great fued building before it including Orton destroying Matt Hardy, and Jeff's Huge Swanton from 20ish feet or something.. But what sealed the deal for me was the lighten quick finish to the title match. Randy Orton's RKO came out of fucking nowhere! I couldnt believe it!! It was so quick an unexpected. A great finish to a great match leaving both stars looking credible.

3. Jeff Hardy Vs. Shawn Michaels on Raw
My Dream Match!!! The charismatic engima vs the showstopper surpassed everything, all my highest expectations. Jeff Hardy dominating early with some fantastic chain wrestling and some great pure wrestling ability. Both men had some great reversals including HBK with a huge backbody drop reversal from the top rope, Jeff skimmin the cat only to be drilled by a huge hbk clothesline that even JBL would be proud of!!! Jeff Hardy used basically every move he is known for... The reversel mule kick, running the rail (only to have it reversed into a powerslam), the twist of fate, whisper in the wind, turnbuckle dropkick, jeff's lariat takedown, swanton.. I was only half way through the match and i knew i was seeing something special. I knew that this would be my most loved match that i'd ever see (Until Jeff Hardy wins the WWE Championship). This was My favorite superstar at his best. I have never seen Jeff Hardy better. The end coming with Jeff Hardy beating HBK clean in the middle of the ring, proving he is a main event star... My Dream Match..

Honorable mentions:
Jeff Hardy Vs. Umaga in a Steel Cage on Raw
The Royal Rumble Match as always
Belfast Brawl @ WM24
Y2J vs Jeff Hardy on Raw for the IC Title
Y2J vs HBK @ Judgement Day
John Cena Vs Randy Orton Vs HHH @ WM24
Edge Vs Underaker In TLC @ One Night Stand
SANTINO WINNING IC Title AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @ Summerslam

**Note** I'm yet to see Edge Vs Taker In Hell In A Cell, but i assume that it will be pretty fucking great!

DeadmanFan

08-19-2008, 09:08 AM

Unsurprisingly, I have to the top three spots to the Taker/Edge feud.

3. Undertaker vs. Edge Wrestlemania: An epic buildup led to this match. It started with Edge cashing in MITB and followed with Taker trying but consistently failing to get his hands on him. When he finally did at mania you knew it was going to be explosive, and it was, and had a nice ending to it that made Edge look like he really could have beaten the Deadman in his kingdom.

2. Undertaker vs. Edge One Night Stand: This was a great match that had you nervous the entire time. Not only because it was a TLC match that you knew would be unpredictable, but because of the stipulation of Taker's banishment. When Taker did indeed lose is was so shocked, and it's been a long time since a match made me feel that way.

1. Undertaker vs. Edge, Summerslam: This Hell in a Cell was simply epic. It was light years beyond any cell match that has happened in half a decade. Finally they took the fight to the outside and both guys took some pretty impressive bumps. The ending with Undertaker "sending Edge to hell" was one of the best endings to a feud that I've ever seen. This match was simply spectacular.

Taker-Edge should most definitely win the PWI Feud of the Year award. And if it doesn't there is something seriously wrong with the columnists there.

GW Emperor

08-19-2008, 09:52 AM

The only true good wrestling match that Undertaker and Edge have had this year was their bout at One Night Stand. The WrestleMania and SummerSlam bouts were too slow and boring to watch, with little wrestling going on. The ending of the SummerSlam was also stupid, in which Taker sent Edge to hell. Sometimes I think to myself that WWE desperately need to join the real world and stop coming up with such unrealistic plots.
Best match of the year was easily Shawn Micheals vs Ric Flair, this followed by Shawn Micheals vs Batista at One Night Stand, all of the Shawn Micheals vs Chris Jericho matches, and John Cena vs Batista at SummerSlam. All of these matches were more gripping, faster paced and featured better wrestling than the average WrestleMania and SummerSlam matches of Edge vs Undertaker.

Garvanko

08-19-2008, 10:46 AM

The entire Undertaker v Edge sequence has been epic (ONS was fantastic), and while Summerslam may prove to be the end to their feud for now, I really hope they pick things up again soon and go the whole year. Why not, its been that good, PPV-wise. To be honest, its currently the only feud in the WWE worth watching. Although Edge has carried the feud on Smackdown, Undertaker has enhanced it on the PPVs..

oneandonly

08-19-2008, 11:08 AM

After the HIAC match I have a changed opinion. That match was truly MOTY. The build-up was great. The match was epic beyond all other epic matches. The best part was when Edge went through the two tables. Then when Undertaker sent Edge to hell was simply awesome.

undertakerrulesmania20

08-19-2008, 11:27 AM

Hell In The Cell All The Way This Really Surprised As I Thought They Would Never Go Outside The Ring. Edge Spearing Taker Through The Cell And Table Was Priceless. Undrtaker Had His Spots To Though What A Wicked Ending To A Great Feud. Do Not Restart It Or You Will Ruin What Great Fights They Have Already Had. I Was Dissapointed That Wwe Took Foley Out Of Hell Match When He Was Slated To Screw Taker.

IC25

08-19-2008, 03:46 PM

Folks, Edge vs Undertaker at SummerSlam was not the Match of the Year.

In fact, it wasn't even the match of Summerslam.

Come on, get over your smarky hatred of John Cena and Batista and realize that the best match of Summerslam - and a surefire MOTY candidate was the match BEFORE Hell in a Cell. Want to know why?

No gimmicks. Hell in a Cell wasn't a wrestling match, it was an all out massacre. It was two guys using every conceivable prop and high spot to get a "wow" out of the crowd. That's all well and good, but the fact is, Cena vs Batista was a fantastic match that required NOTHING but the two men wrestling. No weapons. No ref bumps. No guest refs. No cage. No implications. No titles. Two great wrestlers with PRIDE on the line.

Selling. When Cena worked Batista's leg, Dave sold that bad boy the entire match AND on the way up the entrance ramp after the win. The pain on Batista's face while in the STFU was palpable, and since Cena has made HHH tap out to it before, it certainly made sense that he could do it to Batista. But Batista fought on, reached the ropes, and sold the hell out of the move! Edge gets snake eyed face first into "steel" steps, no sells, and hits Undertaker. Ok...

Ending. Batista hitting the bomb as a reversal to Cena's leg drop attempt was AWESOME. Since Cena has done that before, it made sense that he go to the top to try it. Batista bombs him while STILL not putting appreciable pressure on the injured leg, and then sells the pain he is in so much that it takes another Batista Bomb to put him away. Don't get me wrong - the surprises and near falls in the Edge / Taker match were awesome as well. But a few moves you could see coming, and the end spot with Edge going thru the canvas and the fire was a little hokey. A Last Ride through the ring would have made more sense. Do it through a table AND the ring, sans fire, and it looks amazing. But the Cena / Batista ending was better, AND it was 100% clean.

One thing I noticed about the HIAC match that I LOVED was the camera work. The camera people set up setting shots like NO other cage match I've ever seen, and they should be commended with how well the match came off.

But don't let the glitz and glamour of Hell in a Cell take away from the fact that, overall, Cena vs Batista was a far better professional wrestling match, and they needed no gimmicks to pull it off.

Irish Kenton

08-19-2008, 08:58 PM

Cena and Batista was a good match. But certainly not the best match of the night. Whether you agree or not, Taker and Edge was definitely the most intense match of the night. Great back and forth action between both guys.
Bair in mind that Edge took some serious bumps. It did not exactly match up to Taker vs Mankind, possibly because Edge just did not want to be thrown from what seems to be a higher cell.
Nontheless, Edge and Taker did not fail. They most definitely delivered an awesome match. Just as I expected.

CaseyisBA52'sGFnow

08-20-2008, 01:30 PM

John Cena vs Batista at Summerslam
It was great , I realy didnt think that they could pull it iff but they had a great back and forth match that ended with batista winning. I dont think anyone picked Batista to win so that has shock value. Also the live crowd was very alive for the match booing the hell outta Cena and cheering Batista. Overall great match

TThomas6128

08-20-2008, 07:00 PM

Edge vs Undertaker - Summerslam

By far the best match of the year and the best feud of the year BY FAR. These two have had the best matches all year and this one did not disappoint.

John Cena vs. Triple H at NOC and John Cena vs Batista could come in after Edge and Undertakers matches at WM, and One Night Stand, but out of the dumb things WWE has done this year . . . this is one feud they got right

Richard

08-23-2008, 05:16 AM

I feel the Taker vs Edge match at Wm was brilliant, even though the highlight was Charles Robinson running down the ramp at full pelt. That was hilarious!

Ah yes, Charles Robinson taking forever to run down to the ring because the ramp was that damn long, my friend I still make jokes about that.

But yes, Edge VS The Undertaker at WrestleMania 24 would definately be my choice. That had a lot of good wrestling and even though you know The Undertaker will win, Edge made me believe that he would beat The Undertaker when he kicked out of the Tombstone and was reversing The Undertakers moves. Even though Edge lost, he gained a lot out of that match and it also set up for some more excellent matches in the future as other people have said their encounter at ONS in TLC as MOTY. I think it was a good match but the WrestleMania encounter was a bit better, in my opinion.

I think it also really solidified Edges status as the best heel on SmackDown by being able to really bring it to The Undertaker at a WrestleMania.

klunderbunker

08-23-2008, 05:22 AM

There's two that I remember very well. First was that classic of the HIAC 6 days ago. Those two made the match sound exactly as it should. Those two were in hell with each other. The beating that they gave one another was nothing short of classic. Taker went nuts in there and the beating that he gave Edge at the end was nothing short of epic. That feud is over, plain and simple, which is what a gimmick match like that is supposed to accomplish.

And now for my complete wild card: The fatal 4 way from ECW with Matt Hardy, Miz, Morrison and Finlay. I had already read the spoilers and this match grabbed my attention. These four guys put on an absolute gem out there. False finish after false finish, leading up to what was apparently the wrong ending. It worked very well though, wiht the match never letting up. Great bout, without a moment of boringness.

Esteban Ochocinco

08-23-2008, 08:26 AM

Gotta disagree Irish. Cena vs. Batista was good, but the Hell in the Cell match was simply epic.

It saw the ending of a feud that surely put finality to the best feud of the year, if not the best feud of the last five years.

The match was amazing from bell to bell, and then some. Edge has finally gone full circle in his heel run, going back to being the mad man he once was, if not even more psychotic then ever. Does anyone ever remember the last time someone got into the ring, and was enjoying being there with the Undertaker? I remember, and that man was Mick Foley. Edge made you believe he was just as sick, if not more sick, then Foley ever was, which said a lot.

Plus, this cell proved another thing, someone doesn't have to juice to make this match good. First time I think ever that no one bladed. Sure there was blood, but the blood in this match was done the hard way. The hardcore elements of this match weren't so ridiculous and over the top as say the Batista vs. Triple H over rated Cell match was, and wasn't as long winded and boring as the Michaels Triple H match, this match was just as good as the first Cell match, if not better.

It showed to guys, so desperate to be rid of the other, that they started to become the other. Both guys began using the others move to finish them off because they couldn't beat them as them self. The Undertaker had to become Edge to finally be rid of Edge. This match had fantastic story telling to it, and spectacular spots in it as well. Clearly this match was match of the year, and it's not even close.

The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh

08-23-2008, 09:28 AM

Surely MOTY should go to Santino v Kelly Kelly? No? Ok, ok then obviously it goes to Summerslam's 5 star, grade A wrestling clinic match......... Mark Henry v Matt Hardy? No? Really? What about JBL v Colin Delaney? Well then surely it should go to the best World Heavyweight title match that they've ever had in the 24 year history of Wrestlemania....... yeah...... that's right...... you know what i'm talking about...... the best slobberknocker, highest rated rocketbuster of all time, where the champ and challenger left it all in the ring......... Kane v Chavo Guerrero? WTF?........

Sorry, had to do it.

All jokes aside..........

Eithier Edge And TAker Ons Or The Hell In A Cell This Was The Best Feud In The Last 5 Years And Probably The 2nd Best Hiac Ever Behind Foley And Taker

Dunno if i agree with the final part of that statement. Much like Taker v Batista HIAC and Taker v Orton HIAC, it was more or less a Street Fight with a cage. Yes they went outside of the cage for the first time in what must be 5 years now, but just to do a spear off of one table to another was pretty lame. Don't get me wrong the spot was good, but i'd prefer to have seen Edge get chokeslammed through the cell at the end than have him chokeslammed off a ladder (which must have only been about 3 foot shorter than the actual roof) through what was clearly a hole in the ring. The fact that there was no thud to make it sound like Edge had crashed through wood instead of just through the canvas ruined that spot and then the flames were just stupid, just, just stupid. What exactly is Edge gonna say when he comes back? " Satan and i became great friends and he let me come back, and now Taker, i have the same powers as youooooooooo....." and start throwing lightning around as well? Going through the ring was enough, the flames tainted a solid match, but i don't consider it MOTY by any means, and here's why.

I may be wrong, and may have to watch the match again (well i will anyway because i did enjoy it), but it seemed to me that Taker did fuck all in that match. Edge literally beat the holy high hell out of Taker repeatedly and then from out of nowhere in very quick succession it was chokeslam through the tables, camera to the face, con-chair-to, tombstone piledriver and there was a spear by Taker in there somewhere as well. Taker seemed to play the crash test dummy for 20 minutes and then dished out a restaraunt quality beat down in less than 5.

For the best match of the year so far, i'd probably go with the Orton v Cena v HHH triple threat at WM. Had some excellent spots like the cross body to Cena off of HHH's shoulders, the double elevated DDT by Orton + the ending was just sublime. I doubt few people actually thought Randy would walk out with the belt and it looked like he was going to be the ex-champ until the punt kick and then 3 seconds later it was over. Be-eautiful.

I don't know why but something compels me not to name a gimmick match as the best match, otherwise i'd probably say the RAW EC, or HBK v Batista stretcher match. I wouldn't say Taker/Edge TLC because apart from the result, it was far too predictable. There's been a load of tv matches that have been awesome too, mostly with Jeff Hardy, Shelton Benjamin and Kennedy as i recall but couldn't be specific.

I don't know why, but i get the feeling that SD's championship scramble will b a good contender for match of the year as well. I hope my pick has changed by December 31st

Mr. 619

08-23-2008, 11:44 PM

For me, the choice comes down to two matches. First is the amazing HIAC we saw at Summerslam. I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time. It was the best HIAC I've seen. I dissagree with people who say the flames tainted a good match, I think it only solidified the end of an awsome fued.

My second choice would have to be Shawn Micheals vs Ric flair at WM 24. Two of the best in the buisness went all out to make Ric Flair's last match a memorable one. The wrestling was great, but what stood out the most for me was the raw emotion shown by both of them. That really added to it.

So I'm not really sure which one was better. Honorable mention goes to Randy Orton vs Jeff hardy at the Royal Rumble. Both guys were great, I really thought Jeff had the title won, oh well.

ulimate123

08-24-2008, 09:00 AM

For me it was Edge vs Undertaker at Wrestlemania. The action was fast paced and there was a lot of times where I though the streak was ended! (When Edge speared the Undertaker right at the end). Though I think the way the match ended was a lot dissapointing. (Come on!). The Edge heads intefering and getting the crap beaten out was very funny. (BTW why cannot I make a new topic?)

Upgrayedd

08-24-2008, 01:36 PM

Edge vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell... by far.

That match had everything and there wasn't a dull part in the match. Both wrestlers worked so hard to put on an incredible match. Unlike in TNA, they know how to use weapons and make each chair shot, use of a table, etc. seem important. The booking of the match was just... nearly perfect especially with Taker snapping at the end and doing Edge's moves like the spear, taking the camera and hitting Edge in the face like Edge did to Taker in the Hell in a Cell match between Taker/Batista.

I had friends/family over for both WrestleMania and SummerSlam. While the whole WrestleMania event was fun and the people here had fun watching it I don't any match compared to Taker/Edge Hell in a Cell. All of us were on the edge of our seats watching it.

AngryGrandpa

08-26-2008, 01:05 AM

Ric Flair vs Michaels - Mania

The match was amazing... It had all the elements an epic showcase should have.... Michaels showcased his high flying skills... Flair showed us he still had a few tricks up his sleeve..We were treated to that very nice springboard onto the announce table... Followed by a moonsault by Michaels that missed flair by a mile...

The match may not have been perfect in terms of performance.. But overall it had all the keys... The amazing buildup.. The emotion...The action

That to me makes an amazing match..And considering everything involved..That's my 5* match of 2008

08-26-2008, 03:52 AM

(hi guys, it's been a while, isn't it?)
2008 has been a year with lots of good wrestling action, and personally, the best matches are 3:

3.- HBK vs Ric Flair -Mania 24:
In terms of sentimental value, this match is something that should be sold in a separate, special edition DVD. The career of one of the greatest, ended by another legend of the biz. The final moments were simply awe inspiring: watching an almost tearful Flair asking for some more punishment is an image that is still in my mind and that Sweet Chin Music was epic.

2.- Undertaker vs Edge - Mania 24:
Though the build of the match was one of the worst things i've seen in a while, these two gentlemen delivered 100% pure entertainment. Needless to say, whoever watched the last 5 minutes of the match seated, clearly was too drunk or didnt watch mania. Not a match for "the ages" (besides of Taker's streak, of course...) because that match is....

1.- Undertaker vs Edge - ONS (TLC)
Two words (which fit exactly): HOLY SHIT! Let me tell you, this was one of those epic moments that you will see in years to come in endless DVDs compilations. who else thought that Taker were going to lose that match? i mean, "La familia" is a boring angle IMO so I understand that Ryder, hawkins, Bam and even chavo, all these guys need some big exposure, then, what could possibly go wrong where you are interfering a match with 2 of the top 5 wrestlers in the biz?
The result was an epic match, full of spots, old school moves, back and forth action, everything that a wrestling fan can expect for their money.

Honorable mention: Taker vs Edge - Summerslam (HIAC) Sick match overall. I dont know if it was taker or edge's fault, but that final chokeslam was horrible executed and killed the climax IMO. the flames added a little of shock value though. Also, i didnt like the spot when Edge speared taker through the cell. spear looked kinda botched.

and for the record: i think the best match is yet to come. (see: possible hbk vs Jericho at survivor series, nothing to be surprised of, considering that HBK has been in the MOTY for the last 4 years)

K Bro 30

08-30-2008, 04:50 PM

I think that Wrestlemania with Flair vs Michaels was the best so far. Just everything that was riding on that match. The "I'm sorry.....I love you." Yes, wrestling is scripted, it's planned, whatever you want to say. At that moment, everything became real. That moment sent chills all around me.

I think one match that has been getting overlooked a lot, and I'm not sure if it was at the end of last year or this year, but leading up to the Royal Rumble. Jeff Hardy in a cage vs Umaga. That Whisper in the Wind from the top and the look on Orton's face made it that great a match, and really helped Hardy grow with the fans. Looking back it honestly made me the most excited to watch because I did not know what would happen. I think it deserves to be considered the best. Definitely the best non-PPV match

Dragonslayer

09-01-2008, 08:46 AM

Now after watching the three Taker/Edge matches at WM24, ONS and Summerslam, I've come to the conclusion that the best of the three for me personally, and thus also best match of the year, would be WM24.

Why?

Well, it's quite simple - needless to say, the TLC match had a very spectacular ending spot, and no one thought Taker was gonna lose, and the HIAC was good as well... but the thing is, it is not THAT hard to create a good match with those two gimmicks. In both TLC and HIAC you have a ton of options with the weapons and what not to go over the top. I mean, Edge and Taker both pulled out all the stops in those two matches too, and especially the HIAC was great when Taker went for the spear... But I believe it is that much harder to really put on a match of epic proportions if you have "only" a regular singles match encounter.

But WM24 was just that, and here also both men went all out, they did a ton of nice false finishes and good transitions, and the fact that they were so evenly matched throughout the whole bout really made the match remarkable, and reminded me of the glorious encounters of Steve Austin and The Rock, where you just never would know how it would end (even if Taker's streak made his win a lot more likely - the match itself never looked like that). So I have to go with the WM24 match, a very worthy 'Mania headlining match and easily one of the best I've seen in a long time. Both TLC and HIAC were very good as well, but it was this time the gimmick-lessness of the match that did it for me.

On a close second, I'd give the nod to HBK vs Flair. Even if Flair looked really really old in that match, he still managed to deliver an incredible match that was in fact a lot better than what some of the younger guys put out; and considering his age, some of the things he did in that match(like a flying cross body off the top, that for once in his life worked) were nothing short of awesome. Plus of course a brilliant partner in HBK, who could make him look good in even his lesser moments did the rest to make the last match of a legend truly something worth remembering, instead of something that seemed washed up or sorry. Ric Flair could be The Nature Boy one last time, and could be it really really well thanks to HBK - and the great finish with the shot of Michaels before he "pulled the trigger", before Flair once again somehow scrambles back to his feet with his fists raised and tears in his eyes - that was simply priceless and will go down in the annals of the Greatest Moments in Wrestling ever, along with such memories like Hogan bodyslamming Andre, or Hogan squaring off with The Rock at WM18, or Austin battling Rock for a very last time at WM19. For that match, my friends, was once again what wrestling is truly all about - being larger than life, making dreams come true when in any "real" life they would just pop like a bubble; by being a spectacle, by being a drama, by having this cathargic effect I so often talk about. Truly a great great moment, and a great match in and of itself.