10 Wrestling Matches Much Better Than Their Reputations

9. Hornswoggle Vs. El Torito (Extreme Rules 2014)

Sting With Triple H
WWE Network

Curmudgeonous Jim Cornette types will dismiss this bout with one look at the marquee. Two little people - one of whom was supposed to be a rockstar leprechaun, and the other a valet who thinks he's an actual bull - going to battle on a B-level pay-per-view Kickoff Show, in a gimmicked version of WWE's most chaotic signature stipulation. It's the kind of thing that should give traditionalists nightmares, yet WeeLC remains an absolute triumph, and perhaps the peak of the Banter Match formula.

It helps that El Torito was (and still is) an outrageously talented performer. A supreme athlete, he was capable of so much more than his role as Los Matadores mascot/manager allowed, but at least got to show it at Extreme Rules 2014.

WWE committed fully, bringing in a cast of diminutive commentators, a referee, and a ring announcer, and pure, unadulterated fun followed. It was understandably full of smoke and mirrors (including an absurd Jinder Mahal/Colons table bump), but the "this is awesome" chants spoke for themselves, and while the "little person" jokes did wear thin by the end, this unique spotfest deserves all the praise.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.