10 Best "Passing Of The Torch" Matches In WWE History

10. Jeff Hardy Vs. The Undertaker (Raw - 1 July 2002)

The Undertaker was undergoing a rejuvenation as 'Big Evil' in 2002. Jeff Hardy, meanwhile, had established himself as the most popular member of one of the most over tag teams in WWE history - the Hardy Boyz. WWE’s post-WrestleMania draft sent him and brother Matt to separate brands, and with the fans firmly on his side, Jeff was on the cusp of breaking-out as a singles star.

In July, Jeff found himself booked in a ladder match for The Undertaker’s WWE Championship, and though he lost, the outcome had a major impact on his career.

Nobody would have put money on Jeff going into the match, but Hardy showed unparalleled determination as he fought 'Taker. He took an obscene level of punishment, as he’s prone to do, and after reversing a Last Ride, it looked like Jeff was in with a legitimate shot. Hardy scaled the ladder to one of the greatest calls of Jim Ross’ career (“Climb the ladder, kid! Make yourself famous!”), but reality kicked-in. 'Taker recovered, scaled the ladder, and finished Jeff off with a Chokeslam.

It was a gut-wrenching loss, but Jeff had won 'Taker’s respect. The Deadman eventually returned to raise Jeff’s hand in the air after the match, and with the company icon’s blessing, Hardy was a made man. Personal issues meant it was several years before he’d receive another big opportunity at the gold, but even with his sojourn to TNA, this was the start of Jeff’s WWE rise.