10 Wrestling Sequels That Were Even Better Than The Originals
Twice As Nice.
Kazuchika Okada desperately crawled towards the prone frame of Kenny Omega, but it was just too late. After hitting a Rainmaker with only seconds remaining, he was unable to finish off 'The Cleaner' as the bell rang, confirming that both men had survived the 60 minute time limit.
It was a thrilling conclusion to an absorbing match, not least because the pair had worked to try and outdo what many considered 2017's Match of the Year at January's Wrestle Kingdom 11.
That they'd managed to do just that was a truly remarkable feat. Wrestling often utilises rematches as creative shortcuts, but the retreads often have no chance of topping the original.
Though the chemistry and cohesion of the performers may be enhanced, the maiden meeting between two stars often has a first time magic that cannot be recaptured. However, when legendary figures are able to surpass a famous first try, the matches grow in stature and significance.
Following the inconclusive finish, Omega and Okada will almost certainly now work a third time, where the pressure will yet again be high to exceed lofty expectations. As with these all legendary sequels, it's hard not to see them living up to the top billing they'll receive.
10. John Cena Vs CM Punk (Monday Night Raw, Feb 23rd 2013)
John Cena and CM Punk had one of WWE's all time great pay-per-view matches at Money In The Bank 2011, but a titanic Monday Night Raw struggle quietky surpassed their famous Chicago effort.
On that night, the heat for the match was almost unlike anything the company had curated for the better part of a decade, such was the intrigue and enthusiasm around Punk and his potential departure from the organisation.
The atmosphere for their pre-WrestleMania Raw blockbuster was almost as electric, with the pair engaging in one last fight for the right to take on WWE Champion The Rock in the main event of WrestleMania 29.
The Cena/Rock rematch had been an inevitability for months in the aftermath of their 'Once In A Lifetime' battle at WrestleMania 28, but with a last gasp grasp, Punk almost upset the applecart with his final push to reclaim the title he'd previously held for 434 days.
Knowing each other almost too well from their prior battles, 'The Champ' and 'The Best In The World' were forced into leaving their comfort zones in an effort to scoop victory. Having already survived each other's finishers, Punk famously unleashed a rarely-seen piledriver at the tail-end of their 20 minute war, before Cena defied all expectations with a hurricanrana that phased 'The Voice of the Voiceless' long enough to leave him prey for a match-winning Attitude Adjustment.