2. Shawn Michaels Vs. HHH - Unsanctioned Match, 2002
At WrestleMania XIV, Shawn Michaels wrestled what was thought to be his last match in WWE. Dealing with a debilitating back injury, Shawn gutted out one last moment in the sun before walking away. In his absence, his best friend Triple H rose to be the premier villain of the era. When Michaels was ready to return, the DX boys momentarily got the band back together. Very briefly, that is. During this reunion, HHH let the world know not only did he feel he was greater than Shawn Michaels, but Shawn was the one who held him back from becoming great sooner. With a vicious attack that included Michaels' head being put through a car window, the stage was set for a date at SummerSlam 2002 for an unsanctioned (street fight) match. Showing up in a pair of cowboy boots and blue jeans, Shawn Michaels became The Showstopper once more. Triple H and Shawn each sported a crimson mask, and beat the holy hell out of each other in a classic brawl for the ages. Although it led to what seemed to be hundreds of rematches that came with diminishing returns, this was their finest hour. This match is the WWE equivalent of Michael Jordan coming out of retirement, and dropping 55 against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden in his 5th game back. From there, "one night only" turned into 8 more years of greatness for Shawn Michaels. And then HHH attacked Shawn with a sledgehammer less than 15 seconds after the match ended. Just to let us know he was evil and that Michaels still hadn't gained his respect.