10 Best "Passing Of The Torch" Matches In WWE History
6. Bret Hart Vs. Mr. Perfect (SummerSlam 1991)
The Intercontinental Title used to be WWE’s “workrate” championship. No matter what was going on elsewhere on the card, fans could usually rely on the IC Title match to deliver a slick, competitive wrestling match rife with technicality and fighting spirit. Mr. Perfect was vital in establishing this theme, and as one of the greatest in-ring technicians of all-time, his second IC Title reign is widely considered one of the best in the belt’s history.
Having won the belt from Kerry Von Erich in November 1990, Perfect found himself in a troubling situation the following year. His back was in terrible shape from years of wear and tear, and he was in dire need of some time off. WWE needed an equally brilliant in-ring competitor who could inherit the title without diluting its reputation, and in Bret Hart, they had the ideal candidate.
The two met in a classic bout at SummerSlam 1991, and despite his injury problems, Perfect was still able to match Hart hold for hold. At one point, Perfect’s back was so jacked-up that he could barely stand, but the duo still managed to go for close to 20 minutes, and Hart made the most of his opponent’s troubles. The Hitman targeted the back by locking Perfect in a Sharpshooter for his first WWE singles title, and an Intercontinental reign that he’d eventually use as a springboard to the WWE Championship. Perfect, meanwhile, was forced to take a year off to heal his back.