10 Best Wrestling Matches That Never Left The Ring

Any fan who has drank in the world of professional wrestling for more than five minutes will likely know that there are a few things which will almost inevitably go down during each and every in-ring match.

A heel will gain an advantage through nefarious tactics, the team on commentary will no doubt lose their minds when a typically ineffective signature move only produces a near-fall, and the performers involved in the contest will eventually find themselves fighting around the area surrounding the squared-circle. After all, is there a better way to catch a mid-match breather than by ramming your opponent into some steel steps?

However, every once in a while a match will come along that challenges the expected norm, showcasing two stars battling for gold, glory, or even just pride, all without setting foot outside of the ring.

Whether it was two of the biggest names in the industry warring over the WWE Championship, or a returning veteran determined to prove they haven't missed a step, as far as this lot were concerned, the floor was lava and they didn't feel like getting themselves burned.

Now admittedly, this pair of Ruthless Aggression era stars would put on much better matches together during their WWE careers. However, for the purpose of this list its worth noting that the duo of Billy Kidman and Tajiri were involved in a pretty decent match-up on SmackDown back in 2004 which, you guessed it, didn't see either of the Cruiserweights leaving the ring.

In this short and sweet watch that involved Kidman defending his Cruiserweight Championship against the 'Japanese Buzzsaw', Tajiri set the tone for the snappy match by kicking away the Champion's hand upon offering him a handshake early on; He then followed this up with a wicked kick to the face because Tajiri.

Kidman would ultimately fight his way back into the match, though, countering a Tajiri tornado DDT into a spine-buster before sealing the victory with his trademark Shooting-Star Press.

Again, the match pales in comparison to some of their longer bouts, with their Backlash match in 2002 definitely being worth a watch. But as a slick piece of digestible fun, this entirely in-ring affair is more than worth a few minutes of your time.