Why its #8: On paper this tournament featured awesome talent with a variety of A-list superstars including Benoit, Triple H, Edge, Shawn Michaels and Kane. It was the first high profile tournament in a long time that wasnt the King of the Ring and the victor got a title shot at then champion, Batista. An interesting concept made all the better by the fan favorite tournament format. The initial Gold Rush tournament really delivered with decisive endings to fantastic matches and an interesting overall concept. Best Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. Shawn Michaels: You know that highlight that was consistently looped in the opening of Raw for many years where Shawn Michaels superkicks an airborne Shelton Benjamin? This was that match. An incredible match that probably had no business being shown on free time and made everyone take notice of Shelton Benjamin. Michaels would end up winning the match with that filthy super kick that would live on in wrestling highlight reels for the next decade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMKxYoFzAjg Winner and aftermath: Edge would overcome Shawn Michaels in the semis and Kane in the finals to take the tournament and title shot. Interestingly enough, Edge would lose that title shot to Batista the following week but his hype drain would not be derailed as he later cashed in his MITB briefcase to become champion.
