10 Best WWE Ruthless Aggression Era Matches

When Shawn Michaels returned to in-ring competition in summer 2002, he said he would be one and done. A few months later, he came back for another match and ended up winning the World Heavyweight Championship in the first-ever Elimination Chamber at that year’s Survivor Series.

In this bout, Michaels had an exchange with Chris Jericho, and it was evident the two of them gelled on the canvas.

With Michaels growing in confidence and returning to the ring for a proper run, many dream opponents were beginning to appear possible, and who better to have a WrestleMania dream match with than the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla?

Having similar statures, styles and sway with the crowd, this match was a no brainer. However, there is little doubt that this bout surpassed fan expectations and over-delivered in a big way, and created a mid-'Mania lull as the crowd was exhausted afterwards.

This Young Lion versus Grizzled Veteran contest reminds us why WrestleMania XIX should not be overlooked. This display, which at 23 minutes, was the longest on the card, contained classic wrestling, and superb storytelling from two of the very best wrestlers of all time.

The drama continued post-match, and created one of the finest ‘WrestleMania moments.’ Shawn Michaels' first 'Mania outing in five years unquestionably affirmed his status as ‘Mr WrestleMania.’