10 Classic Matches Bettered By Spiritual Sequels

Bettered by: Kevin Owens Vs. Dean Ambrose - WWE Royal Rumble 2016

This one is likely to have several people up in arms, but it can be argued that the much-vaunted classic hasn't aged as well as other seminal matches.

Its one noticeable drawback is the somewhat contrived nature of the stipulation - pinfalls are required to initiate the ten count, and as such are employed with a frequency that borders on the illogical. Moves that wouldn't ordinarily put somebody away were used successfully purely as a means of prolonging the action.

Ambrose Vs. Owens, with the help of the improved variation, was a perfect marriage between the old school and the new. It was crammed full of content to satiate the instant gratification culture, but the stipulation imposed believable selling and pacing. The respect paid to one another's offence, too, was refreshing.

In pointed character moments, Ambrose was only just able to beat the 10 count with the the help of the upturned ring steps, while Owens demonstrated resourcefulness by rolling out of the ring to his feet instead of wasting energy to climb back onto them.

There was even scope for some comic relief, as Owens hoarsely professed his hatred for indomitable Lunatic, who responded in kind in an hilariously deadpan manner. The finish, too, was a fine bait and switch between Chekhov's chairs and tables.

That Dean Ambrose was so effective a character just three years ago underscores just how poor WWE has become at an accelerated pace.