10 Great WWE Raw Matches From The Original Brand Split

Shelton Benjamin may not have been pushed the way he deserved, but he still continued to deliver classic action in the ring. One of his most memorable matches came on Raw with no buildup whatsoever, when Eric Bischoff announced an eight-man single-elimination "Gold Rush" tournament to crowd a new number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title. In the first round, Benjamin would meet Shawn Michaels.

Benjamin proved himself more than a match for Michaels in the early goings, outwrestling and outperforming the former WWE Champion. Benjamin hit a Stinger Splash, but HBK fought back, blocking the subsequent T-Bone suplex attempt. HBK went for Sweet Chin Music, but Benjamin avoided it, then hit the Dragon Whip kick for two. They continued to battle.

As good as the match was, it's the finish that everybody remembers. Benjamin had Michaels woozy and was looking to finish things off, so he went to the apron, then launched himself back in with a springboard attack. As Benjamin flew toward Michaels, HBK fired off a Sweet Chin Music that found its mark.

Not only did Michaels get the pin, but both men had created a brand-new clip for the highlight reel.