10 Hidden Gem WCW Pay-Per-View Matches

2. Rey Mysterio Jr. Vs. Eddie Guerrero - Halloween Havoc 97

“And I tell you guys, when it’s all said and done in this world, this will go down as one of the greatest pay-per-view title defenses in history” - Tony Schiavone, in one of his rare non-hyperbolic statements.

Rey Mysterio’s child was not on the line at Halloween Havoc 97 against Eddie Guerrero, like he was at SummerSlam 2005, but the two luchadors put on perhaps their best televised match at the October pay-per-view with the Cruiserweight Title, as well as Mysterio's mask, on the line.

In terms of in-ring ability, this was the peak time for both men. They were incredibly quick, athletic and able to bust out high-flying moves with graceful ease. They delivered an innovative match, the type you just couldn’t see in the WWF at the time.

Besides the brilliant ring work, Eddie’s facial expressions and disdain for his smaller opponent were fantastic. He crossed the line as he tore apart Mysterio’s mask (perhaps too far as Rey’s face was quite visible at points), making Rey’s comeback (with an insane Outsider’s Edge-type move reversed into a Frankensteiner pin) even more satisfying.

It’s a shame that the two put on such a breathtaking display, and yet the night was closed out—and perhaps best remembered for—the abysmal Roddy Piper vs. Hulk Hogan cage match.