10 Hidden Gem WWE PG Era Matches You Need To Revisit
Searching for gold in WWE's most maligned era.
Watered down programming, oversimplified stories, plummeting ratings: WWE's PG Era is known for many things, but delivering consistently great matches isn't always one of them.
This is a shame, because while WWE's in-ring style is safer and more restrictive today than at any other point in the company's existence, their huge roster constantly deliver between the ropes. Pure workrate will never be WWE's sole focus, but athletic standards are through the roof, and great bouts are inevitable with a talent pool this deep.
WWE first went PG in July 2008. The move is often held up as the main reason behind their modern struggles, but you could argue that it has produced a significant upturn in in-ring quality. Bouts like The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels, CM Punk vs. John Cena, and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn compare favourably with anything else in WWE history, and the PG Era is so stuffed with outstanding matches that swathes of great spectacles have been lost in the shuffle.
Stretching all the way from C-shows like Main Event and Superstars to major pay-per-views, this batch of forgotten almost-classics won't leave you disappointed.
10. Randy Orton Vs. Goldust (Raw - 9th September 2013)
There's a decent argument to be made that Goldust is the most underrated wrestler in modern WWE history. The elder Rhodes brother has never had an opportunity to showcase his skills in the main event, but he has become a master of the good-to-great TV match throughout his time with the company, and still impresses when called upon today, even at 48 years old.
This match took place at the start of 'Dust's fifth WWE comeback, when he stepped up to defend his brother Cody's honour. The younger Rhodes had been fired as part of a storyline, and Goldust returned to the fold, tasked with defeating WWE Champion Randy Orton to win his sibling's contract back.
'The Golden One' lost, but put forth one of the most compelling singles performances of his career, matching 'The Viper' on every conceivable level. It was a spirited, emotion-fuelled performance from the former Intercontinental Champion, who had the crowd completely hooked from the very first lock-up, and had everyone biting on a near-fall following a late match Cross Rhodes. A full-time contract soon followed, and he remains with the company to this day.