4. The Rock - Ladder Match For The Intercontinental Championship vs. Triple H - SummerSlam 1998
The Rock stepped into the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, one of the most hated characters in WWE. By the time he dropped the Intercontinental Championship to Triple H in a bloody, brutal Ladder match at that August evening's SummerSlam 1998 pay-per-view, he would be the hottest star in pro wrestling and the recipient of a standing ovation by the passionate New York fan base. The Rock demonstrated that he did, in fact, have that mean and nasty side that allowed him to evolve past the cocky and arrogant villain and into a more well-rounded character that fans could get behind. Despite entering the match as one of the most hated characters in all of professional wrestling, he was the recipient of "Rocky" chants, much to the surprise of those who expected D-Generation X's Triple H to be the overwhelming favorite. No matter how much he battered and bruised the resilient challenger, the chants for the heel grew louder and louder. His face caked with blood, he climbed the ladder and appeared to be on his way to retaining the Intercontinental title. Chyna delivered a low blow, ending Rock's night and allowing Triple H to win the title for the second time. As he rose to his feet and walked to the backstage area, Rock was greeted with a standing ovation by audiences who not only admired his ability to entertain them but the excellent performance that he had just delivered in a losing effort. The self-proclaimed Most Electrifying Man in Sports-Entertainment would ride a wave of momentum into the 1998 Survivor Series, where he not only betrayed his new fans by aligning himself with the Corporation, but also captured his first WWE Championship.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
