10 Most Heated Matches In WWE History

3. Dolph Ziggler Vs. Alberto Del Rio - WWE RAW 08/04/2013

Cena Rob Van Dam II
WWE.com

Alberto Del Rio was a victim of shoddy booking. His 2013 babyface turn was rewarded with a World Heavyweight Title reign before it had a chance to properly resonate. Consequently, the very reasoning behind it - the crowd's detachment to Del Rio - was exacerbated.

Similarly shoddy booking was afforded to Dolph Ziggler at the turn of the millennium - but in reverse. Del Rio, it was perceived, had been awarded unearned opportunities. The still-adored Ziggler, meanwhile, had to unfairly claw for his. When he cashed in his Money In The Bank contract at Del Rio's expense on the 08/04/2013 RAW, the famously boisterous post-WrestleMania crowd got to eat their proverbial cake.

The match itself somehow managed to cram in some arresting action within the tight, sub-two minute timeframe. Del Rio's Famouser kick-out was a genuine shocker - and his subsequent comeback was sold beautifully by a disbelieving AJ Lee at ringside. Her shocked expression symbolised the unbearable suspense felt by the IZOD centre crowd.

Ziggler, ultimately, was not denied - he drilled Del Rio with the Zig-Zag to practically detonate the drunken crowd of hardcore international fly-ins.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!