10 Most Influential WWE Matches Ever
2. John Cena Vs. Edge - New Year's Revolution 2006
In just 1:46, Edge changed the wrestling world yet again.
Despite the Money In The Bank contract being promoted as an anytime, anywhere deal, few people expected Edge, despite his status as a heel, to capitalise on a weakened opponent at the end of a brutal, lengthy match. Something so unprecedented, understandably, was inconceivable.
The returns have diminished ever since. Edge created his Ultimate Opportunist character on the heels of his historic victory, but like the vast majority of sequels, the original hasn't been bettered.
Worse still, babyfaces have also replicated this shortcut to championship glory. Again, the logic is easy to follow - by picking an opportune slot, victory is effectively guaranteed - but, frankly, it makes the face look like chickensh*t.
When Dean Ambrose cashed in on Seth Rollins, it was a poetic case of turnabout is fair play. Their storied rivalry will benefit hugely from that decision when it is next revisited, but elsewhere, CM Punk in 2008 just looked thoroughly undeserving of the World Heavyweight title, with which he never went on to headline a pay-per-view.
The Edge Vs. Cena match at New Year's Revolution has spawned several imitators, with promotions ranging from TNA to ICW staging their own versions. The briefcase is now as ubiquitous as the steel chair within pro wrestling.