10 Must-See Matches From WWE SmackDown 2002
The essential matches from SmackDown's most magical year!
For SmackDown, "excellence" was the best way to describe its 2002.
While it was not always smooth sailing, the the superstars and writing staff behind the blue brand gelled to perfection sometime in the summer, producing some of the greatest television in WWE history. With mastermind Paul Heyman at the helm, the show became destination viewing for fans of quality in-ring content.
With Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, Edge, Rey Mysterio and The Guerreros at his disposal, it is not difficult to see why.
Those virtuoso performers were not the only stars to make an impact, though. "The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar showed early greatness with a few matches that still stick out as "must-see" for reasons both relating to the quality of the match and overall historical significance.
With SmackDown poised to rebound after years of lethargy and insignificance following the WWE Draft, and every episode from the magical 2002 run now up for your viewing pleasure on WWE Network, take this stroll down memory lane and find out which 10 matches are essential viewing.
10. Rey Mysterio Vs. Kurt Angle - September 12, 2002
The opening contest of SummerSlam 2002 saw Kurt Angle defeat Rey Mysterio in a brilliant bout that instantly elevated the master of the 619. On the September 12 episode of SmackDown, the rivals waged war in a bout that may very well have surpassed its predecessor.
From breathtaking counters and reversals to exciting near-falls, fans in Minneapolis' Target Center sat on the edge of their seats waiting to see if the masked man could overcome the Olympic gold medalist. Despite another spirited performance, Mysterio ultimately fell to an Angle Slam off the top rope.
The match was a preview of what was to come from the two competitors. Over the next three months, they would make up one-third of the so-called SmackDown Six, a portion of the roster that would be responsible for delivering weekly, pay-per-view quality bouts under the direction of head writer Paul Heyman.
This is hardly the last time the future Hall of Famers will appear on this countdown.