10 Must-See Matches From WWE SmackDown 2002
5. Edge Vs. Chris Jericho - Steel Cage Match: July 25, 2002
Chris Jericho made an enemy of Edge in the weeks prior to the July 25 episode of SmackDown, targeting his shoulder with a vicious chair shot that left the popular Torontonian on the sidelines. The breakout star of the year would fire back with furious vengeance, prepared to avenge his attack at the hands of the former Undisputed champion.
On that hot summer night in July, they would wage war inside a steel cage.
Bloodied and exhausting but refusing to quit, Edge managed to overcome the attack of his opponent to escape the structure and pick up the win.
The events that unfolded after the match are nearly as memorable as the bout itself.
The Un-Americans (Lance Storm, Christian and Test) attacked Edge after the bout, only for young John Cena and Rey Mysterio to hit the ring. The latter dove off the top of the steel cage with a huge crossbody on Storm and Christian. The moment was later played and replayed on television and has taken its place among the most incredible moments in SmackDown history.
It was very clear at this point that a fresh and hungry group of athletes were on the ascendancy over on the blue brand.