2. Triple H vs. Scott Steiner For World Heavyweight Championship - 2003
November 2002 saw the return of longtime WCW star Scott Steiner to World Wrestling Entertainment. Unable to join the company for the Invasion storyline a year earlier because of a guaranteed contract with AOL Time Warner that paid him to sit at home, Steiner was still a fairly hot commodity when he did finally sign on the dotted line with Vince McMahon's promotion. Almost immediately, he jumped to the front of the line, joining the Monday Night Raw brand and becoming the top contender to the world title, then held by Triple H. A match between the two absolutely ripped competitors was booked for the Royal Rumble. And while there was some hope that The Game would be able to guide the rusty Steiner to a watchable match, there were signs that things would get really ugly in Boston. The build to the contest was ridiculous, with Steiner stripping Triple H to his underwear one week, then destroying him in a pose down the next. Segments designed to make fans want to see the two battle it out for the top prize on the red brand, instead made them want to do anything but watch the bout. And those who chose not to have no idea how lucky they were. For nearly 20:00, fans in Boston and at home watched as Steiner and Triple H limped their ways to negative stars. In a truly horrid match that threatened to expose the business, both men were slow and blown up. Worse yet was their inability to change the match, to adapt it to fit their audience and the lack of reaction the were receiving from them. The contest single-handedly killed any chance of Steiner sticking around the main event, even if he did manage to inexplicably land himself another title shot at the following month's No Way Out pay-per-view. Of course, Big Poppa Pump took all the blame for the horrific showing, even though he was coming off of a serious back injury that required surgery and, unlike his opponent, had not competed in well over a year. Such is life in wrestling politics.
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.
