10 WWE Pay-Per-View Matches That Surpassed Expectations

1. Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels (SummerSlam 2002)

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WWE.com

If 1996 was a challenge for Shawn Michaels, 2002 marked a rebirth of sorts. Defying doctors to return to the ring following a serious back injury four years earlier, Michaels was slated for an 'Unsanctioned Street Fight' against Triple H at SummerSlam.

It would be the start of a second run that arguably topped his first in the 90's.

The 'Showstopper' looked like he hadn't missed a beat as the match was enthralling everyone and in progress, but that couldn't have been predicted with any real accuracy going in.

There were genuine fears that Michaels could break down physically in the midst of the bout, which would have spelled disaster.

Thankfully, that didn't happen. Surpassing any and all expectation, Triple H and Michaels had one of the best matches SummerSlam had ever seen. Many expected the match to be enjoyable, but few could have predicted it would steal the show and kick start another 8 year run for HBK.

What other matches can you think of that surpassed expectations? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below!

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.