10 WWE Pay-Per-View Matches That Surpassed Expectations

4. Chris Jericho Vs. Ricky Steamboat (Backlash 2009)

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WWE.com

At WrestleMania XXV, brash heel Chris Jericho faced a 3-On-1 Handicap situation against 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka and Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat.

Both Piper and Snuka looked aged and slow, but Steamboat rolled the clock back to deliver an inspiring performance worthy of the 'Mania stage.

That evening, the audience informed the legend that he still had what it took to perform. It must have been a proud moment for Steamboat, but there was an even better one to come.

At the following pay-per-view, Backlash, Steamboat faced Jericho in a singles encounter. The results were quite marvellous.

People may have been expecting a short match during which the veteran was allowed to shine. What nobody imagined was that Steamboat would look like he hadn't lost a step for 12 minutes, hauling himself back over the ropes and skinning the cat, whilst also performing dives to the outside of the ring.

It was incredible to see someone in their 50's look so agile and raring to go. Later, Jericho himself admitted his surprise that Steamboat was so fluid and capable of working such a great match despite his age.

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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.