10 WWE Undercard Matches That Outshone The Royal Rumble

5. Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels (2004)

Don't be surprised to see Shawn Michaels for a second time on this list. HBK's return in 2002 ushered in a career rebirth and arguably led to a more fruitful run than he had the first time around. That takes some doing, but it's thanks to matches like this one against Triple H at the 2004 Rumble that Shawn's latter stint is even in the conversation.

Up until the Last Man Standing clash between former DX pals, the '04 Rumble had been pretty damn tepid overall; that's not easy to say on a card including matches like Eddie vs. Chavo Guerrero and Evolution vs. The Dudley Boyz. Only the Rumble match itself and this World Heavyweight Title beauty could save the show.

Chris Benoit's emotional 60-minute performance (and victory) in the Rumble aside, there's nothing else to report from the main event. Nope, it was the match that fed into it we remember the most. Sadly, this chapter of the HBK vs. HHH series has been largely forgotten in favour of others.

Set that right immediately, then settle in to watch Benoit lock in his 'Mania moment.