100 Greatest WWE Matches Of All Time (Ranked)

60. Rey Mysterio & Edge vs. Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit (No Mercy 2002)

The Undertaker Shawn Michaels
WWE

Those of a certain vintage will lean back in their seats, sigh a loving sigh and mutter: 'Aaaaaaaah, the SmackDown Six'. The second half of 2002 and into 2003 was a glorious time for the blue brand. Paul Heyman's pen scribbled down some top notch matches - the former ECW head honcho understood how to get the best out of workers at his disposal, and he had some world class ones on SmackDown.

One of the best 'SmackDown Six' bouts came at No Mercy. There, frosty enemies turned partners Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit beat good pals Rey Mysterio and Edge to become the inaugural WWE Tag-Team Champions (then-GM Stephanie McMahon reintroduced the belts that would eventually go on to become the Raw Tag straps), and it was stunning. Fans in North Little Rock could've watched these guys wrestle all night without getting bored.

Miscommunication threatened to derail Angle and Benoit's quest. Meanwhile, over on the other side of the ring, Edge and WWE newcomer Mysterio produced some truly dazzling double team work that enhanced the match even further. Anyone who hasn't had the pleasure should seek this one out immediately. Make it a priority, because you certainly won't be disappointed.

A rolling reversal spot for the finish was so smooth that it almost summed up Kurt's style. He stood out as usual, but all four of these guys deserved a standing ovation from the arena and from their peers backstage. Poor Trish Stratus and Victoria had to follow this with a five-minute match for the Women's Title!

"Death Spot" indeed

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.