100 Greatest WWE Matches Of All Time (Ranked)
47. Chris Jericho vs. Triple H (Fully Loaded 2000)
Fully Loaded 2000 was a dedicated effort from the WWF's creative team to elevate and cement fresh stars at the top of the main event pack. Kurt Angle met The Undertaker, Chris Benoit wrestled The Rock for the top prize in the headline spot, and Chris Jericho worked Triple H in a fine 'Last Man Standing' effort. Like...really fine. It's one of the most engaging examples of the gimmick bout you'll see.
Psychology was on point from 'Y2J' and 'The Game'. Hunter persistently attacked Jericho's injured ribs to try and make it impossible for his Canadian nemesis to stand. That forced fans to rally behind the popular Jericho as he fought from underneath and tried to survive the onslaught.
This match made Jericho look like a serious contender for the throne, and Trips deserves huge credit for that. Look at the finish for proof: Hunter barely managed to get back to his feet before the count of 10 - he collapsed back down once the ref deemed him the winner, so the margins were fine. This was far, far, far from a thorough beating that made Jericho look inferior, and that was always going to be important.
Stephanie McMahon's own issues with Jericho came to the fore during the match too. She got involved, and there was an audible gasp when a Triple H sledgehammer shot just missed Chris and belted against the ring post. Everything these dudes did came off without any hitches. It was a true, 'I have arrived' match for Jericho in the WWF.
He had to be proud of himself.