100 Greatest WWE Matches Of All Time (Ranked)
36. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit (Royal Rumble 2001)
It's hard to pick a greatest spot from this Intercontinental Title ladder classic at the 2001 Royal Rumble. Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit were well-matched as rivals, because each brought something different to the party whilst also fully understanding how to complement the other man's skills. For example, Jericho's submissions meant he could fit into Benoit's technical style, and the latter's willingness to take big bumps was ideal for bringing the best out in 'Y2J'.
Back to those spots. A memorable steel chair shot when Benoit was mid-dive to the outside of the ring got people talking, and so did Jericho locking on a version of his trademark Walls Of Jericho finish atop the ladder itself. That looked unbelievably painful. There was surely no way for these guys to work that; not with the point of the ladder pressed right into Benoit's back.
Only matches like Triple H vs. Kurt Angle and the 30-man Rumble itself could've hoped to follow this stormer of a match. Chyna and Ivory in the Women's Title slot had no chance, so it's just as well they were put on the card to bring everyone down after Jericho and Benoit ripped the roof off New Orleans Arena.
Of course, and this is worth repeating, some folks just cannot watch Benoit matches the same way anymore. Fair enough, but this IC Title beast certainly has a place on any list looking at the greatest WWE matches ever. It brought prestige to the workhorse title yet again, and showed that both were more than ready for bigger things atop the card.