11 WWE Rivalries That Defined The 2000s

3. Chris Jericho Vs. Shawn Michaels

Michaels and Jericho are unique in that they had two lengthy and well-received rivalries within the same decade, albeit under much different circumstances.

Their first, in 02/03, was the classic teacher versus student tale, with Jericho wishing to surpass his old hero. The two had a magnificent back-and-forth pure wrestling match at WrestleMania XIX which pretty much acted as the blowoff to their feud.

They'd cross paths a few times in the following few years but only for the odd match here and there. That was supposed to be the situation in 2008, but WWE officials were so taken aback by the reaction to what was meant to be a one-off encounter that they let them run with it.

It turned out to be the feud of the year and one of the best feuds of the decade, as Jericho completely reinvented his character and look for the deeply personal rivalry. The two told an intricate, well-woven story and produced some phenomenal matches and angles, such as when Y2J shoved HBK's head through the Jeritron on the Highlight Reel and when he punched Mrs Michaels in the face at SummerSlam 2008.

Michaels, for his part, awakened an intensity that had rarely been seen since his 2002 return. It was just great stuff all round and was easily the most captivating thing about WWE in 2008.