11 WWE Rivalries That Defined The 2000s

5. Edge Vs. John Cena

After years mired in the midcard and occasionally threatening to breakout and become a major singles star, Edge finally burst through the glass ceiling in 2005 thanks to his real-life affair with Lita and transformation into the seedy 'Rated-R Superstar'.

The big-bumping Canadian cashed-in his Money in the Bank briefcase at New Year's Revolution 2006 and won the WWE Title after being a worn-down John Cena in an impromptu match. It kicked off a red-hot, ratings-smashing reign...that lasted all of three weeks.

For reasons I'm still not sure about (read: politics), the belt was switched back from Edge to Cena at the Royal Rumble. The two men went their separate ways shortly after but rekindled their feud for a sublime summer series that produced thrilling matches at SummerSlam, Unforgiven (under TLC rules) and on Raw.

Edge really brought out the best in Cena and the two had natural chemistry. Their angles, such as Edge being thrown into the Bridgeport Harbour and Edge slapping Cena's father across the face, were pure money and helped generate significant interest in their PPV and TV clashes.