9. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley vs. Trish Stratus (2001)
Continuing on the trip down memory lane, through the greatest No Way Out pay-per-view of all-time, we come to the encounter between Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Trish Stratus. Born in Stratus' torrid affair with billionaire owner of WWE Vince McMahon, it featured the Billion Dollar Princess unleashing months of frustration on Stratus for everything the blonde bombshell had done to tear apart her family. The contest was infinitely better than it had any right to be, especially considering the lack of in-ring experience the two women had. It was intense and the crowd was molten hot, erupting for every big spot. They even managed to cheer Stephanie, who had been the most hated female in wrestling to that point. A confused William Regal, unsure of exactly what his employer Mr. McMahon wanted him to do, ultimately cost Stratus the match following a neckbreaker. Stephanie stood tall on that night but the story would get more bizarre, with twists and turns, leading all the way to that April's WrestleMania X-Seven.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
