5. Cactus Jack Waves Goodbye (2000)
The rivalry between Cactus Jack and Triple H kicked off 2000 with a bang, their issues culminating in a wildly violent and brutally beautiful Street Fight at the Royal Rumble in January. Though The Game successfully retained his WWE Championship in that match, courtesy of a Pedigree onto a pile of thumbtacks, their vendetta was not settled. Only one option remained. There was only one way to wrap up their heated rivalry: Hell in a Cell. Tired of being faced with the challenge of his greatest foe, Triple H would not be content just to put his title up for grabs. No. Instead, The Game demanded that Jack put his career on the line, guaranteeing that the flannel-wearing Mick Foley (and all three of his on-screen personas) would step away from the ring if he lost. The two iconic stars of WWE's Attitude Era unleashed hell inside the steel structure, both bleeding buckets as they released their frustration and hatred for each other. Despite Cactus Jack using a barbed wire 2x4 on his opponent, then lighting it on fire for maximum effect, it was Triple H delivering a big back body drop through the roof of the structure and through the ring, and following up with a Pedigree, for the victory. In the closing moments of the pay-per-view, Cactus Jack made the long walk up the ramp, raising his arm in acknowledgement of the respect shown to him by the audience, and saying goodbye to the WWE Universe. At least for the three weeks that stipulation actually lasted.
Erik Beaston
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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.
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