2. The S.H.I.E.L.D. vs. The Wyatt Family (Elimination Chamber)
On a rainy March 2014 afternoon, a couple of pro wrestling fans who had been watching since the 1980s sat enjoying a bevy of different matches from various eras. These matches included Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker (WM25), Sting's Squadron vs. The Dangerous Alliance (War Games), Magnum TA vs. Tully Blanchard (Starrcade), The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan (WM18), and The S.H.I.E.L.D. vs. The Wyatt Family from just a week or so prior. One fan said to the other, in reference to Shield vs. Wyatts: "That was as good as any of the other matches that we watched today." And so begins the argument that the first battle between hungry new stars at Elimination Chamber is the 2014 Match of the Year. It was, undeniably, an uncanny performance from six men who might well be talked about for years to come. Like Cesaro's main-event act on the same night, Shield vs. Wyatts could be remembered as a night that previewed the future of the business. Time will tell. Perhaps the best way to look at the classic six-man tag is to start at the beginning...or even before the beginning. Prior to the opening bell, the crowd started chanting "This is Awesome!" As overused as that chant may be, could you really argue that it wasn't awesome? WWE did a tremendous job at giving very little away before they duked it out. The mere aura alone, pre-match, was awesome, indeed. The Shield had essentially written the book on six-man tag success long before that night, but one could argue that the art of the six-man was never better exemplified than it was when Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose finally tore into Wyatt, Harper, and Rowan. All involved worked their tails off, with innovation abounding throughout the 23-minute duration. By the time it was over, how could you help but be exhausted at the thrill ride?
"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition.
Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
