20 Best WWE Matches Since 2000
4. Chris Benoit Vs. Shawn Michaels Vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XX)
Eddie Guerrero's WWE Championship victory over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004 was one of the most emotional title victories in WWE history, and a great conclusion to his stirring "back from the brink" story. Somehow, WWE were able to replicate that elation at WrestleMania XX when Chris Benoit, so often held back in favour of flashier, more marketable wrestlers, finally climbed the mountain.
The crowd were firmly behind Benoit in Madison Square Garden. They'd seen him continually shunted out of the main event for his apparent lack of star power over and over again, and were deeply engrossed in his underdog story. This was the unfancied master technician competing against two of the most decorated wrestlers of all-time: three tremendous athletes at their absolute peak, and a masterful all-round performance.
Benoit's ascent wasn't the only story in-play, though, and this Triple Threat also furthered the ongoing blood feud between HBK and The Game. It was Benoit's grit and steel that prevailed, however: with Michaels out of the ring, Benoit countered Triple H's Pedigree into a Crossface, and with nowhere to go, Hunter tapped-out clean.
Confetti poured from the rafters, and a tearful Benoit hoisted his championship into the air. Guerrero, his best friend, came out from the back to celebrate with his friend, and Jim Ross sold the moment like nobody else can. It remains an iconic WrestleMania moment despite what eventually became of Benoit, and it came after an outstanding match.