20 Greatest WWE Royal Rumble Undercard Matches

Marking Diesel's first defence of his newly-won World Title, this epic clash with 'The Hitman' should have marked the best possible start to his reign, had it not been for a deeply unsatisfying conclusion.

The natural climax to the Bret/Bob Backlund/Diesel game of hot potato with the World Title in late-1994, this was Bret's rightful rematch and 'Big D's first major test in his role as all-smiling company hero. Leading the match with his effortless aplomb, Bret unselfishly took on the unconventional role of a heel giant-killer.

Though not traditionally easy to draw sympathy for a 7-foot monster such as Diesel, Bret miraculously switched the crowd on to his opponent's side, taking an unusual amount of shortcuts under the guise of a more tactical approach after being screwed out of his title the previous November.

Artistically, the match was a triumph, with Bret weakening the legs of Diesel throughout, forcing him to fight from underneath and exhibit incredible guts and determination.

Sadly, the finish was less engaging, with run-ins from (deep breath), Shawn Michaels, Bob Backlund, Owen Hart, Jeff Jarrett & The Roadie rendering both babyfaces beaten down to cause a draw. It soured a phenomenal contest and failed at both launching Diesel's new title reign and vindicating Bret's personal quest for redemption.