20 Greatest WWE Royal Rumble Undercard Matches
12. Chris Jericho Vs. The Rock (2002)
Having contested two instant classics over the then-WCW Title in 2001, Chris Jericho claimed in the build-up to this match to have the measure of The Rock, who previously had rightfully argued that Jericho was not capable of winning high pressure matches.
Since then, Jericho had gone on to defeat 'The Great One' and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night to become the first ever Undisputed WWE/WCW Heavyweight Champion, although in doing so had turned heel and sought countless run-ins and assistance to escape the night as the victor.
In real life, Jericho was struggling to gain traction as champion, overlooked in the booking at the expense of stars such as Triple H and Steve Austin, and under-valued by Vince McMahon as a credible top-liner.
On the cusp of his Hollywood breakthrough, The Rock was virtually a WWE part-timer at this point, and selflessly gave Jericho a fantastic back-and-forth match in an effort to help 'Y2J' smash the glass ceiling.
Despite utilising a heel referee, aides Lance Storm & Christian, and a low-blow to score the decisive fall, Jericho entered in a fabulous performance befitting his lofty status, with Rock graciously selling defeat enough to finally allow 'The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla' some brief breathing room in his troubled maiden run.