1. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H - Unsanctioned Match (2002)
Shawn Michaels was one of the most honored performers in the history of WWE before he made his comeback from a back injury that had shelved him for four years. It was a long time to be away, though. When it was announced that he would be facing Triple H at Summerslam 2002, fans that had seen him at his previous peak were awash with equal parts anticipation and anguish. Could he really still go after that lengthy a hiatus? Remembering him for anything but top notch wrestling matches would have been difficult for a lot of fans, so the pressure was on for HBK and HHH. As it would turn out, the trepidation that anyone had felt pre-match proved to be unfounded after the match was over. What a perfect story they told. Agony, triumph, evil, heartache, passion, and compassion all wrapped up into one masterful performance for the ages. It was an emotional rollercoaster. Give all the credit in the world to Triple H for targeting HBKs back as sadistically as he did. It made even the smartest of wrestling fans cringe for Michaels, who should, in turn, also be given heaps of praise for how well he sold the injury until he kipped up and assured everyone that he was OK. In some comeback matches, the ring rust is rather noticeable and understandable. With Michaels, it looked as if he never left.
"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.
