20 Incredible WWE Ruthless Aggression Era Moments Nobody Ever Talks About

2. Beth Phoenix And Melina Go For It At One Night Stand

Kurt Angle Roderick Strong
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Speaking of violent Ruthless Aggression contests that have been largely slept on for way too long, the One Night Stand PPV once again delivered the under-appreciated goods back in 2008.

This time no ladders were necessary. Instead, Beth Phoenix simply snapped Melina in half with her bare hands.

Lita and Trish Stratus's main event fight on Raw in 2004 justifiably sits as one of the most important contests of not just the era, but women's wrestling in general.

But this "I Quit" war between 'The Glamazon' and the former MNM member also proved exactly what this next generation of talented women could do when given the opportunity to do more than dance around Snoop Dogg.

Trading ugly and brutal-looking submissions throughout, everything from Phoenix gruesomely bending her flexible opponent's spine across her leg, to the star's ability to powerfully crawl her way out of trouble mid-hold, highlighted Beth's unmatched physicality in between the ropes.

But Melina also played the part of valiant babyface perfectly on the night, refusing to back down from her unstoppable adversary and cinching in her own array of delightfully tight submissions.

This all set the stage for a horrific-looking Glam Slam submission hold finish involving Melina again giving everything to keep from saying those match-ending words, only for Beth to transform her resilient enemy into the most disturbing small package you've ever witnessed.

If you've got a spare ten minutes, treat yourself to this incredible display of violence.

- GM

Contributor
Contributor

Lifts rubber and metal. Watches people flip in spandex and pretends to be other individuals from time to time...

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!