10. Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar - No Way Out 2004
For years, Eddie Guerrero listened to his harshest of critics claim that he would never be a top guy in the industry thanks to his Spanish heritage and his lack of size. The term "vanilla midget" was even used by Kevin Nash to describe the late Hall of Fame talent. Despite all of this, Guerrero perfected his craft, not only excelling as an in-ring talent but also a character that fans became captivated with. As the openly lying, cheating and stealing "Latino Heat," he demonstrated great comedic timing while also possessing the ability to notch up the intensity and aggression when the time called for it. It should be of no surprise then that Guerrero became the biggest babyface on the SmackDown brand by the time early 2004 rolled around, this despite countless attempts to turn him heel. After winning a SmackDown-exclusive Royal Rumble by eliminating Kurt Angle, Guerrero earned his first shot at the WWE Championship at the February No Way Out pay-per-view. Despite being overwhelmed by Lesnar's strength advantage and sheer brutality, Guerrero fought his way back into the match and capitalized on a late-match spear from the interfering Bill Goldberg to score the victory and his first WWE Championship. The fans in San Francisco, a heavily Hispanic audience, erupted for the win and made the championship victory that much more special for one of the industry's most inspirational stars. Guerrero celebrated with family at ringside, then held the title high overhead, announcing his arrival as one of the elite stars in the industry.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
