17. Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. The British Bulldog - SummerSlam 1992
A family divided was the theme of the SummerSlam 1992 main event as Bret Hart defended in the intercontinental title against "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. Brothers in law battling over the same illustrious prize, they nearly allowed the allure of gold to create a schism within their family. It was especially hard on Hart's sister, and Smith's wife, Diana, who watched from ringside as her loved ones pummeled each other in front of 80,000 fans. Hart methodically worked over Smith, using his in-ring technique to put down his opponent. The Bulldog, though, fed off of the emotion of his fellow countrymen in London, England, proving ever resilient and absorbing every blow and submission dealt to him. In the end, he countered a sunset flip and rolled Hart up to win his first, and only, intercontinental title. A reluctant Bret, Diana and Davey celebrated to close out the show, their legacies forever cemented by that one epic, five-star encounter. Tears from the WWE Universe flowed as the happy family was back together and the British-born Superstar had achieved immortality, his status as champion entrenched in the history books.
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.
