20 Most Epic Wrestling Matches That Weren't Supposed To Be Epic
15. Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian (Summerslam 2013)
It is rare for a modern day match of this length to be able to differentiate itself from so many other matches of similar length. Critics praised the likes of Cena vs. Bryan and Punk vs. Lesnar from the same show that gave us Del Rio vs. Christian, in part because they were given a rare 25-minutes or more to play out. Every week, there is a 13-minute match on TV and every month a similar match on PPV, making the performance put on by Del Rio and Christian that much more impressive. There were near falls galore and accompanying drama, but there was also a deeply simple story behind it. The lead-up to the match was centered on Christian, who had been battling injuries for a few years by then (and still is), not knowing if his opportunity to win the World Heavyweight Championship from ADR would be his final chance. For so long, Christian had asked, in storyline, for one more match. It seemed like WWE was hinting that Summerslam 2013 could be his last match. So, combined with their natural chemistry and their crisp execution, the idea that a legendary career like Christians might end on that night created for a brilliant atmosphere and a great match.
"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.
