7 Best WWE Battleground Matches

Rob Van Dam's only WWE Battleground appearance came at the inaugural event in 2013.

There, he faced Alberto Del Rio in a Hardcore Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Previously, RVD had beaten Del Rio at Night Of Champions, albeit by disqualification. At Battleground, he had Ricardo Rodriguez in his corner, who had since left Alberto's side.

Both men made use of the numerous shortcuts available to those working a hardcore style, including the use of steel chairs and ladders. Van Dam had only returned a few months before at the Money In The Bank pay-per-view, but he had been received well by fans and looked much more motivated than he had been for years in TNA.

Due to his slick performances, few had any issues with Van Dam getting a shot at the World Title, and he didn't disappoint at Battleground. Not everything was on point, but this match featured the kind of reckless excitement people have come to expect from RVD encounters.

Big spots dominate over actual storytelling, which actually helped this Hardcore Match thrive.