Every WWE Backlash World Title Match Ranked From Worst To Best
2. Chris Benoit Vs Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels (2004)
A exercise in marvellous crowd manipulation has been rightfully lost forever due to the heinous 2007 crimes committed by Chris Benoit. But as is often the case with 'The Rabid Wolverine's back catalogue, if you can actually stomach watching a match independent of his horrific transgressions, you will be rewarded.
The WrestleMania 20 rematch saw Benoit staving off both former World Champion Triple H and recurring irritant Shawn Michaels in front of a hometown crowd baying for the destruction of his two foes.
As architects of the Montreal Screwjob, Hunter and Shawn were loathed by the partisan Canadian crowd as much as Benoit was beloved, with every close call on 'The Crippler's title greeted with panicked gasps and heart-stopping relief.
The three tinkered expertly with the tightly wound emotions of the audience, particularly during a spectacular reference to the controversial Survivor Series ending midway through the contest.
With the referee knocked out on the floor and Triple H temporarily diffused, Shawn Michaels applied the Sharpshooter. As knowing jeers rained down on 'HBK', complicit referee Earl Hebner took the place of the downed official, repeatedly asking Benoit if he wanted to quit whilst hovering his arm ready to signal for the timekeeper to ring the bell.
Benoit's eventual escape and sharpshooter submission victory over Michaels was greeted with a gloriously cathartic response from the Edmonton faithful.