2. Vince McMahon vs. Shane McMahon: Street Fight - WrestleMania X-Seven
The Street Fight between Vince and Shane McMahon at WrestleMania X-Seven was an exercise in epic sports-entertainment storytelling. After months of playing the role of the lecherous old man who used, abused and manipulated Trish Stratus, treated wife Linda McMahon like she was sub-human, publicly humiliated and fired Mick Foley and bragged about his victory in the Monday Night Wars, Vince had established himself as the most despicable man in professional wrestling. The biggest show of the year and the grandest stage in wrestling would be the setting for one of his greatest humblings. McMahon was not only physically assaulted by Shane, he was slapped by Trish, suffered the Mandible Claw at the hands of Mick Foley and was kicked way below the belt by Linda. In fact, the low blow by his wife drew one of the biggest pops of the night as the fans in Houston rejoiced at the notion of the "genetic jackhammer" getting his comeuppance at the hands of the woman he tormented and tortured for so long. By the time Shane sailed from one side of the ring to the other, executing a Van Terminator to the shock and awe of the WWE faithful, the most evil man in sports-entertainment had been vanquished and Shane and Linda had their happy ending.
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.
