8. Shawn Michaels vs Chris Masters - Unforgiven 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVyThj_vBD8 A masterclass in how to put over a younger talent in defeat. So good was this match that I came away convinced that walking bicep Chris Masters was a future world champion. No seriously, I really did. The story of wily old veteran vs inexperienced young powerhouse is played to perfection, with Michaels bouncing around the ring like a ragdoll, before using his wits to overcome the much younger, stronger athlete. Despite a glowing performance from Michaels, it's Masters who really impresses in his big match debut . His offense never veers far from your usual power wrestler repertoire (torture rack, backbreaker, military press), but everything he does makes sense. It's a great example of storytelling and strategy: when done correctly less really is more in wrestling. The psychology here is built around Chris' unbreakable Masterlock (full-nelson) submission hold, which he mercilessly executes at every given opportunity, even going for Michaels before the bell in an attempt to make a name for himself. For his part, The Heartbreak Kid does everything he can to make this rather tame looking move seem like a world beater: elbowing, slinking and cheating his way out of harms way with increased desperation, before hitting a last second Superkick for the victory. Most importantly, Shawn never breaks the Masterlock. He merely avoids it. The move is not only protected, it looks more devastating than ever. This should have been a platform for Masters to rise through the ranks and become a main event player. Sadly, that wasn't meant to be, so this cracking contest will remain a document of wasted potential.