6. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit - Royal Rumble 2001
The Intercontinental Championship Ladder match between Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho at Royal Rumble 2001 continued the evolution of the match. Two incredible in-ring workers, Jericho and Benoit increased the brutality of the match. They set up more creative spots with the ladder but none were overly contrived or complicated, unlike those seen over the course of the preceding year. There was very little story to speak of. Instead, the intense rivals continued their program by unleashing their fury on one another and using their own bodies, ladders and chairs to do so. The violence was unapologetic. Both Superstars endured tremendous punishment but still managed to deliver a match that not only became one of the early contenders for Match of the Year but also proved to be the best of the entire show from a pure quality standpoint. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xj4sjh_chris-jericho-vs-chris-benoit-ladder-match-royal-rumble-2001_sport Jericho and Benoit were in the process of rebounding from disappointing second-halves of 2000 and kicked the new year off on the right foot with a phenomenal match. Jericho won the match but Benoit lost nothing in defeat. Like a classic football game, it was simply a case in which the last man with the opportunity to grab the title would be the one to win. Jericho was that man and he benefited as a result.
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.
