3. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho - No Mercy 2008
Just when one thought that Ladder matches had been played out, Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho proved that excellent wrestling minds, a strong supporting story, a hot crowd and a will to have the best match possible could come together to create an instant classic. At No Mercy in October of 2008, their epic program culminated in a Match of the Year candidate for the World Heavyweight Championship that was so intense and brutal that blood and teeth were both spilled on the canvas. The competitors had been engaged in a rivalry that dated back to April. Jericho had once considered Michaels a hero of his but had set out to prove that the legendary competitor was a fake and a fraud. No matter how sincere he pretended to be, Michaels would still take whatever cheap shot or shortcut necessary, step over friends and foes alike, to leave with his hand raised in victory. Jericho became obsessed with exposing Michaels to an audience that had accepted him as their hero. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x195eat_wwe-no-mercy-2008-shawn-michaels-vs-chris-jericho-ladder-match-world-heavyweight-championship_sport The matches between the two stars had been incredibly stiff, incredibly aggressive and that trend continued at No Mercy. The ladder shots were brutal and the strikes were harder than normal. Jericho lost a tooth at one point. The bumps were scary and at different points throughout the contest, look to be in a great deal of pain. The finish was creative as the wrestlers played tug-o-war with the World Heavyweight title until Jericho caught Michaels with a headbutt and was able to gain firm control of the belt and the victory. The match, more than any in Ladder match history, proved that it could serve as the end point for an intensely personal feud. It was not pretty, there were not breathtaking stunts that wowed the audience. It was brutal and it was violent and it was nearly flawless, making it one of the greatest of its type in WWE history.
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.
