3. Batista vs. Triple H - World Heavyweight Championship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSWlsqsM0VE When: Vengeance 2005 Where: Las Vegas, Nevada In third place is the phenomenal contest between former Evolution cohorts as Triple H turned Batista into a bona fide star. Batista's breakaway from Evolution was wonderfully done, turning the man into a major face for years to come. While the first half of 2005 on Smackdown was Cena country, Batista dominated Raw with his feud with mentor Triple H. With matches at WrestleMania and Backlash, this final meeting at Vengeance saw 'The Game' bring 'The Animal' into uncharted territory. The traditional buddies-turned-rivals split was well received and while it's no secret that Batista isn't the best ring worker in the world, it wasn't evident in this excellent battle. Both men pushed the boundaries of physical endurance, withstanding torturous pain in their bid to win. The first weapon to come out was a chain, a rare appearance in this environment. Hunter whipped and choked Batista before 'Sin City' became sadistic city as a chair wrapped in barbed wire was driven into the bare back of Batista, tearing skin from body. (Why there happened to be barbed wire covered chair under the ring, I cannot imagine.) The chair would come into play again, as Batista smacked it into the Cerebral Assassin's face. It could make even the most twisted individual wince in anguish. Again and again they would use the chair to cries of disbelief from the crowd. Hunter's will would eventually give up after an incapacitating spinebuster onto the steel steps followed by a Batista Bomb. The war was over. They've had their critics for various reasons over the years, but on this night, Triple H & Batista earned the respect of the entire watching world.