5 Matches that changed the course of WWE history

They are great matches and then there are pure classics that changed the course of WWE history.
They are great matches and then there are pure classics that changed the course of WWE history.

#4 The Undertaker vs. Mankind in a Hell In A Cell Match - WWE King of the Ring 1998

The Undertaker has had many memorable clashes in WWE history. The Deadman was in the first Casket, Buried Alive and Last Ride matches for the company. He also holds the honor of being apart of the first two Hell In A Cell matches on pay-per-view. Although The Undertaker could make this list for his match against Shawn Michaels, the bout against Mankind took things to another level.

Mankind knew that he didn't have the athleticism or wasn't the worker that Taker's previous Hell In A Cell opponent was, so he wanted to immediately make the bout stand out by starting on top of the cage. This led to the most death-defying stunt in the company's history when Undertaker launched his opponent off the Cell.

Mankind was set to be stretchered away when he fought back to the top of the cage. This led to The Undertaker delivering a chokeslam to his opponent through the roof. Surprisingly, this didn't end things either. The fact that Mick Foley fought through the pain to finish the contest says it all. This totally changed the risks taken by WWE Superstars to this day. No one will ever forget this one.


#3 John Cena vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship - WWE Money In The Bank 2011

The buildup to Money In The Bank 2011 was incredible. CM Punk's pipebomb may be the most important promo in World Wrestling Entertainment's history. It truly changed everything in the promotion. Punk's speech led to the returns of Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar, as well as Triple H taking on an authority figure role on camera.

Punk's main event showdown against John Cena for the WWE Title felt significant. The Voice of the Voiceless declared that he would leave the company after winning the gold, while Vince McMahon declared that if Cena lost, he would be fired. The stakes were high and the Chicago crowd was hot for everything from the entrances to the final bell.

The action was high impact and had amazing storytelling throughout. Both men had Chicago fans fully invested for the entire duration. Mr. McMahon and Johnny Ace tried to get involved, but Punk used this to hit the Go To Sleep and win the WWE Championship. This match made Punk a megastar in the industry that he remains to this day. This ushered in the reality era for WWE.

Teddy Long snaps when Swerve Strickland's race is brought up HERE

Quick Links