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#7 Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton in a gauntlet match (SmackDown February, 19th)
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This was the start of Kofimania, and it was perfectly executed on all counts.
Taking advantage of the opportunity suddenly opened by an injury to Mustafa Ali, Kofi Kingston showed up in a major way. There was a fantastic technical start to the match with him and Daniel Bryan, with the added thrill of the New Day being thrown out before Rowan.
Somehow, Kofi pinned the then-champion anyway. He then fought tenaciously through Jeff Hardy, and after him, Samoa Joe's bulldozer tactics during and after that part of the match. AJ Styles entreated Kofi to quit, saying: "just stop, it's alright."
Kofi wouldn't quit. He was put down by Styles but was the standout in the match, and suddenly, the crowd realized its appreciation of the 11-year veteran. It would be an important first step on the road to WrestleMania.
