WWE: Top 10 SummerSlam matches - Part 2

Continuing our series to find the top 10 matches in SummerSlam history(you can find part 1 here), today we come down to the top 5 matches. SummerSlam is believed to be the number two PPV in WWE, and as such, has seen its share of outstanding matches. Without further ado, let us now take a look at the top five matches in SummerSlam history.

5. Shawn Michaels vs Triple H at SummerSlam 2002The second biggest PPV of the year and the return of one of the greatest professional athletes in the history of the business, SummerSlam 2002 will undoubtedly go down as the one of the greatest SummerSlams of all time. Shawn Michaels made his in – ring return after four years, and put on one of the greatest SummerSlam matches against his former partner turned foe, Triple H. These two fired up the crowd and delivered an absolutely brutal match, and HBK proved that ‘He still had it’, and could go toe to toe with the current crop of performers. Ironically, Michaels would perform for eight more years after the match!

4. Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at SummerSlam 2000Three of the greatest tag teams in the history of the business went toe to toe yet again at SummerSlam in the TLC match, something that became an instant hit with the fans. In what was defined as a revolutionary concept when it was initially tested, the three teams went at it again for the WWF Tag team championships, and delivered yet another amazing match that saw a lot of high risk moves and absolutely breathtaking spots. In the end, there is a reason why the TLC matches between these three teams will be the yard stick for future tag team matches, as it became a stuff of legends, and these three teams made history once again, delivering one of the greatest tag team matches in the history of the company.

3. Bret Hart vs ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig at SummerSlam 1991

Madison Square Garden, the prestigious WWF Intercontinental championship on the line, two of the greatest technical wrestlers the WWF has ever witnessed; it had all the elements to become one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. In what is considered to be the greatest WWF Intercontinental championship match of all time, Bret Hart defeated the then WWF Intercontinental champion, ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig, which was seen as the final step in elevating Bret Hart to be the face of the WWF. Mr. Perfect is considered to be the greatest Intercontinental champion, and this match proved without a shadow of a doubt that it is indeed true. Bret and Curt always had great chemistry, and at MSG on the night, Bret Hart raised the Intercontinental title over his head as an elated crowd gave him a standing ovation. If there ever was a match that would give goosebumps to a wrestling fan, this probably would be it.

2. Bret Hart vs Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1994One of the greatest story-lines in the WWF which involved two of the greatest wrestlers in the company, Bret Hart took on his brother Owen in a grudge match at SummerSlam for the WWF championship. Owen Hart is considered to be the most under rated superstars in the history of the company, and after defeating Bret at WrestleMania, Owen told Bret that he could beat him again at SummerSlam for the WWF championship inside a steel cage, and almost made good on his word. What came out was an absolute classic, a match which was given five stars by the Wrestling Observer, something the bout thoroughly deserved. This classic between the two brothers will go down as the greatest cage match in the history of the industry!

1. Bret Hart vs ‘The British Bulldog’ Davey Smith at SummerSlam 1992And at number one is the match between Bret Hart and Davey Smith, in the Bulldog’s backyard at Wembley stadium, London. In front of a sold out crowd of over 80,000 people cheering for the home town hero, the single greatest match of Davey Smith’s career saw him winning the WWF Intercontinental championship from his brother – in – law, Bret Hart. The match was a classic, and received rave reviews from everyone who had the privilege of witnessing the once in a life time match. Everything Bret touched turned to gold during his hot run, and the way Davey was able to win the prestigious title, thus cementing his legacy in the business brought all the fans to tears, and the embrace towards the end of the match between the two performers drew one of the biggest pops in wrestling history.