By Shawn Valentino, PWTorch Specialist

When the new millennium began, wrestling was riding a wave of popularity the likes of which we had never seen before and may never see again. Although WWF was handily winning the Monday Night Wars, there were two major organizations that enjoyed tremendous followings and pro wrestling was at the forefront of the pop culture consciousness.

In a few days, the decade of the 2000s will come to a close. The last ten years have been a roller coaster that saw the business begin at its apex, only to fall to embarrassing lows that included necrophilia, embarrassing gimmick characters, innumerable tragedies, congressional investigation, and the fall of the company that nearly put the almighty WWF out of business making the sport a virtual monopoly.

Despite all of the highs and lows, one thing that has remained constant has been a steady stream of spectacular in-ring bouts between some of the world's greatest athletes. Today, we will take a trip down memory lane and remember ten of the greatest WWE matches of the decade.

(10) Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar, World Championship Match - WrestleMania 19

In the '90s, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart set a new plateau for wrestling quality in WWF. Around the end of the decade, the arrival of Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle in WWF gave the company credibility unlike anyone before him. Angle successfully made the transition from amateur to professional wrestling and his personality soon matched his formidable wrestling skills in entertainment value. A few years later, another amateur wrestling national champion entered the sphere, and it was evident that a dream match was on the horizon. When Lesnar arrived, he was introduced by Paul Heyman as "The Next Big Thing" in the industry, and he did not disappoint. It did not take him long to master the art of professional wresting and he was arguably the most impressive physical specimen the business has ever seen.

WWE wisely waited a year to give their first battle a proper stage. It almost never happened, as Angle was in need of a serious neck surgery, and it was questionable whether he would be able to perform. Fortunately, both athletes performed at the highest level for this tremendous main event. They employed a hybrid of amateur and professional moves to create a compelling drama. The finale was breathtaking and frightening at the same time. The sight of the mammoth Lesnar soaring through the sky for a shooting star press and almost killing himself will never be forgotten by anybody who witnessed it. Thankfully, Brock was able to recover to give Angle the F5 and win the World Championship. As we know now, Lesnar was destined to become the biggest star in another avenue, but we were lucky enough to see him give us a series of excellent bouts that make us wonder what might have been. Angle and Lesnar overcame injury and opportunity to give us a classic for the ages.

(9) Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar - No Way Out 2004

Despite all of the phenomenal matches and unforgettable moments that took place this decade, the legacy of the era may be one of sadness because of all of the untimely deaths that took away so many performers far too soon. Ironically, one of the all time great feel-good moments of the decade took place when Eddie Guerrero finally won his first world championship in a back and forth battle with the dominant champion Lesnar.

This was a classic underdog story, with the smaller Guerrero trying to overcome the intimidating Brock. The action in the ring was terrific, just as you would expect from two of the best in ring workers in recent wrestling history. The psychology of the match was spot-on with Latino Heat working on Lesnar’s knee in an attempt to slay the giant. This was the epitome of the big man-little man dynamic and Brock played the bully to perfection.

Guerrero defeating the monster Brock, and in the process, conquering his own personal demons was a real life story of redemption played to perfection. Many would rank this match lower because of the ref bump and the Goldberg interference, but the image of Eddie with the title at the end of the match in front of a frantic crowd made up for it. He broke the glass ceiling both for Latinos as well as smaller workers, and he did it with style and charisma. As sad as his early death was, we can all look at this match and smile.

(8) Triple H vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, 3 Stages of Hell - No Way Out 2001

Early on in the decade, Triple H could legitimately claim to be the best wrestler in the world. In 2000 and early 2001, he was putting on terrific matches with incredible consistency. This encounter between two icons of the era had one of the most over the top storylines of any feud during the Attitude Era. The ridiculous stunts included Triple H hiring Rikishi to run over Austin with a car and Stone Cold dropping the Game on a car from high in the air.

When it was announced that these two would take part in a two-out-of-three falls match that would consist of a regular match in the first fall, a street fight in the second, and a cage match in the third, the wrestling world was salivating. The excitement in the buildup did not compare to the brilliant action in the ring. These were arguably the two best workers in the ring at the time putting on a battle for the ages.

The action never let up, and the violence escalated with each moment, ending in a perfectly choreographed finish. The image of Triple H hitting Austin with a sledgehammer while being hit with a barbed wire bat and landing on top of him for a fluke win was unforgettable. This match perfectly exemplified the brutality and the chaos of the Attitude Era, while showcasing the prodigious talents of two of the best characters of the time. It stands the test of time as one of the defining matches of the 2000s.

(7) Kurt Angle vs. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania 21

In recent years, WWE has needlessly run through its top matches so quickly that there are rarely any dream matches. One of the biggest dream matches of the decade that we thought we would never see was a battle between the greatest wrestler of the '90s and the top wrestler of the early 2000s. Even when Michaels made his comeback from his injury to Raw, Angle was on Smackdown and the two never crossed paths. At the time, there was more discipline in the brand-split so when the two had a confrontation at the Royal Rumble, it felt really special. In the months leading to WrestleMania, the two superstars had some fantastic promos and skits to hype their first ever encounter. Angle was consumed with showing HBK that he could do everything he could do but better.

Although it was on the middle of the card, this was the most anticipated match on the show. It was the year WrestleMania went Hollywood, and the drama and excitement in the ring when Angle and Michaels faced off rivaled any studio blockbuster. The two greatest pure wrestlers of the 2000’s battled it out in a showdown for the ages. It was the perfect example of the WWE Main Event style the company pushed this decade, as it started slowly and built to a rousing finish.

The best part is that viewers had no idea who was going to win. The sight of the undersized Michaels struggling to get out of the Ankle Lock from the relentless Angle was unforgettable. Angle would not be part of the company much longer so we were all fortunate to see this classic take place. I was lucky enough to be at Staples Center for this one and it is as good of a display of the art form of wrestling as you will ever see. Sometimes dream matches do not live up to the hype, but this one was better than we could have imagined even in our wildest fantasies.

(6) Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H, Unsanctioned Fight - Summerslam 2002

At the end of the '90s, The Heartbreak Kid and Hunter Hearst Helmsley began a faction that would revolutionize the wrestling business and help WWF regain the upper hand in the Monday Night War. Unfortunately, Michaels would not be around to see the fruits of his labor as he had a back energy that was supposed to have ended his career. It is amazing to think of now, but in the summer of 2002, wrestling fans thought HBK was finished as an in-ring performer. Even when it was announced that he would have a comeback match against his old friend and DX partner, fans were wary that he would not be the same.

Michaels shocked everyone with a gusty athletic performance that showed he still was the Showstopper. The story was based on Triple H’s jealousy of fans's perception that he still had not surpassed his former mentor, and he wanted to destroy him and finish his career. The Game was brilliant in his role as unremorseful bully in the match focusing on Michaels’ injured back. The psychology of the match was perfect as the injured Michaels valiantly took everything Hunter had but persevered out of pure heart and defeated his former ally. In one match, Triple H proved critics wrong that he did not belong in the main event and Michaels set the stage for his grand return. Not only did he come back, against all odds, the Heartbreak Kid became the top all around performer in wrestling of the entire decade.

(5) "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Rock, World Championship Match - WrestleMania 17

When the decade began, Steve Austin and Rock were supposed to be the biggest stars of the next ten years. Due to injury and opportunity, it was not to be as both of them were done as full time workers by 2003. The Great One obviously found greener pastures in Hollywood, while Stone Cold was forced to retire due to a bad neck. Thankfully, they gave us another series of incredible battles, the best of which was this sensational struggle. At the time, Austin had been gone for nearly a year with an injury, and during that time, The Rock had taken his place as the top star of the company. He became obsessed with getting his belt back and echoed the classic line, "I need to beat you Rock. I need it more than you can ever imagine."

This was the main event of what is widely regarded as the greatest pay-per-views of all time. The Astrodome crowd was frantically behind their hometown hero’s quest to regain the championship. It was obvious something was in the works when the bout was changed to a "no rules match" at the last minute. The contest was 30 epic minutes of incredible action that saw each man break out their entire arsenal of moves. Even their finishers could not keep them down, and the Rattlesnake became frustrated at not being able to pin his heated rival. When Vince McMahon came out to ringside and joined forces with Austin, it showed the extreme lengths he would go to win the belt again.

While the sight of seeing Austin and McMahon shake hands was surreal, I feel that it was a contrived ending that was not very well executed. Stone Cold never really caught on as a heel, and business began to go down after this event. Nonetheless, it was an amazing battle between the two biggest stars of wrestling’s most successful era and it earns its legendary status. This may be the match that most defined the Attitude Era and it also signaled the end of that booming time period.

(4) Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels, World Championship Match - WrestleMania 20

If there ever was a match that defined the decade, both the good and the bad, this is the prime example. Many call it one of the greatest matches in wrestling history. Many vow never to watch it again. The storylines leading into the match and stemming from it now seem meaningless compared to the real life tragedies that were to come in the ensuing years.

The actual bout was perfect in its execution and featured everything from high-risk maneuvers to technical wrestling to crimson masks of blood. Multiple stories interweaved seamlessly to create a masterpiece of a match. Triple H and Michaels tried to settle their heated rivalry while Benoit overcame them both to grab "the brass ring," his first meaningful World Championship. Seeing the Game tap out to the Crossface was a dramatic conclusion to an epic struggle. The emotional post-match scene of Benoit celebrating with his best friend Eddie Guerrero was considered one of the great feel-good moments in wresting history at the time.

It is amazing how we look at that same image now and it generates completely different emotions. Both Benoit and Guerrero are now gone, and of course we all know that Benoit took his wife and son with him. Despite the tragic events, I can still enjoy the match for its unmatched drama and athleticism. This decade saw the wrestling business witness many triumphs but also far too many tragedies of young men dying in the prime of their life. This match should stand as a symbol for both the good and the bad side of the wrestling business because it represents the incredible artistry of the competitors as well as the devastating effects on the human mind and body that the wrestlers go throw to put on such a show.

(3) "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Retirement Match - WrestleMania 24

Ric Flair is recognized as the greatest wrestler of his generation. Shawn Michaels shares the same acclaim as being the top worker of his time. Due to age difference and being part of different companies, they had never really fought in a classic match with each other and most assumed that it would never happen. When Flair was in the middle of his retirement storyline and he announced that he wanted to fight Michaels at WrestleMania, the path was set for something truly memorable. In the months leading to Mania, HBK was reluctant to fight Nature Boy and be responsible for ending his hero’s career. Flair proclaimed that if he could not still fight against the best, he did not want to wrestle anymore.

The match was to take place in Orlando, home of Disney, and it was only fitting because the night would be full of magic. Although he was approaching sixty, Flair miraculously had one final sensational performance. Michaels lived up to his Mr. WrestleMania moniker by helping to carry The Nature Boy to another classic to end his career. The story of the match was beautifully illustrated with Flair giving everything he had in his body to win the match and save his career and Michaels trying to be The Showstopper, but also hesitant to do the inevitable and defeat his idol. The ending was an emotional tour de force with Flair coming to terms with the end of his career, and Michaels telling his friend he loved him before giving him Sweet Chin Music and pinning him.

There have been better-wrestled matches, but this is a match that transcends the traditional match rating system. Unfortunately, the legacy of this match has already been diminished with Flair already wrestling again just a year later. Much of this encounter's greatness rides on the fact it was to be the Nature Boy’s final match, and if he decides to step in the ring in TNA, then it will be forever tarnished. As the decade ends however, it still holds up for being a dramatic showcase. The real emotions involved that night, as well as the real consequence of the legendary Flair retiring, make this a master work of art between arguably the two greatest in-ring artists of all time.

(2) The Rock vs. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan - WrestleMania 18

Flair vs. Michaels was a match that transcended any form of ratings, and this was another one. WrestleMania 18 was the first one I had ever attended, and when I purchased the tickets, I had no idea what WWF had in store for the event. When Hogan and The NWO arrived on the scene and The Rock challenged him to a match at WrestleMania, I became thankful that I had the foresight to get seats to the match for the ages. Neither the Rock nor Hogan was a central force in the wrestling world during most of the decade, but thankfully they came together this unforgettable night.

There is a reason this contest generated such a huge reaction from all who saw it. The Rock & Wrestling era with Hogan at the forefront brought in a whole generation of kids who became enamored with the spectacle. When those kids grew up, the WWF marketed The Attitude Era to young adults, and many of them became fans all over again. The Hulkster and The Rock were the two top mainstream icons of their respective eras and when the Icon versus Icon match was announced, it was the dream match of all dream matches. It was Hulkamania returning to WrestleMania after nearly a decade-long absence. It was two generations colliding and millions of fans, including myself, saw it as our childhood versus our adulthood.

Words cannot convey the atmosphere and the emotion of being in the Skydome that unforgettable night. This match not only stole the show, but it was the show, as the sheer spectacle and excitement in the air during this battle made everything else seem irrelevant in comparison. There was a wave of nostalgia that overcame everybody in the arena and seeing Hogan back in a WWF ring sent many fans on a time capsule back to our youth. I have never seen a wrestler cheered more wildly than Hogan that night, and Rock wisely played into it with heel mannerisms even though he was the face coming into the contest. When Hogan hulked up, it seemed as if the roof of the building would explode.

Rock ended up with the victory, but this was more than a match about winning and losing, but an experience that everybody in the Skydome that night felt lucky to be a part of. When Hogan stood in the middle of the ring and posed after the match, there was not a person who did not have chills down their spines. This was the WWF delivering the ultimate feel-good moment and the fans ate it up. It is what wrestling is all about, putting on an entertaining spectacle that gave the fans an escape into a different world, and in that regard, it put on a better show than any match I have ever seen.

(1) The Undertaker vs. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania 25

If there were ever a match that was destined to be an instant classic, it was this one. Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker were two of the greatest performers of the '90s. Incredibly, each of them advanced their style and became smarter workers over the years to the point they were superior wrestlers a decade later. A set of unique circumstances that will likely never happen again led to this monumental encounter. The Dead Man and The Heartbreak Kid were the two longest tenured WWE superstars of the Mania years.

Amazingly, they had never faced off at WrestleMania. Even more incredible is the fact that they did not wrestle in a one-on-one match for over eleven years. The last time they did wrestle, they had a series of great matches, including one of the most legendary battles in the history of the business in the inaugural Hell in a Cell match. They teased us with a dramatic conclusion to the Royal Rumble in 2007, but the WWE smartly waited for a truly huge event that would be worthy of such an epic encounter.

By WrestleMania 25, Undertaker's streak had become intertwined with the event itself, and Michaels had firmly established himself as the greatest performer in its history. It would be The Streak versus Mr. WrestleMania at The Showcase of the Immortals and the two icons gave us a visual and emotional extravaganza that electrified the gigantic Texas crowd. There were too many highlights in this match to mention and you have to witness this match to appreciate its genius. From the awe-inspiring entrances that showcased the heaven versus hell theme in the feud to the symbolic finale where Michaels came from above only to get Tombstoned into the ground and pinned, it was a theatrical masterpiece. The match was a roller coaster ride that took the entire audience on a journey of ups and downs before its dramatic conclusion.

I know that much of the ranking of a match depends on its historical context and that normally can only be judged over time, but this is a match that does not need a follow-up to be appreciated because it had over 20 years of buildup. It has taken two decades for Michaels to establish himself as the greatest wrestler in WWE history and the same amount of time for Undertaker to become the best gimmick performer of all time. Each of them has defied logic by becoming better with age, and wrestling fans were lucky to see them compete against each other on a huge stage.

I was fortunate to be in the stadium that night and was overcome by emotion by the end of the contest. A re-match is being teased as we saw Michaels challenge Taker on Raw last week, but I believe that it is a swerve that will lead to a jealous Hunter turning heel on HBK. As amazing as this match was, I would rather not see it again. Let us let this magical moment stand alone as a testament to two legendary performers. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 was not only a celebration of WrestleMania history, but the best of the sport of wrestling itself and that is why it was the best match of the decade.

Honorable Mention

Edge & Christian vs. the Hardys vs. the Dudleys, TLC - WrestleMania 17, Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle - WrestleMania 20, Mick Foley vs. Edge - WrestleMania 22, Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena - Raw 2007, Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho - WrestleMania 19, Triple H vs. Cactus Jack - Royal Rumble 2000, Money in the Bank - WrestleMania 21.

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