10 Best WWE Matches of the Year 2004

#9 Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit - SummerSlam

Youngest World Champion

Some say this match came too soon for Randy Orton, while others thought it was the right time but poorly booked in the month that followed. Nevertheless, how you feel about Orton's title reign, this was a great match.

Even though Randy Orton had only debuted on WWE TV 2 years earlier, he had quickly risen to one of WWE's best performers by the time of this match, thanks to some rewarding performances with Shawn Michaels, RVD, Edge and of course, Mick Foley. Some lockups and submission holds took up the first few minutes before some fighting outside.

We got some great back and forth action, with a lot of chops and suplexes from Benoit and some great counters and top rope moves from Orton. As the end came, Benoit went up top for a Diving Headbutt, but it didn't connect as Orton put his knees up.

It looked pretty sick. Orton covers for two, but Benoit popped up with a crossface. Another counter came from Orton as he rolled through only for Benoit to grab the arm again, but then Orton hit the RKO out of nowhere and covered for the pinfall and his first Heavyweight Championship in WWE.