5 Best Wrestling Matches of 2004

2. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania XX

This match was a storytelling and emotional rollercoaster...

Benoit, Triple H & Shawn Michaels wrestled a classic, dramatic match with lots of believable near-falls and submissions. The match started with Benoit as the sole babyface and the fans booing both Michaels and Triple H, but by the end the fans had warmed up to Michaels as well.Not only is this one of the best wrestling matches of the year, but it was also one of the most emotional and historical moments ever. It signaled that smaller wrestlers could make it and could overcome the odds, which is one of the best recurring themes in wrestling history.

But this match was all about Benoit. He showed his technical prowess by holding his own against Shawn Michaels, a man often lauded as WWE’s greatest in-ring performer ever. He also brawled well with Triple H, and endured a ton of punishment, including a vicious double suplex into the announcer’s table.

Benoit appeared to have a counter for everything, which made the fans cheer wildly for him whenever he started gaining momentum. That continued until the end, when Triple H tapped out to Benoit’s Crippler Crossface.

It’s hard to tell what’s more powerful: Benoit appearing to cry as the referee hands him his newly-won title, JR screaming how Benoit finally achieved the biggest prize after coming so close so many times, or the sight of Benoit and Eddy Guerrero embracing in the middle of the ring, two friends with world titles on their respective shoulders.

This match is awesome because of how well put-together it is. It doesn’t feel cluttered or disorganized, the break-ups make sense, and all three wrestlers look great as credible threats to each other. It’s a must-see for any fan of WWE’s.