Ranking the top 5 WWE Championship matches in Royal Rumble history

#4 Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit (2003)

This was a classic championship match

The Ruthless Aggression Era was famous for creating many new stars in the WWE, with 2002 Smackdown being the perfect example of that. The infamous 'Smackdown Six' were all destined for greatness in the business, with most of them achieving just what they were touted to achieve.

Two of them faced off for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2003. Former rivals and tag team partners, Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit went head-to-head in an unbelievable match. Angle was the champion heading in and it looked like another day in the office for the Olympic Gold Medalist. But it would be much, much more than that.

This match was a technical wrestling masterclass, with both men showcasing just how good they were. Angle and Benoit were two of the very best on the roster, proving it in the most thrilling way possible. There was a flurry of German suplexes, Angle slams, diving headbutts and loads of traded submissions.

Finally, it was Angle who prevailed after he locked in the Ankle Lock and held on for over a minute before Benoit finally tapped out. After twenty excellent minutes, the match was over. Chris Benoit got a standing ovation, one that was richly earned for the incredible fight he put up.