Match of the Decade: Ranking Pro Wrestling Illustrated Annual Winners (1990s)

(Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)

Each year since 1972, Pro Wrestling Illustrated has recognized the best match of the year as voted on by the readers of the magazine.

Some of the wrestlers who participated in multiple matches of the year were Shawn Michaels (nine matches), Bruno Sammartino (five matches), and Ric Flair (five matches).

It's no coincidence that many of the wrestlers selected are recognized as the best in the business.

Here, we will list and discuss the ten winning matches during the 1990s and provide a ranking to identify who was the "Best of the Best" to be called the 'Match of The Decade'.

By no means does this list identify the top ten matches during the decade, just the winners chosen for each year.

Please provide your opinion as I would like to hear what your selection(s) would be.

10 —Diesel v. Shawn Michaels w/ Psycho Sid (4/2/95)

Diesel defeated Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship in November, which did not sit well with Shawn Michaels. This motivated Michaels to win the Royal Rumble and gain a shot at the title in WrestleMania XI.

It looked liked Michaels would win the match, especially after playing some "Sweet Chin Music." The referee, however, was outside after hurting his ankle, so the count was delayed and Diesel was kicked out.

Though Michaels outworked his opponent the whole bout, the match swayed to Diesel's favor at the end. Diesel was able to retain the title after executing the "Jackknife Powerbomb." Diesel cleanly defeated Shawn Michaels.

I remember being disappointed with the outcome and the match, and still feel this way today. I'm sure there were a dozen or so matches more deserving to win Match of the Year.

Other top matches in '95:

1. Rey Misterio v. Psicosis
2. Eddy Guerrero v. Dean Malenko
3. Ultimo Dragon v. Chris Jericho

9 —Shawn Michaels v. Marty Jannetty (5/17/93)

During an interview on Monday Night Raw, Michaels stated that he would defend his WWF Intercontinental Title against anyone, anywhere, when Marty Jannetty appeared in the ring—from the crowd—to accept the invitation.

This match would be the first match for the returning Jannetty, which was scheduled for the end of the show.

The two former partners provided a fast paced match, which Jannetty controlled for the first half of the match. The fans were clearly behind Jannetty, chanting "Marty, Marty, Marty." Curt Henning was ringside.

Since Jannetty was on his game and reversing every move, Michaels grabbed his belt to attempt to leave the arena. But to his dismay, Mr. Perfect appeared to lure him back to the ring. Henning remained on the outside of the ring.

Toward the end of the nine-minute bout, Michaels took control of the match and hit Jannetty with his "Sweet Chin Music." But instead of pinning Jannetty, Michaels began taunting Hennig. He then threw his folded towel (which he always carried) at Michaels, who backed into a small package for a count of three.

Jannetty won his only WWF title, but lost it back to Michaels weeks later due to interference from Diesel.

Though the match was sound, especially for a non-PPV card, I didn't think it deserved to win Match of the Year.

Other top matches in '93:

1. Cactus Jack v. Vader
2. Sting v. Vader
3. Bret Hart v. Curt Henning
   

8 —Steiners v. Lex Luger & Sting (5/19/91)

Not much led up to this match that was booked for SuperBrawl. The Steiners defeated teams like the Road Warriors, Freebirds, and Midnight Express in prior matches. No other team provided a good matchup with them, except for the team of WCW United States Champs: Luger and Sting. It would be four excellent fighters who respected each other bringing their best for the WCW World Tag Team Championship.

The men exchanged body slams, suplexes, and clotheslines during this ten minute match.

The matches only flaw was that viewers had an idea of two things. First, the titles were not going to exchange hands because Luger and Sting were main event single wrestlers who were competing for the World Titles. Second, the outcome was not going to be "clean."

That's exactly what happened. As Luger and Rick fought outside the ring, Sting executed the "Stinger Splash" and was ready to pin Scott. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?