Top 5 WWE Matches of the 2000's

We've had some great matches and feuds during the past decade. We've alos had so many matches that we'd like to forget. This will be the 1st of my 3 part series of top 5 WWE matches. The following matches are in my opinion the best of the 2000's decade. These matched entertained and changed the WWE landscape. This is the 1st part of my 3 part series, the next two will be the 90's and the 80's.

No.5 Chris Benoit vs Triple H vs HBK; WHC WM 20

After winning the 2004 RR, Chris Benoit decided to go to RAW and challenge Triple H for the WHC. HBK coming off a double KO in a title match with Triple H at that same RR felt that he deserved another shot at the title. Eric Bishoff set up the match for WM 20, the 1st ever triple threat match for the WHC at WM. This match featured classic technical wrestling from Benoit, high flying from HBK,and power from Triple H. After fighting an intense battle HBK and Triple H donned the crimson mask. In the closing minutes of the match HBK tried to go for sweet chin music on Benoit but blocked and threw HBK out of the ring. Benoit then locked in the crippler crossface on Triple H. Triple H did the best he could to fight it put Benoit would not let go of the move. Triple H finally tapped out after Benoit had him in the middle of the ring with the move still locked on. Benoit cried tears of joy as finally after 18 years of wrestling he was a world champion(his WCW title reign doesn't count). He celebrated in the ring with his best friend, Eddie Guerrero in one of the greatest moments in WM history.

No. 4 Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle; WWE Championship SD!

This match was the match that cemented Brock's and Kurt's feud as one the best in history. Kurt Angle was the reigning WWE Champion and Brock Lesnar was the # 1 contender. After battling for 9 months over the WWE Championship, Brock and Kurt competed in the 1st ever iron man match broadcasted on T.V. Lesnar won the 1st falls by cheating. Kurt came back and won falls after hitting high powered moves. In the final 10-15 minutes the match swinged in Angle's favor. Angle locked on the Ankle Lock with a couple seconds to go. Brock Lesnar was up 5 falls to 4. He didn't tap out and he won the WWE Championship. This match sent Lesnar on a 5 month dominance in the WWE which ended when the late great Eddie Guerrero defeated him at No Way Out 2004 for the title.

No. 3 The Rock vs Hulk Hogan, WM 18

Icon vs Icon, Legend vs Legend, The Great One vs The Immortal. This match was originally supposed to be Austin vs Hogan but because of disagreements on a match finish they booked the next best guy to face Hogan, The Rock. The Rock had been attacked, beaten,and embarrassed by Hogan and the NWO. The Rock decided to challenge Hogan to a match at WM 18, Hogan accepted. This match was so great for the fact that it faced one of the best crowds ever. 60% of the crowd were hulkamaniacs and the other 40% were The Rock's people. Hogan took an early control of the match hitting The Rock with some of his most famous moves. The Rock was able to swing the match in his favor after couple of his moves. Playing off of the crowd, The Rock started to whip Hogan with his own belt. Hogan fought back and started to whip The Rock. After things cooled down Hogan hit The Rock with his own finisher, the rock bottom. The Rock kicked out at two. They both hit their finishers but each kicked out. Finally after hitting the people's elbow and the rock bottom 2 times The Rock was able to pin Hogan for the win. I consider this to be Hogan's last great match in his career. Many people would've loved to see Austin vs Hogan but you can't deny the fact that The Rock and Hogan put on one hell of a match.

No. 2 HBK vs Taker, WM 25

This match literally saved WM 25 from being the worst ever. The match started off fast paced with both men missing top rope moves. The match then became a nail biter as both Taker and HBK hit their finishing moves only to have their opponent kick out every time. After catching HBK while attempted to go the top rope, Taker put HBK in the tombstone piledriver and won, extending his streak to 17-0. This match made fans really question whether Taker would be able to stay undefeated.

No. 1 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock, WWF Championship WM 17

The build up to this match was the greatest I'd ever seen. The Rock was coming off his best year and Stone Cold Steve Austin had just returned months prior after missing most of 2000. Stone Cold won the 2001 RR and The Rock beat Kurt Angle at No Way Out to win the WWF Championship. These two men were ready to beat the living hell out of each other if it meant being the WWF champion. After both men were bloodied, The Rock hit Austin with the stunner and many felt that The Rock would retain. Vince McMahon came out to watch the action. The Rock hit the people's elbow and went for the cover, Vince stopped The Rock from pinning Austin. Vince then handed Austin a chair and Austin beat the crap outta The Rock. After pinning The Rock and winning the WWF Championship, Austin shocked the wrestling world by giving Vince a beer and shaking his hands, ending the attitude era. This match turned Austin heel for the 1st time since 96 and is considered by many to be the last match of the attitude era.