Royal Rumble 2012: Top 5 Non-Rumble Matches in the New Millennium

The Royal Rumble is the most exciting, anticipated and unpredictable match in WWE history.

WWE has kept the appeal of the Rumble match by making sure it only takes place once a year and maintains its importance of propelling a superstar to the Main Event of WrestleMania.

Still, the Rumble pay-per-view isn't just about the match itself. This event has seen some of the most memorable, flawless and intense feuds and matches ever witnessed on WWE programming. 

Since 2000, we've seen some of the most influential matches and performances in wrestling history. Not only have we seen matches born at this pay-per-view, but we've seen people, rivalries and gimmick matches transform and taken to a level people could never have dreamed of prior to taking place. 

The following matches aren't just some of the most iconic in event history, but professional wrestling as well. 

No. 5: Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H, WHC Last Man Standing Match, 2004

Every single match in the historic rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Triple H has been terrific. 

To kick off 2004, these two icons put on another remarkable display of storytelling that very few feuds have ever rivaled. Their chemistry, psychology and ability to draw emotion from any crowd is uncanny. You may not find a better feud with a better string of matches.

Their Last Man Standing match was every bit as brutal as you would expect, chock full of awesomeness, including Michaels' missed springboard crossbody through the Spanish announcer's table. 

This was the perfect setup for the Road to WrestleMania XX, which would see these two men and Royal Rumble 2004 winner Chris Benoit compete in the best triple threat match ever.

Sit back and enjoy the rest of the match.

No. 4: Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit, WWE IC Title Ladder Match, 2001

Many look to the inaugural Ladder Match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X as the premier one-on-one ladder match, but Jericho vs. Benoit at Royal Rumble 2001 is the true pinnacle.

These two always had phenomenal chemistry in and out of the ring, and this match showcased them to the best of their abilities. 

This match was full of fantastic moments, including Jericho blasting Benoit with a steel chair on the suicide dive through the ropes to the outside, but none were better than the Walls of Jericho on the top of the ladder. It was truly one of the great spots ever in a ladder match and one that is forever ingrained in our minds. 

Their chemistry and psychology in the entire match helped make this such a memorable performance that they even stole the undercard from Triple H and Kurt Angle.  

No. 3: Hardy Boyz vs. Dudleyz Boyz, Tables Match, 2000

Just like the Hardy Boyz and Edge & Christian were influential in putting tag team ladder matches on the map in WWE, the Hardyz and Dudley Boyz were just as influential for putting tables matches on the WWE Universe's radar. 

This was the first tables match ever in WWE history and these four men didn't disappoint by any means. It was their daredevil-abilities, chemistry, charisma and connection with the crowd that paved the way for all tables matches that would ensue.

The bar they raised was difficult to top and WWE realized that only they could do so. This match took place as WWE was entering the height of tag team wrestling. Never before and never again was tag team wrestling so enjoyable thanks to Edge & Christian, the Hardyz and Dudleyz. 

This is the match that directly led to the triangle ladder match at WrestleMania 2000, which would then lead to the glorious Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at SummerSlam that year. 

Though full of insane moments, none left a better imprint in people's minds than Jeff Hardy's Swanton Bomb off the balcony through D-Von Dudley and the table. Hardy would go on to pay tribute to this spot at Survivor Series 2002. 

No. 2: Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle, WWE Championship, 2003

Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle put on five-star match after five-star match during their storied rivalry, but none were better than their Royal Rumble 2003 clinic.

This match was so good that the fans gave Benoit a standing ovation before he left the ring. The crowd understood they were witnessing an instant classic and responded immediately, as did fans around the world.

It is difficult to put this match in words seeing it was nearly flawless. All you can do is sit back and enjoy. 

No. 1: Cactus Jack vs. Triple H, WWE Championship Street Fight, 2000

Easily one of the most memorable feuds, matches and build-ups in WWE history. This match took place during the height of the Attitude Era and tore down Madison Square Garden. 

If you don't get chills from watching the promotional build-up, there's something seriously wrong with you. This was one of the most emotionally-charged rivalries to ever grace professional wrestling.

Few feuds have rivaled this since 2000, but it still remains my personal favorite of all time. The commentary accompanying the epic moments in the video package were used to perfection. 

Triple H provided the single greatest reaction ever in wrestling when Mankind morphed into Cactus Jack. 

With Undertaker and Steve Austin nursing injuries, Mick Foley stepped up to the plate to make Triple H into the greatest heel ever. This was the moment everybody truly took notice of The Game and realized that he was "that damn good."

In one of the most brutal street fights ever, WWE played this match to perfection with the New York City theme. The best entrance way ever on Pay-Per-View added to the intense atmosphere.

Cactus Jack tore into Triple H in the alley way and even punctured his calf while suplexing him onto the wooden pallets. 

The Madison Square Garden crowd drooled at the sight of the 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire, Triple H's head buckling on the unforgiving announcer's table and of course, the epic Pedigree on the thumb tacks.

The storytelling and perfect of this match has been rivaled by few ever since, but it still remains the best Street Fight in WWE history.