1. Randy Orton vs Cactus Jack – Backlash 2004

This match is certainly not for the faint of heart and is certainly one the WWE’s current target demographic wouldn’t be very used to in terms of overall style.

The story behind this one was the traditional passing of the torch from old-time legend to one of the company’s more modern talents, in this case that of ‘The Viper’ Randy Orton, who at that point had branded himself ‘The Legend Killer’. Following months of constant beatdowns & defeats at the hands of the young up & comer, the former Mick Foley decided there was no other solution than to bring out his violent alter ego, Cactus Jack and for him to finally gain retribution in his signature match, a Hardcore Rules match.

Violence in professional wrestling is still a subject debated to this very day, matches like this however emphasize its importance from a storytelling perspective. The levels of blood & brutality that ensued in this match may be too much for some but was key in shaping a younger star such as Randy Orton from the arrogant rookie he had been portraying, to the true warrior he came out of this match looking like after 30 minutes of utter carnage.

Using barbwire, steel chairs & even the support structure of the event stage, both Randy Orton & Cactus Jack created the closest thing to a perfect match anyone could imagine. More than just a violent spot-fest, this was a match of passion, resilience & desperation and to most people is the contest that shaped Randy Orton into the man that steps foot onto our television that we see on a weekly basis. This isn’t just the finest match in the history of the Backlash event as a whole, but one of the finest in WWE history, period.

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