Top 5 Most Underrated WWF Matches of the 90’s
Undertaker vs Mankind - Hell in a Cell. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels- Iron Man Match. Bret’s encounter with Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 13 - Those are just a few matches that many regard as the best that the World Wrestling Federation offered in the 90’s.
For as memorable as those matches were, there are others that don’t seem to get the notoriety they truly deserve. Here now are the five most underrated 90’s WWF matches.
5. Bret Hart vs Diesel - Survivor Series 1995:
By 1995, Diesel, aka, Kevin Nash, was a premiere player of the WWF’s New Generation Era. At that time, Diesel had been the longest-reigning, WWF champion - albeit in a down time for the company. Bret Hart was the challenger to Diesel’s title at the 1995 Survivor Series. Most regard the match as Diesel’s best ever. The one notable spot was Diesel sending Bret through the announce table, which had been the first time it was done in the WWF. The finish of the match saw Bret tie up Diesel’s legs into a small package for the victory. It was Bret’s third reign as WWF champion. After the match, a frustrated Diesel delivered two Jackknife Powerbombs to Bret - turning heel in the process.
4. Shawn Michaels vs Mankind - In Your House: Mind Games (1996):
Shawn Michaels defended his WWF title against Mankind at In Your House: Mind Games, in September of 1996. The match exceeded all expectations, with the two men brawling inside and outside the ring. However, interference played a role, as Sycho Sid, Vader, and The Undertaker caused a disqualification. Prior to the DQ, HBK and Mankind had put on a five-star classic. The ending prevented it from being higher on the list.
3. Bret Hart vs Owen Hart - Summerslam 1994:
The sibling rivalry between Bret Hart and Owen Hart began its chapter at Wrestlemania 10, with the two brothers putting together an all-time classic, in which many consider to be the best opening match in Wrestlemania history. Owen would pull off the upset against his older brother. In Summerslam of that year, Bret and Owen had their return match, this time with Bret as the WWF champion - inside of a steel cage. The match lasted just over a half hour, with Bret escaping the cage to retain his title.
2. Randy Savage vs Ric Flair - Wrestlemania 8:
Perhaps the biggest shock in regards to Ric Flair’s career was making the move to the WWF, in September of 1991. Maybe less shocking was Flair becoming the champion in short order at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Flair entered Wrestlemania 8 - looking to defend the belt versus The Macho Man Randy Savage. The rivalry was centered around Miss Elizabeth, who Flair had his eyes for. In real life, Savage and Elizabeth were going through their divorce. The pairing of Savage and Flair gelled, and became intense at times. To no surprise, Flair bladed to add the element of blood, which slathered all into his blonde hair. Flair held Savage’s leg as to attempt the Figure Four Leglock, but Savage reversed it into a schoolboy roll up for the pin, and the championship. The aftermath saw Flair trying to flaunt with Elizabeth - only to be slapped by her.
1. Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect - Summerslam 1991:
In my opinion, the most underrated 90’s WWF match consisted of two, second generation wrestlers, in Bret Hart and Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig. At Summerslam 1991, Hennig had his Intercontinental championship on the line against The Hitman. Bret was known as a tag team specialist in the 80’s, when he teamed up with Jim Neidhart as The Hart Foundation, but his Summerslam classic with Hennig really put him on the map as a singles performer. Bret would make Hennig submit to The Sharpshooter to become the new Intercontinental champion. The victory would mark Bret’s very first singles title in the WWF.