Flashback: WCW Fall Brawl 1997 - Eddie Guerrero vs Chris Jericho

Despite WWE's attempts at resuscitating the cruiser weight division with their 205 Live show, fans are yet to embrace most of the wrestlers from the division, except the champion Neville. Why, you ask? Just take a look at this show opening instant classic from Fall Brawl 1997 between Eddie and Jericho. That's right, this is Chris Jericho from 20 years ago. 

Eddie's movements in the ring are just so slick and Jericho is the perfect plucky baby face champion and together, they show why they would go on to become world champions in time to come. When was the last time you saw a surfboard dragon sleeper and a reverse gory special? Not only does Eddie do a masterful job of selling but the commentators are absolutely on point and pick up these little nuances as well. The finish is masterfully done with Eddie reversing a superplex into a crossbody and then hitting the best Frog Splash in the business for the win. A far cry from what fans are treated to in 205 Live!

Flashback: ROH/NJPW - Kevin Steen vs Shinsuke Nakamura

The wonderful part about cross promotional events like War of the Worlds is that you get the best talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling taking on the best from what Ring of Honor has to offer in veritable dream matches. Today, Kevin Owens (earlier known as Kevin Steen on the Independent circuit) and Shinsuke Nakamura are two of the hottest talents on WWE's top show Smackdown. But back in 2014, they were arguably the most popular wrestlers in their respective companies and this first ever match between them at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom was a match that a lot of fans were looking forward to. No wonder the crowd broke into a "This is awesome" chant even before the match begins. 

If you notice carefully, Steen does the smart thing by involving the fans with his body language and mannerisms including stopping the match early to ask Nakamura what was wrong with him. Yes, they do pull out a couple of big moves including the Apron bomb but dont go all out to with super risky spots. They have a smart match with just one super hot kick out at the end (so much better than the 20+ finisher kick outs that super long Indie matches are known for) and keep the rabid fans happy. Now if only WWE can build a feud with these amazing talents in 2018.