Best WWE matches of this decade (part two)

The list:

1. Umaga vs. John Cena , 28th January 2007
2. Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guererro, 23rd June 2005
3. Rey Mysterio vs. Finlay 9th November 2007
4. Matt Hardy vs. Finlay, 22nd June 2007
5. Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley, 18th April 2004
6. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels, 23rd April 2007
7. Hardy Boys vs. MNM, 28th January 2007
8. Finlay vs. Undertaker, 9th March 2007

Umaga vs. John Cena , 28th January 2007 - Eddie Fatu died about an hour before I'm writing up this match which I watched last night, and it feels to me that talking about this match is an appropriate tribute, it being the best of his career (and possibly the best Cena match too) . There was a period in 2007 where WWE could have made a long-lasting monster heel out of Umaga. Perhaps this main event push was too fast, or not followed up well - his matches with Jeff Hardy later in the year rank amongst my favourite Jeff matches ever, but he was soon lost in the mid-card, and then distinctly not winning against HHH upon his return that summer. The character was well developed up to this point, with Estrada directing everything like Umaga really was a savage. In this match, there are a bunch of nice touches where Estrada stops Umaga from doing something counterproductive (like break up a ten-count just to hit Cena with the steps).

Much like a southern tag, monster heel vs. champion babyface is a difficult formula to mess up. John Cena had two perfectly decent matches with Khali later in 2007 because of this. Here, though, you've got a monster heel with a great looking moveset and an ability to bump, which means they could build a match around a series of Umaga domination sections with Cena selling his injuries (which he does brilliantly), and comeback spots. I liked how each comeback was increasing in its violence, as Cena had to go further and further beyond the norm to try to beat Umaga. It's an incredibly studied performance from Cena, torn between wanting to assert his superiority as champion and feeling no joy for the lengths he is being forced to go to. The monitor shot illustrates this best - he shows no eagerness, only weariness, walking up the steps to bash it into Umaga's skull, and raises the weapon to the crowd after doing so, but with a completely blank face.

What I like most about this is the balance and pacing off all the hardcore spots. It felt neither like overkill, nor like big spots with meaningless filler in between. There's a gradual build in their visual impact, and a lot of variety. The finish is great, with the ring literally pulled apart. The visual of Cena roaring, face red with blood, choking out an increasingly blue Umaga borders on iconic. Watch Cena during the final ten count. There's no celebration here, or particular pride in what he had done. It's because of the level of storytelling, along with the quality of its execution and the numerous memorable moments, that I placed this match top of the list. Probably the best gimmick match of the decade. This is also feels appropriate to have a match on top that is pure WWE style.

Eddie "Umaga" Fatu, 1973-2009.