WWE SmackDown in 2008 featured the likes of The Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, Batista, and Edge, to name a few. These guys dominated the main event picture with their incredible showmanship and storytelling abilities.
The mid-card had Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick, and Fit Finlay. All of these men were credible in-ring performers who could get out the very best in their opponents. Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best WWE SmackDown matches of 2008:
Batista vs. The Undertaker (World Heavyweight Title No Disqualification Match – April 25)
Batista and The Undertaker defined WWE SmackDown with their epic rivalry in 2007. The pair reignited the feud with this No Disqualification Match in 2008. The Animal had shown signs of heel turn prior to this match.
Both men made adequate use of foreign objects to outlast each other. Batista reversed Taker’s tombstone into a spine buster on the steel steps. However, a Sweet Chin Music from Shawn Michaels allowed the champion to retain his title over the challenger.
Jeff Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin (United States Title Match – August 15)
Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin were two of the most consistent performers on the WWE SmackDown roster in 2008. The duo collided for the Gold Standard’s United States Championship on a taped broadcast in August.
Benjamin showcased his incredible agility in this match-up. Hardy had the crowd rally behind him with his epic comebacks. A timely inference from MVP helped Benjamin retain his title via a controversial DQ finish.
Triple H vs. The Undertaker (WWE SmackDown – October 24)
A mega main event brought these two superstars against each other on the October 24 edition of SmackDown. Triple H was the reigning WWE Champion at the time, but he didn’t put his title on the line against The Deadman just days before Cyber Sunday.
The two ring generals displayed some incredible nuances throughout the match. Taker rocked Hunter with his explosive fury of strikes. The Game had his moments of comeback, but was rattled to the mat with a thunderous Last Ride.
The match ended in No Contest after Taker’s Cyber Sunday opponent, Big Show, arrived. The World’s Largest Athlete put away Triple H with a chokeslam. He then took care of Taker with three chair shots to end the show.
Edge vs. CM Punk (WWE SmackDown – April 25)
The first televised singles meeting between Edge and CM Punk took place on WWE SmackDown in 2008. Both men had come off with varying outcomes at WrestleMania 24. Punk had won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Edge, however, failed to retain his world title against The Undertaker.
Both men delivered some solid wrestling in this match. The Straight Edge Superstar used his technical skills to keep his opponent at arm’s length. A GTS knocked the Ultimate Opportunist to the outside of the ring. The cliché interference finish made Edge look strong heading into his Backlash rematch against The Undertaker.
Jeff Hardy vs. The Undertaker (Extreme Rules Match – November 14)
Gimmick matches aren’t a common sight on WWE television these days. Back in the day, almost every WWE SmackDown or RAW used to have a stipulation-based match-up. One such gimmick match brought together Jeff Hardy and The Undertaker.
Hardy’s popularity eclipsed John Cena for a brief period in 2008. McMahon capitalized on fan reception by giving the Daredevil clean wins over the likes of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker.
The Extreme Rules Match with The Undertaker had some great storytelling. Hardy sold Taker’s offense convincingly. In the end, the Charismatic Enigma finally managed to put away the legend with a leg drop from the top of the ladder.
Also read: Best WWE SmackDown Matches Of 2009
