Alberto Del Rio v Christian (World Heavyweight Championship Match; SummerSlam 2013)
Alberto Del Rio didn’t have the fans on his side in 2013. WWE was trying to push him like a top babyface, but his rivalries opposite Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler didn’t ingratiate him with the audience.
This reaction didn’t change much when Del Rio’s new challenger, Christian, emerged. Christian was hugely popular with the WWE Universe, and the crowd was hoping for a new champion. Alas, that result was not in the cards, but at least it led to a very underrated title match at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
Christian and Del Rio were the perfect pairing. Their styles were similar, but varied enough that the action was exciting. There was a great bit of psychology that drove the match, with Del Rio working over Christian’s arm.
It was a crutch for Del Rio, but one that saved him when Christian was too hurt to capitalize on his finish. On a card of surprises, this match was hidden in the background. It didn’t have the shock value, only a well-told story mixed with superb wrestling.
