By Shawn Valentino, PWTorch Specialist

The late-'90s brought us a wrestling war that likely will never be replicated. Two companies had rosters stacked with enormous talent and fans salivated at the thought of dream matches between top stars of each organization. Unfortunately, by the time WCW was purchased by WWE the brand was watered down to such a degree that those battles no longer seemed so exciting. Although today's wrestling world also has two major promotions, TNA's atrocious booking and WWE's lack of fresh superstars make the idea of a dream card not so appealing. Nonetheless, I put together a card of matches that I would pay to see, and although the WWE versus TNA battle may not be one out of our fantasies, it would provide some exciting wrestling and intriguing matchups.

Sting vs. Undertaker

This is a no-brainer as it is a match that many wrestling fans have wanted to see ever since Sting found his dark side with the Crow gimmick. While the match itself may not be the greatest, the entrances and the sight of these two legendary characters in the ring together would be an awesome spectacle. Undertaker has become a better wrestler with age, and Sting knows many of the tricks, so together they could put together a good show for the fans to remember.

Christian Cage vs. Edge

The former "brothers" have a long storyline history from the time they both entered the WWF in the late nineties. Each slowly ascended to main event status by having classic tag matches as a team, then proving their value as singles stars. They both became world champions in their respective companies. The promos leading to this match would be as exciting as the action in the ring as both are sensational on the microphone. They are both in their athletic primes and should bring the best out of each other in the ring. Hopefully, Christian decides to make the smart move to reenter WWE so we could see these two compete together or with each other.

Kurt Angle vs. C.M. Punk

With Punk's ascension to main event status, this match would have the gravitas to feel like a major deal. Punk is very good at playing the self-confident, cool face, while Angle could play the relentless wrestling machine heel. The promos between the two would be memorable as their contrast in styles on the microphone would create a unique dynamic. The two should match well in the ring as Angle's could bully the smaller Punk around the ring while Punk could combat him with his quickness and sudden strikes. Both have had good matches lately and should be able to have a match worthy of this card.

Awesome Kong vs. Glamazon Beth Phoenix

As far as Divas matches go, this would be a real battle of the titans between the dominating presences of each woman's division. Santino's reactions to Kong outside the ring would add some entertainment value as well.

LAX vs. Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase Jr.

These two teams would be the perfect foils and would put four of the hottest young stars in wrestling in the ring together. Imagine the promos between the street-tough, edgy LAX and their preppy, spoiled second generation counterparts. All four are good workers in the ring and should provide the wrestling world a glimpse of what the future holds.

"The Phenomenal' A.J. Styles vs. Evan "Air" Bourne

The two most breathtaking athletes in wrestling today in the ring together would be, pardon the pun, phenomenal to watch. Bourne's athleticism is making jaws drop in audiences everywhere, and Styles is still near his peak so the two could create a dazzling showcase in the ring. While neither are particularly good at promos, the pure grace and excitement that they exhibit in the ring makes up for it. This is a match that would display what the future of wrestling should be in my opinion, two terrific average sized performers that can perform feats that look impossible for the human body to achieve.

Six-Man Ladder Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Jay Lethal vs. Sanjay Dutt vs. Alex Shelley

Speaking of spectacular athleticism, imagine the impressive high-flying display that these six wrestlers could put on. The success of the Money in the Bank matches have shown that the six-man ladder match can be a great concept if used in limited quantities. This would be the one gimmick match on the show, and the sight of these aerial specialists in the ring together would be amazing to watch.

Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley

The legend-killer and the hardcore legend have already had an unforgettable feud so this match would have historical significance. The feud with Foley cemented Orton's position as a main eventer in WWE. They have already had a classic match together, and they could play off their history to put on another memorable showcase. Orton has elevated his status to a legitimate top tier player, and his swarmy arrogance should bring out the best in Foley, who has been going through the motions lately. Orton is coming into his own on promos and Foley is one of the best ever so the build to the match would be intriguing for sure. If Foley showed up in shape, then these two could have one more match for the ages.

Jeff Hardy vs. "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels

Forget the idiotic Curryman gimmick and let Daniels go back to his Fallen Angel character for this one. This would rival Bourne versus Styles and the ladder match for the death-defying athletic display of the night. Hardy and Daniels have similar size and aerial skills as well as a penchant for daredevil maneuvers. This should be a thrilling contest in the ring.

Rey Mysterio vs. Petey Williams

As you can tell, my Dream Card would focus on the smaller agile wrestlers as opposed to the lumbering, plodding ones. This would be a battle between two of the most over finishers in the wresting business today. Mysterio still has some athletic ability left and Williams has really been misused by TNA, but can bring some incredible skills to the ring. If booked properly, this would be an electrifying match.

John Cena vs. Abyss

This match may be one of the least intriguing on the card, but I had to have the WWE's top star on this Dream Card so I felt Abyss would be a good heel monster to match against Cena. Cena has already proven to have decent to great matches against larger opponents like Umaga and Khali so he should be able to put together a quality contest against Abyss. He may even be cheered by the majority of the crowd against The Monster. Again, this is not a match I am excited about but it would let Cena do his thing and draw some money from his supporters.

Samoa Joe vs. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels

This is one of the few true dream matches left in the wrestling industry. Imagine the Samoan Submission Machine matched up against the Showstopper. They are both incredible athletes and very good at promos given the right booking. Joe should be able to dominate early with his strength while Michaels bumps around and sells like crazy. HBK's resilience and stamina would come into play later in the contest as the two could build to an epic conclusion. Michaels' recent incorporation of submission holds would make the match more intriguing. Joe and Angle had some great matches, but the story told with Joe against the smaller Michaels would be a more interesting one. This would be the match the card is built around.

Triple H vs. Jeff Jarrett: Lumberjack, Fans Can Bring Your Own Weapons Match

Well, maybe I lied about the ladder match being the only gimmick, because the battle between the two overinflated egos can only be contested in a match where they both get their comeuppance. I got this idea from listening to Wade's Dream Card, but added a twist to it because it is only fair that us fans should be able to participate. Imagine the satisfaction both the fans and the fellow wrestlers would feel in clobbering these two. I am all for lowering the risk and violence in wrestling today, but a toaster to the face should wipe that stupid sarcastic smirk off of Triple H's face, and put a smile on mine. I am sure many of the X Division athletes will find great pleasure in pounding "the founder" Jarrett's brains in. Even if none of the matches I have proposed in my Dream Card seem exciting to you, this is a match that would fulfill the dreams of wrestlers and fans around the world.

Please send questions, comments and feedback to valentino.torch@gmail.com

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