#2.) The Undertaker – RAW 2002
After transitioning into a singles run, the young upstart Jeff Hardy found himself crossing paths with none other than The Undertaker, who was also WWE champion at the time. The two would face off for the WWE title in a ladder match on an episode of RAW, where Hardy was provided his first big break as a singles star.
In the match, Hardy proved why he was destined for greatness as a singles star. He showed fortitude, heart, determination, grit and all the things you’d want to see in a top-level competitor. He was close on multiple occasions, with Jim Ross making the iconic call “Climb the ladder, kid! Make yourself famous”. Unfortunately for Hardy, it was the veteran WWE Champion who would emerge victoriously.
After attacking Hardy post-match, The Undertaker rode away on his bike, only for a beaten down Hardy to shout to him on the mic that he was still standing and couldn’t be broken. Undertaker went back in the ring, seemingly to assault Hardy again. Instead, he raised his hand and nodded in approval, respecting Hardy’s toughness. It was the ultimate endorsement.
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