Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero at Backlash 2002 is widely regarded as one of the best matches of the year and a breakout moment for in-ring wrestling in WWF during the transitional period just before the brand split.
The match was built around flash versus finesse, with both men operating at an elite level. RVD brought his explosive, high-impact offense and unique timing, using aerial attacks and sudden strikes to generate crowd-popping momentum. Eddie Guerrero countered with smooth technical wrestling, sharp counters, and constant awareness, often cutting off RVD mid-move and turning athletic risks into openings.