Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio are certified WWE legends and unquestionably two of the greatest performers of all time.

Both men could have a great match with all diverse types of wrestlers from highflyers and technicians to power move players and super heavyweights. They both have a collection of matches to rival anyone in the history of the sport.

Needless to say, the pair had incredible in-ring chemistry with their WrestleMania 22 triple threat with Randy Orton perhaps their most famous match. But not their best. That accolade is reserved for their Summerslam 2002 bout, which might just be the best opener to a pay per view ever.

This was Rey's first WWE PPV outing and he could not have had a better opponent

Mysterio had only debuted in WWE a month prior, becoming the latest ex-WCW wrestler to join the company and perhaps the most exciting. He immediately hit the ground running, entering a feud with the Olympic Gold Medallist just in time for the marquee event of the summer.

The two had never wrestled a singles match before, only facing off in a six-man tag match in the weeks before the PPV, but you would not have known. The match only lasted 9:20 but was worked at a helter-skelter pace yet with the smoothness and crispness associated with both Kurt and Rey.

Rey Mysterio

Mysterio got the upper hand from the offset, surprising Angle from behind as his entrance music played. This set the tone as the two played a game of cat and mouse throughout, Angle being the aggressor to Mysterio’s highflying genius. Some of the spots are absolutely incredible.

Rey eventually succumbed to the Angle lock like so many before him but it announced his arrival as a top tier talent in WWE and reasserted Angle’s claim to be the top guy on Smackdown following the brand split. The two were pillars of the blue brand over the coming years, becoming close friends in the process.

Take a look at some of the best bits from the match below (clip shared on Twitter by @BasilCabana).

VIDEO: Rey Mysterio and Kurt Angle open Summerslam in stunning fashion

It was a brilliant opening to Summerslam but was it the best opener ever?

The match kickstarted a brilliant Summerslam, which also featured Shawn Michaels’ return against Triple H in an unsanctioned street fight and Brock vs Rock, where Lesnar became the youngest WWE Champion of all time.

See more: Shawn Michaels 2002 WWE return: The greatest comeback in history

Comments left on the post suggest some great alternatives for “best opening match on a PPV ever” and also recognise the absolute greatness of the masters of the ankle lock and the 619, respectively.

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What next for Rey and Kurt?

Mysterio looks set to face off with Karrion Kross soon but long-term, a clash with his own son, Dominik, seems likely in what will be a truly special moment for an all-time legend.

See more: Dominik & Rhea Ripley attack Rey Mysterio at his home on Thanksgiving

Angle continues to host his excellent podcast while rumours of one last match never seem too far away, especially given the ridiculous shape he is currently in.

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