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Shawn Michaels is widely regarded by many as the greatest in-ring performer of all time. And rightly so because he has given some of the most amazing and thrilling matches.
His matches are filled with emotion, with some dose of drama and are completely action – packed.
Not only did he rise to the top of WWE with his performances but he also used to carry his fellow wrestlers throughout the matches and sell their moves better than any other wrestler.
Very few of his matches have ever been a squash or matches in which he would quickly take a win, or lose quickly and leave the fans asking for more. He would put on a show week after week in each of his matches.
And perhaps his best quality was his ability to tell stories and get the fans invested in them. He used to make it sound and look so realistic with the help of his timing and acting, that at times it would feel like he is actually hurt.
With all that in mind, let’s look at 3 most classic matches of Shawn Michaels.
#3 Shawn Michaels vs Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart in Wrestlemania XII
This is probably the best rivalry in WWE's history involving two of the best wrestlers to ever perform. Both the wrestlers sold a great story in which Shawn Michaels was a guy who could not deliver on the biggest stages. He would climb to the greatest heights but then fail to deliver. Meanwhile, Bret Hart was a proud champion who believed in his abilities and would face anyone as he was the best in the world.
The match was a 60 minute Iron Man Match in which both the wrestlers failed to get a pin in the first 60 minutes. But, since there had to be a winner it went into sudden death overtime where Michaels hit Hart a Sweet Chin Music for the win.
The beauty of this match was its booking and how well it placed both the wrestlers in their respective positions.
It also saw Michaels win his first big Championship in WWE.
#2 Triple H vs Shawn Michaels vs Chris Benoit at Wrestlemania
This match is often said as the best main event in WrestleMania history in which Chris Benoit went away with the gold.
The storyline began with supreme bookings of all the three involved. In that year’s Royal Rumble Benoit became the first man ever to win a rumble from the number 1 position while Michaels and Triple H fought a grueling Last Man Standing match which ended in a draw.
Now, in the match Triple H played a classic heel by trying to avoid both the opponents while Michaels and Benoit took each other to the limit.
This match had energy, passion and emotions filled all around. All the three wrestlers put their blood, sweat, tears and a whole lot of drama in this match to make it a memorable one.
In the final moments of the match when Benoit submitted Triple H, it was one of the most emotional endings to a Wrestlemania when two best friends Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit hugged each other and ended the show.
#1 Shawn Michaels vs Triple H at Bad Blood 2004
Best friends, bitter enemies. When you got two people who completely hate each other locked inside Hell in a Cell, then you know that you got a recipe for success, and this match delivered on its promise.
This rivalry re-ignited when Triple H cost Shawn Michaels a chance to win the gold against Chris Benoit and then Michaels did a tit-for-tat with Triple H.
The match was destined to be great because Triple H had never lost a Hell in a Cell match before that, while Michaels was hell-bent on beating him and putting an end to this rivalry.
There were tables, ladders, chairs and a lot of steel involved in this match and the audience couldn’t stop themselves from getting excited with each and every move.
In the end, the Game survived a close contest in which both men did severe damage to each other with weapons meant to destroy a person’s body.
These were three classic Shawn Michaels matches. You can also comment and sound off about your favorite Shawn Michaels matches of all time.
