All feuds have to begin somewhere, and on This Day in Wrestling History, Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker would have the first of many memorable matches.
For the early part of Michaels’ career, his small stature was what held him back from having some awesome matches against larger opponents.
Vince McMahon didn’t think he’d be able to hold his own with bigger men, and the fact many reportedly refused to sell for him didn’t help.
That started to change after he worked with Diesel and he sold our his heart for Michaels.
A chance
On September 7, 1997 Michaels got his shot at Ground Zero, and he added some more flavor to his matchup with Undertaker and how they weren’t just opposites in the ring but outside personality wise.
Special thanks to @awrestlinghistorian for the excerpt.
“Though we had been in the same locker room for six years, we never wrestled each other. Vince didn’t believe anyone would buy me working with a guy with his presence and size. We weren’t close away from the ring either. We were cordial and professional to each other, but that was about it.
“When we went on European trips we would occasionally hang out, but we never became friends. I could never read ’Taker. He was always calm, collected, and smooth. I was the complete opposite, obnoxious and running around all the time. I knew he didn’t really like me, but he was such a pro, he wasn’t going to let his personal feelings get in the way of business. As long as I didn’t offend him, which I didn’t, he was going to leave me alone. He always told me, ‘You always delivered in the ring, Shawn. That was good enough for me.’
“Mark was different from everyone. It was as if there was Mark, and then there was everyone else. He was untouchable. His gimmick was so over, his work was unparalleled. He was so secure in himself and his character. To me, he was Cool Hand Luke, an entity unto himself. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him. Vince allowed me to work with Mark because I wasn’t going to be doing it alone. Hunter and Chyna were going to be at my side.” – Shawn Michaels, Heartbreak & Triumph book.
This was just the start as the two of them went on to some of the best matches and moments in the company’s history, including my favorite HIAC match where Kane was introduced.
It just goes to show many times people just need a chance to prove themselves, and while failure’s always an option we could have something special begin like on This Day in Wrestling History.
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