12 Days That Completely Killed Kayfabe

By Scott Fried /

4. May 19, 1996 - The Madison Square Garden Curtain Call

During the mid-1990s, Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, Triple H, and the 1-2-3 Kid often feuded with each other, but behind the scenes, they formed a powerful backstage alliance known as the Kliq. Their behavior was often controversial and to this day, many of the wrestlers they worked with hold grudges against them due to their alleged political maneuverings. In the spring of 1996, Diesel and Razor Ramon accepted offers from WCW to join the organization. Their last appearance with WWE would be at a Madison Square Garden house show in May. At that show, Triple H battled Razor Ramon, and in the main event, Shawn Michaels faced Diesel in a steel cage. Naturally, WWE Champion Michaels defeated his enemy, but after the match, Razor Ramon and Triple H returned to the ring. As stunned fans watched on, the four men - two heels and two faces - all hugged, then took a bow before the confused crowd. Vince McMahon punished Triple H for the incident, but his career recovered and the "MSG Curtain Call" has become part of wrestling lore.