The WORST Moment From EVERY WWE SummerSlam

30. Shawn Michaels Becomes A Spoiled Brat Live On Air (1996)

Look up the word "brat" in the dictionary and you might see 1996 Shawn Michaels. To that point, look up "stressed" in the same book and HBK will be right there holding the WWF Title. Carrying an ailing promotion on his back and turning in world class performances every night took a huge mental toll on Shawn in '96, and he became insufferable because of that.

Then, Vader was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back.

He'd become known for destroying peers with super-stiff strikes during his days in Japan and WCW. Admittedly, that's partly why the WWF came calling for him in late-1995/early-1996. They needed a new monster heel, and (don't call him Big Van) Vader was perfect. Plus, he'd be a realistic threat to guys like Bret Hart and Michaels in main events.

Shawn hated working with the 'Mastodon' - so much so that he visibly broke character and yelled at Vader during a clunky main event come SummerSlam. Again, HBK was feeling the pressure as WWF Champion, and it showed live on air. He'd already had enough of working with a bruiser like Vader.

Understandably, because who'd want to get slapped about for real when they're relied upon to carry the company, but this was seriously unprofessional and not a great look for someone who'd become akin to Vince McMahon's spoiled little brat.

You wouldn't have seen Hogan or Hart lose their temper in-ring like this. You just wouldn't. Not unless it was scripted, at least. Shawn lost it, stomped Vader in the head for real, and looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.