J.R.'s assertion that "you're about to see a classic" and Coach's belief that "you can hype it up all you want and it's still going to be under-hyped" wasn't just hyperbole. This 30 Minute Iron Man match was a top-to-bottom masterpiece, and both performers were near the very top of their game. They took no time getting after it, as the usually showboating Michaels decided to forgo all the pretenses and charged right after the Olympic Gold Medalist.
It wasn't always the prettiest match, but the intensity never died down from the moment the opening bell was rung. This was an exhibit on tenacity and resiliency, with reversals and near-falls aplenty. And just when it seemed like there was going to be a last-minute submission by Angle to secure the win, Michaels was able to roll out of the Ankle Lock.
Then it looked like HBKwas going to take the match with some Sweet Chin Music but, unfortunately, there was only one second left on the clock by the time Michaels went for the pin.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you turn a tie into high drama.
Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett
