10 Best WWE Intercontinental Title Matches Ever
6. Shawn Michaels Vs Marty Jannetty (Monday Night Raw, 17th May 1993)
Though Wrestling Observer head honcho Dave Meltzer famously preferred their Raw rematch weeks after Michaels had regained the secondary strap at a house show, few encounters translate the triumphs and tragedies of Marty Jannetty's career more than his surprise Intercontinental Title scalp on one of the show's greatest ever episodes.
It was a night of surprises having already hosted 1-2-3 Kid's now-legendary victory over Razor Ramon and Jannetty's own comeback and challenge entering as he did from the audience in disguise. Jumping on Michaels' chutzpah as he cut an audacious and arrogant mid-ring promo, Marty placed his former partner in an only-slightly-less uncomfortable position than the shattered window frame of the Barber Shop, earning a show-closing shot as a result. His victory was his only shard of revenge for that memorable assault.
Edgy, quick and desperate, the match summed both participants up magnificently. Shawn had shone since The Rockers' split, but fought from a position of unpreparedness and panic. Jannetty's babyface flame was just as fleeting. He'd already stumbled in his original 'last' chance earlier in the year - this was borrowed time he had to try and permanently steal. Claiming the title with Mr Perfect's help didn't subvert the underdog narrative a jot, as Marty's brief moment as a made man echoed around the majestic Manhattan Centre.