Wrestling fans had never seen anything like a ladder match before when Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon took to the squared circle for the intercontinental title match of WrestleMania X. By the time the competitors left Madison Square Garden, their legacies in the industry would be forever cemented, part of a legitimate five star classic on the grandest stage in the industry. Using a ladder to tell a story, battering each other about the body with it rather than using it as a platform for crazy stunts, they captivated the fans both inside the arena and watching via pay-per-view in homes across the country. Michaels' big splash, one of the few high spots of the bout, has been immortalized in photos and videos, making it a WrestleMania moment that would help establish him as the next big star in Vince McMahon's company. The match would motivate and inspire a new generation of stars, including The Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian, who would revolutionize the match type during the company's great Attitude Era. WrestleMania X is one of the greatest shows ever produced by WWE, a classic for both the company and the arena. And no match was more influential in the molding of wrestling's bright future than the Ladder match between Michaels and Ramon.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
