10 Fascinating WWE SummerSlam 1990 Facts
8. Shawn Michaels Blew Out His Knee Three Weeks Before The PPV
In SummerSlam's opening match, The Rockers lost what was functionally a handicap match to Hercules and Paul Roma, a.k.a. Power and Glory. The match saw Shawn Michaels attacked before the bell by Hercules, who whipped Michaels' right leg with his trademark chain, leaving the future "Heartbreak Kid" unable to take part in the match. The injury angle was rather well done, with Michaels writhing at ringside, selling guttural agony in a way that would make Ricky Morton proud.
On Saturday, August 4, 1990, The Rockers were working a house show match with The Orient Express in Augusta, GA, when Michaels blew out his ACL. He would miss several months of action, making it necessary to run the SummerSlam chain attack as a kayfabe excuse.
It should be noted that Michaels claims in his 2005 autobiography that the injury occurred in a motorcycle accident mere days before SummerSlam. However, Michaels' in-ring injury was reported in The Wrestling Observer Newsletter right after it occurred, and subsequent house show results prove that Michaels was out of action for weeks before the show. Marty Jannetty would either work singles matches, or partner up with a young Shane Douglas, throughout August.