10 Forgotten Shawn Michaels Matches You Need To See

4. Vs. Randy Orton - Survivor Series 2007

Shawn was never one to shy away from trying out new match gimmicks, rules and stipulations, which is why he's known as WWE's guinea pig. He was the first to compete in Ladder, Iron Man, Hell in a Cell & Elimination Chamber matches on television. But as well as the grand and spectacular matches, he was also known to weave little gimmicks and stipulations into otherwise traditional matches to give them more intrigue. Throughout 2007, a rivalry with Randy Orton occupied most of HBK's time, running from May all the way through to their match at November's Survivor Series. After Orton punted Shawn in the head (so he could take time off to treat an injury), HBK returned, and was given a match for Orton's newly won WWE Championship at Survivor Series. The match did, however, come with the added stipulation that Shawn was forbidden from using Sweet Chin Music, due to the Champion's protestations about being hit with it week after week leading up to their match. The story of the match focused on Shawn's attempts to win without his beloved superkick, with him instead relying on submissions and other moves to try and beat Orton. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpa9sB5KUGY The match ended in the only way it could though, as in a moment of pure instinct, Shawn was about to hit Orton with the Sweet Chin Music. Shawn remembered the ruling, and withdrew the kick in time; but the hesitation was enough to allow Orton to hit the RKO instead, and he retained his Championship.