10 Most Shocking Wrestling Betrayals

The beginning of HBK’s marvellous solo career came in 1991 at the expense of long-time tag partner and buddy, Marty Jannetty. Pulling a fast one on both Marty and the fans, Michaels rocked his former friend with some Sweet Chin Music before throwing him head first through a barbershop window.

Tensions between the two had been called into question at the time yet the malice of Michaels’ action remained a sinister surprise. The destruction of the fan favourite Rockers team turned HBK into a widely reviled heel as he steadily made his way up the card, eventually winning the Intercontinental Championship. Jannetty would attempt revenge on his new foe on several occasions, including challenging Michaels for the IC title at Royal Rumble 1993.

While Michaels became the legendary Hall of Famer we know today, Jannetty sadly never amounted to much. Frequently fired and rehired by WWE, his career has lived permanently in the shadow of his incredibly successful former partner. Such was the difference between the two that they are the measuring stick by which newly solo tag team wrestlers are held against to this day.