10 Must See Vader Matches

5. Vs. Shawn Michaels (WWF SummerSlam 1996)

Wrestling matches don't necessarily need to be perfect for them to be must see. SummerSlam 1996 (which was supposed to be Vader's key to the WWF main event kingdom) is proof of that.

Even now, it's obvious that Shawn Michaels didn't like working with someone as rugged as Vader. His little temper tantrum, after leaping off the top rope and shouting for Vader to move, has become legendary. If nothing else, the match provides captivating insight into Shawn's head at the time.

There's no doubt the pair would have ironed out the kinks in subsequent matches, but HBK didn't want any of it, and his hesitance to work with the super-stiff Vader pretty much put a lid on the big man's permanent main event aspirations. After SummerSlam '96, aside from a few glimpses here and there, it was all downhill for Vader in the WWF.

Still, there's a lot to enjoy here. Shawn, when willing, was great babyface foil for Vader, and Michaels probably needed someone so big to gain the sympathy vote with fans. It's a shame they didn't work again on pay-per-view.