10 Real-Life Dramas That Made It To Wrestling TV
2. Airing Their Grievances
The real-life animosity that existed between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels forever damaged the potential of arguably the two greatest performers in the industry to have one truly legendary wrestling match.
At their respective peaks, a deep-rooted mistrust hijacked both their Iron Man match at WrestleMania 12 and infamous title contest at Survivor Series 1997 despite choice moments in each battle.
What the mutual distaste did produce though, was a endless stream of scintillating on-screen debates between 1996 and 1997.
Despite all their problems, Bret and Shawn were still capable of some decorum backstage, and loosely agreed to cut close to the bone when verbally scything at one another.
And in building up matches at both WrestleMania 13 and King of the Ring 1997 that would never happen, there even existed storyline purpose for their bile.
On any given week, Bret took shots at Shawn's decision to pose for 'Playgirl' magazine and pierce his naval, then Michaels would fire back with counterclaims of Bret's true honour and his new whiny demeanour.
Post and pre-'Sunny Days', talk turned to earnings, with Shawn unpicking Bret's 20-year contract with talk of how little he had to work for his money.
It still makes for extremely tense viewing 20 years later.