The greatest betrayal in WWE history occurred in 1991 and featured Shawn Michaels delivering a superkick to long-time friend and tag partner Marty Jannetty, then tossing him head-first through the Barbershop window, leaving Jannetty a bloody mess and the future Heartbreak Kid well on his way to one of the greatest singles careers in company history. Despite a WWE Magazine article questioning whether Michaels and Jannetty were still on the same page, and several instances of tension between the two, Michaels' actions took the wrestling world by surprise. Fans of The Rockers were shocked, stunned and heartbroken over the jaw-dropping betrayal they witnessed and immediately treated Michaels as one of the most despicable villains in the sport, something that helped him transition into his singles career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvUNQyWFhw Jannetty would have several opportunities at revenge. He failed to wrest the Intercontinental Championship from the Heartbreak Kid in January 1993 at the Royal Rumble but succeeded months later on Monday Night Raw. Unfortunately for Jannetty. Michaels' success would not only ensure his permanent place in his former partner's shadow but also lead to him becoming the go-to comparison for lesser-successful tag partners.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
