10 Things You Didn't Know About WWE SummerSlam
3. HBK’s Return Was Almost Very Different
Speaking of Shawn Michaels.
The legend made his own comeback at SummerSlam three years before bumping around like a p*ss-taking madman for Hulk Hogan in 2005. His 2002 reprise produced a true, enduring classic vs. Triple H, but that wasn't the match Shawn originally suggested when he was discussing a return to the ring earlier in the year.
Instead, Michaels wanted to wrestle Vince McMahon in a weapons-filled brawl at SummerSlam '02. It was actually Vinnie Mac himself who convinced Shawn to work old pal Hunter instead. Michaels' plan to kick the snot out of McMahon would have to wait approx four years (they eventually worked at WrestleMania 22).
Shawn wasn't certain he could enter a performance worthy of wrestling Trips in a featured bout on the card. However, he figured all the bells and whistles of a match vs. Vince would make things easier. That clash with Triple H led to a career renaissance for the icon.