10 Times Stipulations Ruined Wrestling Matches

4. Randy Orton Vs. Shawn Michaels - WWE Survivor Series 2007 (Michaels Outlawed From Using Superkick)

HBK Orton
WWE.com

Vince McMahon, ahead of the Randy Orton Vs. Shawn Michaels WWE Title match at Survivor Series 2007, disallowed the challenger from using his Sweet Chin Music finisher.

"Who does the stipulation favour?" asked Jerry Lawler on commentary, as WWE Champion Randy Orton made his entrance. "In my opinion, it levels the playing field." Orton was depicted as inferior in the build-up, at the announce desk, and in the match.

Even the very best wrestling matches contain within them a predictable spot. When Orton himself is matched with a lighter opponent, one prone to deploying offence from a springboard position, a catch RKO variation is inevitable - but, manipulating the action and the audience, the man doesn't get enough credit for springing the surprise. The problem with his match against Michaels is that the stipulation narrowed the dramatic scope to just one dimension. The match was very good, in spite of its limitations. Michaels' frustration was acted out expertly, and he teased Sweet Chin Music only to catch Orton with a surprise roll-up in a heart-stopping near-fall.

But, unlike the catch RKO, it was telegraphed.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick (Creative Writing BA Hons) is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over a decade of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential UK institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!