10 Times WWE Fans Were Elated At WrestleMania

8. Mike Tyson Knocks Out Shawn Michaels

Wrestlemania Elated
WWE

More gruelling and impressive than exhilarating classic, the WrestleMania XIV main event between Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin sagged at points, understandably, under Shawn's knackered back - but he bit through the pain to bump huge for Austin, putting him over as an unstoppable force in a deeply admirable performance.

At the finish, Austin twice ducked Sweet Chin Music - the second attempt made for electric, heart-in-mouth drama - and captured the WWF Championship by nailing Michaels with the Stunner. Guest Enforcer Mike Tyson counted the three. The fans went apesh*t. This wasn't just their choice; this was their man, relatable but also larger-than-life - a man they could connect with but always feel in awe of.

In the post-match, Austin and Tyson revealed the ruse in a real-recognise-real moment that endorsed Austin, not that he needed it. This was more pretext to the exclamation point of the spectacle. Michaels prodded Tyson on the chest, repeatedly, as that euphoria receded to a buzzing drone. They sensed danger, and they were bang up for it; Michaels was a terrific heel to the casuals, and had begged for this for years to those in the know.

Tyson cracked him with a one-bomb, the glass shattered, and the place erupted.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential 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 former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current 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!