10 Wrestling Matches That Inadvertently Became Infamous
5. Shawn Michaels Vs Diesel (Madison Square Garden, May 19th 1996)
It's a tale well told, but serendipitously became one of the most important moments in the history of WWE.
A sold out Madison Square Garden house show crowd bore witness to an extremely rare contravention of kayfabe following a steel cage WWE Title match between Shawn Michaels and Diesel. The latter was doing the honours for his best friend as was tradition on a performer's final night with an organisation. 'Big Daddy Cool' was heading south.
So too was Razor Ramon. The pair's exit hadn't gone without notice by selections of the typically plugged-in New York market. Discerning fans in the crowd that night had peppered Scott Hall with 'You Sold Out' chants during his match with Hunter Hearst Helmsley, and given Nash similar treatment in the topliner.
Disdain turned to disbelief midway through Shawn Michaels' celebrations. Razor entered to embrace with his long-time rival, then Shawn appeared to give the floored Diesel a kiss of life before 'Too Sweet'ing him back to health. They were all joined by Hunter, sharing in-ring hugs and high fives as fan jaws dropped at the heel/babyface lines suddenly blurred by reality.
Though reluctantly approved by Vince McMahon, the 'Curtain Call' caused further toxicity amongst a roster of disgruntled and underpaid wrestlers during tough financial times. The statement punishment went to Helmsley, including axing his planned King of the Ring 1996 victory. Eventual winner Steve Austin cut an industry-altering promo in the spot he wasn't intended to have, and a seismic shift had quietly begun.