10 WWE Title Matches Nobody Asked For
9. Shawn Michaels Vs. Ken Shamrock (In Your House: D-Generation X)
The entire wrestling world was still reeling from the events of November's Survivor Series by the time In Your House: D-Generation X happened the following month. People were struggling to come to terms with the idea that Bret Hart had been screwed by the WWF and moved to WCW, and Hart's departure left a sizeable hole in the main event scene.
Looking to move on quickly from the 'Montreal Screwjob' (ironic, given WWE's incessant need to bring it up any chance they get these days), Shawn Michaels faced the fresh face of Ken Shamrock for the WWF Title in the main event. That wasn't quite the match fans wanted, especially after something so earth-shattering had rocked the federation to its core.
Cast as the 'Black Hart', Owen Hart would have made more sense against Michaels and his DX cronies at In Your House. Gifting Shamrock a hasty title shot just felt out of step amidst the backdrop of real-life drama. The match wasn't bad, but it felt like a TV headliner rather than pay-per-view.