100 Greatest WWE Matches Of All Time (Ranked)
46. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (SummerSlam 1995)
It might be an odd point to kick off on, but Michael 'Dok Hendrix' Hayes deserved a little bonus on his pay-per-view payoff for expert commentary work at SummerSlam 1995. He brilliantly put across how torn fans were between cheering for Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels. Specifically, HBK had gone from cocky, loathsome heel to spirited would-be babyface hero, and Dok put that over like the plot point was paying his rent.
Shawn and Razor knew they had to mix things up after working a similarly-sensational ladder match at WrestleMania X. There, they'd relied on one ladder to see them through. After realising that they'd need a replacement if one broke, the Kliq pals introduced more toys to the occasion in '95. That gave their sequel an altogether different dynamic than the original, and it worked.
Key spots like Michaels missing a big splash from the top of the ladder and Ramon deftly stopping HBK from climbing by turning it into a Razor's Edge finisher had people leaping out of their seats. Most fans out there would agree that the 'Mania X match has more of a classic feel to it (partly due to the freshness of the gimmick and the era it took place in), but Ramon vs. Michaels II was one of 1995's best offerings and shouldn't be missed even if you thought that time period sucked.
The ladder match was also a much-needed bit of respite on an otherwise lifeless SummerSlam card. Forget Diesel vs. 'King' Mabel - this should've gone on last to thrill the Pittsburgh masses instead.