25 Greatest WWE SummerSlam Matches EVER
5. Shawn Michaels Vs Triple H (SummerSlam 2002)
Though watching in context isn't crucial in enjoying this energetic ripper of a brawl between former and future besties Shawn Michaels and Triple H, reflection on the circumstances at the time adds tremendous heft to two seriously weighty displays.
Shawn Michaels had been gone four years with a back injury most assumed had finished his career, then sold and sold and sold and sold until it looked as though his former D-Generation-X friend would be responsible for putting him right back on the shelf.
Hunter - increasingly insecure in reality and kayfabe since returning earlier that year - was perfectly cast for more than just being Michaels' mate. It was believable that the 'Cerebral Assassin' would want to take away his more popular mate's last chance at in-ring satisfaction, enhancing every cruel blow exchanged between the former master and his long-graduated apprentice.
The stunning conclusion barely gives the audience time to admire Michaels' resolve before Triple H smashes the sh*t out of him with a sledgehammer. 'HBK' had dared not just to play the game, but win it. He was forced to learn how the rules had changed since he'd been away.