40 Greatest Stories Wrestling Ever Told
2. Chris Jericho Is Disappointed By Shawn Michaels (WWE, 2008)
Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels briefly clashed in a dream match at WrestleMania XIX in 2003, but it was obvious to anyone watching at the time that they could do serious business together in a longer program. Fans would have to wait until 2008 for that. By then, Y2J had changed from a long-haired update on Michaels to a sharp-suited heel who didn't have time for catchphrases like: 'I'm the Ayatollah of rock and rolla'.
In '08, Jericho was appalled by Shawn's ploy to fool him and Batista at Backlash. Michaels feigned injury to sucker 'The Animal' in and score the win, which had also fooled Chris (who was special guest referee). When HBK defeated Chris at Judgment Day, Jericho snapped and attacked his one time mentor on Raw by smashing him through a 'JeriTron' screen.
What ensued was the best feud of the entire year. Michaels vs. Jericho stole headlines at the Great American Bash, SummerSlam (where Jericho accidentally socked Shawn's wife in the eye for real), Unforgiven and again in a ladder bout for the World Title at No Mercy.
It was an easy to understand story. Jericho didn't like that Michaels was resorting to trickery so deep into his career, and Shawn pointed out the hypocrisy in someone like Y2J even complaining about that. Then, once his family got harmed mid-promo, all bets were off.
The rivalry was so hotly contested that WWE had to put one of the top titles in the mix to capitalise on what Shawn and Chris were doing. What a remarkable ride.