The antithesis of the previous entry, because it seemed as though everyone capable of running up the aisle interfered in this one. While the interference of Shawn Michaels, Owen Hart, and others wrecked a highly-enjoyable WWF Championship bout, the match still succeeded in spite of its hindrances. The bout was also Diesel's first real opportunity to show what he could do as a babyface champion. Hart took it upon himself to play the aggressor in the face-vs-face match, noting that if he had sold Diesel's offense overdramatically, he could have swung audience sentiment behind him, the last thing McMahon would have wanted. Diesel's reign would be labelled a failure for other reasons, but this competitive match would hardly be a reason why.
45. Shawn Michaels Vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania XIV)
Michaels' dire back injury was put to the test in this landmark passing-of-the-torch match. The WWF Champion was noticeably grimacing during the latter half, eyes bugging out almost cartoonishly, and yet he somehow pulled his weight to the satisfying conclusion. With so much media hype to go along with Austin's inevitable ascent, it's to difficult Michaels' credit that he gutted out the script to a tee. The final exchange of finisher reversals culminated with Austin's Stunner and a Mike Tyson fast count, signaling the start of one era and the end of another. After Tyson slugged Michaels to sever the storyline partnership, Michaels would sit out of action for over four years, save for a forgotten match in April 2000 with former partner Paul Diamond.
Justin has been a wrestling fan since 1989, and has been writing about it since 2009. Since 2014, Justin has been a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine. Justin also writes for History of Wrestling, and is a contributing author to James Dixon's Titan series.
