50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE Royal Rumble
32. Why HBK’s ’97 Title Win Was Incredible
Sit a casual fan who hasn't seen it before down to watch '97's title bout between Shawn Michaels and Sycho Sid, then ask them if they spotted anything off about HBK's performance. Most would ask what, in particular, they were supposed to notice. Not many would be able to tell that Shawn could barely get out of bed or walk the length of himself in the days leading up to the Rumble.
Michaels had been battling the flu heading into the biggest show of his career. There were genuine fears that he'd be bed bound and would have to miss the pay-per-view, but that was never realistically going to happen. Shawn hauled himself off the mattress and performed admirably in front of his friends and family in San Antonio. How he managed to pull a match of this quality together against a limited big man like Sid is anyone's guess.
That's not meant as a knock as Sid, for the record. Sycho more than played his part, but the bout’s success hinged on Michaels bumping around then winning the belt. Without that 'hometown hero done good' moment, the entire show's premise would've fallen flat. The Undertaker beating Sid for the title, for example, wouldn't have resonated the same way even though he's also from Texas.
Sorry, Death Valley. He's from...Death Valley.
Seriously, the 1997 Rumble needed Shawn more than any PPV had need an individual wrestler since Hulk Hogan. He was the glue holding everything together, and it's crazy to think nobody knew he'd been sick. His ring work was so slick that even Michaels at half speed was better than most.