WWE: 29 Iconic WrestleMania Moments

WrestleMania XII - Boyhood Dream Comes True

Many years after this moment, I'd see it through very different eyes €“ after reading Bret Hart's book, and being shocked by his account of how it all went down. And you can see it in the awkward aftermath of Shawn winning the Ironman match €“ referee Hebner approaches Shawn with the belt, Shawn snarling something at him, and Hebner then dismissing Bret Hart from the ring.

According to Bret, Michaels wanted him gone before he'd accept the belt in celebration. This was the cocky, self-centered version of Shawn Michaels who would barely remember what or whether he said anything when questioned about it years later. I likely glazed over it as an adoring teen, and now see Shawn glowering and snipping at Hebner, as the referee tries to fasten the belt around Shawn's waist. But in that moment, it was only about one thing to me: the boyhood dream coming true. I interpreted every move as that of a fiercely emotional new champion, the grass roots hero who had depended upon the trainer of his youth to help him find glory. Four years after his debut as HBK, Michaels had us all smitten.
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