Shawn Michaels Vs Bret Hart - WWE WrestleMania 12 Iron Man Match | Behind The Match

[@A-Man79]

Bret and Shawn were the Ryu and Ken of wrestling. That's what made it, in my opinion at least, the best rivalry of all-time.

[@vampirascoffin870]

Lolll i been saying that for years!! Glad we got the same minds! Agreed!!

[@broken120z]

Who is the Ryu and who is the Ken?

[@EthenkRowan]

@@broken120z brets the ryu he’s breaths and sweats pro wrestling/martial arts. shawns the ken naturaly talented but less technical and more flashy

[@supercolorful5878]

@@EthenkRowan perfectly said !!!

[@jasonlewis460]

great comparison, who was AKuma?

[@AceTrainerLiam]

Keep these coming, Sam! Such a great series!

[@superduper8]

Unquestionably this video is one for hard core wrestling fans rather than clickbaity videos to bring in more fans ,this channel is pure quality and class.

[@errdaykam4662]

It’s one of my earliest and favourite memories. For fans I understand that 30mins would have probably been more captivating and entertaining. Honestly though it’s a top 3 match of all time for me. Two of the best at their probable peaks. Great deep dive.

[@mfdixon1985]

Kind of everything that's said about it is true. It's a fantastic match and incredible workrate, given that they had to fill more than an hour. But the inherent problem with iron man matches is it's hard for the fans to get into them. A regular match can end at any time. So, even if you don't expect a regular championship match to end in 2 minutes, it's easy to get invested if someone goes for a fall because, it could happen. An iron man match is kind of like watching a regular sport. American football is probably the best comparison. If a team scores a first quarter touchdown to go ahead, it could be the game winner. But it probably won't be. So you start getting really invested in the fourth quarter. Same here. If someone goes for a fall 20 minutes in, you're not quite as invested because you know that it probably won't be the difference maker. Get into the final 15-20 minutes, it's a little different.

[@JasperJunior94]

This match is the reason I'm a wrestling fan, I must've worn out the WM12 vhs when I was a kid 🥰

[@riotd.r.8363]

I've watched the Ironman match between Bret and Shawn 4 times in it's entirety. It's a great lesson for how to work holds without sleeping.

[@calvinfolan1736]

One of my favourite matches ever. I look forward to this one.

[@MisterHearn]

Was lucky enough to be there for this match. Thanks dad! I was just a kid and had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. So much history with this match.

[@DJDoubleCee]

Pretty impressive to wrestlers compete in hour long matches. Looks like you need to have an incredible amount of endurance for a match like that.

[@newageoutlaw]

You need to be some sort of... iron man.

[@ShowdeQuetzal]

Memorizing a 1 hour wrestling match sounds like a hard task Great video

[@attiepollard7847]

I just don't like the fact that we didn't get no pinballs to each both Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.

[@aceeeeex9]

True should’ve at the very least got 1 fall each before the ending

[@Brony459]

If you ask me, the way that it ended was perfect! It was much better off ending in a 1-0 score in sudden death territory then anything else. I’ve watched this match at least 3 times.

[@attiepollard7847]

I don't think so. I would have both Hitman and HBK get two wins over each other each and then go into overtime where HBK gets the third one.

[@phild8238]

I’d love to see Behind the match: Y2J wins the undisputed championship.

[@InfectedChris]

Me too!!!

[@jaketomtishen8607]

I hope he does that one and Michaels v Undertaker at mania 26

[@vampirascoffin870]

Too bad jericho was booked like shit tho

[@ninetimesaday]

absolutely!

[@attiepollard7847]

@@vampirascoffin870 you want to know what Vince McMahon said to undertaker and I believe this is out loud in front of Chris Jericho before his match? "Do you know the company's going to s**** when we got to put the butt on Chris Jericho". Chris Jericho was very surprised that night that he's going to get the belt put on him and unfortunately after he won that building no one was there to congratulate him.

[@garyanich9627]

I attended WM 12, and thousands of people did not leave during or before the main event. Maybe a hundred seats total throughout the entire Pond. There were no boos during the match due to the quality of the match. The attitude among everyone was man these guys are going for an entire hour and we’re with them. So even simple moves got claps and cheers. That’s the reality. This video is not actual. It’s the best match I saw live. A close 2nd would be Shawn vs Angle at WM 21.

[@nousetosay]

Another great piece, Sam! I look forward to these!

[@fifadoc6179]

This is the match that got me into wrestling that finish was unreal at the time

[@holagovito]

This was one of the treasures during the tape trading era. At 13, 14, I didn't really care for it. When I watched it again at 17, 19, 20 and understood the psychology, gained a whole new appreciation for it. It's not a GO TO match like Eddie vs Brock but it's still a treasure nonetheless

[@djdavro]

VHS existed yes…but that’s not the tape trading era when the vhs was in every store.

[@holagovito]

@@djdavro my era was 1998 to 2003, not 1992. I'm only 35 years old lol. On all of the Best of WWF in 96 and Bret Hart vs HBK compilations people were making themselves, th iron man match was always on every tape and highly regarded

[@shawnpreston2558]

Oh how I miss the old era when wwe was entertaining

[@michaeldennistooley4271]

Just about my favorite match of all time ✌️

[@ninetimesaday]

Arguably the greatest match of all time. Crazy how many of those Micheals has under his belt.

[@broken120z]

@@thetribalist6923 im maybe biased (look at my pfp) but there's nobody i would choose over Shawn Michaels in a big match situation.

[@cob2076]

GMOAT ?? No way....

[@jerrym1218]

@@tapan97 unless it’s the greatest match of the 1990’s or 20th century, HBK vs. Hart WM12 Ironman match that is. The Okata vs Omega Trilogy is 21st century match of all time so far, yet I still think HBK vs. Taker WM25 & WM26 could be contenders, Angle vs. Benoit Monday night Raw or their Royal Rumble one on one match, AJ Styles vs. Nakamura NJPW, AJ Styles vs. John Cena 1, 2 and 3, Hell you could even put Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock at WM17 and WM19, or Austin vs. Triple H 3 stages of hell at No Way Out 2001, Hogan vs. The Rock WM18 and there are so many that could be contenders for best match of the 21st century, although Okada vs Omega Trilogy is damn good, if you go back and watch some of those older matches in the early 2000’s 21st century that I mentioned over again, you start to think holy shit, these were damn good and probably could be better than what I used to think was greatest match of all time, there’s just something about those matches that stick out and make them special, as if you are witnessing something amazing.

[@jerrym1218]

@@tapan97 You can call me bias if you want, I know that the HBK vs. Hart match had flaws, yet I still consider it my favorite match of all time in my opinion, and it was because I seen it live, and was a fan of both wrestlers growing up, it was also something new in WWF that I had seen at that time at just 13 years old and having access to only Basic local American Cable, which I actually went to a friends house to watch Wrestlemania 12 at that time because he had a black box which gave us pay per view channels illegally for free lol 😂. I would consider that HBK vs. Hart match to at least be in contention for match of the 20th century along with the many other great matches of that century, there’s also the ladder matches with HBK vs. Razor and Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boys in first ever ladder tag team match, Savage vs. Steamboat, Savage vs. Warrior, Savage vs. Flair, DDP vs. Goldberg, Mike Awesome vs. Tanaka, Raven vs. Dreamer, Sting vs. Flair, Sting vs. Hogan, Jericho vs. Eddie Guerrero, Cactus Jack vs. Terry Funk, Von Ericks vs. The Fabulous Freebirds, Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes, and the list goes on. I know that there are Japan ones I could mention too, but I can’t think of all of them off the top of my head. In the 2000’s, I also forgot to put matches like Edge & Christian vs. Hardys vs. Dudleys at WM17 TLC 1, and then their second TLC match at Summerslam 2000, El Generico vs. Claudio in ROH, El Generico vs. Kevin Steen ROH, Brian Danielson vs. Samoa Joe ROH, AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe in TNA, Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe TNA, RVD vs. Jeff Hardy ladder match in WWE, HBK vs. Chris Jericho WM19, RVD vs. John Cena ECW one night stand, CM Punk vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011, Daniel Bryan vs. CM Punk also in 2011, The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family, Sami Zayn vs. Nakamura NXT, Velveteen Dream vs. Alastair Black NXT, Gargano vs. Ciampa NXT, Mox vs. Omega AEW, and I could go on and on. You don’t have to like all those matches that I listed, but in my opinion, they should at least be in contention for, let’s say, about a list of 200 of the greatest matches in pro wrestling of the 21st century. Those are most of the matches that I have seen in my lifetime, that I believe should be in that list of 200 or at least in contention because there has been so many matches that have taken place so far from the start of the year 2000 up to now 2023 between a multitude of wrestling promotions. Remember, that’s just my opinion, but now I want to ask you what matches that you seen in your lifetime that you believe should be in the list of 200 or for contention to be in the list??

[@jerrym1218]

@@tapan97 Well, if we could agree on that, it’s cool. I was still kinda curious what matches you enjoyed and would consider putting on the makeshift list that I didn’t mention, you could possibly even have a favorite one that I haven’t seen yet, that’s another reason why I asked. I like hearing other people’s opinions on wrestling matches or what their favorites are, and which ones they would consider being one of the greatest matches of all time.

[@Noveliss]

One of my favorite matches of all time. As a big Japanese wrestling fan the pace didn't bother me at all. These guys wrestled technically for an entire hour. Personally I think it's the best in ring Shawn has ever looked. This match had everything; submission work, high spots, nasty bumps, storytelling and drama. A classic 👌🏾

[@charliechaz1982]

In my opinion it is a masterclass in wrestling from two greats at their peak. Every move sold and executed to perfection. Watch the smoothness of every move both these guys make. Every back breaker, hold or flying move was executed to the point of perfection. It was like watching poetry in the ring from two unbelievable athletes. I liked the slower pacing made everything seem more real. They made Wrestling an art form.

[@My19812011]

Love this series so much, so many potential matches to go over and this series could run for years and stay as great as it’s always been.

[@JagerLange]

Sam, you've almost sort-of become the voice of my Sunday evenings with how "your" videos get scheduled. Nice.

[@harshckuk]

Final 20 minutes of the match was real nail biter

[@lennycarl0099]

This WM and this match in particular made me a wrestling fan. The absolute greatest rivalry of all time, yes because it was “real” but ultimately because these two are the apex of wrestling performers.

[@gionje]

I hope cultaholic does better and better. They deserve it. Great vid as always.

[@newell0214]

It’s fascinating that this match isn’t remembered as a masterpiece. For us to see this match as it happened was amazing. We knew we were witnessing history. It is weird that it’s only 4 1/4 stars

[@attiepollard7847]

You want to know why this match is not that remembered as a masterpiece? Because there was no pin falls within that 60 minutes. Would it have really hurt that's my man to have both HBK and Bret Hart have HBK awarded 3 pinfalls to Bret harts 2 pinfalls?

[@FloridaManRacer]

@@attiepollard7847 that's total horseshit bud. The reason this IS a masterpiece is because no pin falls shows just how on equal terms they both were. It was the unstoppable force vs the immovable object and the only thing that decided it was basically luck in overtime. both end looking strong, both benefit, the fans get an epic display of both men's talent so I don't know what the hell you're on about.

[@chuckyguy9837]

@@attiepollard7847 you seem to comment that non stop here and to me shows how little you understand these two men and the excellent story telling in the ring without these guys having to pic up a mic. Not only did the way it go made these two men look strong physically but mentally as well. Bret didn’t want to loose his world championship so he isn’t risking it by having Shawn Michaels getting the first decision and Shawn Michaels wants to win the championship so bad that he is trying his hardest to get they first important first decision. At the end both men were good and not giving in and the biggest reason why Bret loss is because he was caught off guard when it had to go to sudden death just when he though he could get away with the title in a draw. That is how you book a strong wrestler. If it did ended in a 3-2 decision, it would have been fine but if you understand anything about these two guys and in ring story telling, it is easy to see why it was much better to have it end in the way that it did. This match is an absolute classic for people who actually like the wrestling portion of wrestling and doesn’t need something crazy to happen every 30 seconds to be entertained

[@attiepollard7847]

@@chuckyguy9837 and it seems that you do not understand excitement for the fans and putting on a good show. I hate to say it but this iron Man matchup was overrated as hell looking back on it as an adult. Would it have really hurt these men to put on a show with at least two pinfalls a piece? No it would not have. You can still tell the same story but also keep the fans entertained and looking back on it as a real classic. This is why James Cornett said that this match did not make sense because it happened in Anaheim California where the audience attention span was not that long that's why you have people leave the main event. If you had this event somewhere in like a southern wrestling and maybe it will work maybe fans will stay longer but make it four out of five fall for 5 minutes then you still have a classic.

[@chuckyguy9837]

@@attiepollard7847 "and it seems that you do not understand excitement for the fans and putting on a good show". Well, it was an amazing exciting main event classic if you actually understand in-ring story telling and a lot of fans still enjoy it. Can't please everyone. Even the most classic matches have their critics. "Would it have really hurt these men to put on a show with at least two pinfalls a piece? No it would not have. You can still tell the same story but also keep the fans entertained and looking back on it as a real classic" Actually, that would hurt the match a bit. It wouldn't make them look as determine to retain/win the championship as they did that match if they were more easy to take down. A 3-2 win tells a MUCH different story then a 1-0 win into sudden death. You can't be serious. This is the problem "why couldn't it have 2 falls each" when you're more focus on it reaching a score where it never had to go to instead of focusing on the excellent in ring story telling it was presenting, shows you have no idea how in ring story telling works and how it works the best way it showed that night. It's not the matches fault you have the attention span of a squirrel.

[@switchglitch666]

6:54 in the crowd behind Vince and Sgt. Slaughter......Steve-O shooting the bird at Vince? I didn't know he was a wrestling fan! 😁

[@rodpjr21]

1st comment! Great job guys. I love watching your videos. I love your work.

[@antoniogreen8601]

Imagine if they had this 60 mins bout the following year after they had developed so much heat between each other.

[@joshzumstien6289]

After all these years this is still my favorite match of all time, and probably always will be. I understand the criticisms of it being too long and dragging at times, but as a 14 year old kid and probably the biggest Bret Hart fan in Canada seeing him go one hour with his biggest rival was as good as it got. I was riveted to every moment and still think the ending is absolutely brilliant to this day. A must watch classic.

[@Dan97LHS]

I was a junior in HS when this match took place and I remember staying up late to find out who won. We didn't have PPV and I could still hear it despite it being scrambled. This was a classic match and I was happy for HBK but still felt bad for Bret. I felt that Bret would get the belt back before the end of the year. As for what Shawn said after the match about having "him get the f*** out of the ring, " I read somewhere that he was referring to Jose Lothario, not Bret. It's been twenty six years since this classic took place and I'm sorry we didn't the return match the following year although Bret vs. Austin was a MOTYC.

[@ncombs1986]

My favorite match of all time!

[@Docmain3]

It was a chess match. Reason why some have a poor opinion to call it boring.

[@Nbflowers1989]

I like this series!!

[@spasbuachaillbo7777]

Top vid

[@themaskedmark92]

Surely One of the best match for in ring action expecially for the time,strangely the only problem Is the lack of falls, while conceptually good for the story can be a bit underwhelming in the long run

[@homerjay706]

very good video, well done sam..

[@franklingoodwin]

So Dave Meltzer was making up numbers of people who who left a stadium way back in 1995 too 😄

[@attiepollard7847]

I wish someone at WWE personnel or both Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels would have had the foresight to say. "Let's do it with 2 wins a piece with 3 high spots each. Bret Hart gets a win with the sharpshooter, and victory roll Hbk gets the figure four leg lock and backflip off the top rope. Then for the overtime hbk gets the sweet chill music for the win.

[@patrickperalta59]

it was a 90's crowd not a 50's , 60's 70's early 80's crowd who were used to 60 minute matches even Flair did them from time to time.

[@OversizedDetour1341]

My very first Wrestling match that I ever saw was Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 19. My cousin was so pumped, and we were up way past our bed time. My uncle let us watch it with him, and I have been hooked ever since. And then I got to watch Eddie Guerrero beat Brock Lesnar at No Way Out live at the Cow Palace. I remember the drive home too, just as pumped as when we watched our first Wrestlemania.

[@jerrym1218]

I think Angle and Brock had a better match on Smackdown that was an Ironman match, even though their WM19 match was still good, I think their Smackdown Ironman match was way better.

[@hulk6785]

Here's a suggestion for a future episode: Chyna VS Jeff Jarrett in a Good Housekeeping Match for the Intercontinental Title at No Mercy 1999. It was historical at the time because Chyna won, becoming the 1st and so far Only Woman to win the IC Title. However, it became even more historical later on as Jarrett, whose WWE contract expired the day before the PPV, threatened to walk out with the title if he wasn't paid more money. Because of this, he became persona non grata when WWE bought WCW in 2001, which led to him starting TNA. The last 22 years of wrestling history were determined by that one match.

[@jerransperarman9411]

good video

[@chrissayeranderson5710]

It’s very divisive isn’t it , some people thought it was boring some love the drama .

[@TheBrister]

I rewatch this match a few times a year. A few things always stick out to me. 1. How disinterested even the fans on the front row are. Sitting there with their arms crossed or going to get a snack. 2. How much the fans booed Shawn's final comeback in the last 5 minutes. 3. The fact that the biggest pop of the match is when Bret caught Shawn on the sharpshooter.

[@hectorlopez1069]

That match got HBK as a big superstar of the WWF. He won the title.

[@FloridaManRacer]

This is my all-time favorite match. The two greatest pure wrestlers of a generation for a full hour? Sign me up every single time. The fans in attendance that night might not have been into it at first, and some may have left. However in my opinion, this match is the reason some fans today cheer "Fight forever" when a match is just too damn good to finish any time soon. More fans today would appreciate a match like this. Not just made on a moment's notice like other Iron Man matches after it, but one with the proper build this match had. Imagine CM Punk vs Bryan Danielson in AEW with a '1 Hour Endurance Match" (can't copy the name, but they can copy the gimmick) that gets built as they beat the same opponents and it becomes very clear to all involved they are the two best technicians the promotion has (which we already know they pretty much are) In my estimation, today's WRESTLING fan would be "All In" on that. Pun clearly intended lol.

[@tapan97]

I think Omega v PAC was called a 30 minute Iron Man match? Don't think it's a trademarked term...

[@FloridaManRacer]

@@tapan97 If that's the case, then all the better...

[@frankm5150]

I was in 6th grade and my dad got us tickets to this. So much fun. I then got in trouble for wearing my Wrestlemania 12 shirt to school the next day. Haha, stupid uniforms.

[@Milksword]

Commenting for engagement :)

[@jerryjanik480]

I remember watching this the day after the day after WrestleMania because my uncle used to tape them for me work for the cable company

[@thedragonchaser]

This match was a no win situation with impossible expectations

[@MelonCauli]

15:31 I think a demon just took my soul behind HBK

[@kyledamron]

Shame the fans left early, had the crowd been there and been into it the match would have been even better

[@patrickmitchell9068]

Think what else we could have gotten between Hart and Michaels if they didn't hate each other

[@lilpoetat]

thanks!

[@TRIPP5_Shurikens]

Given the recent complete lies in the observer (concerning crowds leaving early especially), might be pertinent not to take their documentation as read going forward.

[@kyledamron]

I do wish Bret was booked stronger leading up to mania

[@PREEM513]

my favorite match of all time and IMO the best match ever.

[@NeuroticPenguinProd]

15:30, I think Danhausen or someone from Immortal is a time traveler.

[@Vohra01]

HBK Real GOAT of Professional wrestling

[@KingsNerdCave]

I'd like to see behind the match of Shawn vs Taker at Mania either 25 or 26

[@e-vampire7337]

Nowadays, people want Kenny Omega vs Bryan Danielson to be 60 hours or more. What a time we're living.

[@attiepollard7847]

Actually it should have been like Kenny Omega versus okada at Dominion with their 60 minute iron Man match with at least two wins a piece and then that third wind goes into overtime.

[@HeartyArtie]

The timekeeper was Mark Yeaton, not Tony Chimmel.

[@devious187]

As a Hitman fan, I had no real problem with him dropping the title to Shawn, but the end of this match still bugs me... The match was over! Bret should have still been champ! Sudden death my ass lol

[@woobgamer5210]

to be honest ending the match in a draw would've been just as bad as ending the match in a DQ/Non-finish

[@marvelsProtege]

HBK is almost 60 good Lord

[@kyledamron]

It's crazy how small the roster was at this point. And it was about to lose Hall, Nash, and Waltman in the next month or 2.

[@patrickperalta59]

when this match took place I enjoyed it, I was puzzled when it was over and a tie..I figured Hart would keep his title then Monsoon came out and added the over time. I saw Bret in the aisle and say "Why?" and I questioned that as well... I figured that Hart would keep his title. which normally happens in a match with a Tie.

[@kyledamron]

Warrior got a big pop when he came out, just a shame he just squashed HHH and really couldn't wrestle much. I also look back and wonder what I was thinking because I was pulling for Diesel, but I still thought it was real

[@quikdeath100]

lol those fans supposedly watch HBK zip line from the nose bleeds to the ring and then said: we’ll I’m out Need to stop believing Meltzer

[@attiepollard7847]

No no. That zip line from the nosebleeds is the highlight of wrestlemania

[@SteanPP]

Cliffhanger.....

[@hectorlopez1069]

I was so mad because we didn't have the money to watch it on pay per view. I was a 10 year old boy.

[@Imsorryman]

Please do Goldberg Vs Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 20.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

The one aspect that keeps this match from being top fice of all time is the southern california crowd. Their theory: pay alot of money for WM. Show up late. Watch Warrior win in two minutes. Go home. And the ones that stayed didnt care about two of the greatest WRESTLERS of all-time going at it for an hour? Sad 😢😢😢 If Wrestlemania 12 was in Boston, we would have lit the building up. SoCal fans suck.

[@reyjusuf]

I have this tied with Wrestlemania 13 as Bret Hart's best match. Easily 5*

[@TheFriendlyWeirdo]

So this whole Charlotte vs Alexa Bliss thing wasn’t the first time Meltzer lied about people leaving venues. 🤣

[@marvellis6762]

A phenomenal match and terrible venue...... Anaheim crowd were stuck on mute. They completely ruined the event.

[@lordtrigon1733]

Sorry, was never a fan, I prefer their other matches together and likewise the subsequent 60 minute iron man matches others would have.

[@dcaslick]

Certainly a very good match, but in the Wrestlemania pantheon of matches it tends to be overrated. Definitely not either guys best ‘Mania match. Bret had a much better match the very next year with Austin and Michaels matches with ‘Taker easily outstrip it too.

[@attiepollard7847]

Oh my God I so agree with you in this one. My major issue with this match looking back on it why it couldn't be at least a two out of three pinfalls 60 minute iron Man matchup? If they're going to do all this work for 60 minutes at least have Shawn Michaels get three pinfalls and Bret Hart to pinfalls. There should have been at least a good two high spots off the top ropes and two outside off the top rope high spots

[@jerrym1218]

@@attiepollard7847 In my opinion I think no falls at all made both guys look more stronger and more determined to not be the one to get counted 1-2-3 first, and once those final seconds were counting down, it really made you think if anyone was really going to lose this match. Then once sudden death overtime happened, it became anyone’s ballgame, and since both men were dead tired from wrestling 60 minutes and not faltering once to the other, you really start to think, holy shit it’s going to come down to Luck and someone here definitely has to take the loss. It reminded me of a basketball or hockey game when two teams are just so damn good and equal each other’s skill on one night and can’t overcome the other, things get kicked into overtime until someone finally loses a step and drops the lead to lose the game. That’s just my opinion, I’ll always love this match because it was something new in it’s time, I was a fan of both wrestlers and I watched it live on PPV back in the day as a teenager. Little did I know that wrestling was about to get even better going forward after that too.

[@jgls1987]

I always thought this match is overrated but it is still a great match but not the greatest Iron Man match. The Rock Triple H Iron Man match at Judgement Day 2000 is still better than Hart and Michaels.

[@attiepollard7847]

You want to know why it's overrated? Because it did not have both men getting a win each within a 60 minute. Vince should have told both Shawn Michaels and bret that both of you will get two wins each but we're going to sudden death where Shawn Michaels gets the ultimate win. I mean do you know how many acrobat high spots that we would have for both men?

[@jerrym1218]

Although I do like the Rock and HHH Iron man match At Judgement Day 2000 for the spectacle, close calls, drama, and surprising ending, I still prefer the Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar Ironman Match on Smackdown in 2003, that was a damn good wrestling clinic. I just wish we got to see an Ironman match between Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle when they both were on a wrestling brand together, that would have been amazing.

[@vampirascoffin870]

Brett hart was right tho why get looked weak by getting his ass kicked leading to wm 12

[@attiepollard7847]

In order for Bret Hart to look strong leading up to WrestleMania 12 you will have to rearrange his opponents from the start.

[@flintironstag2381]

I remember watching this on ppv. I thought it was a VERY BAD idea to have an iron man match with no falls for the whole hour!! Why bother having an iron man match? Just make it a regular match that goes 30+ minutes! Have some crazy unexpected kickouts and it would have been epic. Nothing against Brett or Shawn, but that was the wrong call IMHO as a fan. Still, the last 30 seconds was done very well.

[@woobgamer5210]

to be honest i think the mostly casual crowd didnt understand how each near fall would be exciting like 'ooo is he getting the first point?', modern crowds love near falls and hard fought matches

[@flintironstag2381]

@@woobgamer5210 True, just not for a solid hour.

[@andyb9675]

HBK was a total POS in that era. Athletically absolutely worthy of being the champ, but morally, a primadonna midcarder who wasnt remotely ready. I hated him until his comeback era in the 2000's, where he managed to redeem his ass.

[@tylerclifford9436]

The only way this match is good is if you never saw it. The match is not as rewatchable

[@thobiasd3693]

dude, this is fan fiction. there was no booing. you obviously did not watch this match.

[@ttjesus4959]

You're absolutely dreaming, if you think that Shawn Michaels was "cool", or loved by crowds back then. No, mate. He absolutely wasn't. He was divisive and it was usually a decent majority who hated his look and the douchey way he talked. And fyi, he didn't draw. That tells you how "cool" and how "loved" he was. Plus, he has always been the most overrated in-ring worker of all-time. You don't believe he could even whip cream with an outboard motor. His selling is always super fake. His punches suck. And he doesn't ever look like he hits anything with serious impact. His move-set is super girly. And he's one of the most unlikable, lying, detrimental politicians who did nothing but hurt the business. And as soon as he got the hell out of the picture, the WWF immediately overtook WCW in the ratings. He didn't have any career-ending back injury either. He found a way to get paid to sit at home since Vince had had enough of him and the company was going with different guys. Vince Russo was in creative then and it diminished any Kliq power. So, the little baby went home and got high constantly. And Vince paid him not to go join his butt buddies in WCW. As soon as WCW is gone and Vince isn't going to pay him, Shawn is MAGICALLY healed literally immediately. Then, the douche bag has the nerve to use religion as a gimmick to distract from what a piece of garbage he is and always was. He clearly doesn't believe any of the religious shit he espouses. It's just a gimmick and that's definitely a Shawn Michaels type of move right there. And hey, did he ever have any of the multiple "career-ending" injuries come back and sideline him at any magically convenient times? Nope. Why? Triple HGH and himself got to do whatever they wanted. So, he had no reason to suddenly "get injured". And what do you know, the ratings went down as soon as the butt buddies club took control again, and the two real stars bailed. I hate when people glorify anything about any of the butt buddies. No, I won't call them by that super gay name either. They were all terrible and not true stars. They're all GARBAGE human beings to this very day. And they call everyone marks when it's them who are. And they all believe they were so huge when they weren't. Did the outsiders increase the ratings and create shockwaves in the industry? Or, was it when Hogan went heel when it all exploded for WCW? None of the butt buddies were ever actual superstars, like they think they were. Austin, Rock, Hogan, Macho Man. Those are superstars. The butt buddies were all about themselves and they all sucked. Stop allowing these Triple HGH produced WWE retrospectives propagandize you idiots!

[@gazman656]

One of the most boring matches I've ever watched

[@thebaker525]

These two men were absolute maniacal geniuses of the industry. The level of forethought gone into everything from the build to the aftermath to actually working their own fellow wrestlers to keep eyes on the feud? Masterful. It’s a shame the two ended their careers together on such sordid terms, because I doubt we’ll ever see two guys with this much know-how ever again.