WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has recently opened up about the legendary ladder match he had with Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania X, admitting that he didn’t initially anticipate the monumental impact it would have on the wrestling world.
A Historic Encounter
The match between Michaels and Ramon at WrestleMania X is often hailed as one of the greatest in WWE history. Despite Michaels losing to “The Bad Guy” that night, the bout set a new standard for high-stakes, high-flying action in professional wrestling. Reflecting on this iconic encounter, Michaels shared his thoughts with “Sportsnet,” offering a glimpse into the mindset he and his opponent had going into the match.
“Scott and I, when we went in there that first time, certainly from a pay-per-view standpoint, even Bret [Hart] and I, having the very first one, I don’t think anybody at that time thought it would become everything that it has become,” Michaels confessed. “Back then we just went out there trying to have the best match that we could. This was a new concept at the time.”
The Birth of a Phenomenon
The ladder match, now a staple in WWE programming, was a relatively new and untested concept when Michaels first participated in it. His initial foray into the ladder match format was actually with Bret Hart, and it was this groundbreaking bout that set the stage for his later clashes with Ramon. Michaels expressed pride in how these matches have endured, standing the test of time as benchmarks for innovation and excitement in wrestling.
“Very proud that I feel like those matches still kind of stand the test of time, being the original ones,” Michaels noted. “Certainly a phenomenal concept, and like everything in the WWE, they have made it bigger and better and more extravagant.”
A Rivalry for the Ages
Michaels and Ramon would face off again in a ladder match at SummerSlam 1995, where Michaels emerged victorious, securing his place in WWE history. These two matches are often cited as defining moments in the careers of both wrestlers and pivotal points in the evolution of the Intercontinental Championship.
A Mixed Record
Although Michaels competed in a total of six ladder matches throughout his storied WWE career, he did not always come out on top. His record in ladder matches stands at 2-4, with the matches against Ramon being the most memorable. Despite the mixed results, Michaels’ performances in these matches are still celebrated for their athleticism, storytelling, and innovative use of the ladder as a weapon and a tool for dramatic tension.
Shawn Michaels’ reflections on his historic ladder matches offer a fascinating look at the origins of one of WWE’s most beloved match types. His comments underscore the unpredictability of what elements in wrestling will resonate with audiences and stand the test of time. What started as a novel concept has grown into a fundamental part of WWE’s identity, influencing countless matches and events since.
Michaels’ legacy, particularly his rivalry with Razor Ramon, serves as a reminder of the creativity and risk-taking that have propelled professional wrestling to new heights. These matches not only entertained fans but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the ring, paving the way for future generations of wrestlers.
