Week 5 - Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Mankind – In Your House: Mind Games (1996)
One of the most underrated pre Attitude-era WWF matches; a hard-hitting physical brawl.
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Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Mankind – In Your House: Mind Games (1996)
Context
In 1996, Shawn Michaels was WWF Champion and leading a new generation of wrestlers. The Heart Break Kid was used to mixing it up with fellow technicians like Bret Hart and Mr Perfect. However in his title defence at In Your House: Mind Games, HBK showed he could adapt to any kind of match up when he took on the deranged Mankind with Paul Bearer.
The match quickly descends into physical chaos with HBK throwing Mankind into the steel steps. What might have seemed like an odd match up turned into a really good match. Jim Ross described the match as a demolition derby and stated that he had never seen a WWF champion be in a match like this before. Things were starting to change in the WWF and you can see it in this match.
Did You Know?
This match was important in helping establish Mankind as a main event talent in the WWF after his switch from WCW.
Why You Should Watch
One of the best pre attitude era matches and maybe the best match of Mick Foleys WWF career. A really entertaining watch.
Where Can You See It?
At time of writing WWE has the match on their official Youtube Channel (WWE VAULT). You can find it here.
Or watch the full match below, courtesy of WWE’s official YouTube channel
Let’s Talk
Is this one of the greatest pre attitude era title matches in WWE history?
Coming Next Week:
Dusty Rhodes – Hard Times
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