Ep 8. WrestleMania XII - March 31, 1996 Iron Man Match For The WWE Championship Shawn Michaels Vs. Bret 'Hit Man' Hart
- January 4, 2013
On the eighth episode of Shawn Michaels: Mr. WrestleMania, the focus is on the legendary Iron Man match between Shawn Michaels and Bret 'Hit Man' Hart at WrestleMania XII in 1996. This was a definitive match in both superstars' careers, as it went on to redefine what it means to have a great wrestling match.
The episode begins with a look back at how the feud between Michaels and Hart began. It all started at the previous year's Survivor Series, where Michaels lost the WWE Championship to Hart in a match that involved interference from Hart's brother Owen. Michaels was determined to win back the championship, and Hart was equally determined to hold onto it. This led to a series of intense matches between the two, culminating in their Iron Man match at WrestleMania XII.
The episode then delves into the details of the Iron Man match itself. This was a 60-minute match, with the winner being the wrestler with the most pinfalls or submissions when the time expired. Michaels and Hart both put on a clinic in the ring, showcasing their immense skills as wrestlers and storytellers. The match went back and forth, with Michaels and Hart trading pinfalls and submissions throughout the hour.
One of the most memorable moments of the match was when Michaels hit his finisher, the Sweet Chin Music, on Hart with just a few seconds left on the clock. The referee counted to three, but the time had already expired, meaning that Michaels had not won the match. This led to sudden-death overtime, where the first wrestler to score a pinfall or submission would become the WWE Champion.
The episode then goes into the drama of the sudden-death overtime period. Michaels and Hart both gave it their all, knowing that one mistake could cost them the match. In the end, it was Michaels who scored the winning pinfall, becoming the new WWE Champion and solidifying his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
The episode closes with a look at the impact of the Iron Man match on both Michaels and Hart's careers. For Michaels, it was a defining moment that cemented his legacy as Mr. WrestleMania. For Hart, it was a heartbreaking defeat that he would never fully recover from. Nonetheless, both wrestlers put on an incredible performance that is still talked about to this day.
Overall, Shawn Michaels: Mr. WrestleMania season 1 episode 8 offers a fascinating look at one of the most iconic matches in WWE history. Through interviews with Michaels, Hart, and other WWE legends, the episode offers insights into what went into making the Iron Man match such a memorable moment in wrestling history. Fans of wrestling and sports documentaries alike will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.