How Shawn Michaels' Royal Rumble Win Created The Most Important Rule In The Match's History
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Shawn Michaels is engrained in so many important facets of WWE history. Vince McMahon trusted Michaels to be in the first of many things, like the first Hell in a Cell match, first ladder match, or first Iron Man match. However, even more intricate elements of the show have been impacted by Michaels’ in-ring work.
WWE booked one of their first epic false finishes in a Royal Rumble match back in 1995. Michaels and “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith lasted the entire match as the first two and last two entrants. The rule of a wrestler not being eliminated unless both feet touched the floor was originated in this match. Michaels helped make sure a rule and memory would impact the Rumble forever with his performance.
Shawn Michaels' False Elimination Spot From The Royal Rumble Was Done Perfectly
The 1995 Royal Rumble was considered one of the best at its time since it was so different from a storytelling perspective. WWE used to rely on the battle royal appeal selling on its own in the Golden Era. The epic 1992 Rumble match won by Ric Flair was the only pre-New Generation Era match of its kind to hold up strongly in the long-term future today. 1995 saw WWE switching things up with a bolder storytelling concept.
RELATED: The 10 Longest Lasting Superstars In A Royal Rumble Match During The 1990s
Shawn Michaels and The British Bulldog starting out as the first two entrants usually meant they’d have slim chances of winning. WWE decided to structure the entire match though around them starting and finishing it. Michaels being planned to win the entire thing meant he would have a standout performance. However, it was also a test to see how Davey Boy Smith would perform in that situation.
Both men delivered strong performances by having a strong opening stretch and saving the best for last. Smith looked great when it appeared he eliminated Michaels to win the entire thing. WWE cameras were in perfect position to show one of Michaels’ feet touching the ground. The audience was shocked when Michaels skinned the cat to get back in and throw Bulldog over the top rope.
Many WWE Fans Didn't Even Know That Both Of A Wrestler's Feet Had To Touch The Floor
WWE always made it clear that eliminated wrestlers were completely thrown over the top rope. Both feet would always easily touch the floor since it meant a clean elimination. WWE didn’t even tease the false eliminations in previous Rumbles beyond one wrestler having another hanging over the top rope. 1995 was so fascinating since fans were unsure of the exact rule despite it being unofficially established.
Everyone celebrating the win for The British Bulldog while one of Michaels’ feet still not touching the ground was an amazing visual. The vast majority of fans thought the match was over and that Davey Boy Smith would face either Bret Hart or Diesel at WrestleMania 11. Every second felt more shocking as Michaels used his athleticism to get back in the ring and steal the win.
The unofficial rule became official when Michaels utilized it to crush the hopes of a fan base that always rooted for the face characters back then. WWE created a great moment that is still beloved in Rumble video packages looking back at its history. Michaels’ win was massive at the time since it felt like his first real move into the main event picture after many standout matches.
WWE Has Made The HBK Moment Part Of The Match's Story On A Consistent Basis
The phrase “both feet must touch the floor” has become part of the Royal Rumble presentation. Commentary mentions it quite often and the ring announcer even says it before announcing the first two competitors. The match improved dramatically after this finish since it allowed many false elimination spots of a wrestler having one foot touching the floor.
WWE has seen Shawn Michaels’ escape inspire many future wrestlers looking to avoid elimination. Kofi Kingston has created a legacy within Rumble matches as someone that finds unique manners to stay in the match when everyone thinks he’s out. The end of every Rumble match sees at least one spot of someone having their legs dangling like Michaels before the winner is revealed.
1995 truly changed the future of the Rumble via an entertainment and storytelling perspective. Michaels is known for his innovative impact on the industry, so it only makes sense he was the one to spark a new part of the Rumble match. Fans of the time were treated to an amazing moment, but the impact is still shown today.
