WWE: The 5 Best Intercontinental Title Matches in WrestleMania History
By Tim Sherry
credit: wwe.com
2. Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon – WrestleMania X
Who knew that one match would spawn such a major institution in the professional wrestling business? If there were ever a better example of that, it would be hard pressed to find one more deserving than the Shawn Michaels/Razor Ramon ladder match at WrestleMania X. Now, contrary to some belief, the WWE did not invent the ladder match. Stampede Wrestling in Canada was actually the originators of it and Bret Hart even competed in one while he was a member of that roster. And believe it or not, this was not Michael’s first ladder match either as he battled Hart in 1992 for the Intercontinental title in Portland, Maine, a match that didn’t see the light of day for about 15 years.
But the Michaels/Ramon ladder match was the first time this type of gimmick match was shown to millions of people and with the performances of both men on this night in New York City, it’s no wonder that the ladder match is still used routinely to this day. At that time, this was unquestionably the most innovative bout in the history of the WWE. With the IC title dangling overhead, Michaels and Ramon brutalized each other with just one ladder and brought to a head one of the most underrated rivalries of all time within the company. The groans and screams from the 18,000 plus in Madison Square Garden were audible from the outset and when it was finally over most of them seemed exhausted.
So in nearly 25 years since this match was contested, we’ve seen the ladder match grow and evolve. We’ve seen almost everything we can think of as far as spots and death-defying falls. But for every superstar who puts on a terrific ladder match, they can always look back and thank these two legends for laying the groundwork. “Iconic” is an understatement for this match as it will live in pro wrestling lore for eternity.