Shane McMahon vs. Steve Blackmon, SummerSlam 2000
Even though it isn’t thought of as a great wrestling match, it did show off the fearless side of Shane McMahon. One of the most infamous matches of the Attitude Era, this Hardcore Title bout is remembered for one thing and one thing only. Yes, Shane McMahon was always known to participate in some very entertaining matches, but the insane 40-50 foot bump took from the top of the Titantron towards the end of the match is something we will never see again.
During this time, Steve Blackmon was known as pretty tough
SOB, but Shane used his uncanny will to succeed to make a boring Blackmon match seem riveting. In an attempt to get away from Blackmon, Shane decided it would be a good idea to clamber up the side of the set, only to see Blackmon follow
him up every step of the way. A couple of kendo stick shots to the back later and Shane was falling from the heavens to the floor below.
The match itself is definitely an example of an entire script building to one big moment. Still, as far as Hardcore Championship matches go, this was as good as they come at a time when the division met so much to the product.
Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon, WrestleMania 17
The “Father versus Son” family induced feud culminated at WrestleMania 17, which could possibly be the best event of all time. Obviously we all know wrestling is a scripted soap opera that takes perfection to get over, but the way the McMahon family portrayed a real dysfunctional relationship is something that was nothing short of genius. Shane and his father Vince would often be at each other’s throats, and their dispute came to a most violent head at in a match consisting of everything you would want in a good ole fashioned episode of General Hospital. It included an open affair, family violence, and a coma stricken wife. Not to mention Trish Stratus playing the role of the stunning mistress who did everything she could to keep all eyes on her.
Vince and Shane held nothing back, proving that even though they aren’t regular wrestlers, they more than deserved the spot on the show. The red hot crowd was invested throughout and everything was laid out so well. From Trish wheeling out Linda to Trish turning face and brawling with Stephanie to Mick Foley as referee and finally to Linda rising and giving Vince his retribution, this was all tremendously done.
Shane eventually vanquishes Vince following a Coast to Coast, drop kicking a trash can into his father’s face and ending this family affair. If they were a little younger, having a physical battle between Trips, Vince and Shane could be epic. However, roles could be reversed as they could use Lana as Trish with Shane fighting Triple H while Vince is in the coma…Yes a stretch I know.
Shane McMahon vs. Randy Orton, No Way Out 2009
Randy Orton was in the midst of another predictable heel push in 2009, but Shane McMahon had other ideas. He had just returned from an injury with fresh ink on his arms and a more vicious attitude. Orton would win the Royal Rumble and proceed to punt Vince McMahon with a skull kick that was heard around the world. Orton was booked strongly for the first half of the year, so there was a fear that the return of Shane, in a way would kill off any momentum Legacy could have built.
Shane took on Orton at No Way Out and came out swinging
right from the beginning. From his kendo stick swats, coast to coast infatuation and grade school wind pants, Shane was determined to make the Viper retreat.
Shane has never been a technician or a catch as catch can guy. He plays to his strengths and doesn’t attempt to wander into an area of discomfort. This whole match was predicated on his revenge for his dad by punting Orton, even if it ended with an Orton-laced RKO. However, with the vile amount of blood and high risk moves, this match was one of Shane’s finest.
Shane McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels, Saturday Night’s Main Event
Leading up to WrestleMania 22, the McMahons were embroidered in a feud with Shawn Michaels. Shane had eliminated Michaels from the Royal Rumble setting up a match on Saturday Night’s Main Event. This is yet another street fight that puts the sinful son up against the Heartbreak Kid. This is match was full of high flying spots including a superplex off a ladder onto two tables. Just another reason why Shane McMahon is revered by his peers and has a tremendous following around the wrestling world.
Even though Shane has built a legacy around street fights
and high risk moves, having arguably the greatest performer of all time Shawn Michaels to spare with doesn’t hurt too much either.
It also gave Vince the opportunity to revisit the overdone
storyline of the Montreal Screw Job yet again. After both men have shown scars of battle, Shane applies the Sharpshooter to Michaels leaving Vince to make a motion for a quick bell. This was a classic match that took us down the road of
Shawn Michael’s past and really let us feel like we were inside the controversy that boiled over for years right in front of our eyes.
Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle, King of the Ring 2001
As “Here comes the Money” screwed over the Milk drinking Gold Medalist,” a scenario for another street fight was cemented deep within the creative fold and was just waiting for the stamp of approval. Once the consent was given, the plans for a classic 25 minute street fight was ready to tear the house down at the 2001 King of the Ring. This is the absolute pinnacle of Shane McMahon’s career and everything he stands for inside the ring.
On paper the fight looked to be a one sided affair as all usually do involving Shane McMahon. However, just like the previous brawls with his name, he did more than just held his own. By establishing his own version of the Angle Lock and Shooting Star Press, he once again defied the odds of gravity on his way to winning over the sold out audience.
Even though the crowd was sold on the match already, the
insane bump Shane was about to take was nothing short of breathtaking. Angle’s belly to belly suplex that finishes with Shane on the other end of a shattered glass pane will go down as one of the most symbolic OMG/WTF moments ever witnessed within the WWE. If the great visual of this happening wasn’t enough, failing on the first attempt actually made it legendary. After the glass didn’t break, Angle was determined to mark out his spot, even if it meant Shane getting dropped continually on his head. Not only does this go down as Shane McMahon’s best match of all time, in my eyes this is one of the top matches from the entire Attitude Era.
What’s your opinion on this list? Do you feel there are any
missed opportunities or unrealistic rankings? It shall be interesting to see where we rank this upcoming match in the list after it’s over as well.
