HBK’s officiating past blistered with bias

Shawn Michaels shocked Triple H when he announced on Raw SuperShow that he will serve as the referee for The Game’s Hell in a Cell Match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVIII.(MATCH PREVIEW)

The new wrinkle of Mr. WrestleMania-as-ref adds to the already multidimensional rivalry between Triple H and The Phenom. There is reason to believe that HBK – who has stepped inside Hell in a Cell with both Superstars before (HELLISH HISTORIES INSIDE THE CELL) – is emotionally invested in the outcome of this match.

For those wondering about the potential for HBK to be an objective official, look no further than the many matches that HBK has refereed. Although Michaels acknowledged this week that his ability to call it down the middle may be in dispute (WATCH), it’s worth noting that officiating a match is nothing new for The Showstopper. In fact, he’s done it at least 10 times prior.

Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker, SummerSlam ’97
The Showstopper’s first time in the zebra stripes came as he was entrenched in a three-way rivalry involving The Undertaker and WWE Hall of Famer and then-WWE Champion Bret “Hit Man” Hart. And in the first example of a pattern that would play out over the years, HBK could not help but to get involved in the action.

During the contest’s climatic closing moments, Hart struck The Phenom with a chair while Michaels, who was inadvertently knocked down moments before, had his back turned. Although he missed Hart’s illegal use of the chair, Michaels became suspicious when he saw the object in the corner. He then questioned Hart, who spat at Michaels, prompting HBK to swing the chair with Jose Bautista-like gusto. “Hit Man,” however, ducked, and HBK ended up laying out The Phenom. (PHOTOS | WATCH)

Despite perhaps having the best of intentions, HBK’s instincts took over once he was provoked. It would not be the last time.