WrestleMania XII - Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart in a 60-Minute WWE Iron Man Match
In 1996, Shawn Michaels won the Royal Rumble Match for the second year in a row, earning an opportunity at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XII. When it came time for Michaels to challenge Bret Hart for the gold, a traditional one-on-one encounter would not be enough. As a result, the main event of WrestleMania XII was a 60-minute WWE Iron Man Match. Whichever Superstar scored the most decisions via any method – pinfall, submission, countout or disqualification – within a 60-minute span would be declared the winner.
The audience was absolutely captivated, as neither man was able to secure victory in the allotted 60 minutes. Throughout the match, Bret tried to work the back and neck of Michaels, while HBK focused on weakening the Hit Man’s arm. Bret tried several times to get the Sharpshooter on HBK, but he always found a way out.
As the 60 minute mark neared, Shawn threw everything he had at Bret in an attempt to gain the first fall. After hitting a moonsault press for a two count, Michaels climbed the turnbuckles again. This time, Hart caught him on the way down, slapping on the Sharpshooter one more time. Michaels fought the move for over a minute, but could not escape. Luckily for him, the time limit expired before he submitted, and it appeared that the match was a draw.
However, WWE President Gorilla Monsoon ordered Sudden Death, saying that there must be a winner. Bret was unhappy, but came back for the overtime with a vengeance. Within the first minute, HBK managed to hit Sweet Chin Music, but was too hurt to capitalize. However, he quickly hit it again, covered Bret, and earned the victory in overtime. The win gave Michaels his first WWE Championship, allowing him to realize his boyhood dream of becoming champion.