Shawn Michaels is a WWE veteran. The Heartbreak Kid had been part of many storylines and several feuds. However, there is one match that people will always remember. His match against WWE legend Big Van Vader at WWE SummerSlam 1996 proved not only to be exciting but also a bit controversial.

In the mid-1990s, there have been rumors about Michaels not wanting to work with Big Van Vader. Recently in an episode of the Grilling JR Podcast, Conrad Thompson asked Jim Ross if Shawn Michaels’ issues with Jim Cornette had a role to play in Shawn not wanting to work with Vader.

Addressing this question, Jim Ross replied that it probably played a factor in Michaels not wanting to work with Vader. He also mentioned Jim Cornette was closely associated with Big Van Vader during that period.

Further, JR said, “I am sure there was some baggage that traveled along on that journey that Shawn was going to play upon and of course going to Vince [Vince McMahon] and having one conversation with Vince [Vince McMahon] regarding his issues was all it took.”

Jim Ross noted that Michaels probably had the idea to put Sid Vicious in that spot. He admitted it was not a bad idea, but the manner it came about was unprofessional.

“He [Sid Vicious] looked great as a champion, looked great on the ring, and had a great presence. But the way it came about was totally unprofessional and unnecessary,” he added.

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Shawn Michaels and Big Van Vader battled each other at WWE SummerSlam 1996

WWE legends Big Van Vader and Shawn Michaels shared a controversial moment during their WWE Championship match at WWE SummerSlam 1996.

A particular moment in his match against Vader in 1996 grabbed the attention of the entire WWE Universe.

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It so happened that Shawn Michaels attempted to hit an elbow drop on Vader during the match. Vader failed to move even though he was supposed to move as per the script.

Following this incident, The Heartbreak Kid yelled at Vader in the middle of the match and kicked him in the head. The manner in which Michaels reacted became a talking point.

Prior to his arrival in WWE, Big Van Vader had already risen to the status of stardom. He established a reputation for causing destruction in the ring.

Not only that, but he also won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

But unfortunately, his run in WWE did not match up to the expectations that people had around him following his successful tenure in WCW.

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