WWF Classic Feud Spotlight: Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty — The 1993 Four-Star Match Trilogy

Shawn Michaels vs Marty Jannetty in 1993

As the WWF’s Golden Era faded and the New Generation began to redefine professional wrestling, the breakup of The Rockers marked a decisive turning point for both Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty. For Michaels, it was the launchpad for a meteoric rise as a singles competitor; for Jannetty, it quietly marked the closing chapter of his prime in-ring run.

Yet in 1993, their rivalry produced something remarkable. Across three singles matches—each earning four-star acclaim—Michaels and Jannetty delivered a compact trilogy that showcased their unmatched chemistry. The first took place on January 24, 1993, at the Royal Rumble in Sacramento, California. The remaining two aired on the USA Network’s WWF Monday Night RAW, cementing this overlooked series as one of the best rivalries of its time.


Royal Rumble Report
WWF SUPERSTARS
Aired on January 9, 1993


WWF Intercontinental Championship Match
WWF ROYAL RUMBLE
January 24, 1993


WWF Intercontinental Championship Match
WWF Monday Night RAW
Aired on May 17, 1993


WWF Intercontinental Championship Match
WWF Monday Night RAW
Aired July 19. 1993


Marty Jannetty vs Shawn Michaels in July 1993



✂️ The Barber Shop Incident: Shawn Michaels Turns on Marty Jannetty (1992)


Jannetty and Michaels appear on The Barber Shop


Filmed in December 1991 and broadcast on WWF Wrestling Challenge on January 12, 1992—just one week before the highly anticipated WWF Royal Rumble—the iconic tag team The Rockers, featuring Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, appeared on the Barber Shop segment hosted by Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake. During their appearance, Michaels and Jannetty openly discussed the recent tensions and disagreements that had developed between them as partners in the ring. The segment was elevated by the sharp commentary of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon, whose insights added depth to the unfolding drama. The infamous “Barber Shop Incident” endures as one of the most memorable moments in professional wrestling history—an explosive turning point that not only ended The Rockers, but ignited Shawn Michaels’ ascent into one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time.


Bobby Heenan: "Jannetty tried to dive through the window to escape. Did you see that?"


"The Barber Shop Incident"
WWF WRESTLING CHALLENGE
Aired January 12, 1992



More on Shawn Michaels' amazing rise after the "Barber Shop Incident" can be found in the Pro Wrestling Resource post below:




📺 WWF Tag Team Classic Matches: Shawn Michaels & Diesel vs. Razor Ramon & 1-2-3 Kid

Charlie Minn with Shawn Michaels and Diesel


WWF Tag Team Championship Match
Shawn Michaels & Diesel vs Razor Ramon & 1-2-3 Kid
WWF ACTION ZONE
USA Network
Aired on October 30, 1994