Ken Shamrock’s role as a special guest referee in the 13th edition of WrestleMania was indispensable. At times, special guest referees can detract from a match if they are overly involved or fail to keep a safe distance when wrestlers are in action. Such instances highlight the importance of having a competent referee, and one would shudder to think of the immense pressure Shamrock must have been under while stepping into the WWE ring.
Shamrock, a UFC fighter, was brought in with the responsibility of maintaining peace between two intensely rival players. This turned out to be a well thought-out move. Wrestling Entertainment Foundation (WWF), now known as WWE, portrayed Shamrock as the only referee capable of helping the arch-rivals resolve their differences at the much-lauded event.
Even for those who were unfamiliar with the world of mixed martial arts, Shamrock wasn’t completely a stranger. This credit goes to the commendable job done by WWF in introducing him prior to the main event. It was a testament to their successful promotional strategy that he was recognized even by those who weren’t regular viewers of the sport before they decided to tune into WrestleMania.
Another astute decision made by the event organisers was to permit a ‘No Disqualification’ stipulation for the bout. This was particularly advantageous for Shamrock, as it allowed him to permit all sorts of actions within the ring. His only responsibility was to ensure that participants adhered to the submission stipulation of the match.
Each aspect of the event’s presentation was meticulously planned and executed, resulting in an exceptionally well-orchestrated and successful event. The match was, and still is, fondly remembered as one of the most effective double switches in wrestling history. This is a clear indicator of the immense success of the event.
Shamrock’s involvement in this legendary matchup warrants acknowledgment. Although he carried more physical authority than regular WWF referees due to his UFC background, Shamrock managed to keep the focus on the fighters rather than on himself. This nuance, though seemingly simple, brought a multitude of layers to the overall watching experience of the match.
In essence, Shamrock’s background in UFC and the visceral animosity between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart came together perfectly. There was no conflict; instead, the elements complemented each other, heightening the excitement of the match.
The necessity of Shamrock’s presence in the match cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in making the event feel more like a genuine fight, while maintaining the thrill and excitement of wrestling entertainment. His involvement brought a sense of legitimacy to the spectacle, enhancing its appeal to both wrestling fans and mixed martial arts enthusiasts alike.