[1999-01-24-WWF-Royal Rumble] Billy Gunn vs Ken Shamrock

[cactus]

Man, Ken Shamrock looks absolutely intense walking down the aisle. Guy looked a million dollars. They brawl from the get-go as Shamrock runs to the ring. The pace eventually slows down. Shamrock works away on Mr Ass's ankle. They do a hokey-callback spot to Raw two weeks ago when Shamrock drives Gunn's head into the announce table from the apron, however this time Gunn counters and sends Shamrock skull-first onto the table. Val Venis interferes on Gunn's behalf once the ref gets knocked down and plants Shamrock with a great looking DDT. This isn't enough to end the match and Shamrock gets the win via ankle lock after taking down Gunn with a surprise drop toehold. The submission is made to look like a major threat. Apparently, Billy Gunn was meant to win this, but this was changed on the day as management weren't too keen on Gunn's attitude. Good match when you consider what you would be usually getting work rate-wise during this time period.

 

★★¾