Overview
WrestleMania XII was a major professional wrestling event produced as a pay-per-view (PPV) by the World Wrestling Federation. It took place on March 31, 1996 at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. As the twelfth edition of the annual WrestleMania series, the show served as the company’s flagship spectacle for the year, showcasing headline feuds and high‑profile matches.
Main event and outcome
The centerpiece of the card was a 60-minute Iron Man match for the WWF Championship between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. After a full hour ended with neither competitor having more falls, the contest proceeded to sudden‑death overtime; Shawn Michaels won and became WWF Champion for the first time. The match is frequently cited as one of the most important singles bouts of the mid‑1990s because of its length, storytelling and its role in elevating Michaels’ status.
Card structure and features
Beyond the main event, WrestleMania XII included a range of singles and tag matches, title defenses and character-driven segments intended to resolve ongoing storylines and set directions for the coming months. Production elements followed the large-scale presentation typical of WrestleMania: elaborate entrances, a packed arena atmosphere and national PPV distribution.
Reception and legacy
The show is primarily remembered for the Iron Man match and its sudden‑death finish. Critics and fans often view WrestleMania XII as a transitional moment in the WWF’s history, highlighting the emergence of a new top star in Shawn Michaels and marking a shift in character dynamics that would influence booking in the late 1990s. The event remains a notable chapter in WrestleMania’s long running tradition.
- Event: WrestleMania XII
- Date and place: March 31, 1996 — Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California
- Highlight: 60‑minute Iron Man main event between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels