What Was The Point In Bret/HBKs Ironman Match?

[subject2]

Ive always had a problem with this match for the simple reason the stipulation seemed completely pointless. They introduce a match where there are as many falls as one guy can get in 60mins yet it ends in extra time at 1-0? Why not have it just a regular match that runs out of time at 60mins? Having a stipulation and build that there would be more falls is so pointless...I always thought having 1-1 would look good for Bret and protect both guys?

Now knowing the backstage history between these two im wondering if there was something backstage that caused the match to stay 0-0....I feel there must've been as there just isn't any point in making an ironman match that ends 0-0. Every Ironmatch since proves this with its high score.

Anyone know any details on this match? Was it always intended to be 0-0?

[Lila]

Probably no story to it being sudden death other than building up that HBK can last as long as Bret in the ring considering up to that point with HBK's matches, they were usually fast-paced and quick.

[mattoak2013]

It was pretty clear to me that it went to overtime to protect Bret as he appeared to have the match won when time ran out. As it why it was an ironman match I think it was because it was an unusual stipulation and helped to make the match a big deal.

[Aceorton]

I think it was a combination of (1) egos about who would lose which falls and how many, (2) making both guys look tough as hell to beat and (3) just swerving the audience based on the natural expectation that because it was Bret and Shawn it would be end up being 3-2 or 4-3 or something like that.

[rnrk supports BLM]

It was during a brief period for WWF when they tried to distinguish themselves from WCW and their roster of veteran stars by marketing WWF as the promotion with a bunch of hungry young guys who could put on incredible in-ring spectacles instead of relying on catchphrases. Ergo promising that a match would last for an hour beforehand was seen as a draw in of itself.

It didn't last.