List of WrestleMania XII Storylines and Feuds

Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart — The Boyhood Dream

Main Event Build — Royal Rumble to WrestleMania

The Road to WrestleMania XII's main event was built on one of the most carefully and emotionally constructed narratives in WWF history: Shawn Michaels' 'boyhood dream' of becoming WWF Champion. The build began in earnest when Michaels appeared to suffer a severe storyline concussion during a match against Owen Hart on Raw in November 1995 — he collapsed in the ring and appeared to have his career ended. In reality, a real-life nightclub altercation in Syracuse had left Michaels with legitimate injuries, which were worked into the storyline. The apparent career-ending injury was used as the backdrop for Michaels' triumphant return at the 1996 Royal Rumble, where he entered at #18 and produced one of the most emotionally charged Rumble victories in history — entering on a wave of sympathy and audience investment after his near-career-ending incident. WWF television aired a series of professionally produced 'boyhood dream' vignettes — training footage, childhood photographs, and earnest personal statements from Michaels about his lifelong ambition — that established the emotional stakes of the championship match in a way that made 62,000 people genuinely invested in the outcome. Bret Hart had retained the championship against Owen Hart's challenge at In Your House 6, confirming the WM12 main event. Michaels also defended his WrestleMania title shot against Owen Hart at In Your House 6, defeating Owen to retain his earned opportunity.

The Undertaker vs. Diesel — The Supernatural Horror Programme

Horror-Themed Rivalry — Casket Mind Games and Supernatural Appearances

The Undertaker vs. Diesel programme was the WWF's most atmospherically distinctive feud heading into WM12. The rivalry had developed from Diesel interfering in Undertaker's matches and Undertaker's supernatural retaliation — pulling Diesel under the ring from beneath, appearing in unexpected locations, and staging the famous casket scene on Raw where Diesel opened what he expected to be an empty casket only to find his own reflection in a mirror. The programme was produced in the style of a horror film — Undertaker as the omnipresent supernatural threat, Diesel as the rational tough guy whose scornful dismissal of Undertaker's powers made the fear hits land harder when the Dead Man appeared without warning. Pre-match interviews with Mr. Perfect and Diesel on the night emphasised Diesel's casual confidence that he could handle Undertaker — setting up the Undertaker's methodical destruction for maximum contrast.

Roddy Piper vs. Goldust — The Provocateur and the Hero

Hollywood Backlot Brawl — Goldust's Gender-Bending Character vs. Piper's Machismo

The Piper vs. Goldust feud was built on Goldust's provocative character — a deeply unsettling, gender-ambiguous Hollywood-obsessed heel whose on-screen persona involved obsessive admiration for and physical advances toward male opponents. Goldust's character had originally been built around Razor Ramon, who had left for WCW when the programme was still being planned. The original plan had been a Miami Street Fight between Goldust and Razor Ramon — but Scott Hall's decision to leave for WCW necessitated a replacement opponent. Roddy Piper stepped in as interim WWF President and personal antagonist. Piper's hyper-masculine, combative personality was the ideal counterpoint to Goldust's provocations, and the Hollywood Backlot Brawl format — with its cinematic pre-recorded elements — suited the theatrical nature of both characters.

Owen Hart, British Bulldog, Vader vs. Jake Roberts, Ahmed Johnson, Yokozuna — Cornette's Betrayal

Six-Man Tag — Jim Cornette's Betrayal of Yokozuna

The six-man tag at WM12 was driven by Jim Cornette's betrayal of the man he had managed for years: Yokozuna. On the February 5 Raw, Cornette physically attacked Yokozuna, abandoning his long-time client for reasons of power and convenience. The betrayal added personal stakes to the six-man match — Yokozuna aligning with babyfaces Jake Roberts and Ahmed Johnson in pursuit of revenge while facing his former stablemates Owen Hart and British Bulldog from Camp Cornette.

Ultimate Warrior vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley — The Return Showcase

Warrior's Return After Three Years Required a High-Profile Squash Victim

The Ultimate Warrior vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley match was not a feud in the traditional sense — it was a showcase vehicle for Warrior's return. Warrior had been absent since November 1992 and the WWF's plan for his return required an opponent whose on-screen standing could absorb a decisive loss while maintaining some character credibility. Hunter's undefeated streak made him a perfect choice: Warrior ending an unbeaten run communicated maximum dominance, while Hunter had been positioned carefully enough throughout 1995 to survive the squash without permanent career damage. The WM12 match was the beginning and end of any serious programme between the two men.