Shawn Michaels is, without a doubt, one of the best superstars in the history of WWE.
With an excellent combination of charisma and technical ability, Michaels has remained unbelievably popular with fans.
Now the creative force behind WWE NXT, fans still wonder when the Heartbreak Kid will make his in-ring return.
Six years after his last match, it looks like Michaels has given a definitive answer.
Shawn Michaels looks at a grounded Kurt Angle during a match at WWE WrestleMania 21 “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.”
J. Shearer/WireImage for BWR Public Relations/Getty Images
In a recent interview with Penn Live, Michaels revealed that his time as an in-ring talent is over.
“I am. Yes, I am done myself in the ring. Absolutely,” Michaels said. “Yes, sir. I’m very comfortable being behind the scenes.”
Given that his last match with Triple H against Kane and Undertaker was incredibly poorly received, this is probably the right call. Additionally, Michaels has had unbelievable success leading NXT.
“It’s very important for me, as I look back and I think that I had so many memories,” Michaels said. “I really want to have the opportunity to supply those same dreams and aspirations for the young men and women that come through our doors at the Performance Center in NXT.”
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Michaels has helped countless superstars transition from NXT to the main roster, including current Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Lyra Valkyria, and Women’s Money in the Bank winner Tiffany Stratton.
Michaels began his WWE career in 1987 (then known as WWF) as a member of The Rockers alongside Marty Janetty, whom he had worked with in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
The duo proved to be incredibly popular, although they never officially won the tag team titles. Still, Michaels eventually turned on Janetty, establishing himself as a villain and eventually rebranding as The Heartbreak Kid.
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Michaels would go on to have some of the greatest rivalries and matches of all time with the likes of Bret Hart, Ric Flair, Razor Ramon (Scott Hall), Diesel (Kevin Nash), Triple H, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, John Cena, and The Undertaker.
Across his 21-year in-ring career, Michaels won the WWF Championship (three times), the World Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship (three times), the European Championship, and six tag team championships.
Additionally, Michaels won the Royal Rumble in 1995 and 1996, making him the second wrestler to win in back-to-back years after Hulk Hogan and the first to win from the No. 1 position.
Michaels was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once as an individual in 2011 and once as a member of D-Generation X in 2019.
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