It would be trite to try and encompass “The Heartbreak Kid’s” storied career in a small article but we will examine some highlights, most occurring in the ring, some out of it. However many achievements way beyond what some superstars could only dream of will not be focussed upon such as two Royal Rumble victories, being the first grand slam champion and winning the World Title after only returning from career threatening injury three months earlier. No mention will be made of his role in Montreal 1997 either.
These facts alone put Shawn Michaels in an elite that contains few peers. But that is just the icing on the cake; here are some other memorable Shawn Michaels career highlights.
Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon Ladder Match at Wrestlemania 10
The first of its kind and although Shawn came up with the losers share of the purse he bounced around the ring and took daredevil leaps like WWE fans had never seen before. This match put Shawn Michaels on the map as a legitimate main event star.
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart- Iron Man Match at Wrestlemania 12
Although fans criticize this match as being extremely dull in parts that really misses the point. Hart and Michaels were brave enough to headline the biggest pay per view of the year with a wrestling clinic. The fact that at the end Shawn realized his “boyhood dream” by becoming WWE Champion only added to the occasion.
Shawn Michaels and Triple H DX
Not all the highlights were in the ring, or in Shawn’s hair for that matter. In late 1997/early 1998 Degeneration X was formed and fans were treated to the sort of innuendo’ and controversy they has never been seen before. Some times it crossed the line but it was never anything other than entertaining. Later DX would be re-hashed many times but this time using pre-school humour rather than controversy.
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker- Hell in a Cell
Hell in a Cell tends to be a somewhat watered down concept now and is wheeled out too frequently by WWE. However before even Mankind did his stuntman routine in 1998 there was Taker vs. Shawn. Again Shawn bounced around the cage, flew off the top and generally showed new levels of athleticism. Still the greatest Hell in a Cell match to date.
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H Summerslam 2002
Shawn Michaels made his triumphant return to the ring against Triple H in a streetfight. Amazingly after four years away from the ring Shawn stole the show and showed why he is “The Showstopper”.
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle- Wrestlemania 21
These two put on a dramatic master class of the highest quality wrestling that you will see anywhere in the world. Shawn’s understanding of psychology had reached its peak here and after this match, where people sometimes forget he lost, Shawn truly became “Mr Wrestlemania”.
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25
As they prepare to face each other again this year fans wonder if their achievements of 2009 can really be surpassed. This was arguably the greatest WWE match ever, with wonderful near finishes and peerless psychology. Again Shawn was on the losing end as The Undertaker went 17-0 but at the end of the match there was no doubting that HBK had run the show at Wrestlemania once again.
These are just brief highlights of what has been an amazing career. There is not even room to mention The Rockers, Shawn as a legendary Intercontinental Champion , his battle with injury at Wrestlemania 14 or being a multiple tag team champion.
It truly has been one, if not the, greatest WWE career of all time. If Shawn does hang up his boots sometime this year then WWE fans will know there will never be another Shawn Michaels.
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