Wrestling, interview with Shawn Michaels: undisputed legend of the WWE

Wrestling, interview with Shawn Michaels

“The Heartbreak Kid”, “Mr. WrestleMania ”,“ The Icon ”,“ The Showstopper ”. These are just some of the many titles with which Shawn Michaels, legend and multiple world champion of WWE, has been defined throughout his career by commentators and insiders. A superstar who has made her innate charisma and athletic skills essential characteristics to enter the Olympus of Wrestling by right and make her way into the hearts of millions of fans around the world. In view of the 37th edition of WrestleMania, scheduled for Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 April, and NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, we had the honor of having a chat with him on Zoom. Here is what he told us.

NXT has undergone an incredible evolution from 2010 to today, becoming in effect the third brand of WWE. Can you tell us what your contribution was behind the scenes with Triple H and what do you like most about your new job?

I can tell you that there have been huge changes from four years ago when I first came to NXT. Initially I had to limit myself to the role of coach and test the waters, I didn't want big responsibilities. I told Triple H that I would stay there for a short time. Then I literally fell in love with the atmosphere, the talents and everything around the brand. In no time at all I found myself involved in the production of television shows, the various TakeOvers, in the creative aspect of the storylines and therefore I have never strayed (laughs, ed). The decisive step was the launch of NXT UK which I took in full management. At some point Hunter had stopped going to England due to the amount of work and so he was sending me to supervise everything. I am delighted to do this new job and I am proud to advise young talents so that they can find the right dimension on TV and have great moments at NXT or WrestleMania. Also I can say that I do what I love together with my best friend, so I am delighted.

Speaking of NXT stars, what do you think of Adam Cole? Does he have what it takes to be a future WrestleMania main eventer?



* Adam is a great talent, he has all the credentials to break through: charisma, athletic skills, he is one of the best. I have worked with great pleasure with him and the remaining members of the Unidsputed Era and, as I told you, this is exactly what I love about my new role. Not everyone has had the opportunity to be part of historic factions in the world of Wrestling and, once they retire, help young talents to create new ones. We did it with the Undisputed Era, but also with Fabian, Walter and the guys from IMPERIUM. Thinking about the fact that my career has left an indelible mark on their lives and is helping them take the plunge fills me with pride. WWE is chock full of talent and must focus on the future. I am here to help them and I know how to do everything to continue on this path.

Shawn Michaels was, along with Triple H, the founder of one of the most important factions of all time: the D-Generation X. Credits : WWE Over thirty years of WrestleMania, an incredible milestone for an event that made history. You have been the protagonist of memorable matches but, if you had to choose only one, which you think is perfect in everything, which one would you name?



* Difficult to choose only one match. I think no one would be surprised if I said that my favorites remain the ones with Ric Flair and Undertaker. We were able to tell something unique on both occasions, both from the point of view of the performances in the ring and the emotional connection with the fans. There have been so many others, but these two hold a special place in my heart and I believe they have entertained millions of fans around the world. I'm really proud of them and think they are unrepeatable.

Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25: defined by many as the best match in PPV history. Credits: WWE In 2018 you came out of retreat to perform at Crown Jewel. You have repeatedly stated that you have no intention of returning to the ring but, if WWE made you a great offer, would you consider it?



* Absolutely not, my time has passed. I was already retired in 2010, that of 2018 was a one night only match. As I told you before, I am totally focused on my role at NXT. I want to watch people like Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel, Adam Cole, Roderick Strong perform, to name a few. Now it's their turn. I also loved seeing the rise of Drew McIntyre, who texted me right after winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, thanking me for the advice. Seeing these young guys having their moment of glory fills me with joy and makes me realize that I have made the right choice. And that's a hugely better feeling than the thought of having to put on combat boots one more time.

In 2007 you were involved in the main event of the first and only Monday Night Raw TV taping in Italy, in Milan. The fans gave you a real ovation. What do you remember with pleasure of that evening? Would you like to return to our country together with Triple H, perhaps with the NXT roster?



* I would love to, your country is fantastic. Unfortunately, every time we toured around Europe we spent little time in Italy, but it was always a great emotion. The view there is breathtaking. I must tell you that my greatest memory is linked to Santino Marella. If I'm not mistaken, it was on that very night that he made his WWE debut and won his first title. The Italian public was in raptures. And that's what I like about our sport-entertainment, the ability to create unexpected moments that remain indelible in the minds of the fans. It was a really enjoyable episode.

I remember her perfectly too and how can we not forget the priceless reaction of Vince McMahon, who at the time was completely bald after the WrestleMania 23 segment.



* Very true ! (laughs, ed).

Shawn, thank you for your time and we really hope to see you with WWE in Italy. Maybe you could also organize a PPV in Milan or Rome, inside the Colosseum.



* That would be great, I don't see why it can't be done! (laughs, ed).

Shawn Michaels has been inducted twice into the Hall of Fame, the Ark of Glory that pays homage to WWE's greatest legends: a first in 2011, one year after his retirement match at WrestleMania 26, and the second in 2019 together with the other members of D-Generation X. Well deserved accolades for a superstar who still influences generations of talent today.

You can relive the exploits of Shawn Michaels and his best matches through the immense catalog of PPVs and documentaries available exclusively on the WWE Network. To subscribe, at an affordable price, just click here.