One of the top five individual wrestlers of the last 25 years, despite being successfully known
as a tag team competitor early in his career.  Michaels is nicknamed the “Heartbreak Kid” and
the “Icon.” The latter is there for good reason.  Mixing high-flying with science, Michaels
overcame so-called issues in size and became one of the most popular wrestlers on the
planet.  He was the founder of DeGeneration X, a rebel yet popular group within the WWF.  
Michaels is a former three-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion.  He also held the WWF
World Tag, AWA World Tag and WWF Intercontinental Titles.

Shawn was trained by Jose Lothario in San Antonio, Texas and made his professional debut
in 1983.  Another up-and-comer, Marty Jannetty had also made his debut in ’83 and the two
formed an alliance known as the Midnight Rockers.  The duo ventured into the American
Wrestling Association, where in 1986, they began receiving shots at the AWA World Tag
Title.  On August 3, 1986, Jannetty and Michaels beat Buddy Rose and Doug Sommers to
capture the belts in Denver, Colorado at the McNichols Arena.  Michaels pinned Sommers to
get the victory.  The title changed hands, but the match was immediately under protest and
later overturned.

1987 brought a new focus, defending the World Tag Title.  In St. Paul on January 27, 1987,
the Rockers beat Sommers and Rose and won the AWA World Tag Title.  Michaels had
finally won a World Title.  It was a major chance to prove himself in front of a nationwide
audience, in front of many people in the business.  They lost the belts to a Russian tag team
on May 25, 1987 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.  The Rockers were upended by Boris Zukhov and
Soldat Ustinov.  The Rockers made a very brief appearance in the World Wrestling
Federation in June 1987 with Jannetty, billed under their normal tag name.  It was a test run,
but did not pan out.  Later in the year, the Midnight Rockers went to Memphis.  On October
26th, they defeated the Rock and Roll RPM’s to capture the Southern Tag Team Title.

Finally, the jump to the northeast came in the Spring of ‘88.  The WWF had called.  Michaels
and Jannetty were smaller and quicker, a definite change of pace compared to the normal
tag talent in the organization.  The Killer Bees and the Young Stallions were both youthful
and quick, but by mid-1988, they were far from a championship reign at the top of the WWF
tag scene.  The Midnight Rockers became simply, the Rockers.  Jannetty and Michaels burst
on the scene, gaining popularity by the day.  They decided to split up for a night in October
1988 and practice singles wrestling.  Michaels competed in the King of the Ring Tournament
in Providence.  He beat Dan Davis in the first round, but was ousted by Ron Bass in the
second.

The Rockers participated in their first pay-per-view on November 24, 1988 in Richfield, Ohio.  
They teamed with four other tag teams in a Survivor Series match-up.  The fan favorites
won.  Michaels joined 29 other wrestlers on January 15, 1989 in Houston, competing in the
Royal Rumble.  Michaels entered in at number 9.  Jannetty was 14.  Neither survived the
contest.  They lost to the Twin Towers, Akeem and the Big Bossman at WrestleMania V in
Atlantic City, NJ on April 2, 1989.  Michaels’ biggest event of his career.  He was pinned by
Akeem.  Michaels continued to built steam through the summer of 1989.  The Brain Busters,
Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, former NWA World Tag Team Champions, joined the
WWF tag world and seemed to be going over well.  Bobby Heenan was directing them
towards the belts.  Demolition also continued to dominate.  

At SummerSlam, Michaels and Jannetty teamed with former co-holder of the tag title and
member of the Strike Force, Tito Santana.  Their opponents were the Rougeau Brothers and
Santana’s former partner, Rick Martel.  They lost the six-man tag.  The Rockers gained more
popularity by being selected by the Ultimate Warrior as members of his Survivor Series team
on November 23rd in Chicago.  They teamed with the Warrior and Jim Neidhart against Andre
the Giant, Haku, Arn Anderson and Bobby Heenan.  Michaels’ team won.  Two Survivor
Series’ in a row, his team was on the high side.  Michaels joined the gathering of superstars
entering the Royal Rumble in Orlando on January 21, 1990 at the Arena.  Jannetty drew
number 3 where Michaels seemed to be a little more lucky.  He got number 26, a draw right
after Hulk Hogan.  He did not win where the latter was more successful and had.

The Rockers entered a quick wrestling feud with Mr. Fuji’s Orient Express.  They lost by
countout on April 1st at WrestleMania in Toronto before more than 60,000 fans.  Power and
Glory gained more fame with a win over Michaels and Jannetty on August 27th at
SummerSlam.  But the Rockers were not down and out.  That night in Philly, the Hart
Foundation ended Demolition’s reign as WWF World Tag Team Champions.  It could be
assumed that since a baby face team won the belts, the Rockers would be out of the hunt.  
Especially in the WWF.  But times were changing.  The Rockers received a shot at the
Foundation on October 30, 1990 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  It was a special two-of-three-falls
bout on a television taping.

The Rockers finally received the applause they were due and captured the WWF World Tag
Team Title.  For several days, the Rockers defended their belts across the country.  Finally,
a decision was made by organization officials citing a specific reason on October 30th that
the title change should be reversed.  A turnbuckle became loose during the match, causing
an unfair balance for both teams.  Since that had occurred in Indiana, and not on pay-per-
view, officials voided the Rockers’ title win and returned the belts to the Hart Foundation.  In
front of most fans, the change never happened.  Nothing was ever said about it on television.

Due to the win, the Rockers instantaneously became the number one contenders.  They
never got another championship win in the WWF…as a team.  Michaels and Jannetty
wrestled for their third straight Survivor Series win on November 22nd in Hartford.  The
Rockers teamed with Jimmy Snuka and their leader, Jake Roberts against the Visionaries.  
They were not as successful as they were in the past.  They lost in four-straight eliminations.  
Michaels was pinned by Paul Roma.  In Miami on January 19, 1991, the Rockers got revenge
on the Orient Express at the Rumble with a tag win.

WrestleMania was held on March 24th in Los Angeles and the Rockers beat Hawk and the
Barbarian.  Michaels pinned the martial arts expert, Haku, for the victory.  It was a good win
over a larger team.  They did not wrestle at the SummerSlam show.  Things began to go
downhill after years of partnership.  The Rockers seemed to be close to a break-up.  
Michaels and Jannetty joined the Bushwhackers on November 27, 1991 in Detroit.  Their
Survivor Series match ended when Jerry Saggs pinned Jannetty, giving the “bad guys” a win.  
Michaels was pinned by Beau Beverly.  The Beverly Brothers continued their reign over
Michaels and Jannetty when they defeated The Rockers in Toronto, Ontario at Maple Leaf
Gardens on December 26th when Blake pinned Michaels.  Another bad loss.  Tension
continued to rise.

Finally in early 1992, Michaels ran Jannetty’s head through a glass window on WWF
Wrestling Challenge, clearing up any question that the Rockers were broken up.  The two
would focus on their single’s careers and Michaels had turned against the fans.  He went to
Japan and wrestled Shinichi Nakano to a double-disqualification on January 5th in Shizuoka.  
Michaels entered the Rumble on January 19, 1992 in Albany and drew number 6.  He won
over Tito Santana by pinfall in Indianapolis on April 5th, at WrestleMania VIII.  With several
big wins over top wrestlers, many people began talking about his future.  A title reign seemed
eminent.

“Sensational” Sherri Martel began accompanying Michaels to the ring in the spring of 1992
and he was a sincere contender to the Intercontinental Title.  Michaels defeated
Intercontinental Champion, Bret Hart by countout on April 7, 1992 when Hart chased Sherri
outside the ring in Toledo during a television taping.  Shawn defeated Hart by countout again
on April 29, 1992 in Syracuse, New York with her assistance.  He continued as the number
one contender to that title but failed in numerous attempts throughout the month of May.  He
battled Rick Martel on August 29th at SummerSlam to a double-countout.

Michaels took his biggest singles win on October 27, 1992 in Terre Haute.  He beat Davey
Boy Smith on Saturday Night’s Main Event to capture the WWF Intercontinental Title.  After
numerous attempts at Bret Hart, Michaels finally was able to beat the reigning champ and win
the I-C Belt.  At the November Survivor Series pay-per-view on the 25th, Michaels received a
shot at Hart’s WWF World Title.  He lost by submission.  His I-C Title was not on the line.  The
Michaels-Hart matches were getting more and more creative and bringing many fans
satisfaction.  People wanted more.  Michaels met his former partner, Jannetty at the Royal
Rumble on January 24, 1993 in Sacramento.  He received some help from Sherri Martel, who
was on Jannetty’s side in the match, to win and retain.  He later took Luna Vachon as his
manager.

Michaels lost several non-title matches by pinfall to Tatanka during the early months of
1993.  With the wins, Tatanka became the top contender to his championship.  Michaels
suffered a separated right shoulder during a six-man tag encounter in New York’s Manhattan
Center on March 22, 1993.  He gave Tatanka a shot at the I-C Belt on April 4, 1993 in Las
Vegas’ Caesars Palace.  He lost the WrestleMania IX bout by countout.  A night later at a
television taping in Phoenix, Michaels met Mr. Perfect, a former I-C Champion.  During
WrestleMania, Michaels had gotten involved in a fight backstage between Lex Luger and
Perfect.  It seemed fitting that Michaels and Perfect would be matched up for the
championship.  He was pinned and lost his title in that match.  Perfect returned to the
dressing room as the champion, although controversy surrounded the match.  A referee
other than the assigned official, counted the pin.  WWF President Jack Tunney stepped in
and decided that Michaels should have been disqualified in the bout, prior to the pin.  In that
case, Shawn retained the title and Perfect gave up the belt.

In one of the most scientific and equally matched contests in recent times, Marty Jannetty
stopped Michaels at the Manhattan Center on May 17th to capture the I-C Title.  Michaels
was distracted by Mr. Perfect in the loss.  On June 6th, Michaels defeated Jannetty to regain
the Intercontinental Title in Albany with the help of Diesel, the man he introduced earlier as
his new bodyguard.  Diesel was payback for Mr. Perfect on May 17th.  Michaels beat Perfect
by countout at SummerSlam on August 30th.  The WWF stripped Michaels of the
Intercontinental Title on September 27, 1993 for missing several title defenses after a
contractual dispute.  

Razor Ramon won the battle royal final over Rick Martel for the vacant belt.  Michaels
replaced Jerry Lawler on November 24, 1993 in his match against the Hart Family during the
Survivor Series at the Boston Garden.  He teamed with three colored Knights against Bret,
Owen, Bruce and Keith Hart in an elimination bout.  At 23:45, Michaels was the only member
of his team remaining and escaped after nearly thirty-one minutes before being defeated,
giving the Harts a win.  Michaels entered the Royal Rumble on January 22, 1994 in
Providence at number 18, but failed to win.

On WWF Television, he began to claim the Intercontinental Title, since he never was beaten
for the belt.  Officials signed a match between Michaels the rightful owner of the belt, Razor
Ramon, for the biggest PPV of the year, WrestleMania on March 20, 1994 in New York City.  
Michaels and Ramon would compete in a special Ladder Match, with the title hanging on a
wire over the ring.  Their contest would be one of the best in WrestleMania History and to this
day, remains tops in many minds.  All ladder matches will be measured to Michaels-Ramon at
WrestleMania X.  At the 18:45 mark, Ramon captured the belt and won the match.

He did not participate in the King of the Ring in June.  Michaels teamed with Diesel on August
28, 1994 in Indianapolis, a day before SummerSlam, to win the WWF World Tag Title.  The
title switch came after a win over the Headshrinkers.  By November and the Survivor Series
on the 23rd, it seemed that Michaels and Diesel were about to see a certain amount of
darkness float above their heads.  At the pay-per-view, it all came to a head.  A brawl broke
out and their tag team was forever history.  The tag belts were declared vacant.  Diesel’s
glory was not over with the split.  On November 26th in New York, he beat Bob Backlund to
capture the WWF World Heavyweight Title.  A stunning win.

In one of the sport’s most dramatic showings ever, Michaels entered the Royal Rumble in
Tampa on January 22, 1995 at position number one.  He lasted through 29 other participants
and won the event, last eliminating the number two entry, Davey Boy Smith.  No one had ever
accomplished the feat.  Number one to the victor’s circle.  Shawn Michaels was the main
man.  As always, the winner of the Rumble was in line for a title match against the World
Champion at WrestleMania.  Remaining the leader of the heavyweight class was Micheals’
former ally and bodyguard, Diesel.  To combat any outside interference…by anyone,
Michaels introduced Sid Vicious as his new bodyguard on February 27th during Raw.  On
March 6th, Michaels pinned Smith in a title match.

WrestleMania took place on April 2, 1995 in Hartford.  Michaels wrestled Diesel for the WWF
World Title.  After more than twenty-minutes, he was hit with a jackknife powerbomb and
pinned.  The World Title continued to elude him.  He was eliminated from the 1995 King of
the Ring on June 25th after he wrestled Kama to a draw.  Michaels captured his third
Intercontinental Title with a win over Jeff Jarrett on July 23rd in Nashville.  During the fall, he
reformed a bond with Diesel and on September 24th, the duo won the WWF World Tag Title
from Davey Boy Smith, subbing for Owen Hart, and Yokozuna.  Diesel held the World Title,
Michaels held the I-C Title and together they were the World Tag Champions.  The top three
belts were locked up by two men.  The following day, the belts were stripped from Michaels
and Diesel and returned to the former champs.

On October 14, 1995, the future changed for Shawn Michaels.  The cruel outside world
caught up with him in Syracuse, New York as he was asleep in a parked car outside “Club
37.” An unknown number of men attacked him and pulled him from the automobile.  The
group beat Michaels and the wrestler needed medical attention.  Because of the attack, he
was unable to wrestle at In Your House in Winnipeg on October 22nd.  Michaels had to forfeit
the Intercontinental Title to Dean Douglas.  Things were only going from bad to worse.

During a live edition of Monday Night Raw on November 20, 1995, he wrestled Owen Hart.  
After he had gotten the upperhand in the tough battle, Michaels collapsed in the middle of
the ring.  He laid unmoving for minutes as the program was forced to go into a commercial
break.  Fans watched in horror, wondering if the fall was as serious as it seemed to be.  
Medical personal ran to the ring to assist him, as commentators Vince McMahon and Jerry
Lawler left their booth to get a closer look.  Silence reigned over the broadcast.  Finally,
Michaels began to move slowly and oxygen was given.  He was carried from the ring and
taken to a nearby hospital.  The wrestling world waited patiently for news concerning the fall
the next week during Raw, but only clips were shown.  Nothing new was given.

Finally, on December 4, 1995, a doctor spoke about his condition, stating that Shawn
Michaels might never compete again in the ring.  A pay-per-view was held on the 17th, but
Michaels was not on the card.  Doctors came out and spoke about his condition and special
videos were broadcast on WWF Television in the weeks following.  On January 8, 1996,
Michaels had a press conference discussing his health during Monday Night Raw.  It was
soon announced that he was going to participate in the 1996 Royal Rumble in Fresno.  He
made his triumphant return on January 21st in Fresno and competed in the thirty-man event.  
Michaels eliminated Diesel in the final, winning his second-straight Rumble.  With the victory,
he earned a World Title shot at WrestleMania.

Michaels appeared during a live edition of Raw on January 22nd.  He was interviewed by
Vince McMahon in the middle of the ring.  There, he asked for a rematch against Owen Hart
since their November match-up had gone to a no-decision.  Manager Jim Cornette walked to
the ring and said that Hart would wrestle him if the WrestleMania World Title Shot would be
on the line.  Michaels agreed.  The bout was signed for In Your House in February.  Cornette
was thrown over the top rope to end the predicament.  He was saved by Diesel before an
attack by Hart, Davey Boy Smith and Yokozuna after pinning the latter on January 29th.  
Cornette challenged Diesel and Michaels to a match against Smith and Yokozuna and it was
accepted.  The following Monday, Michaels and Diesel teamed to beat their opponents by
countout.

On February 18th in Louisville, Shawn and Owen met in a highly-touted rematch.  In the end,
Michaels got by Hart and began the slow journey to WrestleMania.  Me met Bret Hart in the
ring, face-to-face with Vince McMahon during the February 26th edition of Raw.  The WWF
Interim President, Roddy Piper went to the ring and established the rules for their
WrestleMania World Title Match.  It was going to be a 60-minute “Iron Man” Contest.  The
man with the most falls within the time-limit would win.  Michaels returned to San Antonio and
received guidance from his mentor, Jose Lothario in preparation.

In a final attempt to “brush-up,” Michaels met one-half of the New Rockers on March 25th on
Raw.  Needless to say, it wasn’t Marty Jannetty across the ring from him.  It was Leif Cassidy,
Jannetty’s partner.  Hart walked to ringside shortly after the beginning of the match and later
Jannetty joined Cassidy.  Jannetty interfered, tripping Michaels during the bout.  Michaels got
the pin on Cassidy and later faced off with Hart.  The two had several words for each other
before Lothario broke them up.

Michaels and Bret Hart wrestled on March 31, 1996 in Anaheim at the Arrowhead Pond.  It
was the biggest show of the year and many were viewing it as a top contender for Match of
the Year prior to it’s start.  The match went sixty-minutes without a fall.  No one was declared
the victor.  WWF President, Gorilla Monsoon announced that he was going to allow the match
to continue until there was a clear-cut winner.  After another minute and fifty-two seconds,
Michaels beat Hart and won his first WWF World Title.  The match was one of history’s best.

The next night on a live edition of Raw, Michaels met Vince McMahon in the ring for an
interview.  He matched up against Jerry Lawler on April 8, 1996 during Raw.  Diesel was
ringside doing commentary for the bout and the World Champion won by pinfall.  Michaels
brawled with Diesel for some time until Mr. Perfect tossed the latter the World Title Belt and
laid out Michaels for good.  He was jumped by Davey Boy Smith during an interview with
Vince McMahon, Jim Cornette and Diana Smith on April 29th.  A claim was made by Cornette
and each of the participants had something to say.  In the end, Smith attacked Michaels.  
Michaels pinned Hunter Hearst Helmsley on May 13th during Raw.  He had words with Smith
to end the show.

Both Diesel and Razor Ramon wrestled their final WWF match on May 19, 1996 in New York
City.  Michaels competed against Diesel in the main event and won the special cage match.  
Afterwards, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Ramon, breaking kayfabe, walked down to the ring
to celebrate their friend’s departure.  The fan favorites and the heels were engaging each
other without blinding fists.

Michaels wrestled Smith on June 23rd in Milwaukee during the King of the Ring show.  He
retained his championship.  Owen Hart attacked Michaels afterwards.  Smith, Ahmed
Johnson, Vader and the Ultimate Warrior were all involved in the post match brawl.  Michaels
introduced the Warrior’s replacement for the six-man tag match at the July pay-per-view on
July 8th.  Sid Vicious would team with Michaels and Johnson against members of Jim Cornette’
s stable.  Michaels was presented a birthday cake on July 22nd by the Smoking Gunns’
manager, Sunny.  She ended up receiving the cake and Michaels and Ahmed Johnson were
awarded a World Tag Team Title match later in the ring due to Michaels’ knockout blow to
Billy Gunn.  Later, during the match, Johnson was attacked by former WCW World Champion,
Ron Simmons, who had since changed his name to Faarooq.  Michaels and Johnson won the
match by disqualification.

Michaels was attacked by Mankind on July 29, 1996 during Raw.  He met another formidable
foe on August 12th when he was powerbombed by Vader ending a match versus Owen Hart.  
Michaels wrestled Vader for the World Title during the main event of SummerSlam on August
18th in Cleveland.  He was counted out of the ring, but Jim Cornette beckoned the match to
continue.  Both wrestlers agreed and later Michaels was disqualified for using Cornette’s
tennis racquet.  Again, the match was allowed to continue.  In the end, Michaels pinned
Vader to retain his WWF World Title.  The next night, he pinned Yokozuna.  In two days, he
beat two former World Champions and two of the most talented big men in the game.

On November 17th, the WWF was back in Madison Square Garden for the Survivor Series.  
Michaels defended his World Title against his former bodyguard, Sid Vicious in the main
event before an estimated 18,000 fans.  Vicious beat Michaels and captured the World Belt.  
During the January 6, 1997 edition of Raw, Michaels saw Vicious powerbomb Jose Lothario’s
son through a table.  Wanting revenge, he challenged Vicious to a WWF Title Match at the
Royal Rumble on January 19th in San Antonio.  After some “Sweet Chin Music” Michaels
scored a pin and regained the World Title.  He also used a camera to hit Vicious.

The man formerly known as “Stunning” and the “Ring Master” Steve Austin won the annual
Rumble event, earning a WrestleMania World Title shot.  Michaels suffered a knee injury and
in February, he was stripped of the World Title.  The title passed through several hands and
at WrestleMania, the Undertaker captured the belt.  Michaels returned to save Austin from an
attack by the members of the Hart Foundation on April 21, 1997 during Raw is War.  He later
argued with Austin for making his appearance, but stated that he was there to hurt Bret Hart,
not to save Austin.  Michaels ran out later in the night to help Austin again.

He formed a tag team with Austin during Raw on May 26th in Evansville, Indiana.  The two
made a challenge for the WWF World Tag Team Title and the champs, Owen Hart and
Davey Boy Smith, stablemates in the Hart Foundation.  Before the match even happened, a
bout was signed for Michaels and Austin to defend their championship, if they won, against
the Legion of Doom.  He landed a superkick on Smith and Austin pinned him for the belts.  
Michaels was jumped by Hart, Smith, Brian Pillman and Jim Neidhart afterwards while Austin
went after Bret Hart on the rampway.  He had words for his partner afterwards.  Michaels
wrestled Austin to a no-contest at King of the Ring ’97 on June 8th in Providence.  The
teammates split and the tag title was declared vacant.

Michaels beat Davey Boy Smith on September 20th in Birmingham, England and won the
WWF European Title.  He became the first man in history to have held the WWF World, WWF
World Tag, WWF Intercontinental and WWF European Titles.  Michaels also formed
DeGeneration X with Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna and Rick Rude.  The group would
revolutionize wrestling in the WWF and put a stamp behind the “Attitude.”

On October 5, 1997 in St. Louis, Shawn Michaels wrestled one of his finest matches.  Over
21,000 fans were in attendance and thousands watched around the world on pay-per-view as
Michaels battled off The Undertaker in a special “Hell in a Cell” match.  The match was an
instant classic.  The biggest cage in wrestling history surrounded the two WWF Superstars as
they battled through injury, excessive blood loss and tremendous high spots.  At one point,
both the Undertaker and Michaels wrestled on top of the mammoth cage.  Michaels fell from
the cage and through the announcer’s table later in the evening.  After Kane’s interference,
Shawn pinned ‘Taker for the match victory.  After it was said and done, he didn’t look like the
winner, but was.  Michaels’ legacy continued to grow.

Coming off such a superior match, Michaels wanted the WWF World Title back.  Many
thought he deserved a title shot.  Michaels made a challenge to Bret Hart at the Survivor
Series on November 9th in Montreal.  In the months prior, Hart had signed an astonishing 20-
year deal with the promotion.  After the deal had fallen through, talk was that the “Hitman”
was trying to sign a deal with the rival World Championship Wrestling.  Promoters were upset
that he might take the belt with him and were ready to take action to prevent that.  The
Michaels-Hart match would turn out to be one of the most talked about contests in recent
times.  It spawned many rumors and controversy.

An unruly live crowd saw Michaels and Hart pummel each other throughout the arena prior to
the match’s beginning.  Upon returning to the ring, the two athletes wrestled a classic.  
Michaels cynched in his version of Hart’s sharpshooter and referee Earl Hebner immediately
called for the bell.  The match was over.  Michaels, Hart and thousands of fans in attendance
stood in shock.  Vince McMahon stood ringside, having an impact on the finish.  A
documentary entitled “Bret Hart, Wrestling with Shadows” was filmed and highlighted the
entire Hart-McMahon-Michaels situation.  Either way, Michaels was a three-time WWF World
Champion.  He was also a double title-holder, holding the European Championship at the
same time.

The next night on Raw in Ottawa, the new champion was introduced by Rick Rude.  Michaels
went to the ring and stated that he had beaten Hart in his home country, with his own move.  
Both Michaels and Rude had words concerning that attack on McMahon after the pay-per-
view went off the air.  The “Heartbreak Kid” made an open challenge to anyone in the
promotion.  Extreme shootfighter, Ken Shamrock answered the call.  The WWF
Commissioner, Sgt. Slaughter said that Michaels would have to wrestle Shamrock, but not on
Raw.  On a later date.  That night, Shamrock would wrestle Hunter Hearst Helmsley instead.  
Michaels ran out and helped Triple H during his match only to be unofficially pinned by
Shamrock as Slaughter made the three-count.

In Fayetteville on November 24th, Michaels and Helmsley went to the ring and announced
that Bret Hart’s WWF Contract ends November 30th and that he would be making an
appearance later in the night.  Later, DX went to the ring and the World Champion called Hart
to the ring.  Many fans were anticipating a huge blowout between the two stars.  A midget
wearing a mask and a Hart Foundation jacket walked out.  When they were done berating
him, “Mini Hart” was kicked out of the ring.  Jim Neidhart walked out and began to defend the
Foundation and had words for Michaels.  Turning things around, the WWF Champ offered
Neidhart a spot in DX.  Michaels had a match against Vader in the main event.  Neidhart was
introduced as the newest member of the group, stunning many.  He pinned Vader after
receiving some outside help from Neidhart and some hot coffee.  Vader had been wrestling
with a bandaged eye and the coffee impaired the other.  Afterwards, Neidhart was evicted
from DX as Chyna delivered a low blow and then they attacked him.

The Hart-Michaels war seemed like it would never go away.  Michaels competed against
Shamrock on December 7th in Springfield, Massachusetts at the DeGeneration X pay-per-
view.  He lost by disqualification after Helmsley and Chyna interfered.  After the match, he
was jumped by Owen Hart, who was angry about his brother’s questionable Survivor Series
loss.  A week later, Bret appeared on WCW Television.  Michaels retained his World
Championship over the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble on January 18, 1998 in San Jose.  
Steve Austin won the 30-man, over-the-top rope Rumble, thus, earning a title shot at
WrestleMania XIV in Boston.  Prior to the big event, Mike Tyson was announced as the
special ring enforcer and many knew if there was any man who could perform the duties, it
was “Iron” Mike.  An estimated 15,000 fans witnessed the show live on March 29, 1998 in
Boston.

Michaels lost the WWF Title to Austin when Tyson made the final three-count after the
assigned referee was unable to revive for the pin attempt.  Tyson and Michaels had words
and the former boxing champion laid him out with a right.  It was reminiscent to Buster
Douglas’ knockout of Randy Savage in 1990.  Michaels was out of action after the PPV, with
many references to a possible serious injury sustained in the main event bout.  Later in the
year, he turned against DX and joined the Corporation under Vince McMahon.  The move
was not entirely popular.  In a way, he had sold out his rebellious attitude for the suits.

Micheals was mocked by members of DX on December 14th in Phoenix.  Helmsley,
Armstrong, Gunn, X-Pac and Chyna went to the ring dressed as members of the Corporation,
giving many of Raw’s fans a laugh.  Michaels was not laughing.  He went out and faced the
group with the Rock, Ken Shamrock and the Big Bossman at his side.  Later, he helped
Shamrock and Bossman take the WWF World Tag Title from the New Age Outlaws.  He used
a nightstick on Gunn, which led to the finish.  Later, Michaels went to the ring with Rock and
witnessed his victory over Helmsley.  The Corporation had the last laugh of the night.  
Michaels had a successful surgery performed on several herniated disks in his back by Dr.
Pablo Vasquez on January 12, 1999.

Despite the good news, Michaels announced his retirement from the ring later in the month
from San Antonio.  Steve Austin was at Michaels’ house in Texas when it was announced that
Austin would get the WrestleMania World Title shot after Vince McMahon gave his up on
January 25th in Phoenix.  Between ’99 and the summer of ’01, many speculated about his
return to the ring.  In the meantime, he had started his own promotion in San Antonio known
as the Texas Wrestling Alliance.

His school was called the “Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy,” but he sold his assets in
early 2001.  Michaels was spending time away from the ring with his family.  His return to the
WWF and the national spotlight was inevitable.

[Biography needs to be updated]

Championships and accomplishments from Wikipedia

* American Wrestling Association
   o AWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Marty Jannetty
* Central States Wrestling
   o NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Marty Jannetty
* Continental Wrestling Association
   o AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Marty Jannetty
* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
   o PWI Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Chris Jericho
   o PWI Match of the Year (1993) vs. Marty Jannetty on Monday Night Raw on May 17
   o PWI Match of the Year (1994) vs. Razor Ramon in a Ladder match at WrestleMania X
   o PWI Match of the Year (1995) vs. Diesel at WrestleMania XI
   o PWI Match of the Year (1996) vs. Bret Hart in an Iron Man match at WrestleMania XII
   o PWI Match of the Year (2004) vs. Chris Benoit and Triple H at WrestleMania XX
   o PWI Match of the Year (2005) vs. Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21
   o PWI Match of the Year (2006) vs. Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred match at
         WrestleMania 22
   o PWI Match of the Year (2007) vs. John Cena on Raw on April 23
   o PWI Match of the Year (2008) vs. Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV
   o PWI Match of the Year (2009) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV
   o PWI Match of the Year (2010) vs. The Undertaker in a Career vs. Streak match at
         WrestleMania XXVI
   o PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2010)
   o PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1995, 1996)
   o PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1996
   o PWI ranked him #10 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
   o PWI ranked him #33 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Marty
         Jannetty in 2003
* Texas All-Star Wrestling
   o TASW Texas Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Paul Diamond
* Texas Wrestling Alliance
   o TWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
   o WWF Championship (3 times)
   o World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
   o WWF European Championship (1 time)
   o WWF Intercontinental Championship (3 times)
   o WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Diesel (2), Steve Austin (1),
         John Cena (1), and Triple H (1)
   o WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time)[195] – with Triple H (1)
   o Royal Rumble (1995, 1996)
   o Fourth Triple Crown Champion
   o First Grand Slam Champion
   o WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)
   o Slammy Award for Best Slammin' Jammin' Entrance (1996)
   o Slammy Award for Best Threads (1996)
   o Slammy Award for Squared Circle Shocker (1996) Won for collapsing; Owen Hart
         accepts the award for making Michaels collapse
   o Slammy Award for Master of Mat Mechanics (1996)
   o Slammy Award for Match of the Year (1996) vs. Razor Ramon in a Ladder match at
         SummerSlam
   o Slammy Award for Leader of the New Generation (1996)
   o Slammy Award for Best Finisher (1997)
   o Slammy Award for Match of the Year (1997) vs. Bret Hart in an Iron Man match at
         WrestleMania XII
   o Slammy Award for Match of the Year (2008) vs. Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV
   o Slammy Award for Match of the Year (2009) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV
   o Slammy Award for Moment of the Year (2010) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania
         XXVI
* Wrestling Observer Newsletter
   o 5 Star Match (1994) vs. Razor Ramon in a Ladder match at WrestleMania X.
   o 5 Star Match (1997) vs. The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell at Badd Blood.
   o Best Babyface (1996)
   o Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Triple H and Chris Benoit
   o Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Chris Jericho
   o Match of the Year (1994) vs. Razor Ramon in a Ladder match at WrestleMania X
   o Match of the Year (2008) vs. Chris Jericho in a Ladder match at No Mercy
   o Match of the Year (2009) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV
   o Match of the Year (2010) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI
   o Most Charismatic (1995, 1996)
   o Tag Team of the Year (1989) with Marty Jannetty as The Rockers
   o Worst Feud of the Year (2006) with Triple H vs. Shane and Vince McMahon
   o Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2003)






Research by Tim Hornbaker
Shawn Michaels Wrestling History
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