Shawn Michaels

{{short description|American professional wrestler (born 1965)}} {{hatnote group|{{Redirect2|The Showstopper|HBK|the ''BoJack Horseman'' episode|The Showstopper (BoJack Horseman){{!}}The Showstopper (''BoJack Horseman'')}} {{similar names|Sean Michaels (disambiguation)}}{{other uses|HBK (disambiguation)}}}} {{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=May 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name=Shawn Michaels |birthname=Michael Shawn Hickenbottom |image=Shawn Michaels (30045287538).jpg |caption=Michaels in 2018 |names=Sean Michaels<ref name="HAT"/> Shawn Michaels |height=6 ft 1 in<ref name="WWEProfile"/><ref name=sm164>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=164}}</ref> |relatives=Matt Bentley (cousin) |weight=225 lb<ref name="WWEProfile"/> |birth_date={{Birth date and age|1965|7|22}} |birth_place=Chandler, Arizona, U.S. |billed=San Antonio, Texas<ref name="WWEProfile"/> |trainer=José Lothario<ref name=stopper/> |debut=October 8, 1984<ref>{{cite web |title=Events Database - Shawn Michaels|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=207410 |website=Cage Match |access-date=September 8, 2023|quote=10.8.1984}}</ref> |retired=March 28, 2010 |spouse={{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Theresa Wood |1988|1994|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Rebecca Curci |1999}}}} |children=2 |signature=Shawn Michaels Signature.png}} '''Shawn Michaels''' (born '''Michael Shawn Hickenbottom'''; July 22, 1965) is an American retired professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he is the Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Creative, and oversees the creative aspects of the NXT brand, the promotion's developmental territory.<ref name="Senior">{{cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=September 7, 2022 |title=Shawn Michaels promoted to WWE senior vice president of talent development creative |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/shawn-michaels-promoted-to-wwe-senior-vice-president-of-talent-development-creative/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> Regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he is known by the nicknames "the Heartbreak Kid" (often abbreviated as HBK), "the Showstopper", and "Mr. WrestleMania".<ref name="WWENickname">{{cite web |date=April 24, 2014 |title=The 25 greatest nicknames in WWE history |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/the-25-greatest-nicknames-in-wwe-history |access-date=November 25, 2020 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

Michaels wrestled consistently for WWE, formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, renamed in 2002), from 1988 until his first retirement in 1998. He performed in non-wrestling roles for the next two years, resuming his wrestling career with WWE in 2002 until ceremoniously retiring in 2010. He returned for a one-off final match in 2018. In 2016, he began working as a coach at the WWE Performance Center, and was a producer on ''NXT'' in 2018, before becoming the Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative for the NXT brand itself.

In WWF/WWE, Michaels headlined pay-per-view events between 1989 and 2018, main-eventing the company's flagship annual event, WrestleMania, five times (12, 14, 20, 23 and 26). He was the co-founder and original leader of the successful stable, D-Generation X. Michaels also wrestled in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where he founded The Midnight Rockers with Marty Jannetty in 1985. After winning the AWA World Tag Team Championship twice, the team continued to the WWF as The Rockers and had a high-profile breakup in January 1992. Within the year, Michaels twice challenged for the WWF Championship and won his first Intercontinental Championship, heralding his arrival as one of the industry's premier singles stars.

Michaels is a four-time world champion, having held the WWF Championship three times and WWE's World Heavyweight Championship once. He is also a two-time Royal Rumble winner (and the first man to win the match as the first entrant), the company's first Grand Slam Champion and fourth Triple Crown Champion, as well as a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee (2011 as a singles wrestler and 2019 as part of D-Generation X). Michaels won the ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' "Match of the Year" reader vote a record eleven times, and his match against John Cena on April 23, 2007, was ranked by WWE as the best match ever aired on the company's flagship television program, ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2012 |title=The 50 greatest matches in Raw history re-ranked |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/50-greatest-wwe-monday-night-raw-matches-list |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels has been a participant in several first installments of a number of WWE's signature gimmick matches—namely the first Hell in a Cell at the Badd Blood: In Your House, the first Ladder match during a taping of ''WWF Wrestling Challenge'' (and subsequent first pay-per-view installment at WrestleMania X), both the inaugural (as part of The Rockers tag team) and first televised (at WrestleMania XII) Iron Man matches, and Elimination Chamber at the 2002 Survivor Series.

== Early life == Michael Shawn Hickenbottom was born in Chandler, Arizona, on July 22, 1965.<ref name=sm12>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref><ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/michaels-shawn.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522073938/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/michaels-shawn.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 22, 2015|title=Slam! Sports biography|access-date= July 10, 2007|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|date=March 12, 2005|last=Milner|first=John|author2=Jason Clevett }}</ref> He has an older sister named Shari and two older brothers named Randy and Scott. He was raised in a military family and briefly spent some of his early years in the English town of Reading, Berkshire,<ref name=sm12/> but grew up primarily in San Antonio, Texas. As a child, he disliked the name "Michael" and convinced his family and friends to address him by his middle name.<ref name=sm18>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=18–19}}</ref> Ever since, he has been referred to as Shawn. Additionally, Hickenbottom moved around frequently since his father was in the military.<ref name=sm18/> He knew he wanted to become a professional wrestler at the age of 12 and performed a wrestling routine at his high school's talent show, complete with fake blood.<ref name="slam" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/136347/professional-wrestler-visits-former-base-school-home/|title=Professional wrestler visits former base school, home|work=U.S. Air Force |date=August 6, 2004 }}</ref> He was a keen athlete while growing up, and his sporting career began at the age of six when he played football.<ref name=sm15>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=15}}</ref> He was a stand-out linebacker at Randolph High School on Randolph Air Force Base and eventually became captain of the football team.<ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/hbk/|title=Shawn Michaels' WWE Hall of Fame Profile|access-date=March 31, 2011|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=30}}</ref> He attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, but dropped out to pursue a career in professional wrestling.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=43–49}}</ref> His cousin Matt Bentley is also a wrestler.<ref>{{cite web|first=John M.|last=Milner|author2=Jaya Roopansingh|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/bentley-matt.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309224404/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/bentley-matt.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Matt Bentley|access-date=October 27, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career == {{Professional wrestling sidebar}}

=== National Wrestling Alliance territories (1984–1985) === Hickenbottom began to train under Mexican professional wrestler José Lothario.<ref name="stopper">{{cite web |last=Roopansingh |first=Jaya |date=March 14, 2004 |title=Shawn Michaels, still the show-stopper |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/2004/03/14/381421.html |access-date=March 29, 2008 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223052750/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/2004/03/14/381421.html|archive-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name=sm57>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=57}}</ref> During his training, Hickenbottom adopted the ring name, "Shawn Michaels".<ref name="HAT"/> After his training with Lothario, he debuted as Shawn Michaels with the National Wrestling Alliance's (NWA) Mid-South Wrestling territory on October 16, 1984, against Art Crews, losing to Crews via swinging neckbreaker. Michaels's performance in his debut match impressed many veterans, including Terry Taylor. Michaels made his televised debut on October 20, 1984, teaming with Jim Hornet in a losing effort against the tag team of Hercules Hernandez and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2021 |title=On October 20, 1984 Shawn Michaels made his television debut in a match with Mid-South Wrestling as he and Jim Horner took on Hercules Hernandez and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. Michaels had made his official debut with the Mid-South Wrestling territory on October 16, against Art Crews, losing to Crews via swinging neckbreaker. |url=https://www.facebook.com/Davenportsportsnetwork/videos/on-october-20-1984-shawn-michaels-made-his-television-debut-in-a-match-with-mid-/3155843098075906/ |access-date=September 9, 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref>

In January 1985, he debuted for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), the NWA territory in Dallas, Texas. In April 1985, Michaels went to work for another NWA territory in Kansas City called Central States Wrestling.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=75–77}}</ref> There, he and tag team partner Marty Jannetty defeated The Batten Twins for the NWA Central States Tag Team Championship, later losing it back to the Battens.<ref name="slam"/>

=== Texas All-Star Wrestling (1985–1986) === After leaving Kansas City, he returned to Texas to wrestle for Texas All-Star Wrestling (TASW).<ref name="HAT">{{cite video|date=2007|title=The Shawn Michaels Story: Heartbreak & Triumph|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref> During his time with TASW, Michaels replaced Nick Kiniski in the American Breed tag team, teaming with Paul Diamond. Michaels and Diamond were awarded the TASW Tag Team Championship by Chavo Guerrero Sr.<ref name="slam"/> The team was later renamed American Force.<ref>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=88}}</ref> While in TASW, Michaels and Diamond feuded with Japanese Force.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

=== American Wrestling Association (1986–1987) === [[Image:The Rockers, 1987.jpg|thumb|upright=1.13|Michaels (left) with Marty Jannetty in 1987, known together as "the (Midnight) Rockers" during their time as AWA World Tag Team Champions]] Michaels made his national-level debut, as Sean Michaels, at the age of 20 in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), in a victory over Buddhakhan on ESPN. He was once again teamed with Marty Jannetty, billed as The Midnight Rockers. The Midnight Rockers won the AWA World Tag Team Championship, defeating Doug Somers and Buddy Rose.<ref name=stopper/>

=== World Wrestling Federation and return to AWA (1987–1988) === In 1987, The Rockers were signed by a competing promotion: the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).<ref name=stopper/> They were fired from WWF two weeks later, for a bar incident (a misunderstanding, according to Michaels's autobiography).<ref name=stopper/><ref name="sm116"/> They then returned to AWA, where they won the AWA tag team titles for a second time,<ref name="slam"/> but were re-signed by WWF a year later.<ref name="sm116">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=116–118}}</ref>

=== Return to the WWF/E === ==== The Rockers (1988–1992) ==== {{Main|The Rockers}}

The Rockers redebuted at a WWF live event on July 7, 1988.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=133}}</ref> Due to WWF chairman Vince McMahon's desire to have his performers carry WWF-exclusive ring names, Michaels and Jannetty were renamed, as simply The Rockers.<ref name="HAT" /> The team proved popular with both children and women<ref name="stopper" /> and was a mid-card stalwart of television and pay-per-view shows for the next two years.<ref name="sm148">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=148–150}}</ref> During this time, Michaels headlined his first pay-per-view for the WWF when The Rockers were involved in the 4-on-4 Survivor Series match main event of Survivor Series on November 23, 1989, which they won.<ref>[http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/89.htm Survivor Series 89 – Chicago, IL – Rosemont Horizon – November 23, 1989]. The History of WWE. Retrieved August 15, 2012.</ref>

On October 30, 1990, The Rockers unofficially won the WWF Tag Team Championship from The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart), as Neidhart, half of the championship team, was in the process of negotiating his release from the company.<ref name=sm148/> The match was taped with The Rockers winning the title, but soon after Neidhart came to an agreement with management and was rehired.<ref name=sm148/> The championship was returned to the Hart Foundation, while the title change was never broadcast or even acknowledged on television (though The Rockers did have a successful title defense on November 3, 1990, against Power and Glory (Hercules and Paul Roma) before the title was returned to the Hart Foundation).<ref name=sm148/> When news spread, WWF explained that the original result was void due to a collapsed turnbuckle in the ring during the bout. A buckle had indeed broken, but not to a noticeable or dangerous extent during the match.<ref name="HAT"/> The Rockers continued their partnership, eventually splitting on December 2, 1991, aired January 11, 1992, on Wrestling Challenge, during an incident on Brutus Beefcake's televised ''Barber Shop'' talk show promotional segment.<ref name=sm159>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=157–159}}</ref> Michaels superkicked Jannetty and threw him through a glass window on the set of Beefcake's talk show.<ref name=stopper/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/583/583410p1.html|title=IGN: Shawn Michaels Interview|last=Robinson|first=Jon|date=January 28, 2005|publisher=News Corporation|work=IGN Sports|access-date=August 6, 2008}}</ref> Jannetty returned to the WWF the following year and enjoyed moderate success before leaving the company in 1994, while Michaels became a prominent villain of the early to mid-1990s as "The Boy Toy".<ref name=sm159/>

==== Heartbreak Kid (1992–1995) ==== {{See also|Two Dudes with Attitudes}} At the suggestion of Curt Hennig, Michaels adopted the nickname "The Heartbreak Kid".<ref name=stopper/> Along with his new name came a new gimmick as a vain, cocky villain.<ref name=shining>{{cite journal|first=Steve|last=Anderson|title=7 Superstars Shining Brightly|journal=Wrestling Digest|date=February 2001}}</ref> He was put together with mirror-carrying manager, Sensational Sherri, who according to the storyline had become infatuated with him.<ref name=sm159/> Sherri even sang the first version of his new theme music, "Sexy Boy".<ref name="HAT"/> During that period, after Michaels had wrestled his scheduled match at live events, his departure was announced with "Shawn Michaels has left the building", alluding to the phrase "Elvis has left the building".<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=165–166}}</ref>

[[File:Shawn and Diesel tag champs.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|Diesel acted as Michaels's on-air bodyguard and tag team partner for two championship reigns.]] At WrestleMania VIII on April 5, 1992, Michaels defeated Tito Santana in his first pay-per-view singles match after both men had simultaneously eliminated each other from that year's Royal Rumble.<ref>[http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/8/results WrestleMania VIII: Full Event Results]. WWE. Retrieved June 14, 2011.</ref> Michaels subsequently became a contender to the promotion's singles titles and failed to win the WWF Championship from champion Randy Savage in his first opportunity to compete for that title at British event UK Rampage, held on April 19 at the Sheffield Arena and broadcast on Sky Movies Plus<ref>[http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/wwfuk.html#ramp92 UK Rampage 1992]. Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved May 30, 2011.</ref> (the match later aired in the US on the edition of June 15 of ''Prime Time Wrestling'').<ref>[http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/92.htm UK Rampage 92 – Sheffield, England – Arena – April 19, 1992]. The History of WWE. Retrieved January 27, 2015.</ref> Michaels was also unable to win the Intercontinental Championship from Bret Hart in the WWF's first ladder match at a ''Wrestling Challenge'' taping on July 21, which was subsequently made available on multiple Coliseum/WWE Home Video releases.<ref>[http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/92.htm WWF @ Portland, ME – Civic Center – July 21, 1992]. The History of WWE. Retrieved May 30, 2011.</ref><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=161–162}}</ref> However, he won the title from The British Bulldog on ''Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI'', which aired on November 14.<ref name=IC-title>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=Title History: Intercontinental|access-date=July 17, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> He faced Hart for the WWF Championship at Survivor Series on November 25, but lost the match.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year= 2007|pages=90–91}}</ref> Originally the secondary main event, Michaels and Hart became the primary main event after The Ultimate Warrior was unable to compete and was replaced by Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig) in the tag team match that involved Randy Savage against the team of Ric Flair and Razor Ramon.<ref>{{cite book|title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling|last=Baer|first=Randy|author2=Reynolds, R.D.|publisher=ECW Press|year=2003|isbn=1-55022-584-7|page=[https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/74 74]|url=https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/74}}</ref> During this time, Michaels and Sherri split and he engaged himself in a feud with former tag team partner Marty Jannetty.<ref name=stopper/> Michaels lost the Intercontinental Championship to Jannetty on the May 17, 1993, episode of ''Raw'',<ref name=IC-title/> but regained it on June 6 with the help of his debuting "bodyguard" (and off-air friend) Diesel.<ref name="HAT"/><ref name=IC-title/>

In September 1993, Michaels was suspended for testing positive for steroid – a charge he never admitted.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=182}}</ref> On WWF programs, his suspension was explained by his having neglected to defend the title often enough. After turning down World Championship Wrestling (WCW)'s advances, Michaels returned to the WWF and made several appearances in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) during a WWF/USWA cross-promotion. He returned on November 24 at Survivor Series, substituting for Jerry Lawler, who was dealing with legal issues, in a match pitting himself and three of Lawler's "Knights" against the Hart brothers, Bret, Bruce, Keith and Owen.<ref name=pwi92>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=91–92}}</ref> thumb|Michaels in 1994 In 1994, Michaels entered a rivalry with Razor Ramon, who had won the vacant Intercontinental Championship during Michaels's absence.<ref name="ladderbegin">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=182–187}}</ref> Since Michaels had never been defeated in the ring for the title, he claimed to be the rightful champion and even carried around his old title belt.<ref name="ladderbegin"/> This feud culminated in a ladder match between the two on March 20 at WrestleMania X.<ref name="ladderbegin"/> Michaels lost the match, which featured both his and Ramon's championship belts suspended above a ladder in the ring.<ref name=pwi92/><ref name="ladderbegin"/> This match was voted by fans as "Match of the Year" by ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''.<ref name=stopper/> It also received a five-star rating from ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' editor Dave Meltzer. Over the next few months, Michaels battled various injuries and launched the ''Heartbreak Hotel'' television talk show segment, mainly shown on ''Superstars''.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=190}}</ref>

On August 28, Michaels and Diesel won the WWF Tag Team Championship from The Headshrinkers (Samu and Fatu).<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=195}}</ref> The next day at SummerSlam, Diesel lost the Intercontinental Championship to Ramon when Michaels accidentally superkicked Diesel.<ref name=pwi92/> This triggered a split between the two, a storyline that was drawn out until Survivor Series on November 24.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=92–93}}</ref> Michaels won the Royal Rumble on January 22, 1995,<ref name=sm196>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=196–199}}</ref> which set up a championship grudge match on April 2 at WrestleMania XI against Diesel (who had gone on to win the WWF Championship from Bob Backlund).<ref name=sm196/> As part of the storyline, Michaels recruited Sid as his bodyguard for the build-up, lost the match<ref>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Finn|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 10|work=Tough luck Shawn (WrestleMania XI)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=April 24, 1995|pages=20–25}}</ref> and was attacked by Sid the following night.<ref name="Sid attack">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=204}}</ref> This would result in him becoming a fan favorite.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=203–204}}</ref> After this, Michaels took time off<ref name="Sid attack"/>

==== Formation of the Kliq (1995–1996) ==== {{Main|The Kliq}}

Michaels returned to the ring as a fan favorite in May 1995 and defeated Jeff Jarrett to win his third Intercontinental Championship on July 24 at In Your House 2: The Lumberjacks.<ref name=stopper/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=209}}</ref> This led to a title defense against Razor Ramon on August 27 at SummerSlam in a ladder match, which Michaels won.<ref name=stopper/> Around this time, Michaels became the leader of a backstage group known as The Kliq.<ref name=stopper/> Critics perceive the group to have sufficient clout with WWF owner Vince McMahon, becoming dominant wrestling figures in the WWF for several years in the mid-1990s, causing friction with other wrestlers. Michaels disputes the perception, saying that McMahon pushed only deserving wrestlers.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=206–208}}</ref> Michaels's fan base was later nicknamed "The Kliq" as an inside reference to the real "Kliq".<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=230}}</ref> In October 1995, Michaels was the victim of a legitimate assault outside a bar in Syracuse, New York.<ref name="HAT"/> Due to not being able to compete, Michaels was forced to forfeit the Intercontinental Championship to his original opponent Dean Douglas on October 22 at In Your House: Great White North,<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=213}}</ref> who in turn Douglas lost the championship to Razor Ramon, another member of the Kliq.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=94}}</ref> During a match with Owen Hart on a November episode of ''Raw'', Hart performed an enzuigiri that struck the back of Michaels's head.<ref name=sm215>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=215}}</ref> They continued the match, but Michaels collapsed in the ring, supposedly because he had suffered a concussion.<ref name="HAT"/><ref name=sm215/> The concussion was scripted, which was kept from most fans at the time.<ref name="HAT"/> A retirement angle was written so that Michaels could take some time off after he came back from an injury too soon.<ref name="HAT"/>

==== WWF Champion (1996–1998) ==== {{Main|D-Generation X}}

After teasing retirement, Michaels returned to the WWF at the Royal Rumble match on January 21, 1996, winning for the second year in a row to receive a WWF Championship match in the main event at WrestleMania XII.<ref>{{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=95}}</ref> Around this time, Jose Lothario became Michaels's on-screen manager.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=219}}</ref> At WrestleMania XII on March 31, Michaels defeated WWF Champion Bret Hart in the overtime of their sixty-minute Iron Man match, which had ended in a scoreless tie.<ref name=stopper/> On May 19, Michaels and his fellow Kliq members were involved in the incident known as "Curtain Call". Diesel and Razor Ramon were about to leave WWF to company rival WCW. After Michaels won a match against Diesel, Ramon and Hunter Hearst Helmsley came to the ring and joined Michaels and Diesel in a group-hug.<ref name=assael156>{{harv|Assael|Mooneyham|2002|p=156}}</ref> As Diesel and Helmsley were seen as villains at the time, in contrast to Michaels and Ramon, this constituted a breach of "kayfabe", as acting out of character, which was rare and controversial at the time.<ref name=assael156/> As WCW gained momentum due to the signings of Hall and Nash, Michaels held the championship for most of the year. At Survivor Series on November 17, Michaels lost the WWF Championship to Sycho Sid<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=234}}</ref> but recaptured the title on January 19, 1997, at Royal Rumble.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454115|title=HBK's second WWE title reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=August 25, 2009|archive-date=February 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211041505/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454115|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On a special episode of ''Raw'' dubbed ''Thursday Raw Thursday'', Michaels vacated the WWF Championship.<ref name="HAT"/> He explained to fans that he was informed by doctors that he had suffered a knee injury. Michaels contemplated thoughts of retirement and stated that he "had to find his smile again", which he had "lost" somewhere down the line.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=239–240}}</ref> After consulting with Dr. James Andrews, who concluded that he did not need surgery, Michaels underwent four weeks of physical therapy and returned to in-ring action a few months later, briefly teaming with Stone Cold Steve Austin to win the WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132122112|title=Stone Cold & Shawn Michaels first World Tag Team title reign|access-date=July 12, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=August 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827143219/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132122112|url-status=dead}}</ref> In his autobiography, Michaels discusses his real-life feud with Bret Hart, claiming that Hart did interviews on live television claiming that Michaels was faking his whole injury.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=243–244}}</ref>

thumb|right|Michaels portrayed his cocky, vain character with colorful outfits. By the spring of 1997, the real-life backstage conflict between Michaels and Hart was reaching its height. Both men were going out on television and frequently making personal, true to heart remarks about one another. Michaels briefly left the WWF in June of that year after a real backstage fight with Hart, just hours before a ''Raw Is War'' show, which allegedly resulted from Michaels making an on-air remark, known as the "Sunny Days" comment, implying that Hart (who was married at the time) was having an affair with Tammy Sytch, a manager and valet who was signed to the WWF as Sunny. Michaels and Austin were still WWF Tag Team Champions at the time during an ongoing feud with the Hart Foundation and a tournament was made to decide new tag team champions. Michaels eventually returned that summer in July. At SummerSlam on August 3, Michaels officiated the WWF Championship match between WWF Champion The Undertaker and Bret Hart.<ref name="takerSS">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=247–249}}</ref> The match ended controversially, with Michaels hitting The Undertaker with a chair (unintentionally, as he was aiming for Hart after he spat in his face).<ref name="takerSS"/> Michaels was then forced to award the championship to his nemesis, Bret Hart.<ref name="takerSS"/> The next night on ''Raw Is War'', signs of a heel turn started to show as Michaels told the WWF fans what happened at SummerSlam was an accident and that he dealt with The Undertaker when the time came. At WWF One Night Only, held in Birmingham, England, on September 20, Michaels defeated The British Bulldog to capture the WWF European Championship.<ref name="takerSS"/><ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=HBK's first European title reign |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358418 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224000439/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358418 |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=July 11, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> The fans at the event were so upset at the result of the match they booed Michaels out of the building to the extent that they littered the ring with garbage, cementing his second heel turn.<ref name="takerSS"/><ref name=pwi99>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=99–100}}</ref> With this win, Michaels became the first Grand Slam Champion.<ref name="WWEProfile"/> At In Your House: Badd Blood on October 5, Michaels defeated The Undertaker in the first Hell in a Cell match, during which Michaels fell off the side of the {{convert|15|ft|m|0|adj=on|disp=flip}} high structure through a table.<ref name="HIAC1">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=257–259}}</ref>

In the fall, Michaels joined forces with real-life friend Hunter Hearst Helmsley (later known as Triple H), Helmsley's then real-life girlfriend Chyna, and Rick Rude to form the stable D-Generation X (DX).<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=252}}</ref> Michaels continued his rivalry with Bret Hart and his reformed Hart Foundation, which was now a pro-Canada stable. Michaels taunted the group and Canada by engaging in acts such as blowing his nose with and humping the Canadian Flag. Michaels later claimed the flag desecration was Hart's idea.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=274–275}}</ref> Michaels's feud with the Hart Foundation culminated in a WWF Championship match at Survivor Series on November 9 against Hart. Michaels came out of this match, dubbed by fans the "Montreal Screwjob", as the WWF Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445415 |title=HBK's third WWE title reign |access-date=July 13, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105072205/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445415 |archive-date=January 5, 2008}}</ref> Michaels now held both the WWF and European championships at the same time. Michaels dropped the European Championship to DX member Hunter Hearst Hemsley in a farcical match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/|title=Title History: European|access-date=July 16, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref>

==== First retirement and hiatus (1998–2002) ==== On January 18, 1998, at the Royal Rumble, in a casket match against The Undertaker, Michaels took a back body drop to the outside of the ring and hit his lower back on the casket, causing him to herniate two discs and crush one completely.<ref name=stopper/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=283}}</ref> Michaels went on to win the match<ref name=stopper/> but the injury rendered him unable to compete on the following month's No Way Out of Texas: In Your House as advertised, and forced him into retirement a night after losing the WWF Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin on March 29 at WrestleMania XIV.<ref>{{Harv|Assael|Mooneyham|2002|p=202}}</ref>

After being away for nearly four months, Michaels made a surprise return to the WWF as a guest commentator on the July 13 episode of ''Raw Is War''. Michaels continued to make non-wrestling appearances on WWF programming and on November 23 he replaced Sgt. Slaughter as the WWF Commissioner, eventually joining Vince McMahon's group of wrestlers called The Corporation.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Raw is War|series-link=WWE Raw|series=WWE Raw|network=USA Network|airdate=November 23, 1998|season=6|number=47}}</ref> Throughout late 1998 and early 1999, Michaels made regular television appearances on ''Raw'', in which he scheduled matches, throwing around his authority, and sometimes even deciding the outcome of matches.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Raw is War|series-link=WWE Raw|series=WWE Raw|network=USA Network|airdate=November 30, 1998|season=6|number=48}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Raw is War|series-link=WWE Raw|series=WWE Raw|network=USA Network|airdate=December 21, 1998|season=6|number=51}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title= Raw is War|series-link=WWE Raw|series=WWE Raw|network=USA Network|airdate=December 28, 1998|season=6|number=52}}</ref> On the January 4, 1999, episode of ''Raw Is War'', Michaels re-joined DX as a face, but disappeared from WWF television for a few weeks to have back surgery<ref>{{cite web|author=Mr. X|title=Foley win Rocks WWF|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/jan9_fol.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713232741/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/jan9_fol.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2015|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|date=January 9, 1999|access-date=July 17, 2008|quote=Michaels, who brought Degeneration X along with him, was later betrayed by his comrades, when he was locked out of the building and pounded by the corporate thugs. That allows Michaels to be absent {{sic|for a|while|expected=for a while}} and he'll have back surgery.}}</ref> and by the time he returned DX was on the way of dissolving within the next couple of months.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

On November 23, 1999, Michaels made a special appearance for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling at the 10th Anniversary Show at the Yokohama Arena, serving as the guest referee for the H vs fake Hayabusa (Mr. Gannosuke) main event. He got involved in the match when Gannosuke delivered a low blow on him and he responded later on with ''Sweet Chin Music''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fmwwrestling.us/FMWHistory3.html|title=FMW History Part 3|publisher=FMW World|access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref>

Michaels made occasional appearances as the WWF Commissioner during the spring and summer of 1999, but remained absent from television after August until May 15, 2000, when he returned on ''Raw Is War'' to declare himself the special guest referee for The Rock and Triple H's Iron Man match at Judgment Day.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=106}}</ref> One month later, Michaels briefly reappeared on ''Raw Is War'' to hand over the role of Commissioner to Mick Foley. After one more appearance on October 9 cutting a promo with Foley on behalf The Rock, Michaels took a long hiatus from the WWE until June 2002.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Raw is War|series-link=WWE Raw|series=WWE Raw|network=USA Network|airdate=June 26, 2000|season=8|number=26}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|zIaU8MHZ9_E|Mick Foley & Shawn Michaels Segment Raw October 9, 2000 Part 1}}</ref> He was due to return to wrestle in the next year but had to take more than a year off to recover from his drug or painkiller issues, and returned in 2002 after attending a bible study and undergoing a successful rehabilitation treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WWE legend Shawn Michaels shows off moves in ring before sharing testimony|url=https://www.liberty.edu/news/2017/01/18/wwe-legend-shawn-michaels-shows-off-moves-in-ring-before-sharing-testimony/|date=2017-01-18|access-date=2025-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|LNerWJZvYuY|The Dark Side of Shawn Michaels}}</ref> He appeared briefly on television to make a speech at WWF New York during Armageddon on December 10, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingPPV/dec11_wwfarm-can.html|title=Armageddon: WWF saves the worst for last|access-date=March 25, 2011|date=December 11, 2000|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010624185059/http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingPPV/dec11_wwfarm-can.html|archive-date=June 24, 2001}}</ref>

On April 4, 2000, Michaels returned to wrestling for a one-night appearance defeating Paul Diamond in a bunkhouse brawl at Texas Wrestling Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Events Database - Texas Wrestling Entertainment|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=796&page=4&year=2000&promotion=110|website=Cage Match |access-date=January 12, 2024|quote=4.4.2000}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SHAWN MICHAELS' CAREER ENDING BACK INJURY IN 1998, THE MINOTAUR & ARACHNIMAN IN WCW AND MORE {{!}} PWInsider.com |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/187403/shawn-michaels-career-ending-back-injury-in-1998-the-minotaur-arachniman-in-wcw-and-more.html?p=1 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref>

Believing that his wrestling career was over, Michaels was interested in training individuals who wanted to become professional wrestlers.<ref name="training academy">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=299–302}}</ref> He saw potential in using his name and opened the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy (later the Texas Wrestling Academy) in 1999, after his lawyer Skip McCormick suggested the idea.<ref name="training academy"/> Michaels left the academy in 2002,<ref name="training academy"/> giving co-founder Rudy Boy Gonzalez sole responsibility due to Michaels's new contract with WWE.<ref name=stopper/> Michaels was also a sportscaster for San Antonio's local news for a short period during his retirement.<ref name="training academy"/>

==== Feud with Triple H (2002–2004) ==== On the June 3, 2002 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels returned to WWE television after 18 months of absence when Kevin Nash announced him as a new member of the recently reformed New World Order (nWo). Michaels was the only nWo member to have never worked in WCW.<ref>{{cite book|first=Michael|last=McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=WWE Books|date=April 2003|isbn=0-7434-6373-0|pages=140–141|quote=The Black and White seemed complete after Kevin Nash announced the New World Order's latest recruitment at the June 3 ''Raw:'' the king of WWE "Attitude," Shawn Michaels!}}</ref> After the nWo had disbanded, Triple H appeared to make amends with Michaels. This was solidified when Michaels pleaded Triple H to return to ''Raw''.<ref name="Raw - July 22"/> Later on, they came down to the ring sporting their DX music and attire. When the pair was about to perform their trademark "Suck It" taunt, Triple H turned on Michaels by performing a Pedigree on him.<ref name="Raw - July 22">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/83.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results – July 22, 2002|first=Adam|last=Martin|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=July 22, 2002|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Continuing the angle, in his first WWE match since WrestleMania XIV, Michaels defeated Triple H at SummerSlam on August 25, but was attacked by Triple H with a sledgehammer after the match.<ref>{{cite book|first=Michael|last=McAvennie| title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=WWE Books|date=April 2003|isbn=0-7434-6373-0|page=212}}</ref> At Survivor Series on November 17, Michaels won the World Heavyweight Championship from Triple H in the first Elimination Chamber match.<ref>{{cite book|first=Michael|last=McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=WWE Books|date=April 2003|isbn=0-7434-6373-0|page=314}}</ref> On December 15 at Armageddon, he lost the championship to Triple H in a Three Stages of Hell match.<ref>{{cite book|first=Michael|last=McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=WWE Books|date=April 2003|isbn=0-7434-6373-0|page=330}}</ref>

[[Image:Jerichomichaels.jpg|right|thumb|Michaels's match with Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XIX in March 2003 was his first match at a WrestleMania event since WrestleMania XIV in March 1998.]] Michaels then began a rivalry with Chris Jericho, after Jericho claimed that he was the next Shawn Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1048567703.shtml|title=Full WWE Raw Results – 3/24/03|last=Moore|first=Wesley|date=March 24, 2003| publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=September 15, 2008}}</ref> On the January 13, 2003 episode of ''Raw'', after Jericho won a battle royal to select his entry number for the Royal Rumble match, choosing number two in order to start the match with Michaels,<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Barrett|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1042517288.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results – January 13, 2003|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=January 13, 2003|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> who had already been named number one. At the Royal Rumble on January 19, Jericho, with the help of Christian, eliminated Michaels. Michaels later interfered in the match, causing Jericho to be eliminated.<ref>{{cite news|last= Hurley|first=Oliver|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 104|work=Every Man for himself (Royal Rumble 2003)|publisher=SW Publishing| date=February 21, 2003|pages=16–19}}</ref> Michaels defeated Jericho on March 30 at WrestleMania XIX but was low-blowed after hugging Jericho.<ref name="WM19">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/31/55003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630142306/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/31/55003.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|title=WWE shines at WrestleMania XIX|first=John|last=Powell|access-date=June 13, 2008|date=March 31, 2003|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

At Backlash on April 27, Michaels lost to the team of Jericho, Triple H and Ric Flair in a 6-man tag team. This led to a match between Michaels and Flair at Bad Blood on June 15, which Flair won. Following this, Michaels continued feuding with the members of Triple H's faction Evolution. He was unsuccessful in capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam on August 24 with Triple H retaining in the second Elimination Chamber match. He then lost to Randy Orton at Unforgiven on September 21. At Armageddon on December 14, Michaels defeated the group's enforcer Batista.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/every-major-shawn-michaels-feud-rivalry-wwe-comeback-ranked-worst-best/|title=Every Major Shawn Michaels Feud Of His WWE Comeback, Ranked|last=King|first=Trevor|work=The Sportster|date=25 February 2023|access-date=20 January 2025}}</ref>

On the December 29 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels seemingly defeated Triple H after a Sweet Chin Music for the World Heavyweight Championship in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, with Eric Bischoff as the special guest referee (Earl Hebner originally refereed the match, only to be knocked out by Triple H in the middle of the match). However, Bischoff reversed the decision due to both men's shoulders being on the mat. Angered by this, Michaels attacked Ric Flair and Bischoff. He was subsequently fired by Bischoff but rehired by Stone Cold Steve Austin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenslade |first=Mike |date=December 30, 2003 |title=WWE Raw Results – December 29, 2003 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2003/1072765329.shtml |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>

As a part of an ongoing feud with Triple H, the two competed alongside Chris Benoit in the main event on March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX for the World Heavyweight Championship, which Benoit won.<ref name=pwi115>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Dacts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=115}}</ref> The night before this, Michaels inducted Tito Santana in the WWE Hall of Fame. A triple threat WrestleMania rematch for the title took place on April 18 at Backlash, where Benoit successfully retained it after forcing Michaels to submit to a Sharpshooter.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=April 18, 2004 |title=Full WWE Backlash (Raw) PPV Results – 4/18/04 from Edmonton, Alberta, CA |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1082342965.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207231011/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1082342965.shtml |archive-date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=February 15, 2008 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Due to the "Montreal Screwjob" incident, the Edmonton crowd booed Michaels, with chants of "You screwed Bret!" being heard during his match at Backlash.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712211912/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2015|title=Feature bouts save Backlash|access-date=February 6, 2008|date=April 19, 2004|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> At Bad Blood on June 13, Michaels lost to Triple H in the longest Hell in a Cell match in history.<ref name=pwi115/> Four months later, he lost a World Heavyweight Championship match against Triple H, after Edge interfered on October 19 at Taboo Tuesday, when the fans voted for him ahead of Edge and Chris Benoit to face Triple H one more time.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=116}}</ref> Following this, Michaels was out of action for a few months with a legit torn meniscus.<ref name="WWEProfile"/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=333}}</ref>

==== D-Generation X reunion (2005–2007) ==== {{See also|D-Generation X#Shawn Michaels and Triple H (2006–present)|l1=D-Generation X reunion}} At the Royal Rumble on January 30, 2005, after losing to Edge, Michaels competed in the Royal Rumble match and eliminated Kurt Angle. In seeking revenge, Angle re-entered the ring and eliminated Michaels, and thus placed him in an ankle lock submission hold, outside the ring.<ref name=RR2005>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=117}}</ref> Michaels issued a challenge to Angle for a match at WrestleMania 21, which Angle accepted when he appeared on ''Raw'' to attack Michaels.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 1, 2005 |title=RAW Results - 2/28/05 - Providence, R.I. (Kurt Angle, Batista/HHH) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1109657210.shtml |access-date=July 17, 2008 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Marty Jannetty and Michaels had a one time reunion as The Rockers and defeated La Résistance (Robért Conway and Sylvain Grenier).<ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url= http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1110863071.shtml|title=RAW Results - 3/14/05 - Atlanta, GA (Triple H v. Chris Benoit, more)|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=March 15, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Three days later on ''SmackDown!'', Angle defeated Jannetty, after Angle made Jannetty submit to the ankle lock.<ref>{{cite web|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|url= http://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1111123561.shtml|title=SmackDown Results - 3/17/05 - Savannah, GA (Angle vs. Jannetty)|access-date =July 17, 2008|date=March 18, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> To send a "message" to Michaels, Angle also humiliated Michaels's former manager, Sensational Sherri, when he applied the ankle lock hold on her.<ref>{{cite web|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|url= http://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1111728681.shtml|title=SmackDown Results - 3/24/05 - Memphis, TN (New WM Match, more)|access-date =July 17, 2008|date=March 25, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 3, Angle defeated Michaels by submission, again with an ankle lock.<ref name=RR2005/> {{multiple image | align = left | width = | image1 = WWE - Birmingham 210695 (19).jpg | alt1 = | image2 = Shawn-Michaels-signature-pose.jpg | alt2 = | footer = Michaels performing his signature pose, pictured in 1995 and 2008 | total_width = 400 }} The next night on ''Raw'', Muhammad Hassan and Daivari came out to confront and assault Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Nemer|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1112670613.shtml|title=RAW Results - 4/4/05 - Los Angeles, California (Fallout from Mania)|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=April 4, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the April 11 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels approached General Manager Eric Bischoff, in which he demanded a handicap match with Hassan and Daivari. Bischoff refused to schedule such a match and instead told Michaels to find a partner. Michaels then made a plea for Hulk Hogan to come back and team with him.<ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url= http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1113279748.shtml|title=Raw Results - 4/11/05 - Moline, IL (Batista Interview, HBK/Hassan)|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=April 12, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the April 18 episode of ''Raw'', Hassan again led an attack on Michaels until Hogan appeared to save Michaels and accept his offer.<ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1113883992.shtml|title=RAW Results - 4/18/05 - New York City, NY (HHH vs. JR, Hulk Hogan)|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=April 19, 2005|publisher= WrestleView.com}}</ref> At Backlash on May 1, Hogan and Michaels defeated Hassan and Daivari.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2005/results/ |title=WWE Backlash 2005 results |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date=July 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112123041/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2005/results/ |archive-date=November 12, 2007}}</ref> Later, in a WrestleMania rematch, Michaels defeated Kurt Angle (who was drafted to Raw in the draft lottery) on June 26 at Vengeance.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Sokol|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/27/1106996.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223073619/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/27/1106996.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 23, 2015|title=Batista retains with a Vengeance|access-date=February 3, 2011|date=June 27, 2005|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> On the July 4 episode of ''Raw'', after defeating Carlito and Kurt Angle, Michaels hit Hogan with his ''Sweet Chin Music'', knocking Hogan to the ground and turning heel.<ref name="july4">{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1120520901.shtml|title=RAW Results - 7/4/05 - Sacramento, CA - (Big Tag Team Main Event)|access-date=July 17, 2008|date=July 4, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Michaels appeared on ''Piper's Pit'' where he superkicked Roddy Piper and then challenged Hogan to a match at SummerSlam, which Hogan accepted the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1121140355.shtml|title=RAW Results - 7/11/05 - East Rutherford, NJ (Matt Hardy Returns...)|last=Golden|first=Hunter|date=July 11, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=August 4, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1121745844.shtml|title=RAW Results - 7/18/05 - Philadelphia, PA (Hulk Hogan answers HBK)|access-date=July 17, 2008|date= July 19, 2005|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Hogan defeated Michaels at SummerSlam on August 21, and after the match Michaels extended his hand to him, saying "I needed to know, and I found out" and he and Hogan shook hands. Michaels left the ring to allow Hogan to celebrate with the crowd, turning face once again.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=118}}</ref> He became the first person to cleanly defeat Chris Masters on September 18 at Unforgiven with ''Sweet Chin Music''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sokol |first=Chris |date=September 19, 2005 |title=Unforgiven marred by unfortunate ending |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/19/1223557.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/19/1223557.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the October 3 ''WWE Homecoming'' episode of ''Raw'', he wrestled old rival Kurt Angle to a 2–2 draw in a 30-Minute Iron Man match. Afterwards, he challenged Angle to sudden-death overtime, but Angle refused and walked out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Golden |first=Hunter |date=October 4, 2005 |title=RAW Results - 10/3/05 - Dallas, TX - (Homecoming to USA Network) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1128399622.shtml |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He was part of Team Raw at Survivor Series on November 27, but lost the match to Team SmackDown!.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Team SmackDown def. Team RAW (Classic Survivor Series Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2005/matches/134645811 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

On the December 26 episode of ''Raw'', Vince McMahon lauded Michaels for his part in the "Montreal Screwjob". Michaels said he was only being loyal to his company, he had moved on, and McMahon should move on as well. McMahon then began setting unusual stipulations for Michaels' matches and interfering on behalf of Michaels' opponents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01022006/|title=The Chamber awaits|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=January 2, 2006|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On January 29, 2006, at the Royal Rumble, McMahon made his way to the ring, and as Michaels stared at McMahon, Shane McMahon made a surprise appearance to eliminate Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/01/30/1418142.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630134336/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/01/30/1418142.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|title=Mysterio claims Rumble; Cena reigns again|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Nick Tylwalk |date=January 30, 2006|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=August 6, 2008}}</ref> On the February 13 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon unsuccessfully forced Michaels to sign retirement papers.<ref name="WM22" /> The following week, Michaels won a handicap match against the Spirit Squad (Kenny, Johnny, Mitch, Nicky and Mikey), after which Michaels's former partner, Marty Jannetty, saved him from the assault by the Spirit Squad. After the two reunited, McMahon offered Jannetty a contract if he "kissed his ass."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02202006/|title="Big Time" Pedigree|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> The following week, Jannetty refused McMahon's offer and instead took Chris Masters's "Masterlock challenge."<ref name="February 27">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/|title=Joining the Club|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=February 27, 2006|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Michaels tried to help Jannetty, which ultimately resulted in Shane attacking Michaels and forcing him to kiss his father's behind.<ref name="February 27" /> On March 18 at ''Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII'', Shane defeated Michaels in a Street Fight after he applied a sharpshooter on Michaels, leading to McMahon ordering for the bell to be rung though Michaels did not submit, which was an allusion to the "Montreal Screwjob".<ref>{{cite news|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 142|work=Looking at WWE: SNMW (March 18, 2006)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=April 20, 2006|page=25}}</ref> Despite interference from the Spirit Squad and Shane, Michaels defeated McMahon on April 2 at WrestleMania 22 in a No Holds Barred match.<ref name="WM22">{{cite video|date=2006|title=WrestleMania 22|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref> At Backlash on April 30, The McMahons (Vince and Shane) defeated Michaels and "God" with help from the Spirit Squad in a no disqualification tag team match.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=121}}</ref> On the May 22 episode of ''Raw'', the Spirit Squad was scripted to injure Michaels's knee.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|date=May 22, 2006|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05222006/|title=Apology Accepted?|access-date=July 16, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> This angle was written so Michaels could have surgery on his knee, which had been legitimately injured for some time.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Injuries shelve Benoit, HBK|date=May 28, 2006|journal=Chicago Sun-Times|page=A70}}</ref>

[[File:D-Generation X.jpg|thumb|upright=1.04|Triple H and Michaels as DX in 2006]]In 2006, a series of events took place which suggested a reunion of Michaels and Triple H as DX. They began at WrestleMania 22, where both Michaels and Triple H performed the crotch chop during their matches.<ref name="WM22" /> On ''Raw'', the two continued to deliver chops, as Michaels feuded with Vince McMahon and Triple H went to challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship, repeatedly butting heads with Vince McMahon in the process. On the June 12 episode of ''Raw'', DX officially reunited.<ref name="June12" /> During Triple H's gauntlet match, which had him compete against the Spirit Squad. Michaels came in to help Triple H, and the two did the DX "crotch chops."<ref name="June12">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1150169113.shtml|title=Raw Results – 6/12/06 – Penn State University (DX returns & more)|last=Golden|first=Hunter|date=June 12, 2006|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=August 6, 2008}}</ref> On June 25 at Vengeance, DX defeated the Spirit Squad in a 5��on–2 handicap match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/21/1646013.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709100351/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/21/1646013.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2015|title=DX returns with a Vengeance|first=Dale|last=Plummer|author2=Tylwalk, Nick |access-date=July 16, 2008|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> They also defeated the Spirit Squad on July 15 at ''Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII'' in a 5-on-2 elimination match and defeated The McMahons on August 20 at SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite web|title=DX beats the odds|first=Jen|last=Hunt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/|access-date=July 13, 2008|date=August 20, 2006|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=September 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902082442/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> At Unforgiven on September 17, DX defeated the McMahons and ECW World Champion The Big Show in a Hell in a Cell match, ending the feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/18/1857195.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930095728/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/18/1857195.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2017|title=Unforgiven just averages out|last=Elliott|first=Brian|date=September 18, 2006|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=August 6, 2008}}</ref>

At Cyber Sunday on November 5, DX lost to Rated-RKO (Edge and Randy Orton) after fan-selected referee Eric Bischoff allowed the illegal use of a steel chair to give Rated-RKO the ill-gotten win and the plaudit of being the first tag team to defeat DX in a tag team match since their reformation in June 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=122}}</ref> On November 26 at Survivor Series, Team DX emerged victorious against Team Rated-RKO in a clean sweep victory.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|title=Survivor Series PPV Results - 11/26 - Philadelphia, PA (New champs)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1164599352.shtml|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=November 26, 2006}}</ref> At New Year's Revolution on January 7, 2007, Triple H suffered a legit torn right quadriceps during their match with Rated-RKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/exclusives/triplehinjury|title=Triple H tears quadriceps tendon|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=January 8, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127033201/http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/exclusives/triplehinjury|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rated-RKO claimed victory over DX, citing Triple H's injury, as the "end" of DX.<ref>{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Starr|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01082007/|title=Umaga spikes back|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=January 8, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On the January 15 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels lived up to his word of "dealing" with Rated-RKO, from his comments the previous week before,<ref>{{cite web|last=Golden|first=Hunter|date=January 8, 2007|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1168318587.shtml|title=Raw Results – 1/8/07 – St. Louis, MO – (Fallout from ''NY Revolution'')|access-date=September 21, 2008|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01082007/|title=Umaga spikes back|date=January 8, 2007|last=Starr|first=Noah|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=September 21, 2008}}</ref> when he took out Randy Orton with a con-chair-to after a handicap match against Edge and Orton.<ref>{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Starr|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01152007/|title=DX lives|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=January 15, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 28, Michaels was the last man eliminated in the Royal Rumble match by the winner of the match, The Undertaker.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dee |first=Louie |date=January 28, 2007 |title=A Phenom-enal Rumble |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2007/matches/35535102/results/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104705/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2007/matches/35535102/results/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== Various feuds and championship pursuits (2007–2009) ==== [[Image:Michaels-Cena.jpg|thumb|left|Michaels confronting John Cena on an episode of ''Raw'' in 2007]] On the January 29 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels captured the World Tag Team Championship with WWE Champion John Cena after defeating Rated-RKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/4065380 |title=John Cena & Shawn Michaels first World Tag Team title reign |access-date=July 12, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716173509/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/4065380 |archive-date=July 16, 2007}}</ref> At WrestleMania 23 on April 1, Cena retained the WWE Championship against Michaels after making him submit to the STFU.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|title=Detroit, Champ City|date=April 1, 2007|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161841/results/|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 16, 2008|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811002409/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161841/results|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Michaels and Cena competed in two back-to-back ten team battle royals, winning the first and losing the World Tag Team Championship in the second to The Hardys (Matt and Jeff) when Michaels threw Cena over the top rope.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04022007/|title=HBK dumps Cena|first=Noah|last=Starr|access-date=April 5, 2007|date=April 2, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Michaels faced off with Cena, Edge and Randy Orton in a fatal four-way match on April 29 at Backlash for the WWE Championship, where Cena retained the title after Michaels performed Sweet Chin Music on Cena, causing him to fall on Orton for the pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|date=April 29, 2007|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627071202/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 27, 2015|title=No filler makes for a consistent Backlash|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=July 16, 2008}}</ref>

Michaels then entered a feud with Randy Orton when Orton claimed that he could beat Michaels.<ref name="May 14">{{cite web |last=Golden |first=Hunter |date=May 14, 2007 |title=WWE Raw Results – May 14, 2007 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1179200969.shtml |access-date=July 17, 2008 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> The week before their scheduled match on May 20 at Judgment Day, after Michaels won a match against then-World Heavyweight Champion Edge, Orton attacked him by punting Michaels in the head.<ref name="May 14"/> Orton assaulted Michaels again prior to their match at Judgment Day, interrupting Michaels's interview segment.<ref name="JD">{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/exclusives/hbkconcussions|title=Is it over for HBK?|access-date=May 25, 2007|date=May 21, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Michaels collapsed during their match, causing Orton to win by referee stoppage.<ref name="JD"/> Orton continued the beating and performed an RKO to a fallen Michaels, who was removed out of the ring in a stretcher.<ref name="JD"/> During the feud, Michaels suffered a storyline concussion. This injury was used to keep Michaels out of action, as he required surgery for his knee.<ref>{{cite journal|first=John|last=Mihaly|title=The Showstopper Must Go On|journal=WWE Magazine|date=February 2008|pages=18–20}}</ref> Michaels made his return on the October 8 episode of ''Raw'', performing Sweet Chin Music to newly crowned WWE Champion Randy Orton during his title ceremony at the end of the show and then celebrating over the knocked-out champion as Vince McMahon watched.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last= Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10082007/articles/hbkreturns|title=HBK shows Orton his 'appreciation'|access-date=October 9, 2007| date=October 8, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On October 28 at Cyber Sunday, Michaels was voted by the fans to face Orton for the WWE Championship, though he won via disqualification when Orton hit Michaels with a low blow, which resulted in Orton retaining the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/history/2007/matches/52676102/results/|title=Sweet Chin Grand Slam|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|date=October 28, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 16, 2008|archive-date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530044351/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/history/2007/matches/52676102/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Michaels got another opportunity at the WWE Championship, when he was granted his rematch against Orton on November 18 at Survivor Series.<ref name=ss07>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519180931/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Survivor Series ends with an Edge|access-date=January 29, 2008|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|date=November 19, 2007|first=Dale|last=Plummer|author2=Tylwalk, Nick }}</ref> In their match, Michaels was banned from using Sweet Chin Music upon request by Orton, referring to as Michaels superkicking Orton week after week.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/exclusives/hbkhandcuffed|title=The music is silenced|access-date=February 7, 2008|date=November 7, 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=December 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220091205/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/exclusives/hbkhandcuffed|url-status=dead}}</ref> Michaels lost the match, when Orton performed an RKO for the win, which ended their feud.<ref name=ss07/>

[[Image:Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV.jpg|right|thumb|Michaels looking at the crowd at WrestleMania XXIV before his match with Ric Flair]] Michaels defeated and ended Ric Flair's career in a Career Threatening match on March 30, 2008, at WrestleMania XXIV.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2008/matches/6464438/results/|title=The End|access-date=March 31, 2008|date=March 30, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=February 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226015754/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2008/matches/6464438/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Afterwards, Batista confronted Michaels about his actions at WrestleMania, calling him selfish and egotistical.<ref>{{cite web|first= Mitch|last=Passero|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04042008/|title=Mixed Emotions|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=April 4, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On April 27 at Backlash, with Chris Jericho as the guest referee, Michaels defeated Batista.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1209351283.shtml|title=Backlash PPV Results – 4/27 – Baltimore, MD ('New WWE Champion')|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=April 27, 2008|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=August 6, 2008}}</ref> Jericho then confronted Michaels, in which he admitted to faking a knee injury in order to defeat Batista.<ref>{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Rote|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05122008/|title=No time wasted|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=May 12, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Michaels defeated Jericho on May 18 at Judgment Day.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Kapur|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630141635/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|title=Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows|access-date=June 16, 2008|date=May 18, 2008|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> At One Night Stand on June 1, Michaels lost to Batista in a stretcher match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/matches/7117260/results/|access-date=July 16, 2008|title=Promise kept|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=June 1, 2008|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104303/http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/matches/7117260/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the June 9 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels was attacked by Chris Jericho during his talk show segment, ''The Highlight Reel'', being thrown directly through a television screen.<ref>{{cite web|first=Aubrey|last=Sitterson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06092008/|title=Cash and Burn|access-date=July 16, 2008|date=June 9, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> The following week, it was revealed that, within the context of the storyline, Michaels had suffered a detached retina.<ref name="eye">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08042008/articles/michaelsinjuryupdate|title=Truth revealed: Michaels' double injury|access-date=August 12, 2008|date=August 4, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On July 20 at The Great American Bash, Jericho defeated Michaels by referee stoppage after assaulting Michaels's eyes.<ref name="eye"/>

At SummerSlam on August 17, Michaels announced his retirement from professional wrestling. That night, Jericho punched Michaels's wife in the face.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710211048/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|title=SummerSlam comes close to 'blockbuster' status|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Nick Tylwalk |date=August 17, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=July 28, 2009}}</ref> On the August 25 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels renounced his retirement and challenged Jericho to an unsanctioned match at Unforgiven on September 7, which Jericho accepted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08252008/|title=Championship Scramble scrambled|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=August 25, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=September 11, 2008}}</ref> The next week, they had a contract signing for the match and were involved in a brawl, causing a legitimate small triceps tear for Michaels.<ref name="triceps">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09012008/articles/shawnmichaelsinjurestricep|title=Triceps injury won't stop HBK from going to Unforgiven|date=September 2, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=September 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2008/09/|title=Unforgiven thoughts|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=September 8, 2008|work=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=September 15, 2008}}</ref> He was medically cleared to compete at Unforgiven, and beat Jericho so severely that the referee called the match, making Michaels the winner.<ref name="scramble">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519215513/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=September 8, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=September 15, 2008}}</ref> Later that night, Jericho replaced CM Punk in the World Heavyweight Championship scramble match, and won the title.<ref name="scramble" /> On October 5 at No Mercy, Michaels was defeated by Jericho in a ladder match for the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Golden |first=Hunter |date=September 15, 2008 |title=Raw Results – 9/15/08 – Memphis, TN (Jericho vs. Punk & 'No Mercy') |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2008/1221538363.shtml |access-date=March 24, 2009 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>

[[File:HBK & jbl.jpg|thumb|left|Shawn Michaels feuded with John Bradshaw Layfield in early 2009.]]In December, having lost his family's savings due to the global recession, Michaels grudgingly accepted a one-year general employment contract from John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/12/14/7749336.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519074015/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/12/14/7749336.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Armageddon: Hardy finally breaks through|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=December 14, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date= March 12, 2009}}</ref> After failing to help JBL win the World Heavyweight Championship from John Cena on January 25, 2009, at the Royal Rumble,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2009/matches/9029646/results/|title=Beating the odds|date=January 25, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=March 12, 2009|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531011755/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2009/matches/9029646/results/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and being derided for it, Michaels agreed to face JBL in "All or Nothing" match at No Way Out on February 15,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02022009/|title=Missouri loves company|last=Adkins|first=Greg|date=February 2, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=March 12, 2009}}</ref> which Michaels won thus letting him out of his contract early while still receiving full payment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/matches/8281270/results/|title=Sweet Chin Music to our ears|last=Vermillion|first=James|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=March 12, 2009|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305055849/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/matches/8281270/results|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On the March 2 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels became the first person to defeat Vladimir Kozlov, and so earned a match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 on April 5,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03022009/|title=Breaking the news|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=March 2, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=March 3, 2009}}</ref> which he lost thus extending The Undertaker's WrestleMania winning streak to 17–0.<ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania encounter">{{cite news |last=Matthews |first=Graham |date=March 25, 2011 |title=WrestleMania 25: The Most Disappointing WrestleMania of All Time |work=Bleacher Report |location= |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/645529-wrestlemania-25-the-most-disappointing-wrestlemania-of-all-time |access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/25/matches/9074020|access-date=May 5, 2012|date=April 1, 2009|title=Undertaker def. Shawn Michaels|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Their match was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike and is now considered by many to be one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time.<ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania 25 theme">{{cite news |last=Dilbert |first=Ryan |date=March 8, 2013 |title=WrestleMania Classics: What Made Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker so Great |work=Bleacher Report |location= |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1558102-wrestlemania-classics-what-made-shawn-michaels-vs-undertaker-so-great |access-date=February 25, 2022}}</ref> After WrestleMania, Michaels took a four-month hiatus from WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2009/12/shawn-michaels-im-taking-time-off-after-wrestlemania-523917/|title=Shawn Michaels: I'm Taking Time Off After WrestleMania|work=Wrestling Inc.|date=10 December 2009|last=Clark|first=Ryan|access-date=20 January 2024}}</ref>

==== Final matches and second retirement (2009–2010) ==== [[File:Bret vs HBK Jan 4 2010.jpg|right|upright=1.09|thumb|Michaels reconciles with Bret Hart in January 2010.]] Michaels returned to WWE programming in a series of segments that aired on the August 10 episode of ''Raw'', where he had, in storyline, left the WWE. Triple H met with Michaels at an office cafeteria in Texas where he was working as a chef; throughout the segments, Triple H tried to convince Michaels to return to WWE and reform DX. After several incidents during the segments, Michaels agreed to team with Triple H to face The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase) at SummerSlam on August 23,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/ |title=North of disorder |date=August 10, 2009 |first=Greg |last=Adkins |access-date=August 10, 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514184356/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/ |archive-date=May 14, 2008}}</ref> where DX defeated Legacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/11196552/results/|title=Results: How DX won the war|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=August 23, 2009|access-date=August 24, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221433/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/11196552/results|url-status=dead}}</ref> At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 13, DX defeated Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) to win the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match (TLC).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37357.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Report 12/13: Complete PPV report on Cena vs. Sheamus, DX vs. JeriShow, Taker vs. Batista|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 13, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 14, 2009}}</ref> On the January 4, 2010, episode of ''Raw'', Michaels buried the hatchet with long-time rival Bret Hart, as they shook hands and hugged in the ring. In contrast to the storylines featured on the show, this was in fact a legitimate reconciliation which laid to rest animosities surrounding the Montreal Screwjob. While some cast doubts on its sincerity, both men have confirmed that it was indeed genuine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/Back+Ring/2425695/story.html |title=Back in the Ring: Hart seeks closure in comeback |work=Calgary Sun |first=Heath |last=McCoy |access-date=January 11, 2010 |date=January 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308020451/http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Back+Ring/2425695/story.html |archive-date=March 8, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/03/qa_with_shawn_michaels_1.html|title=Q&A with Shawn Michaels|work=The Baltimore Sun|first=Kevin|last=Eck|date=May 16, 2007|access-date=April 4, 2010|archive-date=March 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330074622/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/03/qa_with_shawn_michaels_1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> DX lost the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship in a triple threat match to the team of The Miz and Big Show on the February 8 episode of ''Raw''; the match also included The Straight Edge Society (CM Punk and Luke Gallows).<ref>{{cite web|first= Greg|last=Adkins|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02082010/|title=Raw's pit stomp|access-date=February 9, 2010|date=February 8, 2010| publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> On February 21 at Elimination Chamber, Michaels cost The Undertaker the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event.<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/matches/13422574/results/|title=Heartbroken|access-date=February 21, 2010|date=February 21, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116083719/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/matches/13422574/results|url-status=dead}}</ref> At WrestleMania XXVI on March 28, Michaels lost to The Undertaker and, as a result, he was forced to retire due to the match stipulation, the same way Michaels ended Ric Flair's career.<ref name="Michaels vs. Taker">{{cite web|first=Dale|last=Plummer|author2=Nick Tylwalk|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310071907/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI|access-date=October 29, 2010|date=March 29, 2010|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> The following night, on the March 29 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels gave an emotional farewell speech, departing with the familiar sentence, "Shawn Michaels has left the building."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/29/13402836.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927120248/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/29/13402836.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 27, 2015|title=Raw: HBK says farewell to the WWE Universe|date=March 29, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=March 30, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

In an interview with Bill Simmons of ESPN.com shortly after his retirement, Michaels stated that his decision to retire came a month before WrestleMania 25, when a backstage employee asked about his son Cameron, and, in response to Shawn telling the employee that he'd just turned nine, the employee said that he was "halfway gone"; meaning that he was halfway to his eighteenth birthday, and after that, he'd be "gone". The statement affected Michaels deeply; he did not want to be absent when his son left home, so he decided that year would be his last year as an active wrestler.<ref>{{cite web |last=Simmons |first=Bill |date=August 13, 2010 |title=WWE News: Shawn Michaels explains why he retired and why he will not return for another match, comments on his relationship with Vince McMahon |url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10013529.shtml |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

==== WWE Hall of Fame and sporadic appearances (2010–2018) ====

On the December 13 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels won the Slammy Award for Moment of the Year for his match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI and accepted it via satellite.<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 Slammy Awards |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/ |access-date=December 14, 2010 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-date=December 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217031557/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Three days later, he announced a long-term deal with WWE, where he would serve in an ambassadorial role.<ref>{{cite news|first=Anthony|last=Castellano|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/shawn-michaels-announces-long-term-deal-with-wwe-w15897|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223120455/http://www.newsday.com/sports/the-steel-cage-1.811995/shawn-michaels-announces-long-term-deal-with-wwe-1.2551687|url-status=live|archive-date=December 23, 2010|title=Shawn Michaels announces "long-term" deal with WWE|access-date=December 22, 2010|date=December 18, 2010|work=Newsday}}</ref> Michaels made his in-person television return at the December 11 ''Tribute to the Troops'' taping, where he and Triple H had a one-night only DX reunion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=December 12, 2010 |title=Spoilers: WWE 2010 Tribute to the Troops results |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292171243 |access-date=December 21, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>[[File:Hall of fame 2011.jpg|thumb|left|Michaels at WrestleMania XXVII, with other 2011 WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]Michaels appeared on the January 10, 2011, episode of ''Raw'', where he was announced as a WWE Hall of Fame class of 2011 inductee. After being ridiculed by Alberto Del Rio later that night, Michaels hit Del Rio with ''Sweet Chin Music''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/16786978/|title=Tennessee titan|access-date=January 11, 2011|date=January 10, 2011|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=March 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309173130/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/16786978/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the March 28 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels addressed Triple H and The Undertaker about their match at WrestleMania XXVII.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dale|last=Plummer|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/28/17788296.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710193845/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/28/17788296.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|title=Raw: One last push toward Wrestlemania|access-date=March 30, 2011|date=March 28, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> Michaels was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2 by Triple H. They were also joined by fellow Kliq members Kevin Nash (who had returned to WWE for the Royal Rumble) and Sean Waltman.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Eck|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/201/04/thoughts_on_wwe_hall_of_fame_ceremony_1.html|title=Thoughts on WWE Hall of Fame ceremony|access-date=October 30, 2011|date=April 3, 2011|work=The Baltimore Sun}}{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> He returned on the June 27 episode of ''Raw'', where he was confronted by CM Punk, and superkicked David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty. Later that night, when Diamond Dallas Page's special appearance was interrupted by Drew McIntyre, he superkicked McIntyre.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dale|last=Plummer|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/27/18343201.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310152108/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/27/18343201.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Punk overshadows Raw Roulette|access-date=October 30, 2011|date=June 27, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

In June 2011, Jim Ross, Michaels and Hart announced that the three were working on a DVD chronicling the careers of Hart and Michaels that the WWE was planning to release in October 2011. The subject of the DVD was their on-screen rivalry and real-life conflicts, with a particular focus on the Montreal Screwjob. In his tweet, Hart described working on the DVD as a "cathartic" experience, and Ross asserted that both Hart and Michaels had been very honest and emotional in their interviews. The DVD, ''Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart: WWE's Greatest Rivalries'', was released in November 2011.<ref name="SLAM!">{{cite web |last=Byer |first=Matthew |date=November 6, 2011 |title=Bret vs Shawn DVD doesn't disappoint |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/11/06/bret-vs-shawn-dvd-doesnt-disappoint/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

On the February 13, 2012, episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Michaels confronted Triple H about accepting The Undertaker's challenge for a Hell in a Cell match on April 1 at WrestleMania XXVIII, and announced he would be the special guest referee for it.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE Raw SuperShow: February 13, 2012 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-02-13 |access-date=February 13, 2012 |website= |date=February 7, 2012 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels appeared on the August 6 episode of ''Raw'' where he was confronted by Brock Lesnar,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herrera |first1=Tom |title=Raw results: Big Show KOs his foes; Shawn Michaels backs Triple H at SummerSlam |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-08-06/wwe-raw-results |access-date=August 6, 2012 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref> who (kayfabe) broke Michaels's arm after putting it in a ''Kimura Lock'' the following week.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herrera |first1=Tom |title=Raw results: Brock Lesnar unleashes a world of pain on Shawn Michaels |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-08-13/wwe-raw-results |access-date=August 13, 2012 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the April 1, 2013, episode of ''Raw'', Michaels returned to offer to corner Triple H in his match with Brock Lesnar on April 7 at WrestleMania 29.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=Raw results: The Rock vows victory, HBK returns, and CM Punk strikes the heart of The Undertaker |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-04-01/wwe-raw-results |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref> During that match, Michaels superkicked an interfering Paul Heyman, helping Triple H win and keep his job.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=March 18, 2013 |title=Triple H def. Brock Lesnar (No Holds Barred Match; If Lesnar won, Triple H would have had to retire) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/triple-h-brock-lesnar |access-date=April 7, 2013 |website= |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

At Hell in a Cell on October 27, Michaels served as the special guest referee for the vacant WWE Championship Hell in a Cell match between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton, performing Sweet Chin Music on Bryan so Orton could win.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=October 7, 2013 |title=Randy Orton def. Daniel Bryan |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2013/daniel-bryan-vs-randy-orton-wwe-championship-hell-in-a-cell-match |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

On April 3, 2016, at WrestleMania 32, Michaels made an appearance during the event in his in-ring attire, confronting The League of Nations alongside Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin, where Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music to Alberto Del Rio and King Barrett before celebrating with Foley, Austin and The New Day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAvennie |first=Michael |date=April 3, 2016 |title=The League of Nations def. The New Day (Non-Title Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/new-day-league-nations-results |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> In late 2016, Michaels became a trainer at the WWE Performance Center.<ref>{{cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=August 15, 2016 |title=Shawn Michaels teaching class at WWE Performance Center |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/shawn-michaels-teaching-class-wwe-performance-center-218711 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> According to ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' in 2017, Michaels along with Terry Taylor teach the finishing class at the Performance Center, the last of four levels of classes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Radican |first1=Sean |date=September 6, 2017 |title=Update on newly signed former ROH talent at WWE's Performance Center |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/06/update-newly-signed-roh-talent-wwes-performance-center-plans-dijak-rush-differ-oreilly-cole-fish/ |access-date=September 7, 2017 |website= |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He appeared on the January 9, 2017, episode of ''Raw'' to promote his new film. He was then confronted by Rusev, Lana and Jinder Mahal, before Enzo Amore and Big Cass came to Michaels's side, leading to a match between Big Cass and Mahal, which Cass won after Michaels superkicked Rusev at ringside, distracting Mahal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=January 9, 2017 |title=WWE RAW Results – 1/9/17 (Live from New Orleans, Undertaker and HBK return, Handicap U.S. Title Match) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/71612-wwe-raw-results-1917-live-new-orleans-undertaker-hbk-return-handicap-u-s-title-match/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the March 13 episode of ''Raw'', Michaels gave Roman Reigns advice about The Undertaker for their match at WrestleMania 33, before Braun Strowman attacked Reigns on the entrance ramp.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=March 13, 2017 |title=WWE RAW Results – 3/13/17 (Tag Title No. 1 Contenders Match) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/74332-wwe-raw-results-no-1-contenders-match/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> He was one of the many WWE legends who appeared on the January 22, 2018, episode of Raw 25 Years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raw 25 results, Jan. 22, 2018: Braun Strowman crushes the competition in brutal melee on Raw's epic 25th Anniversary |date=January 16, 2018 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-01-22 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

At Super Show-Down on October 6, Michaels assisted Triple H in defeating The Undertaker, after which, he was attacked by The Undertaker and Kane.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=October 6, 2018 |title=Triple H def. The Undertaker |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/the-undertaker-triple-h-results |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Michaels appeared with Triple H, announcing that he was coming out of retirement for one final match and reforming D-Generation X.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 8, 2018 |title=10/08 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Shawn Michaels and Triple H respond to being attacked by Undertaker and Kane at WWE Super Show-Down, Trish Stratus appearance, two WWE Super Show-Down rematches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/08/10-08-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-shawn-michaels-and-triple-h-respond-to-being-attacked-by-undertaker-and-kane-at-wwe-super-show-down-trish-stratus-appears-heading-into-her-match-with-alexa-bli/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> On November 2 at Crown Jewel, D-Generation X defeated The Brothers of Destruction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 2, 2018 |title=D-Generation X def. The Brothers of Destruction |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/triple-h-shawn-michaels-the-undertaker-kane-results |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> The match was poorly received by fans and critics alike, winning the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's "Worst Match of the Year" award, although PWTorch's Wade Keller considered that "Michaels shows glimpses and didn't embarrass himself".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=November 2, 2018 |title=WWE CROWN JEWEL RESULTS 11/2: Keller's report on Styles vs. Joe, Strowman vs. Lesnar, World Cup tournament, Michaels & Triple H vs. Kane & Undertaker |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-11-2-kellers-report-on-styles-vs-joe-strowman-vs-lesnar-world-cup-tournament-michaels-triple-h-vs-kane-undertaker/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== NXT and corporate roles (2018–present) ==== [[File:2014-04-05 10-32-23 NEX-6 DSC08044 (13942380204) (cropped).jpg|thumb|240x240px|Michaels on an episode of NXT in 2014]] In November 2018, Michaels announced he was officially working as a writer and producer on WWE's NXT brand and show, under former D-Generation X cohort Paul Levesque.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Windsor |first=William |date=November 26, 2018 |title=Shawn Michaels Reveals That He Helps Write NXT TV, Talks Getting Advice From Triple H For Talent |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2018/11/shawn-michaels-reveals-that-he-helps-write-nxt-tv-648218/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref> In April 2019, Michaels was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time, this time as a member of D-Generation X.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Fiorvanti |first=Tim |date=February 18, 2019 |title=D-Generation X to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame |url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/26024475 |access-date=February 18, 2019 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> He appeared at Survivor Series on November 22, 2020, during The Undertaker's retirement ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 22, 2020 |title=WWE Survivor Series results: Powell's review of Undertaker's Final Farewell, Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns, Asuka vs. Sasha Banks, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. The Street Profits, Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn in champion vs. champion matches, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown in Survivor Series elimination matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/22/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-review-of-undertakers-final-farewell-drew-mcintyre-vs-roman-reigns-asuka-vs-sasha-banks-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-the-street-profits-bobby-lashl/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In September 2021, Levesque stepped away from the brand after experiencing a "cardiac incident". Michaels, in his role as Vice President of Talent Development, took over responsibility for the running of the NXT shows.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Shawn Michaels Steps Up for Best Friend Triple H After Health Scare |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/10/26/wwe-nxt-shawn-michaels-triple-h-halloween-havoc |access-date=August 12, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> In September 2022, his job title was confirmed as Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, responsible for both creative and development at NXT, and for the expansion of NXT UK into NXT Europe in 2023.<ref name="Senior" />

On January 23, 2023, at Raw is XXX, Michaels again reunited with D-Generation X (without Billy Gunn, as he was no longer under contract with WWE) until they and Kurt Angle were confronted by Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 24, 2023 |title=1/23 WWE Raw XXX results: Powell's live review of Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley in a No DQ match for the U.S. Title, The Usos vs. Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest for the Raw Tag Team Titles, Becky Lynch vs. Bayley in a cage match, Sami Zay goes to Tribal Court, legends return, the brand's final push for the Royal Rumble |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/23/1-23-wwe-raw-xxx-results-powells-live-review-of-austin-theory-vs-bobby-lashley-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-u-s-title-the-usos-vs-dominik-mysterio-and-damian-priest-for-the-raw-tag-team-titles-bec/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

== Legacy == thumb|left|upright=0.56|Michaels in 2008

Michaels is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time by both his peers and critics.<ref name="GOAT"/><ref name="SI">{{cite magazine |last1=Winkie |first1=Luke |date=July 26, 2016 |title=A definitive ranking of the top 101 wrestlers of all time |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/07/26/wwe-wcw-ecw-100-best-wrestlers-all-time |access-date=November 25, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=}}</ref> Ric Flair has called Michaels the greatest in-ring performer in WWE history.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Paqador|first=Hazel|title=Ric Flair names 14-time champion as best in-ring performer in WWE history|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-ric-flair-praises-shawn-michaels|date=2022-06-20}} </ref>

Michaels has received wide acclaim for several of his in-ring performances, earning a combined 15 ''Match of the Year'' awards from Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. His match against Ric Flair at WrestleMania 24 was named ''Match of the Decade'' by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, while critic Dave Meltzer awarded him with two five-star matches over the course of his career: the ladder match against Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X and the inaugural Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker at Bad Blood 1997. His match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 in 2009 was named by WWE itself as the greatest match in WrestleMania history.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cacciatore|first=Francesco|title=WWE Officially Names the Best WrestleMania Match in History, and it's Already Controversial|website=Screen Rant |url=https://screenrant.com/wwe-best-wrestlemania-match-all-time-undertaker-shawn-michaels-controversial/|date=2025-04-17}}</ref>

Following a series of acclaimed performances at WrestleMania, Michaels became widely known as '''Mr. WrestleMania'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Brian |date=March 30, 2017 |title=Is Shawn Michaels WWE's real 'Mr. WrestleMania?' Ranking the 15 best |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/is-shawn-michaels-wwes-real-mr-wrestlemania-ranking-the-15-best/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Lake |first=Jefferson |date=December 28, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens: Shawn Michaels inspired me to become a wrestler |url=https://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11187125/kevin-owens-shawn-michaels-inspired-me-to-become-a-wrestler |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Sumit Rehal of ''Independent'' ranked three of Michaels’ matches among the top ten WrestleMania matches of all time: versus Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X, versus Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII, and versus The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rehal |first=Sumit |date=April 5, 2014 |title=WrestleMania 30: Top ten WrestleMania matches of all time |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wrestlemania-30-top-ten-wrestlemania-matches-of-all-time-9241050.html |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Independent.co.uk}}</ref> In 2016, Dave Richard of ''CBS Sports'' ranked Michaels’ match against Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV as the greatest main event in WrestleMania history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Dave |date=April 3, 2016 |title=Ranking every WWE WrestleMania main event match from worst to best |url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ranking-every-wwe-wrestlemania-main-event-match-from-worst-to-best/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref>

His rivalry with Bret Hart has been widely recognized as one of the greatest in WWE history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shoemaker |first=David |date=November 7, 2011 |title=Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels: Behind One of WWE's Greatest Rivalries |url=https://grantland.com/features/one-wwe-greatest-rivalries/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Grantland}}</ref>

Michaels’ near hour-long match with John Cena on the April 23, 2007 episode of ''Monday Night Raw'' is frequently cited as the greatest match in the show’s history.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tjrwrestling.net/feature/match-review-john-cena-shawn-michaels-raw/ | title=(Almost) 5-Star Match Reviews: John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels - RAW, April 23rd, 2007 – TJR Wrestling | date=January 25, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a604970/win-john-cenas-greatest-rivalries-on-blu-ray-signed-by-the-man-himself/ | title=Win a signed John Cena WWE Blu-ray | website=Digital Spy | date=October 21, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/top-5-all-time-great-inter-generational-wrestling-showdowns-128721/ | title=Top 5 All-Time Great Inter-Generational Wrestling Showdowns | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=November 7, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/shawn-michaels-recuerda-su-lucha-de-una-hora-con-john-cena-en-wwe-raw/ | title=Shawn Michaels recuerda aquella lucha con John Cena | date=January 24, 2023 }}</ref>

Michaels has been cited as an influence by several wrestlers, including Chris Jericho,<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Jericho|first1=Chris|url=http://archive.org/details/lionstalearoundt00jeri|title=A lion's tale : around the world in spandex|last2=Fornatale|first2=Peter T.|date=2007|publisher=New York : Grand Central Pub.|others=Internet Archive|isbn=978-0-446-58006-9}}</ref> Kevin Owens,<ref name=":2" /> Seth Rollins,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paddock |first=Matty |date=January 11, 2018 |title=Seth Rollins: I want Shawn Michaels match |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11541746/seth-rollins-i-want-shawn-michaels-match |access-date=December 22, 2021 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Johnny Gargano,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/11/16/johnny-gargano-interview-nxt-takeover-wargames-aleister-black | title=Q&A: Johnny Gargano on NXT, the Browns and much more | date=November 16, 2018 }}</ref> and Adam Cole, among others.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Matthew |date=December 6, 2021 |title=Adam Cole Comments On Relationship With Shawn Michaels Following WWE Departure |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/12/adam-cole-comments-on-relationship-with-shawn-michaels-following-wwe-departure/|access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref>

== Personal life == Hickenbottom's first marriage, to Theresa Wood, soon ended in an amicably settled divorce.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=194}}</ref> He married Rebecca Curci, a former WCW Nitro Girl known as Whisper, at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on March 31, 1999.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=296}}</ref> Only the couple and an Elvis impersonator were present. They have a son named Cameron Kade (born January 15, 2000) and a daughter named Cheyenne (born August 19, 2004).<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=304}}</ref><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=329}}</ref>

In 1996, Hickenbottom posed for a non-nude layout in ''Playgirl''. Only after he posed did he discover ''Playgirl'' has a mostly homosexual readership, for which some of his fellow wrestlers teased him.<ref name="playgirl">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=233}}</ref>

Hickenbottom is ambidextrous, using his left hand for writing and his right hand for drawing. As a wrestler, he typically kicked with his right leg when performing his finishing move, but used either arm for his signature elbow drop. He had trouble differentiating between right and left, which affected his football games as a child.<ref name=sm15/>

In 1987, Hickenbottom developed a pattern of "heavy" substance abuse, which eventually alienated some of his closest friends, and may have explained his reputation for being difficult to work with during the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=May 24, 2012 |title=HBK Talks About Being Difficult To Work With In The 90's |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/shawn-michaels-talks-about-being-difficult-to-work-with-in-the-90s |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=SE Scoops |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shawn Michaels Reflects On His Behavior In The 90s, Addresses How He'd Handle Such A Troubled Talent |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/shawn-michaels-reflects-his-behavior-90s-addresses-how-he-d-handle-such-troubled-talent |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Fightful News |date=March 17, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zarka |first=J. P. |date=November 29, 2019 |title=Shawn Michaels and Vader {{!}} How HBK Sabotaged Vader's WWF Career |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/shawn-michaels-vader/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Stories |language=en-US}}</ref> He contemplated suicide in the late 1980s, and suggested that psychological intervention was "probably sorely needed" by the late 1990s. His wife Rebecca observed, "There was something in him that he despised, and he was self-destructing." He abandoned his drink-and-drugs lifestyle in 2002 out of fear that he would negatively influence his then two-year-old son.<ref name="HAT"/>

Hickenbottom became a born-again Christian on April 24, 2002.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Shawn Michaels|series=Off the Record with Michael Landsberg|series-link=Off the Record with Michael Landsberg|network=TSN|date=March 24, 2003}}</ref> He was raised a Catholic, but became a non-denominational Christian because of his wife's beliefs.<ref name="HAT"/> His later ring attire often incorporated cross symbols and he made a praying gesture on his knees during ring entrances. He was in the audience for a televised service of John Hagee's Cornerstone Church in his hometown of San Antonio, where he is also a Bible teacher.<ref name="HAT"/> In 2008, he appeared on a Trinity Broadcasting Network program with fellow wrestler Sting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbn.org/about/newsletter/index.php/793.html|title=TBN Newsletter|access-date=July 17, 2008|publisher=Trinity Broadcasting Network|archive-date=November 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121234502/http://www.tbn.org/about/newsletter/index.php/793.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Hickenbottom is also a long time fan of the San Antonio Spurs, he's attended home games since the late 1970s and had season tickets for the 1998-1999 lockout shortened National Basketball Association season as the Spurs won their first NBA Championship in franchise history during that time.

== Other media == === Television === Michaels was the host of the outdoor television show, ''Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures,'' in which he and his longtime friend, Keith Mark, owner and operator of the original MacMillan River Adventures camp in Yukon, Canada, hunted big-game animals around the world. This series aired on CarbonTV.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Watch the best outdoor shows for free on CarbonTV|url = http://www.carbontv.com/shows/shawn-michaels-mra/|website = CarbonTV|access-date = February 8, 2016}}</ref>

=== HBK Line === During their 2015–16 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League named a line, consisting of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel, the "HBK Line" due to the fact that the trio's first initials, of their last names, recall Michaels's "Heartbreak Kid" moniker.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bombulie |first=Jonathan |date=May 18, 2016 |title='HBK' line shines as Penguins take series lead against Lightning |newspaper=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |url=http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/10481193-74/game-penguins-hagelin |access-date=January 26, 2023}}</ref> Pens' game-day staff would regularly play Michaels's theme "Sexy Boy" over the Consol Energy Center PA system after goals or excellent shifts by line members.

After weeks of having fun with Penguins fans on Twitter, the team officially invited Michaels for their Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning (whose fanbase contains a sizable number of pro wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan and Titus O'Neil, due to Tampa long being a home base for many wrestlers), upon which Michaels accepted. Michaels met with Penguins' owner Mario Lemieux and sat with former Pittsburgh Steelers's defensive lineman Brett Keisel during the game. Keisel also gave Michaels a tour of the city including at the Steelers headquarters and having lunch at Primanti Brothers in the city's Strip District.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/05/22/shawn-michaels-pittsburgh-penguins-hbk-line-mario-lemieux-primanti-bros|title=Wrestler Shawn Michaels takes in Game 5 of Penguins-Lightning|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Marraza|first=Dan|date=May 22, 2016|access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref> The Penguins lost the game in overtime 4–3 but went on to defeat the Lightning in the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, eventually defeating the San Jose Sharks for the Stanley Cup.

Outside of his numerous appearances with WWE, it was not Michaels first visit to Pittsburgh. In 2013, he appeared at the opening of the first Field & Stream store in suburban Cranberry Township.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 11, 2014 |title=WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels 'like kid in a candy store' at new Field & Stream |url=http://www.wtae.com/news/local/butler/wwe-hall-of-famer-shawn-michaels-like-kid-in-a-candy-store-at-new-field-stream/-/10928542/21510198/-/29viiwz/-/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010070840/http://www.wtae.com/news/local/butler/wwe-hall-of-famer-shawn-michaels-like-kid-in-a-candy-store-at-new-field-stream/-/10928542/21510198/-/29viiwz/-/index.html |archive-date=October 10, 2013 |work=WTAE}}</ref>

While the Penguins successfully defended their Stanley Cup championship the following year, the HBK Line was broken up when Kessel was moved to the 2nd line with Evgeni Malkin and Bonino left the team in free agency.

=== Book === On February 10, 2015, Hickenbottom published an autobiography entitled ''Wrestling for My Life: The Legend, the Reality, and the Faith of a WWE Superstar''. It was co-written by David Thomas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Nick |date=February 10, 2015 |title=Shawn Michaels opens up on life after wrestling in revealing new book |newspaper=USA Today |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/02/wwe-shawn-michaels-book-wrestling-for-my-life |access-date=January 26, 2023}}</ref> *The Unauthorized History of DX. Triple H; Shawn Michaels; Aaron Williams (2009). WWE Books.

== Filmography == {|class="wikitable sortable" ! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | rowspan="2"| 2017 | ''The Resurrection of Gavin Stone'' | Doug | Debut |- | ''Pure Country: Pure Heart'' | Ted | |- | rowspan="2"| 2018 | ''Avengers of Justice: Farce Wars'' | Incredible Master Yoga | |- | ''The Marine 6: Close Quarters'' | Luke Trapper | |- | 2019 | ''90 Feet from Home'' | James Devine | |}

{|class="wikitable sortable" ! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Television |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 1996 | ''Baywatch'' | Vinnie | 1 episode |- | 1999 | ''Pacific Blue'' | Michael Shane | 2 episodes |}

== Video games == {|class="wikitable sortable" ! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | WWE video games |- ! Year ! Title ! Notes |- | rowspan="2"| 1992 | ''WWF Super WrestleMania'' | Video game debut Shawn was featured in the Sega Genesis version of the game, but was not in the SNES version |- | ''WWF WrestleMania: Steel Cage Challenge'' | |- | rowspan="3"| 1993 | ''WWF Royal Rumble'' | Cover athlete |- | ''WWF King of the Ring'' | |- | ''WWF Rage in the Cage'' | Cover athlete |- | 1994 | ''WWF Raw'' | |- | 1995 | ''WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game'' | Cover athlete |- | 1996 | ''WWF In Your House'' | Cover athlete |- | 1998 | ''WWF War Zone'' | |- | rowspan="2"| 1999 | ''WWF Attitude'' | |- | ''WWF WrestleMania 2000'' | |- | rowspan="2"| 2000 | ''WWF No Mercy'' | |- | ''WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role'' | |- | 2002 | ''WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth'' | |- | rowspan="3"| 2003 | ''WWE WrestleMania XIX'' | |- | ''WWE Raw 2'' | |- | ''WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain'' | |- | rowspan="3"| 2004 | ''WWE Day of Reckoning'' | |- | ''WWE Survivor Series'' | |- | ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw'' | |- | rowspan="3"| 2005 | ''WWE WrestleMania 21'' | |- | ''WWE Day of Reckoning 2'' | |- | ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'' | |- | 2006 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'' | |- | 2007 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' | |- | 2008 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' | Cover athlete |- | rowspan="2"| 2009 | ''WWE Legends of WrestleMania'' | |- | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' | |- | 2010 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'' | |- | rowspan="2"| 2011 | ''WWE All Stars'' | |- | ''WWE '12'' | |- | rowspan="2"| 2012 | ''WWE WrestleFest'' | |- | ''WWE '13'' | |- | 2013 | ''WWE 2K14'' | |- | rowspan="2"| 2014 | ''WWE SuperCard'' | |- | ''WWE 2K15'' | |- | 2015 | ''WWE 2K16'' | |- | 2016 | ''WWE 2K17'' | |- | rowspan="3"| 2017 | ''WWE Tap Mania'' | |- | ''WWE 2K18'' | |- | ''WWE Mayhem'' | |- | 2018 | ''WWE 2K19'' | |- | 2019 | ''WWE 2K20'' | |- | 2020 | ''WWE 2K Battlegrounds'' | |- | 2022 | ''WWE 2K22'' | |- | 2023 | ''WWE 2K23'' | |- | 2024 | ''WWE 2K24'' | |- | 2025 | ''WWE 2K25'' | |}

== Championships and accomplishments == [[File:WWE - Wembley Arena 140994 (12).jpg|thumb|Michaels as WWF Tag Team Champion during his reign with Diesel]] * '''American Wrestling Association''' ** AWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Marty Jannetty<ref name="slam"/> * '''''The Baltimore Sun''''' ** Feud of the Year (2008) {{small|vs. Chris Jericho}}<ref name="Baltimore2008">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2008 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2009-01-2008_awards_1-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=January 2, 2009|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204084430/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2009-01-2008_awards_1-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2007) {{small|vs. John Cena on ''Raw''}}<ref name="Baltimore2007">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2007 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-12-2007_awards-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=December 30, 2007|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135318/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-12-2007_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2008) {{small|vs. Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV}}<ref name="Baltimore2008"/> ** Match of the Year (2009) {{small|vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25}}<ref name="Baltimore2009">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2009 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=January 27, 2010|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135227/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. The Undertaker in a career vs. streak match at WrestleMania XXVI}}<ref name="Baltimore2010">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2010 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-02-2010_awards-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605095538/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-02-2010_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ** Wrestler of the Year (2008)<ref name="Baltimore2008"/> * '''Cauliflower Alley Club''' ** Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement/Lou Thesz Award (2018)<ref name="Cauliflower2018">{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Joseph|title=Shawn Michaels To Be Honored By Cauliflower Alley Club This April|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/shawn-michaels-honored-cauliflower-alley-club-april/|work=411Mania|date=February 10, 2018|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref> * '''CBS Sports''' ** Worst Angle of the Year (2018) {{small|with Triple H vs. The Undertaker and Kane}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/the-man-comes-around-becky-lynch-breaks-out-for-wwe-as-the-2018-wrestler-of-the-year/|title=The Man comes around: Becky Lynch breaks out for WWE as the 2018 Wrestler of the Year|last=Silverstein|first=Adam|date=December 26, 2018|work=CBS Sports}}</ref> * '''Central States Wrestling''' ** NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/> – with Marty Jannetty * '''Continental Wrestling Association''' ** AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times)<ref name="HAT"/><ref name="slam"/> – with Marty Jannetty<ref name=SouthernTag>{{cite book | first1=Royal |last1=Duncan |first2=Gary |last2=Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present |location=Waterloo, Ontario |orig-year=2000.|chapter= (Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title [Roy Welsch & Nick Gulas, Jerry Jarrett from 1977] | pages= 185–189| publisher=Archeus Communications |year=2006 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref><ref name=SouthernTagWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-t.html | title=Southern Tag Team Title | work=Wrestling-Titles | access-date=January 19, 2020}}</ref> * '''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''''' ** Feud of the Decade (2000–2009) vs. Chris Jericho ** Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Chris Jericho ** Match of the Decade (2000–2009) vs. Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV **Match of the Decade (2010–2019) {{Small|vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI}} ** Match of the Year (1993)<ref name="orlando"/> vs. Marty Jannetty on ''Monday Night Raw'' on May 17 ** Match of the Year (1994)<ref name="almanac">{{cite journal|title=PWI Awards|year=1996|journal=1996 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts}}</ref> vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at WrestleMania X ** Match of the Year (1995)<ref name=stopper/> vs. Diesel at WrestleMania XI ** Match of the Year (1996)<ref name=stopper/> vs. Bret Hart in an Iron Man match at WrestleMania XII ** Match of the Year (2004)<ref name="orlando">{{cite web|first=Chris |last=Olds |url=http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_sportsstuff/2008/03/24-days-of-w-17.html |title=24 days of WrestleMania Memorabilia Countdown: No. 7, Shawn Michaels |access-date=August 6, 2008 |date=March 24, 2008 |work=Orlando Sentinel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501174402/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_sportsstuff/2008/03/24-days-of-w-17.html |archive-date=May 1, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> vs. Chris Benoit and Triple H at WrestleMania XX ** Match of the Year (2005)<ref name="orlando"/> vs. Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21 ** Match of the Year (2006)<ref name="orlando"/> vs. Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred match at WrestleMania 22 ** Match of the Year (2007)<ref name="orlando"/> vs. John Cena on ''Raw'' on April 23 ** Match of the Year (2008)<ref name="orlando"/> vs. Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV ** Match of the Year (2009)<ref>{{cite journal|year=2010|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=31|issue=3|pages=78–79|title=PWI Award: Match of the year}}</ref> vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 ** Match of the Year (2010) vs. The Undertaker in a career vs. streak match at WrestleMania XXVI ** Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009) ** Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/01/achievement-awards-inspirational.html|title=Achievement Awards: Inspirational|date=January 4, 2010|access-date=January 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> ** Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1995, 1996)<ref name="almanac"/> **Stanley Wetson Award (2025)<ref>https://x.com/ShawnMichaels/status/2017316873910595698</ref> ** Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 1996<ref>{{cite journal|title=PWI Awards|year=2008|journal=2008 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|volume=29|issue=5|page=32|id= 1043-7576}}</ref> ** Ranked No. 10 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the ''PWI Years'' in 2003 ** Ranked No. 33 and No. 55 of the top 100 tag teams of the ''PWI Years'' with Marty Jannetty and Diesel, respectively, in 2003 * '''Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame''' ** Class of 2017 *'''Sports Illustrated''' **Ranked No. 8 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time <ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pullar III |first1=Sid |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref> * '''Texas All-Star Wrestling''' ** TASW Texas Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Paul Diamond<ref name="slam"/> **TASW Six-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Paul Diamond & DJ Peterson<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/c/taw/tas-6.html|title=TASW Texas 6-man Tag Team Title (Texas)|website=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> * '''Texas Wrestling Alliance''' ** TWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="2000 match">{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=April 4, 2013 |title=4/4 This Day in History |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/76554/44-this-day-in-history.html?p=1 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |website= |publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> * '''World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment / WWE''' ** WWF Championship (3 times)<ref name="slam"/> ** World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/> ** WWF Intercontinental Championship (3 times)<ref name="slam"/> ** WWF European Championship (1 time)<ref name=":0" /> ** WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/ |access-date=April 4, 2010 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> – with Triple H ** WWF/World Tag Team Championship (5 times)<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > World Tag Team |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/ |access-date=April 4, 2010 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> – with Diesel (2), Stone Cold Steve Austin (1), John Cena (1), Triple H (1) ** Royal Rumble (1995, 1996)<ref name="slam"/> ** First Grand Slam Champion<ref name="slam"/> ** Fourth Triple Crown Champion ** Slammy Award (15 times) *** Best Finisher (1997) *** Best Slammin' Jammin' Entrance (1996) *** Best Tag Team (1994) – with Diesel *** Best Threads (1996) *** Double-Cross of the Year (2013) – For turning on Daniel Bryan and costing him the WWE Championship at Hell in a Cell. *** Leader of the New Generation (1996) *** Master of Mat Mechanics (1996) *** Match of the Year (1994, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009) – vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at WrestleMania X; vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at SummerSlam; vs Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII; vs The Undertaker at Badd Blood: In Your House; vs Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV; vs The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 *** Moment of the Year (2010) – vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI *** Squared Circle Shocker (1996) – Won for collapsing; Owen Hart accepts the award for making Michaels collapse *** Worst Tag Team (1994) – with Diesel ** WWE Hall of Fame (2 times) ***Class of 2011 – individually ***Class of 2019 – as a member of D-Generation X<ref name=":1" /> * '''''Wrestling Observer Newsletter''''' ** Best Babyface (1996)<ref name=wonawards2009>{{cite news|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=February 1, 2010|title=2009 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–12|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> ** Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Chris Benoit and Triple H<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Chris Jericho<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Match of the Year (1994) vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at WrestleMania X<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Match of the Year (2008) vs. Chris Jericho in a ladder match at No Mercy<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Match of the Year (2009) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Match of the Year (2010) vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> ** Worst Match of the Year (2018) with Triple H vs. The Undertaker and Kane at Crown Jewel **Best Pro Wrestling DVD (2011) Greatest Rivalries: Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart ** Most Charismatic (1995, 1996)<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Tag Team of the Year (1989) with Marty Jannetty as The Rockers<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Worst Feud of the Year (2006) with Triple H vs. Shane and Vince McMahon<ref name=wonawards2009/> ** Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2003)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/hallofame.html|title=Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame|access-date=February 2, 2010|magazine=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|archive-date=July 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714111434/http://pwi-online.com/pages/hallofame.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="GOAT"> *{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1470551/5-wwe-dream-matches-never-happenned/|title=5 WWE dream matches that never happened|last=Aijaz|first=Rahul|date=July 31, 2017|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=August 7, 2017|quote=Michaels, often considered the greatest in-ring talent ever...}} *{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/from-the-bowery-wwe-top-50-superstars-of-all-time-disc-1/|title=From the Bowery: WWE Top 50 Superstars of All Time (Disc 1)|last=Leighty|first=Robert Jr.|date=February 2, 2011|website=411Mania|access-date=September 22, 2016|quote=This list was voted on by current WWE Super Stars. They asked every Super Star to rate their favorite performers of all time... 1) Shawn Michaels.}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/19/magic-memories-mania-j-styles-case-best-wrestler-since-shawn-michaels/|title=MAGIC, MEMORIES AND MANIA: A.J. Styles, the case for him being the best wrestler since Shawn Michaels|last=Valentino|first=Shawn|date=October 19, 2016|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 24, 2017|quote=Michaels was the greatest all-around wrestler of all time.}}</ref> }}

== Sources == * {{Cite book|title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment|first1=Shaun|last1=Assael|first2=Mike|last2=Mooneyham|publisher=Crown|year=2002|isbn=1-4000-5143-6|author1-link=Shaun Assael}} * {{Cite book|title=Heartbreak & Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story|first1=Shawn|last1=Michaels|first2=Aaron|last2=Feigenbaum|publisher=WWE Books (Pocket Books)|year=2005|location=New York, New York|isbn=978-0-7434-9380-2|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780743493802}}

==Further reading== * {{Cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} {{Wikiquote}} * {{Official website|http://www.theshawnmichaels.com/}} * {{IMDb name|id=0382582|name=Shawn Michaels}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Shawn Michaels}} {{Navboxes| |list1= {{AWA World Tag Team Championship}} {{WWE Hall of Fame}} {{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} {{WWE Championship}} {{World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)}} {{WWE Intercontinental Championship}} {{World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 2024–present)}} {{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}} {{WWE European Championship}} {{Royal Rumble winners}} {{New World Order}} {{D-Generation X}} {{WWE personnel}} }}

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Shawn Michaels

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