“Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels (Michael Shawn Hickenbottom)
Billed height: 6’ 1”
Billed weight: 225 lbs.
Shawn Michaels has been known by many nicknames… the Heartbreak Kid, the Showstopper, the Headliner, the Main Event, the Icon and Mr. WrestleMania; all well deserved. Shawn had a career that was built on perseverance and controversy. Well known for his excellent ring work, pure charisma and high flying, Shawn was one of the first light heavyweights to compete and win the coveted WWE title, usually reserved for larger-than-life big men. In 1996, as champion, he consistently put on excellent match after match. His career was cut short due to a back injury in 1998… or was it? Shawn returned to active competition in 2002 and provided the WWE fans with some (more) of the greatest matches for the company. He earned the nickname “Mr. WrestleMania” after some outstanding performances with countless competitors such as, Razor Ramon, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle and of course the Undertaker… twice. He began in a tag team, with Marty Jannetty, known as the Rockers; where he had legendary tag matches in the late 80’s. It was there that Shawn became the staple for a former tag team competitor breaking free to become a singles star, eventually becoming WWE champion. Michaels also lead the controversial and groundbreaking faction known as D-Generation X. He has won countless major championships and is one of the most recognizable stars in professional wrestling. Shawn has also had somewhat of a checkered past, he along with a group of a few wrestlers known as “The Kliq” began to wield powerful backstage influence on the booking team, getting them pushed ahead of other people. Shawn was worthy of said push as his talent and natural charisma made him one of the most popular (and unpopular, when needed) superstars ever in the WWE.
Major Championships:
World Title (4 times; WWE)
Tag Team Title (6 times; WWE, Diesel, Steve Austin, John Cena, Triple H)
Intercontinental Title (3 times; WWE)
European Title (1 time; WWE)
Royal Rumble (1995, 1996)
