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Shawn Michaels is widely regarded as the greatest in-ring performer of the previous generation in WWE. The heartbreak kid has had numerous memorable matches with various competitors during his career. Wrestling Observer Newsletter's editor Dave Meltzer rated two matches involving Michaels the perfect score of 5 stars. Michaels' illustrious career saw him become 3 time WWE champion, one time World Heavyweight champion, 3-time Intercontinental champion, multiple royal rumble winner and the first ever grand slam champion. He also won various awards for the "match of the year" from different reputed wrestling magazines. The showstopper retired from in-ring competition at Wrestlemania 26 in 2010 after failing to snap The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak in a streak vs. career match. After that, he made some guest appearance as special guest referee in various matches.
However, latest reports suggest that WWE is insisting Shawn Michaels' to come out of retirement for wrestling some matches. If the legend decides to lace up his boots once again, most of us will be excited again. The dream matches he can have is numerous. AJ Styles is widely regarded as the Shawn Michaels of this generation. So a clash between these two would be mouth watering for the hardcore fans. Even AJ Styles once posted a fan-made picture of him and the showstopper staring at each other in twitter.
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The Royal Rumble mentioned in the poster was the 2017 edition of the event, which was held in Shawn Michaels' hometown of San Antonio. But the idea never saw the light as AJ was scheduled to defend his WWE championship against John Cena.
However, in the bigger picture, we feel that Shawn Michaels should not return for in-ring competition again. In this article, we will be taking a look at some reasons why we think so.
#3. He is no longer the Showstopper
Shawn Michaels was nicknamed Showstopper for a reason. Most of his fans and critics enjoyed his performance. The WWE fans applauded his high paced matches. He was a breath of fresh air in a roster that was filled with heavily built wrestlers. Even after returning from a life-threatening injury, Michaels went on to have a classic in his return match against Triple H at Summerslam 2002.
However, that Shawn Michaels has hung his boots. Michaels has not wrestled in 8 years. He is now 53 years old. It would be tough for him to produce a great match by his standards.
#2. His swan song was nothing short of perfect
Perfect - there are no other words to describe Shawn Michaels' retirement feud and match. His obsession with breaking the Undertaker's streak caused him to interfere in the Elimination Chamber match and superkick Taker costing his World Heavyweight Championship. This brilliant rivalry ultimately culminated in an outstanding match at Wrestlemania 26 which saw an emotional outburst from Michaels, Taker and the fans. The atmosphere was sad but beautiful. In professional wrestling or any sports in general, not everyone can boast of having such a beautiful retirement.
If Michaels came out of retirement now, all those moments would have been for nothing.
#1. WWE should not rely on part-timers.
After 2010, the interaction of part-timers, especially during the Wrestlemania season has increased by leaps and bounds. At Wrestlemania 33, 5 out of 10 matches in the main show involved at least one part-timer. This meant that most talents who spent 300+ days in a year working for WWE had to sit out or participate in the meaningless Battle Royale in the Wrestlemania pre-show.
If Michaels is to return, he will be given a marquee match at Wrestlemania 35. It is almost certain that part-timers like Triple H, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, The Undertaker, and Shane McMahon will be involved in some capacity. Also, The Rock is heavily rumoured to return for a match at the showcase of the immortals. Half of the Wrestlemania card is already occupied by part-timers. This will send a wrong message to the talents who work day in and day out and cannot make it into the biggest show of the year.
Conclusion: Whether Shawn Michaels will return or not is not yet confirmed. WWE has been planning to bring him back for a few matches for the past few years. But the heartbreak kid has declined every such attempt. Even though it would be a nostalgia trip to see him back in the ring, it isn't worth it. Shawn Michaels had one of the perfect farewells in professional wrestling, and it should remain that way.
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