5 reasons why Shawn Michaels' initial WWE run was better than his second stint

Shawn Michaels is one of the finest performers to ever compete in WWE. Commonly known as The Heartbreak Kid (HBK), he had a decorated career in Vince McMahon's promotion.

Fans may infer that his 20 years of pursuit are split into two parts. Shawn Michaels was brought in the promotion as a tag team player with Marty Janetty. The two superstars were jointly booked as The Rockerz.

His first stint in WWE featured him rising to the top of the ladder. He successfully made a name for himself in professional wrestling when an unfortunate incident happened.

In 1998, Michaels suffered a career-threatening injury. He was forced to stay out of action for years. After a gap of 4 years, he returned to wrestle again.

With this, his second stint began in 2002. While he was already a well-known superstar, Michaels had to strengthen his stature, alongside brawling after a lengthy period. He proved his excellence once again.

Fans have always loved him at all times. But the topic as to which stint was better is often argued. We will review these five reasons why Shawn Michaels' initial run with WWE was better than his second run.

#5. Shawn Michaels was remarkable in Royal Rumble

Michaels is the first-ever superstar to win the Royal Rumble match after entering at number 1. He outlasted everyone else to accomplish this feat. Moreover, he won the next Royal Rumble too. In 1996, he became the second superstar to win the famous Battle Royale more than once.

There is an interesting fact associated with Michaels and Royal Rumble. In 1994, the only instance of two Royal Rumble winners occurred. Both Bret Hart and Lex Luger were acknowledged co-winners. As Michaels was the previous individual eliminated, he was the official runner-up of the Royal Rumble match.

He was spectacular in Royal Rumble matches during his first run in WWE, which is a reason why he was superior in the 90s.

#4. Shawn Michaels became the first-ever grand slam champion

Shawn Michaels is the first-ever WWE Grandslam champion in history. He accomplished this feat after defeating the British Bulldog for the WWF European championship.

Being a Grand Slam Champion is one of the tremendous achievements one can earn in WWE. To achieve the feat, one has to win a world title, secondary titles, and tag titles. Back then, The United States championship wasn't essential to be a grand slam champion, but one had to win either the European or the hardcore belt under the previous format.

Although Michaels became the Grand Slam Champion under an earlier format, he is still the first superstar to do so.

#3. Shawn Michaels put on some classic Ladder matches

During his first stint, HBK helped in popularizing ladder matches worldwide. He was also present during the first four matches with the stipulation in WWE.

Bret Hart and Michaels contested the first-ever ladder match to be televised in WWE. The latter was beaten defeated in the match.

He competed against Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X for the Undisputed WWF Intercontinental championship. This ladder match is considered by many to be a once-in-a-generation match and is still revered by many in the wrestling community.

#2. HBK defined the Attitude Era with D-Generation X

Shawn Michaels is well-known for various associations he has made. As the Heartbreak Kid, he hired two bodyguards. Both of them, Diesel and Sycho Sid, eventually turned on him.

He was also one of the core superstars in an era-defining stable D-Generation X. He and Triple H took it off to the limits to put their stable on the top. Like his bodyguards and any other union, the DX generation ultimately collided.

Nevertheless, the stable is one of the best factions in pro wrestling alongside the nWo.

#1. Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart is one of the best rivalries in WWE history

It is well known that there was something more than just an in-ring feud between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. With everything sorted now, it is best to peek behind and admire the chemistry between these fellows.

The rivalry between HBK and Hart is undeniably one of the best. They began feuding as a tag team (The Rockerz vs. The Hart Foundation), feuding over the Intercontinental Championship to the world title. The feud reached its climax in an infamous incident in Montreal.

Michaels has had numerous fantastic feuds since his return to WWE. But no other rivalry can be as important as the one he had with Bret Hart.