When we talk about some of the top WWE Superstars that recently retired from the ring, it is impossible to omit Shawn Michaels, also known as The Heartbreak Kid. His athletic ability and the excitement he brought to the ring helped the sport gain a new generation of fans that would follow his career and attempt to emulate his wrestling style.

Shawn Michaels was born in Chandler, Arizona, and as soon as he was old enough to appreciate wrestling, he was drawn to the sport and followed Ric Flair, who became his idol. While watching as much professional wrestling as he could, he decided that he wanted to try to learn the skills needed so he could be a competitor in the ring. 

Michaels was an all-around athletic boy and started playing soccer during high school. For a period of time, he even scored the position of linebacker at Randolph High School due to his athletic prowess and strong frame. Once he began college at Southwest Texas State University, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps… and enter the wrestling ring. 

Michael’s father, Richard Hickenbottem, was an amateur wrestler at the University of Houston. Along with the confidence he gained from his father’s encouragement, and the urge to get into the ring with the likes of Ric Flair, his idol, Michaels decided that he would give wrestling a try.

Shawn Michaels got his wrestling start in Texas, where he was trained by Jose Lothario, a legend in his own right. After his extensive and grueling training schedule, Michaels started wrestling in Kansas, where he met Marty Jeannetty. After seeing tapes of both performers, the top executives at the AWA suggested the two men join forces, so they teamed up.

Shawn Michaels spent many years in the ring and has made a name for himself and won many impressive bouts. He worked with the “who’s who” in the wrestling world, including Vince McMahon, The Undertaker, Bret Hart and Triple H.

During his career, Michaels:

• Participated in 2138 matches
• He secured1453 wins.
• Had 591 losses
• Experienced 94 draws

Michaels was a four-time world champion, and won the WWF Championship three times; he held the WWE’s World Heavyweight Championship once.

While Micheal’s has recently retired from the ring, there are surely countless kids that look back on his skill and agility and idolize him, the way he once idolized other wrestlers like those in the Hart Family and Ric Flair.

How Important Was Shawn Michaels to Wrestling?

Michaels was a game-changer. His mix of athleticism, storytelling, and showmanship influenced an entire generation of wrestlers, from AJ Styles to Seth Rollins.

Without Michaels, the Attitude Era, Ruthless Aggression Era, and modern wrestling style might have looked very different. His ability to snag win after win, reinvent himself, and deliver unforgettable performances cemented his place among the greatest of all time.