Shawn Michaels
306325
226171564
2008-07-17T03:52:52Z
Paul A
7104
deeper category
{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
{{Infobox Wrestler
|name=Shawn Michaels
|image=Shawn Michaels in England.jpg<!--Please do not replace this image with a fair use one. This image is free and free images are favored on Wikipedia. See "Wikipedia:Image use policy" for more information -->
|img_capt=
|names='''Shawn Michaels'''<br>Sean Michaels<ref name="HAT">{{cite video|year=2007|title=The Shawn Michaels Story: Heartbreak & Triumph|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref>
|height={{height|ft=6|in=1}}<!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/shawnmichaels/bio/|title=Shawn Michaels' WWE Profile|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name=sm164>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=164}}</ref>
|weight={{convert|225|lb|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}}<!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="WWEProfile"/>
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1965|7|22}}
|birth_place=[[Chandler, Arizona]]<ref name=sm12>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>
|resides=[[San Antonio, Texas]]<ref name="Shawn Michaels - FAQs">{{cite web|url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/380/380129p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth FAQ - IGN FAQs|accessdate=2007-08-03| publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
|billed=San Antonio, Texas<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
|trainer=[[Jose Lothario]]<ref name=stopper>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/2004/03/14/381421.html|title=Shawn Michaels, still the show-stopper|author=Jaya Roopansingh|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-29}}</ref>
|debut=[[October 16]] [[1984]]<ref name=sm57>{{harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=57}}</ref>
|retired=
}}
'''Michael Shawn Hickenbottom'''<ref name="Shawn Michaels - FAQs"/> (born [[July 22]] [[1965]]),<ref name="slam">{{cite web| url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/michaels-shawn.html|title=SLAM! Sports biography|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer|CANOE]]|date=2005-03-12}}</ref> better known by his [[ring name]] '''Shawn Michaels''', is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He performs on the [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] of [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), formerly the World Wrestling Federation. Currently, Hickenbottom is one of the senior performers in WWE, having joined in 1987. He is one of only two wrestlers (the other being [[The Undertaker]]) to have appeared on the very first episode of ''Monday Night Raw'' who are still with the company today.<ref>{{Harv |Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=251}}</ref>
Before joining WWE, Hickenbottom began his wrestling career with [[Universal Wrestling Federation (Bill Watts)|Mid-South Wrestling]] and [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA). There, Hickenbottom partnered up with [[Marty Jannetty]] to form [[The Rockers|The Midnight Rockers]] and won the [[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] on two separate occasions. Hickenbottom and Jannetty then signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), while in contract with AWA. They returned to AWA, only to go back to the WWF in 1988.<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
After signing with WWF, Hickenbottom abandoned the tag team division to work in singles matches and received a new gimmick as "The Heartbreak Kid." He was the leader of a backstage group known as [[Clique (professional wrestling)|The Clique]], which was known for breaking character during the [[Madison Square Garden]] "[[Clique (professional wrestling)#Curtain Call: The MSG Incident|Curtain Call]]" incident in 1996.<ref>{{harv|Assael|Mooneyham|2002|p=156}}</ref> The following year, Hickenbottom joined forces with [[Triple H|Hunter Hearst Helmsley]] and [[Chyna]] to form [[D-Generation X]] (DX). This [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]] was known for pushing the envelope. That same year, Hickenbottom took part in one of the most controversial matches in wrestling history dubbed as the "[[Montreal Screwjob]]." After a back injury forced him to retire following his [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] loss at [[WrestleMania XIV]], Hickenbottom opened a [[Texas Wrestling Academy|wrestling academy]], in which he trained upcoming wrestlers.<ref name="WWEProfile"/> Hickenbottom made his in-ring return at [[SummerSlam (2002)|SummerSlam]] in 2002. In 2006, Hickenbottom and [[Triple H]] briefly reformed DX, but he then returned to singles wrestling.
Overall, Hickenbottom is a four-time world champion: a three-time [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]], and a one-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/wwf-h.html|title= W.W.W.F./W.W.F./W.W.E. World Heavyweight Title|accessdate=2007-10-04|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/wwe-world-h.html|title=World Heavyweight Title (W.W.E. Smackdown!)|accessdate=2007-10-05|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> He was also the winner of the [[Royal Rumble (1995)|1995]] and [[Royal Rumble (1996)|1996]] [[Royal Rumble]]s and was the first [[Grand Slam Championship|Grand Slam Champion]].<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
==Early life==
Hickenbottom was born on [[July 22]] [[1965]] in [[Chandler, Arizona]].<ref name=sm12/> The last of four children—Randy, Scott and Shari. He was raised in a military family and spent a brief part of his early years in [[Reading, Berkshire]], [[England]],<ref name=sm12/> but grew up in [[San Antonio, Texas]]. As a child, Hickenbottom disliked the name "Michael", so his family and friends just called him "Shawn."<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 twelve. Hickenbottom was already an athlete; his career began at the age of six when he started playing [[American football|football]].<ref name=sm15>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=15}}</ref> He was a stand-out [[Linebacker]] at [[Randolph High School (Texas)|Randolph High School]] and eventually became Captain of the football team.<ref name="WWEProfile"/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=30}}</ref> After graduating, Hickenbottom attended [[Texas State University–San Marcos|Southwest Texas State University]] in [[San Marcos, Texas]], but soon realized that college life was not for him.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=43–49}}</ref> Then he began pursuing the career of a professional wrestler.
==Career==
===Early career (1984–1988)===
He was then trained by [[Mexico|Mexican]] professional wrestler [[Jose Lothario]].<ref name=sm57/><ref name=stopper/> Lothario suggested that Hickenbottom go by the ring name Shawn Michaels. After his training with Lothario, he debuted in [[Universal Wrestling Federation (Bill Watts)|Mid-South Wrestling]] in 1984 and later with Texas All-Star Wrestling (TAW) [[professional wrestling promotion|promotion]].<ref name="HAT"/> During his time with TAW, Michaels and [[Paul Diamond]] were awarded the TAW Tag Team Championship by [[Chavo Guerrero|Chavo Guerrero, Sr.]]<ref name="S.C.W. Southwest Tag Team Title">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/san_antonio/scw/scw-sw-t.html|title=S.C.W. Southwest Tag Team Title|accessdate=2007-07-15|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref> Hickenbottom also worked for [[Heart of America Sports Attractions|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|Central States Tag Team Championship]], later losing it back to the Battens.<ref name="N.W.A. Central States Tag Team Title">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/centralstates/nwa/cs-t.html#cs2|title=N.W.A. Central States Tag Team Title|accessdate=2007-07-15|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref> Hickenbottom also made several appearances in the [[Dallas, Texas]]-based [[World Class Championship Wrestling]] throughout 1985.
Michaels made his national-level debut at age twenty for the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA), once again teaming with [[Marty Jannetty]].<ref name=stopper/> The pair were billed as "[[The Rockers|The Midnight Rockers]]" and held the [[AWA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=stopper/> They also appeared in the Mid-South on loan at this point. In a raid of AWA talent in 1987, The Rockers were signed by a competing promotion: the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF).<ref name=stopper/> They were fired from the WWF two weeks later, however, for "partying too hard" (a misunderstanding, according to Michaels' autobiography).<ref name=stopper/><ref name="sm116"/> They then returned to the AWA, but were re-signed by the WWF a year later.<ref name="sm116">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=116–118}}</ref>
===World Wrestling Federation===
====The Rockers (1988–1991)====
{{main|The Rockers}}
They redebuted for the World Wrestling Federation at a [[house show]] 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 monikers, they were repackaged as simply "[[The Rockers]]."<ref name="HAT"/> The team proved popular with both children and women.<ref name=stopper/> The team was a mid-card stalwart of TV and [[pay-per-view]] shows for the next two years, but never seemed to get a chance at the WWF Tag Team Championships.<ref name=sm148>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=148–150}}</ref>
Belatedly, in October 1990, their chance came when The Rockers were scheduled to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF Tag Team Championship]] from [[The Hart Foundation]], as [[Jim Neidhart]], half of the championship team, was in the process of negotiating his release from the company.<ref name=sm148/><ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shawn-michaels.html|title=Shawn Michaels Wrestling Profile|accessdate=2007-11-01|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The match was taped with The Rockers [[List of professional wrestling slang#C|cleanly]] winning the belts, but soon after, Neidhart came to a stopgap agreement with management and was rehired.<ref name="OWOW"/> The belts were returned to the Harts, while the title change was never broadcast or even acknowledged on TV.<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 plodded along, eventually splitting on [[December 2]] [[1991]] during an incident on [[Edward Leslie|Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake's]] televised "Barber Shop" talk show segment.<ref name=sm159>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=157–159}}</ref> Michaels [[superkick]]ed Jannetty and [[Defenestration|threw him]] through a [[Sugar glass|glass]] window on the "shop" set.<ref name=stopper/> Jannetty vanished from the WWF, and Michaels became a villain as "The Boy Toy."<ref name=sm159/>
====Heartbreak Kid (1992–1995)====
At the suggestion of [[Curt Hennig|"Mr Perfect" Curt Hennig]], Michaels adopted the nickname "The Heartbreak Kid."<ref name=stopper/> Along with his new name came a new [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmick]] as a vain, cocky villain. He was put together with mirror-carrying [[manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Sherri Martel|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, Michaels normally wrestled during the first half of [[house shows]], and his departure was announced with the words "Shawn Michaels has left the building" (alluding to the phrase "[[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] has left the building").<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=165–166}}</ref>
Michaels failed to win the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] from [[Bret Hart]] in July 1992, even losing the WWF's first ever [[ladder match]] against him at a [[house show]].<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=161–162}}</ref> He, however, won the title from [[Davey Boy Smith|"The British Bulldog"]] during ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event|Saturday Night's Main Event]]'' on [[October 27]] [[1992]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/snme.html#31|title=Saturday Night's Main Event - October 27, 1992 results|accessdate=2007-09-28|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, he was in a pay-per-view main event for the first time, facing—and losing to—future nemesis Bret Hart, for the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] at the [[Survivor Series (1992)|Survivor Series]].<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=90–91}}</ref> They were moved to the main event after [[Warrior (wrestler)|The Ultimate Warrior]] suddenly departed from the WWF, leaving his tag team match with [[Randy Savage]] against [[Ric Flair]] and [[Scott Hall|Razor Ramon]] hanging.<ref>{{cite book|title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling|last=Baer|first=Randy|coauthors=R.D. Reynolds|publisher=ECW Press|date=2003|isbn=1-55022-584-7|pages=74}}</ref>
[[Image:Shawn Michaels in 1994.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Michaels at a live event in 1994]]
During this time, Michaels and Sherri split and his former partner Jannetty quickly reappeared. Michaels lost the Intercontinental Championship to Jannetty on ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' on [[May 17]] [[1993]].<ref name=1993results>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/1993.html|title=RAW 1993 Results|accessdate= 2007-07-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He then regained it on June 6 with the help of his debuting "[[bodyguard]]" (and off-air friend) [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]].<ref name=1993results/>
Michaels quit the WWF in September 1993 after it was announced that he had failed to defend his belt enough times during a set period; in reality, he had been suspended for testing positive for [[steroid]]s—a charge that Michaels denies to this day.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=182}}</ref> After turning down [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW)'s advances, Michaels returned to the WWF and made several appearances in the [[United States Wrestling Association]] during a WWF/USWA cross-promotion. He returned to WWF television for November's [[Survivor Series (1993)|Survivor Series]] pay-per-view, substituting for the arrested [[Jerry Lawler]] in a match pitting himself and three of Lawler's "Knights" against Bret, [[Bruce Hart (wrestler)|Bruce]], [[Keith Hart (wrestler)|Keith]], and [[Owen Hart]].<ref name=pwi92>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=91–92}}</ref>
He soon entered a feud with [[Scott Hall|Razor Ramon]], who had won the vacated [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Title]] during Michaels' 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 at [[WrestleMania X]].<ref name="ladderbegin"/> Michaels lost the match, which featured both his and Ramon's 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."<ref name=stopper/> Over the next few months, Michaels battled various injuries and launched the "Heartbreak Hotel" TV talk show segment, mainly shown on ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|WWF Superstars]]''.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=190}}</ref>
On [[August 28]] [[1994]], Michaels and [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]] captured the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF World Tag Team Championship]] from [[The Headshrinkers]].<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=195}}</ref> The next day, at [[SummerSlam (1994)|SummerSlam]], Diesel lost the Intercontinental title to Ramon when Michaels accidentally [[superkick]]ed his bodyguard.<ref name=pwi92/> This triggered a Michaels-Diesel split, a storyline that was drawn out until the [[Survivor Series (1994)|Survivor Series]] that November due to Michaels' hand injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards| publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=92–93}}</ref> Michaels went on to win the [[Royal Rumble (1995)|Royal Rumble]] in 1995,<ref name=sm196>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=196–199}}</ref> which set up a championship grudge match at [[WrestleMania XI]] against Diesel (who had gone on to win the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] from [[Bob Backland]]).<ref name=sm196/> As part of the storyline, Michaels recruited [[Sid Eudy|Sycho Sid]] as his bodyguard for the build-up, lost the match,<ref>{{cite news|author=Martin, Finn|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 10|work=Tough luck Shawn (WrestleMania XI)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=1995-04-24|pages=20–25}}</ref> and was attacked by Sid the following night.<ref name="Sid attack">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=204}}</ref> After this, Michaels took time off.<ref name="Sid attack"/>
====The Clique's influence (1995–1997)====
He returned to the ring as a crowd favorite in June 1995 and defeated [[Jeff Jarrett]] at July's [[In Your House 2: The Lumberjacks|In Your House]] pay-per-view to win his third Intercontinental title.<ref name=stopper/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=209}}</ref> This led to a title defense against Razor Ramon at [[SummerSlam (1995)|SummerSlam]], in a ladder match, which Michaels won.<ref name=stopper/> Around this time, Michaels became the alleged leader of a backstage group known as [[Clique (professional wrestling)|The Clique]].<ref name=stopper/> Others perceived the group to have sufficient clout with WWF owner [[Vince McMahon]], becoming dominant wrestling figures in WWF for several years in the mid-1990s. Michaels disputes the perception, saying that McMahon pushed only deserving wrestlers.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=206–208}}</ref> Michaels' fan base was later nicknamed "The Kliq" as an inside reference to the real "Clique."<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=230}}</ref> In October 1995, he was [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] attacked by several men outside a bar in [[Syracuse, New York]].<ref name="HAT"/> Shortly afterwards, at the [[In Your House#In Your House 4: Great White North|In Your House: Great White North]] pay-per-view, Michaels forfeited the Intercontinental title to rival [[Shane Douglas|Dean Douglas]] because he was, according to the WWF, unable to compete.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=213}}</ref> Douglas, however, lost the title immediately to Clique member Razor Ramon.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007| pages=94}}</ref> The next month, during a match with [[Owen Hart]] on an episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', Owen nailed Michaels with an [[Professional wrestling attacks#Enzuigiri|enzuigiri]] kick to the back of Michaels' head.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=215}}</ref> They continued to wrestle, but Michaels collapsed in the ring, supposedly because he had suffered a concussion in the Syracuse incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/1995.html|title=RAW 1995 Results|accessdate=2007-07-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The concussion was scripted, which was kept from most fans at the time.<ref name="HAT"/>
[[Image:Hug MSG Incident.jpg|thumb|left|120px|[[Clique (professional wrestling)#Curtain Call: The MSG Incident|The MSG Incident]].]]
After teasing a retirement, Michaels returned to the WWF at the [[Royal Rumble (1996)|Royal Rumble]] match in 1996, which he won for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=95}}</ref> Around this time, [[Jose Lothario]], Michaels' original trainer, became his on-screen manager.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=219}}</ref> Michaels won his first [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] at [[WrestleMania XII]] in March 1996, pinning [[Bret Hart]] in the 'sudden death' overtime of their a sixty minute [[Iron Man match]], which had ended in a 0–0 tie.<ref name=stopper/> As [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]] gained momentum due to the signings of Michaels' friends [[Scott Hall]] and [[Kevin Nash]], Michaels held the championship for most of the year. Michaels' title reign ended at the [[Survivor Series (1996)|Survivor Series]] in November, where he lost to [[Sid Eudy|Sycho Sid]], his former bodyguard.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=234}}</ref> A flu-ridden Michaels recaptured the belt from Sid in January 1997 at the [[Royal Rumble (1997)|Royal Rumble]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454115|title=HBK's second WWE title reign|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref>
On a special episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', dubbed ''Thursday Raw Thursday'', Michaels vacated the WWF title;<ref name="February 13, 1997">{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/raw021397|title=Raw is War results - February 13, 1997|accessdate=2008-03-30|date=1997-02-13|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> he explained to the fans that he was informed by doctors that a knee injury was bad enough that he had to retire.<ref name="February 13, 1997"/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=239–240}}</ref> His speech was regarded as controversial, as Michaels was allegedly unwilling to lose to Bret Hart at [[WrestleMania 13]] (since it was noted that he was going to have a rematch with Hart at WrestleMania).<ref name=stopper/> Michaels contemplated thoughts of retirement and stated that he "had to find his smile again," which he had "lost" somewhere down the line.<ref name=stopper/> After knee surgery by [[James Andrews (physician)|Dr. James Andrews]], Michaels returned a few months later, briefly teaming with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF Tag Team Titles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132122112|title=Stone Cold & Shawn Michaels first World Tag Team title reign|accessdate=2007-07-12|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> Michaels reveals in his autobiography, about his real-life feud with Bret Hart, claiming that Bret did interviews on live television claiming that he (Michaels) was faking his whole injury.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=243–244}}</ref>
[[Image:Seriesscrewjob.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Earl Hebner]] calling for the bell as Michaels holds [[Bret Hart]] in the [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]], known as the [[Montreal Screwjob]]]]
At [[SummerSlam (1997)|SummerSlam]], Michaels officiated the WWF title match between WWF Champion [[The Undertaker]] and Bret Hart.<ref name="takerSS">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=247–249}}</ref> The match ended in controversial fashion, with Michaels nailing Undertaker with a chair (unintentionally, as he was aiming for Bret after he spat in his face).<ref name="takerSS"/> Michaels was then forced to award the title to his nemesis, Bret Hart.<ref name="takerSS"/> At [[WWF One Night Only]], held in [[Birmingham, England]] in September, Michaels defeated The British Bulldog to capture the [[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]].<ref name="takerSS"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358418|title=HBK's first European title reign|accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> The fans at the event were so appalled at the result of the match they almost rioted and booed Michaels out of the building to the extent that they littered the ring with rubbish.<ref name="takerSS"/><ref name=pwi99>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=99–100}}</ref> Michaels' striking of The Undertaker with a chair began a feud between the two men. In October, at [[WWE Bad Blood#1997|In Your House: Badd Blood]], Michaels and Undertaker participated in the first [[Hell in a Cell]] match, in which Michaels fell off the side of the {{convert|15|ft|m|0|sing=on}} high structure through a table.<ref name="HIAC1">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=257–259}}</ref>
In the summer, Michaels joined forces with real-life friend, [[Triple H|Hunter Hearst Helmsley]] and Hunter's then-girlfriend, [[Chyna]] to form the [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]], [[D-Generation X]] (DX).<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=252}}</ref> Moving away from the family-oriented product, this marked the beginning of the [[History of professional wrestling#Monday Night Wars 1990s|WWF Attitude Era]].<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=255}}</ref> Michaels also began re-feuding with Bret Hart's reformed [[The Hart Foundation#The (New) Hart Foundation|Hart Foundation]], which was now a pro-[[Canada]] stable. Michaels taunted The Hart Foundation and Canada by engaging in acts, such as blowing his nose with and humping the [[Flag of Canada|Canadian Flag]]. Michaels later claimed the flag desecration was Bret's idea.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=274–275}}</ref> Michaels' feud with the Hart Foundation culminated in a title shot at the [[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series]] in 1997 against Bret Hart. Michaels came out of this match, dubbed by fans the "[[Montreal Screwjob]]," as the WWF World Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445415|title=HBK's third WWE title reign|accessdate=2007-07-13|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels now held the World Championship and the European Championship at the same time. Triple H, however, pinned him in December during a [[farce|farcical]] match, making Hunter the European Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/|title=Title History: European|accessdate=2008-07-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
====Commissioner (1998–1999)====
In 1998, Michaels received a back injury in the [[professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|Casket match]] against The Undertaker at the [[Royal Rumble (1998)|Royal Rumble]];<ref name=stopper/> Michaels took a back body drop to the outside of the ring and smashed his lower back on the [[coffin|casket]], causing him to [[Spinal disc herniation|herniate two discs]] and crush one completely.<ref name=stopper/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=283}}</ref> This forced Michaels into retirement after [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropping]] the WWF Championship to [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] at [[WrestleMania XIV]].<ref>{{Harv|Assael|Mooneyham|2002|p=202}}</ref>
Michaels returned to the WWF on [[November 23]] [[1998]], but not as a wrestler; instead, he replaced [[Sgt. Slaughter]] as the [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling#Commissioners|WWF Commissioner]], joining Vince McMahon's [[The Corporation (professional wrestling)|Corporation]] [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]] as a villain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw112398|title=Raw is War results - November 23, 1998|accessdate=2008-03-30|date=1998-11-23|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> Throughout late 1998 and early 1999, Michaels made regular TV appearances on ''Raw'', in which he booked matches, throwing around his authority, and sometimes even deciding the outcome of matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw121498|title=Raw is War results - November 30, 1998|accessdate=2008-01-04|date=1998-12-14|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/981221.htm|title=RAW results - December 21, 1998|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw122898|title=Raw is War results - December 28, 1998|accessdate=2008-01-04|date=1998-12-28|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> In early 1999, Michaels re-joined [[D-Generation X]] (DX) as a crowd favorite,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/990104.htm|title=RAW results - January 4, 1999|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> but disappeared from WWF television for a few months, and by the time he had returned, DX had broken up.
Michaels made occasional appearances on WWF television as the commissioner during the spring and summer of 1999. Michaels was absent from WWF television until [[May 21]] [[2000]] when he returned to officiate the [[Iron Man match]] between [[The Rock (entertainer)|The Rock]] and [[Triple H]].<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=106}}</ref> One month later, Michaels briefly reappeared to hand over the role of commissioner to [[Mick Foley]] and afterwards was absent from WWF television for nearly a year.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/000626.htm|title=RAW results - June 26, 2000|accessdate=2008-01-05|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> During this time, believing that his wrestling career was over, Michaels was inspired to train individuals who were interested in wrestling.<ref name="training academy">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|pp=299–302}}</ref> He saw potential in using his name and opening the [[Texas Wrestling Academy|Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy]], after his lawyer, Skip McCormick, suggested the idea.<ref name="training academy"/> Michaels eventually left the academy.<ref name="training academy"/> He was also a sportscaster for [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]]'s local news for a short time during his retirement from wrestling.<ref name="training academy"/>
====Feud with Triple H (2002–2004)====
In 2002, Michaels returned to wrestling and was brought into the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|nWo]] by [[Kevin Nash]] as a new member of the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2002/raw060302|title=RAW results - June 3, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-30|date=2002-06-03|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> After the nWo was disbanded, [[Triple H]] appeared to want to make amends with Michaels. This was solidified when Michaels amended Triple H to return to ''Raw''. Later on, they came down to the ring sporting their [[D-Generation X]] music and attire. When the pair was about to perform their trademark "Suck It" taunt, Triple H nailed Michaels with his finisher [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|The Pedigree]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/83.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results - July 22, 2002|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2002-07-22|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Continuing the angle, a week later, Triple H attacked Michaels from behind in a parking lot and put his head through a car window.<ref>{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Martin|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/84.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results - July 29, 2002|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2002-07-29|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> In response, Michaels challenged Triple H to "a fight" (a non–sanctioned match) at [[SummerSlam (2002)|SummerSlam]], which Triple H accepted, laying the foundation for a feud that lasted for years. Michaels won at SummerSlam but was attacked by Triple H with a [[sledgehammer]] after the match.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rick|last=Scaia|url=http://www.oowrestling.com/recaps/ppv/20020825.shtml|title=WWE SummerSlam|accessdate=2008-06-13|date=2002-08-25|publisher=OO Wrestling}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2002)|Survivor Series]], Michaels won the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] from Triple H in the first-ever [[Elimination Chamber]] match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/sur02.html|title=WWE Survivor Series 2002|accessdate=2008-03-30|publisher=Hoffco}}</ref> Michaels' reign as Champion came to an end when he lost the Championship to Triple H in a [[Two out of three falls match|Three Stages of Hell match]] at [[Armageddon (2002)|Armageddon]].<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=112}}</ref>
[[Image:Jerichomichaels.jpg|right|thumb|Michaels' match with Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XIX in March 2003 was his first match at a WrestleMania since his back surgery in 1998.]]
Michaels then began an angle with [[Chris Jericho]], after Jericho claimed that he was the next Shawn Michaels. On [[January 13]] [[2003]], after Jericho won an [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|over-the-top-rope challenge]] to select his entry number for the [[Royal Rumble (2003)|Royal Rumble]], 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|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2003-01-13|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> who had already been named number one. At the Royal Rumble, Jericho, with the help of [[Jason Reso|Christian]], eliminated Michaels.<ref>{{cite news|author=Hurley, Oliver|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 104|work=Every Man for himself (Royal Rumble 2003)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=2003-02-21|pages=16–19}}</ref> Michaels defeated Jericho at [[WrestleMania XIX]]. After the match, Michaels offered his hand to Jericho who, instead of shaking it, hugged Michaels. At first it seemed like good sportsmanship by Jericho until he quickly kicked Michaels in the groin.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/31/55003.html|title=WWE shines at WrestleMania XIX|accessdate=2008-06-13|date=2003-03-31|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=SLAM! Sports}}</ref>
As a part of an ongoing feud with Triple H, the two competed alongside [[Chris Benoit]] in the main event match at [[WrestleMania XX]] for the World Heavyweight Championship. The former DX partners both came up short in the match, however, as Benoit had been booked to win the title.<ref name=pwi115>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Dacts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=115}}</ref> At [[Bad Blood (2004)|Bad Blood]] in June, Michaels lost to Triple H in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match.<ref name=pwi115/> Two months later, he lost a World Heavyweight Championship match against Triple H (after [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] interfered) at [[WWE Cyber Sunday#2004|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|date=2007|pages=116}}</ref> Following this, Michaels was out of action for a few months with a [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] torn [[Meniscus (anatomy)|meniscus]].<ref name="WWEProfile"/><ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=333}}</ref>
====Feuds with Angle and Hogan (2005–2006)====
At the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]] in 2005, Michaels competed in the Rumble match and eliminated [[Kurt Angle]]. An angry Angle returned to the ring and in eliminated Michaels and put Michaels in an [[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|ankle lock]].<ref name=RR2005>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=117}}</ref> Michaels issued a challenge to Angle for a match at [[WrestleMania 21]], which Angle accepted when he appeared on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' to attack Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1109657210.shtml|title=Dream match made|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2005-02-28|publisher=WrestleView.com|work=WWE}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', [[Marty Jannetty]] and Michaels had a one time reunion as [[The Rockers]] and defeated [[La Résistance (professional wrestling)|La Résistance]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Hunter|last=Golden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1110863071.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results - March 14, 2005|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2005-03-14|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> Three days later on ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', Angle defeated Jannetty with an ankle lock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050317.html|title= SmackDown results - March 17, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> To send a "message" to Michaels, Angle also humiliated Michaels' former manager Sensational Sherri, when he applied an ankle lock on her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050324.html|title=SmackDown results - March 24, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
At WrestleMania 21 on April 3, Angle defeated Michaels by submission, again with an ankle lock.<ref name=RR2005/>
The next night on ''Raw'', [[Mark Copani|Muhammad Hassan]] and [[Shawn Daivari|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=WWE Raw Results - April 4, 2005|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2005-04-04|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>
The following week, Michaels approached Raw [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling#Raw brand authorities|General Manager]] [[Eric Bischoff]] demanding a [[professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] with Hassan and Daivari. Bischoff refused but informed Michaels to find a partner and he would grant a match. Michaels then made a plea for [[Hulk Hogan]] to come back and team with him.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050411.html|title=RAW results - April 11, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</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|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050418.html|title=RAW results - April 18, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2005)|Backlash]], Hassan and Daivari lost to Hogan and Michaels when Daivari was pinned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlashresults/|title=WWE Backlash 2005 results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-07-16}}</ref> On the July 4 edition of ''Raw'', Michaels and Hulk Hogan had a tag team match, which they won. During the post-match pose, Michaels hit Hogan with his superkick, knocking Hogan to the ground and making Michaels a villain for the first time since returning in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050704.html|title=RAW results - July 4, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-17| publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</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 (2005)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web|author=The Brood|url= http://www.oowrestling.com/recaps/raw/20050711.shtml|title=Raw Gets a Mattitude Adjustment|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2005-07-12|publisher=Online Onslaught}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050718.html|title=RAW results - July 18, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-17| publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Hogan defeated Michaels at SummerSlam, 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, and Michaels once again became a crowd favorite.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=118}}</ref>
====Feud with McMahon and reformation of DX (2006–2007)====
{{see also|D-Generation X#Reformation in 2006|l1=D-Generation X reunion}}
[[Image:HBK-pose07.JPG|thumb|right|225px|Michaels performing his signature pose]]
On the [[December 26]] [[2005]] edition of ''[[WWE Raw|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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-01-02|publisher=WWE}}</ref> During the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]], Mr. McMahon made his way to the ring, and as Michaels stared at McMahon, [[Shane McMahon]] made a surprising appearance, eliminating Michaels from the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/31409413/results/|title=Rey Mysterio wins the Royal Rumble match|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-01-29|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the February 13 edition of ''Raw'', McMahon tried unsuccessfully to force Michaels to sign retirement papers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060213.html|title=RAW results - February 13, 2006|accessdate=2007-07-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The next week, Michaels won a handicap match against the [[Spirit Squad]], and after the match, Michaels' former partner, Marty Jannetty, came down to help Michaels from the assault by the Spirit Squad. After the two reunited, Mr. 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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-02-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The following week, Jannetty refused McMahon's offer and instead took [[Chris Mordetzky|Chris Masters]]' "[[WWE Raw#Recurring segments|Masterlock challenge]]."<ref name="February 27">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/|title=Joining the Club|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-02-27|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels tried to help Jannetty, which ultimately resulted in Shane attacking Michaels and forcing him to kiss his father's ass.<ref name="February 27"/> At ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event]]'', Shane McMahon defeated Michaels in a [[professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Street Fight]], after he applied a sharpshooter on Michaels, which led to Mr. McMahon immediately ordering for the bell to be rung, even 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=2006-04-20|pages=25}}</ref> Despite interference from the Spirit Squad and Shane McMahon, Michaels defeated Mr. McMahon at [[WrestleMania 22]] in a [[professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]].<ref name="WM22">{{cite video|year=2006|title=WrestleMania 22|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2006)|Backlash]], [[Team McMahon|The McMahons]] (Vince and Shane) defeated Michaels and "[[God]]" in a tag team match, with help from the Spirit Squad in a no disqualification match.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=121}}</ref> On the May 22 edition of ''Raw'', the Squad injured Michaels' knee.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05222006/|title=Apology Accepted?|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-05-22|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This angle was written so that Michaels could have surgery on his knee, which had been legitimately injured for some time.<ref>{{cite video|year=2006|title=Vengeance 2006|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref>
[[Image:Dx-sig-pose@commons.jpg|thumb|200px|left|DX showing off their signature pose]]
In 2006, a series of events took place which suggested a reunion of Shawn Michaels and [[Triple H]] as [[D-Generation X]] (DX) starting 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 for the [[WWE Championship]], repeatedly butting heads with Vince McMahon in the process. On the [[June 12]] [[2006]] edition of ''Raw'', DX officially reunited. During Triple H's [[professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|gauntlet match]] against the Spirit Squad, Michaels came in to help Triple H, and the two did the DX "crotch chops."<ref>{{cite web|first=Derek|last=Martin|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/41774/411%5C%5Cs-WWE-Raw-Report-06.12.06.htm|title=411's WWE Raw Report 06.12.06|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-06-12|publisher=411mania.com}}</ref> At [[Vengeance (2006)|Vengeance]], DX defeated the Spirit Squad in a 5–on–2 [[professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/21/1646013.html|title=DX returns with a Vengeance|author=Dale Plummer and Nick Tylwalk|accessdate=2008-07-16|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> They also defeated the Spirit Squad at ''Saturday Night's Main Event'' in a 5–2 elimination match and defeated The McMahons at [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Jen |last= Hunt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/|title=DX beats the odds|accessdate=2008-07-13|date=2006-08-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]], DX overcame the odds once again, defeating the McMahons and [[ECW Championship|ECW World Champion]] [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match.<ref>{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2006/matches/28817581/results/|title=Billion-dollar embarr-ASS-ment|accessdate=2008-03-30|date=2006-09-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
At [[Cyber Sunday (2006)|Cyber Sunday]], DX took on [[Rated-RKO]] ([[Adam Copeland|Edge]] and [[Randy Orton]]). The fan-selected referee [[Eric Bischoff]] allowed the illegal use of a [[Folding chair|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|date=2007|pages=122}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]], however, Team DX emerged victorious, in a clean sweep of Team Rated-RKO.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url= http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1164599352.shtml|accessdate=2006-11-26|title=Survivor Series Results|publisher= WrestleView.com|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2006-11-26}}</ref> At [[New Year's Revolution (2007)|New Year's Revolution]], Triple H suffered a [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] torn right [[quadriceps femoris muscle|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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2007-01-08|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Rated-RKO claimed victory over DX, citing the 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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2007-01-08|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On January 15, Michaels lived up to his vow of "dealing" with Rated-RKO when he took out Randy Orton with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#One man con-chair-to|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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2007-01-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
====Various feuds (2007–present)====
[[Image:Michaels-Cena-4-2-07.jpg|thumb|right|195px|Michaels confronting [[John Cena]] on an episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'']]
On the January 29 edition of ''Raw'', Michaels captured the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] with [[WWE Championship|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|accessdate=2007-07-12|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> He then defeated both Edge and Orton in a Triple Threat Number One contender's match on another edition of ''Raw'' to earn a shot at the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007|work=Arena Reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|month=May|page=130}}</ref> On April 1 at [[WrestleMania 23]], Cena retained the Championship after he made Michaels submit to the [[Professional wrestling holds#STS|STFU]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|date=2007-04-01|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161841/results/|title=Detroit, Champ City|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-07-16}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Michaels and Cena competed in two back-to-back ten team [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]]s, winning the first and losing the titles in the second to [[Hardy Boyz|The Hardys]] (Matt and Jeff) when Michaels threw Cena over the top rope.<ref>{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Starr|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04022007/|title=HBK dumps Cena| accessdate=2007-04-05|date= 2007-04-02|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels' feud with Cena continued and he faced off with Cena, Edge and Randy Orton in a [[professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Fatal Four-Way match]] at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]] for the WWE Championship. Cena retained the championship when Michaels performed Sweet Chin Music on Cena causing him to fall on Orton, which gained Cena the pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|date=2007-04-29|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|title=No filler makes for a consistent Backlash|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=2008-07-16}}</ref>
Michaels then entered a feud with Randy Orton when Orton claimed that he could beat Michaels.<ref name="May 14">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070514.html|title=RAW results - May 14, 2007| accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The week before their match at [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]], after Michaels won a match against Edge, Orton interfered, punting Michaels in the head.<ref name="May 14"/> Orton assaulted Michaels again just prior to their match at Judgment Day, interrupting Michaels' 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?|accessdate=2007-05-25|date=2007-05-21 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels collapsed during the course of their match, causing Orton to win by referee stoppage.<ref name="JD"/> Afterwards, Orton continued the beating when he delivered an [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|RKO]] to a fallen Michaels. Michaels was then removed by a stretcher.<ref name="JD"/> During the feud, Michaels conjured 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|year=2008|month=February|pages=18–20}}</ref> Michaels made his return on the October 8 edition of ''Raw'', performing his trademark superkick to the 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|Mr. McMahon]] watched.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinsob|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10082007/articles/hbkreturns|title=HBK shows Orton his 'appreciation'|accessdate=2007-10-09|date=2007-10-08|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]], Michaels was voted by the fans to face Randy Orton for the WWE Championship; though he won via disqualification when Orton hit Michaels with a [[Groin attack|low blow]], which resulted in Orton retaining the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/52676102/results/ |title=Sweet Chin Grand Slam |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |date=2007-10-28 |publisher=WWE |accessdate=2008-07-16}}</ref> Michaels got another opportunity at the WWE Championship, when he was granted his rematch against Orton at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]].<ref name=ss07>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|title=Survivor Series ends with an Edge|accessdate=2008-01-29|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|date=November 19, 2007|author=Dale Plummer and Nick Tylwalk}}</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/exclusives/hbkhandcuffed|title=The music is silenced|accessdate=2008-02-07|date=2007-11-07|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels lost the match, however, when Orton performed the RKO for the win.<ref name=ss07/>
As part of the storyline involving [[Ric Flair]], Michaels faced Flair in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Retirement match|Career Threatening match]] at [[WrestleMania XXIV]], in which he won by performing Sweet Chin Music and thus ending Flair's career.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6464438/results/|title=The End|accessdate=2008-03-31|date=2008-03-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Afterwards, [[Dave Batista|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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2008-04-04|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The two faced off at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] with [[Chris Jericho]] as the [[Professional wrestling match types#Special referee|guest referee]]. Michaels won after faking a knee injury and performing Sweet Chin Music.<ref>{{cite web|first=Larry|last=Csonka|date=2008-04-27|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/74156/411s-WWE-Backlash-Report-4.27.08.htm|title=411’s WWE Backlash Report 4.27.08|publisher=411mania.com|accessdate=2008-07-16}}</ref> Jericho then confronted Michaels on this matter, in which Michaels admitted to faking the 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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2008-05-12|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels then defeated Jericho at [[Judgment Day (2008)|Judgment Day]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Kapur|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|title=Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows|accessdate=2008-06-16|date=2008-05-18|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> Michaels then lost to Batista at [[One Night Stand 2008|One Night Stand]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|stretcher match]], thus ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/matches/7117260/results/|accessdate=2008-07-16|title=Promise kept|publisher=WWE|date=2008-06-01}}</ref> On the June 9 edition of ''Raw'', Michaels was attacked by Chris Jericho during his talk show segment, ''[[WWE Raw#Recurring segments|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|accessdate=2008-07-16|date=2008-06-09|publisher=WWE}}</ref><!--DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->
==In wrestling==
{{Image stack
|align= right
|image_size= 215
|image1= SweetChinMusic-06.jpg
|image1_cap= Michaels performing [[Superkick|Sweet Chin Music]] on [[Lance Cade]]
|image2= Elbowdrop.jpg
|image2_cap= Michaels performing a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving elbow drop|diving elbow drop]]
|image3=Shawn Michaels Modified Four Lock.jpg
|image3_cap= Michaels applying the [[Professional wrestling holds#Modified figure four leglock|modified figure four leglock]] on [[Jeff Hardy]]
}}
<!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style-->
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
**'''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Jumping piledriver|Jumping piledriver]]''' – Used as a finisher from 1993–1995; used as a regular move from 1995-present
**'''[[Professional wrestling holds#Modified figure four leglock|Modified figure four leglock]]''' - 2007-present
**'''''Sweet Chin Music'''''<ref name="WWEProfile"/> ([[Superkick]], often preceding the move with a series of foot stomps, called "tuning up the band" by announcers)
**'''''Teardrop Suplex'''''<ref name="OWOW"/> ([[Suplex#Leg hook Saito suplex|Leg hook Saito suplex]]) – 1992–1993
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Arm trap crossface]] – 2007–present
**[[Moonsault#Springboard moonsault|Asai moonsault]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Backhand chop|Backhand chop]]
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving elbow drop|Diving elbow drop]], with theatrics<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Splash|Diving splash]]
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Figure four leglock|Figure four leglock]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Flying forearm smash|Flying forearm smash]] followed by a [[kip-up]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Inverted atomic drop|Inverted atomic drop]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Enzuigiri|Leg feed enzuigiri]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Lou Thesz press|Lou Thesz press]] followed by multiple [[Professional wrestling attacks#Punch|punches]]
**[[Moonsault]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Scoop slam|Scoop slam]]
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Skin the cat|Skin the cat]]
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Plancha|Slingshot crossbody]]
**[[Neckbreaker#Swinging neckbreaker|Swinging neckbreaker]]
<!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style-->
*'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]'''
**[[Sherri Martel|Sensational Sherri]]<ref name=sm159/>
**[[Kevin Nash|Diesel]]
**[[Sid Eudy|Sycho Sid]]
**[[Jose Lothario]]
**[[Chyna]]
**[[Rick Rude]]
*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
<!--Do NOT add "The Man who ended Ric Flair's career" or "The Man" to the list, as it is not a nickname. Also, do NOT bold the nicknames, as all of these are his nicknames .-->
**The Heartbreak Kid (HBK)<ref name="OWOW"/>
**The Showstopper<ref name="OWOW"/>
**The Headliner<ref name="OWOW"/>
**The Main Event<ref name="OWOW"/>
**The Icon<ref name="HAT"/>
**Mr. WrestleMania<ref name="HAT"/>
'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance music]]'''
*The song "Sexy Boy" was originally written for Michaels by [[Jimmy Hart]]. Hart thanked Michaels personally for continuing to use the song as his entrance music when he was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] in 2005. Michaels' entrance music was originally performed by [[Sherri Martel]] until she became a crowd favorite.<ref name="HAT"/> The second version was performed by Michaels himself with traces of Sherri in the chorus portion of the song. The current version of the song in use today is the version Michaels sang himself.
*Since the return of [[D-Generation X]], Michaels mostly used the DX entrance "Break It Down", by [[Chris Warren (musician)|The Chris Warren Band]], even when wrestling in singles competition, but then went back to using "Sexy Boy".
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[American Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[AWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=WWEhistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/shawnmichaels/titlehistory|title=Title History: Shawn Michaels|publisher=WWE.com|accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref> – with [[Marty Jannetty]]
*'''[[Heart of America Sports Attractions|Central States Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Central States Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Central States Tag Team Championship#Title History (1979 - 1988)|1 time]])<ref name="N.W.A. Central States Tag Team Title"/> – with Marty Jannetty
*'''[[Continental Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship#Title History|2 times]])<ref name="Title History">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresu.com/wrestlers/michaels_shawn/titles.html|title=HBK's title history|accessdate=2007-08-08|publisher=Puroresu}}</ref> – with Marty Jannetty
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**[[PWI Match of the Year]] (1993)<ref name=stopper/><ref name="Match of the Year">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - PWI Award Winners - Match of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-20}}</ref><small>vs. Marty Jannetty on ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' on [[May 17]]</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (1994)<ref name="Match of the Year"/> <small>vs. [[Scott Hall|Razor Ramon]] in a [[ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania X]] on [[March 20]]</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (1995)<ref name=stopper/> <small>vs. [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]] at [[WrestleMania XI]] on [[April 2]]</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (1996)<ref name=stopper/><ref name="Match of the Year"/> <small>vs. [[Bret Hart]] at [[WrestleMania XII]] on [[March 31]]</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (2004)<ref name="Match of the Year"/> <small>vs. [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Triple H]] at [[WrestleMania XX]] on [[March 14]]</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (2005)<ref name="Match of the Year"/>) <small>vs. [[Kurt Angle]] at [[WrestleMania 21]] on [[April 3]]</small>
**PWI Match of the Year (2006)<ref name="Match of the Year"/> <small>vs. [[Vince McMahon]] at [[WrestleMania 22]] on [[April 2]]</small>.
**PWI Match of the Year (2007)<ref name="Match of the Year"/> <small>vs. [[John Cena]] on ''Raw'' on [[April 23]]</small>
**[[PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year]] (1995, 1996)<ref name="Most Popular Wrestler of the Year">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimpoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - PWI Award Winners - Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-20|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him # '''1''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50096.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - PWI Top 500 - 1996|accessdate=2007-07-26|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref>
*'''[[Southwest Championship Wrestling|Texas All-Star Wrestling]]'''
**[[Texas All-Star USA Tag Team Championship|TASW Texas Tag Team Championship]] ([[Texas All-Star USA Tag Team Championship#Title History|2 times]])<ref name="S.C.W. Southwest Tag Team Title"/><ref name="Title History"/> – with [[Paul Diamond]]
*'''Texas Wrestling Alliance'''
**TWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Title History"/>
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|3 times]])<ref name=WWEhistory/>
**[[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] ([[List of WWE European Champions|1 time]])<ref name=WWEhistory/>
**[[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|3 times]])<ref name=WWEhistory/>
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF/E World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|4 times]])<ref name=WWEhistory/> – with Diesel (2), [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] (1), and John Cena (1)
**[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)|1 time]])<ref name=WWEhistory/>
**[[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (1995)|1995]])<ref name=WWEhistory/>
**[[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (1996)|1996]])<ref name=WWEhistory/>
**[[Grand Slam Championship|First Grand Slam Champion]]
**[[Triple Crown Championship|Fourth Triple Crown Champion]]
{{note|tagteam}}<small>In October 1990, Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty defeated the [[Hart Foundation]] for the title. Despite winning the match, the win and reign are not recognized by WWE, as the ring ropes broke and the match was not aired on television. As a result, Michaels is only officially recognized as a 4-time World Tag Team Champion.</small>
*'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]'''
**[[Dave Meltzer#Rating system|5 Star Match]] (1994) <small>vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at WrestleMania X on March 20</small>
**5 Star Match (1997) <small>vs. [[The Undertaker]] in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[WWE Bad Blood#1997|Badd Blood 1997]] on [[October 5]]</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Babyface|Best Babyface]] (1996)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2004) <small>vs. Triple H and Chris Benoit</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (1994) <small>vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at WrestleMania X on March 20</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Charismatic|Most Charismatic]] (1995, 1996)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (1989) <small>with Marty Jannetty as [[The Rockers]]</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2006) <small>with Triple H vs. [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and Vince McMahon</small>
==Personal life==
In 1996, Hickenbottom posed in a non-nude layout for ''[[Playgirl]]'' [[magazine]].<ref name="playgirl">{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=233}}</ref> It was not until after he posed that he discovered that ''Playgirl'' has a mostly homosexual readership, which was seen as humorous by his fellow wrestlers.<ref name="playgirl"/>
Hickenbottom's marriage to his first wife, Theresa Lynn Wood, was brief and ended in divorce, but was amicably settled.<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=194}}</ref> He is now married to former WCW [[Nitro Girls|Nitro Girl]], Whisper (Rebecca Curci). They were married on [[March 31]] [[1999]] at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]].<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=296}}</ref> It was a very small wedding ceremony. The only people present were Hickenbottom, Rebecca Curci, and an [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] impersonator. Hickenbottom and Curci have a son, Cameron Kade (born on [[January 5]] [[2000]])<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=304}}</ref> and a daughter, Cheyenne Michelle (born on [[August 19]] [[2004]]).<ref>{{Harv|Michaels|Feigenbaum|2005|p=329}}</ref>
Hickenbottom has several tattoos. He has a tattoo of a heart with a sword through it with a snake around it in the shape of an "S."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/shawnmichaels/photos1/2007rawphotos/020507hbk2.jpg|title=An image of HBK|accessdate=2007-11-27|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="HBK superstar ink">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/hbksuperstardomandsalvationinink|title=Shawn Michaels: Superstardom and salvation in ink|date=2008-03-13|last=Zeigler|first=Zack|accessdate=2008-03-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref> He has one on his wedding finger, that has an ''R'' for his wife Rebecca.<ref name="HBK superstar ink"/> Another in his left wrist, it's a bracelet design that says "Cameron" for his son.<ref name="HBK superstar ink"/> On his left leg he has a picture of his wife,<ref name="HBK superstar ink"/> the other leg has a picture of the state of Texas.<ref name="HBK superstar ink"/> Finally, he has a small broken heart with the letters "HBK" above it, tattooed on his right hip.<ref name="HBK superstar ink"/>
Hickenbottom is [[cross-dominance|ambidextrous]].<ref name=sm15/> This caused him problems as a boy playing football, as he had trouble differentiating between his right and left directions.<ref name=sm15/> He uses his right hand to draw and color and his left hand to write.<ref name=sm15/> He typically uses his right leg when performing Sweet Chin Music.
Hickenbottom is a [[Born again (Christianity)|born again Christian]]. He was raised as a Roman Catholic, but became a non-denominational Christian under the influence of his wife Rebecca.<ref name="HAT"/> His ring attire often incorporates cross symbols, and while on the way to the ring, he normally gets down on his knees and mouths a prayer while his pyrotechnics go off. He has been seen in the congregation during a televised service of [[Cornerstone Church]] in his hometown of San Antonio. Hickenbottom is a [[Bible]] teacher in San Antonio.<ref name="HAT"/> He also appeared on a [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] (TBN) program along with [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shawn-michaels.html|title=Shawn Michael's Online World of Wrestling profile|accessdate=2007-09-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://tbn.org/index.php/9/4/2408.html|title=TBN search results|accessdate=2007-09-02|publisher=TBN.org}}</ref>
Hickenbottom is a fan of the [[San Antonio Spurs]]. He has been seen wearing Spurs merchandise and attending Spurs games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/circleofchampions/articlephotos/triplehdetroit/|title=Image of HBK|accessdate=2008-06-13|publisher=WWE}}</ref> [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL) made a reference to Hickenbottom being a season ticket holder during the [[Royal Rumble (2007)|2007 Royal Rumble]].<ref>{{cite video|year=2007|title=Royal Rumble 2007|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Texas Wrestling Academy]]
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
==References==
* {{citation|title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment|first=Shaun|last=Assael|first2=Mike|last2=Mooneyham|publisher=Crown|year=2002|isbn=1400051436}}
* {{citation|title=Heartbreak and Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story|first=Shawn|last=Michaels|first2=Aaron|last2=Feigenbaum|publisher=WWE Books|year=2005|isbn=9780743493802}}
* {{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007}}
==External links==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}
{{commons|Category:Shawn Michaels|Shawn Michaels}}
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/shawnmichaels/ WWE.com Profile]
* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shawn-michaels.html Online World of Wrestling profile]
*{{imdb name|id=0382582|name=Shawn Michaels}}
<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}}
{{Persondata
|NAME=Hickenbottom, Michael Shawn
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Michaels, Shawn
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler
|DATE OF BIRTH=[[July 22]] [[1965]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Chandler, Arizona]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Michaels, Shawn}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:American Christians]]
[[Category:American football linebackers]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Military brats]]
[[Category:People from Chandler, Arizona]]
[[Category:People from San Antonio, Texas]]
[[Category:Texas State University–San Marcos alumni]]
[[ar:شون مايكل]]
[[bar:Shawn Michaels]]
[[bg:Шон Майкълс]]
[[cs:Shawn Michaels]]
[[da:Shawn Michaels]]
[[de:Shawn Michaels]]
[[el:Shawn Michaels]]
[[es:Shawn Michaels]]
[[fr:Shawn Michaels]]
[[it:Michael Hickenbottom]]
[[he:מייקל היקנבוטום]]
[[nl:Michael Hickenbottom]]
[[ja:ショーン・マイケルズ]]
[[no:Michael Hickenbottom]]
[[pl:Shawn Michaels]]
[[pt:Shawn Michaels]]
[[ro:Shawn Michaels]]
[[ru:Шон Майклз]]
[[simple:Shawn Michaels]]
[[fi:Shawn Michaels]]
[[sv:Shawn Michaels]]
[[vi:Shawn Michaels]]
[[tr:Shawn Michaels]]