Why Shawn Michaels Was The 90's Most Hated Man In Wrestling

[@StunnedByWrestling]

Prefer to listen? Get this episode in podcast form here: open.spotify.com/show/7a841T1CbmaVVwhnrAsZV7

[@LunarCryptik]

Will you be planning on uploading the uncut "Why Hulk Hogan is Hated" video onto spotify as well?

[@marquishall8427]

Aaa

[@satisfied656]

I loved ShawnMichaels🤗

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

How is Bret Hart more athletic than Hulk Hogan in his prime I know Brett is a better technical wrestler but don't let it can't look at the 24-inch pythons brother athletic extremely athletic so I don't get that are assumed to be more athletic because they can move a little faster do some more cool cool looking moves Michael Moore athletic make some more agility movie faster I'll think there's nobody more athletic than Hogan at the time look at it

[@DougieYT]

90s Shawn Michaels was a wild wild man.

[@idonthaveone50]

😂😂 idk why this made me crack up

[@ik664]

Shawn Michaels had it all. The charisma, the looks, the talent so you could see why he was the way he was which did end up backfiring on him.

[@leopardtree2249]

It didn’t backfire on him at all. You can’t mention wwe without shawn Michaels . He was the everyone favorite wrestler. Never once did shawn michael ever get effected by it bc half of the time he had a title there was someone else who was hella over than HBK

[@nehemiahpouncey3607]

Drugs?

[@therealityofitall4819]

If we had Shawn Michaels from the 2000s in the 1990s we would of had more classic matches..

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@therealityofitall4819 Shawn Michaels in the attitude era, he would have maybe not survive

[@adamirishconundrum851]

He knew the right way to bend over

[@CozyHumanoid]

I think that back injury he sustained in a match against taker is a blessing in disguise it allowed him to get away from wrestling and found happiness outside of the business. If he didnt get that injury we know for sure shawn will still be the old shawn and probably drove himself the ground.

[@rocketlaunch99]

I would've liked that. He never faced consequences for his actions.

[@EpicAndrew97]

He would have probably ended up killing himself from a drug overdose

[@brandongary8234]

He said that his wife and religious beliefs were instrumental in his survival

[@michaelkeller5927]

I'm not a Michaels defender, but even Bret said in an interview that wrestling Vader was like wrestling a "garbage bag full of vomit" because he smelled so bad

[@StunnedByWrestling]

That's my breakfast spoiled

[@MrKastaway66]

Very gross.

[@xbigwormx]

Glad I didn't eat anything before I read your comment.

[@darthroden]

About the only person who ever had seriously good matches with Vader outside of Japan was Mick Foley.

[@kennycai8695]

Vader (RIP) was notoriously stiff, and this was corroborated by several wrestlers as well. However, it was how Michaels did it that solidified his "prima donna" status in the locker room.

[@VickStarkiller]

This makes me think of something he said to Carmelo Hayes on an episode of NXT: “The moment you think you’re bigger than this business is the moment it will chew you up and spit you out.” I’m glad HBK got a second chance at life to right those wrongs and become the respected legend he always wanted to be.

[@the_batmobile0.4]

Yeah he was a preek but you cannot deny Shawn Michael's had/has everything, Mic skills, Charisma and incredible wrestling skills too, he had everything, he's even considered by many to be the greatest wrestling of all time, even the rock said it.

[@BossRob]

CM Punk 🤣🤣🤣

[@anut8733]

Mercedes Mone and Ronda Rousey

[@wwechampion]

Carol Hickenbottom (Shawn's mom) said he was a quiet and very introverted kid. He grew up in a pretty strict military household and moved quite a bit, so he probably had no roots anywhere. He also was a terrible student (college) and his only saving grace of living a satisfied life was professional wrestling, which was his passion and obsession. Shawn was a pretty clean-cut wrestler until he met Marty Jannety, who introduced him to the high-life of partying and drugs (coke). That's when the demon in Shawn Michaels was unlocked in the late 1980s and the one everyone knew in the 90s lol

[@cobaingrohlnovo]

You fucking his mom or what

[@Demonizer5134]

It's really interesting because I wouldn't be able to tell that about him based on his own screen persona. I really thought he was such a great and talented performer, and I always got the impression that the confidence he gave off was real and legit. But now I'm finding out that he actually was insecure and maybe presented a lot of fake confidence as a mask. It just goes to show things aren't always what they seem.

[@Demonizer5134]

@detective2221 I'm making a statement. Who are you?

[@yaboy1689]

Makes sense.

[@EpicAndrew97]

​@detective2221don't be an asshole dude

[@allainangcao28]

I’m sure if you were to go to Shawn and ask him about his role in the locker room in the 90s, the color would probably drain from his face. He knows he has said and done things that should have gotten him permanently fired. If Shawn now could meet his 90s self, he would most likely slap him.

[@shizzerla]

That's the best thing about being a piece of shit, You can do whatever you want and hurt whoever you want and years later just be Like 'oh sorry I was a dick and got away with it'

[@terrancehowell7888]

@@shizzerla yea that's called changing lol you I and everyone have done something wrong to someone and done bad things in general if we were all held to that standard we would all be screwed

[@revenge8215]

@@terrancehowell7888 I agree to a certain extent, killing Someone isn’t the same as telling a lie. Their are levels to it and it should be judged accordingly

[@MR.__G]

@@shizzerla so according to your logic you might as well stay an asshole forever since you’re condemning people for maturing & becoming a better person.

[@cviasco8571]

I doubt that. He’d do it all over again and not change a thing.

[@brandonperkins176]

Michaels' arrogance really got the better of him and honestly, all the events in the 90s showed he isn't above the world. His back injury definitely taught him to quit being a locker room politicking power hungry man and better his legacy for years to come. Looking back on how far he came I totally respect Shawn Michaels

[@TheHighestOrderHO]

After hearing from a few of his students how Shawn would go full blast in training taking bumps and everything…I suspect his injury wasn’t as serious as reported to cover up the fact that he was also addressing his substance abuse during his years away.

[@NoStupidComments2025]

@@TheHighestOrderHO That was after his back surgery. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have done that beforehand.

[@dennisdavis5842]

Tbh unless u been thru it u dk , Bret ran his mouth about hbk knee injury until it happened to him , some days u feel great , some days crippled . Before and after surgery

[@TheHighestOrderHO]

@@dennisdavis5842 solid points made

[@Splattermelt]

@@NoStupidComments2025 There have been rumors, including at Wrestlemania 14 from wrestlers, of the belief of Shawn playing it up.

[@Hope-li3pw]

The irony is, Back then everyone hated the Kliq taking power But now, everone's delighted to see the Kliq back in power

[@Panwere36]

That is because, now, they know the consequences of their actions among other things. Kevin and Sean still have issues (demons.. whatever...) they need to kick to the curb.. especially now that Scott is gone, but both Trips and Shawn know very well that things need an even keel. With AEW very much a thriving competition (no matter what the WWE marks claim), and with absolutely little to no prospects from reinvigorated ROH.. *_... AND with Vince's ABSOLUTE FAILURE TO KILL IMPACT off to the point that Trips had Mickie James' Knockouts' Title reign recognized when she had it and was in the Women's Rumble this year..._* , Vince's "sexual misconduct issues" forcing his long overdue retirement and handing Trips the reins and Shawn especially helping with NXT are nothing but of benefit. Simple truth.. Vince allowed himself to fall into the same habits and behaviors that caused Verne Gagne, Jim Crockett, Bill Watts, Jeff Jarrett, Dixie Carter, and a few others into nearly ending/ending the legacies, lives, and/or relevance of the promotions they owned/ran/whatever as the case may be. Trips and Shawn know from the other side how to avoid those things.

[@blachubear]

I don't know. Triple H sleeping with Vince' s daughter and married her. Sleeping his way to the top does sound like Kilq move.

[@ordinaryvids1685]

His self redemption was nothing short of amazing

[@hooviridis8388]

The difference between Michaels before 1998 and Michaels after 2002 is so huge you'd think they were two different people. Shawn Michaels went from being an absolute narcissistic diva to being considerate and supportive of others. I personally am an athiest, but if him becoming a Christian helps him be a better person, then I'd say he's on the right path.

[@tyranus7]

He just became extremely lame after 2002

[@alanlee67]

@tyranus7 yes. It's true. He was never able to get back to the athleticism he had before the back injury and one of the biggest reasons shawn was so good was because he was a punk and unfiltered.

[@ray0064]

@@alanlee67do you think it also had to do with the fact that he knew he wasn’t the #1 guy anymore

[@philippebeauvais9281]

I respect your point of view

[@ricksanchez2425]

Hogan is still like this

[@Heyhowareya97]

I believe Shawn’s run after returning from his back injury is his most legendary run

[@wingzero2348]

Not really, came back. Begged vince and got some high profile matches.

[@JulieMinusone]

​@@wingzero2348begged vince? Shawn profitted for about 700m a year without doing anything during his back injury. Vince invested in him so that he won't go to other brands as well. It did payout because Shawn was able to deliver another great run during 2002-10 right? Get your facts straight moron lol. Vince held him in high regard.

[@purpleperc1012]

You don’t remember any of that run. The only thing people remember is his match with the undertaker.

[@Heyhowareya97]

@@purpleperc1012 nah I remember it clear as day, his match with Kurt at wm 21 is my favorite of all time, and he had absolute bangers with Shelton Benjamin, John cena, Randy orton, edge, etc. don’t tell me what I remember lol I have my own opinions and I stand on them

[@Heyhowareya97]

@@wingzero2348 some of the best matches of his career..who gives a shit about the backstage politics? You’re a fan. Not a wwe worker or wrestler, no need to be bitter about Shawn “begging” Vince, you sound like a whiny mark lmao

[@brandonpotts54]

Shaun is a great story because he found his redemption and most people now say he is one of the best people they know. Even Jim Cornette said he could have been friends with the HBK of today.

[@Aliquickk-X]

Reminder: the reason why Shawn got away with so much was because of how incredible of a performer he was. Even before his 2nd run, he was the MJ of wrestling in the ring. Even as a kid you could see he moved differently and was in a class of his own.

[@andrew-rn9ui]

Hart , Benoit and eddid were better but hart was also an asshole and also got injyred and we all know what happened to Benoit and Eddie,,

[@Aliquickk-X]

@@andrew-rn9ui no they weren't

[@youwasntoutside]

@@Aliquickk-Xyes they were. Shawn Michaels was overrated in the ring. Great character, mediocre wrestler. Eddie and Benoit were true wrestlers. Art in the ring

[@bradlee3109]

Actually, the real reason why Shawn got away with so much is because of his "relationship" with Vince McMahon. Anytime a wrestler "bonds" with Vince, they will be able to wreak havoc and controversy in and outside the ring.

[@Aliquickk-X]

@bradlee3109 sweet conspiracy bro.

[@joshuacampbell289]

HHH was the designated driver😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RockApe_]

Funny how he ended up being the one everybody had to turn to

[@ko-rp7ge]

That's dope

[@pedroh.6886]

he was The Chaperone (straight to dvd)

[@sawtooth808]

And in the end, “The Designated Driver” is now the most powerful person in the WWE 😂😂

[@torch469]

Dunno if it’s cuz Paul didn’t drink or cuz of he’s the designated driver thus he didn’t drink 😂

[@TylerSmith-ri7lv]

I give triple h a lot of respect and care for what he did for Shawn waking up every 2 to 3 hours to make sure he was ok

[@elleni-41]

I think if it wasnt for triple h shawn woulda been dead..hevwas a great friend to him

[@stalinsoulz7872]

​@@elleni-41the best example was on curtain call when hhh was crucified instead of Shawn... Paul could've been spiteful at Shawn but he hold and and Paul become the game. And when shawn came back the two got even more tight and close like true brothers. Paul pulled Shawn's shit together and now both are retired Shawn would just be ok brother I like what dumb things your gonna do and wing it like good brothers

[@elleni-41]

@@stalinsoulz7872 ..i know the whole story, ivev watched so many documentaries on there relationship..😅😅

[@wingzero2348]

The two biggest dk heads I'm wrestling, overated wrestlers who only got shots beacuse they were literally in bed with the owners 😂😂

[@olihemming2299]

Shawn Michaels has always been my favourite wrestler of all time, And I largely prefer to think of it as me looking at his Skills on TV as a performer during both runs, while ignoring the backstage problems he had in the mid 90s. Like I said, I much prefer his 2000s run but both as still legendary to me

[@bijoygolaylama1497]

Shaun is a legend and always will be in WWE history.. Those who think hates him must see matches played in his prime in 90’s

[@ndi7365]

i’m glad i’m 02 he really sorted himself and changed 90’s Michaels was wild man his return and personality after return made him one of the most loved

[@sgko88]

The greatest of all time!!! HBK

[@Gazowen-qz5xy]

Top 5 maybe not the greatest

[@remingtonbouyer]

You can tell the difference between the late 80s and 90s Shawn to the man he is today he's totally been transformed

[@cloudxz92]

It's hard to believe that 90s Shawn and 2000s Shawn where the same Person. I almost never saw something that changed THAT much like Shawn Michaels. That is one of the reasons he diden't wanted to win another WWE Titel. He diden't wanted to get his Ego best of him again. The World Titel he give away as fast as he could.

[@vijenderthakur6207]

Just wow...your way of presentation n deep research just made this video awesome...C'mon people this guy deserves a lot of subscriptions

[@StunnedByWrestling]

Glad you liked it!

[@Damien-u2x]

Hi beautiful.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤​@@StunnedByWrestling

[@nonewmsgs]

Shawn Michael's, Scott hall, and Kevin Nash were 3 of my top favorites. was "the clique" only a backstage name because I don't remember that (but it has been a few years)

[@tracexl]

You would occasionally see Kliq signs in the crowd, so likely the name had been thrown around a little, but they were never a public stable.

[@wilytyote]

"The Kliq" was just a backstage group, though they did call Michaels' fans "The Kliq" on-air.

[@natemorrill8286]

the Kliq was definitely an on air stable if you actually watched attitude era raw. Post curtain call they refer to the Kliq (Hall, Nash, Michaels, Waltman, and Levesque) on an almost weekly basis for awhile. They turned real life into a storyline that led to the formation of DX.

[@MaynardOwns]

Early on it was mostly backstage with a few smart marks knowing the deal and it eventually become more well known to full blown on screen shit

[@chillhour6155]

Also Gold Dust

[@criticalbill2090]

Thank you for skipping through the Montreal screwjob. That subject has been done to death on multiple occasions! Shawn Michaels abilities in the ring is cemented in wrestling history as some of the greatest. But outside, he was the Goffrey Lannister of the industry

[@jamaaldagreatest2748]

Never watched got could you explain the comparison lol I figure it means he was a hated spoiled brat from context clues but I’d like more depth if you don’t mind

[@criticalbill2090]

@@jamaaldagreatest2748 Goffrey became the king of westeros(the whole kingdom in GOT) when he inherited the Iron throne from his late father. He was a sociopathic, spoiled little brat who pretty much did whatever he wanted, much to the dismay of his peers. And whined very aloud when he couldnt get his own way

[@TIAdor-um8gc]

@@criticalbill2090 I wud rather Compare him to a Jaime Lannister or a Hound. Hes not the most innocent chap but he always had to battle his Demons & has turned around his life for the better in the end. Joffrey is straight Psycho coz of inbreeding, there is no help for him.

[@usgatlas2085]

*Joffrey Baratheon

[@WalkerChristopher11]

@@jamaaldagreatest2748 just look up his clips on KZbin. The kid did an amazing job acting and said people were yelling and spitting on him on the streets because his character was so evil.

[@StephanieHua]

As a child, i always thought Shawn played the heel role amazingly. He was always intriguing to watch and evolve into whatever he was in the 2000s. I never ever thought he was hated until "behind the scenes" things started popping up. Doesn't change the fact that he is a legend. The work ethic, the looks, and wrestling ability definitely cements him near the top.

[@MrMisanthrope84]

Michaels was on a path of complete self-destruction and thankfully he realised it. It's easy to see why the old Michaels had to 'die'. In many ways he was just the male equivalent of Sunny. Michaels changed his ways, Sunny didn't. Look at them both now. How Sunny ended up is where Michaels would have gone and he knows it. I have loved watching the transformation of both Triple H and Michaels for the better over the years. They've both fixed themselves and saved their souls and now they're both doing genuinely great things with that experience, and are able to steer the industry away from a type of environment that did them or their friends like Scott Hall no good. Two real-life babyface turns right there.

[@darkwriter_xx94]

Really interesting comparison. I’m going to watch the Sunny video next so I’m curious to see how she and hbk compare compare.

[@MrFredstt]

I'm not as knowledgeable but could you please explain the comparison to Sunny? How was he like her and how did she end up?

[@juicepouch1]

@@MrFredstt sunny is a stupid bimbo that recently killed somebody while driving drunk. It was only about her twelfth dui, really shows how fucking dumb she was and will likely continue to be

[@lostcapital2591]

I need to investigate this about sunny, cause the way you worded sounds like you got something personal against sunny. & I doubt you personally know her

[@MrMisanthrope84]

@@lostcapital2591 investigate? It's well known. She's been in and out jail, it's public knowledge.

[@KaoticDude]

HBK's ways caught up to him. You'd think that getting his ass beat by six marines would've humbled him. I believe the back injury at the RR was the start and HBK himself saying that his son tried waking him up and couldn't. I'm happy that HBK has turned his life around and is a better human being. All about growth and experience that will shape your later years in life.

[@remingtonbouyer]

Exactly

[@hounddog3476]

It took 6 marines that doesnt humble a fella. Most marines are cooks/logistics anyways. Its not like they were our infantry paratroopers after their own civilians........

[@CollegeBallYouknow]

That figure is disputed. Some say it was just one Marine but Shawn plays it up as being surrounded by six to try and make it look unfair for himself.

[@lindseysummers5351]

Dude, it's all kayfabe what you saw on the WWE produced DVD. The reality of his situation and how he turned the corner wasn't nearly as touching as what they're spoonfeeding you.

[@adamrenfrow]

It was 1 marine.

[@jamesoWhoopty]

Your talent and actions don't make you a man. Owning up to them and admitting your mistakes does. I heard an interview with Shawn and it's clear he shows remorse for how he treated people that's good enough for me.

[@cappy2282]

Shawn will always be my favorite. I was like 10yrs old and I knew he was the GOAT. Everything he did was top notch and before his first back injury he was an absolute tank/greatest wrestler I ever seen. (NOBODY looked better selling than Shawn. He would get a** beat the whole match, getting suplexed outside of ring with legs smashing guard rail and stuff...such a beast lol)

[@GoodLook911]

I liked Shawn Michaels also...didn't knw all tha behind tha scenes drama tho

[@dingo8226]

He was my hero!

[@cappy2282]

@@dingo8226 lol ya mine to. I loved Jordan but nobody was cooler than Shawn. Only wrestling event I been to WWF filmed a RAw in my crappy little high school gym and him and Razor had dark ladder match. I was young so I don't remember much but i remember the ladder match, I remember Lex vs Yoko and I remember thinking JJ was amazing in ring (I forget who he wrestled tho lol)

[@xCallxMExJJx]

He was always different to me. Just my favorite guy of all time

[@cappy2282]

@@xCallxMExJJx Ya me to, he was special. I remember being scared for Shawn when Psycho Sid turned on him

[@arshlenovo436]

Undoubtedly the most handsome wrestler.

[@gudduentertains]

Shawn Michaels was a true Rock Star personality which made him really stand out.

[@MorAodhan]

Absolutely love Michaels, a true legend. His past and his history, despite being distasteful, is part of who he is. He wasn't the first and he won't be the last, but we also wouldn't have had his redemption arch or the person he is today without it all. Substance abuse is a true evil, but good men prevail - he will go down in history as the man he came back as, and whether you love him or hate him, you've got to respect him. Edit: he was also surrounded by enablers and no one had the bollocks to put a stop to it, they were almost as responsible as the bloke himself.

[@sepg5084]

Blaming "enablers" for his assholery is childish. An adult should take responsibility for his actions.

[@JayB-XS]

Wrestling fans are so weird. You've just watched a video that described Shawn being addicted to drugs, treating people terribly, burying talent, destroying relationships and generally being a deeply unpleasant person and your first instinct is to post "absolutely love Michaels, a true legend". The morals of wrestling fans and what they're willing to overlook is crazy.

[@ghosttheripper8656]

@@JayB-XSyes, because he has grown as a person. Look at him today vs then People like to think they came out the womb great, you didn’t 🤣 Shawn Michaels was a terrible person , couldn’t imagine being around him. What I respect is the self awareness to acknowledge it, and change yourself for the better, it is way easier said then done. Dude is a legend for over coming his addiction and ego As much as we want to relate, you cannot relate to a stadium of 50000 fans hyping you up, or people when your out and about. The fact he is where he is today, is what makes him a legend.

[@sawtooth808]

@@JayB-XS I believe Honky Tonk Man had it right when he said “If you (Shawn Michaels) weren’t Vince’s ‘Boy Toy’ he would have been gone (as in fired) and you know it”

[@JayB-XS]

@@ghosttheripper8656 Just because one claims to have changed, it doesn't negate or change the damage done in the past - all the people he builled and made miserable and the people's careers he tried to ruin. Those things happened and one doesn't get an automatic free pass for it. He claims to have found god and had an epithany - cool, whatever works for the indivudal. However, if putting my pessimistic hat on, I question the notion that one who is capable of acting the way he did towards others can truly fundementally change - that stuff comes from the core. You either have it in you to be like that, or don't. Maybe he has learned how to manage his ego better and be more diplomatic - a better public image of himself. Maybe he truly is ashamed of who he was - who knows. You don't know him - I'm not going to vouch for somebody I don't know. Lastly - stop using 'fame' as an excuse to be a terrible person. There are plently of successful people within WWE and outside of it, who maintained their sense of decency and humility thoughout the peak of their popularity.

[@angelocapobianco]

He was the most hated but he was also the best in the business!

[@Skazellino]

Yup, lotta jealousy.

[@christopherbassit2757]

@@Skazellino he was also an ass

[@chillhour6155]

Yep, true show stopper

[@sheikgeek9150]

You guys forget, Michaels and the Kliq steered the roster, matchups and storylines to make themselves the 'coolest'. They were an unethical group who screwed over their coworkers and helped destroy the industry from the inside. Shawn Michaels made sure to backstab and frontstab anyone on the way to the top.

[@Raez_XL]

Best. Right after Bret Hart.

[@xaviersantini8176]

Could you imagine 90’s Shawn Michaels in the social media era? He’s be released quick

[@Hope-li3pw]

Hell with the release He'd have been an other dark tragedy (like Benoit) Glad that he had that back injury 😅

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@Hope-li3pw true

[@josiahblake1286]

@@Hope-li3pw You fools believe anything

[@hida99ash]

yOu fOoLs bElIeVe aNyThInG​@@josiahblake1286

[@homif4ord]

Still was the best in ring performer of the 90’s

[@1yebzz]

Of all time**

[@tboy2531]

Yes

[@jamalwalker04]

Bret was better in the 90s overall but Shawn peaked higher between 94-97

[@romacechina]

4:43 heard that when Shawn and Marty were waiting for Vince, Vince came up to them, saw Shawn's snakeskin boots he was wearing and said, 'nice boots, they're made for walking you know. Just kidding.' Then in the words of Shawn, "he took us in his office and fired us,".

[@glamgal7106]

I've heard the same story.

[@masongraham]

Hey, I appreciate the content you put on here. Thoughtful, thorough, straightforward, and high quality. Great job.

[@Ishida1694]

Really well made video!!!! Thanks for your hard work on this! Enjoyed the heck out of it!

[@RandomCorvid]

"HHH could be bag carrier number 1 for the group" is such a hilarious thing to think about considering how big HHH became and his current position as WWE's CCO

[@nikhilhembrom8952]

From being driver of the group to literally owner of company that is some improvement

[@JavelinAngel1295]

Shawn Michaels really changed as a person when he became a Born Again Christian. Respect to him for humbling himself that way.

[@curtisjoseph7228]

I still hate him

[@JavelinAngel1295]

@@curtisjoseph7228 good for you.

[@StoneColdSour]

@@curtisjoseph7228hate is a prison

[@freiflug83]

You missed 2 very big omissions - During the Curtain Call incident Triple H was groomed to win KotR that year. Instead it went to Stone Cold. Rest is history - By yelling at Vince between 96-98 Shawn knew he could get away with it because Vince was terrified he would immediately go to WCW since Hall & Nash were already there

[@michaelsinger4638]

It was a combination of a massive ego, as well as being drugged out of his mind a lot of the time. And Vince let him get away with it over and over and over again.

[@daleholbert8032]

Vince boy toy

[@curtailedbike4123]

Got to add the huge stress of being the face of the company when the company was at its lowest. It’s so amazing to see that Shawn got his act together in the 2000s

[@chrisjames5188]

If it was a few years later when vince had austin and and the rock I doubt he'd of got away with it.

[@MrKastaway66]

We’ve all been there.

[@MrKastaway66]

@@captdaddy It’s a marketable skill!

[@brianstallings4252]

HHH definitely took a huge bullet for The Kliq. In fact, The Kliq was so much of a threat that Taker had to start The BSK. It’s crazy how the storylines and themes back then actually reflected how everything was influenced by real life stigmas. HHH My Time theme, his whole reign of terror from 99 through’06 all stinting from his distain from solely paying the price for The Curtain Call while the other 3 involved got off scott free. That feud between The Rock and HHH from ‘99 going all the way into ‘00 seemed personal as well, especially when Michaels super kicked The Rock during his Ironman Match with HHH. I always knew The Rock’s career was definitely docked due to jealousy started by the fear of 2 men. The Rock made the wise decision to go to Hollywood in ‘04 instead resigning w/ WWE. He would’ve only been foreshadowed by HHH at every turn seeing it is the political stroke HHH developed around those times. It just proves the dangers of being forced to look in the mirror. The Rock was Shawn and Paul’s karma, and reverse reflection in the mirror. Look at what Shawn and Paul had to do to get ahead, meantime The Rock came in fully gifted ahead of his time never having to cut corners let alone screw the next guy. When take meets real, expect there to be jealousy all initiated by fear first. HHH has always sounded like an easy fall guy for The Kliq. That’s like people who’re druggies frequenting night clubs who includes that one sober person as the designated driver so the rest don’t have to spend anymore nights in the slammer accumulating felonies or suspended licenses.

[@SapphireSandwichBoys]

It's also crazy how Triple H got fucked over by the Kliq so much. Triple H was their bag carrier, their DD, their fall guy. Now he's the top of the company, really makes you think. Not to imply that Triple H wasn't ever a back room politics POS because he was, but damn did they shit on him.

[@stalinsoulz7872]

​@@SapphireSandwichBoysthis is basically why Shawn would often said when he's talk about relationships with Paul, he clearly said Paul could've thrown him under the bus and booted him off, like even if he was there fall guy. Paul could've been spiteful and screwed Shawn but Paul just put up with it over and now his the top guy running the show also shawn and Paul relationship held when Shawn came back and Paul didn't give him the same treatment they shitted on paul

[@TemporaryInsane]

bsk did fuck all to kliq

[@magnol1a_]

​​@@SapphireSandwichBoysHHH was playing chess, the other 4 dopes were playing checkers.

[@DrMurdercock]

Your mini docs on rasstlin are always the best man. Thanks as always my dude.

[@ItsAVolcano]

9:05 that's the modern account, a lot of recollections from guys who worked during the New Generation Era are that a clever young Paul Levesque tagged along to the Kliq, amongst other things carrying their luggage, to improve his own stock.

[@TGPDrunknHick]

it's a bit of both I'd guess. they used him and he used them until they actually became friends.

[@charleslangley2685]

Ultimate manipulator Triple H…. Made his way to the top, married the bosses daughter and all. Can’t do anything but respect him.

[@keithharper1470]

Hey what can you say the man really played the game

[@jayboy2kay7]

90s Shawn was the fkin man.

[@DonMega888]

If you're into flamboyant b*tch made zesty butt bois

[@boredbitch666]

* stone cold * hbk was just an annoying frat boy protected by his little treehouse club.

[@rickrock707]

He was there to entertain and do his job not to make friends and the friends he did make are legends like him

[@kiprandom7208]

Michaels is easy to love and easier to hate. Handsome face, great body, phenomenal on the mic, and beyond the pale in the ring. He would do the extreme to be the show stopper.

[@Arizona77549]

The very best in ring performer of all times...💔

[@jareejones]

nah cm punk

[@KingInfernagon]

@@jareejones lmao he's nowhere close to The Showstopper, The Icon, The Main Event, Mr. Wrestlemania, The Heart Break Kid

[@Arizona77549]

@@KingInfernagon Why? Because I can...

[@josephmarino310]

Is Shawn the best because you honestly believe that or because wwe has been telling you that for 26 years?

[@tonypizza2887]

@@jareejones punk is trash in ring

[@brandeno919]

Backstage hated him but us 90s babies loved him he why we all got in trouble in class doing the suck it

[@YudazOwn]

💯

[@coppermanarrowz1001]

HBK was the shit

[@thattshawkeyeguy3343]

You really can't blame him for Sunny, she was willing.

[@darthroden]

Sunny was a c*unt, like Jim Cornette said.

[@keithharper1470]

It really was the hypocrisy of the Sunny Days comment that does it for people

[@juicepouch1]

Disagree, fucking somebody you know is in a relationship is still shitty. Those two deserved each other back then

[@thattshawkeyeguy3343]

@@juicepouch1 it says more about her than him.

[@juicepouch1]

@@thattshawkeyeguy3343 agreed but it says plenty bad about him too.

[@raby760]

The Rockers was my favorite tag-team when I was a kid. I was devastated when Shawn Michaels threw Marty Jannetty throw the barber shop window. But after that, I only watched wrestling long enough to see a few solo matches with Shawn Michaels. I stopped watching after the Ultimate Warrior was put into an "airtight casket" by the Undertaker. I've seen videos telling the story of what happened to Shawn Michaels, as if Marty Jannetty were the bad guy due to drugs and alcohol, and that Vince McMahon was the bad guy in how he treated Shawn Michaels. I realized those videos were from fanboys of Shawn Michaels. This video makes the most sense and is consistent with Shawn Michaels' personality. Hulk Hogan was a scumbag for keeping new wrestlers down. Shawn Michaels did the same thing by creating that group. And then Shawn Michaels broke kayfabe, which was totally unnecessary. Brett Hart was the total opposite. He did what he was told. He tried to play by the rules. And he got screwed for it.

[@yurmabeechaudits3522]

Hulkamaniacs every where wanted Hogan to smash everybody on the roster. The real truth is his heel turn should have been years earlier so his politicking didn't get out of control.

[@ricksanchez2425]

Do one on Shawn Michaels buddy Kevin Nash one of the top reason wcw went under

[@YudazOwn]

Too many people responsible for WcW folding* to just name one or two. Ted turner was looking to rid himself of it anyway.

[@alexandermacdougall7873]

One man was not responsible for WCW folding. Plain and simple...it was poor management

[@TheWedabest]

@@YudazOwn by the time that wcw went under turner was just a ceremonial head of the company. That turner AOL merger left ted powerless! The other executives at turner hated wrestling and were now able to get rid of wcw.

[@Rob_Thorsman]

@@alexandermacdougall7873 No, it was two men: Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo.

[@lrc2k8]

@@TheWedabest Good info

[@fleekoshuntos975]

another fantastic video bro.

[@sanjaybabu1704]

I think he is the guy who got most love from fans🙏🏻no others gets this much love in wwe🙌

[@jean-guydaraiche]

stone cold and the rock are the most love from the fans and the undertaker too shawn michael is hate by alot of fan and love by others

[@anthonyp1884]

Love him or hate him Shawn Michaels is the goat 🐐

[@PauljoeStewart]

No where near the goat ... terry funk is the goat

[@alexgordon9508]

He was the #1 threat to Canada back in the day

[@catchcan221]

Guys like Steve Austin, Undertaker, Rock and Bret Hart didn’t need to destroy other wrestlers careers and bury them to get to the top. They got there on their own merits. Guys like Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall did. That’s the difference.

[@Lerf8]

That's why they the best

[@kapil4417037]

@@Lerf8 If all potician of the wordl join wwe, they will be most loved by the fan, even they destroy world to come on top.

[@kapil4417037]

@@Lerf8 but this is true in real life also as i have seen the politician who played the dirtiest politics will most like by the voters and fan.

[@jean-guydaraiche]

at last totally honest answer think the same

[@TheSUPERWIND2023]

Michaels went from the most hated guys in the locker room to one of the most respected bookers in wrestling today for NXT.

[@perry3770]

He did everything he could that would get him canceled today, he didn’t care about anything and lived his life like he was untouchable. That’s why he said and did what he did. Can you imagine what backlash someone would get doing all the things he did to the Canadian flag today

[@sepg5084]

It easier to get away with being a piece of shit in the past. Now, you'd have to be a billionaire like Trump or Elon Musk to do so.

[@SxrxiZ]

No one would care lol

[@Anthony-ru7sk]

Next haircut I get I’m bringing a picture of the “midnight rockers” version of Shawn Michaels and saying do this.

[@jonightshade2252]

I just saw that pic of HHH with feathered hair and I’m like 🫠🫠 hahaha

[@chrisjames5188]

Should go for the 92-95 mullet

[@nickhughes8179]

Terra Ryzing and the Dolly Parton mall hair. If I ever meet Triple H, I should bring a picture of that for him to autograph!

[@hounddog3476]

Shawn Michaels is the GOAT. He was in the Rockers and he was the best athlete/performer.

[@kaeso101]

Whether one is a believer or not..as wrestling fans we all agree that shawn becoming a Christian played a huge part in saving his life. It got him steady and to an extent prolonged his career...cause otherwise he could have been gone.

[@thestarseeker8196]

He became so much of a fuck-up on a personal level that he needed a deity to take some of the heat. Approaching religion the same way as Paul.

[@ivanlim747]

The man was handsome, had a great physic, and was the best worker in the company. Who wouldn't be arrogant if you were the golden boy in the business?

[@amethyst_witch_blades]

An actual good person

[@Lillean]

Fax

[@masteroffootball5828]

And you too?

[@jaron312]

The rock and Steve Austin were all those things and everyone liked them backstage

[@NostalgiaVomitChris]

We seriously pretending like he wasn’t a snake like Hogan. I mean cmon Montreal is famous for a reason.

[@orkutfinance]

At one point Sean Michaels ego was worse than Hogan! It took it back injury for him to set himself straight

[@andrewfantome4020]

Well, at least he was able to pull himself together for a moment. Hogan is still the same Hulkster.

[@ferdiahunt9899]

There match at SummerSlam in 2005 was just a huge clash of egos hence HBK overselling everything and Hogan refusing to put HBK over

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@ferdiahunt9899 and Hogan got a reason to do

[@brianblackwell8764]

As a kid growing up around 95' 96' 97' I never knew he was so hated.

[@ZIGAG1999]

the most fascinating thing in this video is how the kliq formed and how Paul aka triple h was just supposed to be the bag carrier and the driver just because he didn't drink and drive. and well as we know now paul is basically the leader and boss of them.

[@thecorona1784]

Am I the only one who always loved Michaels and was happy when he put Marty through the window?

[@therealpapacoco]

Nah, been a fan since his Rockers days and even then thought he was the star of that team.

[@xbigwormx]

No Marty Jennetty JUMPED through the window try to escape. What an act of cowardice.

[@chowderchowdown]

I met Shawn Michaels at a restaurant once - we’d accidentally been given his table. Apparently he was fond of the restaurant and had a specific table he liked, and the management had messed up and gotten their days wrong, (it was Tuesday and they thought he was coming on Thursday or something like that). Anyway, the manager, completely embarrassed (this is a pretty nice restaurant) comes by and says “I’m so sorry, but we’d like to move you to another table if you could be troubled, and we’ll gladly compensate you for the cost of the meal and any other meal you’d like while you’re in town.” My sister and cousin were both like “Yeah that’s cool.” and I kind of played the asshole a bit. “I’m sorry, I just don’t understand. We’ve been here for 15 minutes - we’ve just ordered. Can’t we finish our meal here?” Then out of nowhere Shawn Michaels shows up next to the manager and says “Paul, these guys can finish. We’ll be at the bar. I got some time.” And I (being a big HBK fan) said “Oh wow, uh… I had no idea. Please feel free to give them the table.” Shawn was grateful, shook my hand and said thanks, then gave me a card with his number on it and told me to give him a call later. After working up the nerve, I gave him a call that night, and to make a long story short, we had a glorious 11 month love affair, man on man, that I shall never forget. Our bodies intertwined as one, and from the beauty of Morocco, to the French Riviera, to the snorkeling in the Galopagos, Shawn Michaels and I made glorious gay love to each other on six of the seven continents.

[@mazharimam6827]

Well done 😁

[@maxcalifornia94]

Honestly, if I were Shawn back in the day I would have been the exact same way. I will not lie. I don’t blame the man for being a badass, rude, self-centered, etc. People are a product of their environment. He was on top of the world. He had it all. But he changed for the better. He will always be the goat to be. HBK was my guy.

[@JayB-XS]

You would have been an alcholic and developed a drug addiction? Damn. "people are product of their environment" - so howcomes The Undertaker and The Rock (two of the biggest megastars in modern pro wrestling) managed to remain as decent people, in this kind of environment?

[@ChewyNuggetZ]

@@JayB-XSI’m guessing he didn’t think of that

[@maxcalifornia94]

⁠@@JayB-XSyes, I think I know myself pretty well to know in that I probably would have made huge mistakes. Absolutely. Won’t hide that. Everyone is different maybe you would be more like The Rock or Taker with the environment and that’s cool. For myself, I know I would have been more like Shawn. To each their own. Cheers man.

[@MoojinBoi]

​@@JayB-XSyou clearly have a bias just as much as any fans of wrestlers that weren't perfect 24/7

[@jorgeuribe1386]

Even though the HBK and Razor ladder match at WM 10 was described as one of greatest ladder matches of all time, they made it happen because they went over the time they were given causing a advertised ten man tag match to be cancelled and costing the ten men a Wrestlemania moment and paycheck, Macho Man lashed out at the both of them for their actions

[@MandalorianRevan]

According to Shawn and Scott, unlike modern ladder matches, they only had the one ladder. So if it had broken, they'd have never have finished the match.

[@SpaceGhost92]

Who gives a shit? An all time classic wrestle mania match, or a lame 10 man tag that absolutely no one would ever remember? I know which one I’m picking. And Vince paid those guys anyways.

[@ODmarvel]

@@SpaceGhost92 lol people like you are what allowed Shawn to get away with being a complete dick and asshole, as long he was talented

[@jorgeuribe1386]

@MandalorianRevan Shawn and Scott were given 10 to 15 minutes, for a ladder match at a PPV that’s short so I really don’t blame them for going longer than their allotted time and cause Vince couldn’t make up his mind on who should win the rumble between Bret and Lex making them co winner resulting in Bret and Yoko pulling double duty, to me Bret should have the sole rumble winner

[@jorgeuribe1386]

@Dylan Smith It’s actually Vince’s fault cause he couldn’t decide on who should win the rumble resulting in Bret and Yoko to do 2 matches each, if I was Vince, I would have made Bret the sole rumble winner challenge Yoko l, have Owen wrestle either Macho Man or Lex save the Bret vs Owen feud until SummerSlam

[@andrewwgarrett1]

Good watch. I wish that Shawn and Stone Cold would've been addressed, since it was Stone Cold that directly went over Shawn.

[@remingtonbouyer]

Originally Shawn was supposed to win but Undertaker literally threatened him backstage saying if you don't put over Austin you go have to deal with me

[@allanturmaine5496]

Sweet Chin Music is a badass move.

[@ghettomist1575]

I know he was an ass hat and an addict back then, but he was SO entertaining.

[@MrVampireFang]

Imagine arresting two guys in a hotel. Absolutely brutal fight. Blood everywhere. You go to arrest them but from the shadows: woo ya

[@yurmabeechaudits3522]

What is a "woo ya"?

[@TheKonsy]

Ooooooh yhhhhhhhh

[@mrclaretandblue]

These videos are absolutely brilliant, Thank you keep up the good work. Great knowledge of wrestling by the way.

[@StunnedByWrestling]

thank you, I appreciate it!

[@JimmyPeaTV]

Slammer of a stream. So much nostalgia from the time I grew up watching wrestling, just before I tried adulting. Thanks for this well presented piece 👍

[@jseay12487]

Shawn is one of the all time greats . Back stage bs or not .

[@MR.__G]

Not defending hbk & his behavior.. But damn, he was an amazing heel in 97. Has there even been heat like he received during his survivor series entrance ? It really looked like he could’ve ended up in the hospital that night lol

[@lexkanyima2195]

True, HBK was having a bigger heat

[@thomashester2]

Was led here by Kickin It With Ross. Great video essay Subscribed

[@StunnedByWrestling]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@TheRisingTide89]

Funny thing is DX Shawn was Shawn finally being his real self..all that screw everyone shit..the gesture...all felt very personal, especially towards Bret. Shawn and Owen are 2 of my top guys though but facts are facts.

[@madsleonardholvik3040]

Thanks for this great documentary!

[@barronjames.]

shawn was the man during the most unimportant time in wwf history. the company was being bent over by wcw and michaels was being bent over by McMahon

[@larrycarroll8812]

How was Shawn being bent over by Vince?

[@letmeengineeru2770]

Well it's definitely the other way around coz Shawn was so popular on those days and people demands his appearance and performance.. So Vince simply comply not on Shawn but by his popular demand..

[@JayB-XS]

True - this is what a lot of the fanboy comments underneath this video are missing. Shawn was the top guy while WWF had become the second most popular promotion. As you said, they were getting spanked by WCW. As soon as Shawn left in early 1998, due to his injury, WWF finally started beating WCW again and became number one - funny coincidence.

[@Aliquickk-X]

He was also the greatest wrestler of the 90's and ever. Some envy there.

[@no_one01-5]

I don't think he changed. He just kicked his drug habit, became less unhinged, and was more subtle with his backstage politicking. To him, he was still #1. Hogan is exactly the same and that Summerslam was proof of it that both guys had egos the size of planets. Fundamentally, people don't change. They just learn to hide their bad side, no matter how much it covers their personality.

[@ramseydoon8277]

18:52 "Michaels and Hart would continue to oppose each other.." *cut to still image of Bret asking Shawn to marry him* 🤣

[@blairsmith3199]

90s Shawn Michael's was the ultimate chad

[@rammgm]

dude was giga chad

[@Professor_Genki7]

He was no where to being a chad,he was an insecure,drug addicted bully who got beaten up by everyone.

[@rammgm]

​@@Professor_Genki7 wtf, he dominated the wrestling scene in the 90s, despite the bad things he did.

[@boredbitch666]

SCSA clears with ease. didn't need a little treehouse club to get on top of the biz and could actually draw unlike the kliq if you don't believe look at the new gen,ruthless aggression and pg era.

[@idontcarebbkdafander1597]

If you call that a chad that’s kinda sad

[@tashantimothy6180]

It really boils down to one word and I can tell you without watching the video. As a matter of fact, I have the video paused on the first ad as I’m typing this. The word: Drugs.

[@anthonyclark9441]

I don't care what anyone else thinks of Him, I love this Guy. He kept Me interested in Wrestling after I outgrew Hulk. I understand why people don't like Him, and I understand why He made it a point to make sure everyone hated Him. He gets crapped on for doing what every Top Guy has done at one point or another and "THE BOSS" let Him do His thing. Just like He let every other Top Guy He had do. He carried WWF in 96 and if anyone thinks differently, you're a damn LIAR. No one in His Spot was going to be able to beat the Hostile Takeover Angle that morphed into Hulk Hogan joining and creating the nWo. Especially with how Vince and Pat were still booking things. Not Taker, not Bret, Austin wasn't ready yet. Vader wasn't over enough with all of WWF's Fanbase, and He wasn't going to do it. He gets a bad Rap for unfortunate timing of His rise to Main Event Player, but He was DEFINITELY a Main Event Player. He's every bit the Legend that He's made out to be. Had some of if not the best Matches in North American Pro Wrestling for about 5-7 years straight. You loved Him as a Face (admit it) and you hated Him as a Heel (you were supposed to) because you loved Him as a Heel. I'll await the people who disagree now.

[@geedee1264]

Also why he was knocked out by the guy at the bar, slapped silly by Bret etc

[@SpaceGhost92]

@@geedee1264Bret did not slap him silly, he pulled his hair. That’s from Bret’s own account

[@Skazellino]

@@geedee1264 Syracuse was multiple dudes, and Bret pulled hair out like a bitch.

[@MorAodhan]

@@SpaceGhost92 from Bret's account - he took him to the floor, unloaded a few punches and in the struggle, tore a clump of his hair out.

[@twinzzlers]

Boomer

[@SelfIndulgentGamer]

This is what happens when you have story driven wrestling :D

[@kapil4417037]

this is true not only in story driven and real life, chances of people believing in cunniest and dirtiest poltician is much higher than those who are honest.

[@jamesmastrobuono1774]

Funny how they thought Shane wasn't good enough for WWF...but then hhh stole his the franchise gimmick and turned it to his the game gimmick

[@TemporaryInsane]

triple h had the look

[@boredbitch666]

triple h's * roids * had the look you mean.

[@RagingUtai]

Well kevin nash did say shawn was often too hard on himself and nash would have to tell him to take a breath and relax a little, and remind shawn of how lucky he is. I think shawn would act cocky or be a little eccentric only as a coping mechanism to help overcome that feeling of not being good enough.

[@DX_2_words_4_ya]

HBK what a legend he was

[@ComaLies225]

I know this is unrelated but I get so sad seeing early WWF Sunny. She was such a beautiful woman and is now a former, damaged, drugged addicted shell of herself

[@remingtonbouyer]

That's what happened when you get in wrestling and an drug and alcohol addiction

[@jdzspace33]

A very big shell, but a shell for sure

[@dimantez4ever]

90's Shawn has Goat status🐐

[@TheReelMcCoySC]

Put yourself in his shoes he’s getting paid as a top guy for displaying all these traits

[@TheDeliDaddy]

Undertaker taped up his fists and waited by the curtain and WrestleMania 14 right before Shawn was set to face Steve Austin and told Shawn to do the right thing or else Undertaker would beat up Shawn so bad which apparently scared Shawn into doing the right thing.

[@rastafenian7200]

Love the Macho Man cameo 💯