Michael Hickenbottom, also known by his ring name Shawn Michaels, is a retired American professional wrestler and actor.
Early Life and Background
Born July 22, 1965, in Chandler, Arizona, Michaels was born and brought up in a military family, which led to frequent moves while growing up. Part of his early childhood was spent living in Reading, England, until they finally settled in San Antonio, Texas. Michaels wanted to become a wrestler from a very young age, and his dream was fulfilled when he attended Randolph High School and, for a short period, Southwest Texas State University. He pulled out to pursue wrestling.
Wrestling Career
1984 was the year Michaels started to be a professional wrestler, and in 1988, it made headlines when he signed with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). This was after the creation of the tag team “The Rockers,” formed by him and Marty Jannetty. The two together brought the house down with their high-energy performances. After the separation, he made his successful solo career, from where he earned nicknames like “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Mr. WrestleMania,” and “The Showstopper.”
During his career, which can only be termed illustrious, Michaels has earned a few accolades, such as:
- Four-time world champion (three WWF Championships and one World Heavyweight Championship)
- Three-time Intercontinental Champion
- One-time European Champion
- Two-time Royal Rumble winner (1995 and 1996).
Injuries and Retirement
The back injury sustained by Michaels in late 1998 when he faced Undertaker gave rise to his first-ever retirement. In 2002, he returned again to wrestle until his second retirement from in-ring activity after confronting The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI in 2010. He did a one-off match in 2018 but has been otherwise officially retired.
Post-Wrestling Career
Michaels varied his WWE duties, primarily as an ambassador and trainer, after retirement. He has attained a position as Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, looking after the NXT brand.
Personal Life
Michaels married former WCW Nitro Girl Rebecca Curci on March 31, 1999. The couple has had two children together: a son, Cameron Kade, born in 2000, and a daughter, Cheyenne, born in 2004. They currently reside in San Antonio, Texas.
In the late 1990s, Michaels suffered from issues such as substance abuse. In 2002, he had a born-again experience, which had a tremendous impact on both his personal and professional life.
Other Ventures
Outside the arena, Michaels has appeared in several films and television shows, including The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017) and Marine 6: Close Quarters (2018).
Michaels has a variety of ink on his body, which include a heart with a dagger, a ring, a map, a portrait on his left leg, a chain, and the name of his son.
Legacy
Shawn Michaels has firmly etched his legacy as one of the all-time great professional wrestlers. His charisma, wrestling style, and ability to tell stories have affected many professionals within the wrestling industry, inspiring an entire generation of performers that came after him.
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