Shawn Michaels is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, known for his high-flying moveset, charismatic personality, and ability to connect with the audience. In 1986, Michaels joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
He has been involved in numerous memorable rivalries with top WWE superstars throughout his illustrious career.nHe is also known for his classic matches with Bret Hart, Ric Flair, and The Undertaker. When asked about the best rivalry of his carrier he mentioned two WWE superstars.
Shawn Michaels named his greatest rival
Michaels began his wrestling career in 1984 in the Texas Wrestling Federation and quickly rose to become one of the top stars in the WWF. He captured the WWF Intercontinental Championship three times and the WWF World Heavyweight Championship twice. Michaels also won the Royal Rumble in 1995 and 1998.
In an interview, Michaels was questioned about his best rivalry during his WWE career. He mentioned Bret Hart as his first best rivalry and Triple H as the second best. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels are two of the most legendary professional wrestlers of all time. They had a long and storied rivalry, which culminated in the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” at Survivor Series 1997.
In this controversial incident, where Michaels retained the WWF Championship through an orchestrated referee decision, it further fueled the animosity between the two and cemented their rivalry as one of the most captivating in wrestling history.
Beyond the dramatic storyline, Michaels and Hart delivered a series of exceptional in-ring performances, showcasing their exceptional athleticism, technical prowess, and ability to connect with the audience.
Bret Hart addressed his relation with HBK
Following the Montreal Screwjob, Bret Hart departed from WWE and joined rival promotion WCW. His absence from WWE extended for several years before he eventually reconciled with Vince McMahon and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
In a profile written by Jonathan Snowden of The Ringer, on the Montreal Screwjob Bret address his relation with HBK. He said, “We had our issues over the years. But I watched Undertaker and Shawn Michaels wrestle at one of the WrestleManias. Even then, I had such a bitterness towards Shawn, but I had to admit it was one of the greatest matches I ever watched. That’s where I ended up deciding to make friends with Shawn and bury the hatchet and all that.”
In a 2010 interview, Hart stated that he had “made peace” with Michaels and that they were “friends now.” He also expressed being “glad” that they had been able to put their past behind them. Michaels has similarly spoken positively about his relationship with Hart.
In a 2019 interview, he mentioned being “happy” to be friends with Hart and expressed respect for him as both a man and a wrestler. Despite their past rivalry, Hart and Michaels are now two of the most respected figures in professional wrestling. They are considered role models for aspiring wrestlers, and their legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
