You caved. You had Michaels at number one and you bowed to the pressure.

hellz yah thats what im talkin bout

WAAH, YOU'RE A MICHAELS MARK, WAAH!! I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO THAN SLAG OFF YOUR OWN PERSONAL OPINION ON ANONYMOUS MESSAGE BOARDS!

there, that should sum up about 80% of the comments...now none of you nerds have to waste our time or yours...

Kevin,

You did the right thing. I love Shawn too and he is the greatest, but in a "WrestleMania top performer list", unfortunately, Hogan HAS to be number 1.

Shocked.

Did you do this to swerve your Eckamaniacs who claim you have an HBK bias?

kevin, I fully respect your depth of knowledge of the wrestling industry, and I enjoy your website, but when it comes to the HBK, I'm afraid your bias clouds your judgement at times. It was a similar bias that saw him reach the top of the list you produced a year or so ago stating the best all round performers - a list that didn't include HHH or Undertaker.

There is no doubt at all that the HBK is one of the greatest ever performers, few have had his longevity at the top, but I struggle to see how, on the basis this list was derived, how he arrives above both the Undertaker and Austin? His first 3 wrestlemania appearances were basically making up the card, then at 8 and 9 he was becoming a star, but still hardly prime time. His matches against Jericho, Angle and McMahon were all good matches (because he is a great performer and top star) but I think when you look at what austin did in his matches, and how highly they were anticipated, I would argue that austin was more to wrestlemania (pound for pound - because number of appearances were not a criteria) than HBK was. with the exception of the savio vega match - every single one of his appearances were the most anticipated in the event. Only 3 maybe 4 of Michaels matches can rate alongside 6 of Austins in terms of profile and anticipation. As for the undertaker - he is still a genuine main eventer and could be a title contender, point taken that some of his matches early on were against sub standard opposition, but his later opponents have all been top quality. and michaels had a load of time out during his career.

In summary, I am a big HBK fan too, but I think having him top of the all time performers and second in WM greatest stars is possibly not a grounded and unbiased view?

''if michaels wins, we riot'' that was to be the most idiotic line i've ever heard.

I would have put UT as #2 and Michael as #3, only because the first five WM Michael's was either on the under-card or in filler matches. But you can really flip on a coin on who is 2 and who is 3.

HBK should be #1, i know Hogan will be but i think HBK deserves it but im a HBK fan so im kinda bias

Well, Well, Well. 1,2 and 3 are really interchangeable depending on your criteria. However, Triple H can really put himself up here if he has his "moment" against Orton. I have never been a fan of HBK the character, but the performer won me over forever when he tried to stand on the turnbuckle at wm14 in obvious agony. And for anyone who think Kevin is biased. Its not like he's a Big Boss Man mark who put him number 2. He's a fan of one of the legends of the business who slotted him within 2 places of where any logical person would put him.

SOMEBODY PLEASE PINCH ME !

RESPONSE FROM KE: I'll call Traci Brooks

Gotta say Kev, i think you've got HBK's position spot on. I know you've got a massive man crush on The Heartbreak Kid, but I don't think you're being biased here at all.

When you list his achievements (like the total of Mania's and the opponents he has faced) and put that alongside the quality of his matches, as well as the fact that he has wrestled a few times with serious injuries (i can't believe that he carried on after moonsaulting on the table against Flair), it looks pretty obvious to me that he deserves the tag Mr. WrestleMania.

Of course Hogan is number 1, he revolutionized the event; there simply would be no Mania with the Hulkster. Even if he sucked at times.

Then again, maybe you're going to suprise us all and put Mickie James at number one. I know you've got a crush on her as well as on Michaels.

Awesome list, pretty much spot on as far as i'm concerned.

HBK should have been number 1 nobody has outperformed him at wrestlemania especially Hogan i mean i respect what Hogan did for the business but hes not the best in ring competitor hes more a poser while others give their best week in and out

There is no way Hogan deserves to be #1 ahead of Michaels. Okay, some of Hogan's matches were bigger draws, but it's impossible to make the claim that Hogan's matches were better worked, or more entertaining.

Look at it this way: Ever since WM10, every match Michaels has been in (except at 11 and maybe 22) has been the best on the show in my opinion. Hogan had his three great "moments" (vs. Andre, vs. Warrior, vs. Rock), but Shawn has come through time and time and time again with show-saving matches.

Hands down, my favorite of all-time!

I started watching wrestling in 1988 after Randy Savage won the title, and The Rockers made their debut a few months later. They were immediately my favorites, and I have never needed another "favorite" since then.

HBK is truly Mr. WrestleMania, and there's only one other man who could even call himself by that moniker, and love him or hate him, everyone knows his name!

I am reaaly glad 2 see u didn't completely markout and put Shawn #1 that being said this ok spot for him glad 2 see you had a little bit of objectivity in here anway I believe Shawn is top 5 definately I had him at 5 but i feel as though his draw power past & present compared 2 Hulk,Rock & Austin the #'s speak 4 them selves and the man who is making new legends HHH.

To all the haters,

Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) match of the year awards.

'94 - WM 10 - Shawn vs. Razor ladder match for IC title -

'95 - WM 11 - Shawn vs. Diesel for WWF Championship

'96 - WM 12 - Shawn vs. Bret Hart for WWF Championship

'04 - WM 20 - Shawn vs. HHH vs. Benoit for WWE Championship

'05 - WM 21 - Shawn vs. Kurt Angle (no title on the line)

'06 - WM 22 - Shawn vs. Vince McMahon no holds barred match (no title on the line)

'08- WM 24 - Shawn vs. Ric Flair retirement stipulation match (no title on the line).

NOT TO MENTION

'93 - RAW - Shawn vs. Marty Jannetty for IC title

'07 - RAW - Shawn vs. John Cena (no title on the line)

So by my count, HBK has been voted in a match of the year 9 times. 7 at Wrestlemania. 3 times for the WWE championship at Wrestlemania. 1 time the DAY AFTER wrestlemania. and 6 times without the main title on the line.

Could it be because he's one of the top 3 best workers in wwe history? Could it be because he doesnt need to main event to impact a show? Could it be because Michaels revolutionized WM in many ways? Could it be because most of Michaels' matches at WM are memorable moments in wrestling history? Could it be because he deserves one of the top two spots in greatest Wrestlemania wrestlers of all time?

Answer the questions, haters. Millions of readers cant be wrong. I know some of you people only started watching wrestling during the 'atitude era'. But know your history. Know who STARTED the atitude era. Get over your man-crushes on SCSA and the Rock. (yes, they had 3 great matches at wm. all against each other. BFD). And realize the truth and that is the wrestlemania era post-hogan belongs to none other than HBK.

And if you're not down with that, i got two words for you.

I was really expecting to see Goldust at this spot.

Color me surprised.

Kev, you bottled it, but seriously a good call. Hogan had to be no1 as the guy injected huge momentum in to wrestling and any man who can pick up and slam Andre the giant deserves to be no1. Michaels still has afew Wrestlemania's left in him yet and has still the chance to make himself the best ever and no1 on your list in a couple of years.

For all Shawn Michaels has done at WrestleMania, it's easy to look past his non-wrestling appearances, but he did play a key role in the main event of WrestleMania XV, too.

Natural, you nailed it. But PWI awards are works. Wrestling Observer awards say....

Feud of the year: Shawn 2x (1 included a match at WM), Hogan 1x (0 at WM)

Most overrated: Shawn 0x, Hogan 7x

Match of the Year: Shawn 2x (1x at WM), Hogan 0x

Worst Match: Shawn 0x, Hogan 4x (1x at WM)

Worst Feud: Shawn 0x, Hogan 4x

That about says it all right there.

Wait a second wait a second. You ranked Bret Hart 8th because he was never a draw or so you said. Well pray tell when was HBK a draw? You know who the top guy was when Wcw started winning the ratings war? Once he won the title at Wm12 at Bret took a hiatus business went down. Business didn't really pick up till the WWE went from the orignal Dx as the center piece of the show to Austin.They started winning the ratings war when HBK retired and Austin got the title and dominated Raw. Raw was doing 1.5's in December of '97. Once they moved to the intringue with Austin and Tyson in January the rating had an uptick and then the Auistin-McMahon feud took the promotion to a new stratosphere. He didn't help with his selfioshness hissy fits and refusal to job in 96-98. Hell business hasn't exactly been up since he returned in '02(not his fault all that much) Dx of '06 was embarrasingly bad not only did the bury most of the Raw roster but they didn't help the ratings. Shawn is one of the greatest in ring performers but he's never ever draw fleas. The guy is one of the lowest draws in the promotions history.

To all of you of think Austin should be ranked about Michaels, let me tell you something. Austin rose to the top of the WWE thanks to Michaels's injury. He might not have been such a big superstar if Michaels did not get injured and let alone if Hart had not gone to WCW so you got to respect the Heart Break Kid who has been the most consistent top superstar in the history of the WWF/WWE, the true show stopper. He would have probably beaten the Undertaker's number of appearances had he not gone away for 4 years. He never got forgotten though he litterally retired and still made to the top after 4 years away. He's the biggest performer of WM ever. I promise y'all his match with Taker will probably be one of those "show-stealing" moments and will propel him all the way up! He's the man. Well done Kevin!!!!

How can you blame Bret for Wrestlemania 11 tanking when he was pushed to the midcard as the clique took opver. The two main events were LT-Bam Bam and HBK-Nash. Shawn is 3-4 spots to high due to him not being able to draw any money.

Austin belongs in this spot. First he's the second biggest draw in Wrestling history. Second I'd say he had more important matches that did more for the company. Bret-Austin was the greatest match in Wm history and turned Austin into a mega star and had the best double turn ever.. WM14 was the start of a new era. WM 17 was an incredible Main event between Austin and Rock and the end of the attitude era and the start of a craptucular Era we''re in now.

HBK Vs Vince was a horrid match and the feud was beyond stupid it included God for the love of you know. It also started the older uncool unfunny Dx. Michaels has never made money for anyone but himself. One of the most selfish wrestlers in wrestling history.

Shawn should have been no. 1!

Shawn is Mr. WrestleMania!

Hogan appeared on the first-ever WrestleMania but that DOESNT mean he is the best. Hogan's wrestling skills SUCK* and his moves are FAKE*. When it comes to looks, his looks is so RUBBISH*

Hogan appeared in twelve different WrestleManias.

Shawn appeared in eighteen different Wrestlemanias.

And Shawn Michaels is the only wrestling superstar who had won a lot of Match of the Year awards from different award giving bodeis more than any other superstars!

Yea Both Shawn and Hogan are popular and fan favorites. But Shawn is, still and will always outshine Hogan or other superstars!

Yea Hogan host his own tv show, Rock is taking the movie scene by storm, Austin has upcoming cameo movie, Cena top billed recent wwe film, HHH is addicted to the WWE belt..... BUT SHAWN MICHAELS IS SIMPLY THE BEST AND WILL ALWAYS BE!

Hollywood wise, Shawn had many movie offers at past to go to hollywood and leave wrestling but by the LOVE OF WRESTLING, Shawn declined all the offers and choose to stay in wrestling because he is passionate and loves wrestling that much.

Wrestling wise, Shawn Michaels had accomplished the best accolades and awards more than any other superstars, Shawn is the most respected guy in wrestling, proof are his fellow peers, fellow superstars, the wrestlers he trained, the fans he inspired and all the people who loves him and beleives in him. Shawn is the total-package and performer, has the excellent wrestling abilities, mic skills, looks, charisma, entertainment factor, and acting skills, and a fan friendly. Those attributes made me an HBK fan for life and yeah and sorry if I sounded gay*... but yes im a straight guy and I LOVE SHAWN MICHAELS!

Wrestling wise, SHAWN MICHAELS WAS THE BEST, IS THE BEST AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST!

Agree or not, idc and i dont care. Haters are always welcome and If you are not down with that then Shawn, I and the rest of HBK fans has two words for yah!

**** **

BTW, please kevin dude, do not delete or edit this my comment because I had a hard time typing it so please be cooperative, Im just expressing my thoughts. And dude I have been always a fan of your blogs and now what the heck* happened? You seems sell out :P

Peace!

You made the right call Kevin. Hogan is definitely #1. I would personally put HBK at #4 or #5, with Austin and Undertaker higher on the list, but it is of course your list. Sorry for all the flack you've been getting.

Kevin , to keep the joke going , - who would be pinching whom ?

I have this UGLY feeling in mine that Shawn might lose tonight because it was reported that Shawn's knee is in the bad shape and will be taking time off right after WrestleMania 25; same happened at WrestleMania 15 where in Shawn was screwed out from his Championship against Austin because Shawn had a bad back injury that time. If it is then it is so UNFAIR! Shawn should win tonight by the LOVE OF GOD! I swear I will curst WWE for good if they will have the wrong descision! Shawn should win!!!!

Christian what world are you living in? Shawn Michaels never drew a dime never came close to one tenth to Hogan's popularity or drawing power. HBK and Hogan have one thing in common in that they werre two of the most selfish wrestlers ever. that's about it.

To all of you of think Austin should be ranked about Michaels, let me tell you something. Austin rose to the top of the WWE thanks to Michaels's injury. He might not have been such a big superstar if Michaels did not get injured and let alone if Hart had not gone to WCW so you got to respect the Heart Break Kid who has been the most consistent top superstar in the history of the WWF/WWE, the true show stopper. He would have probably beaten the Undertaker's number of appearances had he not gone away for 4 years. He never got forgotten though he litterally retired and still made to the top after 4 years away. He's the biggest performer of WM ever. I promise y'all his match with Taker will probably be one of those "show-stealing" moments and will propel him all the way up! He's the man. Well done Kevin!!!!

Posted by: Toto | April 5, 2009 2
uhh yes he would have. Before Shawn got hurt the plan was for Austin to take over as the top guy. To suggest otherwise is insane. Shawn was a failure as a draw while Austin in his prime drew more more in a month than Shawn ever drew. Get your facts right please.

Kevin, where's number 1?

i am surprised a lot by the reactions of the people here. they are saying austin n hogan as top 2 ?? Well, like it or not, but Austin became famous mostly because of his charecter not because of ring skills and Mr. Macmahon played a huge part in that. Shawn Michaels deserved 1 spot in my view, hogan may have brought pro wrestling to household attraction but it was hbk (n also bret hart) who changed wrestling in 90s.

I dont get why people are sayin how stone cold should be higher rated then shawn. like how can you say that when shawn is one of the people who revolutionized the business and was the leader of the new generation and he's the one that started the attitude era and the one who is mostly looked at by younger superstars as their influence or their role model when they were growin up. i also have to say that the reason why these people like stone cold, cena, and hogan are drawin people is their
gimmick cause they sure as hell dont have any wrestlin ability. shawn has had match of the year so many times that nobody has got passed 5 matches of the year. shawn can make you look so good in the ring its no even funny. look at john cena for instance when he wrestled shawn at wm 23 that match got 9.5/10 for ratings but when he wrestled randy orton and HHH that match only got 6.5/10. sorry for the john cena fans but thats just showin how shawn can make anybody look good. shawn also was the first person to win the hell in a cell match and elimination chamber matches which are like the most dangerous matches of all time. he is also a pioneer when it comes to ladder matches. i think that people just are used to havin these other wrestlers like stone cold, john cena and hogan shoved down their throats that they dont see the real talent. taker is like the opposite of shawn michaels so yea i would have only have taker as my second choice to be after hogan.

DUCESS HBK RULES.!!!!! O AND SO DOES TAKER

Shawn will always score over Hogan in making an impact in the ring...non wrestling lovers would watch him for his innate skills...HBK is legendary!

Don't know how significant this is, but I just finished reading Dave Meltzer's list of the top 50 biggest draws in WWE history, and interestingly enough, Shawn Michaels is listed at #10; he is the 10th biggest draw in wrestling history. He ranks higher than John Cena, the biggest name and draw in wrestling today. I am not sure how accurate Meltzer's list is, but he rated the men based on gates and ratings. This is why I hate it when people simply repeat rumors that they hear, with no validation. So I guess Shawn isn't the horrible draw that people make him out to be. In fact, he also ranks above Bret Hart; this ranking confirms what Vince said when he admitted to the world on Monday Night Raw in 97 that between the two, Shawn was the bigger draw. Maybe now people will shut up and stop spreading lies.

Keep dreaming, Sweetie! Facts & numbers have little place in a yelling match against a closed mind.

What you presented is good to know, but if you're trying to defend HBK's place in wrestling history, his critics are constantly going to point to what it was (RAW significantly below WCW throughout his reign) without concern for the big picture.

Sadly, there are still people that label him based on habits from about 10 years ago.