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Top 25 WrestleMania stars: No. 2

SHAWN MICHAELS

shawnmichaels.jpg

WrestleMania history

5 (1989): Along with Marty Jannetty, lost to Akeem and The Big Bossman
6 (1990): Along with Jannetty, lost to The Orient Express by countout
7 (1991): Along with Jannetty, defeated The Barbarian and Haku
8 (1992): Defeated Tito Santana
9 (1993): Lost to challenger Tatanka by disqualification. Michaels retained the Intercontinental title.
10 (1994):) Lost to Intercontinental champion Razor Ramon in a ladder match
11 (1995): Lost to WWF champion Diesel
12 (1996): Defeated Bret Hart less than two minutes into overtime of a 60-minute Iron Man Match to win the WWF title
14 (1998): Lost the WWF title to Steve Austin
19 (2003): Defeated Chris Jericho
20 (2004): Lost to Chris Benoit in a world heavyweight title match. Champion Triple H also was in the match.
21 (2005): Lost to Kurt Angle
22 (2006): Defeated Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred match
23 (2007): Lost to WWE champion John Cena
24 (2008): Defeated Ric Flair in a match with the stipulation that Flair had to retire if he lost

Comments: Thanks to his spectacular wrestling skills, he has stolen the show on the grand stage more than anyone. … His 15 WrestleMania appearances are second only to The Undertaker (16). … Has competed in five world title matches at WrestleMania, four of which went on last. … Although it wasn’t his greatest match at WrestleMania, Michaels’ victory over Flair in the latter’s final match created one of the most memorable WrestleMania moments – Michaels mouthing, “I’m sorry, I love you,” before delivering the decisive superkick to his idol. … First show-stealing performance was at WM 10, when he and Ramon competed in the first ladder match on a WWE pay-per-view. … Victory over Hart to win his first WWF title at WM 12 is the longest match (nearly 62 minutes) at WrestleMania. … Working with a severe back injury, Michaels put on a gutsy performance in dropping the WWF title to Austin at WM 14. It would be Michaels’ last match for more than four years. … Michaels, Benoit and Triple H competed in a tremendous triple threat match at WM 20. … Matches with Jericho (WM 19) and Angle (WM 21) were both outstanding. … Carried 60-year-old McMahon to an entertaining brawl at WM 22.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Comments

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!

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The Baltimore Sun's Kevin Eck blogs about professional wrestling. Listen to Eck Wednesdays at 3 p.m. on WNST 1570 AM.
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