Shawn Michaels is amongst the biggest stars in WWE history, and to many the best in-ring performer of all time, and someone who had a two-part career both of which were Hall of Fame worthy.
The Heartbreak Kid had been forced into retirement in 1998 due to a severe back injury and it was not anticipated he would ever return in an in-ring capacity. Substance abuse issues also played their part before Shawn became a born-again Christian and began making moves towards a full return.
This came at Summerslam in 2002 when he defeated best friend-turned-mortal enemy Triple H in an epic street fight, which showed the Showstopper still had it. His next match was at Survivor Series three months later in the very first Elimination Chamber, which saw him and four other Raw superstars challenge for The Game’s World Heavyweight Title.
It eventually came down to the two DX founders, and HBK shocked the world by defeating his old friend and capturing his first World title in over four years.
Take a look at this iconic WWE moment below (shared on Twitter by @StuartBoyd83)
Think this one goes under the radar but when people ask me this question this is always the first thing that comes to mind. HBK is my all time #1 so I’m biased but the call from JR is what makes this.
“SHAWN MICHAELS IS THE WORLDS CHAMPION!”
“DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?!”
Wow. https://t.co/Aap5I93RBn pic.twitter.com/B36VjtQNf5
— Biydy (@StuartBoyd83) May 14, 2023
The commentary from JR is, as usual, absolutely incredible and perfectly captures the seismic moment as Michaels overcame Triple H, his injuries and his demons to once again sit atop the WWE mountain.
It coming at Survivor Series made it all the more special, being the same scene as the infamous Montreal Screwjob five years prior, which was Michaels’ final appearance at the pay-per-view prior to going down with a supposed career-ending injury.
It was a full-circle moment for one of WWE’s true greats and kickstarted an incredible part two to his already legendary career.