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| Article: |
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| I'm A Man, Not A Boy(Toy) |
James McCron |
Has time really proven to be a healer for Shawn Michaels?
Shawn Michaels may be a performer whose ring skills, charisma and resume of outstanding matches against many of the greats is unmatched, but perhaps his defining achievement is his comeback after a four-year lay off when he’d already hit his greatest heights. Without doubt, Shawn Michaels ‘Mark I’ was easily good enough to warrant inclusion in the Hall of Fame, but ‘Mark II’ has been even better since he returned. But the question is, how has a man in his fourties with a history of injuries and a backstage reputation long considered questionable been able to outperform his younger self?
Initially considered too small to be successful and nothing more than a pretty boy whose career would fade as soon as his looks did, Michaels was a decent athlete and a quick learner with a determination to succeed that would set him apart from his peers; indeed, these traits would lead him to the top not once, but twice. His breakthrough came in 1986 when, as part of the Midnight Rockers, he was signed by the American Wrestling Association, with partner Marty Jannetty being billed as the star of the team. Jannetty lived a real ‘rock and roll’ lifestyle and had a big influence on Michaels. According to Michaels’ autobiography Heartbreak And Triumph (which, as a WWE publication, many of which would sit better in the fiction section, some even in fantasy, meaning it must be treated cautiously as a source), he was a shy teenager and Jannetty introduced him to some of the more ‘interesting’ things in life. True or not though, Shawn’s ego grew dramatically, something that would affect him greatly later on in his career.
Although midnight soon passed, the team would be more enduring and in 1988, The Rockers entered the WWF. They were one of the most popular acts in the promotion and had some of the most memorable matches of the era, but they were always referred to as “tag team specialists” since Vince McMahon believed neither could go far as a singles performer. Jannetty took most of the glory and Michaels usually played the role of babyface in peril, double-teamed before eventually tagging Jannetty in to kick ass; a role that taught Michaels about the art of selling, which he’s since gone on to perfect.
But by the end of 1991, their relationship had broken down. Michaels claims Jannetty had agreed to quit the WWF and sign with WCW, guaranteeing Shawn would come with him without asking Michaels first. Both men stayed in Stamford, but the rift was so great it was decided to split the team. And when Shawn famously threw Jannetty through Brutus Beefcake’s Barber Shop set window during an interview in January 1992, he forever ended his time playing second fiddle.
For the rest of this feature, check out issue 49 of FSM - available at WH Smith and all good retailers. (For US readers we are now carried at Borders and Barnes & Noble, so check for local availability or click here to subscribe.)
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