Perks and Pitfalls of a Shawn Michaels Return

by
Frederick Froehlich
September 12, 2018

Ed Webster via Wikimedia Commons

With the announcement of the Final Meeting between The Undertaker and Triple H at the WWE Supershow Down Under, the company needed to promote the match in the most compelling way possible. The match announcement was met with mixed reaction. This prompted WWE to respond by announcing the return of the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels to generate buzz and interest. Despite the initial motive for having Shawn Michaels appear, WWE may have booked themselves into a corner.

Promoting the Show

After appearing on Monday Night Raw, Shawn Michaels was mid promo when the iconic bells tolled and the WWE Universe exploded for the return of the Deadman. The Undertaker exchanged barbs with Shawn Michaels in one of the best scripted and organic feeling moments in recent history. He called into question Shawn Michaels’ integrity and implied Shawn refuses to return to the ring out of fear.

Shawn Michaels response was classic WWE. He clearly was angered and wanted to respond but couldn’t find the words. The Undertaker left and the WWE Universe was left wanting more. Not more of Triple H versus the Undertaker but the Undertaker versus Shawn Michaels one more time.

We Have Been Waiting for a Shawn Michaels Return

Speculation has run high every year about the possibility of Shawn Michaels making a return to the ring to deliver once in a lifetime dream matches the fans never thought they would see. Only last year the internet wrestling community was roaring after a fan made graphic suggested Michaels vs. AJ Styles for WrestleMania. But could there be fire where there is smoke in this situation?

Various sites including Dave Meltzer have reported that WWE is planning a return to Saudi Arabia this fall. What would garner more international attention than the long-awaited return of the Heartbreak Kid? Making the story all the more compelling is the desire of the Saudi contingent to have as many 90s era performers at the show.

The Plan

Dave Meltzer has indicated that WWE is planning for a Shawn Michaels return at the Saudi show for a tag team encounter with the return of Degeneration X teaming with Triple H. If this is true, it is certain to invigorate the WWE Universe but also draw the ire of hardcore HBK fans as his return for a one-off appearance could be made to be so much more.

Who Should Really Be the Opponent?

The list of dream opponents for Shawn Michaels is long. AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Ricochet, Adam Cole, Drew McIntyre, and many more would provide fans with the once in a lifetime feel. A tag match seems like a potential let down. Perhaps one last match with the Undertaker would be interesting and could appease the fans but with so many more options even that seems like somewhat of a been there and done that match.

As die-hard Shawn Michaels fans await official news of the return of Mr. WrestleMania, almost any match will bring excitement to the show. However, what could be so much of a bigger attraction would be better creative booking. Perhaps we will see DX vs. Ziggler and McIntyre. Maybe it will be Hunter and Michaels against the Brothers of Destruction. In any event, the return of the Showstopper, the Main Event, Mr. WrestleMania, the Icon, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels might be right around the corner.