Shawn Michaels comes out of retirement

The Heartbreak Kid returns to in-ring competition after eight years

KARACHI: Generations of wrestling fans grew up watching Shawn Michaels perform at the highest level of competition. Then, after countless memorable matches and decades-long career, he retired after losing to the Undertaker in 2010. Fast forward eight years and what was unimaginable for everyone has happened. The Heartbreak Kid (HBK) has now come out of retirement and back to in-ring competition.

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While how long he will continue remains to be seen, the circumstances and backstory of his return is fascinating to say the least. WWE held a live event titled ‘WWE Super Showdown’ in Australia last week where the Undertaker and Triple H faced off for one last time. The story was built around how Triple H has never been able to defeat Taker in a singles competition. In the build up toward the match, Michaels supported his friend Triple H and said he would be in his corner during the match. This brought the Deadman to call his pyromaniac half-brother Kane, now the Mayor of Knoxville County, Tennessee, to be in his corner.

PHOTO: WHAT CULTURE

Several weeks ago, HBK spoke of how he has stayed retired out of respect for the Undertaker. At Super Showdown, after Triple H defeated the Phenom, the Brothers of Destruction attacked Triple H and Michaels. On Monday Night Raw, the Degeneration X co-founders Triple H and Michaels came out and challenged the demonic brothers to a tag team match at WWE Crown Jewel, which is to be held in Saudi Arabia on November 2.

PHOTO: FILE

During the last eight years, Michaels often commented to the media about how he is not the same performer he used to be. And, no matter how many opportunities presented themselves for several potential dream matches, he refused to come back only to stay true to his word. The 53-year-old even got rid of his infamous hair locks, a sign he had moved on from professional wrestling.

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Therefore, Michaels’ coming out of retirement serves as a welcome surprise for long-time fans. Although this change of heart came about as a result of the beating at Super Showdown, it surely is big news for fans across the world.

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