Shawn Michaels Hailed As “Greatest In-Ring Wrestler ” Ever

What made Shawn Michaels one of the greats?

During a career packed with stunning highs, crushing lows, and more controversy than most, Shawn Michaels did it all. The Heartbreak Kid won every major WWE championship that was on offer while turning in legendary performances and headlining WrestleManias.

Since hanging up his boots, Michaels has climbed the ranks backstage and is now in charge of preparing the next generation for their own main roster careers.

One such star who got to work with Michaels is Donovan Dijak, who worked for WWE between 2017 and 2024.

During a new interview with Wrestling Epicenter, Dijak broke down how his relationship with Michaels grew and when they initially worked together.

Absolutely. Again, my introduction to Shawn was the same as a lot of my introductions in WWE, it was very gradual. I think the first time we met was in 2018 or 2019 at a combine in NXT. He just wasn’t around very much at that time. I want to say he was getting a medicine ball and I said ‘it is nice to meet you.’

But, the first time I worked with Shawn Michaels on something was when he was the agent for my match with the Velveteen Dream – My first match on NXT TV. Then, in 2019, he became my coach in NXT. We built that relationship.”

Dijak added that he was keen to try and learn from Michaels as much as possible when he returned to NXT.

“And then I went off to RAW, but when I came back, he was the head honcho for NXT. And, that relationship continued to grow. I was one of the more utilized guys on NXT for that run, which started in 2022. No one wanted to pick Shawn Michaels’ brain more than me.”

Shawn Michaels Is The Best Ever

Continuing on, Dijak explained what he learned from Michaels during this period, highlighting that the veteran had a good feel for how different types of wrestlers need to work. He added that this, combined with his skill for maximising moments, makes him the best ever.

Obviously, he was unbelievably helpful with the wrestling. But, also, he understands that I’m a big man and obviously I’m going to sell something differently than a smaller wrestler. He is also really incredible at getting more out of moments. That is why I think he is the greatest in-ring wrestler of all time.

In-ring wrestling covers a million different things. But, his shining thing is really being able to get the most out of moments.”

During a recent interview, Je’Von Evans revealed that Shawn Michaels personally pushed to sign him, despite other coaches believing it was too soon.