Shawn Michaels Says Pro Wrestling Is “Much Healthier” Today
Two-Time WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has praised the work of Triple H and everyone at NXT for creating a healthier culture than when he started his own career.
Shawn Michaels is currently the Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative overseeing NXT and previously NXT UK. Part of the Showstopper’s work is creating an environment where talent can develop and learn how to work as a WWE Superstar.
The first-ever WWE Grand Slam Champion has spoken of his battles outside of the ring and how this affected the dressing room.
During a career that started in 1984, Shawn Michaels has seen firsthand how the industry has changed with current Superstars less likely to be involved in the drinking culture that surrounded wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s.
Mr. WrestleMania was a guest on the K&C Masterpiece to promote NXT Great American Bash, which will be taking place on July 30th.
HBK discussed how the industry is “a much healthier atmosphere” than when he started his career, and praised the culture inside NXT. Shawn Michaels shared his excitement about taking Great American Bash to Texas and how he hopes it will help NXT talent appreciate the opportunity they have to work for WWE.
“Every now and then when they complain about much of anything, we give them a little come to Jesus chat.” (laughs)
“I’m pretty good about not being the bitter old timer. I screwed up a bunch and try to show them the error of particular ways. It’s a different business. Some of it is for the better. It’s a much healthier atmosphere than it was when I started.
There are some people who argue that it makes them a little softer. I can’t disagree with that in some respects, but at the same time, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be better and can’t be shaped up.
We have a great culture here that Hunter [Triple H] put in place a decade ago. It’s something we continue to build on.
Every now and then, we need to remind them of just how great it is to do this line of work, how good it is they have to do it and obviously getting the opportunity to jump outside the state of Florida and come to the state of Texas is going to be a blast for everybody.”
Shawn Michaels has named two NXT Superstars he feels could headline WrestleMania and is lining up a strong card for his return to his home state of Texas, with two matches already announced.
Mustafa Ali will be challenging Wes Lee for the NXT North American Championship, whilst IIja Dragunov defeated Bron Breakker on last week’s NXT to earn a shot at the NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes.
H/t to Fightful