The word retired has never really held much weight in pro wrestling, but 2022 has been a wilder year than most for older stars going back on their word. Ricky Steamboat wrestled again, Ric Flair had his latest last match, and Stone Cold, the one man you thought might actually stay retired at the first time of asking, headlined WrestleMania.
Shawn Michaels Will Never Unretire
It stands to reason that Shawn Michaels, who remains heavily involved with WWE, watched all of that go on and thought he might still have one more match in him. Sadly, that's not to be, and that's coming from the man himself. “I’ve had that final match... father time waits on no man. I’m good. I’m unbelievably happy with my career, and it is now time to watch the next generation flourish,” HBK told Culture State (H/T to Cageside Seats for the transcription).
On top of a number of other wrestlers getting back between the ropes this year, all of whom are older than him, getting fans hopeful Michaels might wrestle again, someone also offered him a match. According to reports earlier this month, Kevin Owens approached HBK with an idea for a return match for the Hall of Famer. An offer he privately, and now effectively publically, denied.
Neither Kevin Owens Nor AJ Styles
If there's anyone on the current WWE roster that might have been able to tempt HBK into having one more match, it's KO. The Prizefighter was the one who had Austin's first match in 19 years, helping The Texas Rattlesnake look good despite not having wrestled in almost two decades. Owens clearly believed he could do the same for Michaels, but it's not to be.
AJ Styles has also tried to coax HBK out of retirement in the past. A dream match for most fans, but one that doesn't appear to be on the cards. Unfortunately, as it stands, Michaels' last match will be the terrible tag team bout he had in Saudi Arabia. When that's what happened the last time someone convinced HBK to come out of retirement, it's no wonder he can't be convinced to do so a second time.
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