Why is everyone so sure that Michaels isn't retiring?

[DirtyJosé]

As a mark, I'd rather see Undertaker win again, keeping the streak alive and retiring Shawn Michaels. I'd rather see Undertaker retire undefeated at Wrestlemania. As a fan of the product, I'm hoping for a double pin or something.

I believe people have a hard time believing Michaels would retire because it's wrestling, and this stuff happens all the time. To answer the OP's question, it's because Michaels is the only guy around who seems legit enough to break the streak. Michaels is one of the last of the old era, and one of the even fewer of those guys to have been around in the era before it. By most fans standards (though not necessarily my own) HBK is the only guy in WWE right now that is even worthy of breaking the streak, let alone deserving of it. If it was given to a younger guy, it would lead to a push that would do no justice to the legacy of the streak. At least by doing it with Michaels, it's framed in a way that respects the streak and by proxy, much of Undertaker's legacy.

I'm still holding out for a double pin/double dq scenario (though it's a no dq now). I think ending his career while ending the streak at the same time (by any means necessary) is probably the best send off the WWE could give HBK (as a HHH-HBK finale would just be tacky).

 

[ssvegita77]

I just can't see this year being it. I don't buy it. I don't believe that the WWE would allow it to happen this way. There is more money to be made milking the last months of HBK. Love him or hate him, when Shawn Michaels hangs up his boots for good acknowledge the fact that the wrestling business will be forever changed. It's not just the fans and the WWE machine feeding into false hype, the locker room (mostly) believes that HBK is the most gifted wrestler of all time.

I think that next year for sure will be it. It will probly be against HHH but who knows? I don't see him beating Taker this year, but l gotta say that last weeks face to face interview made me consider the possibility a little more. Of course if he does beat Taker then they'd have to have the tie-breaker at WM 27. In his book Shawn pretty much flat out says that Taker is the only guy he never had a problem being paid more or putting him over because Shawn accepts that Taker is one of the biggest consistent draws of all time. Maybe HBK is ok w/ him being the guy to go out to.

The only reason I doubt it is because I think when he does retire it will be a HUGE DEAL. This match has been promoted well enough but the build is hardly worthy of HBK's last match. I'll be the one who is heart broken if it ends like this for real.

 

[xxdef25xx]

Unfotunely I can see the whole Triple H angel happening, thou I personally much much rather Michaels retire only for the reason of I just dont see him doing anything else. At the end of the day thou I rather see that then a double pin, double submission or any way of no CLEAR finish simply because it would tarnish the record. 17-1 sounds great its impressive, I can live with that much more then i can live with 17-0-1 because let's face it folks that what it would be. In my books if you you don't win or lose yet the event comes to an end that is that is what i like to call a TIE. Really think of the HOF in a few years if this happens; "I've beaten anyone ever thrown in my way and sent them to hell, never lose! except that one time where no one won because we couldn't finish the match or etc. etc." <--- I'm sorry that would suck...anyway I want a clean finish wether it be interference or HBK winning or the deadman winning.

 

[Gallops]

I had heard somewhere not long ago that when they were planning out this year's Wrestlemania, Taker wanted the rematch with Shawn, and wanted Shawn to beat him because of the amazing match they had last year. I could see Shawn getting the emotional victory at Wrestlemania this year, with Taker getting a huge sendoff and coming back at Royal Rumble, to request a rematch from Shawn this time. Then next year, they do HBK vs Taker III - Career vs Career. That's when Taker would beat Shawn, and Shawn get his huge sendoff.

 

[wushady]

I think this could be it for HBK. He's said in a interview lately that he's been wanting to retire for a couple of years now. He could still have a few good years a head of him, but I think he wants to go out on top. They could always find a storyline reason for him to have another match down the line. I just don't see why they would end the streak now. It doesn't make sense for Taker to loose to HBK. If the streak was to end it should be to an up and comer.

 

[Truth Hurtz]

People would argue and go on all day on here about who's going to win this match...But at the end of the day it's 50/50 right now nothings going to change that and we won't know until WrestleMania. So chill the fucckkk out.

 

[justinept]

This will NOT be the final match for Michaels. An above poster mentioned that when he does retire, it will be a huge deal, and i couldn't agree more.

When Flair retired, the WWE pushed the angle for months, beginning in October 2007 and culminating in a monumental WrestleMania match and a fantastic send off the following night on Raw. Flair deserve the send off as he has left one of the greatest pro wrestling legacies of all time

But most of what Flair did was in other promotions. He cut his teeth in the AWA and he made his name in the NWA. He ultimately became a legend while working in WCW and only made a brief appearance in the WWF before spending his twilight years in the WWE.

Michaels on the other hand cut his teeth in the AWA but made his name in the WWF. He became a name, a star and a legend while working for Vince - and what's more, he never left the company. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Michaels is the longest tenured wrestler in WWE history. He is the only star to make his name in WWE and never leave for a rival promotion. As great as Flair's legacy is, Michaels is more than likely considered greater in the eyes of VKM because VKM helped carve that entire legacy.

I do see Michaels losing. I do not see him coming back to the WWE until November or December... I also see him petitioning to try and get a send off match at WrestleMania 27 where he'll more than likely wrestle Triple H in what will be promoted as his final match.

 

[KoC417]

Unfotunely I can see the whole Triple H angel happening, thou I personally much much rather Michaels retire only for the reason of I just dont see him doing anything else. At the end of the day thou I rather see that then a double pin, double submission or any way of no CLEAR finish simply because it would tarnish the record. 17-1 sounds great its impressive, I can live with that much more then i can live with 17-0-1 because let's face it folks that what it would be. In my books if you you don't win or lose yet the event comes to an end that is that is what i like to call a TIE. Really think of the HOF in a few years if this happens; "I've beaten anyone ever thrown in my way and sent them to hell, never lose! except that one time where no one won because we couldn't finish the match or etc. etc." <--- I'm sorry that would suck...anyway I want a clean finish wether it be interference or HBK winning or the deadman winning.

Home slice home slice home slice..a clean finish doesn't have ANY interference. 17-0-1 would tarnish the streak but not the Takers legacy. I personally don't see HBK beating the Undertaker simply because HBK has the level of respect that most of the talent does. He wants to put on a great match but what would beating the Undertaker do for HBK? NOTHING.

HBK is a hall of famer without beating the Undertaker
Undertaker is a hall of famer even if he loses the next 20 WrestleMania matches.

The only reason I see HBK winning would be to progress a storyline, BUT since the storyline is quite possibly ending (due to both stars taking time off, and reports are HHH is considering taking time off too) I see quite possibly HHH coming down to try and HELP HBK beat the deadman but end up costing HBK the match (hence why I believe they put the no DQ stipulation in place)

This could then allow HBK to have a "reason" to take time off and Undertaker could "nurse his wounds" as they say.

But HBK going over on the Undertaker at mania makes no sense from a career, or storyline standpoint.

HBK will be forced to "retire" at which point IMO he'll come back as either a GM, OR a Manager. Because remember, managers can "wrestle" in matches but they aren't categorized as "wrestlers" they are categorized as "Managers or Valets". At least that's what they were called back when wrestling was WRESTLING.

Undertaker= Retiring Undefeated @ WrestleMania IMO.

 

[Mr. TM]

To Tastycles:

I haven't an idea. Maybe it is because they do not think they can live without Shawn Michaels. I can easily see the match ending in Undertaker, tongue out, Shawn's crossed.

Shawn is gonig to lose, there is no doubt in my mind. I'll be bgetting all my precious vBucks on it. Shawn will retire, something he has hinted at wanting to do for a while. He wants to be with his family, and he has nothing else to prove. It is the same reason he hasnt been champion in so many years.

Could he come back? Yeah, but probably not even as much as he wrestles now a days.

 

[SHAYAN_CENA_Y2J]

I think HBK will lose but he won't retire for always.

Most of wrestling retirements expire after some time.I think Flair has been retired more than 1 time and he keeps coming back.At least I can remember two of his retirements against HBK and Hogan.

So I think HBK will be back.Why?Because IMO a match with the Undertaker isn't a good and having Shawn Rest In Peace isn't a good send-off for a person like HBK.

He should have his own style during retirement.He must return and do a final match with someone else and then have a big goodbye-party.

 

[Kayoh]

I want Shawn to win. He and Taker put on the best match I've ever seen last year. Shawn Michaels' career is not over yet. The Undertaker's legacy is cemented - he has 17 wins at Wrestlemania, nobody will ever match that. Ever. Will an 18th win at Wrestlemania really do anything to help Taker's career? No. But will a win over the 17-0 Undertaker do something for HBK's career? Hell to the yes. HBK needs to win at WM. Ask yourself this: Who is in better wrestling shape right now between the two? The clear cut answer is HBK. I love Undertaker but his age is REALLY starting to show in his ring work and his career is ending. What better way to snap the streak than to have Shawn Michaels, the guy who you just put an absolutely INCREDIBLE match on with a year ago, beat you in round two? There isn't one. The streak is, at least in the eyes of WWE Creative/Vince, as good as gold, and they aren't going to give the honor of ending the streak to some up and comer who's just in need of a huge push, they're going to give it to somebody who has paid his dues, puts on brilliant matches, and has good chemistry with Taker. Nobody fits that bill more than HBK.

HBK will beat Undertaker and snap the streak. Book it. And HHH will turn heel very soon after.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Becuase they are fucking ******ed and delusional, Tasty. Would be my guess.

Its been about four years straight now that he has wanted to reduce reduce reduceeee his schedule, and initial reports last year had him saying point blank he was retiring after this year. Then again, I recall reading people on this very site saying that Cm Punk was going to win the SD chamber, and Ted Dibiase was gonna win the RAW one. No, seriously, I read that.

Point being, vast majority of people on here probably ate paint chips as children. So, I don't know why you are suprised.

 

[Ferbian]

I had that same Idea but I'm really quite sick of seeing Triple H vs Michaels. Every time after DX breaks up they feud for a while. This time though they remained friends.

It's been quite a while since we've seen a proper Shawn vs Triple H if you ask me.
Besides, Wrestlemania is the only place where we haven't seen these two go one on one, I mean didn't the poll on the frontpage actually have Shawn VS Triple H as an option for Wrestlemania, and that option actually won the poll?

You Sir Have just shot up my list of favorites with that idea. having Punk traded to Raw as a Heel would be excellent. an angle where he brags to Shawn about beating Taker and Making him Tap.

Exactly! but I'm not just thinking about the promo's I'm also thinking about the awesome match they could have, cause we know Shawn is a technical genius in the ring (if you ask me) and Punk is certainly not lost behind the wagon when it comes to putting on one hell of a wrestling match!
Hell on a site note I'd actually mark out a little bit if Punk was put in the ring with Bryan Danielson on NXT

Personally I'd prefer to see Morrison on Smackdown where he can become a Main Eventer possibly winning the WHC later on in the Year if he's ready.

Yeah he should most likely stick to Smackdown, but that doesn't mean Shawn vs JoMo wouldn't be one hell of a match, no matter the PPV, and it could just be a crossbrand match? doesn't look like WWE has been shy about doing that concept as of late.

 

[xxdef25xx]

Home slice home slice home slice..a clean finish doesn't have ANY interference. 17-0-1 would tarnish the streak but not the Takers legacy. I personally don't see HBK beating the Undertaker simply because HBK has the level of respect that most of the talent does. He wants to put on a great match but what would beating the Undertaker do for HBK? NOTHING.

excuse let me explain what i meant by that...I was just saying I want an i guess for lack of a better word straight finish no double anything therefore no risk of a wasted outcome

 

[saleh_hbk]

With the stipulation of the winner only winning through pinfall or submission, I see this happening. Triple H runs down to ringside cheering on micheals, he eventually screws micheals costing him the match, taker goes 18-0 and shawn dissapears for the rest of the year. Micheals returns challenging Triple h at wrestlemania 27 which will be micheals last match, shawn wins and he and triple h hug and thats it

It makes total sence, it's very straight forward and I could see WWE doing it. Wasn't their a report saying triple h will turn heel eventually, this could be how

Honestly mate I agree with you 110% I think thats the way its going to be. Michaels will be screwed by HHH and they will fued around royal rumble next year to wrestlemania. Michaels CANNOT lose clean no way.

 

[Evildeath]

Dont believe the steak will end. It will hit wrestlemania sales hard. So either HBK's *career* is actually going to be over or something odd is going to happen in the match as its now no DQ and no count out (so michaels can use weapons to help end the streak if needed). The streak will not end. Only a younger talent should end it (shaemus is 32, dibiase is 27, miz is 29. Is that "young" ???), or taker should retire with the streak in tact with his last opponent (No young talent on the roster is worthy of that right now, including Daniel Bryan) really sold over to carry the WWE forward.

 

[Dagger Dias]

I think that he'll lose the match but will still come back. After taking the summer and probably the fall semester off, Michaels will be back in time for Wrestlemania 27, which will likely truly be his last (he'll probably face Trips) and around that time he'll get a sendoff similar to Flair's. Like others have said, HBK putting his "career" on the line is just a way to make the Taker rematch sound more interesting, thus more people buy the PPV. It will be a great match, Taker will win, and Shawn will return within the next year. He'll "retire" as a member of the roster, but I doubt he's "retiring" forever just yet because he deserves a huge sendoff for that and this angle doesn't seem like it'd be his final one.

 

[gd]

I don't think he'll retire to the point where we'll never, ever see him on WWE programming again, but for the most part, I think this'll be it. As you said, there really isn't anything left for him to do and he hasn't really bothered to do anything in the summer for the past few years. It's clear he's winding down his career.

However, it's understandable that people can't believe it considering it always seems to come back and by looking at other things in wrestling today (namely Flair) Even if you are one of the people who is sure that he's not coming back, it's still coming to be a strange and surreal moment after he loses in a few weeks.

 

[maar130]

Come on guys, seriously win or lose this won't be the end for HBK, a lot of people wants him in another match with HHH (why is not really clear for me sinc ethey have had a lot of feuds and all of them have been good, why over done it again anad again and agin?) so probaly he will really retire next year even if he loses this year.

Also, people thinking Taker not putting him over and make him lose 2 years in a row is ba, the whole record is sstill that a decade ago out of 3 matches, Taker never defeaed Shawn so is not like Taker never put Shawn over, he did it when none else wanted to and when it was ncesary for the sake of the company, e ven if it was not clean, it was supposed to be that way becasue Michaels was the Bad guy.