2000s for me…just look at his string of Wrestlemania matches.. WM 19: vs Chris Jericho (his return to WM after his career threatening back injury and he didn’t miss a beat in the whole match) WM 20: vs Benoit vs Triple H (arguably the Best Triple Threat match in Wrestlemania History) WM 21: vs Kurt Angle (in terms of wrestling prowess and in ring performances, arguably one of the Greatest Wrestlemania matches of all time) WM 22: vs Vince McMahon (probably his weakest match cause his opponent is old and doesn’t have any skillset but HBK made it entertaining) WM 23: vs John Cena (underrated in terms of wrestling prowess, although I do think the 1 hr match they had later in Raw was one of HBK’s best matches ever) WM 24: vs Ric Flair (its befitting that Flair’s illustrious career be ended by HBK…emotions and intensity was on edge in this match) WM 25: vs Undertaker (Best Wrestlemania Match Ever) WM 26: vs Undertaker (2nd Best Wrestlemania Match Ever)
I agree. His 90s run has classics too with Bret wrestle mania12, with undertaker - hell in a cell, with razor- wrestle mania 10 and mankind- in your house
I’ll say 1997 Shawn Michaels was the best for me. Athletic, unapologetic, great performer. Without that Shawn, we might’ve never got the privilege of seeing the Attitude Era.
90s Shawn was a better character BUT 2000s Shawn was the better version. His crowd control was even better, better matches, he even became a better storyteller in the 2000s.
Shawn aged like fine wine. His 2nd run was much better, IMO. And he was great already during the first one; but I much prefer the more level-headed, mature (for the most part) & humbled HBK. The one who didn’t care about wins and losses and only cared about putting on the best match he could. With anyone and everyone.
Yeah. Especially considering his mental place in the 90s. Sure the stuff he did was great but cause of his personal demons, I’m still iffy on saying he was the best at the time
@@ASEYFRIED damn that's crazy, I'm a non believer but the last two years I've been extremely focused on changing my ways to how my grandma a believer has taught me. I respect hbk even more come to think about it.
Love the 90's Michaels he was more agile. His second run post 2002 he should've held at least 2 more titles instead of putting over Cena, Orton and Jericho.
I disagree. Those rivalries were some of the most iconic of the 2000s. He was amazing in all those storylines and his star never diminished even when putting guys over because his work was immaculate.
I do wish he would have best Cena at WM 23. I’d have had no problem with him dropping it shortly afterward to Cena or whoever. Just felt like that one he should have won, even tho he didn’t want any title runs. Gotta respect what the man wanted tho. Would’ve been cool to see him end the streak too. But those matches stand alone and best untouched.
90s HBK let his 🥜 hang out, he was raw, uncut (pause), & unapologetic in the 90s. Some will say bad for business but 90s HBK definitely had a very thin line between the real person & the character
Physically ... 90s, as a performer ... I say 00s. Mostly because he was more mature in many regards and he had the experience to make everyone look amazing ... Not saying that he wasn't like that before, I just think he was a bit better in his second run. His WrestleMania matches with Jericho, Benoit, Trips and Angle are among my all time favorites, let alone his Ric Flair and Undertaker matches (don't know if they still count) ... Still it speak volumes when a performer is so insanely good in different eras. Also, his match against Hogan is a thing of beauty 😅
90s Michaels was the goat for me. His athleticism was top notch for sure! Had the same type of ring skills but no pain in his back and had youth on his side. Ppl talk about wm25 but him and taker first HIAC match is the greatest match I ever saw. The way he used psychology was legendary. Came in the cage cocky as fuck. Soon as undertaker comes in closes the door and shoots the lights on, he used the ring psychology that he was known for. He started having a mini panic attack, touching the gate and realizing he was truly locked in, then started the fight or flight concept realizing he couldn’t flight si he just fought back.
Character wise, 90s Shawn was fun to watch. He was unapologetic and a born asshole. 2nd run Shawn was great in every way. More mature and also best he's ever been in the ring. If i got an option to pick, in a heartbeat, I'll choose 2nd run Shawn.
90s for me. HBK was the bad boy the WWE needed. His fued with Brett is second only to Vince vs Austin. Shawns matches might of been better in the 2000s, but I rather watch 90s HBK on tv.
I've always said 90s hbk He could literally do it all Yeah post back injury hbk had more memorable matches and moments However you put his personal attitude at the time aside and young hbk was damn near perfect in that ring
you can keep his personal attitude and he was already damn near perfect. His matches were still 5 star despite him being a shitty person. Him in the 2000s made his ring psychology and story telling better but then again he also had clear diminished athleticism compared to the 90s
It will always be 90's Shawn for me but I really liked 2000's Shawn too. 90's Shawn was my childhood hero. The greatest wrestler of all time hands down no questions asked IMO.
Definitely, my favorite superstar ❤ I definitely think that Shawn Michaels was an amazing fighter. He was known for his incredible athleticism, showmanship, and ability to tell a story in the ring. He had a long and successful career in the WWE. he's widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. I think it's true
Got into wrestling in the mid 2000's. Older HBK was the only version I ever knew. He had a special intangible quality I just couldn't place in any other superstar bar Eddie Guerrero. His wrestling ability was truly remarkable, like a painter whipping up a masterpiece. The funny thing was, Shawn would hardly ever be in the title picture but that never stopped his matches from carrying a similar sense of gravitas to a main event card. It wasn't until I picked up an old HBK vhs tape at Goodwill documenting the boyhood dream run that I finally understood the origin story behind what drove him to become so great. Dunno if there will ever be another one like him. He was truly a generational talent. Maybe even a centennial one.
90s HBK was the bigger star, Hell bigger than Stone cold till 97. In his second run, he was awesome but I feel he settled for less, helped put over others and his stardom was not in line with the charisma he still possessed. He did great, but the superstardom he deserved, eluded him in the 2nd run.
Bigger? HBK in the 90s was one of the lowest drawing headliners the WWE had in history. The fans also hated him. Austin didn't just become the bigger star, he saved the WWE. In the 2000s he was always the most exciting thing on the roster, being upper card in the 2000s was also bigger than headlining HBKs original run at the top.
@Midnight Movie Man In my honest Opinion Austin in 97 was the purest form of Stone Cold just seeing him Make Bret Hart's Life a living hell anytime they encountered was amzing he seemed to pull the Attitude out of everyone a level of respect was taken away when dealing with him the man just didn't care.
His whole 2000s run was deserved due to how long it took him to earn his deserved status in the 1980s-90s. His peak to me will always be right before he went out on his hiatus. He was absolutely ridiculously great as DX formed and he was the feds best heat getter.
He stopped being HBK after late 90’s. So definitely favor the Shawn Michaels persona prior to the 2000. He was untouchable and the baddest in pro wrestling industry at the time.
He was at his absolute best in 2004-07. He had constant 5 star matches with anyone he wrestled. I enjoyed him in the early nineties. I was sick of him by 1996 even though he accomplished alot during the time, he was more annoying than Hulk Hogan, John Cena, or Roman Reigns
I believe 2000s To me he did his best work during that period And had so many classics on Free TV or PVP and can work with just about everybody Hes my childhood hero and my favorite wrestler of all time
Everybody will automatically pick Comeback Era Shawn, but screw that crap. Give me 90's Angry, Passionate and out of control HBK. The HBK who didn't mind turning Heel, and holding Titles. The I'll do whatever it takes to be the BEST AND NUMBER ONE, and I don't care who I have step on, or who likes it HBK. That HBK made him into my ALL TIME FAVORITE. Made me a Fan of the entire Kliq. Made me want to keep watching, after I started to grow up, and wasn't into Hogan, Warrior or Savage and Flair anymore. The HBK who no matter what people want to say, carried WWF on his back in 95 and 96. I tried to let it go, but I just couldn't. For you to say that he didn't know how to tell a Story in the 90's, you are absolutely insane.
@@raulramirez9657 Bret was carrying his jealousy because he didn't draw shit either, and had to watch the Kliq get the Ball to carry. He sat his ass out the MAJORITY of 96, so try again bro.
It does depend on the category. If we're looking at his character, 90s HBK wins because it's more unique than 2000s HBK. Zero Fucks gimmick vs. Legend Protagonist gimmick - the former is more intriguing. But in terms of matches, 2000s HBK wins. Him vs. Kurt Angle (WM21), vs. Jericho (WM19, No Mercy 2008, etc.), vs. Flair (WM24), and so on. Storytelling? Both are good; there's no comparison for that.
@@raulramirez9657 Bret never carried anything. Do some research, 90% of WWE personas have gone on record to stating that Michaels single handedly carried the WWF during those times, the mf had the most defended world title schedule for an entire year defending his title almost every single week sometimes multiple times in a week Bret never did shit like that but bitch and whine about how shit should just get handed to him because hes Bret Hart and a freeloading Canadian smh. You’re a complete moron
90s Shawn= Better matches 00s Shawn= Better Rivals/Storylines I have to go with 00s Shawn. Y2J Vs Shawn, No mercy 08. Cena vs Shawn, 1 hour match. HHH VS Shawn. SummerSlam 02 Classics. How could I forget undertaker vs shawn WM 25.
@@geekmac9349 hbk vs y2j was just hardcore rivaly . Taker vs hbk wasnt even rivaly lol just 2 matches of 2 légends at wm Triple h vs hhh was great but its was overbooked
I’m probably biased but for me, it’ll be 00’s Shawn Michaels. I was born in 96 and started watching in 2000 and Shawn instantly became my favorite when he first popped up on my screen. I started doing my homework that young too and would watch some ppvs that he was on thanks to block buster but it didn’t compare to watching him continue his legacy when he returned in the 00’s. His matches during his return are runner ups for greatest matches of all time in WWE. Even his feud with HHH was my favorite rivalry. Everything Shawn did was gold
As someone who started watching hbk in 94, I can say I equally love both versions. I didn’t know anything about the backstage stuff until getting older and actually learning more about the ins and outs. 2000 Shawn had more of my fav matches though. That ending was perfect, im guessing it’s from nxt uk?
I grew watching his second run so I have to go with that. I liked how he didn't need to hold any titles. He & Taker were the top dogs from the past 2 eras on RAW & Smackdown. Taker from the Attitude Era & before. And Shawn from the New Generation
I feel like the “Better Person” category is irrelevant to Shawn’s work ethic in the ring. We know 2000’s HBK was a much better person. Also “Athletic Ability” because clearly the younger Shawn was more athletic however 2000’s HBK focused more on psychology.
HBK matured and while he already had psychology before, he was definitely a lot more level headed in that he was not creating problems with politics...
@@aoisora1445 idk I never really read into backstage drama. I only cared about what happened in the ring/match quality. Every wrestler has their egos and politics from Bret, Shawn, Taker, Hogan, etc. so I guess that’s why I feel it’s unneeded
@@anthonywomack2260 Facts. I thought the entire list was about Shawn as a performer and then we got to criteria 10 and he pulled out better person lol. That was a random irrelevant point to me. Why not throw out better seller or better in-ring gear. I can even argue better feuds is a draw or even better for 90s Shawn. He threw out good 2000s feuds with Jericho Taker & Triple H but his biggest feud was clearly vs Bret and his feuds with Stone Cold could arguably be his 2nd best or at the very least 2nd most impactful.
I was born in 91 but by the time he had to retire , I could only watch old tapes to see him wrestle & became a fan but I knew he wasn’t on tv anymore & I wasn’t sure why ( just making appearances). Eventually when he came back I was all eyes .... wwe treated him good & had great rivalry’s and matches since his comeback. I’ll say I like both for different reasons. 90s HBK was Golden & nostalgic .... 20s cemented his Legacy & he made up for the time he missed and more.
Lmfao bret, taker, Austin, rock, mick Foley, triple h and the top stars at WCW already reached or surpassed him. He didn't force WWE to bring in better talent it was WCW without a question. He was gone through Arguably WWE peak years.
@@jacobtrimble4329 Your fooling yourself if you think anyone other than McMahon Austin and Rock were bigger stars than HBK during the late 90s. but regardless lmao WWE’s peak years were during the Hogan era without a doubt. As big as Attitude era was, lemme know when they got 90,000+ in a crowd at mania. Or when they had companies at the balls and was able to pull off a simulcast mania in 3 different venues. Or drew 33 million views for a non mania match with Hogan vs Andre. There is no arguably, or debate about it. Even with all those guys you mentioned, they couldn’t hold a candle to the numbers the golden era was pulling.
@@jacobtrimble4329 You’re out your mind if you think any feud from Shawn was bigger than his feud with Bret. Hell, his Stone Cold feuds were arguably better because they definitely by far were more impactful historically
It was hard for a 6 year old me to like Bret/hbk at the same time, but hbk 90’s. Leaves an lasting impact.. built like Seth rollings, was fast like a luchadore, as well as turnt up
He held it for a month in 2002. He didn't want it. The champion is expected to show up at house shows, represent the company in public relations, and generally work harder and have more pressure on themselves than if they didn't have a title. HBK felt that his 90s title runs were some if the worst times of his life and that he couldn't handle the pressure.
Heel or Face, I've been a fan of Shawn's from day one in WWF/WWE. I do prefer Heel Shawn as I've always been a sucker for a great promo & Heel Shawn cut some amazing ones (his "Who's your Daddy, Montreal" is easily my favourite promo, ever, from anyone in any Promotion). I don't think I could rank which HBK (90s or 2000s) was better as they're both totally different characters/personas with (sadly, due to his back injury) somwhat different work styles. Both did what was needed during those times though, in my opinion, which is one of the reasons why he'll always be my all time favourite to ever step between the ropes.
HBk vs Taker or HBK vs Jericho are some of his best matches! Though I do love his matches with Razor Ramon and Diesel! To me I watched it all 2000s Shawn is what made him a legend!
Shawn Michaels is my favorite wrestler- I start noticing him as a wrestler around WrestleMania 1994 when he had the ladder match against Razor Ramone (R.I.P) In my opinion Shawn best matches was when he came back in 2002- even though he was a mid-carder, when he returned, he was one of the best in ring performers to ever step foot in the ring. He should of had a longer championship run when he won the belt at Survivor-series 2002 against Triple H.
When I got back into wrestling in 2006 when I stopped in 1999, I wanted hbk to win titles but I realized too late Shawn didn't care about the world title at all in his 2nd run... he always stole the show though.
As a character and personal achievements the 90's specially that heel turn as wwf champion and at the same time leader of the best faction ever DX (1997-1998). As a technique in the ring and 5 stars matches 2000's
Are you kidding me? 90's Shaun was one of the main reasons why wrestling...for me...didnt die. Fun, cocky, athletic as all hell, entertaining enough to carry the whole locker room. Like Nash said...Im glad Shaun got his shit together. But i miss that dude. He was a blast to hang out with. (Im paraphrasing, of course)
I started seeing wwe after 2003 n shawn is my fav wrestler till d date ...he was d man who takes hell of a beating bt come back from nowhere n turns d whole match ....n he deserved more championship belts
I feel like he was a better champion and a better draw and more of the top guy in the 90s but overall his matches and him putting people over was better in his second run
I feel like a ton of people only watched his second run and therefor have rose tinted glasses. His first run was incredible. His inring ability was nearly unheard of and changed how things were done.
In the 2000's you also have the Hogan feud although it was short, the one with Batista after he retired Flair that were good, the John Cena feud on mania 23 (very underrated cause of the Cena's hate)
Easy answer. This reminds me of 80s jordan compared to 90s jordan. Or even jordan 1st 3peat to jordan 2nd 3peat. I'll just say it like this: Shawn told better in ring stories once he came back in 2002 until he retired. But athletically and attitude aside, he was special in the 90s. That said, I'll still take HBK from the 2000s.
I see where you were going but I don’t think the jordan comparison works completely. 80s Jordan was more gifted athletically whereas 90s jordan his entire game was more polished to accommodate his diminished athleticism. that point is Similar to HBK 90s vs 2000s. But the difference is that the more polished 90s Jordan was his peak years at the top winning titles. 2000s HBK was not that at all it was 90s HBK that was a top guy and winning titles.
a superficial point goes to 90’s Michaels due to his flammboyant and flashy attires. ‘00 Michaels’ attires are ok, and neat. But the 90’s has him beat there
PWI had HBK having 7 straight matches of the year straight from 2004-2010 i liked the later HBK because wrestling was more faster and better athletes and HBK adjusted to that perfectly.
Idk how better person is a credible criteria tbh. In terms of feuds as well I’d take 90s Michaels. His greatest feud was in the 90s for starters with Bret. Stone Cold in the summer of ‘97 and Stone Cold vs DX leading up to Mania 14 was amazing. Not to mention feuds vs Razor Ramon, Diesel, and Taker in the 90s.
As far as match quality is concerned in either of his two careers Shawn Michaels always had the best matches on any card. The only real difference between his first and second run is the business had changed!
This is tough cause you got pre back injury and post back injury pre back injury he was amazing definitely more athletic but I do like his 2nd run better his matches with Chris jericho HHH Chris Benoit Shelton Benjamin kurt angle and his wrestlemania match with undertaker to lot of people best wrestlemania match of all time
Shawn Michaels 08 is my favorite solely because that is the Shawn I grew up with. The rivalry with ric flair was my introduction to both flair and Shawn as a new wrestling fan Shawn was able to pull me in and even make me tear up when I saw wrestlemania 24. Not only the flair match but his rivalry with Chris Jericho was godly. Michael getting his face smashed through the jeritron was crazy. I don’t really remember the Batista vs Shawn rivalry and finally the undertaker end of an era match. Phenomenal
90s HBK. Better Heel, better in ring work and c'mon, his Hell in a Cell match with Undertaker is a thing of beauty. DX also brought out the best of him in 1997 and 1998. Some of his best promos were in DX.
Late 90s Michaels was the best. Cutting edge and defiant. Greatest ever in ring performer in my view...... Michaels vs Eddie program would have been absolute gold!
I think the best thing about Shawn is that you’ve got two different characters in one person. You have his younger flamboyant, high as a kite, rambunctious self and then you have his older, levelheaded, father figure self. You have two pieces of meat cut from the same cow and both are a prime delicacy.
90s HBK had better matches pre back injury of course but 00s HBK had better story telling which he always was able to tell a good story whether it was the 80s,90s or 00s but he really dug in on story telling in the 00s I think mainly to make up for lack of not being able to do the things in the ring that he could do in the 90s pre back injury also I think age played a part in him toning his move set down as well
The 1994-1998 (the 90's) HBK was the best .. he looked so good 97-98 and he started dx and was a great high flyer in his Era. Hbk 2000's he was small and at one point wearing jeans (yuk) HBK is a great wrestler he started dx but ever since that casket match in my opinion he was never the real HBK again.
![일상 속 기분 좋음 [Proto disco meme]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DwmEIaZ7XGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
2000s for me…just look at his string of Wrestlemania matches..
WM 19: vs Chris Jericho (his return to WM after his career threatening back injury and he didn’t miss a beat in the whole match)
WM 20: vs Benoit vs Triple H (arguably the Best Triple Threat match in Wrestlemania History)
WM 21: vs Kurt Angle (in terms of wrestling prowess and in ring performances, arguably one of the Greatest Wrestlemania matches of all time)
WM 22: vs Vince McMahon (probably his weakest match cause his opponent is old and doesn’t have any skillset but HBK made it entertaining)
WM 23: vs John Cena (underrated in terms of wrestling prowess, although I do think the 1 hr match they had later in Raw was one of HBK’s best matches ever)
WM 24: vs Ric Flair (its befitting that Flair’s illustrious career be ended by HBK…emotions and intensity was on edge in this match)
WM 25: vs Undertaker (Best Wrestlemania Match Ever)
WM 26: vs Undertaker (2nd Best Wrestlemania Match Ever)
Who knew getting sober and finding god would make one level headed 🤣
And to note, these all won PWI match of the year awards (except WM19 and replace 23 with raw). 2000s HBK was a LEGEND
@@jalennelson6821 But yet we call those people "conservatives" and shun them out of society.
I agree. His 90s run has classics too with Bret wrestle mania12, with undertaker - hell in a cell, with razor- wrestle mania 10 and mankind- in your house
Nah 90s he looked better, when the pants was tucked into the boots
I’ll say 1997 Shawn Michaels was the best for me. Athletic, unapologetic, great performer. Without that Shawn, we might’ve never got the privilege of seeing the Attitude Era.
💯💯💯
Yeah bad blood 97 and Royal rumble 98 were the shit
truth!!!!!!!!!!!!
yep. the kliq started attitude era by creating nwo and dx and the screwjob which was triple h idea
Definitely ❤
90s Shawn was a better character BUT 2000s Shawn was the better version. His crowd control was even better, better matches, he even became a better storyteller in the 2000s.
If he looked like 90’s HBK with the 2000’s run I would take the 00’s over 90’s. But he just looked so much cooler in the 90’s lol
Obviously you idiot… he was YOUNGER..
He was a more convincing face in the 2000s.
Shawn aged like fine wine. His 2nd run was much better, IMO. And he was great already during the first one; but I much prefer the more level-headed, mature (for the most part) & humbled HBK. The one who didn’t care about wins and losses and only cared about putting on the best match he could. With anyone and everyone.
Yeah. Especially considering his mental place in the 90s.
Sure the stuff he did was great but cause of his personal demons, I’m still iffy on saying he was the best at the time
@the knight family why?
Why "for the most part"?
@English nerd Hbk is the greatest in ring performer of all time . He’s Top 3 of all time no doubt about it and it’s not even debatable
@@anthonywomack2260 there was that one time (hogan vs shawn)
It's really wild how different HBK was in two different decades... Talk about a 180° turnaround
That’s what Repentance is. Turning away from YOUR ways and turning to GODS ways.
i didn't you were into wrestling love the vids by the way
You dont say
@@ASEYFRIED damn that's crazy, I'm a non believer but the last two years I've been extremely focused on changing my ways to how my grandma a believer has taught me. I respect hbk even more come to think about it.
All glory be to god
The 90s HBK was a Badass. The 2000s HBK was a Legend. I like both.
Love the 90's Michaels he was more agile. His second run post 2002 he should've held at least 2 more titles instead of putting over Cena, Orton and Jericho.
Yeah, but Shawn didn't want the title again. If fact, you could argue that by that time he didn't need it.
Titles are overrated
I disagree. Those rivalries were some of the most iconic of the 2000s. He was amazing in all those storylines and his star never diminished even when putting guys over because his work was immaculate.
He should have went over Cena and held the belt till Vince could develop a young champion to lead the company. Cena was garbage
I do wish he would have best Cena at WM 23. I’d have had no problem with him dropping it shortly afterward to Cena or whoever. Just felt like that one he should have won, even tho he didn’t want any title runs. Gotta respect what the man wanted tho. Would’ve been cool to see him end the streak too. But those matches stand alone and best untouched.
90s HBK let his 🥜 hang out, he was raw, uncut (pause), & unapologetic in the 90s. Some will say bad for business but 90s HBK definitely had a very thin line between the real person & the character
Physically ... 90s, as a performer ... I say 00s. Mostly because he was more mature in many regards and he had the experience to make everyone look amazing ... Not saying that he wasn't like that before, I just think he was a bit better in his second run. His WrestleMania matches with Jericho, Benoit, Trips and Angle are among my all time favorites, let alone his Ric Flair and Undertaker matches (don't know if they still count) ... Still it speak volumes when a performer is so insanely good in different eras.
Also, his match against Hogan is a thing of beauty 😅
@@jalennelson6821 great points
Him staring at his own mirror is iconic
How was it bad for business?! 90s attitude era was the most loved and best selling era.
@@extremepop324 I’m going off on what his constituents said. He was always the best worker but hard to deal with in the locker room & politically
Best Ring Gear:
90's HBK
Lol, agreed, except that the brown trunks and jeans were the best...jk
Best physigue in the business:
late 90's HBK
@@desisdosis473 his peak was WM14. Granted his last WWF match but that physique was spectacular.
90s Michaels was the goat for me. His athleticism was top notch for sure! Had the same type of ring skills but no pain in his back and had youth on his side. Ppl talk about wm25 but him and taker first HIAC match is the greatest match I ever saw. The way he used psychology was legendary. Came in the cage cocky as fuck. Soon as undertaker comes in closes the door and shoots the lights on, he used the ring psychology that he was known for. He started having a mini panic attack, touching the gate and realizing he was truly locked in, then started the fight or flight concept realizing he couldn’t flight si he just fought back.
Character wise, 90s Shawn was fun to watch. He was unapologetic and a born asshole. 2nd run Shawn was great in every way. More mature and also best he's ever been in the ring. If i got an option to pick, in a heartbeat, I'll choose 2nd run Shawn.
96-98 HBK.
That man had so much swag from the outfits, entrances, how he sold that character!
He was definitely that man!⭐️💥
Definitely
90s for me. HBK was the bad boy the WWE needed. His fued with Brett is second only to Vince vs Austin. Shawns matches might of been better in the 2000s, but I rather watch 90s HBK on tv.
I've always said 90s hbk
He could literally do it all
Yeah post back injury hbk had more memorable matches and moments
However you put his personal attitude at the time aside and young hbk was damn near perfect in that ring
But you can't put his attitude aside. It was part of him and also held him back. He could have done so much more.
you can keep his personal attitude and he was already damn near perfect. His matches were still 5 star despite him being a shitty person. Him in the 2000s made his ring psychology and story telling better but then again he also had clear diminished athleticism compared to the 90s
It will always be 90's Shawn for me but I really liked 2000's Shawn too. 90's Shawn was my childhood hero. The greatest wrestler of all time hands down no questions asked IMO.
Definitely, my favorite superstar ❤ I definitely think that Shawn Michaels was an amazing fighter. He was known for his incredible athleticism, showmanship, and ability to tell a story in the ring. He had a long and successful career in the WWE. he's widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. I think it's true
Got into wrestling in the mid 2000's. Older HBK was the only version I ever knew. He had a special intangible quality I just couldn't place in any other superstar bar Eddie Guerrero. His wrestling ability was truly remarkable, like a painter whipping up a masterpiece. The funny thing was, Shawn would hardly ever be in the title picture but that never stopped his matches from carrying a similar sense of gravitas to a main event card. It wasn't until I picked up an old HBK vhs tape at Goodwill documenting the boyhood dream run that I finally understood the origin story behind what drove him to become so great. Dunno if there will ever be another one like him. He was truly a generational talent. Maybe even a centennial one.
“Undertaker, you might be 16 & O at Wrestlemania, but I AM MR. WRESTLEMANIA!” Sums up everything.
90s HBK was the bigger star, Hell bigger than Stone cold till 97. In his second run, he was awesome but I feel he settled for less, helped put over others and his stardom was not in line with the charisma he still possessed. He did great, but the superstardom he deserved, eluded him in the 2nd run.
Bigger than Stone Cold 😂
Bigger? HBK in the 90s was one of the lowest drawing headliners the WWE had in history. The fans also hated him. Austin didn't just become the bigger star, he saved the WWE.
In the 2000s he was always the most exciting thing on the roster, being upper card in the 2000s was also bigger than headlining HBKs original run at the top.
@Midnight Movie Man In my honest Opinion Austin in 97 was the purest form of Stone Cold just seeing him Make Bret Hart's Life a living hell anytime they encountered was amzing he seemed to pull the Attitude out of everyone a level of respect was taken away when dealing with him the man just didn't care.
@Midnight Movie Man no Rock got over in 98. Hollywood was already calling in 99
@@Amor1990 He was for a while before Austin had that feud with Bret in 96-97.
His whole 2000s run was deserved due to how long it took him to earn his deserved status in the 1980s-90s. His peak to me will always be right before he went out on his hiatus. He was absolutely ridiculously great as DX formed and he was the feds best heat getter.
He stopped being HBK after late 90’s. So definitely favor the Shawn Michaels persona prior to the 2000. He was untouchable and the baddest in pro wrestling industry at the time.
He was at his absolute best in 2004-07. He had constant 5 star matches with anyone he wrestled.
I enjoyed him in the early nineties. I was sick of him by 1996 even though he accomplished alot during the time, he was more annoying than Hulk Hogan, John Cena, or Roman Reigns
Forget 5 star classics, give me the heart break kid who throws his opponent through a window and has loads of character
@@pwx13 he didn't throw Marty through the barbershop window, Marty was scared and tried to jump out the window
@@UndergroundSkat2000 I agree, good times. It was better for the health of Marty Jannetty, I would be terrified of the heart break kid as well
@@pwx13 Facts.
He was not more annoying than any mentioned
I believe 2000s
To me he did his best work during that period
And had so many classics on Free TV or PVP and can work with just about everybody
Hes my childhood hero and my favorite wrestler of all time
Everybody will automatically pick Comeback Era Shawn, but screw that crap. Give me 90's Angry, Passionate and out of control HBK. The HBK who didn't mind turning Heel, and holding Titles. The I'll do whatever it takes to be the BEST AND NUMBER ONE, and I don't care who I have step on, or who likes it HBK. That HBK made him into my ALL TIME FAVORITE. Made me a Fan of the entire Kliq. Made me want to keep watching, after I started to grow up, and wasn't into Hogan, Warrior or Savage and Flair anymore. The HBK who no matter what people want to say, carried WWF on his back in 95 and 96.
I tried to let it go, but I just couldn't. For you to say that he didn't know how to tell a Story in the 90's, you are absolutely insane.
Lol he didn’t carry shit in the mid 90s. Bret was carrying that company during that time period.
@@raulramirez9657 Bret was carrying his jealousy because he didn't draw shit either, and had to watch the Kliq get the Ball to carry. He sat his ass out the MAJORITY of 96, so try again bro.
It does depend on the category. If we're looking at his character, 90s HBK wins because it's more unique than 2000s HBK. Zero Fucks gimmick vs. Legend Protagonist gimmick - the former is more intriguing. But in terms of matches, 2000s HBK wins. Him vs. Kurt Angle (WM21), vs. Jericho (WM19, No Mercy 2008, etc.), vs. Flair (WM24), and so on. Storytelling? Both are good; there's no comparison for that.
@@raulramirez9657 Bret never carried anything. Do some research, 90% of WWE personas have gone on record to stating that Michaels single handedly carried the WWF during those times, the mf had the most defended world title schedule for an entire year defending his title almost every single week sometimes multiple times in a week Bret never did shit like that but bitch and whine about how shit should just get handed to him because hes Bret Hart and a freeloading Canadian smh. You’re a complete moron
90s Shawn= Better matches
00s Shawn= Better Rivals/Storylines
I have to go with 00s Shawn. Y2J Vs Shawn, No mercy 08. Cena vs Shawn, 1 hour match.
HHH VS Shawn. SummerSlam 02 Classics. How could I forget undertaker vs shawn WM 25.
00s Shawn had more classic matches than 90s Shaun imo so „better matches“ is arguable. 90s HBK was more athletic though
@@geekmac9349 yeah and 90s hbk was such a huge asshole as a heal like if you wanted to get angry you can just watch his heel run 90s
00s hbk had better storylines?
Hbk vs bret alone is better than 2000s hbk all rivalies combined
@@willg1088 HBK vs Jericho, HBK vs Undertaker and HBK vs Triple H are all better stories than Shawn vs Bret
@@geekmac9349 hbk vs y2j was just hardcore rivaly . Taker vs hbk wasnt even rivaly lol just 2 matches of 2 légends at wm
Triple h vs hhh was great but its was overbooked
23:00 that ending! You know you've done something right to get that kind of love!
I’m probably biased but for me, it’ll be 00’s Shawn Michaels. I was born in 96 and started watching in 2000 and Shawn instantly became my favorite when he first popped up on my screen. I started doing my homework that young too and would watch some ppvs that he was on thanks to block buster but it didn’t compare to watching him continue his legacy when he returned in the 00’s. His matches during his return are runner ups for greatest matches of all time in WWE. Even his feud with HHH was my favorite rivalry. Everything Shawn did was gold
2000’s.
Never needed a title to be legendary
90's been a fan of HBK since he put Marty Jannetty through the Barbershop glass window 😂😂
Hey jannetty jumped out that window 🤣
@@fa2cedaninja0017 😂😂
The coward.
Nah Marty Jannetty dived out the window to escape 😂
Same. That Barbershop incident was when I started watching Wrestling and rooting for Michaels. He was such a funny heel, born entertainer
As someone who started watching hbk in 94, I can say I equally love both versions. I didn’t know anything about the backstage stuff until getting older and actually learning more about the ins and outs. 2000 Shawn had more of my fav matches though.
That ending was perfect, im guessing it’s from nxt uk?
I love the '90s showing Michaels because he was very technical and I love his style of wrestling and he was more charismatic
Shawn Michaels in the 90's was the best.
I grew watching his second run so I have to go with that. I liked how he didn't need to hold any titles. He & Taker were the top dogs from the past 2 eras on RAW & Smackdown. Taker from the Attitude Era & before. And Shawn from the New Generation
Nope. Bret was the top dog of the New Generation and Austin of the Attitude era.
@@raulramirez9657 they both were lol
Hbk was before the new generation
Legend, icon, Mr mania , doesn't matter what era,, shawn still kicks ass in all his matches!
I feel like the “Better Person” category is irrelevant to Shawn’s work ethic in the ring. We know 2000’s HBK was a much better person. Also “Athletic Ability” because clearly the younger Shawn was more athletic however 2000’s HBK focused more on psychology.
HBK matured and while he already had psychology before, he was definitely a lot more level headed in that he was not creating problems with politics...
@@aoisora1445 idk I never really read into backstage drama. I only cared about what happened in the ring/match quality. Every wrestler has their egos and politics from Bret, Shawn, Taker, Hogan, etc. so I guess that’s why I feel it’s unneeded
Yeah I feel like they only put that "better person" category there so they can have a reason to give 2000's HBK the win because it's really irrelevant
@@anthonywomack2260 Facts. I thought the entire list was about Shawn as a performer and then we got to criteria 10 and he pulled out better person lol. That was a random irrelevant point to me. Why not throw out better seller or better in-ring gear. I can even argue better feuds is a draw or even better for 90s Shawn. He threw out good 2000s feuds with Jericho Taker & Triple H but his biggest feud was clearly vs Bret and his feuds with Stone Cold could arguably be his 2nd best or at the very least 2nd most impactful.
1997 drugged up HBK > ANYBODY in history
Perc angle gives him a run
I agree
FOR PRESIDENT! And Sunny could be the first lady!
Be honest, you only put the "better person" category on here because you really wanted 2000's hbk to win lol.
Original DX Shawn is my favorite.
This guy is so talented, his WrestleMania matches are legendary, Mr WrestleMania without a doubt
I was born in 91 but by the time he had to retire , I could only watch old tapes to see him wrestle & became a fan but I knew he wasn’t on tv anymore & I wasn’t sure why ( just making appearances). Eventually when he came back I was all eyes .... wwe treated him good & had great rivalry’s and matches since his comeback. I’ll say I like both for different reasons. 90s HBK was Golden & nostalgic .... 20s cemented his Legacy & he made up for the time he missed and more.
90's version was far better. He set a standard that barely anyone could reach, and it forced the company to bring in better entertainers.
Lmfao bret, taker, Austin, rock, mick Foley, triple h and the top stars at WCW already reached or surpassed him. He didn't force WWE to bring in better talent it was WCW without a question. He was gone through Arguably WWE peak years.
@@jacobtrimble4329 Your fooling yourself if you think anyone other than McMahon Austin and Rock were bigger stars than HBK during the late 90s. but regardless lmao WWE’s peak years were during the Hogan era without a doubt. As big as Attitude era was, lemme know when they got 90,000+ in a crowd at mania. Or when they had companies at the balls and was able to pull off a simulcast mania in 3 different venues. Or drew 33 million views for a non mania match with Hogan vs Andre. There is no arguably, or debate about it. Even with all those guys you mentioned, they couldn’t hold a candle to the numbers the golden era was pulling.
Shawn had the more memorable character work and feuds in his first run in my opinion.
Character work sure but feuds???? Shawn vs Angle > Any 90s Shawn feuds.
@@jacobtrimble4329 Na man Shawn vs Brett alone just because they truly hated each other. Nothing compares to that
@@jacobtrimble4329 You’re out your mind if you think any feud from Shawn was bigger than his feud with Bret. Hell, his Stone Cold feuds were arguably better because they definitely by far were more impactful historically
It was hard for a 6 year old me to like Bret/hbk at the same time, but hbk 90’s. Leaves an lasting impact.. built like Seth rollings, was fast like a luchadore, as well as turnt up
Facts
His second run he should've held the WWE title at least one last run.
He held it for a month in 2002.
He didn't want it. The champion is expected to show up at house shows, represent the company in public relations, and generally work harder and have more pressure on themselves than if they didn't have a title.
HBK felt that his 90s title runs were some if the worst times of his life and that he couldn't handle the pressure.
I like the the Attitude and Style of 90's HBK.
But 2000's HBK was a God Tier wrestler.
Heel or Face, I've been a fan of Shawn's from day one in WWF/WWE. I do prefer Heel Shawn as I've always been a sucker for a great promo & Heel Shawn cut some amazing ones (his "Who's your Daddy, Montreal" is easily my favourite promo, ever, from anyone in any Promotion). I don't think I could rank which HBK (90s or 2000s) was better as they're both totally different characters/personas with (sadly, due to his back injury) somwhat different work styles. Both did what was needed during those times though, in my opinion, which is one of the reasons why he'll always be my all time favourite to ever step between the ropes.
I’ll Always Love Shawn From 96-98
HBk vs Taker or HBK vs Jericho are some of his best matches! Though I do love his matches with Razor Ramon and Diesel! To me I watched it all 2000s Shawn is what made him a legend!
You should do this with the undertaker because he had 2 primes. 1996-1999, 2006-2009
Shawn Michaels is my favorite wrestler- I start noticing him as a wrestler around WrestleMania 1994 when he had the ladder match against Razor Ramone (R.I.P) In my opinion Shawn best matches was when he came back in 2002- even though he was a mid-carder, when he returned, he was one of the best in ring performers to ever step foot in the ring. He should of had a longer championship run when he won the belt at Survivor-series 2002 against Triple H.
The 90's version of #HBK is better. 💔
When I got back into wrestling in 2006 when I stopped in 1999, I wanted hbk to win titles but I realized too late Shawn didn't care about the world title at all in his 2nd run... he always stole the show though.
'99 was a shit year
As a character and personal achievements the 90's specially that heel turn as wwf champion and at the same time leader of the best faction ever DX (1997-1998).
As a technique in the ring and 5 stars matches 2000's
Are you kidding me? 90's Shaun was one of the main reasons why wrestling...for me...didnt die. Fun, cocky, athletic as all hell, entertaining enough to carry the whole locker room.
Like Nash said...Im glad Shaun got his shit together. But i miss that dude. He was a blast to hang out with. (Im paraphrasing, of course)
I started seeing wwe after 2003 n shawn is my fav wrestler till d date ...he was d man who takes hell of a beating bt come back from nowhere n turns d whole match ....n he deserved more championship belts
To be fair Shawn micheals 2nd half of his career was far greater than most entertainers, fighters , or any other wrestlers entire career.
I feel like he was a better champion and a better draw and more of the top guy in the 90s but overall his matches and him putting people over was better in his second run
2000's HBK is what made me become a fan of his. Then I went back and watched some of his old stuff which made me even more of a fan.
I feel like a ton of people only watched his second run and therefor have rose tinted glasses. His first run was incredible. His inring ability was nearly unheard of and changed how things were done.
He became a better human being when he came back in 02 but I think both of his runs are pretty equal.
Entertainment wise, the 90's.
96-98 Shawn Michaels was his peak! Just before attitude era.
92-97
In the 2000's you also have the Hogan feud although it was short, the one with Batista after he retired Flair that were good, the John Cena feud on mania 23 (very underrated cause of the Cena's hate)
I honestly prefer his 2000's self as he had his better matches in those years (think Wrestlemania 25/26)
Easy answer. This reminds me of 80s jordan compared to 90s jordan. Or even jordan 1st 3peat to jordan 2nd 3peat.
I'll just say it like this: Shawn told better in ring stories once he came back in 2002 until he retired. But athletically and attitude aside, he was special in the 90s.
That said, I'll still take HBK from the 2000s.
I see where you were going but I don’t think the jordan comparison works completely. 80s Jordan was more gifted athletically whereas 90s jordan his entire game was more polished to accommodate his diminished athleticism. that point is Similar to HBK 90s vs 2000s. But the difference is that the more polished 90s Jordan was his peak years at the top winning titles. 2000s HBK was not that at all it was 90s HBK that was a top guy and winning titles.
@@nothingspecial8114 I don't agree. And that's ok. Cheers.
90s HBK would have won if he was apart of the Attitude Era
a superficial point goes to 90’s Michaels due to his flammboyant and flashy attires.
‘00 Michaels’ attires are ok, and neat. But the 90’s has him beat there
I didn't like that he switched to leather pants in the mid-late 2000's
PWI had HBK having 7 straight matches of the year straight from 2004-2010 i liked the later HBK because wrestling was more faster and better athletes and HBK adjusted to that perfectly.
90s hbk was better athletic
Idk how better person is a credible criteria tbh. In terms of feuds as well I’d take 90s Michaels. His greatest feud was in the 90s for starters with Bret. Stone Cold in the summer of ‘97 and Stone Cold vs DX leading up to Mania 14 was amazing. Not to mention feuds vs Razor Ramon, Diesel, and Taker in the 90s.
As far as match quality is concerned in either of his two careers Shawn Michaels always had the best matches on any card. The only real difference between his first and second run is the business had changed!
The version you saw with your own eyes.. if you saw both, you'd just love them both..
1996-1998 Shawn Michaels was the best and in his prime.
This is tough cause you got pre back injury and post back injury pre back injury he was amazing definitely more athletic but I do like his 2nd run better his matches with Chris jericho HHH Chris Benoit Shelton Benjamin kurt angle and his wrestlemania match with undertaker to lot of people best wrestlemania match of all time
90s HBK all day! The hunger was real in the 90s
Shawn Michaels 08 is my favorite solely because that is the Shawn I grew up with. The rivalry with ric flair was my introduction to both flair and Shawn as a new wrestling fan Shawn was able to pull me in and even make me tear up when I saw wrestlemania 24. Not only the flair match but his rivalry with Chris Jericho was godly. Michael getting his face smashed through the jeritron was crazy. I don’t really remember the Batista vs Shawn rivalry and finally the undertaker end of an era match. Phenomenal
You know what would be a dream match you could only do in WWE 2K? 90s HBK vs 2000s HBK. That would be epic 😱
Michaels 2.0 is one of the greatest in-ring storytellers ever!
90s HBK. Better Heel, better in ring work and c'mon, his Hell in a Cell match with Undertaker is a thing of beauty. DX also brought out the best of him in 1997 and 1998. Some of his best promos were in DX.
Late 90s Michaels was the best. Cutting edge and defiant. Greatest ever in ring performer in my view...... Michaels vs Eddie program would have been absolute gold!
Heel '97 DX Michaels was the best, but he was still really good in his 2002 comeback.
Nineties 92 to 97!His Heel work was Flawless
That was the era he was the best
I always will prefer the 2002 comeback Shawn Michaels as my favorite, he was a lot more humble than in the 90's.
One of the best of all time
The younger version of course. That was his prime years. (92-97)
2000s.
It's like 70% of the 90's HBK's physical gifts, but with a mentality of a wise man.
He was great on TV and his matches was top notch
No arguments here....great breakdown!
14:09 this is INCREDIBLE 😮😮
Old HBK did the exact same thing every match it got really old. 90s HBK was way better
Definitely not true it's the other way around.
His 2000 one was better but 90s was good for in ring
The 90s and early 2000s was the best one
90s is the best
Love em both but loved the 90s more. It’s what made his 2000s character worthwhile.
both ❤ #HBK
Overall, 2000s was better. Character wise, I enjoyed the late 97 early 98 HBK
I say depends on who you ask I grew watching him in the 2000s but I went and watch his work in 90s he is definitely is if not one of the Goats
Early 90's heel run - fantastic
I Love 90s Shwan Micheal. He was Unstoppeble.. I was his big fan. 90s Was is best year.
Better character: 90's Shawn Michaels
Better Matches: 2000s and 2010 Shawn Michaels.
I think the best thing about Shawn is that you’ve got two different characters in one person. You have his younger flamboyant, high as a kite, rambunctious self and then you have his older, levelheaded, father figure self. You have two pieces of meat cut from the same cow and both are a prime delicacy.
90s HBK had better matches pre back injury of course but 00s HBK had better story telling which he always was able to tell a good story whether it was the 80s,90s or 00s but he really dug in on story telling in the 00s I think mainly to make up for lack of not being able to do the things in the ring that he could do in the 90s pre back injury also I think age played a part in him toning his move set down as well
The 1994-1998 (the 90's) HBK was the best .. he looked so good 97-98 and he started dx and was a great high flyer in his Era.
Hbk 2000's he was small and at one point wearing jeans (yuk)
HBK is a great wrestler he started dx but ever since that casket match in my opinion he was never the real HBK again.
Wow spectacular ty 🙏🏻
🤗 🤗 🤗