Q: Shawn, how is your back doing?

Shawn: My back is doing fine. I'm able to do a lot of exercising now and I feel like a new man.

Q: (Mentions some pro football player) had the same surgery and he said he felt almost instant relief from the pain.Was it the same for you?

Shawn: It was definitely a relief from the pain I've endured over the past few years. The only thing that had bothered me was the 5" long incision running down my spine, but the initial pain was relieved once he recovered from being doped up.

Terri: What's your position on the Mankind situation? He's petitioning to be a part of Wrestlemania 15 as a guest referee in the Heavyweight title match.

Shawn: Being the Commish is an unenviable position. Some days, you're the most popular guy in the world, some days you're the biggest ****head.

Terrie: (laughs)You do realize that you'll probably be a major fan favorite if you allow Mankind into the ref spot.

Shawn: I'd be a huge good guy if I let everyone do what they wanted in the WWF, but I'd be out of a job! I have to have some kind of say.

Lucas: Personally, I don't think Mankind should be allowed anywhere near the ring to tarnish the Rock and the main event. And that's just my opinion.

Shawn: Yes, it is your opinion, and for that reason, I will ignore it.(laughs) But if Mankind gets enough names on his opinions and proves that its what the fans want, I will considering making him the second ref. But we al know that nothing happens unless Commisioner Michaels says so.

Q: Being the Commish, does it give you more free time to do the things you didn't get to do as a full-time wrestler?

Shawn: The way I'm keeping busy now is shagging this hot chick in L.A. as often as possible. But I also have another job. I'm starting a wrestling school, running promotions for the new TWA. Between shagging and the wrestling promotions, I'm keeping myself pretty busy.

Terri: So how is Marge and Homer?

Shawn: (laughs)Marge and Homer are doing well and they've become the most popular dogs in the world. Whenever someone comes to Texas they want to see Marge and Homer.

Q: What's it like being the booker for the TWA?

Shawn: I'll never look at Vince McMahon and tell him he has an easy job again. Doing it at his level is completely unbelievable to what I am doing in south Texas. Its a 24 hour job with the wrestlers looking to me for answers, dealing with the venues, the advertisemers who want to talk to you and be a part of your product. Which is all positive, but it requires a lot of work. Abd being President and CEO and making all the final decisions when you hope every choice is the right one. But sometimes they are and sometimes they aren't. But its a new challenge and its been a lot of fun.

Terrie: So, you ran a few shows down in Texas in early February? How did that go?

Shawn: Well, Showstopper Promotions made $30,000.00 in its first week of operations. I believe there's potential and we'll keep pecking away at it.

Terri: Will you be running more shows?

Shawn: Yes. We're concentrating more on the school at the moment. Finishing up the remodeling. Then on March 19, we're going to open up the new gym in San Antonio, TX and the first show will be held there. We'll have a few of the WWF guys come down and wrestle some of our guys. That will sorta be the launching pad for the TWA.

Q: Is there a big difference between the new guys down there and where you were at a few years a go?

Shawn: Pete Lothario and Bobby Perez and a few other guys are working with me right now. They just never had the oppurtunity to wrestle for a major production. The best thing is that they're eager to learn, eager to work, and eager to do well and excel. So they've brought along a positive attitude and I'm happy to work with them.

Q: (pointing to Terri and Lucas)Speaking of potential, you have a great opputunity to snap up two newcomers. Here's Lucas, a 6'5" candidate for the lightweight division, and Terri in the women's division. Really, without seeing them in action, how would you evaluate them, Shawn?

Shawn: I've seen some go in without any skills and they're not that bad.(laughs)

Q: But Lucas is just a tall, lanky skinny kid!

Shawn: But Lucas isn't 6'5".

Q: And we do crunch weights here.

Shawn: But he's gotta do something about that do!

Terri: (laughs) Everyone wants to fix Lucas' hair!

Shawn: You better worry about cutting it because you ain't NEVER getting laid with a do like that! (laughs)

Lucas:Thanks for reminding me, as if I didn't know already!

Shawn: Even with a wad of 50's you wouldn't have a chance!

Terri: So your wrestling academy opens in early April?

Shawn: Hopefully April 1st will be the 1 day orientation for the new students to tell them what they can expect from us and what we expect from them. Then they'll start classes the following Monday on the 4th.

Terri: Is this for men only?

Shawn: No, we'll be teaching men and women to wrestle, for managerial status, and referees. It depends on what everyone wants to learn. Now if a 6'5", 300lb guy comes to me and says he wants to be a ref because its cheaper to learn...you know, I wasn't born yesterday. You're gonna learn to be a wrestler whether you want to or not.

Terri: I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever decide to get into wrestling.

Q: Yes, Terri has gotten the bug! She's taken a few bumps in the ring and now she wants to go!

Shawn: Yeah, well she's a jack from way back! And if she wants to learn she might as well learn from the best!

Q: Some info on the school? Phone number and address?

Shawn: Next week we'll have a number up: 1-900-32-TRAIN. Must be 18 and over and there is a $5.00 charge. Or you can send a $5.00 certified check or money order to the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy, P.O.Box 461348, San Antonio, TX 78246. And that will enable us to send the info and the brochures out to you, and allows you to tell us what it is you want to learn. There's a lot of schools out there who get a kick out of taking a kid's money, beating him up, and sending him on his way. But this is a training school for serious people who are having the same problems I did when I was 19. Finding a way to get a foot in the door. Everyone knows about my reputation and my relationship with Vince McMahon and the WWF. And they've only asked for one thing in return; to have all rights and refusals of all talent coming out of our school. And if Vince finds someone he likes, they're gonna get a gig right off the bat. And not only will these guys get to learn the craft, they'll also get the opputunity to wrestle in front of a live crowd.

Q: Yeah, that's great experience for them, to not only learn the craft from a pro, but to also be able to practive it in front of an audience. From hanging banners, unfolding chairs, to setting up the ring, they'll be able to get out there and learn first hand.

Shawn: And that's the only way to learn this buisness. You can go out and train, and have that ability. Then we'll show you all the things to put on a live show, how to work the crowd, and give the fans what they want.

Terri: Are you gonna teach someone a little "Sweet Chin Music"?

Shawn: (chuckles)Well, that's sort of an advanced course. Nah, you know, some people are using it anyways.

Terri: Well, it just isn't the same as when you do it!

Shawn: No, it isn't, but we're still going to teach them everything we can. And since I can't be the same Shawn Michaels I used to be, I think I'll get a kick out of finding the next one. and the wrestling world can handle only one of me at a time anyway. And its time for someone else to drive the WWF and wrestling promoters up the wall.

Q: Since you're the Vince McMahon of TWA, who's gonna be the Shawn Michaels? Who's gonna be the thorn in your side?

Shawn: I don't know yet. I just came in the door and everybody was doing the "kissing-butt" thing with the school, which is what I like! I mean, you can't have any character without 2 guys kissing your @**. But I'm sure when everything is a little more relaxed and people are more comfortable around me, I'm sure there will be someone to run me ragged, and drive me crazy. But since I have plenty of experience, I think I'll be a little more prepared, and I won't lose my temper so much.

Terri: As we approach WM15, do you have a highlight or special favorite moment?

Shawn: WM 10 with the ladder matches and when I won the title. But any WM a wrestler participates in is special. Its the Granddaddy of it all. There's a lot of guys out there who never get a chance to be a part of it.

Terri: Will you be a part of WM 15?

Shawn: Oh, I'm sure that I will. I'm not sure what I'll be doing, but I definitely will be there. I like to think you can't have a Wrestlemania without the Heartbreak Kid there.

Terri: Absoulutely!

(This is where they start taking calls!)

Line #2 Caller: Are there any up and coming wrestlers who remind you of you?

Shawn:Billy Gunn, Roadd Dogg, they both have enormous potential. But I'm kinda partial to the guys in DX for some reason, wonder why! Someone outside of the WWF who has the potential to be a big star if he'd just come over to us would be Chris Jericho.

Q: What do you think of the Hardy Boyz and how people are comparing them to the Rockers?

Shawn: I think they're a couple of talented young kids. They're willing to do anything with their bodys to make people excited and I think that that's something Marty and I did.

Line #1 Caller: I was wondering if Shawn will ever get into managing for the WWF.

Q: In other words she's wondering if you'll be on camera/

Caller:Yeah!

Terri: Yeah! On camera more with less clothing on!

Shawn: Heck, I've been on camera with practically nothing on.

Terrie: Not lately!

Shawn: But I think I'll get kicked off tv! (chuckles) Yeah, I think I could, but it would just depend on who asked me. I've been pretty selective on who I've stood beside in the WWF like Diesel, Sid, then Hunter, and Chyna. And I wouldn't want to put my name along just anyone's. So, if a star comes along, and he has a bright future, and wants the help, I would certainly give it. But in the WWF right now most people can stand on their own and it doesn't do any good to have Shawn Michaels shadow hanging over their shoulders.

Terri: A lot of our WWF stars are going Hollywood. What are your plans?

Shawn: I've had some offers and yeah, I'm interested. But it seems that I get another project like TWA and the wrestling academy which interests me more. And right now, those are the two things I'm most passionate about. Right now, I don't have any passion for acting. Maybe when I get the school and TWA up and running smoothly.

Terri: You'll let us know about any upcoming dates on your wrestling promotions, right?

Shawn: Oh yeah. As soon as I get home. I'm on a little vacation right now, but next Monday, I should have a list for you!

Q: Thanks for giving us some of your time, especially on your vacation. Everyone is always asking about you and how you're doing. And we're just happy you let us have some of your time.

Shawn: Thanks for having me!

Terrie: We're sorry we interrupted your vacation!

Q: Now get back to shagging!

Shawn: (laughs)Yeah, yeah!!! Ya gotta have a little rest between shagging sessions anyway!

Q: Well, your 15 minute break is just about up!

Terri: I think you're good to go again!

Q: Your break time's up!!

Shawn: (laughs)She's waiting!! I gotta go!!

Terri: Thanks, Shawn!

Shawn: Take care, guys!!

How ironic that it all came to an end for HBK on the hood of his rental car, his face occupying the space where the windshield used to be. It was gruesome and tragic. But it wasn't life in the fast lane that predestined this incident. It was a business deal with the Corporation gone awry, with his mistreatment of DX perhaps a contributing factor. Either way, Shawn had paid the price and the show stopped for the "showstoppa"...

Shawn made a lot of mistakes over the years. He'd be the first to admit that. But he had begun to settle down. Going full throttle all the time didn't allow for proper rest or recovery from a grueling decade of combat. During his first of three reigns as World Wrestling Federation Champion, stories of the night life Shawn indulged in were legendary.His early days as a Rocker found him in the doghouse more than once for his wild ways, but as the champion he was cut some slack. While he avoided trouble, the cumulative effects of in-ring and post-match competition took their toll. By the time Shawn turned 30, his body began to show the wear and tear. Old-timers told him when he started that all the crazy stuff he did would catch up with him. Shawn was on borrowed time now.

HIs resiliency made him one of the most successful champions in Federation history. That resiliency was certainly tested throughout 1997. He competed with his back in agony most of the time. The turning point for Shawn was at the 1998 Royal Rumble when a fall onto the casket during a match against the Undertaker ripped away at his spinal column. Shawn could now hear the ticking of the clock.Following WreslteMania XIV, HBK had no choice but to step away. Doctors told him that rest might repair the damage, but they couldn't make any promises. He saw the rise of DX as a group of five without him, the author of the degenerate code. It pained Shawn to be away, but it hurt far more to be there. Forget about competing. Even a simple plane flight was painful. But he wanted to be there.

First as a part-time commentator and then as Federation Commissioner, Shawn Michaels was still a part of the scene. Then he sold his soul to the Corporation and turned on his friends in DX. There would be no free rides to get back into the spotlight. No refunds available either. When the deal went sour, Shawn Michaels was left in a pool of blood as shards of glass surrounded him on the hood of his car. His time was up.

The subsequent spinal surgery prompted reports that Shawn had indeed competed for the final time in the squared circle. Whether or not that is fact, only Michaels knows himself. Physical therapy and time will make the final determination.

Shawn still exerted his authority from his hospital bed, vowing to continue as commissioner. No matter what, Michaels can't let Vince McMahon win that easily. The battles between the two men over the past decade have been difficult for both, as they have a true love-hate relationship.

Shawn Michaels possesses the charisma which has captivated not only the crowds he has so thoroughly entertained but all those around him. And there is perhaps no bigger fan of Shawn than Vince McMahon. The Heartbreak Kid was one of his greatest superstars and seeing Shawn do his thing always brought a smile to the Federation owner's face.

The flip side of Shawn and Vince's relationship is, like a bond between father and son, very close and sometimes very destructive. So much alike, the two have often clashed on a number of issues. These blowups would shake the walls in McMahon's office and often ended with Michaels storming out. In time, apologies would follow accordingly and arguing and yelling would be replaced with handshakes and hugs.

While they have battled and reconciled in the past, it would appear that the last conflict between these two men so very much alike has finally ended the relationship. Just as with any father/son dispute, sometimes the camel's back can be repaired. Will one or the other party attempt to resolve the differences, or is it really over this time for Shawn and Vince?

And what about DX? Even Shawn would have tto admit that he's made mistakes where his former friends are concerned. Will either side be willing to forgive now that Shawn has paid the price for his misdeeds? Forgive? Perhaps. But forget? Never.

The key to Shawn Michaels' success has always been his ability to come back from adversity. That same resiliency, which made him one of the greatest superstars of all time, will have to be called upon if the Heartbreak Kid hopes to fix what is now broken - not only his back, for which Shawn's main goal is simply a pain-free life, but also the torn relationships.

Although the chances seems to be remote, a return to the ring must be in the back of Shawn's mind. The clock may have run out for Shawn Michaels, but he has the rest of his life now to decide what's next.

"That kid's done a lot of growing up."

I won't name names, but one of my coworkers offered that comment recently following a phone interview with Shawn Michaels for wwf.com concerning his new wrestling school. Just about a month after back surgery to fuse several of his vertebrae, my colleague said, the Heartbreak Kid sounded like "a new man."

For some of his peers, it was a long time in the making for the superstar who once lived in and out of the squared circle with reckless abandon. Part of the reason or his new attitude has to be that Michaels is finally pain free for the first time in years. Despite the fact that he may be physically unable to compete at his previous superhuman level, history will still regard him as one of the greatest performers in the history of the sport.

But in case you are wondering, Shawn still doesn't lie down for anyone or anything, even during his absence from the ring. Lesser athletes would call it a career and wallow in self-pity, but the show must go on for the "showstoppa." Now, he's ready to embark on a new journey... one that which will transform him from the student into the teacher.

This April, the doors officially opened for the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy in San Antonio, Texas. It's a joint venture between Michaels and his former mentor, Jose Lothario, offering the chance for future wrestlers to train with two of the best in the business. It's a familiar situation to Shawn, who began his career in the early 1980s much the same way by walking into Lothario's office and asking for an opportunity.

A bond developed between the two, which has been documented on numerous occasions in the Raw Magazine as well as on World Wrestling Federation programming. When Michaels started working in the independents, Lothario was by his side. On the eve of the biggest match of his career at WrestleMania XII, it was Lothario who trained him for the "Iron Man" match. And when HBK made his San Antonio homecoming at the 1997 Royal Rumble in front of more than 62,000 fans, the teacher was there alongside the student.

Becoming "the Showstoppa, the main event, the icon" came at a high price. Shawn is the first to admit that going full throttle down the Federation highway will eventually lead to a crash, which is exactly what happened. Many veterans of the business told him to slow down, both in the ring and out of it, but HBK didn't hear it. His condition was worsened at the 1998 Royal Rumble when during a bout with the Undertaker, HBK slammed his back into the hardwood casket. In the months that followed, his injuries progressed to the point where rest wasn't healing.

Shawn eventually had no choice but to elect surgery, potentially cutting short a legendary career which might have enjoyed several more title reigns. Whether he will attempt a comeback one day is a decision only Shawn can make. This type of surgery in which the vertebrae are fused leaves the spine little flexibility. If HBK attempted to lace up the boots once again, he might shatter the fuse and risk permanent paralysis.

As it turned out, Shawn's condition-and his outlook-improved tremendously after the surgery. Within a month he was already taking part in swimming exercises and light aerobics, and as of this writing he is awaiting doctor's permission to begin weight training. The pain is gone as is the pressure-in his spine as well as to perform in his role in the Federation. No longer does Shawn have to feel he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Stone Cold, The Rock, Mick Foley and Triple H have more than successfully carried the torch the Heartbreak Kid passed to them.

Despite the setback, there is life after wrestling for the Heartbreak Kid. Settling down and even marriage are possible options on his horizon. But once the sport is in the blood, it never goes away. With gratitude for the opportunity Jose Lothario granted him 17 years ago, Michaels was ready to give back to the sport he loved. Like "Grasshopper" finally snatching the stones from the Kung Fu master's hand, he now posses the necessary skills to share his knowledge with others.

"I'm encouraged by the whole experience because I think I have something to offer as a teacher," Shawn told Raw Magazine recently. "it's a great way for me to live vicariously through the students. If I can't go out there and be the 'Showstoppa,' maybe I can find the next Shawn Michaels who can."

For athletes looking to break into the sport, Shawn's school offers a rare opportunity to train under a former World Wrestling Federation Champion. How many other institutions can claim that? Often in this business newcomers fall victims to being educated by someone who isn't qualified. There are hundreds of wrestling schools, but frankly some are jokes. When the biggest accomplishment a teacher boasts is having once been a champion in some small independent promotion in Oshkosh, Wisconsin... well, you get what you pay for.

After graduating from a wrestling school, many potential wrestlers are on their own when it comes to booking themselves on cards across the country. Students at Shawn's academy will have the opportunity to take part in on-the-job training, as Shawn and Jose's "Texas Wrestling Alliance" holds independent cards throughout the Lone Star State.

Joining Shawn and Jose as trainers at the academy, which will be based out of San Antonio, Texas, are Rudy Gonzalez and veteran "Mad Dog" Ken Johnson, who helped "Super Sock" train HBK in the early 80s. The site of the new school is the facility where Lothario trained his student for his WrestleMania XII bout, which has undergone major renovations in preparation for classes. Students will have the option of either a full-time three-month course or a part-time six-month course. Already one of Shawn's prize pupils is Pete Lothario, his mentor's son.

"I think Pete has a lot of ability-obvioulsy it runs in the family," Shawn said. "It may sound flattering, but I see him mimicking a lot of my moves. he has very good teachers, and the best part is that he is quiet and listens to what we ask of him."

How fitting that HBK will now have the opportunity to alert the eager, younger Lothario about the risks of reckless abandon in the ring... a lesson the teacher will be more than happy to recite to his students.

As Stone Cold Steve Austin continues his power struggle with Mr. McMahon and Shane, many fans on the Internet are wondering…where is Shawn Michaels?

Why hasn’t the Commissioner made his presence felt over the past few weeks as Austin, Shane & Mr. McMahon have taken turns laying down the law, booking matches on RAW IS WAR and Sunday Night HEAT?

Over the past few months, Shawn has been quick to get involved and make a strong impact in the Federation. Do you remember where Stone Cold was the day after the Royal Rumble? He was in San Antonio at HBK’s house finalizing the details that would earn him the right to take on The Rock at WrestleMania XIV for the WWF Championship.

And let’s not forget about Monday night, May 10, in Orlando, Florida. Michaels made his return to live TV that night by taking over the booking duties…and what a job he did! HBK claimed that Shane’s booking the week before was good, but not great. So in an effort to teach the "Boy Wonder" a lesson, the Commissioner set up matches that saw the temporary departure of the Mean St. Posse and had The Rock, Stone Cold and Vince fighting out of the same corner...

So why hasn’t he surfaced lately?

It is hard to believe that HBK will sit idly for much longer as the popularity of the WWF and all the superstars soar to astronomical heights.

Shawn Michaels calls himself the showstopper, the icon, you know the drill. He loves being in the spotlight, and thrives when all eyes are on him…and certainly the eyes of the world are fixated on the World Wrestling Federation recently.

But, hang on a minute. Shawn Michaels certainly hasn’t exactly been hiding in the closet.

HBK recently filled a gig as a celebrity sportscaster on a local TV station and the ratings were through the roof! Could Michaels have found a new line of work?

And let’s not forget about Pacific Blue. Shawn recently wrapped filming an episode of the popular USA Network drama and everyone involved in the production was very impressed with the Commissioner’s performance.

Add on top of that the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy and the Texas Wrestling Alliance that he runs shows for every Friday night and you have enough to keep anyone busy!

But what if Shawn is staying away because one of the involved parties is asking him to? Everyone involved here has a lot at stake and you never can tell where loyalties lie.

The most intriguing thing about Commissioner Michaels is that you never know where, when or why he’s gonna show up. Will it be sometime in the near future?

As the power struggle between Stone Cold Steve Austin and the McMahons continues, it wasn't long before Commissioner Michaels would lay down the law.

And, in my opinion, it was long overdue.

Why didn't the Commissioner make his presence felt over the past few weeks as Austin, Shane & Mr. McMahon took turns laying down the law, booking matches on RAW IS WAR and Sunday Night HEAT? Perhaps, he was waiting for the right time!

Let’s not forget about Monday night, May 10, in Orlando, Florida. Michaels made his return to live TV that night by taking over the booking duties…and what a job he did! HBK claimed that Shane’s booking the week before was good, but not great. So in an effort to teach the "Boy Wonder" a lesson, the Commissioner set up matches that saw the temporary departure of the Mean St. Posse and had The Rock, Stone Cold and Vince fighting out of the same corner...

You see, it was all about waiting for the proper moment. Shawn Michaels calls himself the showstopper, the icon, you know the drill. He loves being in the spotlight, and thrives when all eyes are on him…and certainly the eyes of the world are fixated on the World Wrestling Federation recently.

Whether it was about being in the spotlight or laying down the law, Shawn was there. But, these days, it might be getting tougher for him to do so considering his schedule:

HBK recently filled a gig as a celebrity sportscaster on a local TV station and the ratings were through the roof!

And let’s not forget about Pacific Blue. Shawn recently wrapped filming an episode of the popular USA Network drama and everyone involved in the production was very impressed with the Commissioner’s performance.

Add on top of that the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy and the Texas Wrestling Alliance that he runs shows for every Friday night and you have enough to keep anyone busy!

The most intriguing thing about Commissioner Michaels is that you never know where, when or why he’s gonna show up. But when he does...he changes things big time!

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