There are two kinds of athletes that never seem to quite retire while they’re remotely capable of plying their trade — boxers and pro wrestlers. For some it’s forever seeking a paycheck, and having someone willing to meet that need, or quite simply there’s nothing else in life that quite equals the high of a crowd cheering your name.
Shawn Michaels made a surprise appearance at Wrestlemania 32 in Dallas last weekend. He was joined by Mick Foley and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, in a moment that stands out as memorable, or “show stopping” as it were.
During an appearance on Vince Russo’s ‘The Brand’ podcast Friday, Michaels admitted he does not keep track of the WWE product beyond fan interaction on Twitter. “The Heartbreak Kid” also made it clear he has no desire take part in another match.
“Everybody asks me, ‘Do you miss it?’ No, I don’t miss it, because what’s on TV now isn’t what I used to do. So it’s easy not to miss.”
Michaels had some noted back issues that hampered him during the peak of his career, so the physical toll of wrestling is clearly not something he’s willing to embrace at 50 years old. “Mr. Wrestlemania” will probably make more token appearances with a microphone in his hand, for as long as he’s willing and capable, and he’ll surely be welcomed by fans whenever and wherever he does. But anyone looking for another round of “sweet chin music” from Michaels is going to be left disappointed.