Down for the Count: Heart break for the Heartbreak Kid

Kari Williams, Alestle Reporter

by Kari Williams, Alestle Reporter

When Shawn Michaels eliminated his friend and tag team partner, Triple H, from the Royal Rumble on Sunday, he looked poised for victory. But fate had other plans. His title dreams went out the window faster than Marty Jannetty flew through the glass window on the Barber Shop.

Some could argue that the Showstopper just cannot stop the show anymore, or that Mr. Wrestlemania has simply lost ‘it.’

Or, perhaps, the sudden reemergence of Bret Hart to RAW has put Michaels back in the state of mind he was in during the time of the Montreal Screwjob — cocky and arrogant, but a hell of a wrestler.

Undertaker turning down Michaels’ challenge for ‘Taker’s WWE championship at Wrestlemania has gotten to the Showstopper. As much as fans did, or wanted, to hate the Heartbreak Kid, not even the most anti-Michaels fan could deny his charisma and skill. The same can be said for the Undertaker. And there lies the problem.

Mr. Wrestlemania vs. the undefeated streak. Round two.

But on Monday Night RAW, fate gave him another chance. Michaels faced “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton, with the winner earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber at the No Way Out Pay-per-view. Just when it looked like Michael’s tormented soul could be put to rest, Orton caught Michaels by surprise.

A distraught Michaels walked to the back with a troubled mind. Why couldn’t he pin Orton? Why, every time he goes for the gold, is it just out of reach? Why has it been so long since he held a championship? Why do the blood, sweat and tears he puts into every match amount to nothing more than blood, sweat and tears?

Just as when Michaels was breaking out on his own and making his mark in WWE, he had to prove to everybody why he was the best. He had to make everyone else believe his own hype. He had to go above and beyond the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

And so the scenario presents itself again. Hart’s presence brings back Michaels’ desire to prove himself to other wrestlers, but most importantly, to the fans.

‘Taker’s undefeated streak, in addition to Hart, fuels Michaels’ desire even further. The inability to recapture the high points of his early career, in addition to ‘Taker shutting down the chance for Michaels to end the streak, makes Michaels a disheartened man—unable to grasp what he so desires. Renewed respect. Renewed belief. But more than anything, renewed championship glory.