Outside of titles, Michaels is a 2-time Royal Rumble winner, as well as having classic feuds against the likes of the Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bret Hart, and even his best friend Triple H.

With a 30 year career, there’s plenty of trivia around the Showstopper. So here are 6 things you (probably) didn’t know about the Heart Break Kid.

#1 He’s a winner and a pioneer

Breaking into the business in the 1980s, Michaels has seen plenty of firsts throughout his career. But Michaels has also participated and won, many debut match-types.

In 1996, Michaels competed in the first Iron Man Match, defeating Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart in overtime to claim his first WWF Championship. A year later, at Bad Blood, Michaels would win again, this time in the first Hell In A Cell match against the Undertaker, after some help from the Deadman’s not-so-little brother, Kane.

In 2002, Michaels returned after 4 years away. Wanting to prove he was still the man, he entered the first-ever Elimination Chamber match, where he was once again the victor.

#2 He is ambidextrous

Known for being a gifted athlete in the ring, it comes as no surprise that Michaels is just as skilled with hands in writing, as he is at throwing a punch.

Shawn is able to use both his left and right hands equally well, but tends to use his right hand for drawing, and left hand for writing.

Ambidextrous people make up just 1% of the world’s population and include names such as LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Maria Sharapova.

#3 He is a PWI record-holder

The Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s ‘Match of the Year’ title is a coveted accolade. For decades, the magazine has systematically picked the most must-see match of the past 12 months. So it only makes sense that a must-see superstar like HBK holds the record for most appearances, with 11.

Michaels first appeared in 1993, when he faced former partner Marty Jannetty for the Intercontinental Championship. Michaels won each year for 4 years before his streak was broken in 1997. Upon his return, Michaels picked up where he left off, having PWI’s Match of the year, every year, from 2004-2010.

#4 He got his nick-name from Mr. Perfect

By 1992, Shawn had already established himself as a popular Tag team wrestler, as part of The Rockers with Jannety. But wanting to go his own way, Michaels famously attacked Marty, throwing him through the window of Brutus Beefcake’s Barbershop.

With a new mean-streak and ‘sexy boy’ character, it was Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig that gave him the name, The Heart Break Kid, as Perfect was on commentary at the time. Interestingly, Hennig also thought of a nickname for another superstar: Triple H.

#5 He had his own wrestling school

After his first retirement, Michaels decided to try and stay in the business, opening his own wrestling school. The school led to the forming of the Texas Wrestling Academy promotion, with several stars coming through the small school.

Of note, current WWE superstars Daniel Bryan and the Brian Kendrick attended, and so did WWE star Lance Cade.

#6 He retired for his family

After one of the greatest careers of all time, Shawn retired in 2010, after losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. Since then, HBK has revealed that he retired to spend more time with his family, especially his son Cameron.

When he was contemplating retirement, Michaels’ son was around 9 years old. Shawn has said he refused to miss out on those next few years of his life, and nothing would stop him. Michaels has said he could probably still compete, but feels at this point, after what he’s achieved, there’s no reason to.

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