Shawn Michaels Itching for a Ring Return to Help Push NXT Stars to the Next Level

Shawn Michaels admitted he still feels the itch to step back into the ring—not for personal glory but to help the young talent in NXT reach their full potential. M

Michaels recently appeared on Busted Open to promote NXT’s highly anticipated debut on The CW Network on October 1st. During the interview, Michaels revealed that there are times he wishes he could physically step into the ring with some of the NXT stars, specifically Trick Williams, who he believes is on the verge of reaching a whole new level.

Michaels explained that getting in the ring with younger talent could help them unlock something vital—an understanding of the indescribable “feel” that veteran wrestlers talk about but young stars often struggle to grasp. He reflected on this in detail:

“I get it [that itch] with many of our talent. There are times that I wish I could just get in there with them once, to help them. You both know it. You’re in there with that certain somebody, and then it is this feel, this mysterious feel we always talk about when we’re talking to one another or we’re talking to young talent. They’re able to grasp it. Right now, it’s something that eludes them. They hear about it, but you don’t know it until you’ve felt it.”

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Michaels noted that for veteran wrestlers like himself, Bubba Ray Dudley, and Mark Henry, there’s a deep desire to impart that wisdom.

“Whether it’s you Bubba, whether it’s you Mark, or myself, there are times that you know I can make them feel this in that moment if I could just be out there with them,” he added.

However, Michaels acknowledged that patience is key, both for the coaches and the talent, as they work to develop these breakthrough moments.

As Michaels continues to guide NXT’s future stars from outside the ropes, his passion for helping them succeed remains as strong as ever. Though his days in the ring are behind him, it’s clear that the Heartbreak Kid’s heart is still very much in the squared circle.