Shawn Michaels understands that the business has changed, but believes the wrestlers are healthier for it.
Michaels spoke with during an interview with K&C Masterpiece to promote the NXT Great American Bash on July 30. Michaels was asked if he gave NXT talent “back in my day” stories in response to complaints about traveling around Florida. “HBK” says he tries not to be a “bitter old-timer” and he knows the business has changed. He stated that it’s hard to disagree with the claim that wrestling is softer now, but he emphasized that it’s healthier.
“Look — every now and then when they complain about much of anything, we give them a little ‘come to Jesus’ chat. I try not to — I’m pretty good about not being the bitter old-timer. I screwed up a bunch, I try to obviously show them the error of particular ways and whatnot. It is a different business, and look, some of it is for the better. I will say this, it’s a much healthier atmosphere than it was when I started. And some people can argue that it makes them a little softer.
“It’s hard for me — I can’t disagree with that in some respects. But at the same time, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be better, can’t be shaped up. We’ve got a great culture here that Hunter put in place a decade ago. It’s something we continue to build on now. Every now and then it is, we need to remind them of just how great it is to do this line of work, how good it is they have to do it, and obviously, getting the opportunity to jump outside the state of Florida and come to the state of Texas is going to be a blast for everybody.”
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What do you make of Shawn Michaels’ comments? Do you think professional wrestling is softer now than it used to be? Share your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
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