Shawn Michaels was a known presence across WWE TV, but once revealed why he never showed up on SmackDown.
During an interview with WWE while promoting the 2017 Christian comedy film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, Michaels opened up about his second run with the company. Specifically, Michaels talked about why he refused to work on SmackDown broadcasts at the time.
Michaels, a well-known born-again Christian, pointed out that SmackDown was taped on Tuesday nights at that time. Michaels said that he refused to have that interfere with his Bible study class, even with the potential threat of a pay cut.
“There was a time during my career, after I went back, that they wanted me to go over to SmackDown, which is taped on Tuesday nights,” said Michaels. “Which would’ve affected my wife’s bible study and mine. It just wasn’t something I was going to do. ‘We can cut your contract in half,’ well do whatever you gotta do, I said. I said, ‘You need to understand, the good Lord’s already decided how much money I’m gonna make this year. [There’s] nothing you can do to change it.'”
Shawn Michaels eventually made his way to SmackDown for a few notable matches
Michaels is referring here to his return to WWE in 2002. The legend initially retired in 1998 due to a back injury. However, he returned in a full-time capacity in 2002, for yet another legendary run. This included a reunion with D-Generation X, more championship wins, and a second retirement in 2010.
Shawn Michaels initially refused to work SmackDown at the beginning of his second WWE run, but he ultimately worked a few matches on the brand towards the end of his career. This includes his final appearance on SmackDown in a match against Rey Mysterio, which took place in January 2010 ahead of his retirement match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26.
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