Back in 1996, I didn't give a flip about wrestling. In fact, it was something I avoided. But then I caught an episode of Raw and was hooked. By the time WrestleMania came around that year, I knew I had to see the Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels Iron Man Match. The build-up for that match was simply captivating.
Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart became my favorites; therefore, it seemed strange that both of them were saying farewell to Raw on the same night.
Going by the storyline, Bret appeared to be headed back to Calgary. Or will Uncle Bret stay around and manage the Hart Foundation? I hope so, since it would be extraordinary to have Bret Hart back on Raw.
As for Shawn Michaels, his storyline has him unemployed thanks to The Undertaker. We all know how many times "retirement" matches (and similar ploys) are used to move a storyline along, but I think there is little doubt that HBK is headed home to Texas for good this time.
Shawn's farewell Monday night seemed to be as real as it gets. And good for him. He's been pro wrestling's proverbial energizer bunny for all these years. Now he deserves to spend some time with his lovely wife and adorable kids. Kids grow up fast.
One moment that stood out Monday night was The Undertaker tipping his broad-brimmed hat to Michaels. It was a classy act, and without saying a single word, he conveyed his respect for all that HBK means to the sport and to the fans.
Goodness knows this is a business that will chew you up and spit you out if you let it. But Shawn persevered over the years, working with some of the most beloved and enduring characters WWE had to offer in some of the most memorable storylines.
But all good things have to come to an end, and Monday night, Shawn Michaels closed Raw with the following: "Ladies and gentlemen, the Heart Break Kid has left the building."
I'd just like to offer a "Thank you, Shawn," of my own. If not for that Iron Man Match back in the day, I might not have come to enjoy a sport which has come to mean a lot to me.
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Thanks for reading and see ya next week.