10 Most Divisive Figures In Wrestling History

6. Shawn Michaels

Triple H
WWE.com

Prosecution:

The biggest a**hole in the history of professional wrestling. Unadulterated swine in the 1990s; thought nothing of ruining a guy's WWF career prospects for the slightest transgression, the code of conduct for which he determined as leader of the Kliq backstage faction. Top 10 lists describing Wasted WWE Talents the internet over often see Michaels throwing said talent in the bin as a result of paranoia and or pure spite. Longterm fans of Bret Hart and millions of religious folk alike still have cause to loathe Michaels, given that he essentially destroyed the concept of karma.

Defence:

He was not well in the mind back then, in what was a ridiculously pressurised and paranoid wrestling landscape. Also happens to be one of if not the greatest in-ring performers in the history of the U.S. Criteria varies, as does mileage, but for tenure alone, nobody can touch him. Even when he was a pr*ck, he was often funny with it; called Jim Ross a "fat tub of goo" at IYH: D-Generation X.

Author Verdict:

Finding God is some death bed repentance stuff, but he was an absolutely sublime professional wrestler. He didn't kill anybody, so bratty behaviour is hardly enough not to enjoy arguably the finest back catalogue in the history of North American wrestling.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!