10 Wrestlers Who Got Much Worse (But WAY More Over)

6. Shawn Michaels

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This one is more contentious. 

A lot of people believe that Shawn Michaels was better when he returned from hiatus in 2002. 

The key argument in support of this take is that Michaels was better at selling, which he of course emphasised instead of the demented big bumps he performed in the ‘90s - but he was always exceptional at that. He perfected the art against the Undertaker at In Your House: Badd Blood in 1997. His selling in the 2000s - to some - bordered on the corny. He popularised melodrama in pro wrestling, and while it isn’t strictly his fault that his influence polluted a lot of big time main events subsequently, he himself was guilty of taking the piss with it. Watch his match with Triple H at Bad Blood 2004. Or rather don’t, even if your very life depended on it. 

Subjectively, Michaels was better in the 1990s. He was a maniac in the ring, and when he played heel, watching him get his runt ass kicked all over the ring was a cathartic joy. 

Objectively, he was more over as a babyface in the 2000s, by which point fans were delighted to see him back - particularly since it was an unfathomable thought in 2001. 

As the WWF Champion throughout much of 1996 - despite several electrifying in-ring displays - he was a rubbish draw loathed by many hardcore fans.

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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!