They were cool, they were cocky, and they had Vince McMahons ear. A deadly combination for other talent on the roster. Shawn Michaels and HHH are two of the top performers in WWE history, and their careers will forever be linked with one another. HBK was a top star in the WWF when Hunter first came over from WCW. The man had potential, but a forgettable run in former company meant he needed to turn things around quickly. He hooked up with the kliq, and has done well for himself ever since. On-air, the two are best known for their original run in the edgy D-Generation X. It was an immediate hit that benefited both men tremendously. Hunter got to ditch his North Eastern snob gimmick, and Michaels gained someone to play off of that he had chemistry with. Together they gelled, and brought their careers to new heights. Unfortunately for Shawn, he had to retire due to a back injury. Hunter was on his own. Somehow he did even better without HBK by his side. Hunter became the top heel in the company, and eventually engaged in a lengthy feud with Shawn when he returned years later. Eventually they put aside their differences and reformed DX. Sure they were older, sure it was a lot less cool, and sure it was embarrassing, but they were together again! In solo action, they both set their sights on The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak. While both of them came up short twice, it was a couple of great feuds that played off of their lengthy history together nicely. Whenever Shawn does show up these days, he's always by Hunter's side. Whether he's screwing Daniel Bryan out of the world title, or screwing Sting out of a win at WrestleMania, he's got his buddies back. Few partnerships have been so unforgettable (as well as mocked so well, as we saw in Max Landis' hilarious viral video), and few will undoubtedly remain as strong and long lasting as theirs. A bromance for the ages.
As Rust Cohle from True Detective said "Life's barely long enough to get good at one thing. So be careful what you're good at."
Sadly, I can't solve a murder like Rust...or change a tire, or even tie a tie. But I do know all the lyrics to Hulk Hogan's "Real American" theme song and can easily name every Natural Born Thriller from the dying days of WCW. I was once ranked 21st in the United States in Tetris...on the Playstation 3 version...for about a week.
Follow along @AndrewSoucek and check out my podcast at wrestlingwithfriends.com
