Shawn Michaels says he’d be doing well for himself if he got a nickel every time someone used a superkick.
Michaels, WWE’s senior vice president of talent development creative, is shaping the next generation, but he has already had a profound impact on the business. Throughout his career, he used the Sweet Chin Music superkick as his finisher and many wrestlers have borrowed the move over the years.
Speaking on the Culture State podcast, Michaels was asked about the way many other wrestlers use the superkick. Hosts Dennis Cox & Chris Lea joked about how Michaels could get paid royalties, given the way his Sweet Chin Music likely inspired many other performers. “The Heartbreak Kid” joked that he wouldn’t mind, and he’d be doing very well if he got a nickel for every time someone used a superkick, though that wouldn’t be realistic. The veteran also made it clear that he’s flattered to see others use the move.
“If I did, I’d be doing really okay,” Michaels said. “Look, I take it as a compliment. Again, I can remember when I first broke into the wrestling business, a lot of the old-timers said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so that’s certainly the way that I take it. But again, I know that there were people that inspired me.
“I’ve always been into the romance of this line of work. I’m fortunate and I appreciate the fact that something that I did has had a positive effect on this business. Would I mind getting a nickel for every time one of those things happen? Of course I would, but I don’t think that’s realistic, so I’ll just be flattered from a distance. I’d be doing okay, wouldn’t I?”
When asked if he’ll ever return to the ring, Michaels emphasized that his time as an in-ring performer is over. Now, he’s focused on helping the next generation.
“I’ve had that final match. No, no [when Coax and Lea brought up other legends returning to the ring]. Father time waits on no man. I’m good. I’m unbelievably happy with my career, and it is now time to watch the next generation flourish.”
Michaels last wrestled at WWE Crown Jewel 2018.
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