More Details On WWE Legend Shawn Michaels Undergoing Major Surgery, More Procedures Looming
Shawn Michaels has once again reminded the world that being “Mr. WrestleMania” came at a heavy price. The WWE Hall of Famer and current head of NXT recently underwent serious back surgery, according to his longtime friend and fellow Kliq member Kevin Nash.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash revealed that Michaels had hardware removed from his lower back—rods that were surgically inserted over 25 years ago after his infamous casket match injury against The Undertaker in 1998. That injury herniated two discs, forced a four-year retirement, and nearly ended his career.
“Shawn just got done. He had that hardware taken out because it was all twisted up,” Nash explained. “He actually woke up from the surgery in less pain, so that’s good news.”
More Surgeries Ahead
While the operation was successful, Nash admitted that this is only one step in Michaels’ long road of medical battles. He revealed that “The Heartbreak Kid” will eventually need both knees replaced, and potentially further work on his hips—damage caused by decades of punishment inside the ring.
The Price of Greatness
Michaels’ story is one of both sacrifice and triumph. His 2002 comeback after career-threatening injury is still regarded as one of the greatest returns in sports history, leading to another legendary run that solidified his place as “Mr. WrestleMania.” But those unforgettable moments came with lasting consequences, and now—more than a decade after retiring—his body continues to pay the toll.
Despite health challenges, Nash made it clear that Michaels has no desire to climb higher in WWE’s corporate ladder. Instead, he’s content running NXT in Florida, a role that keeps him close to the business without the stress of bigger office responsibilities.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Shawn Michaels is the definition of resilience. Few wrestlers have given more of their body to the sport, and his ongoing health struggles are a reminder of just how real the toll of pro wrestling can be. Fans will take comfort knowing HBK is still fighting—just now outside the ring. His passion for developing the next generation in NXT proves he’ll always give back, even if his body won’t let him lace up the boots again. Watch below, where Shawn Michaels suffered his original "career ending" injury against The Undertaker way back in 1997. At this point he should have never wrestled again, but miraculously and courageously he did.
Watch: Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker - Casket Match (1997) 👇
