Shawn Michaels Talks The Rock Turning Down Program with Him

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels was recently on Jim Ross’ The Ross Report podcast. During his appearance, Michaels talked about his return to WWE, following WrestleMania 14.

“HBK” talked about his No Holds Barred Match at WrestleMania 22 with Vince McMahon, and how it was nice to not be the main attraction:

“I just felt like having a WrestleMania where I wasn’t sort of expected to go out there and tear the house down. I just wanted to have one where it was just sort of relaxing and fun.”

Michaels was also asked if he was disappointed that he never had a feud with The Rock. Michaels stated that he was always willing to work with anyone, especially people that he had not wrestled before. However, he informed Ross that Rock simply wasn’t interested.

Continuing, Michaels reflected upon the situation:

“I can remember many, many years ago, as I came back, Pat Patterson asked about that and I said, ‘Sure, whoever you want.’ But he [The Rock] wasn’t interested, and that was it. But I liked anybody that I hadn’t been in the ring with.”

When it came to WrestleMania, “Mr. WrestleMania” noted that WWE always wanted to match him up with someone new. He noted that he never requested an opponent, except for suggesting a match with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 22.

Be sure to check out the entire episode, featuring Ross’ guest, Eric Bischoff, here.

Editor’s Note

Cool stuff from two of wrestling’s finest in Jim Ross and Shawn Michaels. It’s a shame that a feud between Rock and Michaels never happened.