Rafael Nadal is the Shawn Michaels of Tennis.

[Deleted member 77403]

Shawn is not among the very elite of his profession. There have been probably 50 world champs in history that were wayyy bigger draws than him (Actually probably way more than that):

Just to name a few:

Hogan
Austin
Rock
Andre
Flair
Londos
Warrior
Race
Funk
Savage
Piper
JYD
Gagne
Bockwinkle
Gotch
Hackenschmidt


.. I could name 100 more probably


and quite a few better ring workers. Just to name a few:

Flair
Steamboat
Dynamite
Tiger Mask
Rhikidozan
Gagne
Thesz
Race
Bockwinkle
Savage
Robinson
Bret Hart
Johnny Valentine

etc....

Why is Nadal being compared to this guy again? Nadal is a solid top 8 or 9 all time currently (maybe top 7).. Yet Hes being compared to a guy with an overall package of probably not even being top 50 in the history of professional wrestling

Dont compare Nadal to Shawn Freakin Michaels

Put all that to one side and tell me who has stolen the show more than Shawn Michaels? Lets take a look at WrestleMania, the biggest event in wrestling.
WrestleMania X v Razor Ramon,
WrestleMania XI v Diesel
WrestleMania XII V Bret
WrestleMania XIV V Austin
WrestleMania XIX V Jericho
WrestleMania XX V Benoit and Triple H
WrestleMania XXI V Angle
WrestleMania XXII V Vince
WrestleMania XXIII V Cena
WrestleMania XXIV V Flair
WrestleMania XXV and XXVI V Undertaker

No one has stolen the show more than Shawn. All those legends you listed have already stated that no one stole the show more than Shawn.

 

[90's Clay]

Put all that to one side and tell me who has stolen the show more than Shawn Michaels? Lets take a look at WrestleMania, the biggest event in wrestling.
WrestleMania X v Razor Ramon,
WrestleMania XI v Diesel
WrestleMania XII V Bret
WrestleMania XIV V Austin
WrestleMania XIX V Jericho
WrestleMania XX V Benoit and Triple H
WrestleMania XXI V Angle
WrestleMania XXII V Vince
WrestleMania XXIII V Cena
WrestleMania XXIV V Flair
WrestleMania XXV and XXVI V Undertaker

No one has stolen the show more than Shawn. All those legends you listed have already stated that no one stole the show more than Shawn.

Wrstlemania X- No question he stole the show
Wrestlemania 11- Nope... Bigelow/Lawrence Taylor did
WM 12- Well it was an iron man match with Bret Hart. I HOPE it would steal the show
WM13- Didn't work faked knee injury so he wouldn't have to drop the title
WM14- Nope.. Match with Stone Cold sucked


matches with Angle, Flair, Vince. All good matches but there were better ones on the card those respective years.

I agree, he stole the show with the two matches with Taker.


There is more to measuring "greatness" in wrestling than just "4 star- 5 star matches". Thats just one aspect of it

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Wrstlemania X- No question he stole the show
Wrestlemania 11- Nope... Bigelow/Lawrence Taylor did
WM 12- Well it was an iron man match with Bret Hart. I HOPE it would steal the show
WM13- Didn't work faked knee injury so he wouldn't have to drop the title
WM14- Nope.. Match with Stone Cold sucked


matches with Angle, Flair, Vince. All good matches but there were better ones on the card those respective years.

I agree, he stole the show with the two matches with Taker.

Those matches are announced as ones that stole the show. Many of them five star matches. Jericho is super proud of that match at Mania 19, still saying how they stole the show together. There was nothing better than Shawn V Angle that year, even Jesse Ventura said that up until that match he thought nothing would surpass Savage V Steamboat, but that match was 5 star classic.

Bottom line, No one has stolen the show more than Shawn. Guys like Rhodes, Steamboat, Piper, Hogan, Bret, Rock, Flair all those guys you consider bigger draws, and have their reason to claim they are, have gone on to state it.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

There is more to measuring "greatness" in wrestling than just "4 star- 5 star matches". Thats just one aspect of it

Yes, I agree, and it is more than just who was a bigger draw, or better worker.

One thing for certain is that Shawn's ring psychology was legendry, and he could tell the story, and had the ability to work with any wrestler and make them look good. This is something every wrestler has stated, even if they hated him.

He also cut heel and baby promos effortlessly.

 

[Ronaldo]

This is fun but seriously Rafa is more like Royce Gracie but still current

 

[Ronaldo]

Wrstlemania X- No question he stole the show
Wrestlemania 11- Nope... Bigelow/Lawrence Taylor did
WM 12- Well it was an iron man match with Bret Hart. I HOPE it would steal the show
WM13- Didn't work faked knee injury so he wouldn't have to drop the title
WM14- Nope.. Match with Stone Cold sucked


matches with Angle, Flair, Vince. All good matches but there were better ones on the card those respective years.

I agree, he stole the show with the two matches with Taker.


There is more to measuring "greatness" in wrestling than just "4 star- 5 star matches". Thats just one aspect of it

Bam Bam Bigelow/LT best match ever!!! Thought LT was gonna die, so tired

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

I'll always remember Shawn Michaels for his match at WM 21. Two LEGENDARY performers going at it with very few dull moments in between. Supposedly passed his prime, he gave one of his best performances ever against a man I consider the greatest talent this business has ever seen, Kurt Angle.

 

[Ronaldo]

I'll always remember Shawn Michaels for his match at WM 21. Two LEGENDARY performers going at it with very few dull moments in between. Supposedly passed his prime, he gave one of his best performances ever against a man I consider the greatest talent this business has ever seen, Kurt Angle.

Dunno, Kurt sure can stir a crowd

 

[Brian11785]

I am still waiting for Rafa's first good heel turn....

see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvUNQyWFhw

Edit: Rewatching this, man, if tennis had color guys half as good as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was, ratings would be twice what they are.

 

[TheTruth]

I am still waiting for Rafa's first good heel turn....

see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvUNQyWFhw

Edit: Rewatching this, man, if tennis had color guys half as good as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was, ratings would be twice what they are.

That was funny.

 

[Bilders]

I think Nadal's Wimbledon 2008 win over Federer was like when HBK beat Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 12! Such similar parallels!

Also the World Title win by HBK in 2002 on his return was like when Rafa won the US Open this year.

 

[Tennis Fanatic 070]

If Shawn Michaels is also a dope abuser, then I say yes they are very similar.

 

[The_Order]

If Shawn Michaels is also a dope abuser, then I say yes they are very similar.

Wow Nadal's a doper? That's HUGE ground breaking news, how did he get caught and what will happen now, is he going to be stripped of all his titles?

I'm shattered :sad:

 

[The Dark Knight]

If Shawn Michaels is also a dope abuser, then I say yes they are very similar.

Accusing Nadal without a shred of evidence is just wrong and I find it offensive .

It's as bad as calling Federer gay.

 

[Ronaldo]

Wow Nadal's a doper? That's HUGE ground breaking news, how did he get caught and what will happen now, is he going to be stripped of all his titles?

I'm shattered :sad:

Shattered Dreams?

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Shattered Dreams?

haha! I know what you referenced there.

 

[The_Order]

LOL Shattered dreams. Did you guys see when Road Dogg did it? :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=C4lLTGK81zs#t=235

If the time doesn't work go to 3:55.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Those matches are announced as ones that stole the show. Many of them five star matches. Jericho is super proud of that match at Mania 19, still saying how they stole the show together. There was nothing better than Shawn V Angle that year, even Jesse Ventura said that up until that match he thought nothing would surpass Savage V Steamboat, but that match was 5 star classic.

Bottom line, No one has stolen the show more than Shawn. Guys like Rhodes, Steamboat, Piper, Hogan, Bret, Rock, Flair all those guys you consider bigger draws, and have their reason to claim they are, have gone on to state it.

I think Nadal's Wimbledon 2008 win over Federer was like when HBK beat Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 12! Such similar parallels!

Also the World Title win by HBK in 2002 on his return was like when Rafa won the US Open this year.

No one has stolen the show more than Rafa either Hitman. Maybe now you see the comparison.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

No one has stolen the show more than Rafa either Hitman. Maybe now you see the comparison.

Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannety changed tag team wrestling as the midnight rockers and then the rockers. Nadal does not have such doubles legacy.

Shawn Michaels can cut heel and baby face promos effortlessly. Nadal can't.

Michaels has the Kliq and the DX army. Nadal has his Spanish Armada, and the *************, of which you are one...so I'll give you that.

 

[Tennis Fanatic 070]

Wow Nadal's a doper? That's HUGE ground breaking news

It's only huge ground breaking news to ignorant fanboys like you.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannety changed tag team wrestling as the midnight rockers and then the rockers. Nadal does not have such doubles legacy.

Shawn Michaels can cut heel and baby face promos effortlessly. Nadal can't.

Michaels has the Kliq and the DX army. Nadal has his Spanish Armada, and the *************, of which you are one...so I'll give you that.

#TeamRafa

 

[LaneMyer]

Now I get it. Nadal fans are rasslin' fans.

and (adult aged) comic book readers/collectors, it appears. It kind of makes sense now seeing as so many of his fanboys around here seem to have difficulty with reality.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

#TeamRafa

You do know that TeamBringIt would own TeamRafa.

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

and (adult aged) comic book readers/collectors, it appears. It kind of makes sense now seeing as so many of his fanboys around here seem to have difficulty with reality.

Hello Pot! My name's Kettle!

 

[MichaelNadal]

You do know that TeamBringIt would own TeamRafa.

But could they handle the Kliq? Lol

 

[Deleted member 77403]

But could they handle the Kliq? Lol

Touché! haha

 

[TheTruth]

#TeamRafa

This turned into quite a thread.

Good job!

 

[MichaelNadal]

Touché! haha

Hitman, what was your favorite year of WWF/E? Or time period if you can't narrow it down.

This turned into quite a thread.

Good job!

Thanks Both guys are either loved or hated, like I said. Lots of strong feelings either way.

 

[TheTruth]

Hitman, what was your favorite year of WWF/E? Or time period if you can't narrow it down.



Thanks Both guys are either loved or hated, like I said. Lots of strong feelings either way.

I love both of them. It's all good for me.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Hitman, what was your favorite year of WWF/E? Or time period if you can't narrow it down.



Thanks Both guys are either loved or hated, like I said. Lots of strong feelings either way.

I have two periods that hold a special place for me. The first was the 80's wrestling boom that started during the Rock n' Wrestling era, when WWF at the time went national, and due to celebrities like Cindy Lauper went main stream. The characters were much larger than life, storylines were much better, and the booking was great. I loved watching Saturday Night's Main Event as a little boy...I was a massive fan of Macho Man Randy Savage. WrestleMania was just amazing.

The second period is the attitude era...what can I say about this time that hasn't already been said? Raw is War, the Austin V McMahon Saga, The Rock, Foley, DX, HIAC, Ladder matches, the PG 14 programming. For me, the greatest period in pro wrestling history.

And you?

 

[MichaelNadal]

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Yeah, but how many times have you actually seen Shawn Michaels perform live?

I saw both his WrestleMania matches with Taker, among others. One considered the greatest match of all time, and the other being his last match. There were people in the crowd crying when he waved to the crowd for the last time...have to admit, even I got a bit emotional. Greatest in ring performer of all time.

Now they always ask the question...Who is going to be the next Shawn Michaels? Who is going to be the next Mr WrestleMania?

 

[MichaelNadal]

I have two periods that hold a special place for me. The first was the 80's wrestling boom that started during the Rock n' Wrestling era, when WWF at the time went national, and due to celebrities like Cindy Lauper went main stream. The characters were much larger than life, storylines were much better, and the booking was great. I loved watching Saturday Night's Main Event as a little boy...I was a massive fan of Macho Man Randy Savage. WrestleMania was just amazing.

The second period is the attitude era...what can I say about this time that hasn't already been said? Raw is War, the Austin V McMahon Saga, The Rock, Foley, DX, HIAC, Ladder matches, the PG 14 programming. For me, the greatest period in pro wrestling history.

And you?

That pic wasn't my reponse lol, I haden't seen this yet. I would say 92-2003 was the best. After 2003 it really tailed off fast, with the exception of a few veterans, great HBK matches, Angle/Guerrero/Beniot, etc, but 92 to 99 especially was the best of the best.

Yeah, but how many times have you actually seen Shawn Michaels perform live?

I saw both his WrestleMania matches with Taker, among others. One considered the greatest match of all time, and the other being his last match. There were people in the crowd crying when he waved to the crowd for the last time...have to admit, even I got a bit emotional. Greatest in ring performer of all time.

Now they always ask the question...Who is going to be the next Shawn Michaels? Who is going to be the next Mr WrestleMania?

You're very lucky to have gotten to see those matches. I think I saw Shawn 3x live. The last time was 2005 sadly. At this point, I can't see there really being another Mr. Wrestlemania. It takes someone really, really special to come off just as good in matches they lose, as the ones they win.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

That pic wasn't my reponse lol, I haden't seen this yet. I would say 92-2003 was the best. After 2003 it really tailed off fast, with the exception of a few veterans, great HBK matches, Angle/Guerrero/Beniot, etc, but 92 to 99 especially was the best of the best.



You're very lucky to have gotten to see those matches. I think I saw Shawn 3x live. The last time was 2005 sadly. At this point, I can't see there really being another Mr. Wrestlemania. It takes someone really, really special to come off just as good in matches they lose, as the ones they win.

Not a fan of the Ruthless Aggression and Reality Era I see.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Not a fan of the Ruthless Aggression and Reality Era I see.

Lol. It was ok till about 05. Evolution was the last really good thing to me. When Kane's mask came off, everything was way too real. Now we're left with a bunch of guys that look like they could be my coworkers with really bland names. Then there are plenty with talent that keep getting bad creative changes every few months. Look at what they did to Tensai for christ's sake!

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Lol. It was ok till about 05. Evolution was the last really good thing to me. When Kane's mask came off, everything was way too real. Now we're left with a bunch of guys that look like they could be my coworkers with really bland names. Then there are plenty with talent that keep getting bad creative changes every few months. Look at what they did to Tensai for christ's sake!

Yeah, not a big fan of the reality era either. But still need my fix every week.

Triple H is trying to make it a bit better, and you can see the booking leading into WrestleMania. They are already planning the card. I've decided to head down to New Orleans for the 30th WrestleMania. Landmark event in pro wrestling.

Have you thought about finally watching Mania live?

 

[MichaelNadal]

Yeah, not a big fan of the reality era either. But still need my fix every week.

Triple H is trying to make it a bit better, and you can see the booking leading into WrestleMania. They are already planning the card. I've decided to head down to New Orleans for the 30th WrestleMania. Landmark event in pro wrestling.

Have you thought about finally watching Mania live?

It just depends on the card, but I'm entertaining the thought. The last event I went to was Nov 2011. I took this after the show, it was great

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2WlBUO8gzY

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

Why not watch a movie instead? :-? A good one, not one where the main story is a bunch of muscular guys jumping on each other.

... rambadal II, for instance ?

Another pic from training

was it a more suitable comparison to the legendary finesse of the golden bull ?
(if not, don't hesitate to complain to the person who posted this !)

 

[Backspin1183]

Very bad comparison. I don't have much respect for WWE wrestlers. It's all so fake.

 

[TheF1Bob]

MN is right.

#TeamEgo

 

[Magnus]

NOOOOO

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo

Shawn is my idol, Raifta is 100% the OPPOSITE of the mighty HBK. NOOOOOO, Rafita is a doper, cheater, and Shawn's game was the best to watch, which means he's Federer.

 

[larlarbd]

Yes, The Showstopper, the Icon, the Main Event.... Rafael Nadal.

I was just thinking about this yesterday.... I realize large portions of you don't know who Shawn is, but those that do will totally see the connection and appreciate the comparison. Just like Shawn, Nadal doesn't have the most championships, but many consider him to be the greatest of all time. Just like Shawn, his greatest rival was older, and had a very aesthetically pleasing style that many felt was the epitome of excellence. Just like Shawn, Nadal came and challenged this great rival at a young age and his popularity skyrocketed, along with his success.

Just like Shawn, Nadal has been injured in his prime and forced to miss long periods of time when he was arguably on his best run. Both these guys were able to come back and not miss a beat and even maybe be better than before and return to the pinnacle of their profession. Both are polarizing and either loved or hated by the fans with really no in-between. Lastly, both have arguably been involved in the most important, epic, career-defining, big-match moments than anyone else and come back from the brink of defeat numerous times to win the match in a tight moment that no one will ever forget. Both are legends. Both have even lost a bit of hair on the top :lol: Both will put their bodies on the line to give the crowd something to cheer for and that's why their names will never be forgotten. Bamos. #TeamRafaaaaa

His forhand is his sweet-chin-music ? LoL , I will give you this : Rafa has a certain flair to his entrance like Shawn Michaels.

 

[THE FIGHTER]

it's odd seeing how many posters follow pro wrestling

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

I don't watch much anymore. The real-life locker-room tension and politics are what keep me captivated.

For those of you who don't follow pro wrestling, Shawn Michaels was an arrogant ***** early in his career. He got into many, MANY fights with people in the locker room because of his immaturity. He defied authority and especially took exception to his conservative rival, Bret "Hitman" Hart. He also had a drug problem before a back surgery forced him into pseudo-retirement in 1998. However, Michaels found himself and became a born-again Christian, returning to the game in 2002 before officially retiring in the late 2000s.

The only parallel I really see between Rafa and Michaels is the flamboyance and the ability to steal the show. The drugs, sex and alcohol actually remind me more of Andre Agassi. And in that respect Bret Hart would be "Pistol" Pete Sampras.

 

[mbm0912]

it's odd seeing how many posters follow pro wrestling

Quite odd...

 

[Ronaldo]

I don't watch much anymore. The real-life locker-room tension and politics are what keep me captivated.

For those of you who don't follow pro wrestling, Shawn Michaels was an arrogant ***** early in his career. He got into many, MANY fights with people in the locker room because of his immaturity. He defied authority and especially took exception to his conservative rival, Bret "Hitman" Hart. He also had a drug problem before a back surgery forced him into pseudo-retirement in 1998. However, Michaels found himself and became a born-again Christian, returning to the game in 2002 before officially retiring in the late 2000s.

The only parallel I really see between Rafa and Michaels is the flamboyance and the ability to steal the show. The drugs, sex and alcohol actually remind me more of Andre Agassi. And in that respect Bret Hart would be "Pistol" Pete Sampras.

Seems most Pro Wrestlers' careers end like train wrecks. Tennis players only eat what they kill. They just starve and fade away.

 

[FedererWinsWimbledon2014]

Yes, The Showstopper, the Icon, the Main Event.... Rafael Nadal.

I was just thinking about this yesterday.... I realize large portions of you don't know who Shawn is, but those that do will totally see the connection and appreciate the comparison. Just like Shawn, Nadal doesn't have the most championships, but many consider him to be the greatest of all time. Just like Shawn, his greatest rival was older, and had a very aesthetically pleasing style that many felt was the epitome of excellence. Just like Shawn, Nadal came and challenged this great rival at a young age and his popularity skyrocketed, along with his success.

Just like Shawn, Nadal has been injured in his prime and forced to miss long periods of time when he was arguably on his best run. Both these guys were able to come back and not miss a beat and even maybe be better than before and return to the pinnacle of their profession. Both are polarizing and either loved or hated by the fans with really no in-between. Lastly, both have arguably been involved in the most important, epic, career-defining, big-match moments than anyone else and come back from the brink of defeat numerous times to win the match in a tight moment that no one will ever forget. Both are legends. Both have even lost a bit of hair on the top :lol: Both will put their bodies on the line to give the crowd something to cheer for and that's why their names will never be forgotten. Bamos. #TeamRafaaaaa

Federer is the main event...

 

[Backspin1183]

Federer is the main event...

Explains why they got Nadal to play on Arthur Ashe and moved Federer to Louis Armstrong at USO.

On topic, Shawn Michaels is some stage wrestler. Nadal is a sporting legend. Let's not compare them.

 

[mbm0912]

Shawn is not among the very elite of his profession. There have been probably 50 world champs in history that were wayyy bigger draws than him (Actually probably way more than that):

Just to name a few:

Hogan
Austin
Rock
Andre
Flair
Londos
Warrior
Race
Funk
Savage
Piper
JYD
Gagne
Bockwinkle
Gotch
Hackenschmidt


.. I could name 100 more probably


and quite a few better ring workers. Just to name a few:

Flair
Steamboat
Dynamite
Tiger Mask
Rhikidozan
Gagne
Thesz
Race
Bockwinkle
Savage
Robinson
Bret Hart
Johnny Valentine

etc....

Why is Nadal being compared to this guy again? Nadal is a solid top 8 or 9 all time currently (maybe top 7).. Yet Hes being compared to a guy with an overall package of probably not even being top 50 in the history of professional wrestling

Dont compare Nadal to Shawn Freakin Michaels

I don't think I'd admit that I knew this much about the "sport" of wrastlin'...

 

[NADALRECORD]

I don't class the OP as a Nadal fan. Awful, awful comparison, considering Nadal is the verge of winning more slams than anyone in history, while SM is not at the very top of wrestling history.