WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has provided a detailed and concerning health update on his close friend and fellow Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels. On his Kliq This podcast, Nash revealed that the head of NXT recently underwent a significant back surgery and is facing more procedures in the future.
Michaels, who currently serves as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, has been dealing with the repercussions of in-ring injuries for decades.
Removing Old Hardware
Nash explained that Michaels’ recent operation was to remove hardware that was inserted into his lower back over 25 years ago. The original procedure was a result of his infamous, career-altering injury from 1998.
“Shawn just got done. He got an operation… when he f—ed his back up on that casket match, they put some rods and s–t in his back,” Nash said (H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription). “And they had to take them out, because they were all twisted.” Nash did add that the procedure has provided some immediate relief, stating that Michaels “woke up from surgery and was like in less pain.”
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More Surgeries On The Horizon
In addition to the recent back surgery, Nash stated that Michaels is facing other significant health problems that will require more medical attention. He revealed that “The Heartbreak Kid” needs extensive work on his lower body.
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“And Shawn needs both his knees replaced on top of that,” Nash said. He also speculated that years of physical stress on his body may have led to other issues, adding, “who’s to say… there’s not some hip things.”
The Price of a Legendary Career
The health issues Shawn Michaels is dealing with today are a direct result of one of the most legendary and resilient careers in wrestling history. His initial back injury occurred at the 1998 Royal Rumble during a Casket Match against The Undertaker. The injury herniated two discs in his lower back and forced him into a four-year retirement at the absolute peak of his career.
In what is considered one of the most miraculous comebacks in sports, he returned to the ring in 2002. He went on to have a second, arguably even greater, eight-year run that saw him earn the nickname “Mr. WrestleMania.” Now, more than a decade after his final match, he is still paying the physical price for that incredible second act.
Nash also commented on his friend’s future, stating he doesn’t believe Michaels has any desire to take on a bigger corporate role in WWE, as he is content with his less stressful and more relaxed schedule running NXT in Florida.
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