Heartbreak & Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story Reviews

• Complete with a candy coating.

  
  By A1D702T7C8VDBL on 2005-11-28
  Shawn Michaels adds his name to the growing list of wrestling autobiographies. This is an enjoyable book but it is not the 'best one out there'. It does step away from the WWE correctness that saturate other books like Ric Flair's or Edge's but the book certainly could have been better. We get a nice coverage of Shawn's wrestling life/career and he talks about various big matches, inspiring wrestlers, the Kliq, and the infamous "Montreal screw-job" of Bret Hart. He ends with his meeting his wife Rebecca and being born-again. It's good to see that he is able to admit that he was a jerk through his career and has done his best to make ammends.
  
  It's truly a nice pleasant book complete with its candy-coating. I'm proud that Michaels is able to show his Christianity and beliefs and that he has the forwithal to be public about it. However, this story of his life is a little too sweet and nice. It makes you wonder what he would have included had he not been born again and gave the 'dirty' side of his life with all the good. He's careful not to mention what drugs he used and surely there was more to his 'partying' than just getting drunk. He admirably avoids badmouthing too many fellow wrestlers but does give his apparent honest opinion on a few like Shane Douglas, Sid Viscous, and Bret Hart. I'm sure he wrote a story that his kids will be able to look at in a few years and praise him and thusly he may have eliminated the "torrid details" and sexual exploits his life possibly entailed before becoming a family man and man of God.
  
  In all, it's an inspiring story of his life and worth reading to get some sense of where HBK is from and where he's going.
  
  

• The mainevent, the icon, the showstoppa, the heartbreak kid Shawn Michaels

  
  By A2QX4A24KY3DJX on 2005-11-15
  Shawn Michaels has morphed and changed with the times over his career not only as a wrestler and performer but as a human being. Though he was never the biggest guy in the squared circle he had the biggest heart of them all, and proved himself in the land of giants that was the WWF at the time. Breaking the mold that wrestlers and the WWF champion could only be muscle bound loafs that could pull off maybe 5 moves ahem cough Hulk Hogan. Though he was an amazing performer in the ring he was known out of the ring for his antics and causing trouble for everyone envoled. The book clears up some of the facts and gives you the inside look at Shawn Michaels as a wrestler, but it also gives you an inside look as Michael Shawn Hickenbottom the man that had it all but still felt empty. The only way Michael Shawn Hickenbottom could fill that whole was with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After being born again not only has Michael Shawn Hickenbottom changed, but so has Shawn Michaels and the Heartbreak Kid. One of the better written wrestling books out. Pick it up learn about one of the most controversial, charismatic and incomparable wrestlers ever.
  
  

• A Sincere Look Into The Demons We All Battle

  
  By A1WGODIFXJLA5F on 2005-11-12
  This book shows that although wrestlers get hit in the head with chairs, thrown through tables, and have countless injuries, they are human. The book is a sincere and passionate look into sports entertainment and the demons that Shawn Michaels has had to defeat to get to the level he is on now. It is definately a must read for any wrestling fan and will clear up any misgivings that anyone has about Michaels and proves that he is by far the best there ever is and will be in sports entertainment.
  
  

• Heart-breaking and heart-soaring.

  
  By A2DK2OY6R3WICK on 2005-12-31
  "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, in recent years, has made his way to the top of my favorite pro wrestling character list. That rise is due to a little bias on my part, stemming from my respect of his courageously public profession of his faith. The fact remains, though, that very few people have contributed to and made an impact upon pro wrestling the way Shawn has. Whether you love him, or love to hate him, you know his name. That, plainly and simply, is what matters in the business.
  
  This autobiography didn't crack through the bestseller list like his associates Mick Foley and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and that's mostly because Foley started the whole wrestler autobiography trend. Then, it was innovative. Today, it seems that every WWE superstar wants to tell his story, and to most fans it's become little more than a gimmick; another way for WWE to generate revenue and the wrestler to score some more royalties. That doesn't seem to be the case here.
  
  Michael Shawn Hickenbottom spins a true-life yarn of his life, and it's wholesome, simple, and easy to read. There's nothing fancy about Shawn's writing style; by no means is he a "master" storyteller like Foley, who has gone on to write children's books. His paragraphs flow along like a lazy stream, but the stream's current increases just when it needs to, capturing readers and taking them on the occasional run down a tumultous rapid. The simple style delivers, and the way Shawn tells his story puts you in his hotel room, locker room, parents' house, bar, or wherever he happens to be at the time.
  Everything you ever wanted or felt you needed to know about Michaels is revealed in this book. You'll not only relive some of the key moments in his career, but be privy to detailed events (from his perspective, of course) leading up to and after them as well. This really clues you in on what can happen behind the scenes in the wrestling business, and you'll find out quite a few things you may not have known about other WWE superstars. (Small word of warning here: you may want to brush up a little on wrestling terminology before diving into this book. Shawn did a good job explaining/defining almost every wrestling term he used throughout the book, but there are a few times when it seems he got excited about what he was writing and forgot that the reader may not know what he means when he uses words like "Gorilla Position" and "color". No big deal, but it's best to be prepared...)
  The infamous "Montreal Screwjob" is described in detail in here, which is no surprise. Shawn's take, of course, makes Bret Hart out to be the bad guy, but the way he tells it, there are probably more than a few folks involved who would back him up on that. I'll just say it's hard not to take sides after reading that particular story.
  As far as the rest of the book, there are the standard bits about being born, growing up, and what he did before going into wrestling. There's nothing particularly heart-stopping there, but there are a few morsels that will make for good trivia. Most of the conclusion focuses on Shawn's spiritual transformation, which is quite entertaining and insightful. In my case, at least, it earned more respect to the man.
  The only thing I found a little disturbing about that aspect, though, is the way he describes Bret Hart. Instead of turning the other cheek, he tore Hart a new orifice in print and besmirched his name a little further. Now, I was never really a fan of Bret Hart, but it was rather brutal to say the least. Guess that's one thing that will scar both Hart and Michaels for all time.
  Shawn's relationship with Vince McMahon, though, is what I found the most appealing about the read. While some may denounce it as corporate brown-nosing, I simply saw Michaels bringing out a side of McMahon that not many see. You'll read for yourself what I mean in several places throughout.
  
  When all is read and done, Michaels strips himself down to a guy who is completely passionate about wrestling, and was (and still is) willing to do whatever it takes to ensure not only his, but the company's success. From his boyhood dream at age 12 to his current ramblings and rumblings in the WWE, it's a sometimes leisurely, sometimes intense read that maintains a simple, easy-to-follow pace that won't take more than a long weekend to finish. Afterwards, you'll be wiser, and perhaps more appreciative, not only of Michaels, but of the wrestling business as a whole.
  
  

• Just read page 266

  
  By A2X8DB9CFMXPRR on 2005-11-22
  I've read many a WWE novel over the last few years and this is by far the best of the bunch. The writer does an exceptional job of getting Shawn's substance abuse problem over without getting into too many details. Shawn must have an incredible memory, (ex. He remembers his very first day of work, what hotel he stayed at, where he went to kill time and the time he showed at the arena) that convinces me at times, that he is truthful about the events that transpire. While it covers all of the major events in Shawn's life like the Screwjob, Kliq and drugs. This book should have easily been 100 pages longer than it was. Much more intelligent than most of the other wrestler's who've written books.
  Overall: Very classy, very clean, very well written.
  
  
• Lies Lies Lies !
  By A36Q31ST0TLCKX on 2005-12-01
  Friends,
  
  Ive read the book. I felt that the stories were contradicitng.
  The Famous ScrewJob was done to please the boss. He seemed to think that he was doing the right thing.
  Sorry but it seems like another Hulk Hogan Autobiography.
  If a wrestler is going to ride the wave, and write a book...Please try to get the facts straight.
  Mick Foley is a great example in writing autobiographies. I wish more books would have the same quality.
  
  
  
• Liar, Liar, pants on fire...
  By A203TEKFAHZ4QZ on 2005-11-12
  Shawn has contradicted himself multiple times over the years. He's a well documented liar, he's on video (wrestling with shadows) blatantly lying...
  
  Waste of time. I've read some of this online, and the guy who wrote it has a second grade writing level.
  
  
• Disingenuous look at WWE history
  By AO27X775IOV2S on 2005-11-30
  This book is a good fun read that will be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of Shawn Michael or the WWE. But all the same, I can't recommend it, largely due to the inaccurate and frankly dishonest portrayal of some significant events in WWE history, most importantly of course the Montreal Screwjob. HBK's account of his role in the double-crossing of Bret Hart stretches credibility to breaking point, all in the name of rehabilitating the reputation of his boss, Vincent K. Macmahon.
  
  By their nature, autobiographies (even "as told to" sports bios like this one) involve a large degree of subjectivity - the author is telling his or her own story, and has every right to frame events from their perspective, explain their motivations and frankly put their own spin on why things happened as they did. But this doesn't give you licence to just make stuff up, and that's what Shawn has done. Not just in relation to Montreal, but in relation to other major issues ranging from the power of the Kliq to Shane Douglas' abilities as a wrestler and performer to Shawn's refusal to put other workers over. For example, in relation to the latter, Shawn now claims that it was a joke that he was playing in order to play up his image as a prima donna. Great joke - too bad nobody else was in on it.
  
  The disappointing thing is that this has been published by WWE, so it's not unfair to assume that this is now the WWE's official line on Montreal, etc.
  
  
• Shawn Michaels would screw Jesus if he had the chance.
  By AXAV495VGHXG1 on 2006-03-23
  Shawn Michaels is good, he's really good, but he's not great. The only thing that matches Shawn Michaels wrestling ability is his ability to bend the truth. He claims he's a born again Christian, but with the number of lies he tells in this book that rules out the possibility of that. Here's one Christian that deserves to be fed to the lions.
  
  There's no mention in this book of how he used backstage politics to get to the top and stay there or how he used his power to hold back talent like the rock, while putting over his friends like triple h. He did of course mention the Montreal screw job, without this incident his whole life would be completely meaningless. He values this incident far higher then his wife and kids and actually brags about it like it's something to be proud of. He mentions how he and triple h convinced Vince McMahon to Screw Bret Hart. This doesn't surprise me at all, as triple h and Shawn Michaels screw each other all the time.
  
  If you like to read a lot of glorified lies, then by all means buy this book, but if your looking for the real Shawn Michaels then checkout Bret Hart's wrestling with shadows DVD, which exposes Shawn Michaels as the coward that he is. He actually tells Bret Hart that he had nothing to do with the Montreal screw job and then tucks his tail between his legs and runs.
  
  If you just happen to be a Shawn Michaels fan and you disagree with what I've written, then i've got two words for you, "SUCK IT".
  
  
  
• The Truth!
  By A23Z25N7ZBJZME on 2005-12-01
  Finally, the truth comes out. After years of listening to the so-called internet wrestling community try to tear down the greatest wrestler of this generation with unsubstantiated after unsubstantiated rumor, Shawn gives his side of the story. And boy, do those so-called experts get called out. Shawn tells what really happened surrounding the many controversies in his career including the curtain call, "losing his smile" and of course Montreal. There's a lot of new information in there that's never been told before such as Triple H's involvement in Montreal and Vince's ok of the curtain call.
  
  But much more than a refutation of all the rumors that have been spread about him, Shawn gives so much insight into the person he was and became, and also his philosophy on the sport he loves so much. Shawn explains things like why having a great match is better than "looking strong" and many other insights into the business that everyone should be interested in.
  
  There are also interesting stories of him growing up and breaking into the business -- his runs in Mid-South, Texas, and the AWA. They provide a look into an era long gone and sorely missed.
  
  To his credit, Shawn deals with his shortcomings, admitting "he was no saint," and he also gives credit to all the guys who have helped him throughout his career. He should get a lot of credit for really putting himself out there.
  
  It's really a good read that is sure to anger the self-righteous Bret Hart sycophants and Internet "experts" because their unsubstatiated claims about Shawn simply do not hold up, but real wrestling fans will surely enjoy the book.
  
  
• Pretty much what I expected...
  By A2976E79O2TD97 on 2005-11-23
  I read the majority of the book and I must say it was essentially what I thought HBK would say. Some things I agreed with, while others I didn't which is perfectly fine. The book itself provided insights about his career, and his personal life. However, some things he said I took issue with. Granted some may agree with his opinions on Shane Douglas, Bret Hart, and his justifications on "losing his smile", but looking back on all conflicting facts it's somewhat hard to believe his sincerity. If you are an HBK fan, or buying for an HBK fan, this book is perfect for you. However, if you have to choose an xmas gift between this book and the new Bret Hart DVD that was released on the same day, go with the DVD.
  
  
• Dont waste your time people
  By A12OYP8KG3G5LG on 2005-12-27
  I cannot get over how people are sucked into this book & can think Shawn Michaels is credible regarding the screw job in Montreal. Just because he paints himself a little bad. Get real. If you wanna believe his side then you need to decide which story to believe. Let's see there's the one that he swears to god to Bret that he knew nothing what was going to happen. Then there is the one where he claims he knew something just a few days before the event & the recent story is he thought up the whole thing himself. Seems to me this guy is not sure what story to tell. Not very credible to me. Shawn talks about loyalty to the WWE. He doesnt know the meaning of the word. If butt kissing is loyalty then Shawn is very good at that. The whole Survivor Series screwjob is very sad. Deep down Shawn loves what he did that night in Montreal to Bret. All Bret wanted to do was leave the WWE on a good note for his fans but instead it got ruined. People talk about Bret being selfish. He was by far selfish. That man gave it all & then some. Shawn might be a good wrestler but will never be a Bret Hart. Shawn is the selfish one. This book just keeps this disgusting event going. Only trying to make himself look like the good guy as usual. If you love anything Shawn says then this is a book for you. If you want reality then your wasting your money.
  
  
• UNBELIEVABLE. The best wrestling book. Ever.
  By A3OH2VF5JBXL85 on 2005-11-21
  When it comes to the best wrestling book ever written, most wrestling experts point to either Mick Foley's "Have a Nice Day" or "Hooker" by Lou Thesz.
  Most wrestling experts are also complete idiots.
  Yeah, those books are pretty good, but pretty good is a hamburger when you'd rather have filet mignon. Pretty good is every other book compared to HBK's.
  Yep, he's done it again. He superkicked the competition off its perch and earned a place alone at the top.
  "Heartbreak and Triumph" is a must read for any wretsling fan.
  What really surprised me is that for a WWE book, this isn't the usual McMahon revisionist history B.S. Unlike other less-than-stellar books they've put out, this one should have a sticker on it reading: "Warning: this book actually contains
  the TRUTH!"
  For example, for the first time, Shawn actually reveals his role in the infamous "Montreal Screwjob." And I don't mean what he's said on TV 200 times. This time, it's the truth. Bret Hart will not be a happy man, but as Shawn says in one point of the book, telling the truth in this business doesn't make you any friends.
  It may not make him friends, but the controversial and truthful admissions will win over readers. If you don't read this book in an effort to find out what really went on during one of the most amazing times in history, you aren't a true wrestling fan.
  
  
• An Awful Light
  By A35KIFEK9NXZZH on 2005-12-28
  Ok, I have always thought Shawn was a great performer and really looked forward to reading this book. Then I read it, and while not as irritating as the Kurt Angle book a few years ago(cashing in way to quickly) it is worse than Chyna's book and thats is impressive. I can not tell if the book is so ghost-written that it makes him look worse than he is, or he did not have enough of the ghostwriter and editor and it makes it look like a complete p***k in and out of the ring. Pretty much everyone is obliterated in the book, except Janetty(which shocked me), the Nasty Boys(only for their outside partying and such), and the Kliq(Hall, Nash, Waltman, And Levesque)and Flair is shown to be OK I guess(in Shawn's mind, I have always liked Flair, and enjoyed his book.). He says one nice thing about Mick Foley, but later destroys him with a brutal comment after talking about the Montreal incident. He does show what everyone else has said though, and Owen is shown as a great guy in the entire paragraph he is discussed.
  
  The book seems to jump around a bit and really tell nothing, we hear he is taking pills, and are told some are sleep and pain, but I KNOW there had to be something else in his body, or he would have told us that too, but its just told to us a taking some pills(which I say are LUDEZ, but thats jsut me.) Overall he comes off as a bigger jerk than Brett(Bret? they show it as both) which is impressive, because I have already seem he could be one, but I like him better than Shawn. This is not a bad book by any means, but it makes Shawn be the jerk he really was, even though he says he reformed when he became born-again. I am not slamming that, as I have a strong faith, and I know the born-again people probably have the strongest faith, because its new to them, for a while.
  
  Also good for him on finding a new wife, but we never hear about him cheating on his first wife, which you know happened, because even Flair admitted to cheating on his wife MANY, MANY times, and his book was way p.c. So I recommend the book, but be prepared to lose some love and affection to Shawn afterwards, even if you really loved him before.
  
  
• Heartbreak Gimp, going straight to hell!!!,
  By AORKT4YAQ6GCA on 2006-03-22
  Since Shawn Michaels returned to the ring in the summer of 2002, I've been very impressed, his still the same talented wrestler he was before, but importantly, he had lost the attitude, which I really hated about him before. Apart from Kurt Angle, I would have to say he has been the best wrestler in the WWE since 2002. I heard that in this book, Shawn confesses to a lot of wrong doings in his past and begins a fresh start in his career thanks to becoming a born-again Christine, so you can imagine how excited I was to get this book, and how disappointed I was when I read it.
  
  After reading this book I realised that he had not changed, but he had just become better at hiding the real Shawn Michaels. In the book Shawn confesses to a lot of wrong doings in his past, but his refusal to admit his wrong doing at Montreal really showed me he had not changed. I believe a simple sorry goes along way, but Shawn can't do, it refuses to acknowledge that he was wrong. Everybody knows that he faked an injury so he would not have to drop the title to Bret Hart at WM13, so why does Shawn try to argue that he was right to not drop the belt to Hart, but Hart was wrong not to drop the belt to him at Montreal. Shawn said he did it for the company, but he had already devalued the WWE Title by not dropping it to Hart, just like he devalued the I-C Title by not dropping it to Shane Douglas, and the European Title by doing a finger poke of doom match with Triple H. Shawn never cared about the company, that's why he refused to drop the title to Austin at WM14, until the Undertaker threatened him. He refused to put Austin over, he tried to hold the Rock back, if it was up to Shawn, the WWE would have gone out of business by now, thanks to him and the Kliq.
  
  Shawn acts tough that he did the right thing at Montreal, but when Hart asked him if he was involved in the screw job in the dressing room, he denied it, a coward as always. Shawn is nothing but a coward and a liar, and you now what happens if you lie, and believe in god, that's right you go to hell, so remember to pack some sun block SHAWN.
  
  
  
• Not Convinced That Shawn Has Changed
  By ALNF2JWN3URSH on 2006-03-29
  As a wrestling fan, I did read this book. Shawn is very good at wrestliong. He's also very good at sugar coating everything. He claims that this book has uncovered everything about Shawn's life, his excesses, his unprofessionalism, ad nauseum. He talked about his role in the Montreal Screwjob & how he justified his actions by claiming that he's "loyal to the company". What a load of cock & bull! Let's not forget that Shawn's one of the most unprofessional men to ever wear all of wrestling's major titles, & that his unwillingness to job is the stuff of nightmares. He has lessened the prestige of those titles by refusing to lose them cleanly, & his actions at Montreal has even more lessened the prestige of the WWF Title.
  
  Don't believe the lies, people!
  
  
• HBK Shoot Interview for new book.
  By A2CDCTSVHFGVUE on 2006-08-05
  As everybody knows, HBK is a born again Christine, therefore it is a sin for him to lie, to save Shawn soul from eternal damnation i post below a interview with HBK were he corrects or the lies in his book and finally tells the truth.
  
  Interviewer: Mr. Michaels thank you for talking to me about your new book.
  HBK: Please call me Shawn, or God, you better call me God.
  I: Okay God, you state that you were behind the Montreal Screwjob?
  HBK: That's right, I was, Vince respected Bret for all he had done for the company, so he wanted him leave how ever he wanted. I on the other have been jealous if Bret for many years. It took him just over a year to go from I-C to WWE Title, it took me 4 years. That's mainly because I'm an unreliable drunk, who would rather party hard, then show up for work on time. I always wanted get rid of him, so I could be number 1.
  I: When Bret asked you if you were involved, you said you were not, way did you do that?
  HBK: To tell the truth, I'm just a coward, i like to make fun of people behind there back, put when I'm face to face i can't do anything. My view of what happened that night has changed so often, first i had nothing to do with it, then i knew just before i happened and had no option but to go along with it, and now finally i conceived the whole idea. Even my lies have lies to back up their lies. That way i was going to call my book " Lies and the lying lies that tell them", but somebody stole that name.
  I: You said that you did it the company, is that true?
  HBK: Heeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllll no, i don't care about this company, all i care about is my self. I have never done anything to help this company, i refused to drop the I-C title, i refused to job to Dean Douglas, I refused to put over Steve Austin until the Undertaker threatened to kill me, and i tried to hold back the Rock. If it was up to me I would be the only WWE champion from now until I die or when the company goes out of business, which ever comes first. I've done everything i can do to hurt this company, i devalued every belt because i was unwilling to job, I refused to put over up and coming stars, so it's unsurprising that WCW took over WWE when I became Champ, and then the WWE starting beating WCW soon as i left, and when i returned in 2002 guess what, the company starting going down hill.
  
  I: Thank you for your time Mr. Michaels.
  HBK: That's God!, and no thank you for believing the lies in my book.
  
  
  
• Michaels reborn again.
  By on 2005-11-28
  Im happy to say that Shawn has been reborn again and has decided to add Christ in his life.I admire anybody who not only believes in the word of God but also isnt afraid to let others know it.Now most people think Shawn is fronting and this is just and act to get people to like hin because of his controversial behavior especially back in the 90's most specifically with Bret Hart but I dont think he is but whether he is or not God knows and no one else,but I appplaud Michaels on an well written book.Shawn Michaels is really an born again man.
  
  
• Great read for those, who don't think HBK is the source of all evil.
  By AYZMXK8YE4TGB on 2005-12-28
  Many people have obviously complained that this book is not what it should be. Well, I got news for you, all of these people are the types of who have a pure hatred of the guy. Someone they don't even know personally, yet they make claims as if they were Shawn's guardian angels standing beside him throughout his life. This is HBK's life through his own eyes, his point of view. Take it for what it's worth. I don't believe Bret is evil either. I think both guys were just human. They both had their flaws and they clashed. Also, if you're coming clean about something, you're story is obviously going to change. If he just repeated what he had said in the past, there wouldn't be much of a point.
  
  If you haven't read the book don't rate it. You idiots are just as bad as political junkies that rate books down from the other side when you haven't even read it.
  
  As for the book, it was a good read. You get a good sense of how HBK sees the business and how having a good exciting match is more important than looking strong. All and all, if you want a view of how HBK viewed wrestling, his friendships, and the events surrounding his controversal career, you'll find this at the very least, interesting. If you're a HBK fan, you'll fly right through it.
  
  
• Very interesting read....
  By A1OAORDG5Q1L0K on 2006-01-04
  I received this book as a gift and finished it in two days. Once I would start reading, I didn't want to stop. Shawn opens up about his life in an entertaining and easily read book. It's amazing to me that some who reviewed it say he's lying. Unless they were with him (which I'm sure they weren't) they wouldn't know. The fact that he doesn't tell us exactly what drugs he was taking is irrelevent....the important thing is that he is admitting that he had a problem and made working with him very unpleasant. He could have painted a picture of how others were just jealous of him; but instead he admitted he was the problem. As far as not telling us about cheating on his first wife...well it's not for us to say or to stand in judgement. If in fact he did, I believe it is more respectful to her and even his current wife that he not rehash his intimacy with others.
  This is a very good read...if you are truly a fan of his, you will enjoy and appreciate this book. I am truly proud for him that he accepted Jesus as his Savior. Enjoy the book.
  
  
• The name Shawn Michaels reminds me of one thing;Bull Sh*t!
  By on 2006-03-31
  I dont know where to start on this phony.Shawn Michaels is the most phoniest,contradicting,liar that Ive ever known.To me I really deep down in my heart dont belive that HBK is changed but what I do think is that HBK is using this reborn again act to make others think of highly of him.First of all we all know that HBK never really wanted to job to anyone except for his buddies;HHH,Scott Hall,Kevin Nash or XPAC(The Kliq).Also we know that when Bret Hart dropped the title to HBK at Wrestlemania 12(I have the tape by the way)he didnt want to but he did it anyway for business,but when it was time for HBK to drop the belt to Bret Hart we all know he threw and fit,and then made up some sh*t about losing his smile.That is almost as believable as to Bush not being an redneck(yeah right)!So Shawn then made an return to tag with Stone Cold and if he really was injured then how come he didnt have a little "ring rust" as most wrestlers do when not having performed for an while.Yeah thought so.Then when Survivor Series 1997 came around the corner it was supposed to be Bret retaining against HBK and then surrendering the title the next night on Raw but Michaels just couldnt stand putting over Bret so he went to Vince McMahon and they put this idea together about screwing the Hitman,and you would think Michaels would have the decency to at least apologize to Bret in his book but same ol typical Shawn Michaels.Also before Wrestlemania 14 make it be noted that Michaels didnt want to drop the belt to Austin but he did anyway probably because he was injured but if not,he probably would of thrown an fit as to not having his way again.So the only reasonable thing to belive about Michaels in his book is hust about two things;He has an back injury which is true and that before Wrestlemania 14 he asked Mike Tyson not to sucker punch him as hard as he did but Tyson did it anyway.
  
  
• The New Bible
  By A2FZL8SK0GJOC5 on 2005-11-11
  This is the greatest thing ever written in the history of mankind by the closest thing to god we have here on this good earth.
  
  
• What it's all about
  By A2CDTM9DGUZ3VR on 2005-11-29
  If you want to understand the world of professional wrestling and the men and women of that world, this is the book for you. More than a mere biography, it's a clear, penetrating examination of the squared circle and its denizens.
  
  
• Simply the Best!
  By A3GN4M9OUYQ2AH on 2005-12-04
  First,all those rumors that HBK is a homosexual is so wrong a couple of different ways: a.rumors started by Bret Hart b.Shawn Michaels is a practicing Christian. So I dont think so.
  This book is so fascinating for a few reasons not only Shawn's story but it also gives you insight on the wrestling world itself and Shawn's opinions on other wrestlers (not always good). Shawn holds nothing back about his opinions and his past. He talks about his friendships with Kevin Nash and Triple H which is always good to hear. How he met his wife,his kids being born,how he became a born-again Christian. His childhood,high school life and so much more. And OF COURSE nothing published about his past would be complete with that Bret Hart business, which shows that Bret Hart is so self-centered and didnt do his job when they asked. Anyone that thinks this is candy coated and doesnt say what really happened is just plain wrong,and not a TRUE HBK fan to begin with. So a definate buy for any true Shawn Michaels fan! Shawn Michaels IS "the best there is,the best there was and the best that ever will be." And to anyone that doesnt like my review too bad!!
  
  
• The tale of the Heartbreak Kid....
  By on 2005-12-31
  For years now, Shawn Michaels has been my favorite wrestler. And when his book was released, I was more than eager to read it. The book goes into detail of Shawn's life. From his childhood, to his days in AWA, to the infamous "Curtain Call", to the even more infamous Montreal "screwjob", Shawn gives his side on all of these items.
  
  I also appreciate the fact that Shawn is not scared to be open with his spirituality and faith. In the book, he talks about how he escapes from the problems he faced, by downing pills night after night. After his back injury, Michaels goes into how he found God and how he demonstrates his faith to this day. For those of you who think that his demonstration of faith is an act (read reviews below), read this book, and for those who still don't believe it after reading it, read it again.
  
  One of the most interesting points of the book is the chapter entitled "Montreal". That is probably the chapter I analyzed the most of any of the chapters in the book. Shawn discusses exactly what happened. Now, I will probably make Bret Hart fans disgusted, but I wasn't exactly rioting when the "screwjob" went down in Montreal. I disagree with how they went about it, but in another aspect, Bret got what he deserved. He was leaving the company to go to WCW, and expected to get a major PPV win the day before he left (I know they were in his hometown, but please what do you expect).
  
  There are several other parts of the book, where Shawn discusses the "Curtain Call" in Madison Square Garden, his return, and more recently, his amazing rivalry with Kurt Angle. With no doubt, this is one of the best books I have ever read. Pick it up as soon as you can.
  
  
• Poor, poor HBK.
  By A3Q0820XV18PNK on 2006-04-19
  I bought this book on the notion that it would be an entertaining read and a great look at a mans career, of which Shawn has had a great one. In all honesty I thought he realised it a little early, especially since he has fought Hogan and Vince since, and I would have loved to have heard his thoughts on this, especially on the backstage issues involving the Hogan work. Since Have a Nice Day is my favourite autobiography, Ive pretty much set it as the template of which a wrestling bio should be set so I'll probably be refering to it a few times in the review.
  
  Firstly, I want to point out. Am I a Shawn Michaels fan? No! Do I respect his work? Yes, very much. Its impossible not too. The man goes out and puts on a show every times hes in the ring, heck, the guy wrestled with a broken back just to get Steve Austin over. That demands respect. The book itself, begins telling tales of Shawns youth, and provide some very funny and humours tales, about his mother, his brother, school friends and his temper. While he doesnt go into huge detail like Mick Foley did, he paints a very interesting picture and its enjoyable to read about how he got into wrestling and his training. Again though, he doesnt go into as deep as Mick did in his book which hurts a little because you dont learn about the emotional and physical pain he goes through. More like 'he was great and gifted and he would do well'.
  
  Once he gets through his early years and into his times with Marty and being the Rockers, the book goes down hill a little for me. Instead of offering funny stories, of which there could be many, he spends to much time in the book making himself look like the innocent victum, how he was always in the wrong place at the wrong time, how everyone hated him and no one understood him. Shawn was a piece of work, he admits it, but to many people have said to much of the same thing over the years to allow him a get out of jail free card. He lied his face off for nearly 7 years about the screwing of Bret Hart, even lying to his face and 'swearing to God' that he knew nothing about it, so to read about how he was innocent in so many of the dealings of what went on stretches the imagination a bit.
  
  Especially that when you consider, Shawn was the top dog, the champion and always seemed to be in the main event shuffle, despite all these things happening to poor HBK. He always takes pot shot after pot shot against Bret and buries him on more than one occasion, claming he was the carrier and Bret was just the load. If you've watched Brets DVD, and heard Bret put Shawn over, despite how he feels about him, it just makes Shawn like incredibly petty. A great instance of his disliking for Bret is when he calls Bret 'not a great wrestler'. Now, Bret is a man who made any man he worked with look like a killer. Bret and Shawn hate eachother, theres no doubting this, but its Shawns argument that makes the statement laughable. He claims Bret only wrestled his way and that caused problems for Kevin (Diesel) in their matches. For the record, Kevin Nash has had 5 good matches in his whole career and 3 of those matches were with Bret. Now, this should easily point out that Bret made these matches work, but Shawn refuses to acknowledge this and buries Bret further.
  
  If you can look past the sob stories, of which there are many and the knocks at Bret, at which there are many more, you'll enjoy the book. He does get mixed up and contradicts himself on a few occasions, claming how he didnt mind loseing to Bret, only then saying he DID mind loseing to him. Another funny point is when he says two good wrestlers (himself and Mr Perfect "Curt Hening") just couldnt have a classic match, conveniently forgetting that two good wrestlers (Bret Hart and Mr Perfect "Curt Hening") had two classic wrestling matches. He also conveniently forgets how he 'well knowingly' tried to hold down The Rock (which has lead to heat that exsists to this day between them.)
  
  Its like I said, I am not a Shawn Michaels fan and knowing how he has had drug problems and having watched his shoot interview where he looks out of his mind and completely contradicts everything he says, it makes his sob stories in this book a LOT harder to believe, and will to anyone who has actually seen the shoot interview. He also doesnt go into any detail about the drugs he has been KNOWN to have taken, his backstage temper tantrums, which he has been KNOW to throw, especially when it involved him jobbing, or his holding down of other wrestlers. He seems to be trying much to hard to paint a wonderful picture of himself. This being said however, despites Shawns constant Bret bashing and sob stories, the book is a great read and any HBK fan should not go without it. It is really interesting to see how he met Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Triple H and how he howned his character and adjusted it with the times. It also helps to provide an interesting look on his character and how he has changed since finding God.
  
  
• A great book from a great man
  By A2U3W0MNF3319R on 2005-12-07
  All I can say is Shawn is trully the best there is, was, and ever will be. Shawn tells his story with out holding back anything. He pulls no punches even towards himself. His account of Montreal seems really credible simply because shawn not only paints Bret in a negative light but also himself. He outright admits that even after having a heart to heart with Bret, only hours before their match, he still goes ahead with the "swerve". I honestly feel that they did what was best for the company as far as Montreal and Bret Hart goes. What would you do? You have to think about the families of those in your company, about their well being. The potential was there for Bret to leave with the title and that would have hurt the WWE tremendously. Even if Bret swore he would not leave with the title, it is not a chance the Vince should have had to take.
  
  
  
• Awesome book; great for any wrestling fan
  By A1MYCBQARPK722 on 2005-12-30
  Shawn's story is compelling, and it speaks volumes about the nature of the man behind the "Heartbreak Kid" persona. You'll read about his near-career-ending injuries, and you'll come to appreciate the devotion he showed to the fans, toughing out a knee injury and a shattered back - both of which were supposed to have ended his career as a professional wrestler. He talks about growing up, his school life, his relationship with his family. He also writes in detail about his relationship with the wrestling community, his close friends in the business (and how he went about meeting them). Of course, he recollects his training with Jose Lothario to begin what is arguably one of the most successful professional wrestling careers in history, and he takes you through the cycle of promotions he went through (and the people he met and traveled with along the way) along his rise to the top.
  
  Addressing a topic that comes up very often in his career, he dedicates a long chapter to the infamous Montreal screw job that stripped Bret Hart of the championship title; he talks in depth about the set-up, the execution, and the locker room reaction to it. Shawn describes it well; I can just imagine Vince McMahon (the owner of the company) yelling at Bret in the locker room now. Boy would I have loved to have been a fly on the wall during that whole fiasco...
  
  As new as the book is, it even covers his more recent matches with Kurt Angle and the "Rockers Reunion" with Marty Jannetty. As a big Rockers fan growing up, it was cool to see Shawn writing about his experiences with Jannetty, and how they got back together for one night in 2005 to wrestle La Resistance.
  
  I couldn't put this book down. I found myself up until six in the morning from the night before reading chapter after chapter. Though filled with its fair share of wrestling jargon and "insider talk", for the average person, this autobiography is easy to read, well written, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend it to all wrestling fans.
  
  
• The Only Thing Shawn Fails At Is Arguably A Lie Detector
  By ADZ6534RCJVNL on 2005-12-30
  I am not a fan of Shawns'. Professionally or personally, I consider him one of the biggest phonies in our profession today, hiding behind a mask of religion to cover his shame, using it as an excuse to continue peddling his hatred and clear jealously of Bret Hart, instead of swallowing his pride and apologising. He claims Bret can't let it go, what do you think hes' doing in this book? Opening the wounds and digging it into Bret in much the same way Flair did just to gain the attention of the media and assist the company in gaining much needed publicity since Wrestling vanished from the mainstream. YOU let it go Michaels.
  
  Now, whilst I'm not a fan of Micheals, that cannot prevent me from being as objective as I can of him, hes' one of the greatest wrestlers in the industry, and this book explores the roots of who he is, and what he became, referencing his run with the Rockers, going solo, training with supersock Jose Luthario, and finally culminating in his four world title reigns over the course of several years.
  
  For a guy who never drew for the company in 1996, even less than Bret actually did, Shawn makes up for it with some of the greatest technical wrestling encounters and grudge battles ever witnessed on screen, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, Vader, you name it, Shawn has been there against all of them. Few can attest to such a list of credible opponents and matches, but a lot of what he claims were the results of battles with personal demons are ludicrous, Shawn was, and still is, a selfish individual who puts his own characters' heat above everyone that could benefit from it, jobbing cleanly only as of lately to veterans like Chris Benoit, but refusing to help put over future stars like Shelton Benjamen, and quickly dicarding a heel turn immediatly after being squashed by Hogan.
  
  Heartbreak and Triumph is just another ghost written peice of WWE history...not actual history, and Shawn is just another sorry excuse for a human being in a long list of succesful political masters of the ring, in 1996, Shawn was above even the currently hated Triple H.
  
  
• Same old song...
  By A3IYSQE4GPM8T7 on 2006-01-05
  This is in the same vein as many other wrestling autobiographies. A lot of "Yes, I did some bad things, but what I did doesn't compare to what the other guy(s) did." It was nice to hear Shawn's side of things and hear about how he came up in the business. But I'm so tired of reading these wrestling books where everyone wants to shift blame to the next person. No one stands up and says they were the bad guy. I thought it was funny how every idea Shawn came up with that would be "good for the business" happened to have him in the top feuds and as the world champion. And I've heard that the story about the Undertaker making sure he dropped the belt to Stone Cold is true, despite what he wants others to believe. A nice read, but more of the same from the wrestling community.
  
  

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