logo
WWE Legend Shawn Michaels Names Surprising Pro Wrestling Mount Rushmore

WWE Legend Shawn Michaels Names Surprising Pro Wrestling Mount Rushmore

Newsweek20-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Shawn Michaels is widely considered by many to be one of the greatest professional wrestlers to ever step into the ring.
More Pro Wrestling: Logan Paul Calls Out Fans After WWE Releases
Not only has Michaels earned countless honors in the WWE, including four world championships and two Royal Rumble victories, he has multiple matches and rivalries that are still revered as all-time classics.
Naturally, it's safe to assume that Michaels would wind up on multiple Mt. Rushmores for fans and wrestlers alike. However, his personal Mt. Rushmore has some interesting selections.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 25: Shawn Michaels makes his entrance during Saturday Night's Main Event at Frost Bank Center on January 25, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 25: Shawn Michaels makes his entrance during Saturday Night's Main Event at Frost Bank Center on January 25, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
WWE/Getty Images
In an interview with News4JAX, Michaels revealed the four (maybe five) wrestlers he would put on his personal Mount Rushmore.
"I don't know. To me, I've always felt like there's, I don't know, they're just your personal favorites, I think," Michaels said. But yeah, I've got a few, I guess, but mine date back to usually the... The mid-80s or late 70s.
"I always put Terry Funk in there. I usually put Harley Race in there, Ric Flair and then that fourth one's always a little tough for me. It goes to Tully Blanchard because that's who I grew up with or Wahoo McDaniel."
While some of these names may not be known to casual modern fans, there's no doubt that they are some of the greatest in pro wrestling history.
More Pro Wrestling: John Cena Reveals 'Most Stupid Decision' Of His WWE Career
Terry Funk had a career spanning over 50 years beginning in 1965. An innovator of the hardcore style, Funk took home multiple championships, including the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Heavyweight Championship, USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship, and the WWF World Tag Team Championship among others.
Funk has been inducted into the WWE, WCW, NWA, and Hardcore Halls of Fame.
Harley Race is widely considered one of the best pro wrestlers in history. A nine-time world champion, Race has been inducted into the WWE, NWA, WCW, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and Professional Wrestling Halls of Fame.
More Pro Wrestling: Fan-Favorite WWE Tag Team Reacts to WrestleMania 41 Absence
Ric Flair is probably the most well-known name on the list, having held the record for most world championships (16) before John Cena passed him at WrestleMania 41.
Flair and Michaels have a particularly special bond, putting together what many consider one of the best matches in WrestleMania history.
Flair has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice and has also been inducted into the NWA, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and Professional Wrestling Halls of Fame.
More Pro Wrestling: Former WWE Champion 'Gutted' About Missing WrestleMania 41
Michaels' final spot goes to either Tully Blanchard or Wahoo McDaniel. Blanchard made his pro wrestling debut in 1975 and retired from in-ring action in 2005. He has worked by the scenes as recently as 2022 with AEW.
An inaugural member of The Four Horsemen, Blanchard has been inaugurated into the NWA and WWE Halls of Fame.
McDaniel was a massive star for the American Wrestling Association and National Wrestling Alliance. He held the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship five times. He was inducted into the WWE, WCW, and NWA Halls of Fame.
More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Kevin Owens Shares Concerning Injury Update
For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

R-Truth receives outpouring of support from WWE stars after stunning release: ‘Immeasurable' void
R-Truth receives outpouring of support from WWE stars after stunning release: ‘Immeasurable' void

New York Post

time4 hours ago

  • New York Post

R-Truth receives outpouring of support from WWE stars after stunning release: ‘Immeasurable' void

Ron 'R-Truth' Killings, a fixture in WWE programming for nearly two decades, announced Sunday that he has officially been released from the company. Killings posted on his official X account: 'I'm sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE. I want to thank WWE for the ride, but MOSTLY I want to thank each and EVERYONE OF YOU who was along for the ride. Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years.' The announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of messages from fellow wrestlers, many of whom reflected on Killings' contributions and legacy as a respected performer in WWE for 17 years. Advertisement 3 R-Truth speaks to the audience during an in-ring promo during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 23, 2025. WWE Kevin Owens led the tributes, writing on X: 'I've said many times that there are a few people in this industry for whom I have unlimited respect, love and admiration for. @RonKillings is at the very top of that list. An incredible, timeless performer with an unmatched ability to entertain and bring a smile to anyone he encounters, be it the fans or every single person lucky enough to have had the privilege to work alongside him. His kindness, humility and infectious good nature makes him one of the most beloved people I've met in this industry and the void that his absence will leave in our locker room is immeasurable. I love you, dude.' The Miz, who teamed with Killings as part of 'The Awesome Truth' during a memorable run in 2011, posted to X: 'Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career. No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every room…and every arena. You're not one of a kind, you're one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining.' Advertisement Natalya Neidhart added her own tribute, writing: 'You are a class act @RonKillings. You were amazing to me since day one when I met you doing my first independent wrestling show in the U.S. Last week I loved seeing how excited you were for the championship match against John Cena. You remind everyone around the world to never give up on their dreams.' 3 R-Truth celebrates his win during Monday Night RAW at Angel of the Winds Arena on December 2, 2024. WWE via Getty Images Many other tributes poured in from his peers, including Rhea Ripley and Pat McAfee. Other wrestlers who replied to his tweet include Alexa Bliss, Scarlett Bordeaux, Jade Cargill and Trinity Fatu who noted, 'I hate this so much.' Advertisement 'Thank you Truth. For everything. Everything you are as a performer but also everything you are as a person,' wrote Zelina Vega, the women's United States champion. 'You always have an ear and a hug for everyone, you were always so kind to me whether it was an extra just coming in looking to you for advice or as a co-worker getting to laugh with you every week. You're forever a star, a genius, a pro and someone who's presence will always be felt. You're cemented in history as one of the BEST. Love you!!' 3 R-Truth in action against JC Mateo during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 30, 2025. WWE via Getty Images Killings' WWE career was notable inside the ring, too. He held the United States Championship twice and was a two-time WWE tag champ — once with Kofi Kingston and once with Miz. Advertisement He also became synonymous with the chaotic 24/7 Championship, claiming the title a record-setting 54 times. Killings recently headlined 'Saturday Night's Main Event' against Cena. Before his WWE resurgence, Killings made history in TNA as the first recognized black NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico
Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico

Carlos Edwin Colón Coates Jr., better known as pro wrestler Carlito, will not return to the WWE. He announced on X that his current contract was set to expire in late June and would not be renewed. Carlito took a lighthearted approach to the news on social media and joked that he was going to own the company before adding, 'All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!' Advertisement Carlito returned to the company in 2023 when he returned at the premium live event, Backlash, to assist rapper Bad Bunny during a match in Puerto Rico. He spent most of his recent tenure in a supporting role as a member of the Judgement Day faction. Carlito had originally joined the company in 2003 before leaving in 2010. The Puerto Rican wrestler only made a few sporadic appearances before returning full-time in 2023. He made two brief appearances on WWE programming, inducting his father Carlos Colón into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and participating in the 2021 Royal Rumble. One of the more notable moments of his recent tenure was when he was speared by Bron Breakker. Carlito's WWE career achievements Carlito won the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championships and the World Tag Team Championship. What's next for Carlito? Carlito isn't looking to slow down his career after winning the World Wrestling Council Puerto Rican Championship. The 46-year-old wrestler started his professional wrestling career with WWC in 1999. He had previously returned to WWC in 2010. Advertisement The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carlito announces his WWE contract won't be renewed

Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico
Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico

USA Today

time5 hours ago

  • USA Today

Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico

Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico Show Caption Hide Caption John Cena warns media, he will ruin wrestling, he is the last real champion in WWE After making history at WrestleMania 41, John Cena warns the media that he will ruin wrestling and he is the last real champion in WWE Carlos Edwin Colón Coates Jr., better known as pro wrestler Carlito, will not return to the WWE. He announced on X that his current contract was set to expire in late June and would not be renewed. Carlito took a lighthearted approach to the news on social media and joked that he was going to own the company before adding, 'All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!' Carlito returned to the company in 2023 when he returned at the premium live event, Backlash, to assist rapper Bad Bunny during a match in Puerto Rico. He spent most of his recent tenure in a supporting role as a member of the Judgement Day faction. Carlito had originally joined the company in 2003 before leaving in 2010. The Puerto Rican wrestler only made a few sporadic appearances before returning full-time in 2023. He made two brief appearances on WWE programming, inducting his father Carlos Colón into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and participating in the 2021 Royal Rumble. One of the more notable moments of his recent tenure was when he was speared by Bron Breakker. Carlito's WWE career achievements Carlito won the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championships and the World Tag Team Championship. What's next for Carlito? Carlito isn't looking to slow down his career after winning the World Wrestling Council Puerto Rican Championship. The 46-year-old wrestler started his professional wrestling career with WWC in 1999. He had previously returned to WWC in 2010. The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store