Shawn Michaels is regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers and WWE superstars of all time by many. However, WWE Hall of Famer Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts did not seem to agree with the majority completely.
During the recent edition of his The Snake Pit podcast, Roberts was asked if he considered Michaels as an all-time great. He stated that he saw him as a top-tier attraction, but did not see him at the top of the mountain.
Moreover, Jake mentioned that Shawn did not draw any great money and it was hard to see him as a top champion.
“I think he was close to being there. I don’t think he was — I don’t put him at the very top. I’ll just say that, I don’t put him at the very top with everything considered, you know? He certainly didn’t draw great money as a champion. And that’s what it’s about, isn’t it? That’s what I thought it was about. I just felt like he was — I mean, he works very hard in the ring. And he does a lot of great s**t. But as far as believability? Stings a little bit, just quite wasn’t there.“
Furthermore, he also brought up Shawn Michaels not being the typical bodybuilder stereotype wrestler which was a common perception for a main event star back in the day.
“The size was a lot of it too, you know? I just have a hard time putting the championship belt on anybody that weighs 200 pounds. I really do. When there are guys who weigh 350 and 275 that are ripped, and the belt is on a guy that weighs 200. Oh, I have a hard time with it.“
The Heartbreak Kid headlined multiple WrestleMania, won championships and accolades, and carved out one of the greatest in-ring careers of all time. Shawn Michaels was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2011 and currently looks over WWE NXT in top managerial position.
Do you agree with Jake Roberts’ statement regarding Shawn Michaels? Sound off in the comments!