Is Shawn Michaels really turning heel?

[UZI Suicide]

Everyone keeps talking about how the "old Shawn" is back.

 

Of course I'd love to see that, but I don't really think he's turning heel.. maybe playing more of a heel in the feud with Hogan, but I don't see a full-blown heel turn coming on here.

 

His beef the entire time has been solely with Hogan, and it's all based on how Michaels says he has gone out every night and given everything he has for the fans, blah blah blah. while Hogan is busy doing whatever in Hollywood.

 

It seems to me like they almost tried to make people turn against Hogan more than Michaels, but it just kind of went the other way out of fans loyalty for Hogan.

 

Now OBVIOUSLY he was playing the heel in Montreal, but that's going to happen regardless. I'm just wondering what your opinions are on this, it seems to me like a quick thing and then he'll go back to being a babyface.. but I guess at Summerslam he could finally "pull the trigger" and go full blown heel by destroying Hogan with a chair or something.

[Lil' Bitch]

I guess we'll only know for sure come next month. I'd like to see him stay heel though, Pastor Michaels is beyond boring.

[Silence]

I guess we'll only know for sure come next month.  I'd like to see him stay heel though, Pastor Michaels is beyond boring.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Just like the WWE dress code is beyond boring, too.

 

I've always thought that HBK was better off as a heel anyway. His promo in Montreal this past Monday was some of his best mic work in a long time.

[Guest DaGoodz]

Yeah, and it's sad, because it wasn't even 1/10th of how good he used to be. When the crowd was chanting "Shut the fuck up!" I would have loved to hear the 97 HBK's reaction. The whole "do you teach your kids to talk that way?" thing was lame.

[Guest Ransome]

Now OBVIOUSLY he was playing the heel in Montreal, but that's going to happen regardless. I'm just wondering what your opinions are on this, it seems to me like a quick thing and then he'll go back to being a babyface.. but I guess at Summerslam he could finally "pull the trigger" and go full blown heel by destroying Hogan with a chair or something.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Personally, I'm seeing the opposite, with the cliched finish of a beaten HBK embracing Hogan followed by posing as 'Real American' plays in the background. As you say, HBK's beef has only been with Hogan, and they most likely figure they've already milked HBK's biggest potential heel heat from Montreal. Provided the SS match is the blowoff to the HBK-Hogan feud, then it appears to me that HBK will (unfortunately) return as a face, even though his heel character is far more interesting.

 

If HBK does remain a heel, where does he go from there? What feuds are open for him? Cena/HBK would be a nice main event to one of the RAW PPVs and would at least keep Cena away from HHH a little longer.

[EdwardKnoxII]

I've always thought that HBK was better off as a heel anyway.  His promo in Montreal this past Monday was some of his best mic work in a long time.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yes it was. You have to hand it to Shawn. He's pretty much doing all the work in this feud.

[chaosrage]

If HBK does remain a heel, where does he go from there? What feuds are open for him? Cena/HBK would be a nice main event to one of the RAW PPVs and would at least keep Cena away from HHH a little longer.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Marty Jannetty comes back and throws HBK through a window.

[Guest JMA]

The Holy Bible Kid needs to go away forever. Shawn is FAR more likeable when he's intentionally trying to be a dick. Despite all the backstage crap, the real Shawn Michaels was at least interesting as a character (and he's always been a great worker).

[Guest Quik]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

[AndrewTS]

The Holy Bible Kid needs to go away forever. Shawn is FAR more likeable when he's intentionally trying to be a dick. Despite all the backstage crap, the real Shawn Michaels was at least interesting as a character (and he's always been a great worker).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I'd much rather have Michaels being himself than Holy Bible Kid.

 

But despite RD's "separation of church and ring" edict, a Ned-Flanders style heel could be entertaining. He's be so sickeningly nice people would boo him, luck would seemingly always be on his side, perhaps lightning strikes his opponent's rent-a-car...

[Guest JMA]

The Holy Bible Kid needs to go away forever. Shawn is FAR more likeable when he's intentionally trying to be a dick. Despite all the backstage crap, the real Shawn Michaels was at least interesting as a character (and he's always been a great worker).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I'd much rather have Michaels being himself than Holy Bible Kid.

 

But despite RD's "separation of church and ring" edict, a Ned-Flanders style heel could be entertaining. He's be so sickeningly nice people would boo him, luck would seemingly always be on his side, perhaps lightning strikes his opponent's rent-a-car...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That WOULD be entertaining. But to really make it work you'd have to have him only hang out with other heels to convert them.

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They want Austin v Hogan at WM 22, and unless something major happens, they're getting it, and that means Hogan wins. He has to.

[chaosrage]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They want Austin v Hogan at WM 22, and unless something major happens, they're getting it, and that means Hogan wins. He has to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I've yet to hear any good reason for this. Why does Austin v Hogan at WM22 mean Hogan has to win?

[Guest JMA]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They want Austin v Hogan at WM 22, and unless something major happens, they're getting it, and that means Hogan wins. He has to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As usual, HTQ is correct. Austin vs. Hogan is one of the last "dream" (not a smark dream match, mind you) matches that the marks will pay to see.

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They want Austin v Hogan at WM 22, and unless something major happens, they're getting it, and that means Hogan wins. He has to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I've yet to hear any good reason for this. Why does Austin v Hogan at WM22 mean Hogan has to win?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you've yet to hear any good reasons for this, then you've not been reading the various threads that have come up surrounding this match and the proposed Austin v Hogan match. Go find one of them.

[Epic Reine]

I don't think he's gonna be a heel after the Hogan fued.

 

The night of the HBK/Hogan debate, he high-fived some fans on the way to the ring.

[AndrewTS]

The Holy Bible Kid needs to go away forever. Shawn is FAR more likeable when he's intentionally trying to be a dick. Despite all the backstage crap, the real Shawn Michaels was at least interesting as a character (and he's always been a great worker).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I'd much rather have Michaels being himself than Holy Bible Kid.

 

But despite RD's "separation of church and ring" edict, a Ned-Flanders style heel could be entertaining. He's be so sickeningly nice people would boo him, luck would seemingly always be on his side, perhaps lightning strikes his opponent's rent-a-car...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That WOULD be entertaining. But to really make it work you'd have to have him only hang out with other heels to convert them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

He'd get booed for not making the "illegal" save during a tag match, and would unwittingly assist the heels.

 

"BAH GAWD, SNITSKY HAS THOSE ROSARY BEADS AND IS CHOKING SHELTON WITH THEM!"

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They want Austin v Hogan at WM 22, and unless something major happens, they're getting it, and that means Hogan wins. He has to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As usual, HTQ is correct. Austin vs. Hogan is one of the last "dream" (not a smark dream match, mind you) matches that the marks will pay to see.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's the Holy Grail of Matches. Austin v Hogan will set records, of that I have no doubt.

[Guest JMA]

Shawn going back to being a face is the worst thing they can do with his character. This turn seems to have rejuvenated him from a creative stand-point. I grew up with the prickish Shawn Michaels, and that's who I want to see. I just hope that Triple H and Flair don't attach themselves to Shawn.

[Epic Reine]

The only dream match I wanna see is HBK vs Rock which should have happened at WMXX.

 

HBK/Rock > Hogan/Austin.

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

HBK/Rock > Hogan/Austin.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not to the masses.

[Guest JMA]

Does anyone really think they're gonna put Hogan over here? I mean, c'mon... there's no way Vince is that much of a pushover. The only way Shawn can lose is if Bret interferes. Other than that, Shawn has to beat the old man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They want Austin v Hogan at WM 22, and unless something major happens, they're getting it, and that means Hogan wins. He has to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As usual, HTQ is correct. Austin vs. Hogan is one of the last "dream" (not a smark dream match, mind you) matches that the marks will pay to see.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's the Holy Grail of Matches. Austin v Hogan will set records, of that I have no doubt.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Indeed. They're the two biggest draws ever in North America.

[chaosrage]

If you've yet to hear any good reasons for this, then you've not been reading the various threads that have come up surrounding this match and  the proposed Austin v Hogan match. Go find one of them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I was in each one of those threads explaining why the reasons given did not make any sense. A loss to Michaels won't affect Austin/Hogan in the slightest. Just like a clean lost to the Rock didn't affect Hogan getting the world title a month later or the match this Sunday.

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

If you've yet to hear any good reasons for this, then you've not been reading the various threads that have come up surrounding this match and  the proposed Austin v Hogan match. Go find one of them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I was in each one of those threads explaining why the reasons given did not make any sense. A loss to Michaels won't affect Austin/Hogan in the slightest. Just like a clean lost to the Rock didn't affect Hogan getting the world title a month later or the match this Sunday.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If Hogan was sticking around until WM 22, I could see an argument for Hogan losing here then getting his back later. But Hogan isn't sticking around. Hogan comes in for a month or so, builds to a match, then leaves. Unless the cirumstances are exceptional, Hogan isn't coming in to lose. Austin v Hogan would be one such exception. Shawn v Hogan is not. Austin v Hogan is the Holy Grail of Wrestling. Shawn v Hogan is not.

[chaosrage]

If Hogan was sticking around until WM 22, I could see an argument for Hogan losing here then getting his back later.

 

But my point is why would Hogan have anything to get back? Did any of Hogan's fans care than Rock pinned him clean? Nah, he went right on to beat HHH for the title, just like he would have won at WM. I seriously doubt people would say "Well Hogan/Austin is a dream match, I would order it but Hogan lost to Shawn, he must suck now." Anyway, I think the finish for this match is the most important out of Hogan/Rock, Hogan/Michaels, and Hogan/Austin. Neither Rock or Austin are wrestling anymore, just Shawn, he's the only one that could actually use a win over Hogan for something.

[Guest Rrrsh]

Hogan lost zero heat when he lost to Rock. And never got his job back from Rock.

 

The event matters to the fans, who wins only matters short term. And HBK is prime to face Cena soon while Hogan will be gone for 5 months.

 

Therefor, HBK should defiantly win

[4hartthreat]

Hogan is winning at SummerSlam. I do agree with chaosrage in that I don't really think a loss to Shawn would hurt Hogan, but I also don't think a loss to Hogan would hurt Shawn either. The only thing that can hurt Shawn is attempting to go back to face so quickly after just turning heel. He could have a very good run with this heel character. But again it doesn't matter because Hogan is winning tomorrow.

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

If Hogan was sticking around until WM 22, I could see an argument for Hogan losing here then getting his back later.

 

But my point is why would Hogan have anything to get back? Did any of Hogan's fans care than Rock pinned him clean? Nah, he went right on to beat HHH for the title, just like he would have won at WM. I seriously doubt people would say "Well Hogan/Austin is a dream match, I would order it but Hogan lost to Shawn, he must suck now." Anyway, I think the finish for this match is the most important out of Hogan/Rock, Hogan/Michaels, and Hogan/Austin. Neither Rock or Austin are wrestling anymore, just Shawn, he's the only one that could actually use a win over Hogan for something.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

People don't pay to see Hogan wrestle to see him lose, unless it's something so huge and monumental that the aura of the match means it doesn't matter. Rock v Hogan was like that. Austin v Hogan will be like that. Shawn v Hogan is not like that. People pay to see Hogan be Hogan. They pay to see Hogan sell for a little while, Hulk Up, wag his finger, hit the big boot, hit the legdrop, and get the pin. If it's a match so big that Hogan can afford to lose and it won't matter because the match is so big, then Hogan can lose, because the nature of the match is such that it overcomes any winners or losers. For all the hype it's been getting, Shawn v Hogan is not such a match. Austin v Hogan is. If Hogan is going to do a job to anyone, it's going to be Austin, not to Shawn.

[USC Wuz Robbed!]

HTQ, do you think Hogan should job to Austin? Is Austin the "right" person to go over?

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

HTQ, do you think Hogan should job to Austin? Is Austin the "right" person to go over?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think Austin will win the match, and Hogan will at least try to go over. Whether Austin lets Hogan do that, like Rock unwittingly did, remains to be seen.