Shawn Michaels is without a doubt one of the most important entertainers in history. Throughout his tenure in the WWE, the 58-year-old has garnered a substantial fan base and is considered one of the most proficient performers. Michaels possessed unrivaled in-ring skills in the 1990s when he was at the pinnacle of the WWE hierarchy.
Shawn Michaels was always the star while he was at the top of the promotion. He engaged in several high-level rivalries and behind-the-scenes altercations in real life during that time. The early days of the superstar’s stratospheric ascension were always hated by many other superstars. His magnetism and general demeanor also seemed to incite intense jealousy in other celebrities.
Former WWE Superstar Enzo Amore stated that Michaels was always selfish and cost Vader his WWE career. Vader was one of the superstars whom Michaels never liked, and he was prepared to defame him in every way possible. “Everybody remembers when Shawn Michaels wouldn’t drop the title to him,” said Enzo on the Growing Up Italian Podcast.
Enzo talked about how Vader was a complete beast and should’ve won the world title. “If he(Shawn) was smart back then, he would have dropped the title to Vader and had a monster try to defeat for all those years,” said Amore. He also further stated how it would have been a great storyline showcasing Vader’s title reign and Michaels ultimately climbing the ladder to defeat him in long-term storytelling.
New podcast is out NOW! Go check it out 👉 https://t.co/FFzr28C4he pic.twitter.com/zLcmgoOTxB
— Growing Up Italian (@GrowingUpItalia) November 19, 2023
Michaels truly had an issue with Vader and during their World Title match at SummerSlam 1996, Shawn denied losing against Vader. Various other WWE Superstars and Legends have talked about Shawn’s decision and criticized him for it.
What did Vader think of his WWE Run?
Vader was a performer who was connected to the audience and had everyone’s support. His immense talent and hard work paid off for him as fans still remember him as one of the most respected performers of all time. Despite all his heat with Michaels, he always supported Shawn in his interviews and even tried to point out a fault in himself rather than the system for his WWE failure.
During his varied career, Vader was also involved in several instances of substance abuse. His health was deeply affected by constant drug overdoses and substance abuse over the years. He underwent heart surgery in March 2018 which ultimately led to his demise on June 18, 2018, after his hospitalization for pneumonia.
Where is Enzo Amore now after leaving WWE?
Enzo Amore certainly captured the audience like no other during his time in the WWE. His tag team chemistry with Big Cass gained a lot of popularity and fame for the superstar. Amore was one of the best talkers in WWE history and had the WWE Universe behind him during each of his promos.
Man, Enzo Amore and Big Cass had the crowd in the palm of their hands.
WWE should have never split them up. pic.twitter.com/z4PlSJlBij
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) August 21, 2023
Soon after his WWE release, Enzo made his career in the rap industry and also ventured into various independent wrestling promotions. He made his way to Ring of Honor, Major League Wrestling, and other wrestling promotions under different in-ring names.