Shawn Michaels was born to Richard and Carol Hickenbottom on July 22, 1965, in Chandler, Arizona. He has two older brothers named Randy and Scott, and an older sister named Shari. Growing up in a military family, Michaels moved frequently before settling in San Antonio, Texas. He made his professional wrestling debut in 1984 and joined WWE in 1988 as part of The Rockers tag team with Marty Jannetty.
After launching his singles career in 1992, Michaels became “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Mr. WrestleMania,” winning four world championships and headlining WrestleMania five times. He is known for his signature Sweet Chin Music finisher. Michaels retired in 2010 and now serves as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative for NXT.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1965 (59 years) |
| Full Name | Michael Shawn Hickenbottom |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Birth Place | Chandler, Arizona, USA |
| Father Name | Richard Hickenbottom |
| Mother Name | Carol Hickenbottom |
| Theme Song | “Sexy Boy” |
| Nationality | American |
| Nickname | The Heartbreak Kid, Mr. WrestleMania |
Shawn Michaels’s family
Who is Shawn Michaels’s Father?
Richard Hickenbottom was Michaels’ father, who served as an Air Force pilot, which led to the family moving frequently during Michaels’ childhood, from Arizona to England, then to Iowa, Maryland, Texas, and eventually settling at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio after his retirement. Richard was an amateur wrestler at the University of Iowa, influencing Michaels’ early interest in wrestling.
Who is Shawn Michaels’s mother?
Carol Hickenbottom was Michaels’ mother, who raised him and his siblings throughout their military family lifestyle. Carol was described as protective and caring, supporting Michaels’ various interests from football to professional wrestling. She was initially skeptical of his relationship with Rebecca Curci, feeling the courtship was moving too quickly, but eventually embraced Rebecca as part of the family.
Who is Shawn Michaels’s wife?
Michaels is married to Rebecca Curci, a former WCW Nitro Girl who performed under the name “Whisper.” They first met when Michaels saw her on WCW Monday Nitro in 1998 and got her phone number through a mutual friend who worked at a gym frequented by wrestling personalities.
After weeks of phone conversations, they met in person and developed a strong connection. They married on March 31, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada, after nearly two years. Before Rebecca, Michaels was married to Theresa Lynn Wood from May 28, 1988, to August 23, 1994.
Does Shawn Michaels have kids?
Michaels and Rebecca have two children together. Their son Cameron Kade Hickenbottom was born on January 5, 2000, just months after their marriage. Their daughter Cheyenne Michelle Hickenbottom was born on August 19, 2004.
Who are Shawn Michaels’s siblings?
Michaels has three older siblings. He has two older brothers named Randy and Scott Hickenbottom, and an older sister named Shari.
What is Shawn Michaels’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Michaels’s net worth is $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful 30-year wrestling career, current WWE executive role earning $2 million annually, endorsement deals, film appearances, and his work as Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative for WWE’s NXT brand.
Endorsements, Sponsorships, Business of Shawn Michaels
Michaels has endorsement deals with various brands, including EyeBlack. He has appeared in WWE video games, merchandise lines, and promotional campaigns throughout his career. Michaels owns and operates the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy in San Antonio, Texas, where he trains aspiring wrestlers. He has appeared in films and television shows.
When did Shawn Michaels debut?
Michaels made his WWE debut on June 18, 1988, as part of The Rockers tag team alongside Marty Jannetty. The duo had previously wrestled in the American Wrestling Association and was brought to WWE after their success in various wrestling territories.
6/18/88: The WWF TV debut of The Rockers pic.twitter.com/CA1uB9xU1l
— OVP – Retro Wrestling Podcast (@ovppodcast) June 18, 2025
Before his WWE debut, Michaels made his professional wrestling debut on October 16, 1984, in Mid-South Wrestling against Art Crews, losing the match via swinging neckbreaker.
Shawn Michaels’s WWE career
Michaels began his WWE career in 1988 as part of The Rockers with Marty Jannetty, becoming fan favorites with their high-energy performances and innovative tag team moves. The duo competed against teams like The Hart Foundation, The Brain Busters, and Power & Glory.
In January 1992, Michaels turned on Jannetty during “The Barber Shop” segment, superkicking his partner through a window to kick off his singles career as “The Heartbreak Kid.” He won his first Intercontinental Championship in October 1992. His ladder match against Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X is regarded as one of the greatest matches in WWE history.
Michaels captured his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania XII in 1996, defeating Bret Hart in an Iron Man match after his childhood dream became reality. During WWE’s Attitude Era boom period, he feuded with legends like Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Co-founding D-Generation X with Triple H in 1997 revolutionized WWE’s edgier content and helped compete with WCW during the Monday Night Wars. His matches against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV and XXVI are considered classics.
A severe back injury at WrestleMania XIV in 1998 forced his initial retirement, but he returned in 2002 for an emotional comeback that lasted until 2010. His retirement match against Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV was a fitting end to his in-ring career. Catchphrases like “I’m just a sexy boy” and his Sweet Chin Music finishing move became iconic elements of the WWE industry.
When did Shawn Michaels win his first title?
Michaels won his first WWE championship, the Intercontinental Championship, on October 27, 1992, by defeating The British Bulldog (Davey Boy Smith) on Saturday Night’s Main Event. This victory came after months of building his “Heartbreak Kid” persona following his split from The Rockers. His manager, Sensational Sherri, assisted at ringside. His reign lasted 202 days.
Never forget when Shawn Michaels wins his first WWF championship, beating the British Bulldog for the Intercontinental Title.
An underrated, energetic match with a great, memorable ending.
What a time to be alive 🥹 pic.twitter.com/JlWL72dQjh
— tribal chief ☝🏻🩸 (@luireigns) December 4, 2024
Shawn Michaels’s Achievements
How many WWE Championships has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has won the WWE Championship three times throughout his career. His first victory came at WrestleMania XII on March 31, 1996, when he defeated Bret Hart in a 60-minute Iron Man match.
How many World Heavyweight Championships has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has won the World Heavyweight Championship once. He captured this title on November 17, 2002, at Survivor Series by defeating Triple H in the first-ever Elimination Chamber match.
Never forget when Shawn Michaels wins the World Heavyweight Championship in the inaugural Elimination Chamber
“My God, can you believe it? Do you believe in miracles? Shawn Michaels believed in himself and his ability to win this match!”
I actually like that attire 😭 pic.twitter.com/FUPXghqN50
— tribal chief ☝🏻🩸 (@luireigns) January 15, 2025
How many United States Championships has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has never won the United States Championship during his WWE career.
How many Tag Team Championships has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has won the WWE Tag Team Championship six times throughout his career. His first victory came as part of The Rockers with Marty Jannetty.
How many Intercontinental Championships has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has won the WWE Intercontinental Championship three times during his career. His first victory was against The British Bulldog on October 27, 1992.
How many Money in the Bank contracts has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has never won a Money in the Bank contract.
How many Royal Rumble matches has Shawn Michaels won?
Michaels has won the Royal Rumble match twice during his career. His first victory came in 1995 when he entered at number one and lasted the entire match, eliminating The British Bulldog last to earn a WrestleMania championship opportunity. His second win was in 1996, securing another WrestleMania main event shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Shawn Michaels’s real name?
Michael Shawn Hickenbottom.
When did Shawn Michaels debut in WWE?
June 18, 1988, as part of The Rockers.
How many world championships has Shawn Michaels won?
Four world championships (3 WWE and 1 World Heavyweight).
Who is Shawn Michaels married to?
Rebecca Curci Hickenbottom.
What is Shawn Michaels’s finishing move?
Sweet Chin Music (Superkick).
