Heartbreak & Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story

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Heartbreak & Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 685 ratings · 55 reviews

Winning and losing. Heels and babyfaces. Kliqs and Curtain Calls. Tearing down house shows and tearing up hotel rooms. Ladders and cages. Vacated titles and unwarranted suspensions. Works and screwjobs. Heartaches and backbreaks. Forced retirements and redemption. Rock 'n' roll and Graceland. There are two sides to every story; for Shawn Michaels, there is "Heartbreak &...more Winning and losing. Heels and babyfaces. Kliqs and Curtain Calls. Tearing down house shows and tearing up hotel rooms. Ladders and cages. Vacated titles and unwarranted suspensions. Works and screwjobs. Heartaches and backbreaks. Forced retirements and redemption. Rock 'n' roll and Graceland. There are two sides to every story; for Shawn Michaels, there is "Heartbreak & Triumph."World Wrestling Entertainment fans think they know "The Heartbreak Kid." He's "The Showstopper" who pushes his high-flying abilities to the limit in the squared circle, on ladders, and in steel cages. He's the company's first "Grand Slam" champion. And of course, he's forever the guy who conspired with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to screw Bret "Hitman" Hart out of the WWE Championship in Montreal at "Survivor Series" on November 9, 1997.

But that's the side "HBK" has allowed you to see...until now. "Heartbreak & Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story" introduces us to Michael Shawn Hickenbottom ("Everyone called me Shawn"), the youngest of four children whose "really conservative upbringing" made him shy and "afraid that people wouldn't like me if I showed who I really was." But upon discovering Southwest Championship Wrestling (SWCW) on TV one Saturday night, the preteen Hickenbottom realized instantly what he wanted to become, and years later would convince his father -- a colonel in the U.S. Air Force -- to let him drop out of college and pursue his dream.

From there, Hickenbottom fully recounts the events that led to "Shawn Michaels's" tutelage under Mexican wrestler Jose Lothario; working matches at Mid-South Wrestling under the guidance of Terry Taylor and the Rock 'n' Roll Express's Robert Gibson & RickyMorton; flying high with Marty Jannetty as "The Midnight Rockers" in the American Wrestling Association (AWA); and how a barroom confrontation in Buffalo almost prevented the tandem from ever joining the World Wrestling Federation. "The Rockers" would drop the "Midnight" and climb to the top of a tough World Wrestling Federation tag-team division in the late 1980s, though Michaels confesses how a "fear of abandonment" stagnated his desire to participate in singles competition, pressured him into a marriage he wasn't ready for, and drove him to drinking heavily and downing pills "just to get through the day."

With the impact of some "Sweet Chin Music" (Michaels's Superkick finisher), "Heartbreak & Triumph" expresses the "sour note" that dissolved Michaels's partnership with Jannetty and started his transformation into "The Heartbreak Kid." You'll learn firsthand of the "unfair" allegation that brought about HBK's classic Ladder match with Razor Ramon at "WrestleMania X" ("I lost the match, but I made my career"); the incident in Syracuse that set the stage for Shawn's unbelievable "comeback" victories at "Royal Rumble 1996," and in the Iron Man WWE Championship match with Bret Hart at "WrestleMania XII"; and how his escalating backstage feud with Hart inadvertently built toward the formation of "D-Generation X," as well as the first-ever "Hell in a Cell" contest against The Undertaker at "Badd Blood" in October 1997.

Beyond the squared circle, Michaels clears the air about his days running with "The Kliq" -- Kevin Nash ("Diesel"), Scott Hall ("Razor Ramon"), Paul Levesque ("Triple H"), and Sean Waltman ("The 1-2-3 Kid") -- their contributions to WWE's wildly successful "Attitude"era, and the consequences of their uncharacteristic Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call" in May 1996. And for the first time anywhere, Michaels shoots completely straight about his role in "the biggest scandal in wrestling history," the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" at "Survivor Series 1997."

While reliving the crippling back injury that forced him to retire in his prime following his WWE Championship loss at "WrestleMania XIV," Michaels credits the new loves in his life -- his second wife Rebecca, his children, and his newfound faith -- with giving him the strength to kick his habit, recover physically, and make a jubilant return to the ring at "SummerSlam 2002" (in a Street Fight against best friend Triple H, no less). Now back on top and doing what he enjoys most, the WWE Superstar regards "Heartbreak & Triumph" as the perfect means "to review my life, and attempt to figure out how I became the person I am."(less)

Hardcover, 343 pages

Published November 22nd 2005 by World Wrestling Entertainment Books (first published 2005)

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May 10, 2008 Tommy rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Diane

This was an insomnia book...not much different from any of the other ghostwritten wrasslin' autobiographies. good, though, to have insight into the whole Montreal Screwjob from the lynchpin. Back in the day, I had Bret's back in the whole deal. I turned the page a while back. While there was nobody in the right in the whole deal, I think Bret was more in the wrong than anybody.

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Dec 11, 2011 David Santos rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://www.davidasantos.com/2011/12/b...

A great book. One of my favorite wrestlers ever from the 1990's. I was a fan of all fans. I would dance to his music, collect magazine covers. I loved his ring gear, music, attitude and humor (especially in DX) I've watched several of his DVD's but this is the first time I read his book. I learned a lot about HBK. One can argue that he is still cocky in this book, but one can not deny what he does in the ring. The fact that he put John Cena over...many tim...more http://www.davidasantos.com/2011/12/b...

A great book. One of my favorite wrestlers ever from the 1990's. I was a fan of all fans. I would dance to his music, collect magazine covers. I loved his ring gear, music, attitude and humor (especially in DX) I've watched several of his DVD's but this is the first time I read his book. I learned a lot about HBK. One can argue that he is still cocky in this book, but one can not deny what he does in the ring. The fact that he put John Cena over...many times is a reason to be a fan. he jobbed to some who he shouldn't have.

Anyways some great insight into his life and how things got started in WWE how he first met many of his buddies, the formation of factions, issues with Marty. Drugs, the parties. Everything is told through Shawns eyes and he takes his time writing it giving us a detailed story. And then there's Bret Hart. After years I was finally able to hear the real story of what happened in Montreal. I felt the stress of Shawn getting to me. Much credit to him, I could never have lived with the guilt.

There is a quote in this book that couldn't be any more truer and showed me that hey Shawn really does know the business and what's going on today: "That's one of the problems with the business now, we put titles on guys hopping that it's going to get them over. You need to get over first, than get the title." The IC title has lost its meaning because it never gets defended, same with the US title. They slap the belt on someone for months and months but never have the defend it, in hopes that the belt will get the individual over. it fails.

I really liked his transformation into a Christian. I could tell he was different when he returned in the mid 2000's He really did act like a new born person. And I am glad. you look at the long list of wrestlers lives that drugs have taken, Shawn could have been one of them hadn't God brought his wife into his life and prayed so much for him.

"..Continue praying to the lord and talking to him. reading his word and letting him talk to you. You can't have a relationship with somebody once a week at church. it's an everyday thing.."(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 David rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Heartbreak & Triumph wasn't the most interesting autobiography that I've read. I found Eric Bischoff and Ric Flair's far more gripping. Shawn (with the help of his ghost-writer) tended to rush over certain incidents and events that as wrestling fans, we were already aware of. The only major event where we really got his side of the story was the Montreal Screwjob. It was interesting to see his side of such a famous and important event that took place in the industry. Shawn tended to gloss ov...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Travis rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, non-fiction

I never really knew all that much about Shawn Michaels since he injured when I watched WWE. I did know the name and this book did a good job highlighting his career. The most interesting part was an insider look into the Montreal Screwjob. And while I'm not religious it was nice to read someone so strong in his faith, seems genuinely changed by it, and yet doesn't expect everyone to follow suite.

Only disappoint was the book was written before his match with Undertaker at Wrestlemania that forced...more

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Jan 03, 2011 Michael R. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved reading this. Not because I was a massive wrestling fan when I was younger but because of the reality this book held in the true life story of his struggles, successes, failures and redemption he has experienced throughout his life's journey thusfar.

I would recommend this to any avid reader if they would like to attempt to expand their view outside of the very often jaded view on the world of wrestling and realize that through all the kayfabe storyline drama on the surface, th...more

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Jan 08, 2010 Hannah Schug rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

As a new fan to the WWE Universe, I knew very little about the Superstars. I have enjoyed watching Shawn and Triple H on Monday Night Raw; after reading this, I have a whole new love and respect for the Heartbreak Kid.
Shawn candidly discusses his life and what led him to be one of the top Superstars in the WWF/E. His love for professional wrestling is evident in every page. He is open and honest about everything in his life, from his childhood and early days in the business with Marty Jannety,...more

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Apr 06, 2009 Miles rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing if you are a fan of the Heartbreak Kid. Shawn Michaels. He is a WWE superstar who has entertained millions for over 2 decades. Shawn Michaels gives us a look into his career and we get to feel all of the emotions that Shawn feels. He tells us how he dealt with all of his injuries and how he thought that coming back to professional wrestling was nearly impossible. We are able to see some great in ring pictures which are so vivid and nice that you feel your actually there. I r...more

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May 23, 2012 Hermit rated it 4 of 5 stars

When you debate about who the best in any particular field is, it is not easy to draw a conclusion. But when it comes to in-ring pro wrestling performers, none stand in the same league as Shawn Michaels. And most people who understand wrestling, will agree that he is the best ever in ring performer.

This book gives us the chance to read Michaels's life like a novel. At no point does he deny that he has made mistakes in his life and is an imperfect individual. But he also knows how good he is in...more When you debate about who the best in any particular field is, it is not easy to draw a conclusion. But when it comes to in-ring pro wrestling performers, none stand in the same league as Shawn Michaels. And most people who understand wrestling, will agree that he is the best ever in ring performer.

This book gives us the chance to read Michaels's life like a novel. At no point does he deny that he has made mistakes in his life and is an imperfect individual. But he also knows how good he is in the ring. It is also an entertaining book. The writing style is good. From his childhood when he admired Ric Flair, to the Montreal Screwjob and to his marriage and rebirth as a Christian, he explains all that he went through. You also get insights into some of the famous wrestlers he has worked with, like Triple H, Kevin Nash, The Undertaker and Bret Hart; and of course, Vince McMahon.

The best thing about this book is that Shawn Michaels’s story is actually a very interesting one to read. Like most stories of popular literature, it has success, downfall, mental struggle and victory in the end. Shawn finds his sanctuary inside the ring, he loves being there, but doesn't like the life outside of it and creates trouble for his peers and his boss. Eventually all his life is crushed when he has a back injury and is told that he can no longer compete in the ring. It is then that he meets a woman who likes the man that Shawn is and not the character. She introduces him to Christianity and suddenly Shawn has something worth living for outside the ring. As his back heals, he has a family and he has God in his life. Now when he comes back to the ring, he enjoys it more than ever and he is not afraid because he knows he has something outside of it as well. This time he is not a trouble maker and he is above championships. He learns to 'fly with his feet on the ground'.

Adequately called, Heartbreak and Triumph, this book is obviously a must read for Shawn Michaels fans but also for wrestling fans. And it is also a must read for those who want an insight into the pro wrestling business and see how things work. And it is even a good read for any person looking for a good read.

(less)

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Apr 22, 2013 George K. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finished

Heartbreak and Triumph by Shawn Michaels
Autobiography
352 Pages

Michael Hickenbottom or Shawn Michaels is a WWE wrestler and is one of the best wrestlers of all time. In the story it talks about how they set up the matches by telling the people who are fighting who's going to win and by what move. His childhood was an average childhood playing football and wrestling. There is one move called the piledriver where the person turns the player upside and drops him and if it is done wrong it can break...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Marlon Philgence rated it 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating read if you're a wrestling fan or just curious about the business. Shawn Michaels is a great storyteller and I was very interested in reading his behind the scenes accounts of wrestling's many spectacular moments like his ladder matches with Scott Hall, the Hell In A Cell match with The Undertaker, and the infamous Montreal screwjob. Unfortunately he glosses over the seedier parts of his life (which was why I really started reading the book) but he left enough in to keep me enterta...more

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Nov 08, 2009 Nikki Lefebvre rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Nikki by: Sean

I love shawn michaels,..he's a good wrestler, he's a sexy man, he's got a sense of humor,...not so much with the writing. Half the time he tried to explain his side of all the rumors about him, (i'd never heard most of the rumors so it got a little boring.) the other half he was explaining how he's the greatest wrestler ever,...also boring. The books one saving grace was hearing what the other wrestlers are like, whose really a jerk, whose pretty cool, you always wonder because they are paid to...more

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Jun 08, 2012 KellyElaine rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am not a hardcore wrestling entertainment fan. I am a sucker for biographies, though. And I had recently (within the past couple years) started watching some WWE wrestling so it wasn't like it was a completely foreign subject. But I did really enjoy this book. It was informative, interesting...and let's be real; not many people cannot NOT be a fan of Shawn Michaels if they are familiar with him at all.

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Jul 23, 2012 Arjun Mishra rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoirs

As far as wrestling memoirs go, this is probably my least favorite. It is surprising, too, considering the tumultuous and resonating story that Shawn Michaels has and all of his ascents and descents. I'm sure Batista's book could give this a run for its money, but I did not enjoy it a bit. My favorites are Ric Flair's, Stone Cold's, Edge's and The Rock's. Mick Foley's are the best.

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Apr 07, 2009 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Shawn Michaels, so I'm a little biased. Even if the book sucked, I wouldn't be able to tell you. That's how biased I am. Reading this is the closest I'll get to sharing a room with HBK, and also the closest I'll get to being in bed with him (I read this in bed....although, we don't really need to go down that road.)

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Jun 23, 2012 Stephen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good read about the life and career of a legend. In my opinion one of the best in the business. However it's quite clear to see how egotistical he is in his own life and that personally put me off him a bit. In saying that, that's why I read books like this, to get a reaction and that is what I got. Good read.

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Jan 03, 2013 Brian rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading about the first half of his career and up until after his back injury. Then it became too much of "I found myself" "I found god" etc. That is not a bad thing, but it is not what I was looking for in this book. It was still a good book and a must read for a wrestling fan.

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Feb 25, 2013 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting story about the Showstopper Shawn Michaels. Goes into him growing up, and getting into wrestling. Of course the Montreal Screwjob is an entire chapter unto istelf.

He also spends time talking about the Cliq, and his friendship with Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Triple H.

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Dec 03, 2008 Brandy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: the cool people

Recommended to Brandy by: me of course

One of the best life stories. His life has been through a lot of up and downs and im glad he's okay and that D-X is forever. He's probably the 2nd greatsest wrestler (after Ric Flair of course) of all time, and he has proven that both inside the ring and out. He's a great guy.

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Mar 05, 2009 Josh Liller rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: wrestling, biography

Decently written and better than expected in terms of accuracy. Some stuff is a glossed over because this is an Official WWE Autobiography and Michaels has Found Jesus in recent years, but from what I understand as far as revisionist history goes this isn't too bad.

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Dec 29, 2008 Brett Walker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent book for any wrestling fan! Gives an in depth look into the Brett Heart incident from the view of Shaun Micheals, along with many other controversial matters in wrestling history! Really good book and very interesting!

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Aug 18, 2008 Steve rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: no one

Shelves: wrestling

This self-serving book was one of my least favorite wrestling auto-biography. Who are we kidding, this is the worst. Shawn spends many pages putting down many wrestlers, including Jean-Pierre Lafytte, Bret Hart, and others, wile stating that he did not do this to be negative, he was just being honest. He also makes no apologies about this. Then he makes a call to his religion, being a born-again Christian. IF you ask me, that is being two-faced. I can slam people but then say that today, I am a...more

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May 22, 2013 Mayank Saboo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shawn michaels isn't the easiest guy to know and the complexity of this autobiography is thought provoking. I would definitely like knowing him in person nd Heartbreak and Triumph is a good stepping stone.

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Apr 28, 2009 Roberto Carlos rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pro-wrestling-books

Shawn Michaels has been a childhood icon for me growing up. So this book had many expectations. In terms of the major events of his career, he did a great job of addressing all of them. However, there is one huge flaw to his writing, he contradicts his actions. For example, he will claim that he had no hand in manipulating a segment and then shortly after mention running into Vince's office to complain. The book may have had many contradictions for creative reasons but I personally believe it ma...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Jaime Dutton rated it 2 of 5 stars

Given the life Michaels has lead there should be enough material for an engaging story however this turns out to be a complete white wash a tale of omissions and half truths

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Jul 20, 2012 Jeremiah Graves rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: wrasslin

This was a pretty fun read. It was somewhat repetitive and seemed to contain a bit of revisionist history, but Shawn Michaels is one of the all-time greats and it was fun to hear his side of so many big moments from his career.

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Feb 24, 2010 Diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Anyone who likes WWE should read this book. I never realized how tough it is to get into pro wrestling. Shawn Michaels is funny and one of the best wrestlers of our time.

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Jan 13, 2009 David Spencer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

I liked it more than I thought I would, and he was such a big part of WWE history that his story is good. Overly ghostwritten, though.

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Oct 02, 2009 Macbaby230 rated it 5 of 5 stars

i love this man i look up to this man he is one of my two heros i would love to meet him i would read this book over and over

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Jan 08, 2013 Sean Eddy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was the most self absorbed biography I've ever read. It was entertaining at first but gets tedious pretty fast.

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Mar 19, 2012 Sheena E rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All wrestling fans

Recommended to Sheena by: Friend

An honest and heartfelt autobiography from one of the best to ever put on the tights. You ROCK, Shawn Michaels!

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