It’s a topic of conversation WWE fans have every so often.
Who is going to replace the superstars they grew up watching? Regardless of the era, the promotion or the country, fans want to remember the ones who got them interested in the business, made a lasting impression and to this day, remain one of their favourites.
I’m old school, in that I grew up watching the sweet science of Dory Funk, and the brawler’s mentality of Harley Race. But when I think of current WWE superstars, finding a suitable replacement to fill that role is next to impossible.
The older gimmicks of the 1970s and 1980s will never be replaced, but it’s fun to think out loud who might fill a similar role in the current business.
No one is ever going to replace Shawn Michaels. The “Heartbreak Kid” is one of WWE’s genuine greats. His charisma and in-ring ability make him one of the greatest of all-time. Some argue he is better than Ric Flair and more popular than The Rock. As I have said before, that’s a topic for another time and place.
For now, let’s concentrate on Michaels as the wrestler and the impact he has had on the business. There will likely never be a “Shawn Michaels” again. He cannot be duplicated. While imitation is the greatest form of flattery, there are a few wrestlers, who could replicate the image but never take away from the real thing.
Michaels was as much a total package as there ever was one in this business.
Here are five wrestlers who could fill Michaels’ shoes if they were packaged correctly.
#1 Dolph Ziggler
If you asked this question three years ago, Ziggler’s name would have been first on the list. I still think he is capable of filling that type of role. Watch Ziggler in a match. Watch his tendencies and his in-ring ability and how he sells a match.
There are very few wrestlers on the current roster, who sell a match much like Michaels and as an old-school guy; I see some of the same facial expressions and tendencies. Add to that the “superkick” finisher, and there is a lot to like about Ziggler’s chances, to once again claim a world title. I also would not be surprised if he turned heel once again.
#2 The Miz
Early on in his career, Michaels had Sheri Martel in his corner as his manager. I can attest to the fact Maryse is a much hotter version of The Heart Break Kid’s counterpart. With Miz, you either love him or hate him. There is no in between.
While some would argue Mike Mizanin does not fit the role, I would totally disagree, based on his in-ring style, his ability on the mic and his skill to deliver an outstanding interview. Plus, he is over dramatic and continues to get better, now that he is on SmackDown Live. And like Martel of WWF days, Maryse will do whatever it takes to help her man win.
#3 AJ Styles
The recent picture of the two superstars has sparked the possibility to a match – maybe at the Royal Rumble in San Antonio. I think Styles is the best in the business today. The rise in WWE has been meteoric, and fans love him as a babyface or a heel.
His arsenal in the ring is one of the best today, and his ability to wrestle larger opponents and still put on a show is phenomenal – yes I went there. By defeating John Cena three times in a calendar year, he has cemented himself as the “guy” for the foreseeable future. I’m hoping this match with Michaels takes place, so there is a symbolic passing of the torch.
#4 Bobby Roode
If there is a wrestler who can come into WWE, besides Styles, and make an impact, it’s Roode. He is one of the better technical wrestlers, who can mix it up and brawl if he has to. Roode’s style has been compared to Arn Anderson – tough and workmanlike, but make no mistake, he is his own man.
Roode’s ability to deliver a forceful promo should go over well when he eventually makes the leap to the main roster from NXT. If Roode captures NXT gold in 2017, I wonder how long it will be before he is called up to the main roster?
Can he have the same impact as Styles has had?
#5 Chris Jericho
Technically, isn’t Jericho already doing this? The man who was Michaels’ biggest rival at the end of his career, has taken his game up a few notches and still delivers some of the best matches in the company today.
At 45-years-old, he puts on a clinic every time he gets in the ring. I am not willing to put Jericho in the top 10 of all time technical wrestlers, but he is one of the best at delivery and right now, his mic work is the best the business has to offer.
The feud between Michaels and Jericho, rivals that of Ric Flair and Rick Steamboat, as one that defines a generation. Even today, Jericho is defining what greatness looks like in a wrestling ring.
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