6 Superstars who relinquished their title due to injury or illness

#3 Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels had one of the most heated rivalries in pro wrestling history with Bret Hart in the 90s, when both wrestlers hated each other on and off screen.

During their incredible rivalry, which ultimately led to the infamous Montreal Screwjob, Michaels had to almost retire from wrestling in 1997, due to a serious knee injury.

Michaels, who was the WWF Champion, had to relinquish the title on a Thursday edition of RAW, as he told fans that he had to retire from wrestling due to the injuries, telling fans that he had "lost his smile".

Following surgery, Michaels returned to the WWE and wrestled once again, and then the iconic Montreal Screwjob happened.

After Michaels relinquished the title, his old rival, Bret Hart, won the title in a fatal four-way match against The Undertaker, Vader, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Michaels has had a long list of injuries in his WWE career, including injuring his back in 1998 which forced him to retire once again.