In the latest installment of his My World podcast, Jeff Jarrett, AEW’s Director of Business Development, ignited fervent discussions within the wrestling community with his bold comparisons and insightful predictions. During the podcast, Jarrett drew parallels between WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels and basketball legend Michael Jordan, stirring both admiration and debate among fans.
Jarrett’s assertion that Michaels is the “Michael Jordan of professional wrestling” wasn’t made lightly. He pointed to Michaels’ unparalleled body of work and his ability to consistently deliver exceptional matches throughout his illustrious career. Specifically, Jarrett highlighted Michaels’ legendary clashes with The Undertaker and Bret Hart, emphasizing the impact of these encounters on wrestling history.
“I think Shawn [Michaels] is one of those guys that is the Michael Jordan of professional wrestling,” Jarrett proclaimed during the podcast. He praised Michaels’ versatility, noting his effectiveness as both a beloved hero and a despised villain. Despite acknowledging past objections from wrestling icon Ric Flair regarding the comparison, Jarrett remained steadfast in his belief that Michaels’ talent and contributions warrant such high praise.
Jarrett’s bold statements didn’t stop there. He ventured into speculative territory by suggesting that another wrestler could eventually step into the role of The Undertaker following Mark Calaway’s retirement in 2020. While acknowledging the immense challenge of filling such iconic shoes, Jarrett expressed optimism about the possibility, citing the importance of timing and creative storytelling in executing a successful transition.
“Buddy, timing is everything, and creative is subjective,” Jarrett reflected. “But can you imagine… the right set of circumstances, the gong go off, the Undertaker’s gong?” Despite Calaway’s shift to other ventures, including one-man shows and podcasting, Jarrett believes that the essence of The Undertaker could be perpetuated by a worthy successor.
As Jarrett’s words reverberated throughout the wrestling community, fans and pundits alike found themselves engaged in lively discussions about the legacies of Michaels and The Undertaker. Some applauded Jarrett for recognizing Michaels’ impact on the industry and for his thought-provoking insights into the future of The Undertaker’s character. Others, however, questioned the validity of the comparisons, arguing that both Michaels and The Undertaker are irreplaceable figures in their own right.
Nevertheless, Jarrett’s remarks served as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of wrestling icons like Michaels and The Undertaker. Their contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping its past, present, and future in profound ways.
As wrestling enthusiasts continue to dissect Jarrett’s comments, one thing remains clear: the conversation surrounding the legacies of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker is far from over.