Shawn Michaels might be one of wrestling’s elder statesmen and a kind of loveable grandfather figure today, but his younger days were a wild blend of alcohol, drugs, partying, and womanising.
During the early part of his career, Michaels teamed with Marty Jannetty in a team dubbed The Midnight Rockers, although this was later shortened to simply, The Rockers.
After finding success across a number of NWA territories including the AWA, The Rockers landed in the WWF in 1987 but lasted just a couple of weeks before they were fired because of their excessive partying. However, after a spell with the CWA, Jannetty, and Michaels re-joined the WWF in 1988.
The pair stayed together until late 1991, (the segment was aired in January 1992) when Michaels famously turned on his partner launching him through a barbershop window. Following the breakup, the duo was due to engage in a lengthy feud but plans were scrapped after Jannetty was arrested and hit with a whole list of charges including possession of cocaine.
Speaking to Bill Apter for Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge, Jannettey reflected on his time teaming with Michaels and their extracurricular activities. The former WWE star recalled the pair making regular trips to Las Vegas and doing things they shouldn’t.
“Oh my God partying. We would do every third weekend in Vegas for Showboat. We were young. We did a lot of things we shouldn’t do back then. The partying with the extras in it, you know, besides the alcohol. Vegas is a place that never sleeps. I know New York City doesn’t either, but Vegas is like, you open your door, here’s the party waiting on you.”
Shawn Michaels And Marty Jannetty Eventually Reunited
Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty remained apart for a number of years with HBK rising to the top of WWE and becoming a multiple-time World Champion. Jannetty had a more mixed career, eventually forming The New Rockers with young Al Snow in 1996.
Michaels and Jennetty briefly reunited on Raw in 2005, and there were further occasional spots together in 2006 and 2007.
H/t to Wrestling Inc