Shawn Michaels says WWE is in good hands with a 40-year-old leading the pack.
On September 20, WWE’s Premium Live Event, Wrestlepalooza, will be broadcast on ESPN for the first time. More shows will follow this system going forward. The sports entertainment capital has been evolving to newer heights in recent years, and now it has reached ‘The Worldwide Leader in Sports,’ as Shawn Michaels put it.
Michaels is one of the greatest professional wrestlers in the industry, widely respected. Today, he is WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Creative. HBK oversees the creative aspects of the NXT brand, where he serves as a mentor and leader to the new generation of talents.
Shawn Michaels Endorses Cody Rhodes As The Face Of WWE
Speaking to Undisputed, Shawn Michaels stated that when the old generation stars pass the torch, they hope it is to someone who gets the business and values it. With that in mind, HBK noted that WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is a worthy flagbearer.
“You’re always comforted when you’re handing over the reins of this business to someone that respects it, honors it, and enjoys it,” said Michaels. “That gives all of us a lot of peace and comfort.
When Cody [Rhodes] comes into the Performance Center, it’s very fortunate for us. He wants to pass it on to the next generation and echoes a lot of what we say. That’s a huge help and comfort to everyone in WWE. You know the business is in good hands moving into the future.”
During John Cena’s prime, he defeated Triple H and Shawn Michaels, among countless other legends of the industry. At SummerSlam 2025, The American Nightmare symbolically defeated The Last Real Champion, who was the flagbearer of WWE for many years.
Cody has not been seen on TV since the SmackDown after SummerSlam, but is set to make an appearance at Wrestlepalooza.