WWE News: Shawn Michaels Blows a Gasket in WWE.com Interview

In a February 23 WWE.com audio interview, Shawn Michaels spoke to a WWE media representative for precisely five minutes and 55 seconds.

For the the majority of the interplay, HBK seems to be at relative ease and, for as far as the naked ear could listen, mostly out of character. Though there are instances when Michaels is asked storyline-related questions to which he seems to play along.

Suddenly, in the last minute or so, Michaels becomes indignant at the interviewer's line of questioning. It sounds uncontrived, but then again, it may just be convincing acting on his part.

To summarize, the back-and-forth discourse went something like this:

- In the beginning, Michaels expresses happiness and relief at Triple H accepting Undertaker's challenge for WrestleMania 28.

- Upon being prompted about "The Dead Man's" comment on RAW that he is better than Triple H, HBK simply chalks it up to mind games—Undertaker had to do what was necessary to get "The Cerebral Assassin" back in the ring.

- When asked if Undertaker's comment has any merit, HBK quickly responds that it is irrelevant—this is about his former D-Generation X buddy ending the streak.

- Suddenly, what was previously a calm interview takes a sharp turn when the interviewer asks if, by defeating Undertaker on his "home field," Triple H would be considered better than him (Shawn).

- Following a long pause, Michaels pleads helplessness, citing the fact that it doesn't matter what he says; the media will just shape his words and motivations the way it wants.

- HBK becomes irascible at this point, wondering why the interviewer is attempting to "drive a wedge" between he and Triple H. Michaels ponders if he's so cursed that, in his annual appearance since retirement, the spotlight shines (erroneously) on him. Sarcastically, he wonders if he's "that gifted."

- Once again, the San Antonio native reiterates that the real topic at hand is about Triple H and Undertaker, not about him and Triple H.

- Furthermore, "The Heartbreak Kid" goes on to defend himself from the interviewer's incendiary approach by proclaiming he's "the best in-ring performer who ever lived" and that "he can't help it" if the focus is on him following his February 13 RAW promo.

- Finally, after demanding the interviewer "get it through his thick skull," "shut his pie hole" and allow him to "live (his) retired life," Michaels unceremoniously hangs up the phone.

Assuming this exchange was planned and not indicative of real-life miscommunication, what are its long-term implications?

Does it mean we'll see HBK as the guest referee between Triple H and Undertaker at WrestleMania 28?

Better yet, is Michaels perhaps having a change of heart about his self-imposed retirement?

And although it's a leap of faith, would it be worthwhile to witness a triple-threat affair at WrestleMania with the creator of "Sweet Chin Music" added to the mix?

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