Shawn Michaels was a well-recognized face on WWE television during his post-retirement run with the corporate, however the WWE Hall of Famer once revealed why he never made the move to SmackDown.
While promoting the 2017 Christian comedy film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, Michaels discussed his return to WWE and explained that he turned down the chance to work SmackDown since the show’s Tuesday night taping schedule conflicted together with his Bible study commitments.
Michaels, who has been open about his faith as a born-again Christian, said he was unwilling to sacrifice that a part of his life, even when it meant taking a major financial hit. He said,
“There was a time during my profession, after I went back, that they wanted me to go over to SmackDown, which is taped on Tuesday nights. Which might’ve affected my wife’s bible study and mine. It just wasn’t something I used to be going to do.”
Based on Michaels, WWE even floated the potential for reducing his pay if he refused to make the switch, but he remained firm in his decision. He said,
“‘We will cut your contract in half,’ well do whatever you gotta’ do. I said, ‘You must understand, the nice Lord’s already decided how much money I’m gonna make this yr. [There’s] nothing you’ll be able to do to alter it.’”
Michaels ultimately stayed on RAW, making occasional appearances while maintaining the schedule that allowed him to prioritize his family and faith commitments.
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