WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, known as “The Heartbreak Kid,” recently underwent significant back surgery and is now confronting the prospect of double knee replacement, according to an exclusive update shared by fellow WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash on his “Kliq This” podcast. This revelation sheds light on the long-term toll professional wrestling has taken on Michaels’ body, years after his retirement from active competition.

Kevin Nash, a close friend and longtime confidant of Michaels, provided rare and detailed insight into the current state of Michaels’ health. Nash disclosed that Michaels recently had surgery to remove “twisted” rods from his back—hardware originally inserted following a severe injury sustained during the infamous 1998 casket match. That injury had initially forced Michaels into retirement after WrestleMania XIV, with many fearing he would never wrestle again. The rods, Nash explained, had deteriorated over time and required removal to alleviate ongoing pain.

“Shawn just got done. He got an operation and got because when he f—ed his back up on that casket match, they put some rods and s–t in his back,” Nash revealed on the podcast. “And they had to take them out, because they were all twisted.” Nash also noted that Michaels experienced immediate relief, waking up from surgery “in less pain” than he had been for years[1].

In addition to this critical back surgery, Nash also confirmed that Michaels faces further major medical challenges. Most notably, Shawn Michaels requires both knees to be replaced in upcoming procedures. Nash speculated that years of physical strain have not only damaged his knees but may also have affected his hips, stating: “And who’s to say, as long as they’ve [Shawn’s legs] been bowed like that, there’s not some hip things”[1].

This grim forecast underscores the extreme physical price Michaels paid during his two decades competing at the highest level of professional wrestling. His knees, subjected to countless high-impact moves and grueling matches, have long been a source of concern. Past reports and images have shown Michaels undergoing rehabilitation for swollen knees, as recently as 2024, with physical therapist Kevin Wilk documenting therapy work intended to alleviate ongoing knee problems[2]. Despite his retirement occurring over 15 years ago, Michaels’ body continues to require expert care.

Shawn Michaels’ injury history is well documented in wrestling circles. Besides the notorious back injury from the casket match, Michaels endured career-threatening knee injuries during the mid-1990s, famously stating on WWE programming that he had “lost his smile” due to the intense physical damage and uncertainty surrounding his recovery[5]. Instead of reconstructive surgeries like ACL repair, Michaels often resorted to less invasive procedures such as knee arthroscopy, which only temporarily managed symptoms but did not halt the progression of joint damage.

The latest developments reveal a harsh reality faced by many retired wrestlers: the long-term consequences of years spent in a physically punishing profession. Michaels, now firmly entrenched as a WWE Hall of Famer and the NXT Executive Vice President, has remained a beloved figure within the industry, but the physical toll has become undeniably severe.

According to sources close to the WWE, while Michaels’ surgeries and medical challenges are significant, he is approaching his health with determination and positivity. An insider commented, “Shawn’s resilience has always been part of why fans love him. Surgery and rehab are tough, but he’s committed to coming through stronger. The WWE family continues to support him fully”[2].

Medical experts suggest that double knee replacement, while major, could dramatically improve Michaels’ quality of life by reducing pain and restoring mobility. Combined with the recent successful removal of the problematic back rods, these surgeries mark a hopeful turning point, albeit requiring extensive recovery.

As the wrestling community continues to rally around Michaels, fans and peers alike appreciate the transparency Nash’s update has brought to an issue often shielded from public view. The willingness of figures like Nash to share such personal and medical details illuminates the human side of these athletes beyond the spectacle of the ring.

For now, wrestling fans must await further updates on Michaels’ recovery timeline, though the consensus is clear: the legend known as the Heartbreak Kid is taking all necessary steps to address the accumulated injuries of a storied career. His journey serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of physical adversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Shawn Michaels recently underwent surgery to remove deteriorated and “twisted” rods from his back, originally placed after his 1998 casket match injury[1][4].

• Michaels faces double knee replacement surgery in the near future and may have additional hip issues due to years of physical strain[1].

• Despite retirement 15+ years ago, Michaels continues to manage chronic injuries that have long plagued him, including severe knee problems documented in prior rehab sessions[2][5].

• Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash provided these health updates during his “Kliq This” podcast, offering rare transparency on Michaels’ medical status[1].

• WWE insiders suggest Michaels is committed to his recovery and supported by the wrestling community as he undergoes these challenging procedures[2].

This update is a poignant reminder of the real physical costs behind the entertainment of professional wrestling and the ongoing battles many legends face long after their time in the ring has ended. Fans worldwide send their best wishes to Shawn Michaels as he continues his fight for better health.