Jan 25, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Shawn Michaels potential career ending back surgery, WCW Souled Out
The career as an active wrestler of Shawn Michaels appears to have largely ended, certainly as any kind of a regular in-ring performer, stemming from the back injury suffered at the 1998 Royal Rumble.
Michaels underwent major back surgery on 1/12 in San Antonio, after which his doctor was quoted in the local newspaper as well as gave the private opinion to Michaels and the WWF that the injuries to one of his discs in his back were more severe than originally believed and that his wrestling days were over. Michaels had largely been telling friends even before undergoing the operation that he felt he had maybe five matches left in him.
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Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.