How could you? You were my hero, the one I aspired to be. You were my example and my favorite. You were the one I looked to for encouragement. Your failures and triumphs push me to be the best I can be. Your love and your relationship with the One True King was something that inspired me. And now, you're gone. You've left us. Did you want it to end this way? Did you want the final memory of Shawn Michaels in action to be lying to those who respected you? You told us you'd win. You said it wouldn't be over. You said you'd come back on Monday night and your career would be as safe as it ever was. Was it worth it? Was the final shot at Taker everything you had hoped it would be? Is this what you wanted? For darkness to prevail over the light for a second time?
But none of that matters anymore. It's done with. The hand came down for a third time, the bell was rung, and then the bell tolled. And you walked out silently, a look of realization on your face. That was it. No amount of preparation could have possibly gotten you ready for that. The end. Game over. No more bonus lives.
I'm not mad, just disappointed. My hero is gone. Who do I have now? Randy Orton? Christian? I love them all, but not like I loved you. You always hear people talking about the Rock and Stone Cold. I think that you deserve more than them, though. You're a class all your own. There's no others like you. You're the Icon, the Showstopper, Mr. Wrestlemania himself, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels! You're not really gone though, are you? Even though you might not be Shawn Michaels anymore, you're still the same wonderful guy.
Deep down, I understand that this is something that was inevitable. You're older now, you have a family. You're not invincible anymore. People say that you've done this before, and you'll be back in a matter of months, but I don't think so. And if you think it's time to go, then I can respect that. And so, if this is to be the last farewell, then let's lay everything on the table. Thank you. Thank you for your smile, your love, your power, your gentleness, your mistakes, your comebacks, your matches, your wins, your losses. Thank you for every time I laughed, thank you for every tear I cried. Thank you for all the heartbreak, and thank you for all the triumphs. Thank you for every time I jumped up and down in front of the TV, begging you to just not lose. Thank you for your journey. Thank you for the example you set. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your willingness to profess what you believe to millions of people. Thank you for your betrayals and thank you for your friendships. Thank you for your love for the fans, and thank you for taking our love. Thank you for loving your family, and thank you for loving God.
But most of all, thank God for you.