WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels revealed his 2023 wrestling MVP of the year as none other than “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio. Michaels is a legendary wrestler with a stature that few could ever achieve. He dominated the ‘90s in WWE. Even when it looked like his skills may be waning in the ring he showed fans that he still had a lot left in the tank after returning to the ring and mounting a comeback in 2002.
RELATED: Mickie James Says Dominik Mysterio Wrestles Like A ’20-Year Veteran’ And ‘Is Incredible’
Michaels may not be active in the ring anymore, but he is still very active in WWE. In September 2022 he was given the title of Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative after Triple H moved on to take over the main roster and much of Vince McMahon’s duties. Michaels’ duties are currently to oversee NXT and its wrestlers.
In Michaels’ long career and time overseeing NXT, he has seen and worked with some extremely talented wrestlers. One of those individuals who has become more involved with NXT lately is Dominik Mysterio. On a recent episode of Cheap Heat, Michaels explained why he believes Mysterio is the WWE MVP of 2023. He stated the following:
“To me, Dominik Mysterio [is the] MVP of WWE this year. Every time he comes here [to NXT], I look at him and I [say], ‘Hardest working man in show business.’ He has just been an iron man for us. I can’t speak to what he does on the main roster, but he has just done everything we have asked of him. He’s done it professionally. He’s done it admirably, done it to the best of his ability … He has been a stud for us.
Again, I think from a company standpoint, everybody would agree with me, he got a lot put on him early, and I think he’s grown a lot in this last year. I think he’s become a hell of a performer as well, when everything is said and done. It’s hard for me not to admire the young man who’s worked so hard for us.”
H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription
Dominik Mysterio Has Made the Most Out of His Time in NXT
Michaels admits that Dominik Mysterio coming down to NXT has been to his advantage because he didn’t come through NXT like most younger Superstars. He went straight to the main roster upon his debut. Most rookie WWE talents work out the kinks at the Performance Center or at least in NXT, but Dominik had to do it on the main roster. His time in NXT probably allowed for more experience and ring time with other up-and-coming talents and veterans.
Mysterio continues to make appearances in NXT because he is the current NXT North American Champion. He has held the championship twice with his current reign beginning on Oct. 3.
Additionally, Dominik Mysterio is currently part of The Judgment Day and has become an integral part of the group. His addition to the group elevated them a lot. He was part of the impressive WarGames match which was overshadowed by two big returns.
Rhea Ripley has become the unofficial leader of Judgment Day. Her and Mysterio’s chemistry is what has made Judgement Day segments and matches must-watch.
RELATED: WWE’s Scotty 2 Hotty Talks About Training Popular Superstars, Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez
Michaels was asked if he thinks there’s a possibility that Ripley just may be the greatest woman to ever step into a ring. He didn’t shy away from the question and said she has “unlimited potential.” He added on Rhea Ripley:
“She is a special athlete, [has] a look, a charisma, the it factor that we talk about. I didn’t know that she was going to sort of mature and elevate herself so quickly and look so comfortable [in performing]. I look at a lot of the women that are on the main roster now, the Biancas and the Charlottes, and again, a great number of them that were here [in NXT], and just the presence and the comfort and the confidence that they have out there is just amazing to me, especially when you’ve gotten to see him from the beginning.
Again, that’s why [Triple H] and I are so into [working behind the scenes], because you get to be such a real part of their journey and it happens right in front of you. It’s to not be generally connected to that and care about that.”
H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcription
Rhea Ripley Has Become the Mami of WWE
Ripley has not so quietly become the top woman on the roster. She was something special from back to her days in NXT. Since debuting on the main roster she has continued to approve in leaps and bounds. Ripley is the current WWE Women’s World Champion. She recently went to war with Zoey Stark at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames.
What have you thought of Dominik Mysterio in 2023? Do you think he is the MVP of WWE? What about in NXT? If not, who would you say is the MVP? What is an area you think Mysterio needs to work on? Do you think Ripley may be the GOAT? Is it possible she may eventually become the GOAT? Let us know what you hope to see from Mysterio and Ripley in the coming year. Let us know your thoughts on Michaels’ comments on The Illuminerdi’s social media.
SOURCE: Cheap Heat, Wrestling Inc.
KEEP READING: Kevin Owens Explains Why Sami Zayn Is Such a Great Pro Wrestler
