Hall of Fame Wrestler meets fans for book signing at Clear Creek PX

Photo By Sgt. Brandon Anderson | Wrestler Shawn Michaels talks with a fan during his book signing at the Clear Creek Post Exchange located on Fort Hood, Texas, March 24. Michaels, whose father retired from the United States Air Force, said it felt like coming home while visiting Fort Hood, as he grew up on military installations.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

03.24.2015

Story by Sgt. Brandon Anderson 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas - Hundreds of fans of all ages gathered at the Clear Creek Post Exchange for a chance to meet wrestling hall of famer Shawn Michaels, better known to the wrestling community as the Heart Break Kid, and to get a signed copy of his book “Wrestling for My Life”, Tuesday.

Michaels whose real name is Michael Shawn Hickenbottom, began wrestling professionally in the former World Wrestling Federation in 1988 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of fame in 2011.

Michaels has deep ties to the military community, as his father was a career Airman, and said being on Fort Hood felt like coming home.

"I grew up on military bases," said Michaels. “I even went to high school on one, so being here is something I'm honored to do."

He said he's been privileged to not only engage the military community in events such as this, but has also been a part of putting on a show for the troops at Fort Hood in years past when he and other WWE wrestlers came as part of Wrestling for the Troops.

One very excited little boy who braved the crowd while clutching a WWE figurine for a chance to meet The Heart Break Kid is Jonathan Harris, son of Spc. James Harris and Angela Harris.

Mrs. Harris said her son falls on the Autistic Spectrum, but has loved wrestling ever since he was very young.

"His dad and uncle were tag-team wrestlers before his dad joined the Army, so Jonathan has been hooked ever since he was little.

Jonathan said he loves wrestling, and one day hopes to become a World Wrestling Champion like Michaels.

"My son loves wrestling, so having a chance for him to meet Shawn Michaels is a big thing for him," said Harris.

Although Michaels spent over 30 years entertaining his fans, he said his main purpose in the visit was to promote his biography “Wrestling for My Life”.

"I enjoy meeting everyone, but there's more to my life than just wrestling," said Michaels. I've spent the last 30 years talking about wrestling and during events like this I talk about things like my faith and my family."

If interested in finding out more about this former military child and his life, his book is available for purchase at the P.X. as well as other retail outlets.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2015
• Date Posted: 03.25.2015 09:55
• Story ID: 158010
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US