When The Rockers discovered that they were going to be featured in this issue of WWF Wrestling Spotlight, both Jannetty and Michaels willingly opened up and told us all that we wanted to know. Instead of interviewing them simultaneously, WWF Spotlight magazine went a step beyond by talking with the Rockers on a one-on-one basis. As you will soon find out, Marty and Shawn had much to say about themselves, their future, their partnership and more.
When pressed with the question about his being a toprated professional athlete, Shawn Michaels had these comments.
"To me, taking on the best wrestlers in the WWF is a key part of my life," says Shawn, removing his sunglasses. "But there's another part of Shawn Michaels that I'd like to talk about as well.
"You see, like my partner, I like to live life in the fast lane, brother," the Rocker goes on with a grin. "I like going out to the clubs, meeting all the pretty babes out there. I like to listen to my rock 'n' roll very loud and have it go on all day and all night, brother. That's what I love almost as much as I love. competing in the World Wrestling Federation."
Competing against the most proficient athletes in the WWF is something at which Shawn excels. In the ring, he always gives 100 percent, never backing down and always ready to make crucial tags. To Shawn Michaels, this is what it takes to be an active member of a world-renowned duo.
"When you get in that ring, you've got to turn it on as hard as you can," admits the Rocker, driving his fist into his palm. "If you don't, then you're destined to get your face rearranged or, worse yet, cause your partner to get injured. And if that's not enough, the teams that we wrestle usually try to wipe us out, brother, because everybody knows that a win over the Rockers can shoot you right up to the top. That's why I give my all in that ring, and Marty does the same because, unlike what some people think, we ain't no stepping stone for any team!"
One team that feels the Rockers are a stepping stone is Power and Glory-Hercules and Paul Roma. More than anything else, Roma and Hercules would like to end the Rockers' wrestling careers. Here's what Michaels had to say when the team Power and Glory was mentioned:
"You know, at one time Marty and I had a lot of respect for Hercules and Paul Roma because of their wrestling skills and strict training habits," says Shawn. "But that respect has gone to pot ever since they got in our faces and picked no-account Slick as a manager. Well, boys, if you think you're gonna run over us, think again. I won't let it happen, and neither will Marty!"
When Spotlight requested his views on teammate Marty Jannetty, Shawn, after some silence, came up with this response.
"He's like a brother to me," Shawn reveals, looking into the distance as if to collect more thoughts. "I mean, if I'm in the ring getting my butt kicked, I can count on him to help me out. On top of that, I trust him with my life. Because of those high-risk moves the Rockers use, I require Marty's help and vice versa. It feels great knowing that you're in good hands when you're standing on someone's shoulders some 12 feet above the ring and 18 feet above the concrete below.
"Another good quality about Marty" continues Michaels after a brief pause, "is that he'll fight an opponent to the last breath. That's a good partner, and his guts and grit help make the Rockers one of the roughest tag teams in the World Wrestling Federation."
One of the toughest now, but what will help the Rockers remain one of the most formidable squads in the WWF for some time to come? What factors will determine their longevity in a highly competitive division?
"Our guts and our never-say-die attitude, that's what!" Shawn answers. "We're gonna take on whoever wants a piece of the Rockers, and we don't care about size, strength or attitude. Sure, right now we have a score to settle with Power and Glory. But, somewhere down the line, we might have to face Rhythm & Blues, Demolition or maybe even guys like the Legion of Doom. You never know One thing's for sure: The Rockers will always be around the WWF as long as there's a challenge, and believe me, there's a challenge around every turn. Being ready for those challenges, the way we always are, makes a tag team great. And for those who know the Rockers, I don't think I need to say any more! Whoo!"