Shawn Michaels Says What?! The Heartbreak Kid Reacts to Tucker Kraft’s Epic Kip-Up That Shook the Ring and the Internet

When you think of iconic moments in wrestling history, Shawn Michaels—the “Heartbreak Kid” himself—has been at the center of some of the greatest. From his unforgettable ladder matches to his emotional retirement bouts, Michaels’ career is a highlight reel. So, when the WWE legend weighs in on a viral kip-up from Green Bay Packers’ rookie Tucker Kraft, you know it’s a moment worth talking about.

Wait, Who’s Tucker Kraft Again?

For those living under a rock (or just not following the NFL), Tucker Kraft is a tight end who’s been quietly making waves for the Packers. Known for his athleticism and grit on the field, Kraft recently took his game to another level—not with a touchdown or a bone-crunching block, but with a move straight out of the squared circle. Yes, Kraft hit a kip-up during a recent game, and the world collectively lost its mind.

The kip-up—where an athlete springs from their back to their feet in one fluid motion—is a move long synonymous with Shawn Michaels. Seeing it performed outside the wrestling ring, and with such finesse, got fans buzzing. Naturally, the king of the kip-up himself had to chime in.

Shawn Michaels’ Reaction: A Mix of Respect and Humor

When asked about Kraft’s kip-up during a WWE press conference, Michaels didn’t hold back. “I saw it, and I gotta say—pretty impressive for a football guy,” Michaels said with his trademark smirk. “But let’s not get carried away. I’ve been doing that move since Tucker Kraft was still in diapers.”

He went on to joke, “The real test is whether he can do it after taking a superkick to the chin. If he can kip-up after that, I’ll be impressed.”

Fans and analysts were quick to praise Michaels’ playful response, noting that it’s rare for a wrestling legend to acknowledge an athlete from another sport. However, HBK’s comments also carried a genuine sense of admiration. “Athleticism like that transcends sports,” Michaels added. “Kudos to him. Just don’t start calling yourself ‘The Showstopper,’ kid.”

Why Did Kraft Do It?

The question lingering in everyone’s mind was: Why did a football player even attempt a kip-up in the first place? Was it an homage to Michaels? A spur-of-the-moment flex? Or simply muscle memory from a high school wrestling background?

Kraft later explained during a post-game interview, “I grew up watching Shawn Michaels. The guy’s a legend. Honestly, it just felt like the right moment. The crowd was hyped, and I thought, ‘Why not?’”

The Packers’ rookie went on to credit his off-season conditioning program for making the move possible, adding, “I’ve been practicing my mobility and agility. Turns out it paid off in more ways than one.”

The Internet’s Reaction: Pure Chaos

The kip-up quickly became the talk of both sports and wrestling Twitter. Clips of Kraft’s moment were shared with captions like:

• “Tucker Kraft for WrestleMania 41?”
• “HBK better watch out—there’s a new Showstopper in town.”
• “Vince McMahon signing Tucker Kraft as we speak.”

Even WWE Superstars got in on the fun. Seth Rollins tweeted, “Not bad, kid. But can you survive Hell in a Cell?” Meanwhile, Becky Lynch chimed in, “Can someone teach my husband that move? Asking for a friend.”

A Kip-Up Connection: Football Meets Wrestling

This isn’t the first time the worlds of football and wrestling have collided. From NFL players transitioning to WWE (shoutout to Roman Reigns and Goldberg) to wrestling-inspired celebrations on the gridiron, the two sports share a long history of crossover appeal.

What makes Kraft’s moment special is the sheer spontaneity of it. It wasn’t part of a carefully choreographed routine or an end-zone celebration. It was raw, athletic brilliance in the middle of a high-stakes game.

And let’s not ignore the parallels between wrestling and football. Both require incredible athleticism, showmanship, and a flair for the dramatic. Kraft’s kip-up perfectly encapsulates that shared DNA.

Could Tucker Kraft Have a Future in WWE?

The question on everyone’s mind now is whether Kraft could follow in the footsteps of NFL-turned-WWE stars like Baron Corbin and Mojo Rawley. Michaels himself didn’t rule out the possibility. “He’s got the athleticism, no doubt,” HBK said. “But can he cut a promo? That’s the real test.”

WWE’s social media team certainly seems interested. They reposted Kraft’s kip-up with the caption, “Tryouts start Monday. Bring your A-game.”

Kraft, for his part, seems open to the idea. “Never say never,” he said when asked about a potential WWE career. “But for now, I’m focused on football. Who knows what the future holds?”

The HBK Legacy Lives On

Shawn Michaels’ reaction to Kraft’s kip-up serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of his career. Even decades after his prime, Michaels’ influence is felt not just in wrestling but across sports and pop culture.

As for Kraft, he’s just getting started. Whether he sticks to football or makes the leap to the squared circle, one thing’s for sure: the man knows how to put on a show.

So, will we see Tucker Kraft hitting Sweet Chin Music in a WWE ring someday? Only time will tell. But for now, he’s earned his place in the kip-up hall of fame—right alongside The Heartbreak Kid.