Shawn Michaels, or the Heartbreak Kid, as he's better known to some, is one of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history. Throughout his illustrious career in the ring, he squared off against some of the industry's biggest names, including The Undertaker, Stone Cold, and Bret the Hitman Hart. Since his retirement in 2010, he's only fought a handful of matches, but that hasn't stopped him from appearing as a playable superstar in just about every iteration of 2K Sport's WWE 2K series. With that in mind, series fans shouldn't be too surprised to learn that HBK is once again unlockable in WWE 2K22.
Unlike his long-time friend and partner HHH though, Shawn Michaels cannot be unlocked using virtual currency in the game's store. Instead, WWE 2K22 players will need to unlock the Heartbreak Kid by defeating him in the squared circle. Thanks to his devastating arsenal of attacks, this is no mean feat, but for those who enjoy the sound of a little sweet chin music, unlocking Shawn Michaels is arguably well worth the effort.
How to Unlock Shawn Michaels in WWE 2K22
In order to unlock Shawn Michaels in WWE 2K22, players will first need to beat him in a special Showcase match, while also completing all 13 of the optional objectives therein. For the most part, these are all fairly straightforward, though anyone who is having trouble can pause the game at any time to get hints and tips on how to complete the active objective.
As well as HBK, players will unlock the Raw arena from 2005 and an alternate version of Rey Mysterio. Completing all of the objectives in this match is also one of the unlock requirements for the twelfth Showcase match, which rewards players with two brand new wrestlers, a few additional attires, and 3,500 virtual currency with which they'll be able to buy new Superstars, Arenas, and Championships.
Showcase Match 3 Objectives: WWE Raw 2005 (Rey Mysterio vs. Shawn Michaels)
# | Objective | How to Complete |
|---|---|---|
1 | Shawn might think he can outwrestle you, so perform a Light Grapple Attack in the ring to start things off right! | While in the ring, press Circle / B to initiate a grapple and then press Square / X together with any direction on the left analog stick. |
2 | It's earl, so HBK's got plenty of fight. Wear him down with some damaging offense in the ring! | Attack HBK while in the ring until the bar fills up. |
3 | Another Front Light Grapple to Shawn in the ring oughta slow him down! | While in the ring, press Circle / B to initiate a grapple and then press Square / X together with any direction on the left analog stick. |
4 | Take advantage of any opening! HBK will be rocked if you can land a Springboard Attack from the apron while he's standing in the ring! | While HBK is standing dazed in the ring, use R2 / RT to climb onto the apron. From there, hold L1 / LB and then press Square / X. |
5 | You cannot let HBK breathe in there. Cover him and go for the pin! | Knock HBK down and then flick the right analog stick down while standing near him. |
6 | He's trying to mount a comeback, but a Light Combo to HBK in the ring should stop that short! | Perform any light combo while in the ring (pressing Square / X four times will do the job). |
7 | This is no time to rest! Irish Whip Shawn into the ropes! | While in the ring, press Circle / B to initiate a grapple and then press Circle / B again while also flicking the left analog stick left, right, up, or down. |
8 | If you can send Shawn into the corner, you should throw a Front Running Corner Attack at him to take his wind! | Irish whip HBK into one of the corners and then run towards him using R2 / RT. When close, press X or Square (PlayStation) or A / X (Xbox). |
9 | Perform 2 Grab Combos on Shawn in the ring, he won't see them coming! | Perform two grab combos while in the ring (pressing Square, Square, Circle / X, X, B will do the job). |
10 | While you're at it, Perform 2 Heavy Combos to Shawn Michaels in the ring, too! | Perform two heavy combos while in the ring (pressing Square, X, X, X / X, A, A, A will do the job). |
11 | Turn up the pace and perform a Front Running Grapple to Shawn Michaels in the ring! | Run towards HBK using L2 / LT and then press Circle / B. |
12 | 2 Heavy Running Attacks to Shawn in the ring might help stop his show! | Run towards HBK using L2 / LT and then press X / A. Repeat as necessary. |
13 | Now he's winded, so Irish Whip Shawn Michaels to the ropes! You got this! | While in the ring, press Circle / B to initiate a grapple and then press Circle / B again while also flicking the left analog stick left, right, up, or down. |
WWE 2K22 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.