Michael Hickenbottom Online —— a fansite established since 2007

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The “Showstopping” will go on, but unfortunately, it will now be made possible through the funding of John “Bradshaw” Layfield.

Unlike General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, HBK got his bailout at Armageddon. Sealed with a handshake, in the face of financial collapse, Michaels has agreed to work for the Longhorn Loudmouth. (PHOTOS)(RESULTS)

As Michaels stated live in Buffalo, he may be a Superstar, a multiple-time World Champion and perhaps the greatest entertainer to ever compete in a WWE ring, but even he isn’t immune to the nation’s economic crash. HBK’s smart, responsible, seemingly failsafe stock market investments bottomed out with Wall Street’s cave in.

With financial instability engulfing the country, Michaels – a globally recognized WWE Superstar – becomes son, husband and father. Suddenly, his role as provider for his family crosses into the ring, where his responsibility to his children supersedes any instinctual feelings against this business decision.

For weeks, JBL pompously stepped around arenas and locker room areas with a contemptuous smile on the finance maven’s face. Boasting a deal that HBK simply could not refuse, Layfield’s offer to put The Showstopper on his payroll was seen by the WWE Universe as no more than an exercise in vanity. Our fans’ perception began to slightly alter when HBK did not refuse the deal, then Michaels – seemingly conflicted – stepped back and allowed JBL to seize The Showstopper’s Slammy Award for Match of the Year.

In a year that’s been difficult to endure, HBK braces for 2009 in an unusual position, firmly wedged beneath the overindulged thumb of the Longhorn Loudmouth. And measuring the width of his grin, JBL has never been prouder because the self-proclaimed “wrestling god” can now actually play the role of such deity for one Superstar: Shawn Michaels.

by Craig Tello of WWE.com

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JBL funds HBK's bailout