Shawn Michaels’ inability to recognize some of his NXT women’s voices might not have been his proudest moment, but it was undoubtedly one of his most endearing in recent memory
The segment provided fans with laughs, showcased rising talent, and gave a peek into the heart of WWE’s developmental system.
More importantly, it reminded everyone watching that the people behind the characters are just that—people. They joke, they play, and they sometimes fail voice quizzes.
But it’s these moments of authenticity that help keep WWE feeling personal, even as it continues to grow globally.
As for HBK, maybe next time he’ll spend a little more time listening in the locker room. And for Jordynne Grace and the NXT women? They’ve already won—in the court of public opinion and in the battle of good vibes.
As NXT continues to produce top-tier talent for WWE’s future, only time will tell if Michaels’ “pampering” strategy builds icons—or merely performers unready for wrestling’s global stage.
Also Read: Explosive WWE Moment: TNA Star Criticizes Booker T, Brings Up Shawn Michaels
Table of Contents
Shawn Michaels’ Voice Challenge With NXT Women
A Lighthearted Moment Turns Viral
In the often intense and competitive world of WWE, lighthearted moments are a refreshing change—and when they involve a legend like Shawn Michaels, fans take notice.1
A recent video featuring “The Heartbreak Kid” and several NXT women’s division stars went viral after it captured a humorous moment of Michaels struggling to recognize the wrestlers solely by their voices.
The segment, inspired by a popular TikTok trend, was pitched by Jordynne Grace and included names like Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, Zaria, Jaida Parker, Izzi Dame, Thea Hail, and Lash Legend.
What started as a fun office-style game turned into a buzzworthy moment on social media and showed a different side of the WWE Hall of Famer.
The TikTok Trend That Sparked the Game
The premise of the video draws directly from a viral TikTok challenge. In the original trend, employees greet their boss while the boss faces away from them.
The challenge? The boss has to identify the speaker just from their voice. It’s a test of familiarity and attentiveness—and in this case, Shawn Michaels’ memory and recognition skills were put to the test.
Jordynne Grace seemingly brought the idea into the WWE Performance Center and encouraged her co-workers to join in.
The participation of the NXT women’s division added a unique spin, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite up-and-coming stars in a fun, non-wrestling context.
We’re proud to welcome @luchalibreaaa to @WWENXT tonight.
International styles. Championship pedigree. Generational pride.
It starts tonight on #WWENXT… and continues this weekend at #Triplemania
TONIGHT 8/7c @TheCW pic.twitter.com/WyAEgLMRih
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) June 11, 2025
The NXT Women Involved: A Roster of Rising Stars
The video featured a talented lineup from NXT’s women’s division.
The participants included:
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Lola Vice – A former MMA fighter known for her confidence and evolving wrestling skills.
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Kelani Jordan – An acrobatic and athletic performer whose in-ring agility stands out.
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Zaria – A rising star whose charisma is quickly winning over fans.
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Jaida Parker – Known for her power and commanding presence in the ring.
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Izzi Dame – A newer name with plenty of potential.
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Thea Hail – A fan-favorite with boundless energy and a strong personality.
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Lash Legend – A powerhouse and former WNBA player with undeniable strength and presence.
By bringing together this group of diverse personalities and voices, the game was more than just fun—it was a reminder of how deep and talented NXT’s women’s division has become.
Shawn Michaels Struggles… But With a Smile
In the video, Shawn Michaels is seen with his back turned while the women greet him one by one.2
Despite his years of experience mentoring talent, HBK struggled with the voice recognition task. The first two voices—Izzi Dame and Thea Hail—went unrecognized.
When Zaria stepped up, it took him two attempts to figure out who it was. His first correct guess on the first try came when Kelani Jordan spoke.
This struggle wasn’t taken too seriously by anyone involved. In fact, it added charm to the entire segment. Jordynne Grace, who shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter), joked that Michaels felt guilty afterward for not performing better.
Jordynne Grace’s Role in the Segment
Jordynne Grace, a respected wrestler in her own right and currently making waves in both WWE and other promotions, played a significant role in making this fun moment happen.
Although she’s relatively new to the NXT environment, she’s clearly embracing the camaraderie and team spirit.
Grace, who has competed in high-level matches across multiple promotions, continues to make headlines for her charisma, strength, and adaptability.
Her idea to bring the viral TikTok trend into the WWE Performance Center shows she has a creative side outside of the ring as well—and fans took notice.
Shawn Michaels: Fans Reaction
Heartfelt, Humorous and Humanizing
The fan response was overwhelmingly positive. Many found the video endearing, while others took it as a sign of how tight-knit the NXT locker room really is.3
Seeing someone like Shawn Michaels—who has been part of the business for decades—laugh at himself and embrace a bit of fun gave fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes culture of WWE.
One fan wrote on X, “This is why I love NXT right now. It’s not just about the matches, it’s about the bond between the talent and the veterans.”
Another joked, “Shawn may be the GOAT, but apparently not in voice recognition 😂.”
The Importance of Moments Like These in Wrestling
Wrestling is often portrayed as intense, dramatic, and even cutthroat. But moments like this remind everyone that there’s a human side to it all.
Shawn Michaels, often seen in a serious backstage role mentoring talent and shaping the future of WWE, showed a more playful and relatable side of himself.
These lighthearted interactions also help build morale and chemistry behind the scenes. They make WWE’s social media content more engaging and allow fans to connect with superstars on a personal level.
For the NXT women involved, it also gave them a spotlight moment outside of their usual matches and promos.
A Teaching Moment for Shawn Michaels?
Shawn Michaels is known for his incredible eye for talent and his commitment to mentoring the next generation.
While he may have fumbled a few voice recognitions, this was undoubtedly a learning experience—and probably a bonding moment with the roster.
One could imagine HBK taking some time afterward to talk with each woman involved, making sure he recognized not just their faces and wrestling styles, but their voices and personalities as well. That kind of attention to detail is something Michaels has always emphasized in the Performance Center.
Building Chemistry in the Locker Room
- The video also hinted at strong chemistry among the women in the NXT locker room.
- Whether it’s pulling off a surprise segment, working as a team to make the video entertaining, or laughing together at HBK’s confusion, it’s clear that these athletes respect and enjoy each other’s company.
- In a business where egos and rivalries can sometimes take center stage, that kind of team culture is invaluable—especially for up-and-coming talent.
- This video was another example of WWE smartly leaning into viral social media trends.
- By staying connected with what’s popular on platforms like TikTok and X, the company remains relevant and relatable to younger audiences.
- Moreover, segments like this drive engagement without needing an arena or match.
- A simple, unscripted challenge can draw as much attention as an in-ring promo—and often reaches a broader audience.
- WWE has increasingly used these kinds of interactions to supplement its programming and connect with fans beyond the squared circle.
Also Read: Shawn Michaels Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth, Retirement, And More
Shawn Michaels: From Rebel to Mentor
The irony in Russo’s criticism is striking, given Shawn Michaels’ own controversial path in the business.
In the 1990s, Michaels was viewed as a rebellious locker room leader with a history of backstage issues. His transformation into a born-again Christian and his dedication to mentoring younger talent is one of wrestling’s most impressive redemptions.
In his post-retirement role, HBK has become a trusted mentor, helping shape stars like Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Roxanne Perez, and many others.
His aim isn’t just to produce main roster-ready wrestlers, but to build individuals with the tools to thrive in the industry’s increasingly complex ecosystem.
Stuck in the Past or Raising Valid Concerns?
Vince Russo is known for his outspoken and often polarizing takes. He’s a relic of the Attitude Era—a time when shock value, chaos, and edginess were the norm.
Russo helped write some of the most watched and talked-about segments in wrestling history. But critics argue that his philosophy hasn’t adapted to the evolving sensibilities of the audience or the business.
Still, some of Russo’s concerns are not entirely without merit. Wrestling is still a high-stakes performance industry.
In-ring safety, promo effectiveness, and crowd connection can’t be taught solely with kindness. Critics argue that overly gentle environments risk developing performers who are not fully prepared for the harsh spotlight of live television or the grueling schedule of the main roster.
Shawn Michaels: Contrasting Mentors
Russo invoked names like Jake Roberts and Arn Anderson to highlight the old-school mentality.
Both Roberts and Anderson are known for their no-nonsense coaching styles. Jake, a master of promos and psychology, has mentored AEW stars like Lance Archer and Darby Allin, often pushing them with tough love.
Arn, another respected veteran, is also known for being blunt in his feedback, ensuring wrestlers grasp the gravitas of what they do.
Russo argues that this kind of honest and sometimes harsh coaching is lacking in WWE’s current developmental system. Whether that’s true or not, it does raise the question of balance: Can a nurturing environment still demand the highest standard of excellence?
A Different Kind of Authority
While Shawn Michaels oversees NXT’s creative direction, Ava—formerly known as Simone Johnson, daughter of The Rock—is the on-screen NXT General Manager.
Her role adds a storyline authority figure to NXT broadcasts, bringing an extra layer of structure and character development for performers to engage with.
Though Ava’s GM role is kayfabe, it complements the supportive culture behind the scenes. She’s portrayed as fair and composed, reinforcing the brand’s theme of discipline through empathy rather than intimidation.
To someone like Russo, who prefers grittier portrayals of authority (think Vince McMahon’s tyrannical persona), this gentler approach might seem less effective.
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The Real Issue: Is Tough Love Still Necessary in Wrestling?
At the heart of this debate is a broader question: What’s the best way to prepare talent for WWE success? Is the traditional, harsh mentorship style still necessary, or is there room for compassionate coaching?
Wrestling today is far more complex than in the Attitude Era. Stars need to be good at social media, media relations, merchandising, travel management, and injury prevention—along with in-ring performance.
Modern wrestlers face a higher mental load, and a mentor like Shawn Michaels who supports them emotionally and creatively may be exactly what they need.
However, accountability and constructive criticism are still vital. Without them, NXT stars may find themselves struggling under the bigger lights of Raw or SmackDown.
A Clash of Generations
Vince Russo’s call-out of Shawn Michaels is more than just a critique—it’s symbolic of a larger clash between generations. On one side, the Attitude Era veterans believe in grit, thick skin, and hard truths.
On the other, modern-day mentors like Michaels believe in encouragement, structured learning, and emotional intelligence.
Is one side definitively right? Not necessarily. The best path likely lies in balance: nurturing talent while holding them to the highest standards.
For now, Shawn Michaels will continue leading NXT with his measured style, while critics like Russo watch closely from the sidelines, waiting for either vindication—or evolution.
Also Read: Shawn Spears Confronts 4th Generation WWE Star: Not The Rock’s Daughter Ava
