WWE Legend Shawn Michaels was invited to the Cheap Heat Podcast with host Peter Rosenberg. In the episode made available on Spotify on November 29th, HBK mainly talked about CM Punk’s unexpected return at Survivor Series and Rhea Ripley’s potential. However, during one of the segments, he also spoke briefly about another 26-year-old WWE superstar.

HBK revealed that he was impressed by the work ethic of a member from The Judgment Day. He praised Dominik Mysterio, calling him the MVP of the year for WWE. 

Dominik Mysterio’s hard work is appreciated by Shawn Michaels

NXT Head of Creative, Shawn Michaels was all praise for the 26-year-old WWE superstar. While praising Mysterio, he said “To me, Dominik Mysterio, MVP of the WWE this year. Every time he comes here, I look at him as the hardest-working man in show business. He has just been an ironman for us.”

WWE legend HBK’s remark on the strong performance by Mysterio throughout the year isn’t without cause. Mysterio has done everything in his capacity to entertain the fans, or more likely, irritate fans. His character work goes beyond his in-ring appearance as he constantly makes his mark on social media.

But Mysterio’s rise can be mainly attributed to his heel character after he turned on his father Rey Mysterio, an all-time top baby face. Since then, he joined The Judgment Day and continued on his heel gimmick. He was constantly booed by the live crowd in all arenas irrespective of the place, a sign of a top-tier heel.

Dirty Dom has also gone the extra mile to make appearances on NXT shows during his days as the NXT NA Champion. He has put over newer talents like Dragon Lee and Trick Williams without any hesitation. Hence, he deserves all the praise from HBK who complimented Dominik, saying, “He has just done everything we have asked of him. He’s done it professionally, he’s done it admirably, done it to the best of his ability…I have nothing but admiration for that young man.”

Read more: Every Instance of Dominik Mysterio Breaking Character After Joining ‘Mami’ Rhea Ripley and The Judgment Day

Dominik Mysterio breaks character against CM Punk

Despite not being built like any of his counterparts, he has made a name for himself on the back of heat received while going against his family. Mami’s Latino Heat has gone against his parents on live TV and social media on many occasions. Notorious for maintaining kayfabe, he has broken his kayfabe character only once recently.

After CM Punk made a much-anticipated return to WWE, everybody started talking about the Second City Saint. Dom responded in his style as he took to social media to show his hatred for Punk while recalling a moment from 2010. 

CM Punk shared a story on his Instagram account on November 30th from his feud against Rey Mysterio. The notorious segment involved Mysterio’s family where Punk sang Happy Birthday to Dom’s sister Aalyah. Dom responded with a middle finger emoji. While this sets the stage for a possible feud, Mysterio still managed to insult his family by putting clown emojis on all of their faces in his response to Punk.

What do you think about Mysterio’s work ethic? Has he done a good job in getting the crowd against him as a heel?

Watch this story: Logan Paul Gets Respect From Dominik Mysterio Despite Getting Dom-Dom’s Face Messed Up on Raw