411's Countdown to WrestleMania 25: The MVPs of WrestleMania

Posted by Daniel Wilcox on 04.01.2009

Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker are two of the greatest performers in WrestleMania history, the MVPs as it were. Join me as I take a look back at the Mania history of both men, as well as previewing their anticipated match-up this Sunday.


Thanks to John Meehan for creating this year's logo…

While Vince McMahon may have created WrestleMania and Hulk Hogan may have put it on the map, with the 25th edition of wrestling's own Super Bowl almost upon us I argue that no two names are more synonymous with WrestleMania than Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. This Sunday those two men will collide in what could be the greatest and most iconic match in WrestleMania history. If nothing else, it's certainly one of the most anticipated; the show-stopping performance put on by both Michaels and Taker to close the 2007 Royal Rumble renewed an IWC-wide desire to see these two go one-on-one in the ring, and now over two years later, it is finally going to happen.

However, one complaint keeps cropping up regarding this match and that would be its predictability: The Undertaker isn't likely to lose his streak any time soon, if ever, and if he were, would it really be to Shawn Michaels, perhaps the person who least needs that kind of rub? Like most others, I have no doubt in my mind that The Undertaker will extend his undefeated streak to 17-0 this Sunday. But that doesn't bother me whatsoever, because I know that regardless of the outcome, this is going to be an instant classic. That said, WWE has done their best to plant a seed of doubt in the minds of fans, hyping up Shawn Michaels' moniker of Mr. WrestleMania whilst having him not only stand up to The Undertaker, but openly mock his streak and his persona on Raw and SmackDown in recent weeks. But all of this begs the question, which does mean more to WrestleMania: the Streak, or the legacy created by Mr. WrestleMania?

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The Early Years
Rewind to 1989, more specifically, twenty years tomorrow. WrestleMania V at Trump Plaza was headlined by the implosion of the Mega Powers as Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage battled over the WWE Championship. But that event is also notable for being the very first WrestleMania appearance of Shawn Michaels, then one half of the popular tag team The Rockers along with Marty Jannetty. It was an inauspicious WrestleMania debut for Michaels, as he and Jannetty were on the losing end of a tag bout against The Twin Towers, Akeem and Big Boss Man. Shawn would team with Jannetty again at Mania VI and Mania VII, losing one match and winning the other. While Mania VII marked the final Mania performance of the Rockers, it was the first Mania win of Shawn Michaels' (at the time) young career. That same year, 1991, The Undertaker made his WrestleMania debut, defeating Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka with relative ease. The streak had begun.

A year later, Shawn would work his first singles match at Mania, besting Tito Santana in the opening contest of at WrestleMania VIII, while on the same night The Undertaker was successful against Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The infamous WrestleMania IX saw Shawn retain the Intercontinental Championship against Tatanka, albeit at the expense of a count-out loss, while The Undertaker earned a DQ win over Giant Gonzales in what is widely considered one of the worst matches in WrestleMania history – indeed many of the bouts that make up Taker's win streak are of pretty poor quality, in contrast to the consistent top notch performances Michaels has turned in year-in, year-out.

The Ladder Match, and the Boyhood Dream


WrestleMania X is perhaps one of the best WrestleManias of all time, and although Undertaker was absent from this show, Shawn Michaels took his first major step in creating the legacy of Mr. WrestleMania, competing in the company's first televised Ladder match against Razor Ramon to crown an undisputed Intercontinental Champion. Ladder matches have become a tradition at WrestleMania, but despite all the TLCs and Money in the Bank bouts, it is arguable than none have surpassed this match, certainly not in terms of its iconic status. This is as innovative and revolutionary as it gets, and although HBK came up short in this match, this would be the first time Shawn really stole the show at WrestleMania. Thankfully, he would accomplish similar feats many, many more times in the years to come.


Shawn would go on to wrestle in his very first WWF Championship match against his former-friend Diesel at WrestleMania XI. Despite the support of Jenny McCarthy and Sid, Michaels was unsuccessful once again at WrestleMania, but it was clear that the world title was a potential reality for Michaels. That same night, the Undertaker continued his streak of wrestling big men at Mania, this time it was King Kong Bundy who fell victim to the unstoppable Undertaker. A year later, Diesel would be facing Undertaker and after a surprisingly impressive match up, Taker picked up the win following a Tombstone Piledriver. But WrestleMania XII is essentially seen as a one-match show, and that's because the main event was a 60-minute Iron Man Match between reigning champion Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. After a rigorous hour that saw neither man score any falls, the match went into over time, and Shawn Michaels claimed his very first WWF Championship following Sweet Chin Music. The boyhood dream had come true, and Shawn had stolen the show for a second time, not just through winning the title, but also his spectacular entrance that saw him fly down from the rafters on a zip wire. Unfortunately, Shawn would miss the next WrestleMania, XIII, but The Undertaker would main event his first, and defeat Sycho Sid to earn a momentous WWF Championship reign.
The Streak Grows, and Michaels' Absence


In an ironic twist of fate, it was a back injury sustained during a match with Undertaker at Royal Rumble 1998 that would mean that Shawn Michaels' match at WrestleMania XIV would be his last for four and a half years. In one of the most significant championship matches of all time, Shawn passed the torch as it were to Stone Cold Steve Austin – "the Austin era has begun!" And while it was Austin's first title reign, and guest enforcer Mike Tyson turning on Michaels post-match that took home the headlines, it was Shawn Michaels who put in the gutsiest performance in wrestling history, working the match essentially with a broken back and putting on a clinic. Some would have pulled out of Mania altogether, others would have toughed it out and worked their way to a passable match. But Shawn Michaels would not settle for anything less than stealing the show.


WrestleMania XIV was also a significant night for Undertaker as it marked the culmination of half-year-long feud with his brother Kane, and probably Taker's best WrestleMania match up to that point. And although it took three Tombstones to put Kane away, and Kane left Taker lying post-match, Undertaker did prevail over Kane, whom he would meet again at WrestleMania years later. However the next year's WrestleMania surely marked a low point in Taker's streak, a horrific Hell in a Cell match with Big Boss Man that saw Boss Man hanged from the cell. But after missing WrestleMania 2000, Taker would rebound with a great bout against Triple H. WrestleMania X-Seven marked Taker's first appearance using the Biker gimmick and arguably the greatest threat to Taker's streak to date. In another ironic twist, had Shawn Michaels' been in any fit shape to do so, plans had Michaels helping out Triple H in defeating Taker. But that never materialized and Taker would emerge victorious following a tremendous contest. A year later, Taker would collide with and defeat legendary Nature Boy Ric Flair, taking him to an impressive and unprecedented 10-0 record. It was beginning to look like Taker was unstoppable at WrestleMania, and that proved to be the case at XIX as, with a little help from Nathan Jones, Taker vanquished the challenge of Big Show and A-Train in another of Taker's WrestleMania encounters we'd all sooner forget.

Michaels would make his WrestleMania return at XIX in a classic confrontation with Chris Jericho. It was first thought that following his back injury in 1998, Shawn would never be able to work again, let alone come back and steal the show like he did here against Jericho. Furthermore, Michaels managed to come out on top, catching Jericho with a roll-up to secure the three count.


Return of the Dead Man, Michaels Back in the Main Event
WrestleMania XX, where it all began again, was a hugely significant event in the company's history, but also a pinnacle point in Mania histories of both Taker and Michaels. After four years as "Biker Taker," the Phenom returned after a lengthy absence under the old Dead Man gimmick. Upon his return, Taker battled old nemesis and brother Kane. Taker would once again prevail, and begin a new reign of terror in WWE. At that same night in Madison Square Garden, Michaels returned to his rightful main event spot, making one third of the World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat match, also featuring Triple H and Chris Benoit. While it was Benoit who made Triple H submit to win the match and the title, Shawn was part of one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history… again. It was clear that at WrestleMania XX, it had indeed all began again.


WrestleMania 21 saw The Undertaker's streak greatly challenged for the first time since X-Seven. Randy Orton was still young, but clearly one of the biggest parts of WWE's future – many people believed that Orton would go over the Dead Man, and when he countered a chokeslam mid-air into a RKO, it seemed that the streak was done. But Taker persevered and eventually won with a Tombstone. But not only did Taker pull out the win, this match was also one of his best Mania matches. However, it would be topped later that night by, who else, Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Kurt Angle stole the show in an interpromotional battle that night, putting on an absolute clinic. However, once again Shawn was on the losing end, submitting to Angle's Ankle Lock.
A year later however, Michaels proved just how much of a miracle worker he is, carrying Vince McMahon to an outstanding match at WrestleMania 22. Furthermore, Shawn this time came out victorious after dropping an elbow from a 20-foot ladder, through a table, and then nailing Sweet Chin Music. Undertaker had a much larger task in the form of a Casket match against Mark Henry, but ultimately the World's Strongest man proved no match for Taker who furthered his streak following an impressive Tombstone on the 400-plus pounder.

Championship Matches and Retiring the Nature Boy


WrestleMania 23 saw both Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker challenging for World title; Undertaker, having last eliminated Michaels in the 2007 Royal Rumble, had earned a shot at Batista's World Heavyweight Championship, while Shawn Michaels had defeated Edge and Randy Orton to become the number one contender to John Cena's WWE Championship. Despite Taker being the Rumble winner, his match with Batista went on early and that gave both guys extra incentive to steal the show from Michaels and many people believe that they did just that. While I prefer the main event, I'll agree that Batista and Taker put in a shockingly good effort that would easily have been worthy of closing the show. And ten years after his first WrestleMania title win, Taker did it again, pinning Batista following a Tombstone. Shawn Michaels, however, wasn't so successful, as he submitted to John Cena's STFU in the main event.

Last year at WrestleMania 24, Taker again found himself challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship, this time in the main event against Edge, and for the second year running Taker walked out victorious, forcing Edge to submit to Hell's Gate to take him to 16-0. Interestingly, four out of the last five WrestleManias, including the last three, have ended with submission victories. Taker's match with Edge was considered a Match of the Year Candidate, and furthered the theory that these days, more often than not, Taker puts in an outstanding performance at WrestleMania. However, if there was one man that was going to better that, it was Shawn Michaels, with a little help from Ric Flair. Regardless of whether you believe it was five-stars as many proclaim, Ric Flair's final WWE match was iconic, and a near-flawless example of how good Shawn Michaels is.


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Shawn Michaels has had more five-star matches at WrestleMania than the vast majority of professional wrestlers will have in a lifetime. At least two of his Mania matches, the 1994 Ladder match and last year's emotional win over Ric Flair, are undoubtedly iconic. His matches with Bret, Austin, Jericho, Triple H/Benoit, Angle (and arguably a few others) are classics. And though his win-loss record of 6-9 is hardly flattering, there is no greater WrestleMania performer greater than the Heart Break Kid. But in recent years, Undertaker has looked to challenge that. Taker's career has been somewhat reinvigorated in recent years and matches with Orton, Batista and Edge showcase just how capable the Dead Man is these days, particularly at WrestleMania. Needless to say, his streak is flawless, untouchable and as much a part of his gimmick as the eerie entrance music and iconic walk to the ring.

Shawn's "Mr. WrestleMania" moniker and Undertaker's streak are as much a part of Mania as the colossal championship matches, the celebrity involvement, the pageantry, the majesty that makes WrestleMania so unique. Deciphering which adds more to WrestleMania is just about impossible, because the significance of each is ineffable, much like the importance of WrestleMania itself.

When it comes to WrestleMania, of two things you can be certain; 1) that Shawn Michaels will steal the show, and 2) that The Undertaker will win. But with Taker looking to overtake Michaels as the most consistent WrestleMania performer, it may be conceivable that at least one of the aforementioned "certainties" will no longer be true. But is it plausible that the other, the idea that Taker will always win, will become just a myth?

It is arguable that if The Undertaker were to ever have his streak blemished, ended, the honour should go to a young up-and-comer whose career would sky-rocket off the back of such a win. But the last young would-be star to be given a huge WrestleMania rub was Bobby Lashley – and he decided to leave the company a year later. If we go back a little further, Brock Lesnar prevailed in the main event of WrestleMania XIX and then left a year later. So perhaps giving such a rub to a young performer isn't the best way to go. Indeed, many argued that it should be one of the company's young talents that retired Ric Flair last year, but honestly, would WrestleMania 24 have been so special if Mr. Kennedy or MVP had sent Flair into retirement? Shawn Michaels, being the performer that he is, always raises the bar and always manages to make any potential special moment or special match, classic. If Taker's streak were ended to give a young superstar with potential a rub, it'd be merely serving a purpose; but if were ended by Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25, in Texas no less, it'd be something much more; it'd be iconic. It'd be right up there with Austin and McMahon shaking hands over a beaten Rock, blood streaming down Stone Cold's face as he refuses to give in to Bret Hart's Sharpshooter, and Hulk Hogan lifting up and slamming Andre in front of 93,000 fans in terms of the most memorable moments in WrestleMania history.

But regardless of the outcome, make no mistake about it, this is a dream match. Even though these two have wrestled before, they've been kept apart for many years and yet remained the two cornerstones of WWE. Of course, the two intangibles that set this match apart from others, like Hogan vs. Austin and Rock vs. Cena, is that, for one, it's going to happen, and two, both men are pretty much in their respective primes. Unlike Hogan/Austin, a match that would rely on atmosphere alone to make it special, Michaels/Taker is all likelihood going to be the Match of the Night come Sunday, and almost certainly a Match of the Year Candidate. Shawn Michaels has proven time and time again what he is capable of in the ring, not just physically but the stories he is able to tell, and over recent years, Undertaker has really stepped up, having some outstanding matches with a variety of opponents.

In a recent interview, Glen Jacobs (aka Kane) stated that as far as he and many of the other "boys in the back" were concerned, this was the main event of WrestleMania. And indeed, fans seem to be anticipating this bout much more than any of the other matches featured on the card of this weekend's extravagantic show. And while it likely won't get the main event slot (the "boys in the back" considered Flair/Michaels to be last year's true main event), it'll undoubtedly be the one people are talking about the next morning, and a year from now, and probably even another twenty-five years from now.

Simply put, this is two of the best ever, in their primes colliding in their home state. Simply put, this is Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker in front 70,000 people at WrestleMania. Simply put, it just doesn't get any bigger than this.