What if Shawn Michaels beat The Undertaker? – WrestleMania 26
Despite his previous actions, Michaels was the biggest name at any WrestleMania over multiple decades – well, except for maybe one.
Ever since his decisive victory over Jimmy Snuka at WrestleMania 7, The Undertaker had racked up a 16-0 streak. Running through a host of legends and Hall of Famers, Undertaker had beaten everyone, including HBK’s best mate Triple. Determined to take down the streak, Michaels failed in epic fashion to pry the streak away from Undertaker at WrestleMania 25, having an instant classic that was a high-point on an otherwise lacklustre card.
Defiant to prove he could beat the streak, Michael’s announced at the 2009 Slammy Awards that he was better than the Undertaker. Afterwards, he put on the performance of a lifetime in a drama-filled quest to win the Royal Rumble but was eliminated. Slowly breaking down, Michaels super kicked referees and hindered his relationship with HHH to get a shot at the ‘Phenom’. Finally, at the Elimination Chamber PPV, he broke through the cage’s grate to cost him the world heavyweight title, prompting The Undertaker to accept the challenge of ‘Mr WrestleMania’. Only however on the stipulation that it is not just the ‘Dead Man’s’ career on the line – but Michael’s career.
An almost unfathomable concept to fan – how could either leave? How could the streak which had gone for nearly 20 years strong be broken and how could HBK’s 25+ year career end? After a match of emotion, drama and high-stakes, a weary Michaels slapped an enraged ‘Taker who put him away with a jumping tombstone – thus retiring Michaels similar to how he retired Ric Flair 2 years prior. However, if Michaels won – there would be no Lesnar conquering the streak and more Michaels activity in-ring (Crown Jewel 2018 notwithstanding). Ending the most iconic record in wrestling history would have been a tremendous accolade for a HBK who was still wrestling as if in his 30s. It seems obvious in hindsight that Michaels was going to lose, but it feels strange to ponder on if Shawn had actually won.