Its obvious that whatever issues Taker and Michaels had have been patched up. Again, time heals all wounds. HBK and the Deadman wrestled two of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history at Mania 25 and 26. WrestleMania XXVI would actually be Shawns last wrestling match in history -- surely an honor for both HBK and Taker. Before rectifying things, however, all was not good between the two legends. While there are few actual stories or incidents to speak of, its obvious looking back that things were not peachy between the legendary wrestlers. Shawn is known for being a member of -- if not the leader of -- the infamous backstage group the Kliq. Slightly less well known, is that the Undertaker led the charge of his own group as well. The BSK -- or Bone Street Krewe according to sources -- was a rival group of wrestlers with backstage influence. Takers Krewe, like Shawns Kliq, consisted of his close personal friends. Yokozuna, The Godwinns, Charles Wright (The Godfather), and Paul Bearer were its members, although Savio Vega, Rikishi, and Crush were rumored to be at least a peripheral part of the group as well. Because of the nature of the Federation at the time, the Kliq and the Krewe were natural rivals, as the locker room seemed split into two warring factions. The most prominent story to come out of this rivalry is one from WrestleMania XIV. Obviously, that night was the dawning of Stone Cold Steve Austins reign atop the WWE. However, the Undertaker reportedly took it upon himself to make sure that Shawn Michaels did the right thing and didnt attempt any shenanigans. Taker supposedly threatened Michaels just before bell time, though exactly how he did depends on who you ask. One story features Taker simply threaten Shawn verbally. The other -- and more interesting -- story, however, claims that as Shawn was getting ready to make his entrance, the Undertaker walked up to the Gorilla position. Taker supposedly began taping his fists while staring a hole through Michaels, and then sat down at Gorilla. It wasnt until the match was over that Taker got up and untaped his fists. Whether the WrestleMania XIV altercation ever really took place is a matter for debate. Whats clear, however, is that there was definite friction between the two colossal stars due to their supposedly warring factions.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
