10 Moments Which Define The Undertaker's WrestleMania Legacy

5. Retiring Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XXVI)

shawn michaels undertaker wrestlemania 26
WWE.com

Another year, another classic Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels contest. This time around, WWE made it a No DQ match, let the veterans headline the show, and added a monumental stipulation. Neither man had ever competed in such a high stakes bout: it was 'Taker’s streak vs. Michaels’ career, and they built to one of the most emotional climaxes in 'Mania history.

HBK’s story ended in the best possible way that evening. He went out on his shield, wrestling a near-perfect match against the only man who can legitimately rival him for the “Mr. WrestleMania” tagline. HBK threw everything he had at 'Taker, but 'The Deadman' survived three Sweet Chin Musics during the match, proving that he had much more left in the tank than his opponent, and in the end, it took a jumping Tombstone to put Michaels away.

The bout stands as an important part of 'Taker’s legacy not only for its quality, but because it brought the curtain down on what many consider to be the greatest WWE career of all-time. 'Taker helped Shawn close his run in incredible fashion, making this one of the most significant moments in 'Mania history, and ensuring their names will forever be linked.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.