1. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania XXVI)
The sequel to what many have called the greatest match of all-time, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker would reignite their feud in an attempt to top the seemingly untoppable. The story here was simple, intense and engrossing. Known as Mr. WrestleMania for his incredible performances on the big stage, the Showstopper was frustrated at his inability to end The Undertaker's streak the year before. He had become obsessed, consumed with desire to beat The Deadman. When Taker refused his challenge for a rematch, HBK started goading him at every turn, eventually costing him the World Championship. The Phenom accepted, but only if Michaels would put up his career vs. the streak. The match is another classic between two men who have a reputation for raising the bar. The brighter the spotlight, the brighter they shine. The only negative you can possibly say about this performance is that it doesn't quite live up to the standard of its predecessor, but when practically no other match in history has either, that isn't a bad thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYQZSoGS2K4 The ending was brilliant and a callback to HBK's match with Flair, as The Undertaker's reluctance to end the career of someone he respected so greatly was forced aside by Michaels himself, wanting to go out like a champion. A hard slap to the face from Shawn brought out the monster in the Undertaker and one tombstone later, the wrestling career of the greatest performer the wrestling industry has ever seen was over. Perhaps what's most remarkable is that Shawn Michaels has honored his word and remained on the sidelines, since as this list has shown, that's rarely the case. Any matches I forgot? Sound off in the comments.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
