10 Must-See Shawn Michaels Royal Rumble Performances

Shawn Michaels may be the greatest professional wrestler of all time, and its nights like the 2010 Royal Rumble that highlighted just how far above the chasing pack 'The Showstopper' was as a storyteller.

Following their 2009 Match of the Year at Wrestlemania 25, Michaels began a quest for a rematch, and was predictably frustrated when Undertaker (now World Champion again) rejected the notion, respectfully citing that Shawn was simply no longer in his crosshairs.

Reasoning that he would have to 'win' his place opposing 'The Deadman', Michaels focussed everything on picking up his third Rumble win and gaining the elusive match he desperately desired.

Sporting the exact attire he wore the night he lost to Undertaker the previous year, Michaels entered in an Oscar-worthy display, noticeably sacrificing his trademark finesse to frantically claim every elimination he could in his quest for glory, even unapologetically ousting DX teammate Triple H.

After a breathless twenty minutes, Michaels had made the final four, but was then tragically shoved off the apron by a fresh Batista as his fingertips futilely reached for the ropes.

First incandescent with rage then immediately disconsolate with despair, he had failed.

Of course, Michaels would later find a more devastating way to get what would prove to be his retirement match, but no one performer may ever surpass the incomparable pathos he brought to this particular chase.