10 WWE Undercard Matches That Outshone The Royal Rumble

9. Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker (1998)

Shawn Michaels The Undertaker Casket Match Royal Rumble 1998
WWE.com

Steve Austin's name dominated the Attitude Era so much that he was the focal point of 3 consecutive Royal Rumble matches from 1997-1999. His marked man saga was the most striking aspect of the 30-man melee in 1998, but it wouldn't end up being the main event or the show's lasting legacy.

That distinction goes to a Casket Match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. This would end up being Shawn's last match for close to 4 years; a nasty bump onto the coffin suffered when spilling out of the ring damaged HBK's back terribly, so much so that he was forced to retire from wrestling and wasn't expected to return.

If the Rumble had Austin's solo act, then 'Taker vs. Michaels had the Casket stipulation, some world-class exchanges between men who had perfected their act in prior matches and the notable image of Kane burning Undertaker's helpless body in his sarcophagus. Stellar stuff.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.