100 Greatest WWE WrestleMania Moments
15. ‘End Of An Era’ (WrestleMania XXVIII)
Hell In A Cell matches on huge stadium shows will always be a risk. Indeed, some of the suffocating claustrophobia of the Cell itself is lost when the normally-imposing structure looks tiny inside a cavernous venue. WWE didn't have that issue at WrestleMania XXVIII, perhaps because people would've bought tickets to watch Triple H vs. The Undertaker from the moon. Via gravity free closed circuit, presumably.
Shawn Michaels was present as a special guest referee for what was billed as a real "End Of An Era" battle between two greats of the 'Attitude' days. Jim Ross was also brought back to sit in on commentary and add weight to that idea. Good ol' JR was on top of his game for this one. He was ready, and the genius combined wrestling psychology IQ of Hunter, 'Taker and HBK made sure the announcing legend had a superb spectacle to narrate.
People remember this HIAC effort fondly for Shawn's performance as ref, the seemingly impossible near falls on multiple finishers (again, sold expertly by Michaels), and the general level of chemistry that seemed to get even more impressive the longer these men worked. By the end, they'd achieved their goal: Take everyone on a ride through 'Attitude's' greatest hits, and put a bow on that period of WWE history.
Trips gifted 'Taker a framed picture of the three warriors soaking up acclaim from appreciative fans after the fact. The Undertaker was grateful for that, and the photo still takes pride of place in his house today. "End Of An Era", but it's an ending fans will relive forever.