20 Best WWE Matches Since 2000
2. Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania 25)
The first of Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker's two WrestleMania classics came within a whisper of taking the top spot. In truth, there's very little separating this encounter from any of WWE's greatest matches from any era. From Shawn seemingly descending from heaven in his awesome ring entrance to the final bell, not a second was wasted here, and it probably should've headlined the show.
It didn't, however, and Michaels vs. Undertaker went on third last. The matches that followed never stood a chance, regardless of their quality, and frankly, it might be the best match in 'Mania history.
Few matches have ever captured the elusive "big fight feel" like this one. In 30 minutes, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker rewrote the rulebook on what makes a great WrestleMania match. Things unfolded gradually, and by the match's final stages, the duo were throwing everything at each other. Chokeslams, Last Rides, Sweet Chin Musics: they were all countered and kicked-out off, and both Michaels and Taker produced a near-superhuman effort to keep the match alive.
It came down to one man outlasting the other, and after multiple finisher kick-outs, The Undertaker finished Michaels off with a tremendous closing sequence. Taker had just kicked-out of his second Sweet Chin Music, but Michaels slipped away from his attempted Tombstone. HBK immediately raced for a Moonsault, but Taker caught him midair, re-positioned him, and slammed him down with his signature Piledriver.
Taker moved to 17-0 at WrestleMania, and it was his hardest fought victory yet. The pieces were soon in-play for their rematch the following year, but this was their greatest triumph.