35 Years Of WWE WrestleMania Mistakes

14. WrestleMania 22 - Wasting Shawn Michaels And The Undertaker

WWE

In the post-Attitude era, one of the biggest draws for WrestleMania became the identity of the opponents of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. HBK's 'Mr. WrestleMania' handle had been richly deserved after a string of classic bouts against Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and Triple H, and Kurt Angle, and in 2006 fans were looking forward to who he would next work his magic with next.

Likewise, viewers waited with considerable anticipation to discover the challenger to The Undertaker's much vaunted 'streak'. By WrestleMania 22, his tally stood at an impressive 13-0, but to maintain the suspense his opponents had always been drawn from a select group of candidates who had a realistic chance of scoring the upset. Fans were expecting something similar for his fourteenth defence.

They were disappointed on both counts. Shawn, his years in the ring rapidly diminishing, was wasted opposite a 60-year old Vince McMahon, whilst The Undertaker faced off against Mark Henry of all people. As if that fact wasn't galling enough, there was even the suggestion that Henry would end the Streak in order to justify his massive $250,000 per annum paycheque. Thankfully, wiser heads prevailed, but two of the biggest icons in the history of the company were wasted as their precious careers dwindled.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.