Hell in a Cell against Mankind may be Undertaker's most famous match but the best of his career came in 2009 against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXV. There are very few matches that fans can watch unfold and know instantly if it is a classic. Undertaker vs. Michaels was one of those matches. The fans inside the jam-packed Reliant Stadium in Houston hung on every move, every spot and every near-fall as two of the greatest ring generals of their or any era plied their craft on the grandest stage imaginable. They crafted a flawless match that had even the most cynical of fans completely engrossed in the story they were telling. The high spots were glorious and the acting job by Undertaker and Michaels, including tremendous facial expressions from both, were absolutely essential to the success of the match. The finish came in spectacular fashion as Michaels climbed the rope for a moonsault attempt but was caught in midair and planted with the Tombstone. Unlike earlier in the match, when the Heartbreak Kid stunned both his opponent and the tens-of-thousands of fans by shooting his shoulder off the mat, Undertaker was able to pick up pinfall victory. The match was a definitive one in the careers of both men. Despite an ever-evolving roster full of young, hungry up-and-comers, two of the most respected veterans of all-time stole the show and proved to a worldwide audience the old saying, "you only get better with age."
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
