The Undertaker's 23 WrestleMania Matches - From Worst To Best
3. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XXVI)
One year after captivating fans with a five-star classic, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker battled in the main event of WrestleMania XXVI, live from University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. Vowing to beat his opponent or retire, Michaels was at the center of attention as many expected the bout to be his last. Not one to go out anyway but on top, The Heartbreak Kid worked with The Phenom to craft a match as emotional and dramatic as any in company history. It was a bout that broke free from the confines of a typical match, neither man dominating the action for extended periods of time. They were treated like equals, which only added to the aura of the contest. Two doses of Sweet Chin Music only put Undertaker down for two. A chokeslam and Tombstone kept Michaels down for two. The crowed reached a fever pitch, with those in attendance gladly participating in the emotional roller coaster the all-time greats were taking them on. Undertaker, in clear control, lowered the straps of his singlet, but paused. See, as much as he wanted to maintain his undefeated streak, he did not want to be the man responsible for retiring Michaels. But ol' HBK would have none of it. A proud performer who realized he simply could not overcome the greatest superstar in WWE history on this night and on his stage, Michaels mocked The Deadman and slapped him in the face, bringing about the decisive jumping Tombstone. Undertaker won the match and then, in a rare break of character, embraced Michaels. Two Superstars who rose through the ranks together, carried the company through its darkest days, enjoyed one last moment in the spotlight side-by-side. Or was it? As history tells us, they had one more grand sendoff in store for the WWE Universe...
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.