The greatest match in WrestleMania history is Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker from the twenty-fifth anniversary show in 2009. Bar none. The high-profile nature of the match, the stakes and the performers involved help elevate it above any other five-star classic that may have occurred on the grand stage. Never before had two Superstars captivated an audience, had them on the edge of their seats, the way those two legendary stars did that night in Houston. It was an exercise in crowd manipulation, in the creation of drama. Simply put, it was a master class in sports-entertainment conducted by two men whose accomplishments and contributions to the industry will never be equaled. From Undertaker diving over the top rope, risking life and limb as he crashed into the arena floor to Michaels throwing caution to the wind with a top rope moonsault that saw him caught in the grasp of his opponent and dropped with a Tombstone, it was a beautiful match. It was the type of match fans show non-fans in an attempt to explain why they love the business so much. It was artistry in its highest form, two performers turning in work that will live in immortality. Officially, The Undertaker won and Michaels lost. In the eyes of the fans, though, they were both winners. And so are all of us for having seen it.
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.
