7. vs. Shawn Michaels (Streak vs. Career, WrestleMania XXVI)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpkSXb4xjJk The sequel to what has become known simply as "HBK-Taker 1" was more about HBK's "Career" than Taker's "Streak." It provided for an incredible story involving two of the most critically accomplished stars in wrestling lore, but any fan "in the know" may recall watching the RAW segment that set-up the stipulation for Taker and HBK's WrestleMania 25 rematch and, immediately afterward, thinking "Wow, that is going to be amazing...but bittersweet." It meant Shawn's career was ending, which was a good thing because it was time. Any fan of the Heartbreak Kid could not conceivably have wanted him to stay around until he was anything less than the most athletically gifted pro wrestler ever to grace the squared circle. Remembering athletes at their peak is ideal. To have to think of HBK in a Michael Jordan with the Wizards or David Beckham with MLS or PSG kind of way (still very good, but shells of their former selves) would have been a shame. It was difficult not to get wrapped up in HBK's storyline-quest to end "The Streak." His attempt to goad Taker into a rematch fell on deaf ears. He failed to win the Royal Rumble match in 2010. All that he could do was cost Taker the World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber and hope for retaliation. He sure got it. In just the third main-event of Taker's incredible 21 years at WrestleMania, The Deadman endured everything that a desperate Michaels could dish out, dropping HBK for the final 1-2-3 of his career to end a match that, in a completely different way than the one from a year prior, challenges for the finest in "Show of Shows" history. It induced goosebumps when HBK scratched and clawed his way up The Deadman's chest, the blood and sweat of a 25 year career pouring out of his body. It was a flashbulb moment for the ages when Michaels stared up at Taker, mocked The Phenom's signal for the Tombstone, and slapped him across the face. Taker, whose own expression a moment earlier had displayed a combination of reluctance, sadness, and victory, turned his emotions on a dime to anger and determination. "The Undertaker is 18-0...Shawn Michaels career is over." - Michael Cole Great match.
Chad Matthews
Contributor
"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition.
Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
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