The wrestling staff of Back Sports Page have carefully selected what they believe to be the top 41 matches in WrestleMania history. Presented in chronological order, this series will detail the backstory, match review, and aftermath of each match, along with how the outcomes shaped the careers of those involved.
Backstory: WrestleMania 23, held on April 1, 2007, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, featured two heavyweights putting everything on the line to deliver a match for the ages. The Undertaker challenged Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship in what would be his second major title pursuit. His first came in 1991 when he defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF Championship (now WWE Championship). However, the title wasn’t the only thing on the line for The Deadman—his perfect 14-0 WrestleMania record was also at stake. Batista, entering that year, was motivated to end the streak and still walk out as champion.
He dominated SmackDown for years, carrying the brand as World Heavyweight Champion and cementing himself as a main-event powerhouse heading into WrestleMania XXIII.
Batista and The Undertaker’s rivalry began in early 2007 when The Undertaker won the Royal Rumble and chose Batista as his opponent. Prior to their Wrestlemania match, both stars would team up at No Way Out to take on both John Cena and Shawn Michaels. Despite their unlikely alliance, the tension between the two was undeniable, as both men had their eyes set on the championship gold.
Match Review: The start of the match between the two future Hall of Famers did not disappoint. The champion (Batista) looked aggressive early on as the bell rang. Batista opened with a spear, aiming for a quick win, but The Undertaker’s streak seemed in danger only briefly as he quickly recovered, keeping the match alive. Batista did continue to show his dominance as the match went on. He would deliver a thunderous power slam through the table, sending a message. He sent a message that he was not intimidated by The Phenom. But Undertaker responded moments later with a suicide dive over the top rope, shifting the momentum in his favor.
The final moments were inching closer. Batista connected with a devastating Batista bomb, and at some point, many thought that the streak was over. But no, it wasn’t. Undertaker was able to kick out of the finishing move, leaving Batista in shock. Batista tried to finish him again, but the Deadman countered. Undertaker was able to pull off his famous signature move, the chokeslam, followed by the Last Ride. Batista went for another Batista Bomb, but Undertaker reversed it into a tombstone pile driver, securing the victory. With this win, Undertaker was able to extend his undefeated winning streak to 15-0. Overall, this match was an instant classic between the two future Hall of Famers.
Aftermath:
- Undertaker‘s win at WrestleMania would go down as one of the best matches he’s had during his 30-year run. This win also helped build him up as World Champion for the next couple of months. However, his feud with Batista was far from being over. Their clash would continue throughout out the spring and summer of 2007. Later in 2007, the phenom would drop the title thanks to Edge cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
- Batista continued his clash with The Undertaker but couldn’t reclaim the title that was once his. After two rematches ended in draws and Edge cashed in to steal it, Batista was left chasing until he finally reclaimed gold at Unforgiven.
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