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 26, held on March 28, 2010, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was headlined by one of the most emotional matches in WWE history. This upcoming rematch between Undertaker and Shawn Michaels was high-stakes. The theme for the upcoming matchup would be known as “Streak vs Career” shutdown. After falling short in the previous match, Shawn was determined to get his revenge on the Phenom. After his impressive effort last year, Michaels believed that he could be the one to end the Deadman’s legendary undefeated streak. As for the Undertaker, he was focused on extending his undefeated streak to 18-0.
Similar to last year’s showdown, the build of the match was filled with intensity, emotion, and obsession. Michaels spent months trying to get a rematch, but the Undertaker declined. Desperate to get another shot, Shawn entered the Royal Rumble hoping to get another shot at the Deadman. Unfortunately, he fell short at the Rumble match. Things haven’t gone the way that Michaels has been hoping for. As his frustration increased, he took matters into his hands, interfering in the Undertaker’s World Heavyweight Championship match in the Elimination Chamber, costing him the title.
This moment left the Phenom no choice but to agree to a rematch. Shawn finally got his wish to a rematch at the upcoming WrestleMania. However, there was one condition that the Undertaker added to the match as part of the stipulation which was Shawn Michaels’ career. The Heartbreak Kid accepted the condition, officially setting the stage for the rematch.
Match Review:
Similar to the previous year, this match stood out to expectations and delivered another instant classic. Both future Hall of Famers brought their best with them. Shawn Michaels had come out with his unmatched heart and athleticism. Meanwhile, the Undertaker had also brought his raw presence. This match was definitely a great example of storytelling, as it shows with every near-fall and reversal added to the drama. Shawn Michaels delivered multiple Sweet Chin Music finishing moves despite not being enough. As for the Phenom, he brought every move he could to put the Heart Break Kid away. These moves include the Last Ride, Chokeslams, and even the Tombstone Piledriver.
In the final moments, Shawn taunted the Undertaker and immediately slapped his face. The slap did result in Undertaker using one last Tombstone Piledriver that had put Shawn away. Undertaker would ultimately extend his record to 18-0 while also ending Shawn Michaels’ career. After the match was over, the two would shake hands and hug it out.
Aftermath:
- Undertaker’s win at WrestleMania would still keep his streak perfect. The Deadman took a significant amount of time off to recover from injuries and the physical toll of the bout. He returned later that year to reignite a feud with Kane, leading to a series of brutal matches.
- Shawn Michaels would ultimately hang up his boots following his loss to the Undertaker. He would say goodbye to the WWE universe the following night on Monday Night Raw. Following his retirement, Shawn would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his best friend, Triple H, the next year.
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